Science 2025 [Q1] - James Barnhart

Science News Report

Stay Informed with Research Discoveries and Highlights

Science MiniBriefs

2025 – [Quarter 01]

2470 News Items

REF #	HEADLINE	SYNOPSIS	SOURCE	JOURNAL	PRESS REL	PUBMED	CONTENT	KEYS	#
2501-T005	Next-Gen Infrared Sensors Boost Responsivity For Telecommunications Applications	Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at a key telecommunications wavelength, promising significant advancements in various technologies. This photodiode can be manufactured using existing techniques, making it practical for widespread adoption. Their work enhances the efficiency of infrared sensors, critical for applications ranging from remote controls to autonomous vehicles.	Aalto University	Light: Science & Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	Detecting infrared light is critical in an enormous range of technologies, from remote controls to autofocus systems to self-driving cars and virtual reality headsets. That means there would be major benefits from improving the efficiency of infrared sensors, such as photodiodes. -- Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new type of infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at 1.55 µm, the key wavelength for telecommunications, compared to other germanium-based components. -- Importantly, this new device can be manufactured using current production techniques, making it highly practical for adoption. -- 'It took us eight years from the idea to proof-of-concept,' says Hele Savin, a professor at Aalto University. -- The basic idea is to make the photodiodes using germanium instead of indium gallium arsenide. -- Germanium photodiodes are cheaper and already fully compatible with the semiconductor manufacturing process -- but so far, germanium photodiodes have performed poorly in terms of capturing infrared light. -- Savin's team managed to make germanium photodiodes that capture nearly all the infrared light that hits them. -- 'The high performance was made possible by combining several novel approaches: eliminating optical losses using surface nanostructures and minimizing electrical losses in two different ways,' explains Hanchen Liu, the doctoral researcher who built the proof-of-concept device. -- The team's tests showed that their proof-of-concept photodiode outperformed not only existing germanium photodiodes but also commercial indium gallium arsenide photodiodes in responsivity. -- The new technology captures infrared photons very efficiently and works well across a wide range of wavelengths.	H01 T01	1
2503-064	Companies Struggling To Benefit From AI Due To Emotional Challenges, Not Technology Issues	Aalto University researchers emphasize the emotional dimensions influencing the adoption of new technology, as many companies report failing to harness its full potential. Their findings suggest that understanding employee emotions towards technology, particularly AI, is crucial for enhancing productivity and innovation within organizations facing an uphill battle in realizing technological benefits.	Aalto University	Journal of Management Studies	Press Rel	PubMed	Successful uptake of new technology is a matter of emotions -- and with 4 in 5 companies saying they're failing to capitalise on its potential, managers need to know how to deal with them, say researchers from Aalto University. -- AI has the potential to enhance decision-making, spark innovation and help leaders boost employees' productivity, according to recent research. -- Many large companies have invested accordingly, in the form of both funding and effort. -- Yet despite this, studies show that they are failing to achieve the expected benefits, with as many as 80 percent of companies reporting a failure to benefit from the new technology. -- 'Often employees fail to embrace new AI and benefit from it, but we don't really know why,' says Assistant Professor Natalia Vuori from Aalto University. -- Our limited understanding stems partly from the tendency to study these failings as limitations of the technologies themselves, or from the perspective of users' cognitive judgments about AI performance, she says. -- 'What we learned is that success is not so much about technology and its capabilities, but about the different emotional and behavioural reactions employees develop towards AI -- and how leaders can manage these reactions," says Vuori. -- Her research team followed a consulting company of 600 employees for over a year as it attempted to develop and implement the use of a new artificial intelligence tool. -- The tool was supposed to collect employees' digital footprints and map their skills and abilities, ultimately building a capabilities map of the company. -- The results were supposed to streamline the team selection process for consulting projects, and the whole experiment was, in fact, a pilot for AI software they hoped to offer their own customers.	T01	2
2504-T008	Microscopic Spectral Sensor Breakthrough: Identifying Materials With Unmatched Precision	Researchers at Aalto University have developed a revolutionary microscopic spectral sensor that offers remarkable accuracy in identifying various materials, heralding significant advancements in healthcare and food safety. This compact device, akin to an artist's trained eye for color, leverages advanced algorithms and miniaturized technology to enable applications like disease diagnosis and counterfeit drug detection, traditionally limited to bulky laboratory equipment. The potential for this sensor to be integrated into smartphones and wearables could enhance our ability to assess material interactions with light in real-world settings.	Aalto University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The invention of a microscopic spectral sensor that can identify myriad materials with unprecedented accuracy is set to overhaul our approach to healthcare, food safety and more. -- Imagine smartphones that can diagnose diseases, detect counterfeit drugs or warn of spoiled food. Spectral sensing is a powerful technique that identifies materials by analysing how they interact with light, revealing details far beyond what the human eye can see. -- Traditionally, this technology required bulky, expensive systems confined to laboratories and industrial applications. But what if this capability could be miniaturised to fit inside a smartphone or wearable device? -- Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have combined miniaturised hardware and intelligent algorithms to create a powerful tool that is compact, cost-effective, and capable of solving real-world problems in areas like healthcare, food safety and autonomous driving. -- 'It's similar to how artists train their eyes to distinguish hundreds of subtle colours,' explains professor and lead researcher, Zhipei Sun. 'Our device is 'trained' to recognise complex light signatures that are imperceptible to the human eye, achieving a level of precision comparable to the bulky sensors typically found in laboratories.' -- Unlike traditional spectral sensors, which require large optical components like prisms or gratings, this sensor achieves spectral differentiation through its electrical responses to light, making it ideal for integration into small devices. The researchers demonstrated its capability to identify materials directly from their luminescence, including organic dyes, metals, semiconductors and dielectrics. -- 'Our innovative spectral sensing approach simplifies challenges in material identification and composition analysis,' says Xiaoqi Cui, the study's lead author, who recently defended his doctoral thesis at Aalto University. The remarkable innovation combines tunable optoelectronic interfaces with advanced algorithms, unlocking new possibilities for applications in integrated photonics and beyond. -- During its training, the device was exposed to a wide range of light colours, enabling it to "learn" and generate unique electrical fingerprints for each light type. These fingerprints are then decoded by an intelligent algorithm, empowering the sensor to accurately identify materials and analyse their properties based on their interaction with light. -- Measuring just 5 micrometres by 5 micrometres -- an area 200 times smaller than the cross-section of a human hair -- the device achieves an extraordinary peak wavelength identification accuracy of ~0.2 nanometers, enabling it to distinguish thousands of colours. At the core of this sensor is a carefully designed optoelectronic interface that enables precise control of electrical flow through voltage adjustments. This exceptional tunability allows the sensor to interact with light in multiple distinct ways, producing a "multi-dimensional photoresponse." -- 'This work is a major step forward in bringing spectroscopic identification to everyone's fingertips,' explains doctoral researcherand joint first author, Fedor Nigmatulin. "By integrating this ultra-compact hardware with intelligent algorithms, we've taken a significant step toward miniature, portable spectrometers that could one day transform consumer electronics."	H01 T01	3
2506-T018	Unlocking New Properties Of Capillary Waves With Superhydrophobic Surfaces	Physicists and biomedical engineers have uncovered new properties of capillary waves, which may revolutionize our understanding of light-matter interactions. By creating superhydrophobic surfaces that trap gas layers, the research team at Aalto University has set new speed records for these waves. Their findings can lead to advancements in microfluidic applications, enhancing how we study biological and soft materials in various scientific fields.	Aalto University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Ripples, like ones produced by raindrops falling in a puddle, are also called capillary waves. Studied since antiquity, they have garnered considerable interest in modern science due to their ability to reveal information about the medium on which they travel. This makes them particularly valuable for studying soft and biological matter in microfluidic applications, which focus on how fluids behave in microscopic environments. -- Now physicists and biomedical researchers from Aalto University's Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering and Department of Applied Physics have unearthed new characteristics of capillary waves, setting a record for their speed while doing so. -- The paper was published today in Nature Communications. -- By creating a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves, the interdisciplinary team, led by Assistant Professor Heikki Nieminen and Professor Robin Ras, brought new wave phenomena to light. -- Under water, an extremely water-repellent material known as a superhydrophobic surface, holds a plastron -- a gas layer only micrometres thick -- in place. -- The plastron in turn can protect the superhydrophobic surface against corrosion and contamination, or improve its hydrodynamics. -- With the objective to deepen the understanding of superhydrophobicity, the team investigated the mechanical response of the plastron to highly focused ultrasound. -- In doing so, they generated ripples, which they dubbed 'plastronic waves'. -- 'Plastronic waves travelled along the water, the superhydrophobic surface and the gas layer 45 times faster than capillary waves normally do,' Nieminen says. -- Setting a wave speed record is only part of the result; using the same waves to monitor the plastron's stability is another.	C01	4
2509-065	Smartwatches: The Key To Stopping Pandemics Before They Start	Aalto University, Stanford University, and Texas A&M researchers have shown that everyday smartwatches can accurately detect viral infections before symptoms appear, offering a proactive tool for pandemic prevention. Their study highlights the importance of early illness detection, particularly for highly contagious diseases, and suggests that wearable technology can play a crucial role in reducing the spread of infections by identifying sickness in asymptomatic individuals.	Aalto University	PNAS Nexus	Press Rel	PubMed	Everyday smartwatches are extremely accurate in detecting viral infection long before symptoms appear -- now, research shows how they could help stop a pandemic before it even begins. -- Early detection of sickness is critical for preventing its spread -- whether it's COVID-19, influenza or the common cold. Yet, many illnesses are at their most contagious before people even know they're sick. Research shows that 44 percent of COVID-19 infections were spread several days before the sufferer came down with symptoms. -- Now, researchers at Aalto University, Stanford University and Texas A&M, have released a study that models how smartwatches could provide a simple and effective way to dramatically minimise the unwitting spread of disease in pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic people. The research, published in the journal PNAS Nexus on March 4, reveals a powerful new tool for pandemic management. -- 'Unlike during the pandemic, we now have concrete data on how pandemics develop, and how effective different measures are at curbing the spread. Add to this that wearable technology is now extremely effective when it comes to detecting the very early physiological signs of infection, and we are much better prepared,' says Märt Vesinurm, from Aalto University in Finland. -- How an early 'ping' could flatten the curve -- Numerous studies have proven the accuracy of wearable devices when it comes to recognising the physiological markers of various illnesses several days before the wearer themself. For example, everyday smartwatches can tell with 88 percent accuracy -- from respiration and heart rate, skin temperature and other markers -- if you're coming down with COVID-19. And their accuracy rises to 90 percent accuracy for the flu, Vesinurm says. On average, people reduce social contact between 66-90 percent from the point when they realise they're sick, even when not in a pandemic situation. -- 'Even at the lower end of compliance, if people receive and act on an earlier warning by self-isolating, the impact is significant. Even just a 66-75 percent reduction in social contacts soon after detection by smartwatches -- keeping in mind that that's on a par with what you'd normally do if you had cold symptoms -- can lead to a 40-65 percent decrease in disease transmission compared to someone isolating from the onset of symptoms,' says Vesinurm. -- Notably, the research shows that higher compliance, such as that seen in a pandemic situation, could effectively stop a disease in its tracks. So, could smartwatches help us manage potential H5N1 (avian flu) epidemic? -- 'I see no reason why not,' says Vesinurm. 'As we gather more specific data about how different illnesses affect these measurements, there's no reason we couldn't distinguish between diseases, from bird flu and HIV to the common cold, especially when used in conjunction with advanced machine learning methods and other data from the user.' -- Towards smarter pandemic policies	R01	5
2509-E040	Crop Diversity Decline Could Threaten Global Food Security Amid Rising Temperatures	A study reveals that global food security may be at risk due to a significant decline in crop diversity if temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C. Researchers at Aalto University assessed how climate change affects farming conditions for major crops, indicating that low-latitude regions face severe challenges, which may diminish the variety of crops and jeopardize food availability.	Aalto University	Nat Food	Press Rel	PubMed	Global food security could be notably impacted by a marked decline in crop diversity if temperatures rise by more than 1.5°C, reveals new research. -- Global warming is already reshaping our daily lives, with storms, floods, wildfires and droughts around the world. As temperatures continue to rise, a third of global food production could be at risk. Now, a new study in Nature Food offers a more precise picture of exactly where and how warming will affect our ability to grow food. -- Researchers at Aalto University studied how future changes in temperature, precipitation and aridity will affect growing conditions of 30 major food crop species across the globe. They found that low-latitude regions face significantly worse consequences than mid- or high-latitudes. Depending on the level of warming, up to half of the crop production in low-latitude areas would be at risk as climate conditions become unsuitable for production. At the same time, those regions would also see a large drop in crop diversity. -- 'The loss of diversity means that the range of food crops available for cultivation could decrease significantly in certain areas. That would reduce food security and make it more difficult to get adequate calories and protein,' says Sara Heikonen, the doctoral researcher who led the study. -- Up to half of the world's food crop production may be affected -- Warming will severely decrease the amount of global cropland available for staple crops -- rice, maize, wheat, potato and soybean -- which account for over two-thirds of the world's food energy intake . In addition, 'tropical root crops such as yam, which are key to food security in low-income regions, as well as cereals and pulses are particularly vulnerable. In sub-Saharan Africa, the region which would be impacted most, almost three quarters of current production is at risk if global warming exceeds 3°C,' Heikonen says. -- By contrast, mid- and high-latitude areas will probably retain their productive land overall, though zones for specific crops will change. These areas are also likely to see an increase in crop diversity. 'For example, the cultivation of temperate fruits, such as pears, could become more common in more northerly regions,' says Heikonen. -- However, even if climatic conditions are favourable, other factors could hamper agriculture in these areas, says the study's senior author, Professor Matti Kummu. 'We showed that there's climatic potential but, for example, warming might bring new pests and extreme weather events, which our model doesn't include. So the situation isn't really that black and white.' -- Options for adaptation and mitigation -- Many of the low-latitude regions threatened most by warming are already vulnerable in numerous ways. They face problems with food sufficiency, and economic and systemic forces make them less resilient than northern countries. Nevertheless, Kummu sees ways that these regions could, at least partly, meet the challenge.	H01 C01 N02	6
2510-001	New Hydrogel Combines Strength, Flexibility, And Self-Healing For Revolutionary Applications	Researchers have developed an innovative hydrogel that uniquely marries strength, flexibility, and self-healing properties, overcoming previous limitations of artificial gels. With applications ranging from drug delivery to artificial skin, this breakthrough could revolutionize various fields by imitating the remarkable qualities of human skin more effectively than ever before.	Aalto University	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	We all encounter gels in daily life -- from the soft, sticky substances you put in your hair, to the jelly-like components in various foodstuffs. While human skin shares gel-like characteristics, it has unique qualities that are very hard to replicate. It combines high stiffness with flexibility, and it has remarkable self-healing capabilities, often healing completely within 24 hours after injury. -- Until now, artificial gels have either managed to replicate this high stiffness or natural skin's self-healing properties, but not both. Now, a team of researchers from Aalto University and the University of Bayreuth are the first to develop a hydrogel with a unique structure that overcomes earlier limitations, opening the door to applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, soft robotics sensors and artificial skin. -- In the breakthrough study, the researchers added exceptionally large and ultra-thin specific clay nanosheets to hydrogels, which are typically soft and squishy. The result is a highly ordered structure with densely entangled polymers between nanosheets, not only improving the mechanical properties of the hydrogel but also allowing the material to self-heal. -- The research was published in the journal Nature Materials on 7 March. -- Healing via 'entanglement' -- The secret of the material lies not only in the organised arrangement of the nanosheets, but also in the polymers that are entangled between them -- and a process that's as simple as baking. Postdoctoral researcher Chen Liang mixed a powder of monomers with water that contains nanosheets. The mixture was then placed under a UV lamp -- similar to that used to set gel nail polish. 'The UV-radiation from the lamp causes the individual molecules to bind together so that everything becomes an elastic solid -- a gel,' Liang explains. -- 'Entanglement means that the thin polymer layers start to twist around each other like tiny wool yarns, but in a random order,' adds Hang Zhang, from Aalto University. 'When the polymers are fully entangled, they are indistinguishable from each other. They are very dynamic and mobile at the molecular level, and when you cut them, they start to intertwine again.' -- Four hours after cutting it with a knife, the material is already 80 or 90 percent self-healed. After 24 hours, it is typically completely repaired. Furthermore, a one-millimetre-thick hydrogel contains 10,000 layers of nanosheets, which makes the material as stiff as human skin, and gives it a comparable degree of stretch and flexibility. -- 'Stiff, strong and self-healing hydrogels have long been a challenge. We have discovered a mechanism to strengthen the conventionally soft hydrogels. This could revolutionise the development of new materials with bio-inspired properties,' says Zhang. -- Gaining inspiration from nature	R01 T01	7
2506-010	New Drug Bimagrumab May Prevent Muscle Loss After Rapid Weight Loss	Rapid weight loss can lead to muscle mass reduction and increased osteoporosis risk, but new findings suggest that the drug bimagrumab may mitigate these side effects. Research from Aarhus University indicates that bimagrumab can enhance bone tissue while preserving muscle mass in individuals utilizing weight loss medications, offering hope for safer weight management strategies.	Aarhus University	Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle	Press Rel	PubMed	Rapid weight loss affects muscle mass and can increase the risk of osteoporosis. But now there is good news for people taking weight loss medication who may be at risk. A new study from Aarhus University indicates that the drug bimagrumab can counteract the side effects. -- Weight loss medication has taken the world by storm and helped many overweight people. -- But for some, significant weight loss also comes with a loss of muscle mass and can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis. -- New research now suggests that the drug, bimagrumab, may be able to alleviate some of this risk, says PhD student Frederik Duch Bromer and postdoc Andreas Lodberg from the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University, who are behind the study. -- "We are the first to study how certain drugs affect bones, and the results show that bimagrumab can increase the amount of bone tissue while building muscle mass, and this could be very important for the many people currently taking weight loss medication." -- Bimagrumab was originally developed to treat muscle loss and dysfunction, but since then, it has beome apparent that it also has a fat "burning" component to it. So, if approved, it could be part of a second-generation weight loss drug on the market. -- Therefore, it's relevant to research how this particular patient group reacts to the drug," says Andreas Lodberg. -- "An estimated two billion people will be categorised as overweight by 2035, so it's also important that we research the drugs that come on the market for this particular patient group in order to better understand their long-term impact on the body." -- Osteoporosis can prove costly for patients and society -- Patients on weight loss medication often have a history of weight fluctuation, which can contribute to the development of osteoporosis.	H01	8
2507-E031	Sweet Molasses Feed Reveals Insights Into Cattle Grazing Behavior	Recent studies indicate that ice algae may be capable of storing nutrients, potentially enabling them to expand their colonization of the ice sheet and contribute to its melting. Climate change is accelerating seasonal transitions, allowing these algae to proliferate more rapidly, which darkens the ice and reduces its ability to reflect sunlight. Understanding this ecological shift is essential in assessing the implications for ice dynamics and climate feedback loops.	Aarhus University	Aarhus University	Press Rel	PubMed	It's May. The sun is up and the heat from that distant star can finally be felt as a warm tingling sensation on the skin. -- The snow starts to melt. Flowers and plants break through the ice gasping for light. And the algae living on the ice sheet blooms, darkening the ice. -- It's been like that for thousands of years. -- But soon this may change. Spring comes earlier and earlier each year because of climate change and this could enable the algae to colonize larger and larger areas of the ice. -- The algae contains brown pigment which darkens the ice. This, in turn, makes the ice melt faster, as its ability to reflect the sun diminishes when it's darkened. -- This has been known by polar researchers for quite some time. But it was believed that the algae has limited capabilities of colonizing the ice, because of the lack of nutrients in this ice desert. -- Until now. -- New results published in Nature Communications show the algae are able to live off very few nutrients. And that they are able to store and save up energy. This makes it possible for them to colonize much more of the ice sheet than previously thought. -- Laura Halbach, who recently got her ph.d.-degree at the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University, together with her research team is behind the discovery. Now a postdoc at the Max Planck Institute in Bremen, she continues unravelling the mysteries of the arctic ecosystems. -- "My main goal with the trip to Greenland was to understand the mechanisms of the algae bloom formations. With new methods I was able to, as the first researcher ever, to measure the activity of single algae cells from the Greenland Ice Sheet. This led to the discovery of their ability to live off very few nutrients and to store up energy," she says.	A01 C01 N02 T01	9
2511-004	Expectation Shapes Pain Perception: Study Reveals Surprising Insights	A study from Aarhus University reveals that uncertainty about sensory expectations intensifies pain perception. Through experiments involving temperature stimuli, researchers found that when participants were unsure of what sensation to anticipate, they experienced greater pain levels, suggesting that understanding brain expectations could lead to novel pain management strategies and improved treatment protocols.	Aarhus University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	When we accidentally touch something familiar, like a warm pan, our brains already know what feeling to expect and how much it might hurt. But if you were blindfolded and had no idea you were touching a warm pan, you'd feel more intense pain -- even if the pan wasn't warm enough to harm you. A new study from the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University shows that not knowing what to expect changes how the brain interprets pain, making it hurt worse even when there's no real danger. -- In the study, the researchers designed an experiment where participants predicted whether they would feel a warm or cold sensation on their forearm. -- But sometimes they would be exposed to both warm and cold stimuli simultaneously, which triggered a sensation of burning pain -- a puzzling phenomenon known as the thermal grill illusion -- explains Associate Professor Francesca Fardo from Aarhus University. -- "Previous research has shown that our expectations shape how we experience pain. In this study, we wanted to find out whether uncertainty in those expectations, or when the brain doesn't have a clear prediction, could also increase the pain. By taking advantage of the curious case of the thermal grill illusion, we could show that even when nothing harmful is happening, not knowing what to expect somehow makes us feel a fairly high level of pain." -- May change how we manage pain -- In the study, the researchers combined sophisticated brain imaging with computer modeling in 300 participants. -- This allowed them to see how the uncertainty responses are linked to specific parts of our brain. -- "Our results show that uncertainty, not just expectation, plays an important role in pain. Previous research on placebo and nocebo effects has shown that expecting relief can reduce pain, while expecting harm can make pain worse. Our findings add a new layer: when the brain is unsure about what to expect and encounters ambiguous signals, it errs on the side of caution, intensifying pain beyond what's necessary," Francesca Fardo explains. -- And that may influence how we treat pain and anxious patients. -- "In the short term, these findings might help pain scientists better understand how these processes work, and they may also help to guide health professionals in better tailoring pain management strategies, such as by giving clearer information or setting precise expectations, so patients feel less uncertain about what's coming," she says.	A01 R02 T01	10
2511-088	New Findings Suggest Possible Medication Link To Blood Clots	Researchers from Aarhus University have published a study in Inflammopharmacology that investigates why medications for chronic inflammatory diseases can sometimes lead to blood clots. The study suggests that disruptions in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway may contribute to this side effect, thereby enhancing our understanding of how JAK inhibitors increase clot risks.	Aarhus University	Inflammopharmacology	Press Rel	PubMed	Why do medications that are supposed to help patients with chronic inflammatory diseases sometimes lead to blood clots? -- This is one of the questions that a team of researchers from Aarhus University has sought to answer in a study that has just been published in the journal Inflammopharmacology. -- The study suggests that disturbances in the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, an important communication pathway in the body, may contribute to this side effect. -- "In the study, we uncover the potential links between components of the JAK-STAK signalling pathway, blood markers in patients with blood clots, and the genetic factors that contribute to the risk of blood clots in patients. This helps improve our understanding of why we see an increased risk of blood clots when using JAK inhibitors," explains Stine Rabech Haysen, former medical student at the Department of Biomedicine at Aarhus University, who is the first author of the publication. -- The potential of the study -- In the study, researchers used publicly available data from a number of published studies about patients with blood clots and compared them with a healthy control group. -- They found no direct genetic explanation, but they did find a statistically significant enrichment of genes that are subject to regulatory control of the JAK-STAT signalling pathway among genes whose expression is altered in patients with blood clots. -- "Although we cannot draw definitive conclusions about the mechanistic link between the use of JAK inhibitors and the risk of blood clots, our study demonstrates the potential of using data mining to identify and shed light on possible mechanisms of drug side effects," says one of the study's senior authors, associate professor at the Department of Biomedicine Per Qvist. -- What does this mean for patients? -- Although JAK inhibitors rarely lead to blood clots, it's important to understand the mechanism behind them so that the risk can be reduced.	Z01	11
2503-T010	Tin-Based Catalyst Enhances Formic Acid Production While Making It Greener	A comprehensive analysis of over 2,300 reports has led researchers to identify a tin-based catalyst that enhances the environmentally friendly production of formic acid, a vital chemical in multiple industries. This process, known as electrochemical CO2 reduction, not only helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions but also creates valuable fuels. The study emphasizes the practicality of tin-based catalysts in achieving high selectivity and efficiency, marking a significant step towards greener chemical solutions.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	The global climate crisis, driven by the depletion of fossil fuels and rising atmospheric CO2 levels, has intensified the need for sustainable energy solutions. Among these, the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), particularly when integrated with renewable energy sources, has emerged as a promising approach. This process not only mitigates CO2 emissions but also addresses energy storage challenges by converting CO2 into high-value, carbon-neutral fuels. One of the standout products of CO2RR is formic acid (HCOOH), valued for its versatility in industries such as tanning, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, as well as its role as a high-energy-density liquid hydrogen storage medium. -- "Formic acid is an indispensable chemical in various industries, and its potential as a hydrogen carrier makes it a critical component for a sustainable energy future," said Xue Jia, an assistant professor at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR). Recent techno-economic analyses have also highlighted the practicality and economic feasibility of synthesizing formic acid through CO2RR, emphasizing its adaptability for future industrial applications. -- To advance the development of efficient CO2RR catalysts, Jia and her colleagues conducted a comprehensive study, analyzing over 2,300 experimental reports from the past decade. -- Their findings underscored the superior activity and selectivity of tin-based catalysts, such as Sn−N4−C single-atom catalysts (SAC) and polyatomic Sn, for HCOOH production. -- These catalysts consistently outperformed others, including metal-nitrogen-carbon (M−N−C) catalysts and various metals, in terms of formic acid Faradaic efficiency (FE). -- A significant aspect of the study was the influence of pH on catalyst performance. -- The team's analysis revealed that the selectivity and activity of HCOOH production increase with pH levels, as demonstrated in catalysts like SnO2 and Bi0.1Sn. -- However, conventional theoretical models that treat pH-dependent energetic corrections as constants failed to accurately predict activity at the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale. -- "By incorporating electric field effects and pH-dependent free energy formulations, we were able to analyze the selectivity and activity of catalysts under actual working conditions, which is a significant step forward," explained Hao Li, associate professor at WPI-AIMR. -- This advanced modeling approach provided critical insights into the reaction mechanism, enabling a deeper understanding of the pH-dependent behavior of Sn-based catalysts.	C01 T01	12
2506-T001	Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency: Breakthrough In Magnetic Nanofilms Technology	Researchers at Tohoku University have made a significant breakthrough in opto-magnetic technology by creating platinum-mixed metallic magnetic nanofilms that exhibit five times the efficiency of traditional magnets. This advancement has implications for future light-based memory and storage technologies, as the new materials leverage the unique relativistic quantum mechanical effects of platinum to enhance magnetic torque. The findings underscore the potential for these nanofilms to revolutionize the field of spintronics.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Tohoku University have achieved a significant advancement in opto-magnetic technology, observing an opto-magnetic torque approximately five times more efficient than in conventional magnets. This breakthrough, led by Mr. Koki Nukui, Assistant Professor Satoshi Iihama, and Professor Shigemi Mizukami, has far-reaching implications for the development of light-based spin memory and storage technologies. -- Opto-magnetic torque is a method which can generate force on magnets. -- This can be used to change the direction of magnets by light more efficiently. -- By creating alloy nanofilms with up to 70% platinum dissolved in cobalt, the team discovered that the unique relativistic quantum mechanical effects of platinum significantly boost the magnetic torque. -- The study revealed that the enhancement of opto-magnetic torque was attributed to the electron orbital angular momentum generated by circularly polarized light and relativistic quantum mechanical effects. -- This achievement allows for the same opto-magnetic effect to be produced with only one-fifth of the previous light intensity, paving the way for more energy-efficient opto-magnetic devices. -- The findings not only provide new insights into the physics of electron orbital angular momentum in metallic magnetic materials but also contribute to the development of high-efficiency spin memory and storage technologies that use light to write information. -- "These improvements could result in faster and more energy-efficient devices in the future," explains Mizukami. -- The research aligns with the growing interest in opto-electronic fusion technologies, combining electronic and optical technologies for next-generation applications. This discovery marks a significant step forward in controlling nanomagnetic materials using light and magnetism.	H02 T01	13
2507-058	Researchers Explore Single-Atom Catalysts To Enhance Water Purification Methods	Researchers at Tohoku University have made strides in water purification by developing single-atom catalysts (SACs) through a combination of data-driven predictions and precise synthesis. This innovative approach enhances the efficiency of water treatment processes, addressing challenges faced by traditional catalysts. The study demonstrates the potential of these advanced catalysts to improve environmental sustainability and offers a promising direction for future water purification technologies.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Press Rel	PubMed	All humans need clean water to live. However, purifying water can be energy-intensive, so there is great interest in improving this process. Researchers at Tohoku University have reported a strategy using data-driven predictions coupled with precise synthesis to accelerate the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for more robust and efficient water purification. -- SACs are one of the most crucial catalysts. They play a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency in diverse applications including chemical industries, energy conversion, and environmental processes. For water purification in particular, SACs can overcome the limitations of traditional heterogeneous catalysts such as the kinetics, catalytic selectivity, and stability -- paving a promising way for the advancement of efficient and sustainable water purification technologies. -- However, the development of SACs frequently employs time-consuming trial-and-error methods, and the typical synthesis methods often lack a high level of control. To avoid a process that essentially involves taking shots in the dark, researchers took a data-driven approach where they rapidly and accurately predicted which SACs would have the best performance before even starting to make them. They compared 43 metals-N4 structures comprising transition and main group metal elements using a hard-template method. -- Following this strategy, they determined that the best candidate was a well-designed Fe-SAC with a high loading of Fe-pyridine-N4 sites (~3.83 wt%) and highly mesoporous structure. It successfully exhibited ultra-high decontamination performance (rate constant of 100.97 min-1 g-2). -- "The optimized Fe-SAC can also continuously operate for 100 hours," remarks Associate Professor Hao Li of WPI-AIMR, "To our knowledge, this represents one of the best performances of wastewater purification on Fenton-like catalysts -- which are reagents used for water purification -- reported so far." -- Density functional theory calculations revealed that the underlying mechanism was that the SAC reduced the energy barrier of the rate-determining step, which is intermediate O* formation. This resulted in the highly selective generation of singlet oxygen, which has been shown to break down pollutants to help purify water. -- To make sure the data-driven prediction had accurately selected this "best" candidate, the research team looked at five other metals-N4 structures (i.e., Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Mn) with different theoretical activities. They confirmed that Fe-SAC truly exhibited the most excellent Fenton-like performance among the five selected SACs, agreeing well with the data-driven prediction. -- The close integration of a data-driven method with a precise synthesis strategy provides a novel paradigm for the rapid development of high-performance catalysts for environmental fields, and other fields that involve sustainable energy and catalysis. Moving forward, they aim to develop an efficient and user-friendly workflow for the rapid and effective design of catalysts. -- Those interested in incorporating the method into their own work can view the experimental data and computational structures in the Digital Catalysis Platform (DigCat): the largest experimental catalysis database reported to date, developed by the Hao Li Lab. The findings were also published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition on January 31, 2025. -- The article processing charge (APC) was supported by the Tohoku University Support Program	T01	14
2507-E029	New Zealand's Bird Species Shaped By Historical Invasions	Researchers have introduced an innovative electronic fine-tuning strategy that optimizes the interaction between zinc and ruthenium, leading to a more efficient catalyst for hydrogen production. This technique presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional platinum-based catalysts, which are expensive and scarce. The study highlights the importance of precise electronic structure control in reshaping catalytic performance, potentially revolutionizing sustainable hydrogen technologies crucial for addressing climate change.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Press Rel	PubMed	As the world moves toward sustainable energy, hydrogen will likely play an invaluable role as a clean and versatile fuel. Yet, adoption of hydrogen technologies hinges on overcoming key challenges in electrocatalysis, where costly and scarce platinum-group metals have long been the industry standard. Taking one step to rectify this, a research team has now developed a new strategy that fine-tunes electronic interactions at the atomic level. -- The study introduces an innovative electronic fine-tuning (EFT) approach to enhance the interactions between zinc (Zn) and ruthenium (Ru) species, resulting in a highly active and stable catalyst for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). By anchoring Ru clusters onto hierarchically layered Zn-N-C nanosheets (denoted as Ru@Zn-SAs/N-C), the team has designed a material that outperforms commercial platinum-based catalysts. -- "Our work demonstrates how precise control over electronic structures can fundamentally reshape catalytic performance," says Hao Li, associate professor at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) and corresponding author of the paper. -- "By leveraging the synergy between Zn and Ru, we have developed a cost-effective alternative to conventional platinum catalysts, offering new possibilities for sustainable hydrogen production." -- Key to this breakthrough is the strong electronic metal-support interaction (EMSI) between Zn and Ru, which optimizes the adsorption energy of critical reaction intermediates. -- X-ray absorption spectroscopy and computational modeling confirm that this synergy shifts OOH and OH adsorption energies to an optimal balance, enhancing ORR efficiency. -- Simultaneously, Ru sites achieve near-ideal hydrogen binding free energy, placing the catalyst at the peak of theoretical HER activity. -- "This research is not just about replacing platinum," Li explains. -- "It's about understanding how electronic properties at the atomic level dictate catalytic efficiency. That knowledge allows us to design better, more accessible materials for real-world applications." -- These findings have significant implications for the affordability and scalability of hydrogen energy.	A01 C01 T01	15
2508-T013	CO2 Reduction Insights: Non-Toxic Electrocatalysts Paving The Way	Researchers are exploring non-toxic, low-cost electrocatalysts, specifically tin monoxide, for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide. Their study uncovers how structural changes in SnO affect the production of valuable chemicals like formic acid and carbon monoxide, essential for fuel production and industrial applications, advancing sustainability goals and carbon capture technologies.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	ACS Catalysis	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team has identified critical factors influencing the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR) using tin monoxide (SnO)-based electrocatalysts. Their study provides a deeper understanding of how structural changes in SnO affect the production of valuable chemicals such as formic acid (HCOOH) and carbon monoxide (CO), both of which play significant roles in fuel production and industrial applications. -- The study was published in the journal ACS Catalysis on February 6, 2025. -- While Sn-based materials are widely recognized for their cost-effectiveness and non-toxic nature in CO2RR, existing studies have primarily focused on tin dioxide (SnO2), which predominantly produces HCOOH. -- Through large-scale data mining of experimental CO?RR literature, the research team identified a significant trend: SnO-based catalysts demonstrate the ability to generate both HCOOH and CO in comparable amounts. -- However, despite this potential, the structure-activity relationships of SnO in CO?RR remain underexplored. -- To address this gap, the team employed a constant-potential method alongside surface coverage and reconstruction analyses to simulate CO2RR intermediates under reaction conditions. -- Their findings reveal that the active surface of SnO undergoes electrochemistry-induced oxygen vacancy formation, a process that directs the distribution of C1 products. -- Comparative simulations between pristine and reconstructed SnO surfaces further highlight how these structural changes influence electrocatalytic performance. -- Hao Li, associate professor at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR) and corresponding author of the paper, has commented on the study's significance: -- "This study provides new insights into how SnO-based catalysts can be optimized for CO2 conversion. Understanding how surface modification influences product distribution is an essential step towards designing more efficient and selective electrocatalysts."	C01 T01	16
2511-T035	Study Questions Assumptions About Solid-State Lithium Metal Battery Efficiency	A recent study has cast doubt on the anticipated advantages of garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries, suggesting that their energy density benefits may be overstated. The research indicates that current lithium-ion batteries provide similar energy densities, prompting a reevaluation of the viability of all-solid-state designs using lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide. The findings advocate for exploring composite or quasi-solid-state alternatives, as production challenges and costs remain significant hurdles.	Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University	Energy Storage Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study evaluating garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries finds that their expected energy density advantages may be overstated. The research reveals that an all-solid-state lithium metal battery (ASSLMB) using lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) would achieve a gravimetric energy density of only 272 Wh/kg, a marginal increase over the 250-270 Wh/kg offered by current lithium-ion batteries. Given the high production costs and manufacturing challenges associated with LLZO, the findings suggest that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives. -- "All-solid-state lithium metal batteries have been viewed as the future of energy storage, but our study shows that LLZO-based designs may not provide the expected leap in energy density," said Eric Jianfeng Cheng, lead author of the study and researcher at WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University. -- "Even under ideal conditions, the gains are limited, and the cost and manufacturing challenges are significant." -- Solid-state lithium metal batteries are considered a promising next-generation technology due to their potential for improved safety and energy performance. -- LLZO, a leading candidate for solid electrolytes, is valued for its stability and ionic conductivity. -- However, detailed modeling of a practical LLZO-based pouch cell challenges the assumption that this material significantly boosts energy density. -- The study finds that even with an ultrathin 25 μm LLZO ceramic separator and a high-capacity cathode, the battery's performance remains only slightly ahead of the best conventional lithium-ion cells. -- One key issue highlighted in the study is LLZO's density, which increases the overall cell mass and reduces expected energy benefits. -- Although the volumetric energy density reaches approximately 823 Wh/L, the added weight and cost of LLZO hinder its practicality. -- Additionally, the material's brittleness, difficulty in fabricating defect-free thin sheets, and issues with lithium dendrites and voids at the interface further complicate large-scale implementation.	T01	17
2504-016	Innovative Peptides Designed To Improve Drug Effectiveness For Cancer Treatment	A research team has introduced an innovative approach using specially designed peptides to enhance drug formulations, particularly for cancer therapies. This method addresses critical challenges in drug delivery, improving solubility and efficiency while demonstrating increased anti-tumor efficacy in leukemia models. The findings represent a significant advancement in drug development, promising to overcome limitations in current treatments and optimize therapeutic outcomes.	Advanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY	Chem	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists has developed a groundbreaking approach using specially designed peptides to improve drug formulations. This innovative method significantly enhances anti-tumor efficacy, as demonstrated in leukemia models. The study, published in the journal Chem, was led by researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. -- Drug delivery systems often face two critical challenges: poor solubility and inefficient delivery within the body. -- Many drugs do not dissolve well, making it difficult for them to reach their intended targets. -- Furthermore, current delivery systems waste a significant portion of the drug during preparation -- only 5-10% of the drug is successfully loaded, leading to less effective treatments. -- Peptide Helpers -- The research team has developed a novel solution by designing peptides -- short strings of amino acids -- to bind with specific drugs and create therapeutic nanoparticles. -- These nanoparticles are primarily composed of the drug, with a thin peptide coating that improves solubility, enhances stability in the body, and optimizes delivery to targeted areas. -- Remarkably, this approach achieves drug loadings of up to 98%, a dramatic improvement over traditional methods. -- By using a combination of computer models and laboratory tests, new drug/peptide nanoparticles where identified. -- They subsequently demonstrated remarkable results in leukemia models.	H01 R01 T01	18
2501-E026	Significant Decline In Arctic Pressure Ridges Documented Over 30 Years	An analysis of three decades of aerial survey data reveals significant changes in Arctic sea ice, particularly the melting of multiyear ice. This has led to a reduction in pressure ridges, crucial for both shipping and the Arctic ecosystem. Researchers have noted that ice coverage is decreasing, making it essential to monitor these changes for understanding climate impacts on Arctic environments.	Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research	Nature Climate Change	Press Rel	PubMed	In the Arctic, the old, multiyear ice is increasingly melting, dramatically reducing the frequency and size of pressure ridges. These ridges are created when ice floes press against each other and become stacked, and are a characteristic feature of Arctic sea ice, an obstacle for shipping, but also an essential component of the ecosystem. In a recently released study in the journal Nature Climate Change, experts from the Alfred Wegener Institute report on this trend and analyse observational data from three decades of aerial surveys. -- Satellite data from the last three decades documents the dramatic changes in Arctic sea ice due to climate change: the area covered in ice in summer is declining steadily, the floes are becoming thinner and moving faster. -- Until recently, it was unclear how the characteristic pressure ridges had been affected, since it's only been possible to reliably monitor them from space for the past few years. -- Pressure ridges are produced by lateral pressures on sea ice. -- Wind or ocean currents can stack floes up, forming metre-thick ridges. -- The part of the ridges -- which break up the otherwise smooth surface of the ice every few hundred metres -- extending above the water is called the sail and measures between one and two metres. -- Even more impressive is the keel below the water line, which can extend down to 30 metres and create an impassable obstacle for shipping. -- Pressure ridges affect not only the energy and mass balance of the sea ice, but also the biogeochemical cycle and the ecosystem: when their sails catch the wind, floes can be driven all across the Arctic. -- Polar bears use pressure ridges as a source of protection for overwintering or birthing their young. -- In addition, the structures offer ice-associated organisms at various trophic levels protection and promote the turbulent mixing of water, which increases nutrient availability.	C01	19
2506-E039	Ancient Plant DNA Analysis Reveals Global Warming's Impact On Flora Extinctions	Recent studies utilizing ancient plant DNA have revealed the impact of global warming on plant species extinction and biodiversity shifts. Researchers traced vegetation changes during the last ice age and found that climate fluctuations dramatically affect plant interactions. These insights could inform future conservation efforts amid ongoing climate change, enhancing our understanding of ecosystem dynamics.	Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Global warming is producing a rapid loss of plant species -- according to estimates, roughly 600 plant species have died out since 1750 -- twice the number of animal species lost. But which species are hit hardest? And how does altered biodiversity actually affect interactions between plants? Experts from the Alfred Wegener Institute have tackled these questions and, in two recent studies, presented the answers they found buried in the past: using fragments of plant genetic material (DNA) deposited in lake sediments, they were able to gain new insights into how the composition of flora changed 15,000 to 11,000 years ago during the warming at the end of the last ice age, which is considered to be the last major mass extinction event before today. This comparison can offer an inkling of what might await us in the future. The researchers have just published their findings in the journal Nature Communications. -- "Everyone knows that the woolly mammoth went extinct, but virtually no-one mentions the plants that were lost at the end of the last ice age," says Prof Ulrike Herzschuh from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI). "Until recently, we lacked suitable methods for investigating the extinction of plant species in detail." In terms of fossil plant remains, mainly pollen was used, which doesn't allow individual species to be identified and therefore offers no evidence of which species have died out."Using cutting-edge methods, we analysed old DNA from sediment cores taken from lakes in Alaska and Siberia, which allowed us to reconstruct the changes in vegetation in these regions." The cores contain fragmented DNA from deposited plant biomass from the past 30,000 years, which the experts enriched, sequenced, and compared with databases for identification purposes at special-purpose labs for old DNA. -- Temperature can change how plants interact -- "We've now been able to determine in detail when and where species appeared and disappeared in Alaska and Siberia," says Ulrike Herzschuh. "Our research shows that the composition of plant species changed substantially at the end of the last ice age, and that this was accompanied by fundamental changes in the ecological conditions." The researchers identified a connection between temperature and plant-to-plant interactions: in cold climate periods, plant species support one another, while they mainly compete during warm periods. "In the DNA from the lake sediments, we found e.g. many cushion plants, which most likely supported the expansion of other species by forming sheltered habitats," says Ulrike Herzschuh. This has effects on both biodiversity and richness range size. -- In a warmer climate, woody plant species dominate: 'Today, we see that plant diversity declines due to the migration of trees and shrubs into tundra regions, whereas during cold periods, higher plant diversity prevailed. -- What does that tell us about vegetation changes in the high latitudes, where cushion plants still play a pivotal role today? In today's Arctic, this supportive quality could actually threaten their own survival. "Since the warming of the Arctic has already progressed quite far, woody plants can survive even in the high latitudes. The cushion plants could facilitate their spreading, hastening their own extinction in the process." -- Which plant species are particularly at risk? -- The end of the last ice age also caused some types of vegetation to disappear entirely -- as the experts were able to confirm using their new methods. Take the mammoth steppe, for example: during the last ice age, this type of vegetation spread across the Northern Hemisphere, only to die out during the transition to the current age. In this regard, identifying the extinct plant species was especially challenging. "To identify the species that no longer existed, we had to use a trick," Ulrike Herzschuh explains. Normally, species are identified on the basis of DNA fragments, which are compared with the entries in genetic databases. But these databases include information on today's plants, not on extinct species. "We examined all the DNA fragments from our cores and then used statistical models to filter out those with unmistakeable similarities to modern plants, step by step." -- This also allowed the experts to determine which species could be at the greatest risk of extinction in a warming world: grasses and shrubs are at a higher risk of disappearing than woody plant species, which can spread further when temperatures rise. In addition, species in regions with high biodiversity are more often at risk than are less "special" species. One surprising finding: the extinction rate was at its highest at the beginning of the current warm phase -- often with a delay of several thousand years after the actual environmental changes. "That means the full impacts of today's human activities might not become apparent until the distant future." -- Relevance for today's Arctic	C01 N01 N02	20
2501-082	Study Links Diet And Inflammation To Aging-Related Brain Health Changes.	Recent research from the Allen Institute reveals vital links between diet, inflammation, and brain health in aging mice. The study identifies specific cell types affected by aging and highlights a critical region in the hypothalamus where inflammation and neuronal function decline. These insights pave the way for potential therapies aimed at managing age-related cognitive decline and improving brain health.	Allen Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Allen Institute have identified specific cell types in the brain of mice that undergo major changes as they age, along with a specific hot spot where many of those changes occur. The discoveries, published in the journal Nature, could pave the way for future therapies to slow or manage the aging process in the brain. -- Key findings -- Sensitive cells: Scientists discovered dozens of specific cell types, mostly glial cells, known as brain support cells, that underwent significant gene expression changes with age. Those strongly affected included microglia and border-associated macrophages, oligodendrocytes, tanycytes, and ependymal cells. -- Inflammation and neuron protection: In aging brains, genes associated with inflammation increased in activity while those related to neuronal structure and function decreased. -- Aging hot spot: Scientists discovered a specific hot spot combining both the decrease in neuronal function and the increase in inflammation in the hypothalamus. The most significant gene expression changes were found in cell types near the third ventricle of the hypothalamus, including tanycytes, ependymal cells, and neurons known for their role in food intake, energy homeostasis, metabolism, and how our bodies use nutrients. This points to a possible connection between diet, lifestyle factors, brain aging, and changes that can influence our susceptibility to age-related brain disorders. -- "Our hypothesis is that those cell types are getting less efficient at integrating signals from our environment or from things that we're consuming," said Kelly Jin, Ph.D., a scientist at the Allen Institute for Brain Science and lead author of the study. "And that loss of efficiency somehow contributes to what we know as aging in the rest of our body. I think that's pretty amazing, and I think it's remarkable that we're able to find those very specific changes with the methods that we're using." -- To conduct the study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), researchers used cutting-edge single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced brain-mapping tools developed through NIH's The BRAIN Initiative® to map over 1.2 million brain cells from young (two months old) and aged (18 months old) mice across 16 broad brain regions. The aged mice are what scientists consider to be the equivalent of a late middle-aged human. Mouse brains share many similarities with human brains in terms of structure, function, genes, and cell types. -- "Aging is the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and many other devastating brain disorders. These results provide a highly detailed map for which brain cells may be most affected by aging," said Richard J. Hodes, M.D., director of NIH's National Institute on Aging. "This new map may fundamentally alter the way scientists think about how aging affects the brain and also provides a guide for developing new treatments for aging-related brain diseases." -- A path toward new therapies -- Understanding this hot spot in the hypothalamus makes it a focal point for future study. Along with knowing which cells to specifically target, this could lead to the development of age-related therapeutics, helping to preserve function and prevent neurodegenerative disease.	A01 H01 R01 R02	21
2501-090	Older Adults Face Long Wait Times For Neurologist Appointments After Referrals.	A study shows that older adults with Medicare insurance face considerable delays in accessing neurologists, averaging over a month after referrals. Some patients wait even longer, impacting their care for complex neurological conditions. The findings underscore the need for strategies to improve specialist access and timely treatment for aging populations dealing with serious health issues.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Older people wait an average of just over a month to see a neurologist for specialty care after being referred by their primary care physician or another physician, according to a study published in the January 8, 2025, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study, which looked at people who have Medicare insurance, also found some people wait more than three months to see a neurologist. -- "Neurologists provide important and ongoing care for people with complex conditions like Alzheimer's disease, stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and headache," said author and Chair of the American Academy of Neurology's Health Services Research Subcommittee Brian C. Callaghan, MD, MS, FAAN, of University of Michigan Health in Ann Arbor. -- "With the current number of US neurologists, our study found it can take an average of a month or even more to see a neurologist to receive this specialized care." -- For the study, researchers looked at two years of Medicare data to identify 163,313 people who were referred by a physician to see a neurologist. -- Participants had an average age of 74. Participants were referred by 84,975 physicians to 10,250 neurologists across the United States. -- For each participant, researchers calculated the time between the physician referral and their first visit with a neurologist. -- Researchers found the average wait time to see a neurologist was 34 days, with 18% of people waiting longer than 90 days. -- Researchers found no difference in wait times across race, ethnicity and sex. -- When compared to people seeing a neurologist for back pain with an average wait of 30 days, people with multiple sclerosis (MS) had an average wait that was 29 days longer, people with epilepsy had an average wait 10 days longer and people with Parkinson's disease, nine days longer. -- Researchers found no difference in wait times based on how many neurologists were available in an area, ranging from as few as 10 to as many as 50 neurologists per 100,000 people.	A01 R02	22
2502-042	Consuming Processed Red Meat May Elevate Your Risk Of Dementia	A recent study published in Neurology reveals that higher consumption of processed red meat, such as bacon and sausage, is linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers followed a group of 133,771 individuals over 43 years. The findings suggest that substituting red meat with healthier options, like nuts and fish, may lower these risks, highlighting the importance of dietary choices for brain health.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	People who eat more red meat, especially processed red meat like bacon, sausage and bologna, are more likely to have a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia when compared to those who eat very little red meat, according to a study published in the January 15, 2025, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. -- "Red meat is high in saturated fat and has been shown in previous studies to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which are both linked to reduced brain health," said study author Dong Wang, MD, ScD, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "Our study found processed red meat may increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, but the good news is that it also found that replacing it with healthier alternatives, like nuts, fish and poultry, may reduce a person's risk." -- To examine the risk of dementia, researchers included a group of 133,771 people with an average age of 49 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. They were followed up to 43 years. Of this group, 11,173 people developed dementia. -- Participants completed a food diary every two to four years, listing what they ate and how often. -- Researchers defined processed red meat as bacon, hot dogs, sausages, salami, bologna and other processed meat products. They defined unprocessed red meat as beef, pork, lamb and hamburger. A serving of red meat is three ounces, about the size of a deck of cards. -- Researchers calculated how much red meat participants ate on average per day. -- For processed red meat, they divided participants into three groups. The low group ate an average of fewer than 0.10 servings per day; the medium group ate between 0.10 and 0.24 servings per day; and the high group, 0.25 or more servings per day. -- After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and other risk factors for cognitive decline, researchers found that participants in the high group had a 13% higher risk of developing dementia compared to those in the low group. -- For unprocessed red meat, researchers compared people who ate an average of less than one half serving per day to people who ate one or more servings per day and did not find a difference in dementia risk. -- To measure subjective cognitive decline, researchers looked at a different group of 43,966 participants with an average age of 78. Subjective cognitive decline is when a person reports memory and thinking problems before any decline is large enough to show up on standard tests.	H01 H02 C01 N01	23
2504-076	Fluctuating Cholesterol Levels Linked To Increased Dementia Risk In Older Adults	A new study indicates that fluctuations in cholesterol levels may serve as a potential biomarker for dementia risk among older adults, irrespective of the actual cholesterol levels. Conducted with nearly 10,000 participants, the research found that individuals with changing cholesterol levels over time were more likely to develop dementia. This association suggests that monitoring cholesterol variability could provide valuable insights into cognitive health and disease prevention strategies.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Older adults whose cholesterol changes over time may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose cholesterol is stable, regardless of the actual cholesterol level, according to a study published in the January 29, 2025, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. -- The study does not prove that changing cholesterol causes dementia; it only shows an association. -- "These results suggest that fluctuating cholesterol, measured annually, may be a new biomarker for identifying people at risk of dementia, providing more information than the actual cholesterol levels measured at a single time point," said study author Zhen Zhou, PhD, of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. -- The study involved 9,846 people with an average age of 74 who did not have dementia or other memory problems. Cholesterol levels were measured at the beginning of the study and at three following annual visits. Participants were followed for an average of 5.5 years after the third visit. They took tests of memory skills annually. -- Participants taking cholesterol medications, called statins, were allowed in the study unless they stopped or started taking the drugs during the measurement period for cholesterol. -- The participants were divided into four equal groups based on the amount of change between their first and fourth cholesterol measurements. The difference between consecutive yearly measurements was 91 mg/dL on average in the group with the largest amount of change in total cholesterol and 22 mg/dL in the group with the smallest amount of change. -- During the study, 509 people developed dementia. A total of 147 of the 2,408 people in the group with the largest amount of change in total cholesterol developed dementia, a rate of 11.3 per 1,000 person-years. In the group with the lowest amount of change in total cholesterol, 98 of 2,437 people developed dementia, a rate of 7.1 per 1,000 person-years. Person-years represent both the number of people in the study and the amount of time each person spends in the study. -- After adjusting for other factors that could affect the risk of dementia, such as age, smoking status and high blood pressure, researchers found that those in the high change group were 60% more likely to develop dementia than those in the low change group. -- The study also found a link between changing cholesterol levels and cognitive impairment or memory problems that did not meet the criteria for dementia. -- Looking at the various types of cholesterol, researchers found a link between fluctuating LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and risk of dementia and cognitive impairment. They did not find that association with HDL, or "good" cholesterol, or triglycerides.	A01 H01 H02 R02	24
2507-017	More Sun Exposure In Infancy Linked To Lower Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Risk	A new study indicates that increased exposure to sunlight during infancy may lower the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses later in life. The research also suggests that maternal sun exposure during pregnancy is linked to reduced MS relapse rates in children, highlighting the potential impact of environmental factors on disease progression.	American Academy of Neurology	American Academy of Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Getting at least 30 minutes of daily summer sun in the first year of life may mean a lower relapse risk for children who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) later, according to a study published on February 12, 2025, online in Neurology® Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study also found if a child's biological mother had at least 30 minutes of daily sun during the second trimester of pregnancy, the child had a lower risk of MS relapses. The study does not prove that sun lowers relapse risk for children with MS, it only shows an association. -- "It is important not to spend too much time in the sun without sun protection, however greater exposure to sun has been tied in previous research to a lower risk of developing MS in childhood," said Gina Chang, MD, MPH, of The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and member of the American Academy of Neurology. -- "It's encouraging that our study found that greater sun exposure during early development may also be beneficial in helping to reduce disease activity in children who are later diagnosed with MS." -- For the study, researchers looked at health records from 18 MS clinics across the United States to identify 334 children and young people with childhood-onset MS age four to 21. Participants were within four years of experiencing their first symptoms. -- The median follow-up time was 3.3 years. -- To determine sun exposure, participants' parents or guardians completed questionnaires that asked how much time the participant and their biological mother had spent in the sun at various periods of life, what kind of clothing they typically wore and how often they used sunscreen. -- Of the total group, 206, or 62%, experienced at least one relapse during the study. -- Relapses were defined as new or returning symptoms lasting for at least 24 hours and separated by at least 30 days from the last MS attack, without a fever or infection. -- They found that of 75 participants who had 30 minutes to an hour of daily summer sun during their first year of life, 34 children, or 45%, had a relapse. -- Of the 182 participants who had less than 30 minutes of daily summer sun during their first year of life, 118 children, or 65%, had a relapse.	A01 H01	25
2507-018	New Guidelines Provide Insight On Epidural Injections For Chronic Back Pain	The American Academy of Neurology has released a systematic review examining the efficacy of epidural steroid injections for managing chronic back pain. The findings suggest that while these injections may provide limited pain relief and reduce disability for some patients, their overall effectiveness remains modest.	American Academy of Neurology	American Academy of Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has developed a new systematic review to summarize for neurologists and other clinicians the evidence for epidural steroid injections and whether they reduce pain and disability for people with certain kinds of chronic back pain. The systematic review is published on February 12, 2025, online in Neurology®. It updates a 2007 assessment by the AAN. -- With an epidural steroid injection, a steroid or corticosteroid medication is injected into a part of the spine called the epidural space. -- The goal is to help reduce certain kinds of back pain. -- "Chronic back pain is common and can negatively impact a person's quality of life, making it difficult to move, sleep and participate in daily activities," said author Carmel Armon, MD, of Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. -- "In our review, studies show epidural steroid injections may have limited efficacy. They may modestly reduce pain in some situations for up to three months and reduce disability for some people for up to six months or more." -- For the review, researchers analyzed all available studies over a 16-year period. -- A total of 90 studies were examined. -- The review focused on the use of epidural steroid injections to reduce pain for people with radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. -- Radiculopathy is a condition caused by a pinched nerve in your spine. -- Spinal stenosis is a condition where your spinal cord or nerves have become compressed because the space around your spinal cord has become too small.	A01	26
2509-011	New Blood Tests Enhance ALS Diagnosis And Monitoring	Identifying effective biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is the focus of a recent study. Published in Neurology®, the research emphasizes the importance of blood tests in predicting disease progression and treatment response, offering hope for improved management of this challenging and often difficult-to-diagnose condition.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose or to predict how quickly the disease is likely to progress. A new study helps determine which blood tests are best at identifying and monitoring ALS. The study is published in the February 26, 2025, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. -- "Having an effective biomarker can be highly valuable -- in addition to helping in making the diagnosis, it can help in predicting prognosis, evaluating what stage of the disease people are in, and tracking their progress or their response to treatments," said study author Sylvain Lehmann, MD, PhD, of the Inserm Hospital and University of Montpellier in France. -- The study compared three types of blood biomarkers: neurofilament light chain proteins, glial acidic proteins and phosphorylated tau 181. -- Neurofilament light chain proteins can be detected in the blood when nerve cells are injured or die. -- Glial acidic proteins are released when cells work to repair injury. -- Phosphorylated tau 181 is linked to the buildup of amyloid proteins in the body, which occurs in Alzheimer's disease. -- For the neurofilament light chain proteins, researchers were also testing four techniques for measuring the levels. -- The study involved 139 people who had ALS and 70 people who did not have ALS but had similar diseases such as lower motor neuron disease and primary lateral sclerosis. -- Researchers tested their blood using these three types of biomarkers. -- They then followed the participants for an average of 3.5 years for the people with ALS and about 12 years for the people who did not have ALS.	H01 R02	27
2510-014	Chronic Stress Linked To Increased Stroke Risk In Younger Adults	Research indicates that chronic stress may elevate stroke risk in younger adults, particularly among women, although causation is not established. This study highlights the need to understand stress's impact on physical health, as young individuals face various pressures that may exacerbate health vulnerabilities.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Some people living with chronic stress have a higher risk of stroke, according to a study published on March 5, 2025, online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study looked at younger adults and found an association between stress and stroke, with no known cause, in female participants, but not male participants. This study does not prove that stress causes stroke; it only shows an association. -- "Younger people often experience stress due to the demands and pressures associated with work, including long hours and job insecurity, as well as financial burdens," said Nicolas Martinez-Majander, MD, PhD, of the Helsinki University Hospital in Finland. -- "Previous research has shown that chronic stress can negatively affect physical and mental health. Our study found it may increase the risk of stroke in younger women." -- For the study, researchers looked at 426 people aged 18 to 49 who had an ischemic stroke with no known cause. -- They were matched for age and sex with 426 people who did not have stroke. -- Ischemic stroke is when blood flow is blocked to part of the brain. -- It can lead to weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems or even death. -- Participants completed a questionnaire about stress levels over a one-month period. -- Those with stroke were asked after their stroke to record stress levels in the month prior to their stroke. -- Participants were asked 10 questions, such as "In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?" Scores for each question ranged from zero to four, with four meaning "very often." A total score of 0 to 13 represented low stress; 14 to 26, moderate stress; and 27 to 40, high stress.	H02	28
2510-082	Brain Changes Persist Long After Concussion Recovery In College Athletes	A new study finds that brain changes in college athletes following a concussion may persist for up to a year, even after they are deemed fit to return to play. Using various brain scans over an extended period, researchers highlighted the risks of incomplete recovery, suggesting long-term monitoring is essential for athletes' brain health following such injuries.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	For college athletes with concussion, brain changes may remain visible in brain scans up to a year after they are cleared to return to play, according to a study published on March 12, 2025, online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). -- "Concussion can have long-term effects on brain health, and there is growing evidence that brain recovery may persist months to years, even after symptoms like headache, fatigue and balance problems resolve," said author Nathan Churchill, PhD, of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada. -- "Our study followed athletes before and after concussion for over a year, using multiple brain scans to examine biomarkers that signify brain injury. Our results provide strong evidence, suggesting incomplete recovery of brain function when returning to play and beyond." -- For the study, researchers looked at 187 college athletes, of which 25 had concussion during regular season play. -- They competed in the following sports: basketball, football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball. -- The concussed athletes were also compared to 27 athletes without concussion, matched for factors such as sex and sport. -- Athletes completed pre-season testing for factors such as balance, thinking and memory. -- They also had a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan before their seasons began. -- Participants who later had concussions had additional brain scans at the following stages: an average of five days after concussion; when cleared to return to play; one to three months after returning to play; and one year after returning to play. -- Those without concussion had brain scans during their next pre-season assessment.	A01 H02 R02 T01	29
2511-100	Daytime Sleepiness In 80s Women Linked To Higher Dementia Risk	A study suggests that increased daytime sleepiness over five years doubles the risk of developing dementia in women over 80. Although the research indicates a correlation rather than causation, it emphasizes the need for understanding how sleep changes relate to cognitive aging and dementia risks.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	For women in their 80s, experiencing increasing sleepiness during the day over a five-year period is associated with double the risk of developing dementia during that time, according to a study published on March 19, 2025, online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that daytime sleepiness causes dementia; it only shows an association. -- "Sleep is essential for cognitive health, as it allows the brain to rest and rejuvenate, enhancing our ability to think clearly and remember information," said study author Yue Leng, PhD, of the University of California, San Francisco. -- "However, little is known about how changes in sleep and cognition are connected over time and how these changes relate to dementia risk in the later decades of life. Our study found that sleep problems may be intertwined with cognitive aging and may serve as an early marker or risk factor for dementia in women in their 80s." -- For the study, researchers looked at 733 female participants with an average age of 83 who did not have mild cognitive impairment or dementia at the start of the study. -- They were followed over five years. -- During the study, 164 participants, or 22%, developed mild cognitive impairment and 93 participants, or 13%, developed dementia. -- Participants wore wrist devices to track their sleep and circadian rhythm patterns for three days at the start and end of the study. -- Researchers looked at the changes in nighttime sleep duration and quality, daytime napping and circadian rhythm patterns. -- After five years, researchers observed large changes in sleep patterns in more than half of the participants, or 56%. -- Researchers found that participants fell into three groups: stable sleep or small improvements in sleep, 44%; declining nighttime sleep, 35%; and increasing sleepiness, 21%. Declining nighttime sleep included decreases in nighttime sleep quality and duration, moderate increases in napping and worsening circadian rhythms.	A01 H02 R02 T01	30
2513-065	Increased Hospitalizations For Cervical Artery Dissection Linked To Stroke Risk	Recent findings indicate a dramatic rise in U.S. hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection, highlighting its significance as a stroke risk factor in younger individuals. The study, published in Neurology®, emphasizes the need for prompt detection and intervention to prevent long-term disability associated with strokes resulting from this condition, which can occur due to various forms of neck trauma.	American Academy of Neurology	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Cervical artery dissection is a tear in an artery in the neck that provides blood flow to the brain. Such a tear can result in blood clots that cause stroke. A new study has found almost a five-fold increase in the number of U.S. hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection over a 15-year period. The study is published on April 2, 2025, online in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). -- A dissection in the artery wall is most often caused by trauma due to motor vehicle accidents but can also occur with smaller injuries. -- Heavy lifting has also been shown to cause dissection in some people. -- "Cervical artery dissection is an important cause of stroke, especially in people under 50, so it is crucial to detect it right away," said Shadi Yaghi, MD, of Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. -- "Strokes that are not fatal can lead to long-term disability, poor mental health and reduced quality of life. Our research found a dramatic increase in the number of hospitalizations for cervical artery dissection with rates rising steadily year over year." -- For the study, researchers reviewed 15 years of U.S. health data to identify 125,102 people hospitalized for cervical artery dissection. -- Participants had an average age of 51, and just over half had a stroke at the same time as dissection. -- Of all participants, 65% were white, 10% were Black, 8% were Hispanic, 3% were Asian or Pacific Islander, and 14% were of other racial groups. -- Researchers compared the number of hospitalizations to U.S. Census data to determine the annual rate of cervical artery dissections. -- They then calculated the average annual percentage change in those rates.	R02	31
2504-020	Therapeutic HPV Vaccine Shows Promise In Treating Precancerous Cervical Lesions	A therapeutic vaccine targeting HPV16 has shown promising results in regressing high-grade precancerous cervical lesions, as evidenced by a phase II clinical trial. This vaccine offers a potential alternative to traditional treatments, which can involve surgical complications. The findings reinforce the vaccine's role in combating cervical cancer, highlighting its significance in preventive care and treatment strategies for patients at risk of developing cervical malignancies.	American Association for Cancer Research	Clinical Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A therapeutic vaccine targeting human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) induced regression in high-grade precancerous cervical lesions, according to the results from a phase II clinical trial published in Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. -- "Nearly all premalignant cervical lesions and cervical cancers are caused by HPV infection, with HPV16 implicated in the majority of cases," said Refika Yigit, MD, principal investigator and oncological gynecologist at University Medical Centre Groningen in the Netherlands. -- In those with grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN3), cells are already on the path toward malignancy. -- If left untreated, approximately one-third of these cases progress to cervical cancer within 10 years and roughly half within 30 years, Yigit explained. -- "The main purpose of our trial was to investigate whether our therapeutic vaccine -- Vvax001 -- could offer a potential alternative treatment to the standard-of-care loop excision, which is frequently associated with complications," Yigit added. -- The Vvax001 vaccine is a modified version of the Semliki Forest virus that cannot replicate and produces the oncogenic E6 and E7 proteins that are expressed exclusively by HPV16-infected cells. -- In the phase II trial, 18 patients with HPV16-positive CIN3 received three doses of Vvax001 three weeks apart, and then were routinely monitored via colposcopy before a final colposcopy-guided biopsy at 19 weeks post-immunization. -- Nine of the 18 patients experienced regression -- six to low-grade dysplasia and three with complete regressions and no signs of dysplasia. -- Lesion size was significantly reduced in all but one of the patients, and these reductions were evident within a month of finishing vaccination. -- The nine patients whose disease did not regress received loop excision surgery, though no residual disease was found in four of these patients, suggesting the additional time to surgery might have allowed for full lesion eradication, according to the authors.	R01 N02	32
2507-104	Transforming CO2 Emissions Into Renewable Fuel: A Game-Changer	Recent findings indicate that patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) can achieve lasting treatment responses and preserve their bladders through a combination of radiation and immune checkpoint inhibitors like durvalumab and tremelimumab. This is a significant alternative to traditional radical cystectomy, a highly invasive procedure that can adversely affect patients' quality of life. The prospect of multimodal treatments represents a valuable area for further research.	American Association for Cancer Research	American Association for Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	The standard of care for localized MIBC is radical cystectomy, the removal of the entire bladder. While it is typically effective, it can have lasting impacts on a patient's life, explained Garcia-del-Muro. -- "Radical cystectomy is a highly invasive surgery that can significantly impact patients' quality of life," Garcia-del-Muro said, citing self-consciousness and discomfort from urostomy bags and complications from reconstructed neobladders, among other issues. -- "Multimodal treatments offer a promising conservative alternative that deserves further exploration." -- One noninvasive method under investigation involves transurethral resection of the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. -- While this approach has shown promising results, chemotherapy is associated with significant toxicity, and up to half of patients may be ineligible, Garcia-del-Muro said. -- By contrast, preclinical studies have suggested that a combination of ICIs that target different immune checkpoints -- durvalumab, which targets PD-L1, and tremelimumab, which targets CTLA-4 -- may pair effectively with radiotherapy with fewer toxicities than chemotherapy. -- Further, radiotherapy can trigger cancer cells to release danger signals and other cytokines that can stimulate the immune system, potentially making ICIs more effective, Garcia-del-Muro explained. -- Garcia-del-Muro and colleagues launched IMMUNOPRESERVE, a phase II, multicenter, single-arm, open-label clinical trial to assess the efficacy of radiation plus durvalumab and tremelimumab in patients with localized MIBC, with the goal of preserving patients' bladders. -- They enrolled and treated 32 patients with stage T2-T4a disease with no metastases or lymph node involvement who had not previously received immunotherapy (other than Bacillus Calmette-Guérin [BCG]) or radiotherapy to the bladder. -- Patients were either ineligible for or refused cystectomy. Enrolled patients were given three courses of durvalumab plus tremelimumab, each four weeks apart, with concurrent radiotherapy.	H01 R01	33
2502-078	Cancer Mortality Drops 34% But Rising Incidence Rates Pose New Challenges	The American Cancer Society's Cancer Statistics, 2025 report reveals a 34% decline in the overall cancer mortality rate in the U.S. from 1991 to 2022, preventing approximately 4.5 million deaths. However, rising incidences of several cancer types among younger adults and women threaten this progress. For instance, lung cancer rates have surged among women under 65, indicating a critical need for targeted healthcare strategies to address these emerging trends in cancer cases.	American Cancer Society	A Cancer Journal for Clinicians	Press Rel	PubMed	The American Cancer Society (ACS) today released Cancer Statistics, 2025, the organization's annual report on cancer facts and trends. The new findings show the cancer mortality rate declined by 34% from 1991 to 2022 in the United States, averting approximately 4.5 million deaths. However, this steady progress is jeopardized by increasing incidence for many cancer types, especially among women and younger adults, shifting the burden of disease. For example, incidence rates in women 50-64 years of age have surpassed those in men, and rates in women under 50 are now 82% higher than their male counterparts, up from 51% in 2002. This pattern includes lung cancer, which is now higher in women than in men among people younger than 65 years. These important findings are published today in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, alongside its consumer-friendly companion, Cancer Facts & Figures 2025, available on cancer.org. -- "Continued reductions in cancer mortality because of drops in smoking, better treatment, and earlier detection is certainly great news," said Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director, surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report. -- "However, this progress is tempered by rising incidence in young and middle-aged women, who are often the family caregivers, and a shifting cancer burden from men to women, harkening back to the early 1900s when cancer was more common in women." -- Overall, in 2025, there will be an estimated 2,041,910 new cancer diagnoses in the U.S. (5,600 each day) and 618,120 cancer deaths. -- In addition to projecting the contemporary cancer burden,ACS researchers compiled the most recent findings on population-based cancer occurrence and outcomes using incidence data collected by central cancer registries (through 2021) and mortality data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (through 2022). -- The report also highlights lagging progress against pancreatic cancer, which is the third leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Both incidence and mortality rates are increasing, and the five-year survival rate is just 8% for the 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with pancreatic exocrine tumors. -- "With a critical need to do better, ACS is constantly working to help advance efforts to aid in the discovery of new treatments for cancer patients and care for survivors," explained Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society. -- "As the largest non-government, non-profit funding source of cancer research in the U.S., we are currently financing more than $450 million in grants to scientists. Our goal is to find answers that help save lives." -- Other highlights from the report include: -- Despite overall declines in cancer mortality, death rates are increasing in both men and women for cancers of the oral cavity and pancreas, but just for women for uterine corpus (also known as endometrial) and liver cancers.	R01	34
2502-025	Residents Near Wildfire Sites Experience Ongoing Health Symptoms Long After Fires Are Extinguished	Research indicates that individuals exposed to wildfires, even those living in unburned homes nearby, may suffer long-term health effects from airborne compounds released during fires. Findings from the Marshall Fire incident highlight the need for further investigation into the health implications of smoke and ash exposure post-wildfire.	American Chemical Society	ACS ES&T Air	Press Rel	PubMed	Wildfires that burn homes and vehicles could expose people to dangerous airborne compounds through ash and smoke. Research published in ACS ES&T Air has shown that people returning to their unburned homes may also experience health symptoms months after a nearby fire is extinguished. Through a survey of people affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder, Colorado, researchers found that headaches, sore throats and coughs were frequently self-reported by residents living near burned structures. -- Wildland-urban interface fires, like the Marshall Fire and the fires in early 2025 across Los Angeles, burn both natural vegetation and human-made materials. -- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted at higher levels from human-made materials than natural biomass when burned. -- Exposure to these airborne compounds has been linked to negative health outcomes, including lung and cardiovascular diseases, according to the World Health Organization. -- After the Marshall Fire, researchers from the nearby University of Colorado, Boulder, found elevated levels of PAHs and VOCs in unburnt homes damaged by smoke, but they didn't investigate what negative health outcomes might have been caused by exposure to these compounds. -- So, another CU Boulder team, led by Colleen Reid, designed and launched a survey to understand the potential symptoms experienced by residents. -- The survey was conducted twice, once at 6 months after the fire (642 respondents) and again at 1 year (413 respondents), among participants whose homes remained intact. -- The researchers asked participants about post-fire smoke impacts and health symptoms. -- They found that: -- The most common fire-related symptoms were itchy or watery eyes, headaches, dry coughs, sneezing and sore throats.	R01	35
2503-063	Promising New Treatment Shrinks Breast Cancer Tumors In Mice Without Harmful Side Effects	A novel treatment developed by researchers has shown the ability to eliminate small breast tumors and shrink larger ones in mice without significant side effects. This promising approach addresses the limitations of current breast cancer therapies, which often lead to adverse long-term health issues, thereby offering a potentially safer alternative for patients.	American Chemical Society	ACS Central Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite significant therapeutic advances, breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Treatment typically involves surgery and follow-up hormone therapy, but late effects of these treatments include osteoporosis, sexual dysfunction and blood clots. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have created a novel treatment that eliminated small breast tumors and significantly shrank large tumors in mice in a single dose, without problematic side effects. -- Most breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive (ER+), and treatment typically involves several years of hormone therapy. -- Although these drugs are better tolerated than chemotherapy, they still have side effects that diminish quality of life and can leave people at risk for cancer recurrence and treatment resistance. -- Thus, there is a need for cancer drugs that kill tumor cells selectively and aggressively, while limiting side effects. -- To address this challenge, Paul Hergenrother and colleagues previously developed a small molecule called ErSO. -- This compound kills ER+ breast cancer cells but results in undesirable side effects. -- In 2022, the researchers synthesized a series of small molecules similar to ErSO. -- That prior study demonstrated that these derivatives have higher potency, greater selectivity for ER+ cancer cells and better pharmacological properties than the original compound. -- Now, in the latest study, the researchers further evaluated one derivative, ErSO-TFPy, and found that it: -- Effectively killed multiple human ER+ breast cancer cell lines in culture.	H01 R01	36
2503-T024	Cost-Effective Aluminum-Ion Batteries Designed For Sustainable Energy Solutions	Addressing the challenge of sustainable energy storage, researchers have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly aluminum-ion battery, which could serve as a reliable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. This new technology aims to support the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the U.S. power grid. The study emphasizes the importance of safe and efficient battery technologies to meet the growing demand for energy storage solutions in a transitioning energy landscape.	American Chemical Society	ACS Central Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Large batteries for long-term storage of solar and wind power are key to integrating abundant and renewable energy sources into the U.S. power grid. However, there is a lack of safe and reliable battery technologies to support the push toward sustainable, clean energy. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have designed a cost-effective and environment-friendly aluminum-ion (Al-ion) battery that could fit the bill. -- Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are in many common consumer electronics, including power tools and electric vehicles. -- These batteries are ubiquitous because of their high energy density. -- But lithium is cost prohibitive for the large battery systems needed for utility-scale energy storage, and Li-ion battery flammability poses a considerable safety risk. -- Potential substitutes for reliable long-term energy storage systems include rechargeable Al-ion batteries. -- However, their most common electrolyte, liquid aluminum chloride, corrodes the aluminum anode and is highly sensitive to moisture, which exacerbates the corrosion. -- Both factors contribute to poor stability and a decline in electrical performance over time. -- So, Wei Wang, Shuqiang Jiao and colleagues wanted to design an improved Al-ion battery without these limitations. -- The team added an inert aluminum fluoride salt to an Al-ion-containing electrolyte, turning it into a solid-state electrolyte. -- The aluminum fluoride salt has a 3D porous structure, allowing aluminum ions to easily hop across the electrolyte and increase conductivity.	C01 T01	37
2504-E054	Gecko-Inspired Polymer Could Reduce Slip And Fall Injuries On Slippery Surfaces	Drawing inspiration from geckos, researchers have created a slip-resistant polymer to help reduce injuries from falls. This innovative material utilizes hydrophilic mechanisms found in gecko footpads, allowing better traction on slippery surfaces, including ice. With slips and falls resulting in millions of injuries annually, this research represents a significant step in developing safer footwear solutions, potentially preventing accidents in treacherous conditions.	American Chemical Society	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	A solution to injuries from slips and falls may be found underfoot -- literally. The footpads of geckos have hydrophilic (water-loving) mechanisms that allow the little animals to easily move over moist, slick surfaces. Researchers in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces report using silicone rubber enhanced with zirconia nanoparticles to create a gecko-inspired slip-resistant polymer. They say the material, which sticks to ice, could be incorporated into shoe soles to reduce injuries in humans. -- Slips and falls account for more than 38 million injuries and 684,000 deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization. -- And nearly half of these incidents happen on ice. Current anti-slip shoe soles rely on materials such as natural rubber that repel the layer of liquid water that sits atop pavement on a rainy day. -- On frozen walkways, however, shoe soles with these materials can cause ice to melt because of pressure from the wearer, creating the slippery surface the shoes are supposed to protect against. -- Previous studies of gecko feet have led to new ideas for developing more effective anti-slip polymers. -- Those works found that their footpad's stickiness comes from hydrophilic capillary-enhanced adhesion: The force of water being drawn into narrow grooves in the footpad creates suction that helps the lizard navigate slippery surfaces. -- Vipin Richhariya, Ashis Tripathy, Md Julker Nine and colleagues aimed to develop a polymer with capillary-enhanced adhesion that works on rainy sidewalks and frozen surfaces. -- The researchers started with silicone rubber polymer and added zirconia nanoparticles to make the material attract water molecules. -- After they rolled the composite material into a thin film, they hardened it with heat and laser-etched a grooved pattern onto the film's surface that exposed the hydrophilic zirconia nanoparticles. -- When the film encountered water molecules atop ice, it stuck to the slippery surface because the polymer mimicked the capillary action of slip-resistant gecko footpads.	N01	38
2505-002	Nanostructure Bandages Could Revolutionize Wound Healing With Unique Properties	Researchers have introduced a novel carnation-like nanostructure that holds promise for enhancing wound healing through its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and biocompatible properties. Laboratory tests demonstrated the effectiveness of nanoflower-coated dressings, which leverage the large surface area of these structures for optimal drug delivery. With a focus on copper(II) phosphate and tannic acid, the study aims to address infections and inflammation, marking a significant advancement in medical applications for these innovative bandages.	American Chemical Society	ACS Applied Bio Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Particles play a crucial role in climate regulation, influencing processes such as cloud formation and radiation balance. Traditionally, research in urban environments has focused largely on primary particles -- those directly emitted from sources like vehicle exhaust and industrial activities -- while new particles, which are formed through atmospheric reactions, have often been overlooked in discussions about their climatic impacts. -- A recent study published in One Earth has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that the climate effects of new particles in urban areas have been significantly underestimated. -- "To accurately assess the climate effects of particles, we need comprehensive long-term vertical observations," says Academician Markku Kulmala from the Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research INAR at the University of Helsinki. This call for enhanced observational strategies underscores the complexity of atmospheric processes and the importance of capturing data from different heights to better understand urban aerosol behavior. -- Enhanced particle formation aloft in urban areas -- Utilizing advanced measurement techniques based on a 325-meter meteorological tower in Beijing, the research team analyzed particle formation at various heights above the urban landscape. This study revealed that particle formation is more pronounced at higher altitudes, where factors such as greater concentrations of sulfuric acid and increased relative humidity promote particle growth. This is particularly pertinent in urban environments, where pollution levels and atmospheric dynamics can vary dramatically, leading to different growth mechanisms for new particles compared to rural areas. -- "The enhanced particle formation aloft suggests that while ground-level measurements provide valuable insights, they may not capture the full picture of particle dynamics, particularly in densely populated urban areas," says Wei Du, a key researcher in the study. This insight highlights the importance of examining the atmosphere above the skyline to understand atmospheric processes in urban environments more comprehensively. -- The climate effects of new particles -- When gaseous precursors related to anthropogenic emissions are transported to elevated layers of the atmosphere, they enhance the growth of particles, enabling them to become effective cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), which are essential for cloud formation and local climate regulation. The study asserts that the influence of new particles on CCN has been underestimated by approximately 20%. Therefore, understanding the vertical component of urban atmospheric processes is critical for fully grasping the impact of particulate matter on climate. -- The implications of this research extend beyond academic discourse and hold significant relevance for policy-making and urban planning. -- "As cities continue to grapple with air pollution and climate challenges, understanding the vertical profiles of the atmospheric processes can help develop more effective strategies to mitigate their impacts on both climate and public health," Wei says.	H01 R01	39
2505-E027	Harnessing Static Electricity: Generating Power From Everyday Materials	Researchers have developed a low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using static electricity. By utilizing simple materials like store-bought tape and aluminum, the team has improved the efficiency of the TENG while addressing issues related to stickiness. This new design exemplifies potential advancements in energy harvesting technologies, harnessing everyday static electricity as a sustainable energy source.	American Chemical Society	ACS Omega	Press Rel	PubMed	Skyrmions are nanometer- to micrometer-sized magnetic whirls that exhibit particle-like properties and can be moved efficiently by electrical currents. These properties make skyrmions an excellent system for new types of data storage or computers. However, for the optimization of such devices, it is usually too computationally expensive to simulate the complicated internal structure of the skyrmions. -- One possible approach is the efficient simulation of these magnetic spin structures as particles, similar to the simulation of molecules in biophysics. -- Until now, however, there has been no conversion between simulation time and experimental real time. -- Collaboration of theory and experiment -- To meet this challenge, the theoretical physics group of Professor Peter Virnau and the experimental physics group of Professor Mathias Kläui at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) have joined forces. -- The method for determining the time conversion combines experimental measurement techniques with analysis methods from statistical physics. -- "We can now not only quantitatively predict the dynamics of skyrmions, but the simulations are also similar in speed to the experiments," explained theoretical physicist Maarten A. Brems, who developed the method. -- "The predictive power of the new simulations will significantly accelerate the development of skyrmion-based applications," emphasized Professor Mathias Kläui, "especially with regard to novel, alternative energy-saving computer architectures, which are the focus of JGU's Top-level Research Area 'TopDyn -- Dynamics and Topology', amongst others." -- The results have been published in Physical Review Letters and highlighted as an Editors' Suggestion.	H01 T01	40
2505-E086	New Brewing Method Uses Field Peas To Speed Up Sour Beer Production	Researchers have discovered a novel approach to brewing sour beers more efficiently by incorporating field peas, which reduce fermentation time without compromising flavor. This innovative method offers similar attributes to traditional Belgian-style sours, with a focus on using pea-derived sugars that support the growth of lactic acid bacteria. The findings could enhance the craft brewing industry by simplifying sour beer production.	American Chemical Society	Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Tiny copper 'nano-flowers' have been attached to an artificial leaf to produce clean fuels and chemicals that are the backbone of modern energy and manufacturing. -- The researchers, from the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley, developed a practical way to make hydrocarbons -- molecules made of carbon and hydrogen -- powered solely by the sun. -- The device they developed combines a light absorbing 'leaf' made from a high-efficiency solar cell material called perovskite, with a copper nanoflower catalyst, to convert carbon dioxide into useful molecules. Unlike most metal catalysts, which can only convert CO₂ into single-carbon molecules, the copper flowers enable the formation of more complex hydrocarbons with two carbon atoms, such as ethane and ethylene -- key building blocks for liquid fuels, chemicals and plastics. -- Almost all hydrocarbons currently stem from fossil fuels, but the method developed by the Cambridge-Berkeley team results in clean chemicals and fuels made from CO2, water and glycerol -- a common organic compound -- without any additional carbon emissions. The results are reported in the journal Nature Catalysis. -- The study builds on the team's earlier work on artificial leaves, which take their inspiration from photosynthesis: the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. "We wanted to go beyond basic carbon dioxide reduction and produce more complex hydrocarbons, but that requires significantly more energy," said Dr Virgil Andrei from Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, the study's lead author. -- Andrei, a Research Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, carried out the work as part of the Winton Cambridge-Kavli ENSI Exchange programme in the lab of Professor Peidong Yang at University of California, Berkeley. -- By coupling a perovskite light absorber with the copper nanoflower catalyst, the team was able to produce more complex hydrocarbons. To further improve efficiency and overcome the energy limits of splitting water, the team added silicon nanowire electrodes that can oxidise glycerol instead. This new platform produces hydrocarbons much more effectively -- 200 times better than earlier systems for splitting water and carbon dioxide. -- The reaction not only boosts CO₂ reduction performance, but also produces high-value chemicals such as glycerate, lactate, and formate, which have applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and chemical synthesis. -- "Glycerol is typically considered waste, but here it plays a crucial role in improving the reaction rate," said Andrei. "This demonstrates we can apply our platform to a wide range of chemical processes beyond just waste conversion. By carefully designing the catalyst's surface area, we can influence what products we generate, making the process more selective." -- While current CO₂-to-hydrocarbon selectivity remains around 10%, the researchers are optimistic about improving catalyst design to increase efficiency. The team envisions applying their platform to even more complex organic reactions, opening doors for innovation in sustainable chemical production. With continued improvements, this research could accelerate the transition to a circular, carbon-neutral economy.	H01	41
2506-066	Smart Jacket Uses AI To Prevent Overheating While Keeping You Cozy	Smart Electronic Textiles: Researchers have created a smart jacket designed to prevent overheating from electronic textiles like heating pads. While these textiles provide comfort, they can lead to heat-related injuries, particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. By integrating AI and temperature-sensitive yarns, the team aims to enhance safety, enabling the jacket to monitor temperature and ensure the wearer stays warm without risk.	American Chemical Society	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	Electronic textiles, such as heating pads and electric blankets, can keep the wearer warm and help ease aches and pains. However, prolonged use of these devices could possibly cause heat-related illnesses, including hyperthermia or burns. Recently, a group of researchers designed and tested a "smart" jacket equipped with environmental sensors, heat-generating and color-changing yarns, and artificial intelligence (AI) to control temperature and prevent overheating. Their results are published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. -- Some electronic textiles, or e-textiles, have sensors that can monitor the wearer's heart rate, blood pressure and movement, or can connect via Bluetooth to mobile apps that control temperature. -- Yet, even with technological advances, users can still be injured by these products. -- Older people are especially prone to heat-related injuries because of decreased heat sensitivity, and residents of nursing homes and assisted living communities are vulnerable because their temperatures cannot always be easily or frequently monitored by healthcare providers. -- Jeanne Tan and collaborators believed they could improve e-textile safety by combining AI-driven systems with thermochromic yarn to create a fabric that warms the user without overheating and provides immediate temperature readings for easy monitoring. -- The researchers created an intelligent heating jacket from their new e-textile containing heat-generating, silver-coated yarn and two types of thermochromic yarn. -- The silver-coated yarn warms the garment with less bulk and more flexibility than traditionally used carbon fiber. -- The AI-based temperature control system incorporated into the jacket was trained on 50 subjects with a range of ages, genders and body types who identified their ideal heat settings in environments with varying temperatures, humidities and wind speeds. -- The color-changing yarns added a safety feature to the jacket, with one yarn transitioning from purple to pink to indicate a heating temperature above 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) to allow for easy temperature monitoring during the day. -- In dark environments, the other, polymeric optical fiber yarn gave off a blue, yellow or red glow to indicate temperatures of 86 F (30 C), 104 F (40 C) and 122 F (50 C), respectively.	A01 R01 C01 T01	42
2506-E042	Transforming Car Exhaust Heat Into Electricity: A Sustainable Energy Breakthrough	Researchers have developed a prototype thermoelectric generator that converts exhaust heat from combustion engines into electricity, addressing fuel inefficiency and carbon emissions. This breakthrough offers an innovative solution for sustainable energy practices, emphasizing the need for waste-heat recovery systems in combating environmental challenges associated with traditional gas-powered vehicles.	American Chemical Society	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	Combustion engines, the engines in gas-powered cars, only use a quarter of the fuel's potential energy while the rest is lost as heat through exhaust. Now, a study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces demonstrates how to convert exhaust heat into electricity. The researchers present a prototype thermoelectric generator system that could reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions -- an opportunity for improving sustainable energy initiatives in a rapidly changing world. -- Fuel inefficiency contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and underscores the need for innovative waste-heat recovery systems. -- Heat-recovery systems, called thermoelectric systems, use semiconductor materials to convert heat into electricity based on a temperature difference. -- However, many existing thermoelectric device designs are heavy and complex, requiring additional cooling water that's used to maintain the necessary temperature difference. -- Now, a team of researchers led by Wenjie Li and Bed Poudel have developed a compact thermoelectric generator system to efficiently convert exhaust waste heat from high-speed vehicles like cars, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles into energy. -- The researchers' new thermoelectric generator contains a semiconductor made of bismuth-telluride and uses heat exchangers (similar to those used in air conditioners) to capture heat from vehicle exhaust pipelines. -- The team also incorporated a piece of hardware that regulates temperature, called a heatsink. -- The heatsink significantly increases the temperature difference, which directly influences the system's electrical output. -- Their prototype achieved an output power of 40 Watts, about enough to power a lightbulb. -- Importantly, the results indicate that high airflow conditions, like those found in exhaust pipes, enhance efficiency, thereby increasing the system's electrical output.	C01 T01	43
2508-E008	Glass Fertilizer Beads Present Environmentally Friendly Nutrient Delivery Solution	Researchers have developed environmentally friendly glass fertilizer beads designed to enhance agricultural efficiency while minimizing ecological harm. Excessive fertilizer use has been linked to water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions, but these new beads control nutrient release, promoting sustainable crop production. This innovation addresses the growing global demand for fertilizers, enabling a tailored approach to nutrient delivery that improves soil health and agricultural sustainability.	American Chemical Society	ACS Agricultural Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Agricultural fertilizers are critical for feeding the world's population, restoring soil fertility and sustaining crops. Excessive and inefficient use of those resources can present an environmental threat, contaminating waterways and generating greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology have addressed those challenges with glass fertilizer beads. The beads control nutrient release, and the researchers say they're environmentally compatible. -- "The results show that glass fertilizers can be tailored to plant needs, slowly and sustainably releasing nutrients to boost productivity without harming soil quality," says Danilo Manzani, a co-author of the study. -- Over time, the use of agricultural chemicals has increased. In 2020, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimated that global demand for fertilizers would surpass 200 million metric tonnes. -- Fertilizers contain nitrogen, phosphorus and lower amounts of other elements like calcium. -- Unfortunately, the benefits of these nutrients are lost through leaching into groundwater and emissions into the air, necessitating frequent reapplication and creating downstream environmental problems like toxic algal blooms. -- A potential solution could come from tiny glass beads that previous researchers used to improve plant growth. -- To improve the efficiency of nutrient delivery, Manzani, Eduardo Ferreira and colleagues developed a water-soluble, multicomponent glass fertilizer designed for controlled nutrient release. -- The researchers synthesized glass consisting of several micro- and macronutrients, such as phosphorus, potassium and calcium. -- They ground the glass into small (less than 0.85 millimeters wide) and large (0.85 to 2 millimeters wide) particles. -- In an initial test, the particles were added to either water or a buffer solution that mimicked soil conditions.	H01 R01 N02	44
2508-E020	Finding Safer Alternatives To Forever Chemicals: Research Unveils New Solutions	Researchers are advocating for alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their persistence in the environment and adverse health effects. A comprehensive database identifies 530 potential substitutes for various applications, emphasizing the need for innovation in safer materials. The study underscores the urgency of transitioning away from PFAS due to growing health concerns, highlighting regulatory efforts to limit their use across regions.	American Chemical Society	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as forever chemicals because of their extreme persistence. These compounds have useful properties including durability and waterproofing, so they're commonly used in consumer products like food packaging and cosmetics, as well as industrial processes. But PFAS' potential negative impacts on human health are driving the search for potentially safer substitutes. Now, researchers publishing in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology propose alternatives for many applications. -- "Our new online database of alternatives for the uses of PFAS highlights 530 potential alternatives and reveals where more innovation is needed," says Ian Cousins, a co-author of the study. -- Previous research on PFAS replacements has been fragmented because forever chemicals do such a good job at what they're meant to do. But mounting evidence indicates their potential impacts on humans, such as increased cholesterol, reduced effectiveness of vaccines in children and increased risk of some types of cancers. -- Therefore, several regions, including members of the European Union and states in the U.S., have initiated restrictions on PFAS use. -- To support industries and companies transitioning away from forever chemicals, Romain Figuière, Cousins and colleagues wanted to analyze alternatives that are readily available and highlight potential gaps where safer substitutes are lacking. -- The researchers first developed an open-access online database that: -- Documents all known uses of PFAS. -- Describes the functions provided. -- Lists potential alternatives that can deliver the same or similar functions. -- Evaluates the suitability and market availability of the alternatives.	A01 H01 R01	45
2508-T017	Revolutionary Photochromic Glass: Long-Term Data Storage Potential	Researchers have developed a doped photochromic glass with the potential for rewritable, stable data storage over eons. This new material, which changes color with light exposure, offers a promising avenue for long-lasting information storage solutions, paving the way for innovations in data preservation technology.	American Chemical Society	ACS Energy Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For decades researchers have been exploring how to store data in glass because of its potential to hold information for a long time -- eons -- without applying power. A special type of glass that changes color in different wavelengths of light, called photochromic glass, holds promise for stable, reusable data storage. Now, researchers have developed a doped photochromic glass that has the potential to store rewritable data indefinitely, according to research published in ACS Energy Letters. -- Certain types of eyeglasses get darker when exposed to wavelengths of light emitted by the sun and then shift back to a colorless lens indoors when no longer exposed to those light waves through a process called reversible photochromism. -- Likewise, other types of photochromic glass can switch color in response to different wavelengths of light, making this material attractive as an inexpensive and stable platform for storing vast amounts of information in a small space. -- But the challenge in using photochromic glass for data storage involves not only writing information into the glass but also erasing and rewriting it ad infinitum. -- Now, Jiayan Liao, Ji Zhou, Zhengwen Yang and a multidisciplinary team have made progress toward this goal by creating reversible, tunable patterns on photochromic gallium silicate glass. -- The team first designed gallium silicate glass modified with magnesium and terbium ions by using a process called doped direct 3D lithography. -- Liao and the team used a green 532-nanometer (nm)-wavelength laser to inscribe 3D patterns into tiny slabs of the doped glass. -- The intricate patterns, randomly chosen dots, symbols, QR codes, geometric prisms, and even a bird, appear purple in the transparent glass, which turns other colors when excited at precise wavelengths. -- Terbium luminesces green when excited by a deep violet 376-nm laser, and magnesium luminesces red in the presence of violet light at 417 nm. Then, to fully erase the patterns without changing the structure of the glass, the team applied heat at 1022 degrees Fahrenheit (550 degrees Celsius) for 25 minutes. -- Furthermore, the researchers consider the use of magnesium and terbium groundbreaking for their abilities to luminesce at distinctly different wavelengths, which makes it possible to get a tunable, multicolor readout of 3D patterns from a single material.	Z01	46
2510-002	Rapid Bird Flu Detection Made Possible With Innovative Handheld Sensor	In response to recent avian influenza outbreaks, scientists have created a low-cost handheld sensor capable of detecting the H5N1 virus in air samples. This quick and efficient detection method could significantly mitigate the spread of bird flu by facilitating rapid testing of airborne viral particles, a crucial measure in controlling future outbreaks.	American Chemical Society	ACS Sensors	Press Rel	PubMed	Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (also known as bird flu) have created a need for rapid and sensitive detection methods to mitigate its spread. Now, researchers in ACS Sensors have developed a prototype sensor that detects a type of influenza virus that causes bird flu (H5N1) in air samples. The low-cost handheld sensor detects the virus at levels below an infectious dose and could lead to rapid aerosol testing for airborne avian influenza. -- Bird flu can spread quickly when infectious respiratory droplets are inhaled by birds and other animals, and the virus' frequent mutations make airborne transmission to humans a concern. -- Current methods to detect H5N1 viruses often require extensive sample preparation in a lab, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests. -- Therefore, a sensor that quickly detects these airborne viral particles without sample preparation could identify transmission before an outbreak occurs. -- One solution could be the electrochemical capacitive biosensor (ECB), which has been used to successfully detect other airborne viruses. -- Previously, a research team led by Rajan Chakrabarty created an electrochemical biosensor to detect SARS-CoV-2 particles in breath. -- This time, the team used ECB technology to detect and measure levels of H5N1 viruses in the air instead. -- The new ECB consists of a thin network of Prussian blue nanocrystals and graphene oxide branches on a screen-printed carbon electrode. -- To make the sensor detect H5N1 viruses, the researchers attached probes (aptamers or antibodies) sensitive to these pathogens onto the network. -- They paired the sensor with a custom-built air sampler that pulls in droplets from the air and creates a liquid sample.	R01 C01 N01	47
2510-070	Easter Baskets For All: Chocolate’s Surprising Health Benefits With Added Probiotics	With Easter approaching, many will fill baskets with chocolate, a treat known for its health benefits, particularly dark chocolate rich in antioxidants. Recent research indicates that adding pre- and probiotics can enhance its healthfulness, but flavoring agents may also influence the chocolate’s properties, including moisture and protein content. This suggests that there’s potential for healthier chocolate options that still satisfy our sweet tooth.	American Chemical Society	ACS Food Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people will soon load up Easter baskets with chocolate candy for children and adults to enjoy. On its own, dark chocolate has health benefits, such as antioxidants that neutralize damaging free radicals. And a report in ACS Food Science & Technology suggests that packing the sweet treat with pre- and probiotics could make it more healthful. Flavoring agents, however, can affect many properties, including moisture level and protein content of the chocolate product. -- Probiotics, found in fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi, are living microbes that improve the gut microbiome, shifting the balance toward beneficial bacteria and yeasts. They can also ease digestive issues and reduce inflammation. These active cultures need food and protection to survive harsh gut conditions, so prebiotics -- substances like dietary fibers and oligosaccharides -- are sometimes added to probiotic-containing products to create synbiotic foods. Because chocolate is a treat that many people enjoy, researchers have used it to test various combinations of pre- and probiotics. Some methods for including prebiotics are laborious, so Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh explored prebiotics that would not require extensive processing -- corn and honey -- in chocolate fortified with probiotics. -- The team developed five chocolates for their study. One contained only basic chocolate ingredients, including cocoa butter, cocoa powder and milk powder. Four different synbiotic test samples also contained prebiotics (corn and honey), one probiotic (either Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) and one flavor additive (either cinnamon or orange). When the researchers examined several properties of the chocolate samples, they found that fat levels, which influence texture and mouthfeel, were consistent among all five samples. However, there were differences: -- Flavorings impacted some characteristics of the synbiotic chocolates. For example, orange flavorings decreased pH, increased moisture and enhanced protein levels compared to all the other samples. -- The four synbiotic samples had higher antioxidant levels than the control. -- Synbiotic samples had less "snap" compared to the control, suggesting that the additional ingredients disrupted the structure of the chocolate. -- The total microbial counts of the synbiotic chocolate samples decreased during storage, but the probiotic microbes still exhibited viability after 125 days. This time period is longer than other researchers have reported when using different bacteria and prebiotics in chocolates. Finally, when Gaur and Singh exposed the synbiotic chocolates to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, the probiotics in the samples maintained substantial viability for more than 5 hours. -- The researchers also snuck a taste of the confections. "Personally, we enjoyed the orange-flavored chocolates the most, where the vibrant citrus notes complemented the rich cocoa, and it had a slightly softer texture that made each bite feel more luxurious," says Gaur. "In the future, we are excited to explore additional health benefits of these chocolates while thoroughly investigating their sensory and nutritional profiles, with the goal of creating an even more wholesome and enjoyable treat." -- The authors report no external funding for this work.	A01 H01 R01	48
2510-E006	Innovative Freeze-Dried Bacteria Can Create Biocement On Construction Sites	Innovative research highlights the potential of biocement-producing bacteria to improve construction practices, despite challenges in cultivating them at job sites. A new freeze-drying technique preserves these microbes, enabling construction workers to utilize them efficiently for tile production and soil stabilization, thereby enhancing sustainable construction methods.	American Chemical Society	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	Cement manufacturing and repair could be significantly improved by using biocement-producing bacteria, but growing the microbes at construction sites remains a challenge. Now, researchers report a freeze-drying approach in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces that preserves the bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to ultimately use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads or camps. -- Soil stabilization and concrete repair are major challenges facing civil engineers. -- Recently, researchers have shifted their attention to a tiny bacterium called Sporosarcina pasteurii that can produce a form of calcium mineral called biocement. -- The microbes break down urea and form ammonium and carbonate. -- Then, with the addition of calcium, the result is calcium carbonate, which glues sand and soil particles together or repairs cracks in existing concrete structures. -- To make biocement for construction projects, the bacteria currently must be grown onsite with special equipment and technical know-how. -- So, Maneesh Gupta and colleagues wanted to develop a way to preserve S. pasteurii in a shelf-stable format that would be easy for construction workers to use. -- Gupta's team was inspired by manufacturers who freeze-dry biological components and add them to fertilizers. -- The researchers suspended the bacteria in different solutions and tested how well the microbes survived freezing. -- They found that sucrose protected the microbes best compared to other types of protectants.	C01	49
2510-E041	Microplastics Found In Medical IV Infusions Raise Health Concerns	New research published in Environment & Health reveals that microplastics have been detected in IV infusion solutions, raising health concerns about their presence in medical applications. The study estimates that thousands of plastic particles could enter a patient's bloodstream from a single bag of infusion fluid. This alarming discovery highlights the need for further investigation into the potential health impacts of microplastics in clinical settings and calls for enhanced scrutiny of medical products.	American Chemical Society	Environment & Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Microplastics have been found almost everywhere that scientists have looked for them. Now, according to research published in the ACS partner journal Environment & Health, these bits of plastic -- from 1 to 62 micrometers long -- are present in the filtered solutions used for medical intravenous (IV) infusions. The researchers estimate that thousands of plastic particles could be delivered directly to a person's bloodstream from a single 8.4-ounce (250-milliliter) bag of infusion fluid. -- In clinical settings, IV infusions are packaged in individual plastic pouches and deliver water, electrolytes, nutrients or medicine to patients. -- The base of these infusions is a saline solution that contains filtered water and enough salt to match the content of human blood. -- Research from the 1970s suggests IV fluid bags can contain solid particles, but few scientists have followed up on what those particles are made of. Liwu Zhang, Ventsislav Kolev Valev and colleagues suspected that these particles could be microplastics that, upon infusion, would enter the recipient's bloodstream and potentially cause negative health effects. -- So, they set out to analyze the types and amounts of particles in commercial IV fluid bags. -- The team purchased two different brands of 8.4-ounce bags of IV saline solution. -- After the contents of each bag dripped into separate glass containers, the liquids were filtered to catch microscopic particles. -- Then the researchers counted a portion of the individual plastic fragments, using that amount to estimate the total number of microplastics in the entire pouch of IV liquid and to analyze the composition of the particles. -- The researchers discovered that both brands of saline contained microplastic particles made from polypropylene -- the same material as the bags -- which suggests that the bags shed microplastics into the solutions. -- And they estimated that each bag of infusion fluid could deliver about 7,500 microplastics directly into the bloodstream.	R01	50
2511-E050	Wearable Plant Patch Detects Stress Signals Instantly	Researchers have created a wearable sensor patch for plants that detects stress signals, such as hydrogen peroxide, before visible symptoms appear. This innovation allows gardeners and farmers to monitor plant health in real-time, addressing challenges caused by environmental stressors like pests and extreme weather. By enabling early intervention, the sensor patch aims to maximize crop yields and improve plant care, moving beyond traditional detection methods that require invasive procedures.	American Chemical Society	ACS Sensors	Press Rel	PubMed	Environmental conditions can cause damaging stress to plants, posing challenges for home gardeners and farmers. Therefore, early detection -- before leaves visibly discolor, wilt or wither -- is crucial. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Sensors have created a wearable patch for plants that quickly senses stress and relays the information to a grower. The electrochemical sensor attaches directly to live plant leaves and monitors hydrogen peroxide, a key distress signal. -- Pests, drought, extreme temperatures and infections all cause stress in plants. -- In response, plants' normal biochemistry gets out of whack, and they produce hydrogen peroxide, which also acts as a signal between cells to activate their defense mechanisms. -- Early detection of this chemical clue could help people expertly tailor plant care and prevent further damage, thereby maximizing crop yields, even in difficult conditions. -- But most current methods for detecting hydrogen peroxide require removal of plant parts and multiple processing steps or external detectors that observe fluorescence changes, which can get muddled by chlorophyll. -- And researchers have previously investigated plant-wearable devices to monitor leaf water content as an indicator of plant health. -- So, Liang Dong and colleagues set out to design a stand-alone patch that quickly and accurately detects the hydrogen peroxide distress signals from living plants. -- To build a patch that sticks to the underside of leaves, the researchers created an array of microscopic plastic needles across a flexible base. -- Onto this patterned surface they coated a chitosan-based hydrogel mixture that converted small changes in hydrogen peroxide into measurable differences in electrical current. -- The mixture contained an enzyme that reacted with hydrogen peroxide to produce electrons and reduced graphene oxide to conduct those electrons through the sensor.	N01	51
2512-E012	Eco-Friendly Detergent Made From Wood Fiber And Corn Protein Tackles Tough Stains	Researchers have developed an eco-friendly detergent made from wood fibers and corn protein, addressing the environmental concerns associated with traditional cleaning products. This innovative detergent effectively removes stains while being safe for the ecosystem, responding to the growing demand for sustainable household cleaning solutions.	American Chemical Society	Langmuir	Press Rel	PubMed	From laundry detergent to dishwasher tablets, cleaning products are an indispensable part of life. Yet the chemicals that make these products so effective can be difficult to break down or could even trigger ecosystem-altering algal blooms. Now, researchers reporting in ACS' Langmuir have addressed those challenges with an environmentally compatible detergent made of tiny wood fibers and corn protein that removes stains on clothes and dishes just as well as commercial products. -- Increased public concern about household products' impact on the environment has spurred interest in replacing traditional cleaners containing ingredients such as alkylphenol polyethoxylates and phosphates with natural alternatives. -- Efforts to date have produced mixed results because these cleaners are difficult to make and hard to rinse off, resulting in high manufacturing and retail costs, as well as potential damage to surfaces and fabrics. -- Therefore, there is a desire for low-cost, easily produced, effective alternatives that are gentle on the environment and the items they are designed to clean. -- To address this need, Pengtao Liu and colleagues developed an eco-friendly detergent from ingredients found in abundant renewable sources. -- The researchers combined cellulose nanofibers from wood with zein protein from corn to create an emulsion. -- Cellulose can attract and repel water, so it is effective at forming such emulsions and attracting different types of stains. -- The zein protein, on the other hand, helps stabilize the emulsion and trap oils. -- Liu and colleagues then tested the cleaning capacity of the cellulose/zein detergent on cotton fabrics and dishes stained with ink, chili oil and tomato paste. -- They compared the performance of their new detergent to laundry powder and commercial dish soap solutions with deionized water.	Z01	52
2504-004	Heart Disease Continues To Be The Top Killer In The U.S.	The American Heart Association's latest statistics reveal that heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., driven by rising risk factors like obesity and hypertension. The report highlights alarming figures, including a cardiovascular death every 34 seconds, underscoring the urgent need for public health interventions. Despite a slight decrease in age-adjusted death rates, the overall number of cardiovascular-related deaths has increased, demonstrating a critical need to address interrelated health issues effectively.	American Heart Association	Circulation	Press Rel	PubMed	Heart disease kills more people than any other cause as many of the risks factors that contribute to it remain on the rise, according the data reported in the 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of U.S. and Global Data From the American Heart Association. The annual update published today in Circulation, the peer-reviewed, flagship journal of the American Heart Association, the leading global voluntary health organization devoted to changing the future of health care for a world of healthier lives for all. -- "Did you know that in the U.S., someone dies of cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds? Nearly 2,500 people in the U.S. die from cardiovascular disease every day. Those are alarming statistics to me -- and they should be alarming for all of us, because it's likely many among those whom we lose will be our friends and loved ones," said Keith Churchwell, M.D., FAHA, the volunteer president of the American Heart Association. "Too many people are dying from heart disease and from stroke which remains the 5th leading cause of death. Together, they kill more people than all cancers and accidental deaths -- the #2 and #3 causes of death -- combined." -- According to the Association's 2025 statistical report, in 2022 (the most recent year for which final data is available), the overall number of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related deaths in the U.S. was 941,652, an increase of more than 10,000 from the 931,578 CVD deaths in 2021. The age-adjusted death rate attributable to CVD was 224.3 per 100,000 people, a slight decrease from 233.3 per 100,000 reported in 2021. -- The report indicates the overall number of cardiovascular-related deaths appears to be leveling out after a major uptick during the COVID pandemic. In fact, the age-adjusted death rates dropped for all but one of the ten leading causes of death. The kidney disease age-adjusted death rates increased 1.5%. -- "Kidney disease has actually been on the rise over the past decade. In our report, we noted a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Medicare beneficiaries from 9.2% in 2011 to 14.2% in 2021. Additionally, the global prevalence of kidney disease has increased more than 27% in relative terms since 2010," said American Heart Association volunteer and chair of the Association's statistical update writing committee Seth S. Martin, M.D., M.H.S., FAHA, a professor of medicine and cardiologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. "The reason this is important is that, first, cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to kidney disease. Second, the risk factors of these diseases are closely interrelated. These include high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes -- all health conditions that are rising substantially across the U.S. and the world." -- According to the Association's 2025 Statistics Update: -- Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. -- More than 72% of U.S. adults have unhealthy weight (currently defined as body mass index ≥25, with nearly 42% having obesity (currently defined as body mass index ≥30). -- More than half of U.S. adults (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. -- In a 2023 presidential advisory and scientific statement, the American Heart Association recognized cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome as a health disorder due to the risk factor connections among heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity leading to poor health outcomes.	R01	53
2506-055	South Asian Adults Face Earlier Heart Risks Than East Asians, Study Reveals	A recent study published in the Hypertension Journal reveals differing blood pressure risks between South Asian and East Asian adults in the UK. The research indicates that South Asians face heart risks earlier in life, while East Asians see increased risks as they age. By analyzing over 3,400 health records, the study highlights the necessity of recognizing these distinctions for better cardiovascular health management.	American Heart Association	Hypertension	Press Rel	PubMed	South Asian and East Asian adults living in the United Kingdom may have distinct trajectories to develop high blood pressure over their life course, according to new research published today in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. -- Researchers analyzed health records for more than 3,400 adults enrolled in the UK Biobank who self-identified as having South Asian or East Asian ethnicity. -- Previous research found that individuals with South Asian ancestry living in the United Kingdom had substantially higher risk of heart disease caused by blocked arteries, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), compared with individuals with European ancestry, as well as that South Asian adults living in the United States had higher death rates from ASCVD compared with white adults. -- Here, researchers explored differences in long-term blood pressure patterns and their potential lifetime effects on cardiovascular disease of those differences between South Asian and East Asian adults. -- "High blood pressure and its management varies widely across racial and ethnic populations, and the frequently used 'Asian' category hides those differences," said lead study author So Mi Jemma Cho, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. -- "This is crucial considering that high blood pressure at a young age is a major contributor to premature heart disease risk and given the emerging initiatives to study distinct cardiometabolic profile across different Asian subpopulations." -- The study used data for South Asian and East Asian adults who had at least two blood pressure readings taken during primary care visits after age 18 years. -- Researchers tracked participants' heart disease events, including heart attacks, stroke and peripheral artery disease, using hospitalization and outpatient care records. -- Building on these baseline differences, as well as risk factors including current smoking status, dietary score and a metric of social determinants of health, the researchers estimated participants' blood pressure patterns at five-year increments and modeled their predicted relationships to cardiovascular disease risk. -- The analysis found that:	H01 R01	54
2507-138	Athletes With Heart Conditions Can Compete In Sports With Proper Guidance	A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making for athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities seeking to participate in competitive sports. This document outlines updated guidelines reflecting advances in understanding the risks involved, moving away from blanket prohibitions towards individualized assessments of athletes’ capabilities.	American Heart Association	American Heart Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Recent research suggests that select athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities may be able to safely participate in competitive sports after shared decision-making with their clinicians about potential risks, according to a joint scientific statement published today in the American Heart Association's flagship, peer-reviewed journal Circulationand simultaneously in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology. -- The new scientific statement, "Clinical Considerations for Competitive Sports Participation for Athletes with Cardiovascular Abnormalities," includes significant changes based on evidence from the past decade; the previous scientific statement was published in 2015. -- "In the past, there was no shared decision-making about sports eligibility for athletes with heart disease. These athletes were automatically prohibited from participating in sports if almost any cardiac issue was present," said writing group Chair Jonathan H. Kim, M.D., M.Sc., FACC, an associate professor of medicine and director of sports cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. -- "This new scientific statement reviews best clinical practices for athletes with certain cardiovascular conditions and how health care professionals can guide these athletes -- from children to Masters athletes -- in a shared decision-making discussion about potential risks and rewards." -- The change in messaging reflects advancements in the medical community's understanding of the "athlete's heart," which captures the complex structural, functional and electrical cardiac adaptations that happen in response to habitual exercise training. -- Studies in the last 10 years about many cardiac conditions -- from congenital heart disease to arrhythmias and more -- indicate the risks are not as high during competitive sports participation as previously thought and provide an evidence-based path for safe return-to-play as a possible outcome for many athletes. -- While previous scientific statements classified sports into specific categories, this revision acknowledges that sports training is dynamic -- a continuum of strength and endurance that is athlete-specific. -- It takes into consideration that not all athletes train the same, not all sports are alike, and not all cardiac conditions confer identical risk. -- The writing group defined competitive athletes as professional and recreational athletes who put a high premium on achievement and train to compete in not only team sports but also individual sports, like marathons and triathlons. -- This new scientific statement covers athletes not included in previous documents.	A01 H01 R01	55
2508-055	Addressing Maternal Mental Health May Enhance Cardiovascular Outcomes	A recent scientific statement emphasizes the critical importance of integrating psychological health screening and treatment during and after pregnancy. This approach could lead to better maternal and child health outcomes, including reduced cardiovascular risks linked to psychological conditions. The statement advocates for holistic care that addresses both mental and physical health to improve overall maternal well-being, particularly given the rising maternal mortality rates in the U.S.	American Heart Association	Journal of the American Heart Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Integrating routine psychological health screening and treatment during and after pregnancy may reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and improve maternal cardiovascular health, according to a new scientific statement published today in a Go Red for Women® spotlight issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. This spotlight issue focuses on research about sex differences in cardiovascular disease and their implications for care. -- The new scientific statement, "Optimizing Psychological Health Across the Perinatal Period: An Update on Maternal Cardiovascular Health," highlights the need to support maternal cardiovascular health by including comprehensive screening of psychological health during the perinatal period (pregnancy through one year postpartum). Cardiovascular issues are the No. 1 cause of maternal death. The new statement summarizes the evidence associating psychological health concerns and adverse cardiovascular outcomes; highlights effective management strategies and integrated care delivery models; and identifies current challenges and future directions for improving maternal health outcomes. -- "It's critical that we redefine maternal cardiovascular health to include psychological health because there is robust evidence on the association of psychological health with cardiovascular outcomes," said writing group Chair Garima Sharma, M.D., FAHA, director of preventive cardiology and women's cardiovascular health at Inova Schar Heart and Vascular in Fairfax, Virginia. "We also recognize the importance of providing guidance to clinicians on how to integrate psychological health screening into the perinatal period and focus on providing a holistic approach with the mind and heart interconnection." -- Maternal Psychological and Cardiovascular Health Linked -- The maternal mortality rate in the United States is two to three times higher than estimates from other high-income countries and has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic, with significant disparities among people in underrepresented races and ethnicities. The mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black birthing women is 2.6 times higher than for non-Hispanic white women. -- Perinatal psychological health conditions such as depression and anxiety are among the leading causes of maternal mortality in the U.S. and are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Psychological health, often used interchangeably with mental health, encompasses emotional, social and functional well-being and is affected by factors such as living conditions, traumatic events and daily stressors. -- An estimated 52% of women of reproductive age report having a history of a psychological health condition, and 40% of those from underrepresented races and ethnicities experience anxiety or depression in the perinatal period. -- People with suboptimal mental health may engage in negative health behaviors (such as poor diet, irregular sleep, low physical activity, tobacco, alcohol and/or illicit substance use and/or difficulty adhering to medical recommendations), which can negatively affect their cardiovascular health. Maternal psychological health can also affect the child's neurodevelopment and well-being. -- Screening for Risk Factors for Psychological Health -- "Pregnancy is an important time of life from a health perspective. However, it is not known how many health care professionals understand the connection between the mind and heart and routinely screen and optimize psychological health during the perinatal period. Screening for psychological health before, during and after pregnancy should be used alongside screening for high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and other modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease," said Sharma.	H01 H02 R01	56
2511-039	Reducing TV Time May Lower Heart Disease Risks Linked To Sedentary Lifestyles	A major analysis has revealed that watching more than one hour of television daily significantly raises the risk of heart-related diseases, particularly for individuals with a genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes. The study emphasizes the importance of reducing sedentary behaviors in preventing cardiovascular issues, highlighting a need for lifestyle changes to mitigate health risks.	American Heart Association	Journal of the American Heart Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Watching no more than one hour of TV a day may lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and other blood vessel diseases among people with varying levels of genetic risk for Type 2 diabetes, including high genetic risk, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. -- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, is caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls and refers to conditions that include heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. -- These conditions may lead to severe consequences, such as compromised quality of life, bypass surgeries, stenting procedures, amputations and premature death. -- This study is one of the first to examine how the genetic risk for Type 2 diabetes may interact with TV viewing in relation to the future risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. -- "Type 2 diabetes and a sedentary lifestyle, including prolonged sitting, are major risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Watching TV, which accounts for more than half of daily sedentary behavior, is consistently associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis. Our study provides new insights into the roles of limiting TV viewing time in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases for everyone and especially in people with a high genetic predisposition for Type 2 diabetes," said Youngwon Kim, Ph.D., lead author of the study and a professor in the School of Public Health at The University of Hong Kong in Pokfulam, Hong Kong. -- This study examined data from a large biomedical database and research resource containing genetic, lifestyle and medical records for 346,916 U.K. adults, average age of 56 years, and 45% male. -- During nearly 14 years of follow-up, the study identified 21,265 people who developed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. -- For each participant, researchers calculated a polygenic risk score for Type 2 diabetes based on 138 genetic variants associated with the condition. -- A polygenic risk score is a statistical method to predict a person's risk of developing a particular disease or condition by combining information from many genetic variants. -- To categorize participants into genotype TV-viewing groups, researchers combined three categories of Type 2 diabetes genetic risk: low, medium and high, with two categories of participants who self-reported through questionnaires: watching TV either one hour or less a day, or two hours or more each day.	R01	57
2512-064	Teen Heart Health Matters: Early Intervention Can Reduce Future Cardiovascular Risks	A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of addressing cardiovascular risk factors during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This critical phase is highlighted as an opportunity for interventions aimed at establishing lifelong heart health, particularly for individuals entering adulthood with existing risk factors.	American Heart Association	Journal of the American Heart Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Many teenagers enter adulthood with significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a key time to address these risk factors and reduce the risk of developing future cardiovascular disease, according to a new American Heart Association scientific statement published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. -- According to the scientific statement, "Cardiovascular Health in the Transition from Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood," emerging adulthood is the period between age 18 and the mid- to late-twenties, when the brain and decision-making ability are still maturing to adult levels. Greater independence and many changes in life circumstances are occurring simultaneously during this time. -- "Emerging adulthood is a time of significant planning, often centered around career development and forming close personal relationships. This pivotal phase is also an ideal time to establish health practices that support lifelong heart health," said Chair of the scientific statement writing group Jewel Scott, Ph.D., R.N., FNP-C, an assistant professor of biobehavioral health and nursing science in the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. -- The scientific statement reviews many of the individual and social challenges to protecting heart health in emerging adults, and it identifies types of interventions that may help. -- Transitions in health care and lifestyle changes -- In childhood and adolescence, there are typically standard occasions to see health care professionals, such as scheduled vaccinations and school or sports check-ups. These visits provide an opportunity to measure weight and blood pressure and check cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They can also open the door to a discussion about maintaining heart health and addressing any concerns before a risk factor is apparent. -- "In the transition from high school to young adulthood, the built-in checkpoints fall off, and young adults may not reengage with care until after they've developed a heart disease risk factor," said Scott. -- Life's Essential 8, the American Heart Association's key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, include several health behaviors (such as eating a healthy diet and getting enough physical activity) that may worsen in emerging adulthood. This period of life usually brings greater responsibilities along with a loss of structures that were in place during adolescence. Becoming more sedentary is common, as is gaining weight. -- "Lots of youth who were very active in high school become less active once the recreational sport or team sport they loved goes away. How to cook is not often taught in high school these days, and we know that people who have more cooking skills are more likely to prepare food at home -- and meals at home tend to have less sodium and to be more balanced than meals at fast food or sit-down restaurants," said Scott. -- Responsibilities related to school, work, commuting and parenting may also make it difficult for young adults to get sufficient sleep, another important factor for optimal heart health.	H01 R01 R02	58
2513-071	Weekend Warriors: Intense Activity Days Can Lead To Health Benefits	New research reveals that a "weekend warrior" approach to physical activity—achieving 150 minutes of exercise in one to two days—can provide similar health benefits to daily workouts. This finding is encouraging for busy individuals who may struggle to fit regular exercise into their week, highlighting that even concentrated bursts of activity can effectively reduce the risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease.	American Heart Association	Journal of the American Heart Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Being physically active for one to two days a week, often called a "weekend warrior," may provide comparable health and life-prolonging benefits as smaller doses of daily physical activity if the physical effort is moderate to vigorous and totals 150 minutes a week in line with recommended guidelines for weekly physical activity, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. -- "You don't need to exercise every day to stay healthy. As long as you get 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week -- whether packed into one to two days or spread out -- you can significantly reduce your risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, cancer or other causes," said study corresponding author Zhi-Hao Li, Ph.D., an epidemiologist in the School of Public Health at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, China. -- "This message is encouraging news for busy people who struggle to fit in daily workouts but can manage a concentrated burst of activity on weekends or over a couple of days," Li said. -- "The research provides reassuring evidence that even sporadic physical activity can have lasting health benefits, making it easier for people to prioritize their well-being amid busy schedules." -- To achieve health benefits, both the World Health Organization and the American Heart Association recommend that throughout a week adults engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous-intensity activity. -- Researchers examined health and physical activity data for more than 93,000 people in a large biomedical database in the U.K. to explore how different physical activity patterns may affect the risk of dying from all causes, specifically cardiovascular disease and cancer. -- They reviewed physical activity data collected from wrist accelerometers, devices that measure movement and are likely more accurate than asking participants about their activity. -- The study categorized the data into three groups: "active weekend warrior" -- people who completed most of their exercise in one or two days; "active regular" -- those who spread their activity throughout the week; and "inactive" -- participants who did not complete the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. -- Compared to the inactive group, the weekend warrior and active regular groups had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer if they completed 150 minutes of physical activity a week. -- The analysis also found:	A01 H01 R01 T01	59
2501-E038	Harvesting Silver Nanoparticles From Goji Berries: An Eco-Friendly Innovation.	Researchers have developed sustainable methods to create silver nanoparticles from goji berries, known for their health benefits. The process involves drying and grinding the berries, followed by a chemical reduction of silver nitrate, presenting an eco-friendly approach to produce antibacterial agents without harmful impacts.	American Institute of Physics	AIP Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	As the search for sustainability permeates all fields, researchers are turning to a unique organic source for creating antibacterial silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) -- the humble goji berry. -- Goji berries are a ubiquitous superfood known for a multitude of health benefits, including their antibiotic properties. -- In research published in AIP Advances, by AIP Publishing, researcher Kamran Alam from Sapienza University of Rome along with others from NED University of Engineering and Technology and King Saud University found an effective way to harvest silver nanoparticles from these berries. -- "Silver nanoparticles are responsible for disrupting the cell membrane structure, which can generate reactive oxygen species used for inhibiting bacterial growth," explained Alam. -- Silver nanoparticles can be generated using a number of chemical techniques, but green solutions that use biological sources like fruit or leaf extracts are preferred because they save on energy and are nontoxic, nonhazardous, and biologically compatible with humans. -- In this interdisciplinary undertaking, Alam and researchers demonstrated a technique for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using store-bought goji berries. -- "Goji berries are easily and locally available in the botanic garden and are rich in bioactive compounds that have natural reducing and stabilizing agents, eliminating the need for additional capping agents during processing," Alam said. -- Alam and the team created silver nanoparticles by drying, grinding, and then filtering the goji berries to create an extract. -- Then, they added chemical silver nitrate (AgNO3) and reduced the solution. -- Using visualization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, the team confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles.	H01	60
2501-T037	Optimizing Autonomous Vehicles: Reducing Aerodynamic Drag From External Sensors	A team of researchers has enhanced the aerodynamic efficiency of autonomous vehicles by optimizing the design of externally mounted sensors. Their work demonstrates a measurable reduction in aerodynamic drag, potentially leading to improved energy consumption and performance in self-driving technologies.	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	Thanks to the rapid progress of information technology and artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been taking off. In fact, AV technology is now advanced enough that the vehicles are being used for logistics delivery and low-speed public transportation. -- While most research has focused on control algorithms to heighten safety, less attention has been directed at improving aerodynamic performance, which is essential for lowering energy consumption and extending driving range. -- As a result, aerodynamic drag issues have been preventing self-driving vehicles from keeping pace with regular vehicle acceleration. -- In Physics of Fluids, from AIP Publishing, researchers from Wuhan University of Technology in Wuhan, China, focused on enhancing the aerodynamic performance of AVs by reducing drag induced by externally mounted sensors such as cameras and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) instruments, which are necessary for AV functionality. -- "Externally mounted sensors significantly increase aerodynamic drag, particularly by increasing the proportion of interference drag within the total aerodynamic drag," said author Yiping Wang. -- "Considering these factors -- the interactions among sensors and the impact of geometric dimensions on interference drag -- it is essential to perform a comprehensive optimization of the sensors during the design phase." -- The researchers used a combination of computational and experimental methods. -- After establishing an automated computational platform, they combined the experimental design with a substitute model and an optimization algorithm to improve the structural shapes of AV sensors. -- Finally, they performed simulations of both the baseline and optimized models, analyzing the effects of drag reduction and examining the improvements in the aerodynamic performance of the optimized model. -- They used a wind tunnel experiment to validate the reliability of their findings.	R01 T01	61
2502-032	Plant-Based Cheese Innovations Aim For Better Texture And Health Benefits For Vegan Options	Scientists at the University of Guelph are making strides in the development of plant-based cheeses that closely resemble traditional dairy options while offering enhanced health benefits. By studying the interactions between plant proteins and fat matrices, researchers aim to replicate the texture and flavor of real cheese, providing a healthier, sustainable alternative that meets the growing demand for plant-based food products.	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	Plant-based dairy products are a great alternative for people who avoid animal products, but manufacturers have a hard time replicating the creamy, cheesy qualities that make dairy so indulgent. -- Scientists from the University of Guelph in Ontario and Canadian Light Source Inc. -- in Saskatchewan are working to produce plant-based cheese with all the characteristics of real cheese, but with better health benefits. -- In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers studied multiple types of plant-based proteins and how they interact with alternative cheese scaffolds. -- "If you wanted to strictly only eat plant-based products, you would end up eating a lot of beans and tofu, which can be little bit boring after a while," said author Alejandro Marangoni. -- "Now, consumers expect essentially the same animal product but with plant-based ingredients, which is very difficult." -- To create a cheesy product with the same texture as the real thing, scientists need to study a variety of physical attributes such as the melting, stretching, and oil-release upon grilling and heating. -- "The behavior of milk proteins and meat proteins is reasonably well understood, but knowledge about the functionality of plant proteins is lacking," Marangoni said. -- "There is also a huge variety of different plant proteins, each one very different from one another." -- Previous research concluded that a blend of 25% coconut oil, 75% sunflower oil, and pea protein created a desirable cheese texture.	H01 N01 N02	62
2502-033	New Techniques Enhance Single-DNA Imaging, Paving The Way For Genetic Research Advancements	Research from Nagoya University has introduced innovative imaging techniques that allow for the precise stretching and immobilization of DNA, enabling detailed analysis at the molecular level. By utilizing super-resolution techniques and microfluidics control, scientists have minimized thermal fluctuations in DNA, paving the way for improved imaging resolution and a deeper understanding of DNA structure and function.	American Institute of Physics	AIP Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Most microscopes can only illuminate objects down to a certain size before tiny features blur together. This blurring is known as the diffraction limit of light. Super-resolution imaging techniques, however, can distinguish between tiny biomolecular features, especially when thermal fluctuations are minimized. -- Using advanced imaging techniques and precise microfluidics control to stretch out curly DNA into a straight line, research published this week in AIP Advances, from AIP Publishing, demonstrates techniques for stretching and immobilizing DNA with minimum thermal fluctuation to enable detailed analysis. -- "Immobilizing the molecule essentially 'glues' it to a substrate, preventing any movement caused by thermal fluctuations," author Naoki Azuma said. -- "Super-resolution imaging often requires just seconds or minutes to capture the image. During this time, thermal fluctuations -- random vibrations caused by the molecule's thermal energy -- result in blurry images and decreased lateral resolution." -- Researchers have previously tried sticking down one end of a DNA molecule to stretch it out, but found that the thermal fluctuations could still cause movement and blurring. -- "Stretching DNA refers to the process of stretching a single DNA molecule, which is originally coiled in a random coil, into a straight line," Azuma said. -- "The length and structure of a single DNA molecule, its specific base sequence, and its interactions with proteins must be observed by stretching it for detailed analysis." -- Azuma and his colleagues at Nagoya University experimented with ways to uncurl a DNA molecule using pressure applied to liquid flowing in a channel, with the pressure flow providing shear force that uncurled the DNA molecule. -- They found that controlling the flow velocity of the liquid helps fine-tune the shear force applied and allows precise adjustments of the stretch ratio of the DNA. -- Controlling the stretch ratio was a key factor for accurate analysis.	A01 T01	63
2503-051	Exploring Viral Behavior In George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards Universe Through Physics	A unique collaboration has produced a Lagrangian formula to describe the viral dynamics within the Wild Cards series by George R.R. Martin. This research, led by physicist Ian Tregillis, integrates scientific principles with fiction, providing an educational tool that illustrates how an alien virus can mutate human DNA, thus bridging the gap between science and storytelling.	American Institute of Physics	American Journal of Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Many science fiction authors try to incorporate scientific principles into their work, but Ian Tregillis, who is a contributing author of the Wild Cards book series when he's not working as a physicist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, took it one step further: He derived a formula to describe the dynamics of the fictional universe's viral system. -- In independent research published in the American Journal of Physics, from AIP Publishing, Tregillis and George R.R. Martin derive a formula for viral behavior in the Wild Cards universe. -- Wild Cards is a science fiction series written by a collection of authors and edited by Martin and Melinda M. Snodgrass. -- Sitting at over 30 volumes, the books are about an alien virus called the Wild Card that mutates human DNA. -- Martin is credited as a co-author of the paper, making it his first peer-reviewed physics publication. -- The idea to explore the science behind the fictional virus came from a series of blog posts on the Wild Cards website. -- "Like any physicist, I started with back-of-the-envelope estimates, but then I went off the deep end. Eventually I suggested, only half-jokingly, that it might be easier to write a genuine physics paper than another blog post," Tregillis said. -- "Being a theoretician, I couldn't help but wonder if a simple underlying model might tidy up the canon." -- The formula he derived is a Lagrangian formulation, which considers the different ways a system can evolve. -- It's also a fundamental physics principle, which also makes the fictional example a powerful teaching tool.	R01 N02	64
2503-E030	Eco-Friendly Paper Sensors Offer Affordable Monitoring For Crop Production	Innovative paper-based sensors developed by researchers at Auburn University provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for monitoring temperature and humidity in agricultural settings. These sensors, created by printing silver lines on paper, accurately measure environmental conditions, which is vital for optimizing crop production and storage. As agriculture faces challenges from climate change, these smart sensors represent a significant advancement towards sustainable practices that enhance food security and reduce waste.	American Institute of Physics	Journal of Laser Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	Greenhouses and open farms that welcome visitors to purchase locally grown produce and meat have become increasingly important to food productivity. Not only are farmers looking for ways to monitor conditions to help improve greenhouse crop growth and yield, but keeping harvested food fresh in storage conditions is also a major concern. Smart sensor technology, monitoring and controlling temperature and humidity, plays an essential role in producing enough food to meet the ever-increasing demand for the worldwide population. -- In Journal of Laser Applications, by AIP Publishing, researchers at Auburn University in Alabama presented paper-based temperature and humidity sensors that are accurate and reliable, as well as eco-friendly. -- Measuring temperature and humidity in a variety of crop-growing circumstances has prompted the development of numerous sensors, but ensuring these devices are effective while remaining environmentally friendly and cost-effective is a challenge. -- "In recent years, agriculture has been hit heavily by drastic changes in environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, thereby driving the urgency for innovative solutions to enhance productivity and improve quality with minimal environmental impact," said author Masoud Mahjouri-Samani. -- Flexible electronics and sensors are quickly and easily manufactured. -- The print technologies used in producing these sensors include methods such as aerosol-jet printing, inkjet printing, gravure printing, and screen printing. -- Due to the liquid nature of these techniques and their incompatibility with biodegradable base materials, most printing is done on nonbiodegradable plastics. -- Paper is an excellent alternative to these traditional plastic materials. -- Its cellulose fibers provide a porous surface, and it is biodegradable and abundant. -- The research team created temperature and humidity sensors by printing silver lines on four types of commercially available paper through a process called dry additive nanomanufacturing.	H01 C01 T01	65
2503-T013	Scientists Discover Why Salt Rings Form In Pasta Cooking	Scientists have investigated the curious circular salt deposits that form in pasta pans, uncovering the physical mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Inspired by a simple observation, researchers from the University of Twente and INRAE designed experiments to explore how various salt grain sizes and water conditions affect these deposits. Their findings, published in Physics of Fluids, not only elucidate this everyday occurrence but also provide insight into crystallization processes relevant to various scientific fields.	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	If you've ever tossed a generous pinch of salt into your pasta pan's water for flavor or as an attempt to make it boil faster, you've likely ended up with a whitish ring of deposits inside the pan. -- A group of scientists from the University of Twente in the Netherlands and the French National Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment (INRAE), inspired by this observation during an evening of board games and pasta dinner, wondered what it would take to create the most beautiful salt ring inside the pasta pan: Would you need to throw in small salt grains or large ones? -- In what quantity and how fast? Is there an optimal amount of water inside the pan? -- In Physics of Fluids, from AIP Publishing, the group reports their findings about what causes these peculiar salt particle cloud deposits to form. -- Their experiment is simple to set up, easily reproducible, and inexpensive. -- "By the end of our meal, we'd sketched an experimental protocol and written a succession of experiments we wanted to try on my youngest son's small whiteboard," said Mathieu Souzy. -- "It was a great overall experience, because we soon realized our simple observation of daily life conceals a rich variety of physical mechanisms!" -- So what's really going on within the pan? When a single particle is released into a tank of water, it settles to the bottom due to gravity and creates a small wake drag that perturbs the flow of water around it. -- "If a large number of particles are released at the same time, neighboring particles experience this flow perturbation generated by all surrounding particles," said Souzy. -- "It causes sedimenting (falling) particles to be progressively shifted horizontally, which leads to an expanding circular distribution of the particles."	H01	66
2504-039	New Platform Separates Tumor Cells With Unprecedented Precision And Efficiency Using Acoustic Waves	Researchers have proposed a cutting-edge system that utilizes standing surface acoustic waves to precisely separate circulating tumor cells from red blood cells, aiming to enhance cancer diagnostics. This innovative approach combines computational modeling, experimental analysis, and AI algorithms, showcasing a promising avenue for improving cancer detection methods.	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	Cancer accounted for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020 -- almost one in every six deaths globally -- according to the World Health Organization. Because the detection of abnormal diseased cellular growth often occurs too late, timely cancer diagnosis remains one of humanity's most pressing and elusive medical objectives. Recent research has focused on the detection in peripheral blood of rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which serve as noninvasive markers that can help inform diagnoses. -- It is inherently difficult to separate controllable target cells to examine. -- Traditional methods typically require elaborate sample preparation, substantial equipment, and large sample volumes -- and even then, it is not easy to efficiently separate the cells in question. -- In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, a pair of researchers at the K. N. Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, proposed a novel system that uses standing surface acoustic waves to separate CTCs from red blood cells with unprecedented precision and efficiency. -- The platform that Afshin Kouhkord and Naser Naserifar developed integrates advanced computational modeling, experimental analysis, and artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze complex acoustofluidic phenomena. -- "We combined machine learning algorithms with data-driven modeling and computational data to fine-tune a system for optimal recovery rates and cell separation rates," said Naserifar. -- "Our system achieves 100% recovery at optimal conditions, with significant reductions in energy consumption through precise control of acoustic pressures and flow rates." -- As various ways of enriching particles through microfluidics have emerged, those that employ acoustofluidics are especially promising because they are biocompatible, generate high-force magnitudes at MPa pressure ranges, and produce cell-scale wavelengths. -- With their particular method, the researchers included an innovative use of dualized pressure acoustic fields, which doubles the impact on target cells, and strategically located them at critical channel geometry positions on a lithium niobate substrate. -- By means of acoustic pressure applied within the microchannel, the system design provides for the generation of reliable datasets that illustrate cell interaction times and trajectory patterns, which will help predict tumor cell migration.	R01 T01	67
2505-060	Automated Voice Analysis Successfully Diagnoses Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders In One Minute	Researchers have developed machine learning tools that can diagnose co-occurring anxiety and depressive disorders in just one minute using voice analysis. This innovative approach employs acoustic signals from a verbal fluency test to screen for these common mental health conditions. The findings highlight the potential of automated tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility, particularly in the context of the ongoing mental health crisis exacerbated by the pandemic.	American Institute of Physics	JASA Express Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Cornell University researchers have developed a recyclable alternative to a durable class of plastics used for items like car tires, replacement hip joints and bowling balls. -- Known as thermosets, this type of plastic boasts a "crosslinked polymer" chemical structure that guarantees longevity but has also made these petrochemical-based materials -- which comprise 15%-20% of all polymers produced -- impossible to recycle. -- "Currently, zero percent of the world's thermoset materials are recycled -- they're either incinerated or thrown in landfills," said Brett Fors, professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Cornell. -- The Fors lab has addressed that environmental challenge by creating an alternative made from a bio-sourced material that has crosslinked thermosets' durability and malleability but can be easily recycled and degraded. -- "The whole process, from creating to reusing, is more environmentally friendly than current materials," said Reagan Dreiling, a doctoral student in the field of chemistry and first author of the paper, which published in Nature. -- The Fors group studies dihydrofuran (DHF), a monomer -- or chemical building block -- that can be made from biological materials and has the potential to eventually compete with petroleum-based feedstocks. -- Dreiling used DHF, a circular monomer with a double bond, as a building block for two successive polymerizations, the second of which results in a crosslinked polymer that can be recycled through heating and will degrade naturally in the environment. -- DHF thermosets show comparable properties to commercial thermosets, including high-density polyurethane (used in electronics instruments, packaging and footwear, for example) and ethylene propylene rubber (used in garden hoses and automotive weatherstripping). -- In contrast to current petrochemical thermosets, the DHF-based materials offer a circular economy of use, Fors said. -- Chemically recyclable, the material can be made back into its building block monomer and used again from scratch.	H02 R01	68
2505-062	Classical Music May Calm Fetal Heart Rates And Support Developmental Benefits	New research indicates that classical music can positively influence fetal heart rates, potentially aiding in developmental outcomes. By studying the heart rate responses of fetuses to classical compositions, researchers employed mathematical analysis to identify patterns in heart rate variability. The findings suggest that listening to music during pregnancy may offer calming effects, thereby fostering a supportive environment for fetal growth and development.	American Institute of Physics	Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Reducing sulphur in the air may inadvertently increase natural emissions of methane from wetlands such as peatlands and swamps, a new study has found. -- The findings published today in the journal Science Advances suggests that the decline of global sulphur emissions as the result of clean air policies, coupled with the warming and fertilization effects of carbon dioxide emissions lifts a lid on wetland methane production resulting in increased emissions. -- The resulting additional future release of 20-34 million tonnes of methane each year from natural wetlands would mean targets to reduce human-caused emissions need to be more stringent than currently set out in the Global Methane Pledge. -- Methane, which is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in trapping heat in the atmosphere, is produced in wetlands around the world. -- Sulphur (in the form of sulphate) has a very specific effect in natural wetlands that reduces methane emissions, while CO2 increases methane production by increasing growth in plants that make the food for methane-producing microbes. -- Professor Vincent Gauci from the University of Birmingham and a senior author of the study said: -- "Well-meaning policies aimed at reducing atmospheric sulphur appear to be having the unintended consequence of lifting this sulphur 'lid' on wetland methane production. This coupled with increased CO2 means we have a double whammy effect that pushes emissions much higher. -- "How has this happened? Put simply, sulphur provides the conditions for one set of bacteria to outmuscle another set of microbes that produce methane when they compete over the limited food available in wetlands. Under the conditions of acid rain sulphur pollution during the past century, this was enough to reduce wetland methane emissions by up to 8%. -- "Now that clean air policies have been introduced, the unfortunate consequence of reducing sulphur deposition, which does have important and welcome effects for the world's ecosystems, is that we will need to work much harder than we thought to stay within the safe climate limits set out in the Paris agreement." -- More than 150 nations signed up to the Global Methane Pledge at COP26 in Glasgow, which seeks to reduce human-caused emissions of methane by 30% on a 2020 baseline, by 2030.	H01 R01	69
2507-061	Rapid Environmental Changes Can Threaten Daisyworld Ecosystem, Study Reveals	A new mathematical model has revealed the susceptibility of ecosystems to rapid environmental changes, emphasizing a phenomenon called rate-induced tipping. Researchers demonstrated this vulnerability using Daisyworld, a simplistic ecological model. Their findings indicate that even minor but swift changes in temperature could lead to the extinction of daisies, highlighting the fragility of ecosystems and the potential for sudden collapses despite apparent resilience.	American Institute of Physics	American Institute of Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine a world filled only with daisies. Light-colored daisies reflect sunlight, cooling down the planet, while darker daisies absorb sunlight, warming it up. Together, these two types of daisies work to regulate the planet's temperature, making the world more habitable for all of them. -- And yet, even in this flowery paradise, a simple change can cause the entire ecosystem to collapse. -- In Chaos, by AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College Cork found that this simple daisy-filled ecological model was vulnerable to collapse after experiencing relatively small, but rapid, changes to the environment. -- The hypothetical planet full of daisies is more than an idle curiosity. -- It has a name -- Daisyworld -- and was invented in the 1980s as a model to help scientists understand how organisms could help regulate their environment. -- Since then, researchers have used it to explore topics like biodiversity and climate change. -- "The Daisyworld model is a classic thought experiment regarding the co-evolution of life and the environment and has been widely used in the teaching of Earth system science," said author Constantin Arnscheidt. -- Because of its basic and fundamental nature, the authors wanted to use it to study the idea of ecological tipping points, points of no return beyond which an ecosystem is doomed to collapse. -- This can occur if the environment gets too extreme, but it can also happen if the environment changes too fast. -- This second type of tipping point is what they were interested in.	C01	70
2508-E021	Antibacterial Surfaces Inspired By Nature: Innovation In Meat Processing Hygiene	Researchers have developed antibacterial surfaces using laser-textured metal inspired by shark skin and cicada wings, offering a solution to bacterial buildup in meat processing. By creating micro- and nanoscale textures, this technique prevents microbial attachment, addressing a significant challenge in maintaining clean work surfaces. The findings provide insights into innovative antimicrobial strategies that could enhance food safety in industrial settings.	American Institute of Physics	Journal of Laser Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	Keeping work surfaces clean during meat processing is a challenge. Bacteria from meat can attach, grow, and build up to create a biofilm that is difficult to remove, even on stainless steel surfaces used in industrial facilities. It can also aggregate, clumping together into an invisible mass that is stronger than individual cells, making it harder to kill using food-grade antibacterial surface cleaners. -- In a paper published this week in Journal of Laser Applications, from AIP Publishing and the Laser Institute of America, researchers from the Hopkirk Research Institute, New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre, and Applied Technologies Group in New Zealand deliver key insights into a solution that could replace the current practice altogether: Instead of constantly battling to prevent bacteria buildup, they created surfaces that stop bacteria from attaching in the first place. -- "Antimicrobial interventions currently approved and used commercially have a limited capacity to reduce well-established bacterial biofilms and spores, and complete decontamination is rarely achieved," author Sebastiampillai Raymond said. -- Using lasers to etch and alter the surface of the metal, Raymond and his colleagues were able to create micro- or nanoscale textures that make it difficult for microbial cells to attach to the surface. -- The technique, known as laser-induced surface texturing, also alters the metal's water-repellent properties, a key factor impacting bacterial growth. -- "Laser-textured surfaces possess antibacterial properties, because they physically disrupt bacterial adhesion, growth, and proliferation," Raymond said. -- "These nanoscale and microscale surface textures mimic natural antimicrobial surfaces, such as those found on cicada wings and shark skin." -- The researchers discovered the laser-texturing technique is highly effective for carefully controlling and tuning textures on metal. -- Different bacteria can be targeted using specific textures designed around the shape of the bacterial cells, making it particularly difficult for those cells to attach to the surface. -- They are also working on developing machine learning models that could help manufacturers optimize and automate laser surface texturing.	H01 R01 T01	71
2509-E047	Solar Activity Influences Earth’s Temperature: Could Improve Earthquake Forecasts	Researchers propose that incorporating solar activity predictions into climate models may enhance earthquake forecasting accuracy. By analyzing correlations between solar heat, Earth temperatures, and seismic activity, they aim to improve understanding of how climatic factors influence geological events and potentially enhance disaster preparedness.	American Institute of Physics	Chaos: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Seismology has revealed much of the basics about earthquakes: Tectonic plates move, causing strain energy to build up, and that energy eventually releases in the form of an earthquake. As for forecasting them, however, there's still much to learn in order to evacuate cities before catastrophes like the 2011 magnitude 9.0 Tohoku earthquake that, in addition to causing a tsunami that led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, resulted in more than 18,000 deaths. -- In recent years, research has focused on a possible correlation between the sun or moon and seismic activity on Earth, with some studies pointing to tidal forces or electromagnetic effects interacting with the planet's crust, core, and mantle. -- In Chaos, by AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Tsukuba and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan explored the likelihood that Earth's climate, as affected by solar heat, plays a role. -- The study builds on one that a pair of the researchers had published in the same journal in 2022; that study connected solar activity, particularly sunspot numbers, with seismic systems on Earth to establish a causal effect. -- "Solar heat drives atmospheric temperature changes, which in turn can affect things like rock properties and underground water movement," said author Matheus Henrique Junqueira Saldanha. -- "Such fluctuations can make rocks more brittle and prone to fracturing, for example -- and changes in rainfall and snowmelt can alter the pressure on tectonic plate boundaries. While these factors may not be the main drivers of earthquakes, they could still be playing a role that can help to predict seismic activity." -- Using mathematical and computational methods, the researchers analyzed earthquake data alongside solar activity records and surface temperatures on Earth. -- Among other findings, they observed that when they included Earth surface temperatures into their model, the forecasting became more accurate, especially for shallow earthquakes. -- "That makes sense, since heat and water mostly affect the upper layers of the Earth's crust," said Junqueira Saldanha. -- The findings suggest the transfer of solar heat to the surface of the Earth does affect seismic activity, however minutely, and that incorporating solar activity predictions into detailed Earth temperature models may help issue earthquake forecasts.	C01	72
2510-E060	Neural Network Rapidly Identifies Fish Sounds, Revolutionizing Coral Reef Research	A study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution introduces a neural network that identifies fish activity through sound on coral reefs, significantly increasing the speed and efficiency of acoustic monitoring. This innovation could enhance research and conservation efforts by providing real-time insights into fish populations and reef ecosystems.	American Institute of Physics	The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America	Press Rel	PubMed	In JASA, researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution combine acoustic monitoring with a neural network to identify fish activity on coral reefs by sound. They trained the network to sort through the deluge of acoustic data automatically, analyzing audio recordings in real time. Their algorithm can match the accuracy of human experts in deciphering acoustical trends on a reef, but it can do so more than 25 times faster, and it could change the way ocean monitoring and research is conducted. -- Coral reefs are some of the world's most diverse ecosystems. -- Despite making up less than 1% of the world's oceans, one quarter of all marine species spend some portion of their life on a reef. -- With so much life in one spot, researchers can struggle to gain a clear understanding of which species are present and in what numbers. -- In JASA, published on behalf of the Acoustical Society of America by AIP Publishing, researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution combined acoustic monitoring with a neural network to identify fish activity on coral reefs by sound. -- For years, researchers have used passive acoustic monitoring to track coral reef activity. -- Typically, an acoustic recorder would be deployed underwater, where it would spend months recording audio from a reef. -- Existing signal processing tools can be used to analyze large batches of acoustic data at a time, but they cannot be used to find specific sounds -- to do that, scientists usually need to go through all that data by hand. -- "But for the people that are doing that, it's awful work, to be quite honest," said author Seth McCammon. -- "It's incredibly tedious work. It's miserable."	N01	73
2512-E029	Ethical Foie Gras Created Without Force-Feeding Ducks Or Geese	Ethical Foie Gras Created Without Force-Feeding Ducks Or Geese	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	Foie gras is a unique delicacy made from the liver of a duck or goose. While it can be an acquired taste, the buttery, fatty dish is an indulgent cuisine prized in many parts of the world. -- Foie gras is distinct from regular fowl liver thanks to its high fat content, which is traditionally achieved by force-feeding the ducks and geese beyond their normal diets. -- Researcher Thomas Vilgis is a lover of foie gras, but he wondered if there was a more ethical way to enjoy the dish. -- In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, Vilgis, as well as researchers from Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and the University of Southern Denmark, created a process to replicate the delicious dish without force-feeding. -- "It was always a dream to make foie gras more accessible and better for animal welfare," Vilgis said. -- "It's good to stop these force-feeding practices -- or at least reduce them." -- To Vilgis and his team, it was important not to add external ingredients or additives to the foie gras. -- They tried adding cooked collagen from the bird's skin and bones to the liver and fat emulsion after it was harvested, but that didn't leave them with the correct consistency. -- They then came up with the idea of trying to treat the fat with the bird's own lipases, which are enzymes that help digest fat in the body, mimicking the activities that occur naturally in the duck's body. -- "At the end of the process, it allows the fat to recrystallize into the large crystals which form aggregates like the ones we see in the original foie gras," Vilgis said.	H01 R01 C01 N01	74
2512-T010	Optimal Vegan Butter Discovered For Perfect Scottish Shortbread	Optimal Vegan Butter Discovered For Perfect Scottish Shortbread	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	Butter is a key ingredient in many baked goods, but for those who are lactose intolerant, finding a good alternative can be a challenge. Vegan butters can sometimes have the wrong consistency, or produce bakes that are not quite right, leaving bakers frustrated or unwilling to try dairy-free alternatives. -- In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Strathclyde examined the properties of several vegan or dairy-free butter alternatives inside one of the region's most well-known snacks: Scottish shortbread. -- "We have a Ph.D. student in the group who is a vegan, and he turns all of our baking habits upside down," said author Juliane Simmchen. -- "One day I bought some vegan butter alternatives, and I thought, 'This doesn't look anything like it should.'" -- Perplexed by the difference in consistency, Simmchen and her colleagues decided to test these alternatives using the equipment in their lab. -- They selected three types of vegan butter substitutes with different levels of fat and compared their consistencies and responses to heat. -- Following those experiments, they moved on to taste testing with actual biscuits. -- The researchers gathered a few dozen volunteers to sample shortbread cookies baked with dairy butter and the vegan alternatives. -- Their goal was to find the vegan butter that produced a biscuit closest to the traditional shortbread, and here there was a clear winner. -- "When comparing the vegan alternatives, the one with the highest fat content gave the most positive results from the testers," said Simmchen.	N02	75
2513-T005	Plant-Based Alternatives To Gelatin Show Promise For Food, Drugs, And Packaging	A study from the University of Ottawa introduces gum tragacanth as a viable plant-based alternative to gelatin for creating edible films. The research identifies an optimal 3-to-1 ratio of gum tragacanth to gelatin, showcasing potential environmental benefits by reducing reliance on animal-derived products, while acknowledging the need for further advancements to fully replace gelatin.	American Institute of Physics	Physics of Fluids	Press Rel	PubMed	With increased awareness about food sources and their environmental impacts, replacing animal-derived products in food and drugs is a significant research area. One common -- but often overlooked -- animal protein is gelatin, found everywhere from candy to plastic-free packaging. -- In Physics of Fluids, by AIP Publishing, researchers from the University of Ottawa present gum tragacanth as a plant-based alternative to gelatin for creating edible films. -- "Gelatin has unique properties and its use is versatile," said author Ezgi Pulatsu. -- "To fully replace gelatin, we must replicate its microstructure and understand its function in different applications." -- Gelatin's gel-like structure and its transparency are just two of its qualities that a plant-based alternative must replicate. -- Gum tragacanth, a byproduct of the sap in certain legume plants, is promising in both of these characteristics. -- To test just how promising it is, Pulatsu's team developed films containing different concentrations of gelatin and gum tragacanth -- some constructed with alternating layers, others a mixture of the two -- and monitored their survivability in water and saline solutions. -- They found the optimal combination of gum tragacanth and gelatin for maintaining the gelatin's gel-like behavior was a 3-to-1 ratio of the two, respectively. -- However, gum tragacanth's inclusion leads to a more porous film, making it prone to penetration by water or saline solutions. -- Though gum tragacanth cannot replace gelatin completely just yet, the researchers continue their work on developing a fully plant-based alternative.	A01 H01 N01 N02	76
2502-E009	Volcanic Ash Analysis Suggests Magma Composition Drives Tremors, Enhancing Eruption Monitoring Tools	A study analyzing volcanic ash from the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands suggests that magma composition could influence volcanic tremors and serve as a monitoring tool for eruption forecasting. By enhancing our understanding of volcanic activity, these findings may improve risk assessment and preparedness for future eruptions, ultimately safeguarding communities affected by volcanic hazards.	American Museum of Natural History	Nature Geoscience	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study based on the sampling and analysis of volcanic ash at Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands, located off Africa's northwest coast, suggests that the composition of magma could drive tremors during volcanic eruptions. The findings, which are detailed today in the journal Nature Geoscience in a paper led by scientists at the American Museum of Natural History and the City University of New York (CUNY), highlight the potential of volcanic ash analysis as a monitoring and forecasting tool. -- "The volcano research community has gotten much better in recent years at forecasting the start of a volcanic eruption, but it's still hard to predict eruption style and duration," said study co-author Samantha Tramontano, a Kathryn W. Davis Postdoctoral Fellow at the Museum. -- "If our findings hold true for other volcanoes, we might be able to monitor interior magma properties from the surface of an eruption, and that could be very important for hazard assessment." -- In September 2021, after lying dormant for 50 years, the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma island, in Spain's Canary Islands, erupted, causing the evacuation of thousands of residents. -- Over the next 85 days, it destroyed more than 3,000 buildings and hundreds of acres of farmland. -- Tramontano and her advisor at the time, CUNY's Marc-Antoine Longpré, set up a system to collect near-daily samples of ashfall during the three-month eruption with help from colleagues at the Instituto Volcanológico de Canarias and the Instituto Geográfico Nacional. -- The samples, which captured 94 percent of the eruption timeline, were sent back to the Museum for chemical analysis of the glass within the ash, which originated from the rapidly cooled magma being ejected from the volcano, using an electron microprobe. -- The resulting dataset was a daily time series of the composition of the liquid part of the magma, the first of its kind. -- The study revealed changes in the amount of silica in the samples, a compound that makes magma more viscous. -- More viscous magma is usually associated with more explosive eruptions.	Z01	77
2502-039	Study Shows Evolving Trends In ADHD Diagnoses Among Adolescents And Adults From 2020-2023	New research has uncovered divergent trends in ADHD diagnoses among adolescents and adults, revealing an increase in adult diagnoses from 2020 to 2023. This study highlights the shifting landscape of ADHD awareness and management, underscoring the importance of continued research into adult ADHD and its implications for treatment across different age groups.	American Psychiatric Association	Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice	Press Rel	PubMed	New research identifies differing trends in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses among adolescents and adults, including an increase among adults from 2020 to 2023. The study, published in the American Psychiatric Association Journal Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice, found a significant downward trends in ADHD incidence among adults from 2016 to 2020 and adolescents from 2016 to 2018. The ADHD incidence rate remained stable for adolescents in subsequent years. -- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with a person's functioning and ability to perform daily activities, including at school or work. -- ADHD is often viewed as a condition primarily impacting childhood and adolescence; however, it can also affect adults. -- Research on the prevalence of ADHD in adults remains limited, with findings varying considerably. -- The large retrospective cohort study, conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University and SSM Health, involved more than 140,000 adolescents and adult patients who used services with a large healthcare system located in four states. -- New ADHD diagnoses were identified using patient charts. Regression analysis was used to determine incidence rates and trends in ADHD diagnoses by age group. -- They found a significant downward trend in ADHD incidence among adults from 2016 to 2020 and an upward trend from 2020 to 2023. -- Among adolescents, a significant downward trend was observed between 2016 and 2018, and the incidence rate remained stable between 2018 and 2023. -- "Fluctuations in incidence rates are likely due to a complex interplay of various factors," the authors write. -- For example, increased awareness and destigmatization of ADHD can lead to more diagnoses.	H01	78
2504-070	Optimistic Views Encourage Saving Money, Especially Among Lower-Income Individuals	A recent study indicates that optimism about the future can significantly enhance savings behaviors, particularly among individuals with lower incomes. Published by the American Psychological Association, the research found that those exhibiting higher levels of dispositional optimism tended to save more over time. This challenges the notion that optimism might lead to financial irresponsibility and suggests it functions as a valuable psychological asset, especially during economically challenging times.	American Psychological Association	Journal of Personality and Social Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Being optimistic about the future may help people save more money, and the effect appears strongest among those with lower incomes, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. -- The study found that people who scored higher on measures of "dispositional optimism" -- the tendency to expect positive outcomes -- saved more money over time compared with their less optimistic peers. -- The research was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. -- "We often think of optimism as rose-colored glasses that might lead people to save less for the future," said lead author Joe Gladstone, PhD, of the University of Colorado Boulder. -- "But our research suggests optimism may actually be an important psychological resource that helps people save, especially when facing economic hardship." -- Gladstone and his colleague Justin Pomerance, PhD, of the University of New Hampshire, analyzed data from eight large population surveys in the U.S., the U.K., and 14 European countries, with more than 140,000 total participants. -- All the surveys included some measure of participants' optimism, asking participants to rate their agreement with statements such as "I'm always optimistic about my future," "Overall, I expect more good things to happen to me than bad," or "In uncertain times, I usually expect the best." The surveys also asked participants to report their income, savings, and in some cases total assets. -- Three of the surveys were cross-sectional, meaning that participants were surveyed at one point in time. -- Five were longitudinal, in which participants were surveyed more than once over a period of years. -- Across all the surveys, the researchers found that participants who were more optimistic reported having more savings, on average.	Z01	79
2506-079	Satire's Impact: Is It More Damaging To Reputations Than Direct Criticism?	Impact of Satire on Reputation: A new study finds that satire, often perceived as humorous, can be more damaging to individuals' reputations than straightforward criticism. By analyzing viewers' perceptions of satirical content related to public figures, researchers highlighted how satire can dehumanize targets, leading to negative generalizations that affect public opinion.	American Psychological Association	Journal of Experimental Psychology: General	Press Rel	PubMed	In our digital times as we are inundated with YouTube videos, memes and social media, satire is everywhere, but it can be more damaging to people's reputations than direct criticism, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. -- Seemingly innocuous satire may be more harmful than direct criticism because it can dehumanize people and reduce them to caricatures, the study found. The research was published online in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. -- "Most people think satire is just humorous and playful, but dehumanization exists on a spectrum and can include things like forgetting that others have complex emotions and feelings," said lead researcher Hooria Jazaieri, PhD, an assistant professor of management at Santa Clara University. "We can take a small piece of humorous criticism and make generalizations about other aspects of a person, which may or may not be true." -- In one experiment, 1,311 participants viewed YouTube videos that were either satirical or critical of some famous athletes, musicians, TV personalities, or business figures. For example, some videos featured former NFL quarterback Tom Brady's suspension over the "Deflategate" scandal or Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the Cambridge Analytica personal data sharing scandal. -- Participants who viewed either the satirical or critical videos viewed them as equally critical of the targets, but the viewers of the satirical videos had more negative perceptions about the target's reputation. -- A similar experiment with 373 participants using memes about Gwyneth Paltrow's skiing accident and lawsuit had similar findings. -- In another experiment, 299 participants viewed a satirical meme, a critical meme, or just a photo of soccer manager Jose Mourinho, who had been fired several times from different teams. Both the satirical and critical memes were more damaging than the photo, but participants who viewed the satirical meme had the most negative perceptions of Mourinho. -- While satire is often aimed at celebrities, it can be just as damaging for reputations of lesser-known or even fictitious people, according to the study. Specifically, another experiment that replaced Mourinho's name and photo with the fictitious "Steve Randall" in the same memes had similar findings, with the satirical meme wielding the most reputational damage. -- A final experiment found that imagining a brief positive interaction with the targets of satire or criticism can lessen negative perceptions of their reputations by humanizing them. -- "Humor, laughter and even criticism have positive benefits and serve important functions in society," Jazaieri said. "Hopefully, when someone is a target of satire, we will notice if we are engaging in some kind of dehumanization or assumptions about the person that may not be true."	A01	80
2509-018	Human Artists Outperform AI In Creating Engaging Artwork	Research indicates that professional artists generate more creatively compelling AI-assisted artwork than AI algorithms or novice artists, affirming the unique value of human creativity. As AI continues to evolve, the study prompts reflection on the essence of creativity and its relationship with personal experience, showcasing the enduring advantages of skilled artists in the creative landscape.	American Psychological Association	Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts	Press Rel	PubMed	In the rapidly developing contest between human creativity and artificial intelligence algorithms, professional artists still have an edge in producing more creative AI-assisted artwork than the AI programs themselves or novice artists, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. -- The rapid advancement of AI raises some existential questions about the nature of creativity, said lead researcher Paul Seli, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. -- "Creativity has long been considered a uniquely human ability that is tied to personal experiences, emotions and the drive to communicate meaning," he said. -- "But now that AI can generate complex, aesthetically compelling artwork, we have to ask if human creativity still holds a distinct edge or is AI fundamentally changing the way we think about creative expression?" -- At least for now, professional artists still have the upper hand, according to the study findings, which were published online in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. -- The researchers selected 15 professional artists with more than five years of experience and 15 people with little or no artistic training. -- All of the participants wrote prompts of up to 15 words each that were entered in the DALL-E 3 AI program to generate artwork images. -- The same instructions for creating a prompt also were entered 15 times in the ChatGPT AI program to create prompts that also were used to generate artwork images in DALL-E 3. -- Another group of 299 online participants viewed all 45 of the generated artwork images and rated them on creativity. -- Artwork created with prompts by the professional artists was rated as significantly more creative than the AI-generated artwork, followed by the novice artists' work in last place.	A01 T01	81
2510-E062	Retiring Abroad: The Hidden Risk Of Loneliness For Older Adults	While many retirees seek sunny, affordable countries for their golden years, new research suggests they may encounter heightened feelings of loneliness compared to those who remain at home. Despite initial happiness, adapting to new cultures can create barriers to meaningful connections, emphasizing the importance of community in the overall well-being of retirees living abroad.	American Psychological Association	Psychology and Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people dream of retiring to a warmer, less expensive country. But retirees who move abroad may be at greater risk of loneliness than those who stay in their home country, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. -- "International retirement migration is increasingly popular in Europe and around the world. On social media you see all the people in Europe sunbathing in Spain, American retirees are moving to Mexico and Japanese retirees to Malaysia," said study lead author Esma Betül Savaş, MSc, of the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographics Institute. "Although these retirement migrants generally report being happy, they may still face struggles adapting to a new country." -- Those struggles can involve reduced contact with family and old friends -- including adult children -- as well as difficulty forming new friendships and connections in their new countries. -- The research was published in the journal Psychology and Aging. -- To better understand retirement migrants' experiences, Savaş and her colleagues surveyed 4,995 Dutch retirees living abroad and a comparison group of 1,338 Dutch retirees still living in the Netherlands. To qualify as a retirement migrant, those living abroad had to be older than 65 and to have moved to their new country after age 50. -- The researchers asked participants about their feelings of loneliness, as well as their connections with family, friends and neighbors back home and in their new countries. They looked at two aspects of loneliness -- emotional loneliness, which stems from the lack of close friends or a partner, and social loneliness, which stems from a lack of a broader social circle or a sense of community. -- Overall, the researchers found that retirement migrants were socially lonelier than non-migrants. This was despite the fact that the retirement migrants were, on average, of higher socioeconomic status and healthier than the non-migrant retirees in the control group -- factors that often are associated with less loneliness. -- However, the retirement migrants were not, on average, emotionally lonelier than non-migrants. That makes sense, according to the researchers, because many retirees move to a new country with a spouse or partner. -- Only retirement migrants who reported that they had lost contact with good friends and family from back home were both socially and emotionally lonelier. The researchers also found that those who had more contact with neighbors and a higher sense of belonging to their new country reported less social loneliness. -- The study highlights the need for retirees to consider their social support systems if they are thinking of retiring abroad, according to Savaş.	A01 H01	82
2511-092	Enzyme Discovered As Target For Lyme Disease Therapies	A recent discovery reported in mBio highlights a specific enzyme as a promising target for new therapeutics against Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Researchers found that Borrelia burgdorferi, the pathogen causing Lyme disease, utilizes unique metabolic pathways, making it an ideal candidate for targeted treatment strategies.	American Society for Microbiology	mBio	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered that an enzyme can serve as an ideal target for developing new therapeutics against Lyme disease, and most likely other tick-borne diseases as well. The finding was reported in mBio, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. -- Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States and Europe. -- Its causative pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, has evolved unique metabolic pathways to cope with its enzootic life cycle, some of which are specific and ideal targets for developing new ways to treat Lyme disease. -- In their previous work, researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that B. burgdorferi does not use thiamin as a cofactor and instead relies on lactate dehydrogenase (BbLDH) to convert pyruvate to lactate to balance the NADH/NAD+ ratio, which has not been reported in any other microorganisms. -- The NADH/NAD+ ratio plays a crucial role in regulating the intracellular redox state, which impacts cell survival. -- In the new study, the researchers sought to establish the role of BbLDH in the pathophysiology of B. burgdorferi and explore its potential as a new therapeutic target. -- They first elucidated the biochemical and structural features of BbLDH using an approach of genetics, biochemistry and X-ray crystallography and then performed loss-of-function studies and found that BbLDH is essential for B. burgdorferi in vitro growth and infectivity in vivo. -- The researchers also conducted high-throughput screening and discovered several new LDH inhibitors. -- "We discovered that BbLDH has a unique biochemical and structural feature and it is essential for B. burgdorferi growth and infectivity," said corresponding study author Chunhao (Chris) Li, M.S., M.D., Edward Myers Endowed Professor, the Philips Research Institute for Oral Health, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University. -- "BbLDH can serve as an ideal target for developing genus-specific inhibitors that can be potentially used to treat and prevent Lyme disease."	Z01	83
2505-048	Sudden Death Not Linked To Sickle Cell Trait: Expert Panel Refutes Previous Claims	A systematic literature review published in Blood has refuted claims that individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT) are at risk of sudden death from physical exertion without conditions like rhabdomyolysis or heat injury. Conducted by an expert panel, the review emphasizes the need for accurate information regarding SCT, particularly in populations where misconceptions have persisted. Dr. Belinda Avalos highlighted that SCT, affecting over 100 million people globally, is frequently misunderstood, leading to harmful myths that require correction for the benefit of affected communities.	American Society of Hematology	Blood Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Most metals expand when their temperature rises. The Eiffel Tower, for example, is around 10 to 15 centimetres taller in summer than in winter due to its thermal expansion. However, this effect is extremely undesirable for many technical applications. For this reason, the search has long been on for materials that always have the same length regardless of the temperature. Invar, for example, an alloy of iron and nickel, is known for its extremely low thermal expansion. How this property can be explained physically, however, was not entirely clear until now. -- Now, a collaboration between theoretical researchers at TU Wien (Vienna) and experimentalists at University of Science and Technology Beijing has led to a decisive breakthrough: using complex computer simulations, it has been possible to understand the invar effect in detail and thus develop a so-called pyrochlore magnet -- an alloy that has even better thermal expansion properties than invar. -- Over an extremely wide temperature range of over 400 Kelvins, its length only changes by around one ten-thousandth of one per cent per Kelvin. -- Thermal expansion and its antagonist -- "The higher the temperature in a material, the more the atoms tend to move -- and when the atoms move more, they need more space. The average distance between them increases," explains Dr Sergii Khmelevskyi from the Vienna Scientific Cluster (VSC) Research Centre at TU Wien. -- "This effect is the basis of thermal expansion and cannot be prevented. But it is possible to produce materials in which it is almost exactly balanced out by another, compensating effect." -- Segii Khmelevskyi and his team developed complex computer simulations that can be used to analyse the behavior of the magnetic materials at finite temperature on the atomic level. -- "This enabled us to better understand the reason why invar hardly expands at all,' says Khmelevskyi. "The effect is due to certain electrons changing their state as the temperature rises. -- The magnetic order in the material decreases, causing the material to contract. -- This effect almost exactly cancels the usual thermal expansion."	Z01	84
2504-072	Resveratrol Found In Berries May Improve Egg Cell Quality And Quantity	Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences indicates that resveratrol, a natural compound found in certain fruits, may enhance female fertility by improving egg cell quality and quantity. This systematic review compiled data from multiple studies, suggesting that resveratrol could be a promising alternative for less invasive fertility treatments, tapping into its anti-aging and antioxidant properties for reproductive health benefits.	Anglia Ruskin University	International Journal of Molecular Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	New research indicates that a natural compound found in the skin of grapes, blueberries and raspberries has the potential to improve female fertility. -- The systematic review into resveratrol, which is a polyphenolic compound known for its antiaging, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. -- Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, alongside colleagues from Italy, South Korea and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust, examined all previously published research on resveratrol and female reproductive health. -- By collating and reviewing results from 24 in vitro and in vivo studies, involving a total of 9,563 human participants, they found evidence to suggest resveratrol can improve the quantity and quality of egg cells, called oocytes. -- Four studies specifically investigated resveratrol in connection with the quantity of matured oocytes. Two of these reported an increase, while two found no significant differences. Additionally, two studies assessed the quality of matured oocytes and both reported an improvement amongst women who took resveratrol. -- A possible explanation is that resveratrol reduces oxidative stress, helping to protect mitochondrial DNA from damage and enhance telomerase activity, to reduce cellular aging. Resveratrol also activates the molecule sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which is typically reduced in aged oocytes, therefore potentially slowing cell aging and extending ovarian lifespan. -- The review also found evidence that resveratrol could potentially treat infertility associated with endometriosis, and have positive effects on polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity-related infertility, by inhibiting pathways involved in androgen production and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. -- Crucially, the review found mixed results regarding miscarriage and pregnancy data. Five studies reported on pregnancy rates, with two indicating an increase, two found no difference, and one reporting a decrease amongst those taking resveratrol. The same study that noted a decrease in pregnancy rates also reported an increase in miscarriage rates, while a second study found no difference. -- Resveratrol is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts through diet and through supplements, in doses up to five grams a day for a month, although the safety of high-dose supplementation, particularly over long periods, remains unclear. -- Lee Smith, Professor of Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and senior author of the paper, said: "Our systematic review on resveratrol and female fertility is a comprehensive overview of all current research, and it highlights the compound's potential to improve reproductive outcomes and possibly pave the way for new, less invasive treatments, using natural substances.	A01 H01 H02	85
2511-040	Extreme Weight Fluctuations Raise Death Risk In Obese Individuals With Heart Disease	New research shows that significant weight fluctuations, whether loss or gain, increase mortality risk in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed over 8,000 participants and found that maintaining stable weight is crucial for reducing the risk of death, providing vital insights for managing obesity-related health concerns.	Anglia Ruskin University	Heart	Press Rel	PubMed	New research has found for the first time that extreme weight fluctuations in obese individuals with cardiovascular disease significantly increases the risk of death -- with weight loss as well as weight gain raising risk levels. -- Published in the BMJ journal Heart and carried out by Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), the research analysed data from 8,297 UK participants recruited as part of the UK Biobank study. -- The participants, who were all obese and with established cardiovascular disease, were followed for nearly 14 years, with weight changes recorded over time. -- The findings revealed that those who gained more than 10kg across the study period had a threefold increase in the risk of cardiovascular death and nearly double the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who maintained a stable weight. -- The study also found that weight loss of more than 10kg was also associated with a 54% higher risk of all-cause mortality, suggesting that both extremes of weight change can be detrimental. -- A higher body mass index (BMI), smoking, and previous alcohol consumption were linked to an increased likelihood of significant weight gain. -- There was also an association between significant weight gain and younger age. -- According to The Health Survey for England, the number of people living with obesity in the country rose from 15% in 1993 to 29% in 2022 and over two thirds of people over the age of 35 are considered overweight or obese. -- The issue is estimated to cost the NHS £6.5billion every year. -- Globally, more than half of all adults are expected to be overweight or obese by 2050.	A01 R01	86
2513-E048	Monkeys Excel At Yodelling: New Insights Into Primate Vocalization Techniques	A fascinating study reveals that the world's best yodellers are not found in the Alps, but rather in the rainforests of Latin America, among certain primates. The research uncovers how distinctive 'voice breaks' in monkey calls, facilitated by unique anatomical structures, mirror the vocal techniques found in human yodelling, significantly expanding our understanding of the vocal capabilities and behaviors of non-human primates.	Anglia Ruskin University	Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has found that the world's finest yodellers aren't from Austria or Switzerland, but the rainforests of Latin America. -- Published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B and led by experts from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Vienna, the research provides significant new insights into the diverse vocal sounds of non-human primates, and reveals for the first time how certain calls are produced. -- Apes and monkeys possess special anatomical structures in their throats called vocal membranes, which disappeared from humans through evolution to allow for more stable speech. However, the exact benefit these provide to non-human primates had previously been unclear. -- The new research has discovered that these vocal membranes, which are extremely thin and sit above the vocal folds in the larynx, allow monkeys to introduce "voice breaks" to their calls. -- These voice breaks occur when the monkeys switch sound production from the vocal folds to the vocal membranes. The calls produced possess the same rapid transitions in frequency heard in Alpine yodelling, or in Tarzan's famous yell, but cover a much wider frequency range. -- The study involved analysis of CT scans, computer simulations and fieldwork at La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary in Bolivia. There, researchers recorded and studied the calls of various primate species, including the black and gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya), tufted capuchin (Sapajus apella), black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis), and Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek). -- New World monkeys, whose range stretches from Mexico to Argentina, were found to have evolved the largest vocal membranes of all the primates, suggesting these thin ribbons of tissue play a particularly important role in their vocal production and repertoire of calls. -- The study also revealed that the "ultra-yodels" produced by these monkeys can involve frequency leaps up to five times larger than the frequency changes that are possible with the human voice, and while human yodels typically span one octave or less, New World monkeys are capable of exceeding three musical octaves. -- Senior author Dr Jacob Dunn, Associate Professor in Evolutionary Biology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Cambridge, England, said: "These results show how monkeys take advantage of an evolved feature in their larynx -- the vocal membrane -- which allows for a wider range of calls to be produced, including these ultra-yodels. -- "This might be particularly important in primates, which have complex social lives and need to communicate in a variety of different ways.	N01 N02 T01	87
2512-077	Breakthrough Research On Kawasaki Disease: Single Unknown Virus Identified As Culprit	A groundbreaking study from the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute suggests that a single unidentified respiratory virus may be responsible for Kawasaki disease, contradicting previous beliefs about multiple potential causes. This research could significantly advance diagnostic and treatment strategies for this rare but serious condition that predominantly affects young children.	Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago	Laboratory Investigation	Press Rel	PubMed	Research from Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago strongly suggests that Kawasaki disease is caused by a single respiratory virus that is yet to be identified. Findings contradict the theory that many different pathogens or toxins could cause this disease that can lead to serious cardiac complications in young children. -- "The cause of Kawasaki disease has been a mystery for over 50 years," said Anne Rowley, MD, pediatric infectious diseases expert and scientist at Manne Research Institute at Lurie Children's, who is the lead author on the study published in Laboratory Investigation. "Our compelling data are a huge step forward and provide a clear direction for the field to identify and sequence the virus that causes Kawasaki disease in susceptible children. This will be critical to advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Kawasaki disease." -- Kawasaki disease is relatively uncommon, affecting mostly children between 6 months and 5 years of age. Lurie Children's sees 50-60 newly diagnosed Kawasaki disease patients a year. -- Currently, there is no diagnostic test for Kawasaki disease. Clinical signs include fever, rash, swelling of the hands and feet, irritation and redness of the whites of the eyes, swollen lymph glands in the neck, and irritation and inflammation of the mouth, lips, and throat. Children with Kawasaki disease have a 20 percent chance of developing heart disease, while infants are at higher risk with 50 percent chance of cardiac complications. The standard treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin, substantially decreases the risk of heart disease in patients with Kawasaki disease. Steroids may be added for the highest risk patients. -- In their study, Dr. Rowley and colleagues prepared antibodies from blood cells of children with Kawasaki disease, in order to see what these antibodies will target in tissue samples of patients who died from the disease. They found that the antibodies recognized so-called inclusion bodies, which are by-products of a virus, in all 20 tissue samples that represented cases from the U.S. and Japan over 50 years. -- "We saw the same inclusion bodies targeted in every tissue sample spanning five decades and two continents, which shows that we are dealing with one predominant virus causing Kawasaki disease," said Dr. Rowley. "It appears to be a respiratory virus since the inclusion bodies were in the medium size airways. Going forward, we need to focus on studies of pathology specimens to gain understanding of what is inside the inclusion bodies so that we can identify the Kawasaki disease virus and finally solve the mystery." -- This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R01AI150719 to Dr. Rowley, the Max Goldenberg Foundation, the Center for Kawasaki Disease at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the Northwestern University NUSeq Core Facility, and the Northwestern University Flow Cytometry Core Facility supported by Cancer Center Support Grant (NCI CA060553). -- Dr. Rowley is a Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She holds the Dorothy M. and Edward E. Burwell Board Designated Professorship in Immunobiology at Lurie Children's. -- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is a nonprofit organization committed to providing access to exceptional care for every child. It is the only independent, research-driven children's hospital in Illinois and one of less than 35 nationally. This is where the top doctors go to train, practice pediatric medicine, teach, advocate, research and stay up to date on the latest treatments. Exclusively focused on children, all Lurie Children's resources are devoted to serving their needs. Research at Lurie Children's is conducted through Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, which is focused on improving child health, transforming pediatric medicine and ensuring healthier futures through the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Lurie Children's is the pediatric training ground for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. It is ranked as one of the nation's top children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.	H01 R01	88
2513-067	New Guidelines Aim To Improve Newborn Screening For Cystic Fibrosis	The U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has introduced its first-ever guidelines for newborn screening to enhance early detection of cystic fibrosis across diverse populations. The guidelines reflect extensive research efforts and aim to address diagnostic disparities, particularly among infants from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds, ultimately improving health outcomes for all affected infants.	Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago	International Journal of Neonatal Screening	Press Rel	PubMed	The United States Cystic Fibrosis Foundation released the first guideline on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis (CF), in order to improve timely detection of CF in infants from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. The new guideline, based on systematic literature reviews and published in the International Journal of Neonatal Screening, reflects rigorous scientific investigation and perspectives from parents, CF specialists, public health representatives, primary care providers and genetic counselors. -- CF is a genetic disorder that causes problems with digestion and breathing. -- Currently, newborns in every state are screened for CF. However, great variation in practice and the genetic panels used contributes to missed and delayed diagnosis, which leads to worse outcomes. -- "Delays more often occur in diagnosis of infants who are Black, Hispanic, or Asian, in part because these groups tend to have CF-causing gene variants that are rarer and seldom included in the newborn screening panels. These infants frequently screen negative and get diagnosed much later when they exhibit symptoms. The delay in care causes more severe illness trajectory," explained co-senior author Susanna McColley, MD, an internationally recognized expert in CF newborn screening, pediatric pulmonologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. -- "The most common CF-causing gene variant, which is featured in all genetic panels, is predominantly found in people of European descent, whereas it is much less frequent in people of other ancestries," she said. -- "It is important to recognize that babies of any race and ethnicity can have CF. Newborn screening panels need to become representative of the entire population." -- The new guideline sets out to make newborn screening for CF more equitable by recommending that states test for all CF-causing gene variants. -- As of September 2024, 1,085 CF-causing gene variants have been recognized. -- Current state panels range from including only the single most common CF-causing gene variant to including almost all variants. -- "We realize that big changes will take time to implement and intermediate improvement strategies will be needed," said Dr. McColley.	H01	89
2504-E008	Unique Microbes In Amazonian Peatlands Play A Critical Role In Climate Change	Researchers have identified a previously unknown family of microbes in tropical peatlands that play a crucial role in the carbon cycle. This study highlights how these microbes can either sequester carbon or release greenhouse gases, influencing climate change dynamics. Conducted in Peru's northwestern Amazon, the research emphasizes the critical need to protect tropical wetlands and understand their unique microbial ecosystems in the context of global warming.	Arizona State University	Microbiology Spectrum	Press Rel	PubMed	Complex organisms, thousands of times smaller than a grain of sand, can shape massive ecosystems and influence the fate of Earth's climate, according to a new study. -- Researchers from Arizona State University, along with their colleagues from the National University of the Peruvian Amazon, have identified an unknown family of microbes uniquely adapted to the waterlogged, low-oxygen conditions of tropical peatlands in Peru's northwestern Amazonian rainforest. -- The new research shows these microbes have a dual role in the carbon cycle and the potential to either moderate or intensify climate change. -- This process can either stabilize carbon for long-term storage or release it into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and methane. -- Under stable conditions, these microbes enable peatlands to act as vast carbon reservoirs, sequestering carbon and reducing climate risks. -- However, environmental shifts, including drought and warming, can trigger their activity, accelerating global climate change. -- And, continued human-caused disruption of the natural peatland ecosystem could release 500 million tons of carbon by the end of the century -- roughly equivalent to 5% of the world's annual fossil fuel emissions. -- "The microbial universe of the Amazon peatlands is vast in space and time, has been hidden by their remote locations, and has been severely under-studied in their local and global contributions, but thanks to local partnerships, we can now visit and study these key ecosystems," says Hinsby Cadillo Quiroz, corresponding author of the new study and a researcher with the Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology at ASU. -- "Our work is finding incredible organisms adapted to this environment, and several of them provide unique and important services -- from carbon stabilization or recycling to carbon monoxide detoxification and others." -- Cadillo-Quiroz is also a researcher with the Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics and the ASU School of Life Sciences.	C01 N02	90
2505-E083	Meteorite Discovery Challenges Previous Theories On Earth's Element Inventory	A study led by Arizona State University researchers sheds light on the origins of moderately volatile elements (MVEs) in Earth and Mars, challenging previous theories. By analyzing iron meteorites, the team uncovers new insights into how these crucial elements were incorporated during planetary formation, providing clues about the conditions necessary for life and the differences between terrestrial planets and primitive meteorites.	Arizona State University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The probability of revision sinus surgery including the removal of nasal polyps is higher if the patient has asthma or is on antibiotics at the time of their initial surgery. However, higher age was not a predictor of revision surgery, according to a new study. The register-based population study explored the probability of revision surgery and factors associated with it in individuals with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery. -- Nasal polyps are benign mucosal protrusions that can, in severe cases, block the nostrils entirely. -- Nasal polyps often develop in conjunction with a prolonged sinus infection, leading to chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. -- Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is treated with nasally administered corticosteroids and, as the diseases progresses, also with orally administered corticosteroids. -- If these treatments are insufficient, polyps can be surgically removed via sinus surgery. -- After the procedure, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is generally manageable, but a small percentage of patients require revision surgery due to symptom recurrence and polyp regrowth. -- The study included data on all Finnish adults with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery between January 2012 and December 2018, comprising a total of 3,506 individuals. -- The patients' ages ranged from 42 to 65 years, with 72% being male. -- The follow-up continued until the end of 2019. -- During the follow-up, 15.9% of patients required at least one revision surgery.	C01	91
2509-059	Hormones And PTSD: Cultural Differences In Impact Explored By Researchers	A groundbreaking study involving Arizona State University and the Naval Postgraduate School examines the link between hormones like cortisol and testosterone and PTSD in a non-industrialized society, marking a first in this field. As PTSD affects nearly 4% of the global population, understanding its hormonal influences could lead to better treatment and prevention strategies. The research shines light on the complexities surrounding this mental health condition.	Arizona State University	Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	According to the World Health Organization, about 3.9% of the world's population has had post-traumatic stress disorder at some point during their lives. That number is higher in the United States, at about 6%. -- PTSD can happen to an individual after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event and can last for months or years. -- But there is a lot that is still not understood about this mental health condition. -- Anthropologists, social scientists and veterans from Arizona State University and the Naval Postgraduate School are the first to analyze the relationship between the hormones cortisol and testosterone and PTSD in a non-industrialized society. -- This new study sheds more light on the PTSD puzzle. -- Homing in on hormones -- Previous studies about PTSD and hormones have focused only on people living in Western or European industrialized societies. -- They included people who suffered from different types of trauma like car crashes, assault and multiple deployments, according to Ben Trumble, a research scientist at the Institute of Human Origins and associate professor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. -- The studies showed the majority of people diagnosed with PTSD had very little change in their cortisol levels throughout the day. -- Instead, the results showed "blunted" levels of cortisol and not the normal rise and fall patterns.	H02	92
2510-E024	Understanding Your Dog's Emotions: Humans Often Misinterpret What Pets Are Feeling	Researchers from Arizona State University have found that many pet owners misinterpret their dogs' emotions, often projecting human feelings onto them. This study suggests that a lack of understanding of canine expressions can lead to miscommunications between humans and their dogs, necessitating better education on pet emotional literacy.	Arizona State University	Anthrozoös	Press Rel	PubMed	Life with a dog is a matter of give and take. Especially when it comes to communication. With no common human-dog language, our ability to communicate relies on understanding and reading our pet, and vice versa. That process can seem seamless. You give your dog a treat, you look into her eyes and she says "I am delighted to have that cookie." With a slight wag of her tail, she accepts the treat and romps off to another room to enjoy it. You feel connected to your dog. -- At least, that's what you think. -- New research from Arizona State University has revealed that people often do not perceive the true meaning of their pet's emotions and can misread their dog. -- The reasons for this are many and include a human misunderstanding of dog expressions due to a bias towards projecting human emotions onto our pets. -- In a new paper, "Barking up the wrong tree: Human perceptions of dog emotions is influenced by extraneous factors," ASU researchers Holly Molinaro and Clive Wynne outline a pair of experiments they ran to show how humans misperceive dog emotions. -- Their research shows that humans typically do not have a good understanding of the emotional state of their dog because they judge the dog's emotions according to the context of the event they witness. -- "People do not look at what the dog is doing, instead they look at the situation surrounding the dog and base their emotional perception off of that," said Molinaro, an ASU Ph.D. student in psychology and animal welfare scientist. -- "Our dogs are trying to communicate with us, but we humans seem determined to look at everything except the poor pooch himself." added Wynne, an ASU psychology professor who studies dog behavior and the human-dog bond. -- Adding to the misunderstanding is a human projection of their feelings onto the dog. -- This "anthropomorphizing" of the interaction further clouds truly understanding what your dog's emotional state actually may be, what she is trying to tell you.	N01	93
2511-E005	Study Investigates Cancer Risk Connections With Diet And Blood Sugar	A study from Arizona State University reveals surprising insights into the relationship between diet, blood sugar levels, and cancer prevalence across various vertebrate species. It found that birds, despite having higher blood glucose levels, exhibit lower cancer rates compared to mammals and reptiles, suggesting evolutionary defenses against cancer. This research challenges existing assumptions and could inform new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment in humans.	Arizona State University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have long known that diet exerts a profound influence on health, including the risk of developing cancer. A new study, led by researchers at Arizona State University, explores the relationship between diet, blood sugar (specifically glucose) and cancer prevalence across a broad range of vertebrate species. -- Surprisingly, the study found that birds, despite having significantly higher blood sugar levels and living longer than similarly sized mammals and reptiles, have lower cancer prevalence. -- It also revealed that primary carnivores -- animals that mainly consume other vertebrates -- are more prone to tumors than herbivores, particularly when domestication is considered. -- The findings, published today in the journal Nature Communications, challenge existing assumptions and suggest that some species have evolved natural biological defenses against cancer. -- These defenses -- such as metabolic adaptations and cellular protective mechanisms -- could inspire new approaches to cancer prevention and treatment in humans. -- "We knew that birds get less cancer than mammals, and they also have very high levels of glucose in their blood. That made us wonder if there was some connection," study co-author Carlo Maley said. -- Maley is a researcher with the BiodesignCenter for Biocomputing, Security and Society, a professor with the School of Life Sciences and director of the Arizona Cancer Evolution Center. -- He is joined by ASU colleagues, including corresponding author Stefania Kapsetaki and Karen Sweazea, with ASU's College of Health Solutions, the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes and the Center for Evolution and Medicine. -- Birds break the pattern -- The study examined data from up to 273 vertebrate species, analyzing their diet, average plasma sugar levels and cancer prevalence.	R01	94
2503-073	Exploring Decision-Making Challenges In Individuals With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder And Quality Of Life	Research indicates that individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) face lower quality of life compared to neurotypical persons, with challenges in education and financial stability. A study by Karolina Lempert and colleagues delves into decision-making processes in OCD, suggesting that cognitive factors such as delay discounting may significantly impact their choices and overall well-being.	Association for Psychological Science	Clinical Psychological Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Although obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can be treated, research has shown that people with the disorder tend to have a lower quality of life than neurotypical people (Remmerswaal et al., 2016). Many struggle to achieve the same levels of education and financial stability as people without the disorder. -- In a recent Clinical Psychological Science study, researchers theorized one cognitive process could be to blame: decision making. -- In their November study, Karolina Lempert and her coauthors (2024) examined decision making in people with OCD. -- To do so, they focused on two measures, delay discounting and risk tolerance. -- The researchers first looked at delay discounting, which is the tendency to prefer instant rewards to those you have to wait for, even when the delayed reward is greater. -- Researchers sometimes describe delay discounting as a measure of impulsiveness. -- In previous studies, people with higher delay discounting scores were more likely to have problems with addiction, overspending, and sedentary behavior (Amlung et al., 2017; Bartels et al., 2023; MacKillop et al., 2011; McClelland et al., 2016). -- Previous studies have also shown that people with OCD tend to have low risk tolerance -- a measure of someone's willingness to gamble on a decision with uncertain outcomes -- making it difficult for the person to make a decision when the outcome is unknown, Lempert said. -- Lempert and her team hypothesized people with OCD would have high delay discounting and low risk tolerance -- making decision making even harder. -- This is comparable to the strain that a neurotypical person feels when they are presented with many choices and feel unable to decide, also known as decision paralysis.	R01	95
2511-044	Verbal Fluency Linked To Longevity: Language Mastery Predicts Lifespan	A recent study reveals a link between verbal fluency and longevity, suggesting that vocabulary skills may play a crucial role in lifespan. Researchers from the University of Geneva analyzed a rich dataset involving elderly participants and discovered that verbal fluency is a significant cognitive predictor of longevity, offering insights into the complex factors influencing long life.	Association for Psychological Science	Psychological Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Everyone ages, but, sometimes, people outlive all predictions. Previous research has uncovered an unlikely factor related to longevity: intelligence (Bäckman & MacDonald, 2006; Bosworth & Siegler, 2002). -- However, intelligence isn't a simple characteristic. There are many traits that contribute to it that can be tested -- from memory to mathematical logic. In a 2024 Clinical Psychological Science study, Paolo Ghisletta of the University of Geneva linked longevity specifically to one of those traits: verbal fluency, the measure of one's vocabulary and ability to use it. -- Ghisletta's research used samples from the Berlin Aging Study, which started collecting data shortly before the Berlin Wall came down in 1989 (Baltes & Mayer, 1999). It tracked 516 people aged 70 to 105 from enrollment to their death, over as long as 18 years in some cases. The study measured factors like dental health, stress levels, and economic well-being, as well as cognition. This makes it a "rich and rare data set," said Ghisletta in an interview. -- For the current study, researchers sampled nine different cognitive tests to understand if different aspects of intelligence might be more closely linked to longevity than others. -- The tests measured four cognitive abilities: verbal fluency, perceptual speed, verbal knowledge, and episodic memory. Perceptual speed is a measure of one's ability to compare, scan, or perform pattern-assessing tasks with visual cues quickly. Verbal knowledge is a measure of one's vocabulary. Episodic memory is a measure of one's ability to recall and remember personal experiences. -- Each of these categories was measured with several tests. One of the tests, for instance, measured verbal fluency by requiring participants to name as many animals as they could within 90 seconds. -- Compiling data on the different cognitive skills, Ghisletta and his team incorporated information about how the participants' performance changed and estimated their risk of dying over time. They then developed a model that related the observed changes to risk of death. This required input from researchers across multiple universities with expertise in a type of data analysis called joint multivariate longitudinal survival model. -- "Today, it's gotten much easier to do this kind of research because there are more data available. There are more people who are willing to collaborate. There are better tools," Ghisletta said. -- Applying these novel tools, the researchers discovered that verbal fluency alone seemed to be significantly linked to longevity, though the explanation behind this connection is not clear. One popular theory, Ghisletta explained, is that the physical body is inextricably linked to mental, emotional, and cognitive processes. "All of these domains are just declining together, whether it's cognition, personality, emotions, or biological, medical decline in general," he said. -- Following that theory, verbal fluency would be a good measure of well-being, Ghisletta explained, because it's a complex process that relies on multiple cognitive abilities. This might include long-term memory, vocabulary, efficiency, and visual memory. So, when you're testing your verbal fluency, "you are doing something very interesting," he said.	A01 H01 H02 N01	96
2502-T036	Isolated Dwarf Galaxies Show Evidence Of Past Star Formation Suppression Despite Age	A study utilizing data from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys and the Gemini South telescope has revealed that isolated ultra-faint dwarf galaxies exhibit signs of stifled star formation. These galaxies, located away from the gravitational influence of larger counterparts, contain only ancient stars, supporting theories about early cosmic events. The findings shed light on the evolution of early galaxies and the environmental factors impacting their stellar development.	Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	By combining data from the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys and the Gemini South telescope, astronomers have investigated three ultra-faint dwarf galaxies that reside in a region of space isolated from the environmental influence of larger objects. The galaxies, located in the direction of NGC 300, were found to contain only very old stars, supporting the theory that events in the early Universe cut star formation short in the smallest galaxies. -- Ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are the faintest type of galaxy in the Universe. Typically containing just a few hundred to a thousand stars -- compared with the hundreds of billions that make up the Milky Way -- these small diffuse structures usually hide inconspicuously among the many brighter residents of the sky. For this reason, astronomers have previously had the most luck finding them nearby, in the vicinity of our own Milky Way Galaxy. -- But this presents a problem for understanding them; the Milky Way's gravitational forces and hot corona can strip away the dwarf galaxies' gas and interfere with their natural evolution. Additionally, further out beyond the Milky Way, ultra-faint dwarf galaxies increasingly become too diffuse and unresolvable for astronomers and traditional computer algorithms to detect. -- That's why a manual, by-eye search by University of Arizona astronomer David Sand was needed to discover three faint and ultra-faint dwarf galaxies located in the direction of spiral galaxy NGC 300 and the Sculptor constellation. "It was during the pandemic," recalls Sand. "I was watching TV and scrolling through the DESI Legacy Survey viewer, focusing on areas of sky that I knew hadn't been searched before. It took a few hours of casual searching, and then boom! They just popped out." -- The images uncovered by Sand were taken for the DECam Legacy Survey (DECaLS), one of three public surveys, known as the DESI Legacy Imaging Surveys [1], that jointly imaged 14,000 square degrees of sky to provide targets for the ongoing Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) Survey. DECals was conducted using the 570-megapixel Department of Energy-fabricated Dark Energy Camera (DECam), mounted on the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Víctor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope at Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) in Chile, a Program of NSF NOIRLab. -- The Sculptor galaxies, as they are referred to in the paper, are among the first ultra-faint dwarf galaxies found in a pristine, isolated environment free from the influence of the Milky Way or other large structures. To investigate the galaxies further, Sand and his team used the Gemini South telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, partly funded by the NSF and operated by NSF NOIRLab. The results from their study are presented in a paper appearing in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, as well as at a press conference at the AAS 245 meeting in National Harbor, Maryland. -- Gemini South's Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph (GMOS) captured all three galaxies in exquisite detail. An analysis of the data showed that they appear to be empty of gas and contain only very old stars, suggesting that their star formation was stifled a long time ago. This bolsters existing theories that ultra-faint dwarf galaxies are stellar 'ghost towns' where star formation was cut off in the early Universe. -- This is exactly what astronomers would expect for such tiny objects. Gas is the crucial raw material required to coalesce and ignite the fusion of a new star. But ultra-faint dwarf galaxies just have too little gravity to hold onto this all-important ingredient, and it is easily lost when they are buffeted by the dynamic Universe they are part of. -- But the Sculptor galaxies are far from any larger galaxies, meaning their gas could not have been removed by giant neighbors. An alternative explanation is an event called the Epoch of Reionization -- a period not long after the Big Bang when high-energy ultraviolet photons filled the cosmos, potentially boiling away the gas in the smallest galaxies. Another possibility is that some of the earliest stars in the dwarf galaxies underwent energetic supernova explosions, emitting ejecta at up to 35 million kilometers per hour (about 20 million miles per hour) and pushing the gas out of their own hosts from within. -- If reionization is responsible, these galaxies would open a window into studying the very early Universe. "We don't know how strong or uniform this reionization effect is," explains Sand. "It could be that reionization is patchy, not occurring everywhere all at once. We've found three of these galaxies, but that isn't enough. It would be nice if we had hundreds of them. If we knew what fraction was affected by reionization, that would tell us something about the early Universe that is very difficult to probe otherwise."	A01 C01 T01	97
2509-T041	First Near-Infrared Observation Reveals Violent Eruption In A Nova Outside Milky Way	For the first time, astronomers have observed a recurring nova outside the Milky Way in near-infrared light, revealing unusual chemical emissions and extreme temperatures indicative of violent eruptions. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of nova phenomena and the dynamics of binary star systems.	Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)	Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Using the Gemini South telescope, one half of the International Gemini Observatory, partly funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and operated by NSF NOIRLab, and the Magellan Baade Telescope, astronomers have for the first time observed a recurring nova outside of the Milky Way in near-infrared light. The data revealed highly unusual chemical emissions as well as one of the hottest temperatures ever reported for a nova, both indicative of an extremely violent eruption. -- Nova explosions occur in binary star systems in which a white dwarf -- the dense remnant of a dead star -- continually siphons stellar material from a nearby companion star. -- As the outer atmosphere of the companion gathers onto the surface of the white dwarf it reaches temperatures hot enough to spark an eruption. -- Almost all novae discovered to-date have been observed to erupt only once. -- But a few have been observed to erupt more than once, and are classified as recurrent novae. -- The span between eruptions for these novae can vary from as little as one year to many decades [1]. -- Less than a dozen recurrent novae have been observed within our Milky Way Galaxy, while far more are extragalactic, meaning located outside of the Milky Way. -- Studying extragalactic novae helps build astronomers' understanding of how different environments affect nova eruptions. -- The first recurrent extragalactic nova to be observed was LMC 1968-12a (LMC68), located in the Large Magellanic Cloud -- a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. -- This nova has a recurrent timescale of about four years -- the third-shortest of any nova -- and consists of a white dwarf and a companion red subgiant (a star much larger than the Sun). It was discovered in 1968 and its eruptions have been observed fairly regularly since 1990.	Z01	98
2504-037	Simple Sessions Enhance Wellbeing Of Pediatric Critical Care Staff In UK Hospitals	The SWell project, led by Aston University, has introduced two straightforward sessions designed to enhance the well-being of pediatric critical care staff in UK hospitals. Addressing high levels of moral distress and burnout, this initiative aims to provide practical solutions to improve mental health support for healthcare professionals in demanding environments.	Aston University	Nursing in Critical Care	Press Rel	PubMed	The Staff Wellbeing (SWell) project, led by Aston University researchers in collaboration with Birmingham Children's Hospital and NHS England, has developed two simple, easy-to-deliver sessions to improve the wellbeing of staff in paediatric critical care (PCC) units in UK hospitals. -- PCC staff are known to experience high levels of moral distress, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and burnout, but often feel little is offered to help them with their mental health. The SWell team at Aston University, led by Professor Rachel Shaw from the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, realised following a literature review that there are no existing, evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve PCC staff wellbeing. Initial work by SWell identified the 'active ingredients' likely to create successful intervention designs. -- Together with a team from NHS England, the Aston University researchers set up the SWell Collaborative Project: Interventions for Staff Wellbeing in Paediatric Critical Care, in PCC units across England and Scotland. The aim of the project was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of implementing wellbeing interventions for staff working in PCC in UK hospitals. In total, 14 of the 28 UK PCC units were involved. One hundred and four intervention sessions were run, attended by 573 individuals. -- Professor Shaw said: -- "The significance of healthcare staff wellbeing was brought to the surface during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it's a problem that has existed far longer than that. As far as we could see researchers had focused on measuring the extent of the problem rather than coming up with possible solutions. The SWell project was initiated to understand the challenges to wellbeing when working in paediatric critical care, to determine what staff in that high-pressure environment need, and what could actually work day-to-day to make a difference. Seeing PCC staff across half the paediatric critical care units in the UK show such enthusiasm and commitment to make the SWell interventions a success has been one of the proudest experiences in my academic career to date." -- The two wellbeing sessions tested are low-resource and low-intensity, and can be delivered by staff for staff without any specialist qualifications. -- In the session 'Wellbeing Images', a small group of staff is shown images representing wellbeing, with a facilitated discussion using appreciative inquiry -- a way of structuring discussions to create positive change in a system or situation by focusing on what works well, rather than what is wrong. -- In the 'Mad-Sad-Glad' session, another small group reflective session, participants explore what makes them feel mad, sad and glad, and identify positive actions to resolve any issues raised. -- The key ingredients in both sessions are social support -- providing a psychologically safe space where staff can share their sensitive experiences and emotions without judgement, providing support for each other; self-belief -- boosting staff's self-confidence and ability to identify and express their emotions in response to work; and feedback and monitoring -- encouraging staff to monitor what increases their stress, when they experience challenging emotions, and what might help boost their wellbeing in those scenarios. -- Feedback from staff both running and participating in the SWell interventions was very positive, with high satisfaction and feasibility ratings. Participants like that the session facilitated open and honest discussions, provided opportunities to connect with colleagues and offered opportunities for generating solutions and support.	A01 H01 H02 R01	99
2505-E024	Virtual Breathing Coach Shows Comparable Effectiveness To Human Trainers	Aston University researchers have found that a computer-generated breathing coach can be just as effective as a human trainer for guided breathing exercises. Their study, which involved a virtual reality system, showed that participants found the virtual coach likable and trustworthy. This could provide a convenient alternative for individuals seeking breathwork techniques for mental and emotional wellbeing, particularly in light of the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.	Aston University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) Lithuania management scholars underscores the importance of organisations' dynamic capabilities for greener business practices. Analysing data from 139 manufacturing companies, the research reveals that financial and technological expertise combined with adaptability to regulations and evolving consumer demands, are key to advancing the green transition. -- A green transition poses complex, systemic challenges for how companies should develop capabilities and mobilise their resources. Generally, many systemic problems hinder the green transition. Secondary raw materials are often more expensive, countries need to invest in circularity infrastructure, such as the basic infrastructure for separate collection, sorting, preparation for reuse and recycling. Investment is needed in product design, research and innovation and circular economy business models. -- According to researchers, analysing the green transition from a business actors' perspective is crucial. In this complex and dynamic environment, companies need capabilities to combine competencies in new ways, engage different stakeholders, and co-create innovative solutions. -- "Dynamic capabilities' concept perfectly covers flexibility and adaptability, and how they can help to integrate sustainability into companies' business-as-usual activities, such as sourcing, production, waste management and other endeavours," says Dr Lina Dagilienė, the head of the KTU Circular Economy Research Group. -- In the recently published study, that analyses the relationship between companies' capabilities and circularity practices Dagilienė and her KTU colleagues Viktorija Varaniūtė and Kristina Šutienė analysed survey data from 139 incumbent companies in Lithuania. -- "The companies, which have been on the market for a while, have their own established routines. For them, the biggest challenge lies in changing or disrupting existing activities and practices, rather than starting afresh. This is not easy," says Dr Dagilienė. -- For better results, companies need to invest more -- The research findings revealed that Lithuanian manufacturing companies can apply circularity principles by integrating internal resources and collaborating with external partners, while financial resources are becoming a key element for implementing innovative solutions. -- "Our results show that manufacturing companies that invest more than 10 per cent of their revenues in circularity actions achieve significantly better results. Such investments can be in new technologies, waste management processes and cleaner production. In addition, Lithuanian manufacturing companies are mostly exporters. This means that they must adapt to the requirements of foreign markets," says Assoc Prof Viktorija Varaniūtė. -- According to Dr Varaniūtė, investing in circular initiatives often brings long-term benefits such as waste reduction, resource efficiency and the ability to develop sustainable products. Although all the companies surveyed were manufacturing companies from Lithuania, she believes the study results can be adapted to different organisations and markets, at least in the EU context.	H01 H02 R01 T01	100
2509-013	Urgent Action Needed To Address Raw Sewage Threats In UK Seas	Dr. Jonathan Cox from Aston University has highlighted the dangers of raw sewage in UK seas, emphasizing its harmful microorganisms that pose significant health risks. The article details how such pollution can lead to infections and adversely affect vulnerable populations, including the immunocompromised and pregnant women, thereby raising concerns for both public health and marine ecosystems.	Aston University	Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Aston University microbiologist Dr Jonathan Cox has written an article for the journal Microbiology on the dangers posed by raw sewage in the seas around the UK. -- Sewage contains lots of microorganisms harmful to human health, causing gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infections. -- People can become infected through ingestion, inhalation or contact with contaminated water. -- Vulnerable groups, including older people, those with a compromised immune system (such as organ transplant patients) and pregnant women are particularly at risk. -- Sewage pollution can also affect marine life. -- The dumping of raw sewage is happening more often around the UK coastline, with some water companies responsible for up to 200 discharges of raw sewage into the sea each year. -- The risks hit home for Dr Cox when, in spring 2024, he contracted a type of bacterial pneumonia following a swim in the sea that was likely connected to an incident of sewage dumping in the area, recorded by the charity Surfers Against Sewage just hours before he took to the water. -- As frightening as this sounds, Dr Cox does not advise staying out of the water, but checking water quality before visiting a beach. -- Surfers Against Sewage has developed the Safer Seas and Rivers Service (SSRS), online and as an app, which shows where there have been recent sewage discharges. -- The government has promised stricter regulations, and advanced sewage treatment technologies are available, but urgent investment is required to protect public health and the UK's coastal waters.	A01 C01 N02	101
2511-E022	Dazzle Camouflage's Effectiveness In WWI Battleships: A Historical Perspective	Aston University researchers have revisited 105-year-old data on 'dazzle' camouflage used in World War I battleships. While the camouflage had some effectiveness, their findings highlight that the 'horizon effect' played a more significant role in confusing enemy observers about the ships' speed and direction, emphasizing the complexities of visual perception in naval warfare during that era.	Aston University	i-Perception	Press Rel	PubMed	A new analysis of 105-year-old data on the effectiveness of 'dazzle' camouflage on battleships in World War I by Aston University researchers Professor Tim Meese and Dr Samantha Strong has found that while dazzle had some effect, the 'horizon effect' had far more influence when it came to confusing the enemy. -- During World War I, navies experimented with painting ships with 'dazzle' camouflage -- geometric shapes and stripes -- in an attempt to confuse U-boat captains as to the speed and direction of travel of the ships and make them harder to attack. -- The separate 'horizon effect' is when a person looks at a ship in the distance, and it appears to be travelling along the horizon, regardless of its actual direction of travel. -- Ships travelling at an angle of up to 25° relative to the horizon appear to be travelling directly along it. Even with those at a greater angle to the horizon, onlookers significantly underestimate the angle. -- Despite widespread use of dazzle camouflage, it was not until 1919 that a proper, quantitative study was carried out, by MIT naval architecture and marine engineering student Leo Blodgett for his degree thesis. -- He painted model ships in dazzle patterns and placed them in a mechanical test theatre with a periscope, like those used by U-boat captains, to measure how much onlookers' estimations of the ships' direction of travel deviated from their actual direction of travel. -- Professor Meese and Dr Strong realised that while the data collected by Blodgett was useful, his methods of experimental design fell short of modern standards. -- He'd found that dazzle camouflage worked, but the Aston University team suspected that dazzle alone was not responsible for the results seen, cleaned the data and designed new analysis to better understand what it really shows. -- Dr Strong, a senior lecturer at Aston University's School of Optometry, said: -- "It's necessary to have a control condition to draw firm conclusions, and Blodgett's report of his own control was too vague to be useful. We ran our own version of the experiment using photographs from his thesis and compared the results across the original dazzle camouflage versions and versions with the camouflage edited out. Our experiment worked well. Both types of ships produced the horizon effect, but the dazzle imposed an additional twist."	C01	102
2512-E014	Unveiling Complex Behaviors In Oscillatory Systems: A Groundbreaking New Study	An Aston University researcher has successfully demonstrated intricate behaviors in oscillatory systems, confirming theoretical predictions about synchronization patterns. This experimental work enhances our understanding of natural phenomena, such as heartbeats and pendulum movements, shedding light on the underlying principles that govern synchronization across diverse systems.	Aston University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	An Aston University researcher has conducted the first experimental demonstration of intricate and previously theorised behaviours in the fundamental patterns that govern oscillatory systems in nature and technology. -- Synchronisation regions, also known as Arnold's tongues because of the shape they take when shown on a graph help scientists understand when things will stay in sync and when they won't. -- Arnold's tongues are observed in a large variety of natural phenomena that involve oscillating quantities, such as heartbeats, pendulum swings or flashing lights. -- Theoretical studies have suggested that under strong forcing, these regions could take on unexpected shapes, including leaf-like patterns and gaps representing unsynchronised states. -- Until now confirming such predictions experimentally had remained a significant challenge. -- The new study is the first time that these predicted behaviours have actually been observed in a physical system -- proving that they really exist in nature and technology. -- The study conducted by Dr Sonia Boscolo from Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies in collaboration with scientists from East China Normal University and the University of Burgundy in France "Unveiling the complexity of Arnold's tongues in a breathing-soliton laser" has been published in the journal Science Advances. -- Dr Boscolo and her team made their observations using a breathing-soliton laser -- an ultrafast fibre laser that generates dynamic pulses with oscillatory behaviour. -- Their findings confirm the existence of the leaf-like structure and a ray-like pattern, the former previously only studied in a mathematical model 25 years ago. -- Additionally, they identified gaps in the ray-like synchronisation regions, further validating theoretical predictions.	R01 C01	103
2510-078	New Hearing Aid Offers Safe, Non-Invasive Solution For Conductive Hearing Loss	A groundbreaking study from Wake Forest University introduces an innovative hearing aid designed by a team of scientists led by Dr. Mohammad J. Moghimi. This device provides a safe, non-invasive solution for conductive hearing loss, which often affects children and typically requires invasive treatments. The research, published in Communications Engineering, aims to offer a reliable alternative that enhances hearing without surgical intervention.	Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist	Communications Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	A study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine highlights a new approach in addressing conductive hearing loss. A team of scientists, led by Mohammad J. Moghimi, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical engineering, designed a new type of hearing aid that not only improves hearing but also offers a safe, non-invasive alternative to implantable devices and corrective surgeries. -- The study recently published in Communications Engineering, a Nature Portfolio journal. -- Conductive hearing loss, which most commonly happens in childhood, occurs when sounds do not reach the inner ear. -- Sound waves are blocked in the outer or middle ear due to ear infections, blockages or structural abnormalities. -- "Treatment for conductive hearing loss can include corrective surgeries and implantable hearing aids, which can be very invasive, especially for pediatric patients," Moghimi said. -- "Flexible hearing aids offer a noninvasive alternative." -- To produce vibrations strong enough to reach the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, the research team designed a flexible hearing aid. -- The device uses micro-epidermal actuators to create vibrations on the skin behind the ear, which then travel directly to the inner ear, bypassing the ear canal. -- For the study, 10 participants between the ages of 19 and 39 wore earplugs and earmuffs to simulate conductive hearing loss. -- Researchers then tested arrays of the actuators to enhance the vibration strength, improve the quality of sounds and control the direction of the vibrations.	H01 N02 T01	104
2501-E006	Collaboration Needed To Protect Vulnerable Parma Wallaby Species From Extinction.	The Parma wallaby, listed as vulnerable, faces extinction risks due to predation and habitat loss in Australia. Experts emphasize the necessity for more fox-free safe zones and enhanced cooperation between governments and landowners to protect this endangered species' remaining populations.	Australian National University	Australian Zoologist	Press Rel	PubMed	The creation of more fox-free safe havens and greater collaboration between government and landowners is needed to ensure the survival of a species of wallaby, an expert from The Australian National University (ANU) argues. -- The Parma wallaby, also known as the white-throated wallaby, is listed as a vulnerable species in Australia, while the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as Near Threatened. -- The marsupial is found along the Great Dividing Range in northern New South Wales. -- According to ANU Professor George Wilson, who is a co-author of a new paper analysing the history and past relocation efforts of Parma wallaby populations, as well as threats to their survival and habitats, predation is a major concern for the marsupial. -- He said the Black Summer bushfires likely decimated Parma wallaby populations and habitats, further contributing to their extinction risk. -- "An attempt to reintroduce a population near Robertson in New South Wales was unsuccessful, with foxes killing more than 40 Parma wallabies within three months," Professor Wilson said. -- "This is in contrast to fox-free New Zealand, where authorities are trying to eradicate Parma wallabies because there is an overabundance of them. -- "We know Parma wallabies are thriving in a predator-free enclosure at Mount Wilson. We need to create more privately owned safe havens and captive breeding programs like that one to secure these animals' long-term survival." -- The New South Wales government's Saving Our Species program outlines certain conservation strategies for Parma wallabies. -- But Professor Wilson said the strategy overlooks the need for more safe havens for these animals, which would provide several benefits including population security in the event of bushfires; facilitating disease and genetics management; and, protecting the species from vehicle collisions and introduced predators.	N01	105
2508-c017	Mosquitofish Intelligence Matters: Problem-Solving Skills Impact Mating Success	New research from The Australian National University suggests that male mosquitofish, known for their impressive problem-solving abilities, exhibit unique communication styles that influence mating success. This study highlights how cognitive skills, likely evolved due to sexual selection pressures, enhance their chances of reproduction. Understanding these dynamics contributes to broader insights into animal intelligence evolution driven by mating strategies.	Australian National University	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	The Beatles said it best: Love is all you need. And according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU), the same is true in the animal kingdom. Well, at least for mosquitofish -- a matchstick-sized fish endemic to Central America and now found globally. -- According to the ANU scientists, male mosquitofish possess impressive problem-solving skills and can successfully navigate mazes and other tests. Males that perform better have a higher chance of mating. -- Lead author Dr Ivan Vinogradov said male mosquitofish likely evolved better cognitive abilities over time because of the advantage it gave them in finding females and producing offspring -- a phenomenon known as "sexual selection." -- "Evolution of intelligence in animals has long been thought to have been driven by natural selection. Animals that were better at problem solving were more adept at gathering food, finding shelter, and avoiding predators and hence lived longer," Dr Vinogradov said. -- "They then passed on these genes to their offspring, helping future generations become smarter over time. -- "But there is another explanation for the evolution of intelligence: braininess is an attractive quality to the opposite sex. A better brain might help an animal find more mates, have more sex, and eventually have more babies. -- "This suggests that intelligence in mosquitofish partly evolved through sexual selection, where traits that boost mating and fertilisation success become more common over generations. Sexual selection is usually stronger in males than females because in most species there are more males seeking mates than females ready to mate and breed. -- "Our study suggests that intelligence in mosquitofish isn't only driven by their need to find food or avoid predators, but also by the complex challenges of finding love. This shows that, much like humans, love conquers all." -- The researchers measured intelligence of the male mosquitofish by putting them through a series of underwater tests -- including navigating mazes, detouring around transparent barriers and learning to remember different coloured spots -- offering a reward for the fish that were able to complete the tests. -- The team then tracked, over a two-month period, how many offspring each male produced when competing against other males for a female partner to mate with.	H01 R02 N01	106
2509-E020	Fungal Infection Weapon: A Discovery That Could Strengthen Global Food Security	Researchers from The Australian National University have discovered a powerful enzyme utilized by disease-causing fungi to damage major food crops like rice and corn, presenting new strategies for improving global food security. With crop losses due to fungal infections estimated between 10% to 23% annually, this discovery could lead to innovative approaches in agriculture to combat fungal diseases affecting yields.	Australian National University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The discovery of a powerful "weapon" used by many disease-causing fungi to infect and destroy major food crop staples, such as rice and corn, could offer new strategies to bolster global food security, according to researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) in collaboration with scientists in Germany and the United States. -- Like humans, many fungi rely on plants as a food source. This impacts the yield of food crops. -- It's estimated farmers lose between 10 to 23 per cent of their crops to fungal disease every year. -- The global research team discovered that an enzyme known as a 'NUDIX hydrolase' is used by many fungal pathogens as a weapon to cause disease in plants. -- The findings are published in Science. -- By uncovering the role this enzyme plays in infecting plants, the researchers believe they can engineer more resilient rice crops, as well as other fruit and vegetable crops, capable of safeguarding themselves against disease. -- The findings could help bolster food security in nations where rice and corn are major commodities. -- According to the US Department of Agriculture, rice is the primary staple food for more than half of the world's population. -- "Much of our work focused on the pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, which causes rice blast disease. Rice is a critically important food staple, and losses from rice blast could feed 60 million people each year," ANU Associate Professor Simon Williams said. -- Lead author Dr Carl McCombe, who completed this work as part of his PhD at ANU, said the disease-causing enzyme can infiltrate plant cells and attack a key signalling molecule involved in the sensing of phosphate -- a vital nutrient necessary for plant survival.	N02	107
2505-114	Research Reveals How Molecular Interactions Affect Developmental Gene Expression	New findings from the Voigt lab reveal how bivalency in gene regulation allows for precise control of gene expression during cell differentiation. This research sheds light on the complex mechanisms that govern developmental processes and could pave the way for advancements in regenerative medicine by understanding how cells maintain their identity.	Babraham Institute	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A carnation-like nanostructure could someday be used in bandages to promote wound healing. Researchers report in ACS Applied Bio Materials that laboratory tests of their nanoflower-coated dressings demonstrate antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and biocompatible properties. They say these results show these tannic acid and copper(II) phosphate sprouted nanoflower bandages are promising candidates for treating infections and inflammatory conditions. -- Nanoflowers are tiny, self-assembling structures. But their large surface area provides plenty of space to attach drug molecules, making the flowers particularly suitable for delivering medications. -- For their bandage blooms, Fatemeh Ahmadpoor, Pier Francesco Ferrari and colleagues chose copper(II) phosphate and tannic acid because of the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties of both reagents. -- After growing their flowers in a saline solution, the researchers attached the bioinspired structures onto strips of electrospun nanofiber fabric. -- In tests, the nanoflower-coated bandages inactivated a broad spectrum of cultured bacteria (including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) and their antibiotic-resistant biofilms, scavenged reactive oxygen species, and didn't damage lab-grown human cells. -- Ahmadpoor and Ferrari say these nanoflower-coated bandages represent a breakthrough advancement by providing a natural, cost-effective and highly efficient solution for combating infections and accelerating wound healing, with the potential to redefine treatment standards. -- The authors acknowledge funding from the Italian Ministry of University and Research.	A01	108
2501-017	Brazil's Conditional Cash Transfer Program Significantly Decreases Tuberculosis Among Vulnerable Populations.	A study analyzing Brazil's Bolsa Família Program reveals its significant impact on reducing tuberculosis cases among impoverished populations. By providing financial support contingent on health-related actions, the program not only alleviated economic hardship but also led to improved health outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of conditional cash transfers in public health.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Brazil's Bolsa Família Program (BFP) is one of the largest conditional cash transfer programmes implemented worldwide. Since 2004, the BFP has provided financial support to the poorest families in Brazil, on the condition that they fulfil certain conditions such as taking their children to the doctor and ensuring school attendance. While these programmes are well-known for reducing economic and social inequalities, they have also been shown to improve health outcomes such as child mortality, maternal deaths, and HIV cases and deaths. -- Tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading infectious killers in Brazil and other low- and middle-income countries, is closely linked to poverty. -- "We know that TB is driven by poverty, but until now, the effects of cash transfers on disease outcomes among the most vulnerable populations had not been fully analysed," says the coordinator of the study, Davide Rasella, head of the Health Impact Assessment and Evaluation group at ISGlobal and collaborating professor of the Institute of Collective Health. -- Rasella and his colleagues in Brazil analysed data, including ethnic and socioeconomic conditions, from 54.5 million low-income Brazilians between 2004 and 2015. -- They compared TB incidence (number of new cases), mortality (number of deaths in the population) and case fatality rate (how many people who have the disease die) among people who received BFP support (23.9 million) or not (30.6 million). In total, there were 159,777 new TB diagnoses and 7,993 TB deaths in the cohort under study. -- Stronger effects among indigenous and extremely poor people -- The results show a large decrease in TB cases and deaths among those benefiting from cash transfers. -- The decrease was of over 50% in extremely poor people and more than 60% among the indigenous populations. -- Although the program reduced TB cases across all groups, its effect was smaller in those who were less poor, and there was no significant reduction in TB deaths in that group. -- The TB case fatality rate (i.e. how deadly the disease is in those affected) was also lower among Bolsa Família beneficiaries compared to non-beneficiaries, although the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant.	A01 H01	109
2502-046	Innovative Study Reveals Environmental Factors Behind Childhood Obesity In European Kids	A multi-omics study involving over 800 European children reveals critical insights into the biological pathways linked to childhood obesity and identifies early-life environmental risk factors. Conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, this research aims to inform strategies for preventing obesity and its long-term health effects, emphasizing the significance of prenatal influences on children's health outcomes.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A cutting-edge molecular approach provides a detailed picture of the biological pathways associated with childhood obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and identifies environmental risk factors during early life. The study, led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), an institution supported by "la Caixa" Foundation, can help to develop strategies to prevent childhood obesity and its long-term health effects. -- Childhood obesity is a major public health concern: 1 in 10 children are living with obesity across Europe, which puts them at high risk of metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease later in life. -- Despite its prevalence, the biological mechanisms behind obesity-related health problems remain poorly understood, and not all children with obesity develop metabolic issues. -- To address this gap, researchers used an advanced "multi-layered omics" approach to examine gene expression, proteins, and metabolites in blood samples from over 800 European children, together with detailed information about their health and prenatal environment. -- "Prenatal life is particularly important because environmental exposures during this critical developmental period can have pronounced effects later in life," says Martine Vrijheid, ISGlobal researcher and senior author of the study. -- The study is part of the Human Early Life Exposome (HELIX) project, which follows cohorts of children from Northern Europe (Bradford, UK; and Poitiers, France) and Southern Europe (Sabadell, Spain; and Heraklion, Greece). -- A high-risk cluster of children -- By analysing five "omics" layers- DNA methylation, microRNAs, mRNA, proteins and metabolites- the researchers identified three distinct clusters among the children. -- One of these groups stood out because the children not only had higher body fat but also showed more signs of metabolic complications. -- This high-risk cluster showed a higher expression of inflammation markers, which indicate an overactive immune system.	H01 R01 R02	110
2506-049	Second-Hand Smoke Exposure Alters DNA Methylation And Affects Children's Health	A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health highlights how postnatal exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke alters children’s DNA methylation, potentially paving the way for future health issues. By examining data from 2,695 children across Europe, researchers found that those exposed to smoke exhibited significant epigenetic changes. This underscores the necessity for reducing second-hand smoke exposure, particularly in children's environments, to safeguard their long-term health.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Environment International	Press Rel	PubMed	Children exposed to second-hand smoke at home are more likely to show certain changes in the epigenome, which can alter the way genes are expressed. These epigenetic changes could influence the development of diseases in the future. This is the main conclusion of a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation. The results, published in Environment International, highlight the need to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, especially in children's environments. -- Our DNA acts as an instruction manual for the body. Without changing the contents of the "book" (i.e. the gene sequence), tobacco smoke can add "marks" to certain pages, affecting the way these instructions are read. One of these marks, DNA methylation, is one of the main epigenetic mechanisms, allowing gene expression to be turned on or off. -- Second-hand smoke's mark on the DNA -- While the effects of maternal smoking during pregnancy have long been known to affect the epigenome, this research is among the first to show how second-hand smoke exposure during childhood may also have an effect. -- The study included data from 2,695 children from eight European countries: Spain, France, Greece, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, the UK and Sweden. The participants were aged 7-10 years and were volunteers from six cohorts of the Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics Consortium (PACE). -- Using blood samples from participants, the team looked at the level of methylation at specific DNA sites along the genome and related it to the number of smokers in the household (0, 1, or 2 or more). -- DNA methylation changes were identified in 11 regions (called CpGs) that were associated with exposure to second-hand smoke. Most of these regions had also been linked in previous studies to direct exposure to tobacco in active smokers or during pregnancy. In addition, six of them are associated with diseases for which smoking is a risk factor, such as asthma or cancer. -- "Our study shows that second-hand smoke during childhood leaves its mark at the molecular level and can alter the expression of genes that influence disease susceptibility in adulthood," says Marta Cosin-Tomàs, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study. -- A global problem with long-term consequences -- Despite increasing regulation of smoking in public places, the household remains a major source of second-hand smoke exposure for children. In 2004, it was estimated that 40% of children worldwide were exposed to tobacco smoke. Childhood exposure to this pollutant not only increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, but can also affect neurological development and immune function.	H01 R01	111
2510-053	High Ambient Temperatures May Lower Brain Connectivity In Children	A large-scale study indicates that high ambient temperatures negatively affect brain connectivity in preadolescents. Conducted by ISGlobal and partners, the research suggests exposure to heat may impair brain function, impacting attention and memory, emphasizing the need to consider environmental factors in children's cognitive development.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Exposure to high ambient temperatures is associated with lower connectivity in three brain networks in preadolescents, suggesting that heat may impact brain function. This is the conclusion of a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a center supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, and IDIBELL, in collaboration with Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam (ERASMUS MC) and the Networked Biomedical Research Center (CIBER): areas of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), and Mental Health (CIBERSAM). The results have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. -- The study involved 2,229 children aged 9 to 12 from the "Generation R" cohort in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Functional connectivity data from brain networks, i.e., how different regions of the brain communicate and collaborate, were assessed using resting-state magnetic resonance imaging, when the children were not performing any active tasks. Daily mean temperature estimates were obtained from the UrbClim urban climate model, developed by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research. Temperature values were calculated for the period from 2013 to 2015, assigning daily averages to each participant based on their home address. -- Higher ambient temperatures during the week preceding the MRI assessment were associated with lower functional connectivity within the medial parietal, salience, and hippocampal networks, which are essential for proper brain functioning. This implies that brain areas may work less synchronously, affecting processes such as attention, memory, and decision-making. The medial parietal network is related to introspection and self-perception; the salience network detects environmental stimuli and prioritizes what deserves our attention; and the hippocampal network is critical for memory and learning. -- The research shows that the association between high temperatures and lower functional connectivity was strongest on the day before the brain scan and progressively decreased on subsequent days. In contrast, low average daily temperatures were not associated with functional connectivity. -- "We hypothesise that dehydration could explain our findings, as children are particularly vulnerable to fluid loss when exposed to heat, which can affect the functional connectivity of brain networks," says Laura Granés, researcher at IDIBELL and ISGlobal and the study's lead author. -- "In the current climate emergency, public health policies aimed at protecting children and adolescents from high temperatures could help mitigate potential effects on brain function," says Mònica Guxens, ICREA researcher at ISGlobal and senior author of the study. -- Implications for mental health -- Although brain function alterations have been suggested as a possible mechanism linking temperature and mental health, no study to date has examined the effects of ambient temperature on functional brain networks. In another recent study, the same research team found that exposure to cold and heat can affect psychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression and attention problems. In addition, other studies have linked lower connectivity within the brain's salience network to suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors in adolescents with depression, as well as to anxiety disorders. -- "Given the role of the salience network in suicidal ideation, our findings raise a new hypothesis: high temperatures could decrease the functional connectivity of this network, indirectly contributing to a higher risk of suicide in individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions," explains Carles Soriano-Mas, researcher at IDIBELL and the University of Barcelona and one of the study's authors. "While we do not propose that these connectivity changes, triggered by heat exposure, directly induce suicidal behaviors, they could act as a trigger in vulnerable individuals," adds the researcher.	H01 H02 R02 C01 T01	112
2510-E043	Arctic Ice Loss Linked To Drier Winters In California And Wetter Conditions In Spain	A study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health isolates the impact of Arctic sea ice loss on global climate patterns, revealing significant effects on the Southwest U.S. and parts of Europe. This research, published in Communications Earth and Environment, suggests that the melting of Arctic ice is leading to drier conditions in California while simultaneously increasing humidity in Spain and Portugal. The findings provide critical insights into the interconnectedness of climate systems.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by researchers from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, has used a novel approach to unravel the influence of the loss of Arctic sea ice on the planet's climate, isolating it from other factors related to climate change. -- The study, published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment, shows that on decadal timescales, the loss of Arctic ice favours the climate of the south-west of the United States -- and California in particular -- becoming drier on average, especially in winter. -- This phenomenon would also affect the climate of Spain and Portugal, favouring conditions of higher humidity in winter, although in this case the observed effect is weaker. -- 'There is much scientific disagreement about the remote effects of Arctic sea ice loss. -- So far, many studies have focused on the long-term effects, on a scale of centuries. -- Others have investigated the response to sea ice loss with modelling setups that artificially impose heat to melt the sea ice, potentially affecting the simulated response. -- Some studies have been changing Antarctic and Arctic sea ice cover at the same time, making it difficult to discern their individual contributions. -- In our study, we have developed a methodology to assess the impact of Arctic ice loss without adding any heat fluxes, and we focused on the impacts developing within a few decades,' explains Ivana Cvijanovic, ISGlobal researcher and lead author of the study. -- To reach these conclusions, the team used three models of varying complexity. -- In each of them, they ran two sets of simulations, one with the historical amount of sea ice in the Arctic and one with substantially decreased sea ice cover.	C01	113
2513-046	Air Pollution In Early Childhood Linked To Weaker Brain Connectivity	A new study from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health reveals that children exposed to high levels of air pollution during critical developmental stages exhibit weaker connections between essential brain regions. The research emphasizes the detrimental effects of early air pollution exposure on brain development, highlighting the need for protective measures to safeguard cognitive health. This study builds on previous findings linking environmental factors to neurodevelopmental changes.	Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)	Environment International	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by the "la Caixa" Foundation, has found that children exposed to higher levels of air pollution in early and mid childhood have weaker connections between key brain regions. The findings, published in Environment International, highlight the potential impact of early exposure to air pollution on brain development. -- The research showed reduced functional connectivity within and between certain cortical and subcortical brain networks. -- These networks are systems of interconnected brain structures that work together to perform different cognitive functions, such as thinking, perceiving and controlling movement. -- These findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that air pollution may be associated with changes in the functional connectivity of brain networks, particularly in children. -- However, it is not yet fully understood how air pollution affects the development and maturation of these brain networks. -- The study analysed data from 3,626 children from the Generation R cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. -- Exposure to air pollution at the participants' residence, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOX), was estimated using statistical models that combine actual measurements with environmental characteristics. -- Brain connectivity was then assessed both between and within networks, including 13 cortical networks and three subcortical regions: the amygdala -- responsible for processing emotions and triggering survival responses -, the hippocampus -- key for memory formation and spatial orientation -, and the caudate nucleus -- involved in movement regulation, memory and decision-making. -- The children were evaluated using resting state neuroimaging, meaning their brains were scanned while not performing any active task, at two time points: around the age of 10 and again at an average age of 14. Exposure to air pollution was analysed over two periods: from birth to three years of age and in the year before the neuroimaging assessment. -- "This is one of the first studies to explore how air pollution affects brain connections at rest, using brain scans taken multiple times in a large group of children from birth," says Michelle Kusters, ISGlobal researcher and first author of the study.	A01 H01 H02 R02 T01	114
2502-014	Insights Into CAR T Cells’ Cancer-Killing Mechanism Could Advance Immunotherapy Innovations	A study published in Science Advances provides insights into how chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells kill cancer cells. By analyzing the molecular dynamics at the immune synapse, researchers hope to enhance the effectiveness of CAR T cell therapies against diverse malignancies, beyond their current applications.	Baylor College of Medicine	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A study published in Science Advances shares new insights into how two of the most common types of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells kill cancer. Investigators from Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Cancer Center and the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Baylor, Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children's Hospital examined how molecular dynamics at the immune synapse -- where CAR T cells bind to cancer cells -- affect anticancer activity. -- In this study, researchers aimed to understand how CAR T cells with different signaling domains work at the molecular and cellular levels to lay the foundation for designing CAR molecules that maximize antitumor activity beyond B cell malignancies. -- "We looked at two different types of CAR T cells. The first, CD28.ζ-CART cells, are like sprinters. They kill cancer cells quickly and efficiently, but their activity is short-lived. The second, 4-1BB.ζ-CART cells, are like marathon runners. They kill cancer cells consistently over a long period," said senior author Dr. Nabil Ahmed, professor of pediatrics -- hematology and oncology at Baylor and Texas Children's. "We need to understand what's happening at the molecular level so we can engineer CAR T cells to adapt their killing behavior to target hard-to-treat malignancies, such as solid tumors." Ahmed also is a member of the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy and the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. -- Led by first author Dr. Ahmed Gad, postdoctoral associate in Ahmed's lab, the research team examined molecular dynamics at the immune synapse. -- The team biopsied the CAR T cell immunological synapse by isolating the membrane lipid rafts -- cholesterol-rich molecules on the cell surface where most molecular interactions between cells take place. -- They found that CD28.ζ-CAR molecules shuttle through the immune synapse quickly, working within minutes to kill cancer cells. -- This enabled fast CAR T cell recovery and a mastery of "serial killing" of cancer cells. -- In contrast, researchers found that 4-1BB.ζ-CAR molecules linger in the lipid rafts and immune synapse. -- The 4-1BB.ζ-CAR T cells multiply and work together, resulting in sustained "collaborative" killing of tumor cells. -- "Observing the distinct pattern of dynamics between single molecules helps us understand the big picture of how these products work," Gad said.	H01 R01 R02	115
2503-E002	Rotavirus Research: Understanding Protein NSP4’s Role In Gastrointestinal Illness	Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have shed light on how rotavirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis in children, disrupts calcium signaling in infected cells. Their study reveals that the virus's protein NSP4 is essential for infection and influences disease severity. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for new treatments to combat rotavirus infections, which significantly impact child health globally.	Baylor College of Medicine	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have improved our understanding of how rotavirus, the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children, makes people sick. The study published in Science Advances is among the first to show that the rotavirus protein NSP4 is both necessary and sufficient for multiple aspects of rotavirus infection by disrupting calcium signaling not only within infected cells but also in nearby uninfected cells. These disruptions in calcium signaling affect rotavirus disease severity, providing new insights into how NSP4's function influences rotavirus virulence. The findings suggest that manipulating NSP4 could lead to new strategies to prevent or treat rotavirus infections. -- "Rotavirus alone accounts for one-quarter of all cases of severe pediatric acute gastroenteritis, which typically presents with watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Currently, nearly 500,000 children worldwide die from this condition every year," said corresponding author Dr. Joseph Hyser, associate professor of molecular virology and microbiology, as well as part of the Alkek Center for Metagenomic and Microbiome Research and member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor. -- "Although oral rehydration therapy and live-attenuated rotavirus vaccines have helped reduce the burden of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis in children worldwide, there is still room for improvement." -- In the current study, Hyser and his colleagues looked deeper into how functions of NSP4 during rotavirus infection contribute to disease severity in hopes of finding a novel approach to treat or prevent the disease. -- In a previous study, the researchers discovered that rotavirus triggers aberrant calcium signals known as 'intercellular calcium waves' that radiate from infected cells to neighboring uninfected cells and that inhibition of these signals lessened disease severity. -- "The results indicated that it was likely that calcium waves contributed to rotavirus replication and virulence; however, it was not clear how the virus triggered this signal," Hyser said. -- "We already had evidence that placed NSP4 at the top of the list of viral proteins that could be involved in triggering calcium waves." -- Working with existing human and porcine virulent and attenuated rotavirus strains, as well as novel genetic recombinant strains generated by a reverse genetics system, the team examined the role of NSP4 in the induction of calcium waves and its connection to disease severity using a range of experimental models, including cells grown in the lab, intestinal organoid cultures and animal models. -- The researchers found that the ability of rotavirus to generate calcium waves was fully attributable to NSP4, such that expression of NSP4 in cells, even in the absence of rotavirus infection, generated calcium waves indistinguishable from a native infection. -- Importantly NSP4 from attenuated rotaviruses, which cause milder or no disease, induced fewer calcium waves than NSP4 from virulent strains and inserting the attenuated NSP4 into a virulent rotavirus strain both decreased the number of calcium waves it produced and decreased its ability to cause diarrhea in an animal model.	H01 R01 N01	116
2507-129	Zika Virus Uses Stealthy Strategy To Infect Placental Cells During Pregnancy	Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine and Pennsylvania State University have made strides in understanding how the Zika virus crosses the placenta during pregnancy, posing risks such as neurological disorders and fetal abnormalities. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal that the virus utilizes tunneling nanotubes to spread within placental cells, evading immune detection and emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate Zika's effects.	Baylor College of Medicine	Baylor College of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Infection with Zika virus in pregnancy can lead to neurological disorders, fetal abnormalities and fetal death. Until now, how the virus manages to cross the placenta, which nurtures the developing fetus and forms a strong barrier against microbes and chemicals that could harm the fetus, has not been clear. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine with collaborators at Pennsylvania State University report in Nature Communications a strategy Zika virus uses to covertly spread in placental cells, raising little alarm in the immune system. -- "The Zika virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, triggered an epidemic in the Americas that began in 2015 and by 2018 had reached as many as 30 million cases," said co-senior author Dr. Indira Mysorekar, E.I. Wagner Endowed, M.D., Chair Internal Medicine II, chief of basic and translational research and professor of medicine -- infectious diseases at Baylor. -- "Understanding how Zika virus spreads through the human placenta and reaches the fetus is critical to prevent or control this devastating condition." -- The researchers discovered that Zika virus builds underground tunnels, a series of tiny tubes called tunneling nanotubes, that facilitate the transfer of viral particles to neighboring uninfected cells. -- "We discovered that the formation of these tiny tunnels is driven exclusively by a Zika protein called NS1," said first author Dr. Rafael T. Michita, postdoctoral research associate in the Mysorekar lab. -- "Exposure of placental cells to the NS1 protein of Zika virus triggers tunnel formation. As the tunnels develop and connect neighboring cells, a path opens for the virus to invade new cells." -- "Zika is the only virus in its family, which includes dengue and West Nile viruses among others, whose NS1 protein triggers the formation of tunnels in multiple cell types," Michita said. -- "Other viruses unrelated to Zika, such as HIV, herpes, influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, also can induce tiny tunnels in cells they infect and use the tunnels to spread to uninfected cells. This is the first time that tunneling has been shown by Zika virus infection in placental cells." -- Interestingly, the tiny conduits provided a means to transport not only viral particles, but also RNA, proteins and mitochondria, a cell's main source of energy, from infected to neighboring cells. -- "We propose that transporting mitochondria through the tunnels may provide an energetic boost to virus-infected cells to promote viral replication," said co-author Long B. Tran, a graduate student in the Mysorekar lab.	R01	117
2508-046	AI Accelerates Discovery Of Genes Linked To Neurodevelopmental Disorders	Researchers have introduced an innovative AI method that significantly accelerates the identification of genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and developmental delays. This advanced computational tool aims to enhance the genetic understanding of these conditions, which is crucial for accurate diagnoses and developing targeted therapies. The study emphasizes the ongoing need for more gene discoveries in this field.	Baylor College of Medicine	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) approach that accelerates the identification of genes that contribute to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy and developmental delay. This new powerful computational tool can help fully characterize the genetic landscape of neurodevelopmental disorders, which is key to making accurate molecular diagnosis, elucidating disease mechanism and developing targeted therapies. The study appeared in the American Journal of Human Genetics. -- "Although researchers have made major strides identifying different genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, many patients with these conditions still do not receive a genetic diagnosis, indicating that there are many more genes waiting to be discovered," said first and co-corresponding author Dr. Ryan S. Dhindsa, assistant professor of pathology and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and principal investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. -- Typically, to discover new genes associated with a disease, researchers sequence the genomes of many individuals with the disorders and compare them to the genomes of people without the disorders. -- "We took a complementary approach," Dhindsa said. "We used AI to find patterns among genes already linked to neurodevelopmental diseases and predict additional genes that might also be involved in these disorders." -- The researchers looked for patterns in gene expression measured at the single-cell level from the developing human brain. -- "We found that AI models trained solely on these expression data can robustly predict genes implicated in autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay and epilepsy. But we wanted to take this work a step further," Dhindsa said. -- To enhance the models even further, the team incorporated more than 300 other biological features, including measures of how intolerant genes are to mutations, whether they interact with other known disease-associated genes and their functional roles in different biological pathways. -- "These models have exceptionally high predictive value," Dhindsa said. -- "Top-ranked genes were up to two-fold or six-fold, depending on the mode of inheritance, more enriched for high-confidence neurodevelopmental disorder risk genes compared to genic intolerance metrics alone. Additionally, some top-ranking genes were 45 to 500 times more likely to be supported by the literature than lower ranking genes." -- "We see these models as analytical tools that can validate genes that are beginning to emerge from sequencing studies but don't yet have enough statistical proof of being involved in neurodevelopmental conditions," Dhindsa said.	H01 R02 T01	118
2508-c015	Exploring Phages: Their Potential Role In Type 1 Diabetes Development In Children	Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are exploring the effects of specific bacteriophages on the development of type 1 diabetes in young children. This study aims to investigate the role of viruses within the gut microbiome, which may influence bacterial behavior and immune responses, potentially affecting the onset of this autoimmune disease. The research highlights the complexity of interactions between gut microbes and human health.	Baylor College of Medicine	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A world of microbes resides within the gut of every human being. This vast microbial community, the microbiome, which includes bacteria and viruses, has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to actively contribute to both health and disease. -- Researchers have learned a good deal about the bacterial communities that live in the human gut. For instance, they have discovered that these bacteria extensively metabolize the food we eat, drive normal development of the immune system and, to our detriment, include some opportunistic microorganisms that can cause disease under certain conditions. -- On the other hand, the contributions of viruses in the gut microbiome to human health and disease are not known to the same extent as those of bacteria. A new study published in Nature Microbiology has changed this. -- Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have taken the lead on a project to investigate whether certain viruses known as bacteriophages, or phages, which specifically infect bacteria but not human cells, affect the development of type 1 diabetes in young children. Because phages exert pressure on the bacteria they infect and some phage genomes encode virulence factors and toxins, a role for specific phages or communities of phages in human health seems plausible. -- "We think that phages can affect bacterial survival or behavior and this in turn could influence human health," said first author Dr. Michael J. Tisza, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor. -- The current study re-analyzed samples collected as part of The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study with the aim to specifically profile the combined phage-bacteria community. The TEDDY cohort was built with children at risk for developing immunity to the cells that produce insulin and/or type 1 diabetes. Previous TEDDY studies investigated whether gut bacteria and human viruses affected the development of type 1 diabetes. While they did not find a clear association with gut bacteria, there was an association with human viruses. -- Phages are challenging to study -- "Phage genetic data has been available for some time. We learned that phage genomes are very diverse, have little similarities among them and are very small, and these posed significant technical challenges to their analysis," Tisza said. "We approached the challenge by developing a new computational tool that allowed us to analyze phage signals." -- "Using our new analytical tool, we profiled the combined phage-bacteria communities in 12,262 stool samples from 887 participants of the TEDDY study during their first four years of life," said co-corresponding author Dr. Sara J. Javornik Cregeen, assistant professor of molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor. "With this approach we dissected the dynamic changes in the composition of the communities of phages and bacteria in the developing gut and gained new insights into their interactions." -- The researchers found that certain bacteria thrive at different stages of human development, and this was similarly observed for phages in this study. "However, the pace at which phage communities changed was quicker than that of bacteria," Javornik Cregeen said.	H01 R01	119
2510-049	New Approach Promises Hope For Treating Ischemic Heart Failure	Groundbreaking research from Baylor College of Medicine suggests a new method to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation, potentially transforming ischemic heart failure treatment. The study, led by Dr. Riham Abouleisa, highlights the role of calcium modulation in stimulating heart cell regeneration, offering fresh avenues for healing weakened hearts that fail to replace damaged cells effectively.	Baylor College of Medicine	npj Regenerative Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Australia, and collaborating institutions report a groundbreaking discovery in cardiac regeneration that offers new hope for the treatment of ischemic heart failure. Published in npj Regenerative Medicine, the study reveals a novel approach to promoting cardiomyocyte proliferation. -- "When the heart cannot replace injured cardiomyocytes with healthy ones, it becomes progressively weaker, a condition leading to heart failure. In this study, we investigated a new way to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation to help the heart heal," said co-corresponding author Dr. Riham Abouleisa, assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor. -- Previous studies showed that calcium plays an important role in cardiomyocyte proliferation. -- In the current study, Abouleisa and her colleagues explored how modulating calcium influx in cardiomyocytes would affect their proliferation. -- "We found that preventing calcium influx in cardiomyocytes enhances the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation," Abouleisa said. -- "We prevented calcium influx by inhibiting L-Type Calcium Channel (LTCC), a protein that regulates calcium in these cells. Our findings suggest that LTCC could be a target for developing new therapies to induce cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration." -- The study demonstrates that both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of LTCC can induce cardiomyocyte replication and that this occurs by modulating the activity of calcineurin, a known regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation. -- This innovative approach showed promising results both in human cardiac slices grown in the lab and in live animals. -- "Abouleisa's multi-continent collaborations led to a discovery that can revolutionize the use of current medicines that regulate calcium entry to the cells, such as Nifedipine, in heart failure patients," said Dr. Tamer Mohamed, co-author and director of Baylor College of Medicine's Laboratory for Cardiac Regeneration. -- Co-author Dr. Todd K. Rosengart, chair and professor of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, emphasized that, "The premise of regenerating heart tissue, which once seemed like an impossible dream, is getting closer almost daily. The work of Dr. Abouleisa and the Baylor cardiac regeneration team represents a major step toward human trials that I believe are in the not-too-distant future."	R01 N01	120
2511-006	CDKL Gene Variants Linked To Neurodevelopmental Disorders Like Epilepsy	Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine have identified how variants in CDKL2 and CDKL1 genes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, including epilepsy. Their findings clarify the mechanisms by which these genetic variants impact neurological functions, thereby enhancing our understanding of the CDKL gene family and its role in various health conditions.	Baylor College of Medicine	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	CDKL5, one of the five members of the CDKL family of genes, is important for proper neurodevelopment and associated with seizures. However, the role the other four members of this family play in health and disease is unknown. -- A team led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (Duncan NRI) at Texas Children's Hospital has deepened our understanding of two other members of the CDKL family, CDKL2 and CDKL1. The labs of Drs. -- Oguz Kanca and Hugo Bellen show that variants in these genes can lead to neurodevelopmental conditions, including epilepsy. -- The team also proposes a mechanism by which the defective variants may cause the neurological symptoms in affected individuals. -- The study appeared in the American Journal of Human Genetics. -- "CDKL5 was until now the only gene of the CDKL family linked to neurodevelopmental disorders in people," said first author Dr. Ali H. Bereshneh, a postdoctoral fellow in the Kanca and the Bellen labs. -- "Here we report four new variants of CDKL2 identified in five individuals presenting with overlapping symptoms, including global developmental delay, intellectual disability, childhood-onset epilepsy and speech deficits." -- In addition, the researchers identified two new variants of CDKL1 in the published Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) and GeneDx cohorts associated with developmental disorders. -- CDKL genes are highly conserved -- they also are present in animals like fruit flies, worms and mice -- which enables researchers to work with these animal models as 'living test tubes' to better understand how CDKL genes cause neurodevelopmental conditions. -- "We worked with the laboratory fruit fly, an animal model very well suited and studied to investigate how genes work," said Kanca and Bellen, corresponding authors of the work.	H01 N01	121
2512-011	Exciting Brain Circuit Discovery May Offer New Solutions For Tackling Obesity Issues	Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions have identified a new brain circuit that links motion sickness to the regulation of body temperature and metabolic balance. This groundbreaking study suggests potential novel treatment strategies for obesity by understanding how these circuits work, despite initial hesitations about the relevance of motion sickness to metabolic research, ultimately yielding insights into obesity-related drug development.	Baylor College of Medicine	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Motion sickness is a very common condition that affects about 1 in 3 people, but the brain circuits involved are largely unknown. In the current study published in Nature Metabolism, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital describe a new brain circuit involved in motion sickness that also contributes to regulating body temperature and metabolic balance. The findings may provide unconventional strategies for the treatment of obesity. -- "When Dr. Longlong Tu, a postdoctoral fellow in my lab, proposed to investigate the brain circuits involved in motion sickness, a condition for which he is highly susceptible, I was not very excited about the idea because it's not one of the main interests of my lab," said corresponding author of the work, Dr. Yong Xu, professor of pediatrics -- nutrition and associate director for basic sciences at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor. -- "However, I became more interested and supported Tu's idea when he explained the emerging evidence suggesting a link between motion sickness and metabolic balance, which is one of my research interests." -- The Xu lab works with mouse models to investigate how the brain regulates metabolism and how this may be related to obesity and inform the development of more effective obesity drugs. -- Mouse models offer an abundance of molecular and genetic tools, as well as relevant behavioral assays to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying physiological responses. -- But there was a challenge -- mice are incapable of vomiting, one of the main manifestations of motion sickness in people. -- Interestingly, mice and humans subjected to motion sickness stimuli, such as experiencing horizontal motion back and forth for some time, show hypothermia, a reduction in body temperature. -- "This allowed us to develop a mouse model of motion sickness in which we measured core body temperature, physical activity and brain activity as the animals experienced motion stimuli," Xu explained. -- The team found that motion activates glutamatergic neurons -- neurons that produce glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system -- in the medial vestibular nucleus parvocellular part (MVePCGlu) of the brain. -- Activation of these neurons is required and sufficient to mediate motion-induced thermal adaptations.	H01 R02 N01	122
2512-050	Postpartum Mice Show New Temperature Preferences Linked to Brain Changes	A study conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals significant metabolic adaptations in postpartum female mice, unveiling how their preferences for environmental temperatures change. By examining brain alterations during and after pregnancy, the research provides insights into how these adaptations can support the energy demands of motherhood and infant care.	Baylor College of Medicine	Molecular Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Mothersexperience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life. Although many metabolic changes have been studied, body temperature regulation and environmental temperature preference during and after pregnancy remain poorly understood. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and collaborating institutions show in the journal Molecular Metabolism that postpartum female mice develop new environmental temperature preferences and reveal brain changes mediating these changes. -- "In both humans and mice, body temperature increases during early pregnancy, drops to normal temperature during late pregnancy and then goes up again during lactation," said co-corresponding author Dr. Chunmei Wang, assistant professor of pediatrics at USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center at Baylor. -- In this study, Wang and her colleagues investigated what changes occurred in the brain that mediated the new temperature preference. -- "We worked with mice and found that female mice prefer a cooler environment starting from late pregnancy and persisting in long-term postpartum," Wang said. -- "For more than four weeks post-weaning female mice had a lower body temperature and preferred cooler environments; they lost their typical preference for warm environments (30 °C/86 °F) but still avoided cold environments (15 °C/59 °F)." -- To identify the biological underpinnings of these changes, the researchers studied the preoptic area (POA), a brain region important for sensing and regulating body temperature. -- "We discovered that the change in temperature preference in postpartum female mice was associated with a significant decrease in a particular group of neurons, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-expressing neurons in the preoptic area of the brain (ERαPOA neurons)," Wang said. -- Supporting this finding, the researchers found that virgin females in which the estrogen receptor alpha had been deleted in ERαPOA neurons also preferred lower temperatures and avoided warmer locations, mimicking postpartum females. -- Looking closely into the ERαPOA neurons, the researchers found that these neurons vary in their ability to sense warm or cold temperatures -- one group of ERαPOA neurons can directly respond to warmth, while another group responds to cooler temperatures. -- "Interestingly, compared to female mice that had not been pregnant, ERαPOA neurons of postpartum females had reduced response to warmth and an enhanced response to cold," Wang said.	H01	123
2510-T032	Nature-Inspired 3D Printing: A Quick And Efficient Method	The research team at the Beckman Institute has introduced "growth printing," a novel 3D-printing technique mimicking tree growth to produce polymer parts efficiently and cost-effectively. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional molds and equipment, offering a rapid manufacturing process that could revolutionize polymer production in various industries.	Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Charging forward at top speed, a garden snail slimes up 1 millimeter of pavement per second. By this logic, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology researchers' new 3D printing process speeds past existing methods -- at a snail's pace. -- Researchers in Beckman's Autonomous Materials Systems Group created "growth printing," which mimics tree trunks' outward expansion to print polymer parts quickly and efficiently without the molds and expensive equipment typically associated with 3D printing. -- Their work appears in the journal Advanced Materials. -- "Humans are incredibly talented at making things. Completely new manufacturing processes are hard to find. Growth printing is entirely new, which is thrilling," said Sameh Tawfick , a professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and project lead. -- Tawfick said the most common industrial manufacturing technology is injection molding, where molten polymers take shape in a metal mold. -- Though effective for mass production, maintaining the molds and curing ovens (where the plastic hardens) can be cost-prohibitive and unwieldy -- especially for large objects like boat hulls or fan blades. -- Additive manufacturing, which prints 3D objects like a layer cake, is mold-less and ideal for custom parts like prosthetics. -- "Polymer 3D printing equipment has matured, but there are still aspects that make it expensive and very slow," Tawfick said. -- "Our goal was to increase the manufacturing speed, size and material quality while maintaining a low cost. This process that we came up with is truly fast and inexpensive." -- First, Sameh and his colleagues pour amber-colored liquid resin called dicyclopentadiene, or DCPD, into an open glass container submerged in ice water.	Z01	124
2509-T020	Scientific Variability: Different Methods Yield Different Results In Studies	A comprehensive study involving over 300 scientists has demonstrated the significant impact that different analytical methods can have on scientific conclusions. By analyzing the same dataset through varied approaches, the findings reveal how methodological choices can lead to vastly different results, emphasizing the importance of transparency and replication in scientific research.	Bielefeld University	BMC Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Different analytical methods have a significant impact on the results of scientific studies. This is demonstrated by a study conducted by an international research team, which includes researchers from Bielefeld University. In the study, more than 300 scientists compared 174 independent analyses of the same dataset. The findings reveal that different methods can lead to highly variable conclusions. -- The study, published in BMC Biology, shows that different scientists working with the same datasets can arrive at vastly different results. -- This insight highlights how analytical choices can significantly influence scientific conclusions. -- "Our work demonstrates that scientific analyses do not solely depend on the underlying data but also on the decisions researchers make during analysis," explains Alfredo Sánchez-Tójar from Bielefeld University's Faculty of Biology. -- "This underscores the need for transparent research practices and increased replication studies." -- Analysis Reveals Drastic Differences in Results -- An analysis of 174 independent research groups found that various statistical methods and analytical approaches can lead to significantly differing outcomes. -- These findings raise fundamental questions about the reproducibility and reliability of scientific results. -- The results have far-reaching implications for ecology, evolutionary biology, and beyond. -- Researchers at Bielefeld University emphasize the importance of Big-Team Science and open science practices to minimize biases in scientific findings.	Z01	125
2505-058	What’s The Best Group Size For Generating Ideas? New Research Explores Answers	Research from Binghamton University challenges conventional wisdom regarding team dynamics in the workplace. It explores whether larger or smaller groups yield better creative outcomes and the impact of individual similarities versus differences. Through in-depth studies of organizational performance, the findings offer valuable insights for managers aiming to optimize employee collaboration and innovation, potentially reshaping workplace structures and practices.	Binghamton University	npj Complexity	Press Rel	PubMed	Anyone conducting research in the tropical rainforest does not necessarily have a winter jacket and warm socks with them. After all, this region of the world is considered to have a consistently pleasant temperature. But this is not the case, as Kim Lea Holzmann and Pedro Alonso-Alonso have found out for themselves. Both are doing their doctoral theses at the University of Würzburg's Biocentre and both spent almost the whole of 2023 in the Amazon region in southern Peru to study biodiversity. -- It happened on 13 June: a cold spell caused temperatures to plummet from an average of 23.9 to 10.5 degrees Celsius. The cool period lasted almost a week. 'A year before, we had already experienced a day when it was only 18 degrees,' says Kim Lea Holzmann. But such severe and prolonged cold seemed strange to them. The local field assistants, on the other hand, were not really surprised. They explained to the Würzburg team that cold spells lasting several days are not that rare in the Amazon. -- First Study on Cold Waves and Wildlife -- The research team spontaneously decided to seize the opportunity: How would the wildlife react to the cold snap? That was the research question. 'So far, there have only been studies on how cold waves affect agriculture in the Amazon region. We have now presented the first ever study on how they affect wild animal communities in the lowlands of the Amazon,' says the doctoral student. The results have been published in the journal Biology Letters. -- Conclusion: All in all, the insects and mammals studied appear to have coped well with the cold wave- with one exception in the case of insects. In addition, the cold tolerance of a quarter of the insects analysed was almost exhausted by the low temperatures measured. Certain species could face problems if the cold waves become even more severe in the future. This is quite conceivable in the light of climate change. -- Focus on Insects and Mammals -- For the study, the research team was able to draw on data that it had already collected in 2022 for its biodiversity studies. It had recorded the biomass of flying and ground-dwelling insects using various insect traps. Twelve camera traps were also used to document the activity of jaguars, tapirs, peccaries and other wild mammals. The researchers then collected all this data again during the cold spell and again a few months after it ended. -- During the cold wave, the biomass and activity of all insects fell sharply. In the months that followed, however, there was a complete recovery. Only in the group of dung beetles the biomass remained low. They are apparently more sensitive to the cold than other insect groups. -- The researchers also determined the cold tolerance of various insects by cooling them down in a thermostat until they lost mobility. This showed that most insects can withstand even lower temperatures than those that occurred in June 2023. However, this is not the case for 25 per cent of the insects studied: 'They go into torpor when the temperature is just 0.62 degrees Celsius below the during the cold wave measured 10.5 degrees,' says Pedro Alonso-Alonso. Insects are completely immobile during torpor -- if this state lasts longer, it is likely to have a negative impact on their ability to survive, according to the researchers. -- Cold Caused Unusual Calm in the Rainforest	T01	126
2508-027	Neanderthals Faced Major Genetic Variation Loss Foreshadowing Extinction	An international research team has uncovered that Neanderthals faced a significant loss of genetic variation during their evolution, which may have contributed to their eventual extinction. By examining the semicircular canals of human fossils, the study provides new insights into the morphological diversity of Neanderthals and presents a novel approach to understanding their evolutionary history.	Binghamton University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by an international team of scholars, including faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York, suggests that Neanderthals experienced a dramatic loss of genetic variation during the course of their evolution, foreshadowing their eventual extinction. -- The study, co-authored by Binghamton University Professor of Anthropology Rolf Quam and graduate student Brian Keeling, measured the morphological diversity in the semicircular canals, structures of the inner ear responsible for our sense of balance, in two exceptional collections of human fossils from the sites of Atapuerca (Spain) and Krapina (Croatia), as well as from various European and Western Asian sites. -- "The development of the inner ear structures is known to be under very tight genetic control, since they are fully formed at the time of birth," said Quam. -- "This makes variation in the semicircular canals an ideal proxy for studying evolutionary relationships between species in the past since any differences between fossil specimens reflect underlying genetic differences. The present study represents a novel approach to estimating genetic diversity within Neandertal populations." -- The Atapuerca fossils -- referred to as "pre-Neanderthals" -- date to about 400,000 years ago and represent the earliest fossils that anthropologists consider clear Neandertal ancestors. -- The Neanderthals emerged around 250,000 years ago from these populations which inhabited the Eurasian continent between 500,000 and 250,000 years ago. -- The Croatian site of Krapina represents the most complete collection of early Neanderthals and dates to approximately 130,000 years ago. -- The researchers calculated the amount of morphological diversity (i.e., disparity) of the semicircular canals of both samples, comparing them with each other and with a sample of "classic" Neanderthals of different ages and geographical origins. -- "It is exciting to be included in this research project which relies on some of the latest cutting-edge methodologies in our field," said Keeling. -- "As a student of human evolution, I am always amazed at research that pushes the boundaries of our knowledge."	Z01	127
2501-014	New Biomarkers Could Enhance Detection And Monitoring Of Kidney Injury Effectively.	New biomarkers identified in a recent study could enhance the detection of kidney injury, advancing drug development and improving patient outcomes. This research indicates that these biomarkers offer a more sensitive monitoring method than current standards, enabling quicker detection of nephrotoxicity due to various medications.	Boston Medical Center	Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics	Press Rel	PubMed	Drug-induced kidney injury, or nephrotoxicity, is a common complication in clinical medicine that happens when drugs damage the kidneys. Nephrotoxicity can occur with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiretroviral, or chemotherapeutic medicines and can lead to therapies being discontinued or restricted from patients. Now, researchers have identified six new biomarkers that could detect kidney injury faster and with more sensitivity, advancing safer drug development and improving health outcomes for patients. -- The findings were published recently in Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. Sushrut Waikar, MD, MPH, first author on the paper, says these new biomarkers may offer a more sensitive approach than existing standards for monitoring kidney health and can lead to more tolerable treatment options. -- "Current biomarkers can be too slow at showing early signs of kidney injury," says Waikar, Chief of Nephrology and Interim Medicine Chair at Boston Medical Center. -- "These biomarkers, which can be measured in the urine, could help clinicians detect kidney damage within 24 hours of injury, enabling more timely monitoring during drug development and better treatment of patients who are at risk in clinical settings." -- The research team examined urinary levels of protein biomarkers in healthy volunteers and patients undergoing treatment for mesothelioma with a chemotherapy drug that is known to have toxic effects on the kidneys. -- The six biomarkers identified by the team are mostly made in the kidneys themselves in response to injury or inflammation. -- This enables detection of kidney injury more quickly than current blood tests, like serum creatinine, which can sometimes take several days to reach abnormal levels. -- The research team now hopes to assess whether these biomarkers can be used more broadly to monitor kidney health in clinical trial settings. -- Earlier detection of kidney damage could allow clinicians to intervene sooner, reducing the risk of long-term damage and improving patient outcomes across all settings. -- "These biomarkers have the potential to make a real difference in how we monitor kidney health and manage patients at risk for kidney damage," says Waikar, who is also the Norman G. Levinsky Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.	H01 R01 N02	128
2510-051	Key Factors Identified To Support Development In Low Birth Weight Children	Research from Boston Medical Center highlights critical factors that influence early child development and school readiness, particularly for low birth weight children. Identifying protective factors such as parental mental health and consistent routines, the study emphasizes the importance of family support in aiding children's developmental milestones and ultimately enhancing their long-term success.	Boston Medical Center	Academic Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	School readiness is central to child wellbeing and is predictive of not only academic, but also long-term economic and health outcomes according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). However, new research reveals a concerning gap in school readiness for children with low birth weight, with only one-third of these children being on track for school readiness -- lower than reported for the general pediatric population. -- A new Boston Medical Center (BMC) study identifies five key protective factors that can support children, especially those with low birth weight, in reaching developmental milestones and being prepared for school. -- Neighborhood amenities, better parental mental health, emotional support networks, regular reading or bedtime routines, and limiting screen time to one hour or less each day are all associated with improved school readiness, according to findings published recently in Academic Pediatrics. -- Using data from the 2016-2019 National Survey of Children's Health, the BMC research team, led by Gen Guyol, MD, MAT, explored developmentally sound and emotionally supportive early life experiences that can improve school readiness. -- "Our findings underscore the critical role that family routines and parental supports play in shaping early child development. By fostering predictability, such as through consistent household routines and spending dedicated time together, parents can create an environment that supports their child's readiness for school," says Dr. Guyol, a health services researcher in neonatology at BMC. -- The study highlights the importance of emotional support for not only children, but also parents and caregivers. -- Having someone to turn to for guidance and reassurance can be a vital resource for families as they navigate the complexities of raising a young child. -- Dr. Guyol, who is also an assistant professor in pediatrics at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, adds, "It's essential to recognize that the support of parents and caregivers is a protective factor. When parents feel supported, they are better equipped to create an environment that promotes positive developmental outcomes for their children." -- This research contributes to a growing body of evidence that emphasizes the importance of early, accessible interventions and supportive environments in fostering school readiness, particularly for vulnerable populations like children with low birth weight. "Investing in school readiness has far-reaching effects that extend well beyond the classroom. By supporting parents and creating environments that foster early development, we are not only helping children thrive in school but also setting the foundation for lifelong success and well-being," says Dr. Guyol.	H01	129
2502-062	ICU Delirium Linked To Patient Room Designs And Medical Conditions Needs More Research	A study by researchers at Mass General Brigham indicates that ICU delirium is influenced by various factors, including the presence of windows in patient rooms. The research underscores the need for further investigation into environmental impacts on delirium in post-surgical ICU settings, as the condition manifests through acute cognitive changes and disorganized thinking.	Boston University School of Medicine	Critical Care Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Delirium is characterized by an acute change in cognition, accompanied by either altered consciousness or disorganized thinking. The condition is common in the post-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) setting, affecting up to 50-70% of those admitted, depending on individual risk profiles. -- ICU delirium can be associated with a multitude of factors including underlying and acute medical conditions, pharmacologic agents or treatment regimens like surgery. -- Currently there is no definitive consensus on drug interventions that aid in the prevention of delirium or its treatment. -- While there has been some evidence that the ICU environment plays a role in delirium, more research is needed to understand this association. -- In a new study from Mass General Brigham and collaborators at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, researchers found windowed patient rooms were associated with an increase in the odds of developing delirium, when compared to patient rooms without windows. -- Using electronic medical records, the researchers reviewed the association between patients being admitted to an ICU room with or without windows and the presence of delirium. -- Delirium was observed in 21% (460/2,235) of patients in windowed rooms and 16% (206/1,292) of patients in non-windowed rooms. -- "While the findings of the study were ultimately unexpected due to prior research suggesting the importance of circadian rhythm while in the hospital, our results contribute to a growing body of evidence-based design literature around the importance of healthcare design to patient experience and outcomes," explained corresponding author Diana Anderson, MD, FACHA, assistant professor of neurology at the school. -- She notes that because of the study design, these unexpected findings are not causative and may represent different patterns in which some patients -- who are potentially at an increased risk of delirium -- may be assigned to different room layouts by the clinical teams. -- According to the authors, further research into the specific qualities of windows that may impact health is needed to better understand these results.	R01	130
2504-062	Standardized Protocols: A Pathway To Equitable Healthcare Delivery For All Patients	A recent investigation by Boston University researchers highlights inconsistencies in drug screening practices that may unfairly affect patient reporting to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) in Massachusetts. Following a 2010 law encouraging reporting of medically unfit drivers, the study emphasizes the need for standardized protocols to ensure equitable healthcare delivery and effective impaired driving prevention. Data linking trauma center screenings with RMV records reveals significant disparities in policy implementation that warrant attention.	Boston University School of Medicine	Academic Emergency Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2010, Massachusetts adopted legislation that amended the Safe Driving Law, encouraging health care providers to report patients to the state Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) if there was "reasonable cause to believe that an operator is not physically or medically capable of safely operating a motor vehicle." In response to this new legislation, trauma physicians at two Boston academic medical centers initiated a reporting policy that stipulates patients admitted after a serious motor vehicle collision that may have been caused by intoxicated driving, are to be reported to the RMV by the attending trauma physician for potential license suspension. -- A new study by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center and UMass Memorial Medical Center has found that drug screening practices may be inconsistent with potential downstream effects in reporting to the RMV. -- "This inconsistency raises concerns about fairness and effectiveness in preventing impaired driving and highlights disparities in policy implementation; there is a need for standardized, equitable reporting protocols across hospitals," explains corresponding author Neil Singh Bedi, a fourth-year medical student at Boston University. -- The researchers analyzed data from two large trauma centers to see how often alcohol and drug screenings were done after serious car crashes. -- They linked these hospital records with the Massachusetts RMV database to track if patients who were reported had their licenses suspended. -- They then compared suspension rates across different groups to check for inconsistencies or disparities. -- They found toxicology and ethyl alcohol or ethanol (EtOH)screening rates differed significantly between trauma centers. -- Across all patients, 11.5% of the patients had neither urine or serum toxicology screening done and 47% only had EtOH screening performed. -- Both EtOH and toxicology screening were completed in 41% of patients, and 1% of patients had only toxicology screening completed. -- While the screening rates varied based on the type of screenings performed (EtOH and/or toxicology), there were no differences by race or whether patients had any screening, either EtOH or toxicology.	A01 R01 C01	131
2506-009	Innovative Therapies Signal Hope For Advanced Liver Cancer Patients, Study Shows	Innovative treatments combining immunotherapy and targeted radiation may revolutionize liver cancer care. A new study showcases successful tumor removals in patients previously deemed ineligible due to advanced cirrhosis. The research emphasizes the potential of minimally invasive techniques, expanding surgical options for high-risk populations and enhancing outcomes in liver cancer treatment.	Boston University School of Medicine	British Journal of Surgery	Press Rel	PubMed	The risk of developing liver cancer is increased in people who have cirrhosis, a disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and keeps it from functioning as it should, and patients with advanced liver cancer and cirrhosis are normally considered unsuitable for surgery or transplant. -- In a new study published in the British Journal of Surgery, researchers describe successful tumor removal through the use of immunotherapy and targeted radiation therapy (TARE), in a patient previously considered ineligible for the procedure. -- "Our study describes how a minimally invasive surgical approach known as the Arantius-first technique, can be applied in high-risk populations, potentially expanding surgical indications for patients with cirrhosis," explains corresponding author Eduardo Vega, MD, assistant professor of surgery at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. -- The Arantius-first technique is a laparoscopic procedure that uses the Arantius' ligament as an anatomical landmark to quickly expose the middle hepatic vein (MHV). -- This method allows the surgeon to quickly and accurately locate the MHV, one of the liver's major vessels. -- In conventional approaches, there is a higher risk of split injuries or iatrogenic damage to the MHV, which can lead to severe complications, particularly in patients with cirrhosis who have limited functional liver reserve. -- By focusing on this landmark, the Arantius-first technique minimizes the risk of injuring the MHV and ensures its preservation, which is critical during a left hepatectomy in cirrhotic patients. -- This precision not only enhances the safety of the procedure but also contributes to better patient outcomes. -- This patient's care involved multiple steps. First, the tumor was treated with TARE, a targeted radiation therapy that reduces tumor size while sparing healthy liver tissue. -- Next, immunotherapy was used to boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.	H01 R01 N02	132
2510-017	Consumer Tech Enhances Our Ability To Monitor Brain Health	Technological advancements are transforming health assessments, enabling individuals to utilize apps and wearables for brain health monitoring. The growing focus on early detection and lifestyle management could significantly impact dementia prevention, with a substantial portion of cases potentially avoidable through proactive health measures.	Boston University School of Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Technology is changing how physicians think about assessing patients and, in turn, how patients expect to be able to measure their own health. Apps designed for smartphones and wearable devices can provide unique insights into users' brain health. -- It is estimated that 55 million individuals worldwide suffer from some form of dementia. -- Alzheimer's disease and related dementias being the leading causes, with numbers expected to triple by 2050. -- Early education and detection of cognitive changes empower individuals to enact lifestyle modifications and initiate pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to slow or prevent decline. -- In fact, up to 45% of global dementia cases could be prevented or delayed through targeted lifestyle changes and risk factor management, according to the 2024 Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention and care. -- This highlights how individuals can be empowered to protect and improve their brain health through proactive measures. -- A new study in the journal Nature Medicine has found widely used consumer grade digital devices, such as the iPhone and Apple Watch, can be effective in assessing an individual's cognitive health without requiring in-person visits or supervision. -- This is the largest cognition study of its kind to demonstrate that self-administered cognitive assessments can be leveraged to accurately assess cognitive health over time. -- "In the long term, we may be able to track digital health metrics and identify those reflecting cognitive changes that are on a trajectory of decline and warrant follow-up with a medical professional to determine if an early intervention treatment plan is needed to either slow or prevent progression," says coauthor Rhoda Au, PhD, professor of anatomy & neurobiology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and one of the researchers on the study. -- The study enrolled more than 23,000 adults represented from across the U.S. who used an iPhone.	R02 T01	133
2510-054	Links Between Diabetes And Worse Outcomes In Aggressive Breast Cancer	Research from Boston University reveals how obesity-driven diabetes can worsen outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study highlights the need for tailored treatments for these patients, suggesting that understanding the interplay between diabetes and cancer biology could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for those at higher risk of complications.	Boston University School of Medicine	Molecular Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	More than 120 million Americans suffer from diabetes or pre-diabetes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer, and TNBC patients with obesity-driven diabetes often have worse outcomes. -- A new study by researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine helps explain why this happens and suggests a potential way to improve treatment for these patients. -- At present, oncologists do not consider patients with breast cancer and obesity-driven diabetes differently in any significant way from patients with breast cancer who are otherwise healthy. -- The new study, "Insulin Resistance Increases TNBC Aggressiveness and Brain Metastasis via Adipocyte-derived Exosomes," published in Molecular Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, shows that diabetes changes the biology of breast cancer, suggesting the need for special consideration for patients who are at much higher risk for brain metastasis and should be monitored and treated differently than most breast cancer patients. -- "We hope our study will lead to better treatments for patients with aggressive breast cancer, especially those with metabolic disorders like diabetes. By uncovering how cancer and metabolism are connected, we move one step closer to more personalized and effective therapies," said corresponding author Gerald V. Denis, PhD, MSc, Shipley Prostate Cancer Research Professor and professor of pharmacology, physiology & biophysics. -- Researchers collected exosomes from fat cells and studied how the microRNAs they contain worsen TNBC cell behavior. -- They then added these exosomes to cancer cells in lab experiments, and experimental models of breast cancer metastasis, and observed dangerous changes in their growth, movement, ability to survive under stress and colonize the brain. -- They found that microRNAs, which are involved in many biological processes, including cell differentiation and insulin secretion, are carried in the exosomes and promote aggressiveness in triple-negative breast cancer, especially increasing brain metastasis. -- Researchers also analyzed breast cancer patient data to see how these microRNAs are linked to cancer progression. -- The novel patterns found in models directly predict breast cancer patient survival and help explain why some patients with obesity-driven insulin resistance and diabetes experience worse breast cancer outcomes, and suggest a new way to target the disease.	H02 R01 R02	134
2511-T013	Digital Voice Recordings Reveal Cognitive Health Insights But Pose Privacy Risks	Digital voice recordings can serve as an innovative, non-invasive method for assessing cognitive health by analyzing features like speech rate and articulation. However, researchers from Boston University highlight potential privacy concerns associated with voice data, presenting a computational framework that uses pitch-shifting to protect identity while preserving essential diagnostic features.	Boston University School of Medicine	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Digital voice recordings contain valuable information that can indicate an individual's cognitive health, offering a non-invasive and efficient method for assessment. Research has demonstrated that digital voice measures can detect early signs of cognitive decline by analyzing features such as speech rate, articulation, pitch variation and pauses, which may signal cognitive impairment when deviating from normative patterns. -- However, voice data introduces privacy challenges due to the personally identifiable information embedded in recordings, such as gender, accent and emotional state, as well as more subtle speech characteristics that can uniquely identify individuals. -- These risks are amplified when voice data is processed by automated systems, raising concerns about re-identification and potential misuse of data. -- In a new study, researchers from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have introduced a computational framework that applies pitch-shifting, a sound recording technique that changes the pitch of a sound, either raising or lowering it, to protect speaker identity while preserving acoustic features essential for cognitive assessment. -- "By leveraging techniques such as pitch-shifting as a means of voice obfuscation, we demonstrated the ability to mitigate privacy risks while preserving the diagnostic value of acoustic features," explained corresponding author Vijaya B. Kolachalama, PhD, FAHA, associate professor of medicine. -- Using data from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) and DementiaBank Delaware (DBD), the researchers applied pitch-shifting at different levels and incorporated additional transformations, such as time-scale modifications and noise addition, to alter vocal characteristics to responses to neuropsychological tests. -- They then assessed speaker obfuscation via equal error rate and diagnostic utility through the classification accuracy of machine learning models distinguishing cognitive states: normal cognition (NC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (DE). -- Using obfuscated speech files, the computational framework was able to accurately determine NC, MCI and DE differentiation in 62% of the FHS dataset and 63% of the DBD dataset. -- According to the researchers, this work contributes to the ethical and practical integration of voice data in medical analyses, emphasizing the importance of protecting patient privacy while maintaining the integrity of cognitive health assessments. -- "These findings pave the way for developing standardized, privacy-centric guidelines for future applications of voice-based assessments in clinical and research settings," adds Kolachalama, who also is an associate professor of computer science, affiliate faculty of Hariri Institute for Computing and a founding member of the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences at Boston University.	C01	135
2502-041	Wildfire Smoke Exposure May Increase Emergency Care Needs, Especially For Low-Air-Conditioning Access Areas	As Los Angeles County grapples with severe wildfires, research indicates that individuals with limited access to air conditioning are at a heightened risk of health issues due to wildfire smoke exposure. The study emphasizes the need for equitable policies and public education to mitigate the adverse health effects associated with air pollution from wildfires, particularly for vulnerable populations.	Boston University School of Public Health	Environmental Research: Health	Press Rel	PubMed	As Los Angeles County battles the most destructive wildfires in its history, a new study suggest that US policies should prioritize equity and education regarding the measures people can take to protect themselves from the harmful pollutants in wildfire smoke. -- People who have limited access to air conditioning may be at higher risk of seeking emergency care for health problems following exposure to wildfire smoke, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH). -- Posted online ahead of publication in the journal Environmental Research: Health, the study found that exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke in California is associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for all causes, non-accidental causes, and respiratory disease. -- This risk varied by age and race, but was especially high for individuals who lived in areas with lower availability of air conditioning. -- The findings come at a critical time, as firefighters in Southern California continue to battle multiple wildfires that have been blazing in and around Los Angeles County since Tuesday, January 7 -- including the Palisades fire, which is likely the largest and most destructive wildfire in the county's history. -- Health experts are urging residents who are not under evacuation orders and can safely remain in their homes to turn on air conditioners and/or air purifiers if they have access to these devices. -- Despite this guidance -- and the growing threat of more frequent and intense wildfires due to worsening climate change -- very little research has examined how the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure may differ based on individuals' access to air conditioning. -- Understanding this relationship can inform policies and interventions that mitigate barriers to air conditioners and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of inhaling PM2.5 and other harmful pollutants from this smoke, which can permeate the air from hundreds or thousands of miles away. -- "Depending on the type of system and filter used, air conditioning may modify the impact of smoke exposure on human health," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Jennifer Stowell, research scientist in climate and health at BUSPH, noting that the analysis only addressed the likelihood of access to air conditioning, rather than air conditioning types or actual usage. -- "Studies like these will become more and more relevant as wildfire exposure increases. California is, perhaps, the best example of this in the US, with bigger fires and longer fire seasons. An important next step will be to identify ways to better characterize access to air conditioning."	R01 R02 T01	136
2513-002	Discrimination Linked To Increased Rates Of Depression And Anxiety Among US Adults	A recent study has revealed that more than half of U.S. adults experience some form of discrimination, significantly impacting mental health. Those facing high levels of discrimination are over five times more likely to screen positive for anxiety and depression. This research highlights the urgent need for improved mental health support across various populations, particularly among multiracial, White, and Asian adults, who often face overlooked mental health challenges.	Boston University School of Public Health	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study found that more than half of US adults encounter some form of discrimination, and that this mistreatment may fuel higher chances of depression and/or anxiety among specific racial and ethnic groups due to cultural, social, and systemic factors. -- A growing body of research has drawn connections between everyday discrimination -- the routine and often subtle forms of mistreatment that people experience on a day-to-day basis -- and poor mental health. A new study by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Brown University suggests that higher exposure to discrimination increases a person's chances of developing depression and/or anxiety, and that this outcome varies by race and ethnicity. -- Published in JAMA Network Open, the study found that over half of US adults experienced some form of discrimination, and individuals with high exposure to discrimination have more than five times the chances of screening positive for depression, and five times the chances of screening positive for anxiety. Compared to adults who do not experience discrimination, adults who do experience this mistreatment have nearly nine times the odds of screening positive for both depression and anxiety. -- These observations were similar for men and women, but more pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian adults, populations that are often overlooked in research and discussions about the effect of discrimination on health. -- The nationally representative findings provide valuable insight into the relationship between discrimination and mental health among multiple populations, building upon previous research on this subject that has been restricted by smaller study groups or limited comparisons between Black and White populations, or Hispanic or Latino and non-Hispanic or non-Latino populations. The researchers hope this data provides a deeper understanding of the mental health consequences of discrimination among a wider range of demographic groups, and encourages mental health screenings and support to mitigate these racial disparities. -- "Our study expands our understanding beyond typical Black-White comparisons, showing that everyday discrimination is a widespread issue that negatively impacts mental health across all racial and ethnic groups," says study lead and corresponding author Dr. Monica Wang, associate professor of community health sciences at BUSPH. -- For the study, Dr. Wang and study senior author Dr. Marie-Rachelle Narcisse, assistant professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown, assessed 2023 national survey data to gauge experiences of discrimination, depression, and anxiety among nearly 30,000 adults ages 18 or older. This sample population was weighted to represent more than 258 million US adults. To measure discrimination, the researchers utilized standardized scales that capture the frequency of mistreatment, such as receiving poor service or being harassed. They also utilized standardized scales to quantify experiences with depression (such as feeling down or hopeless, or having little interest in doing things) and anxiety (such as feeling nervous or experiencing an inability to stop worrying). -- Nearly 56 percent of adults experienced a form of discrimination, and 3.6 percent of this group reported experiencing high levels of discrimination, most prevalent among Black adults, followed by multiracial or other adults, Hispanic or Latino adults, White adults, and Asian adults. Discrimination was also more common among adults experiencing certain health disadvantages such as disabilities, obesity, and food insecurity, as well as immigrants and women. -- The researchers theorize that a combination of social, cultural, and systemic factors may be driving discrimination-related depression or anxiety among specific racial and ethnic groups. Multiracial individuals may navigate unique experiences of mistreatment based on their multiple racial identities, while White individuals may experience mental health challenges that stem from mistreatment related to their income or educational levels. Asian adults may experience depression or anxiety stemming from language barriers or the "model minority" stereotype, which assumes all Asian individuals are high-achieving and successful. -- These perceived experiences carry real psychological weight, says Dr. Narcisse.	A01 H01 H02 R01	137
2501-E009	Unique Hornworts May Enhance Crop Efficiency Through Increased Carbon Uptake.	Recent research highlights the potential of hornworts, an often-overlooked group of plants, to enhance carbon dioxide absorption and improve crop yields. Their unique CO2-concentrating mechanism positions them as key players in boosting photosynthesis and combating climate change challenges.	Boyce Thompson Institute	Nature Plants	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have long sought ways to help plants turn more carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass, which could boost crop yields and even combat climate change. Recent research suggests that a group of unique, often overlooked plants called hornworts may hold the key. -- "Hornworts possess a remarkable ability that is unique among land plants: they have a natural turbocharger for photosynthesis," said Tanner Robison, a graduate student at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and first author of the paper recently published in Nature Plants. "This special feature, called a CO2-concentrating mechanism, helps them photosynthesize more efficiently than most other plants, including our vital food crops." -- At the heart of this mechanism is a structure called a pyrenoid, which acts as a microscopic CO2 concentration chamber inside the plant's cells. -- The pyrenoid is a liquid-like compartment packed with the enzyme Rubisco, which captures CO2 and converts it into sugar during photosynthesis. -- Surrounding the pyrenoid are specialized channels and enzymes that pump in CO2, saturating Rubisco with its key raw material. -- "This CO2-concentrating mechanism gives hornworts a significant advantage," said Laura Gunn, assistant professor at Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science. -- "Rubisco is an infamously inefficient enzyme, so most plants waste a lot of energy dealing with its tendency to also react with oxygen. But by concentrating CO2 around Rubisco, hornworts can maximize its efficiency and minimize this wasteful 'photorespiration' process." -- Using advanced imaging techniques and genetic analysis, the research team found that hornworts likely use a much simpler system to concentrate CO2. Unlike algae, which need complex machinery to pump CO2 into their cells, hornworts probably use a passive approach that requires fewer moving parts. -- "It's like finding a simpler, more efficient engine design," explained Fay-Wei Li, associate professor at BTI and co-corresponding author of the study. -- "This simplicity could make it easier to engineer similar systems in other plants, like essential crops."	A01 R01 C01 N02	138
2501-E027	Hornwort Genomes Shed Light On Early Plant Evolution And Adaptation	Research into the genetic blueprints of hornworts, among the first land plants, has unveiled their evolutionary stability despite 450 million years of change. By decoding the genomes of various hornwort species, scientists discovered these plants maintained stable chromosomes, which may provide insights into how early terrestrial life adapted. This study sheds light on plant evolution and the genetic resilience of these ancient organisms.	Boyce Thompson Institute	Nature Plants	Press Rel	PubMed	Over 450 million years ago, plants began the epic transition from water to dry land. Among the first pioneers were the ancestors of humble hornworts, a group of small, unassuming plants that have persisted to this day. New research reveals insights into the genetic blueprints of hornworts, uncovering fascinating details about plant evolution and the early days of life on land. -- "We began by decoding the genomes of ten hornwort species, representing all known families within this unique plant group," said Peter Schafran, a postdoctoral scientist at the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) and first author of the study. -- "What we found was unexpected: hornworts have maintained remarkably stable chromosomes despite evolving separately for over 300 million years." -- Unlike many plants, hornworts have not experienced whole-genome duplication (where an organism's entire genetic material is duplicated). This absence of duplication has resulted in stable "autosomes" -- the chromosomes that hold most of an organism's genetic material -- which have remained relatively unchanged across hornworts despite their deep evolutionary history. -- However, not all parts of the hornwort genome are so static. -- The study revealed the presence of "accessory chromosomes" -- extra genetic material that isn't essential for survival but can provide additional benefits. -- These accessory chromosomes are much more dynamic, evolving rapidly and varying even within individual plants. -- Additionally, the international team of researchers identified potential sex chromosomes in some species, shedding light on the evolution of plant reproductive strategies. -- The study, recently published in Nature Plants, also provided insights into specific plant traits. -- For example, the researchers uncovered new information about genes involved in flavonoid production (pigments that protect against UV radiation), stomata formation (tiny pores that regulate gas exchange), and hormone signaling.	N02	139
2502-E078	Gut Bacteria Regulate Bile Acids: A Chemical Tug-Of-War With Your Body	Gut Microbes and Bile Acid Regulation: A recent study explores the dynamic relationship between gut microbes and their host in regulating bile acids, crucial for digestion and metabolism. Researchers uncovered how gut bacteria modify bile acids while the host counters this influence with antagonistic derivatives, highlighting a delicate balance in metabolic control.	Boyce Thompson Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Our gut is a bustling hub of activity, home to trillions of microbes that work together with our bodies to keep us healthy. A recent study explores one fascinating aspect of this partnership: how gut bacteria team up with the host body to regulate bile acids, essential molecules that control digestion, cholesterol levels, and fat metabolism. -- "Bile acids are produced in the liver and help digest fats," explained Frank Schroeder, professor at the Boyce Thompson Institute and a corresponding author of the study. "But it now has become clear that they're more than just digestive aids; they act as signaling molecules, regulating cholesterol levels, fat metabolism, and more. They do all this by binding to a receptor called FXR, which acts like a traffic light, controlling cholesterol metabolism and bile acid production to avoid excess buildup." -- Here's where the microbes come in: gut bacteria can modify bile acids to completely change their activity. Bacteria can turn bile acids into forms that strongly activate FXR, signaling the body to slow down bile production and modify other aspects of fat metabolism. Scientists have long wondered how the body counteracts this microbial chokehold on metabolism. -- In a study just published in Nature, Schroeder and his team identified a clever trick the body uses to keep the microbial influence in check (the study used mice as a model). They found that in the intestines, the body further modifies the microbial bile acids into a new family of derivatives, called BA-MCYs, using an enzyme named VNN1. Unlike the forms made by gut bacteria, these BA-MCYs act as FXR antagonists -- essentially flipping the "off switch" on FXR. This encourages bile production rather than limiting it. -- "This balancing act is crucial," said Schroeder. "When gut bacteria produce lots of bile acids that strongly activate FXR, the body pushes back by making BA-MCYs, ensuring the bile acid system stays finely tuned. This interplay highlights how gut microbes interact with the host body in a dynamic, give-and-take relationship." Importantly, BA-MCYs were also detected in human blood samples, indicating that the same mechanism also operates in people. -- The findings have exciting implications for health and disease. The researchers discovered that boosting BA-MCY levels in mice helped reduce fat accumulation in the liver, suggesting a potential treatment for conditions like fatty liver disease or high cholesterol. Moreover, dietary interventions such as increasing fiber intake enhanced BA-MCY production, hinting at the role of diet in managing this system. -- "Our study reveals there is a dialogue occurring between the gut microbes and the body that is vital for regulating bile acid production," said co-corresponding author Dr. David Artis, director of the Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Friedman Center for Nutrition and Inflammation and the Michael Kors Professor in Immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- While this discovery sheds light on a previously hidden layer of gut chemistry, questions remain. How do diet and lifestyle influence BA-MCY levels? Could these compounds help manage diseases like diabetes or metabolic syndrome? Future research could pave the way for personalized interventions that harness this host-microbe partnership to optimize health. -- "Our paper is a roadmap to using untargeted metabolomics and chemistry to better understand how the dialogue between the gut microbiota and the body impacts a range of diseases," Dr. Artis said. -- The research reveals how our bodies and gut bacteria collaborate as part of an interdependent network to maintain metabolic homeostasis. It's a reminder that we're not just individuals -- we're ecosystems, intricately connected to the microbial world within us.	A01 H01 R01	140
2507-009	Mapping Creativity: Researchers Identify Common Brain Circuit For Creative Thinking	A study led by Mass General Brigham has identified a common brain circuit associated with creativity, using data from 857 participants across multiple fMRI studies. The findings suggest that creative tasks activate interconnected brain regions, revealing that various complex behaviors, including creativity, are linked to specific brain circuits rather than isolated regions.	Brigham and Women's Hospital	Brigham and Women's Hospital	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggests that different brain regions activated by creative tasks are part of one common brain circuit. By evaluating data from 857 participants across 36 fMRI studies, researchers identified a brain circuit for creativity and found people with brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases that affect this circuit may have increased creativity. Their results are published in JAMA Network Open. -- "We wanted to answer the questions, 'What brain regions are key for human creativity and how does this relate to the effects of brain injuries?'" said co-senior author Isaiah Kletenik, MD, a neurologist in the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- The study was led by Julian Kutsche, MA, first author on the paper, who completed a research fellowship at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, and in collaboration with researchers at the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Boston Children's Hospital, University College London, University of Georgia, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Charité Berlin. -- "We found that many complex human behaviors such as creativity don't map to a specific brain region but do map to specific brain circuits," said co-senior author Michael D. Fox, MD, PhD, who founded and leads the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, and helped develop the techniques of coordinate and lesion network mapping employed in this work. -- The team first looked at fMRI data to identify brain regions activated by different creative activities such as drawing, creative writing and making music. -- They then assessed data from patients who had changes in creativity due to brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases. -- "Some people with neurologic diseases experience a new onset of creative behavior and show specific patterns of damage that align with our creativity circuit," Kutsche said. -- Kutsche said the most interesting finding to him is that different brain regions activated by creative tasks were all negatively connected to the right frontal pole. -- This part of your brain, Kutsche says, is important for monitoring and rule-based behaviors. -- Kletenik said reduced activity in the right frontal pole could align with the hypothesis that creativity requires shutting down a function.	A01 H01 R02 T01	141
2510-071	Exploring The Doomsday Clock: Insights Into Mortality And Mental Health	A pioneering study explored the link between the Doomsday Clock and mortality rates related to mental health and diseases. As the clock approaches midnight, it correlates with increased fatalities from issues like Alzheimer's and suicide. This unusual research reveals how existential threats can impact psychological and health outcomes, offering a broader understanding of social determinants influencing well-being.	Brigham and Women's Hospital	Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists	Press Rel	PubMed	Results indicate the closer the Doomsday Clock ticks to midnight, the higher the rates are for mortality specific to Alzheimer's disease, suicide, unintentional injuries, alcohol and substance-related disorders -- Since 1947, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS) has used the metaphor of the Doomsday Clock as a means of communicating how close the human species is to self-imposed annihilation, represented as midnight. While early iterations of the clock focused more exclusively on the dangers of nuclear weapons, the BAS has also begun to consider other evolving existential dangers in recent decades, including climate change, disruptive technology and cyber risks, and political volatility. The Doomsday Clock is both famous and controversial. However, to date no known studies have explored the potential connection between the Doomsday Clock and health and mortality. -- A new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham investigated the mortality and mental health correlates of the iconic Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock, using data published by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's (IHME 2023) Global Burden of Disease project. The authors describe the work as an initial approach to understanding the connection between the Doomsday Clock and human and mental health, opening the door for more conversations around how social determinants of health (SDOH) may influence people's wellbeing, which in turn may influence broader events. Results are published in The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. -- "This study represents a first step, with the inherent limitations thereof, but it suggests a bridge between the fate of the world, our psychology, and our health," said first author Samuel Justin Sinclair, PhD, director of the Psychological Assessment and Research Service (PARSe) and a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a founding member of Mass General Brigham. "This may sound intuitive, but it's something that no one has looked at before. We hope it opens the door to further discussion." -- The study's results indicate that Doomsday Clock settings closer to midnight (indicating greater risk) are associated with higher mortality from Alzheimer's disease, suicide, unintentional injuries, and alcohol and substance-related disorders. Conversely, the researchers also observed lower mortality rates for malignant neoplasms, HIV, and diabetes mellitus as the clock ticked closer to midnight. -- According to the authors, the findings indicate that during periods of greater risk to society, there may also be corresponding variations in mortality and health and that socio-political indicators such as the Doomsday Clock may be useful in capturing aspects of social determinants of health on a macro level. -- "The wellbeing and functioning of individuals, societies, nations, international affairs, our species, and our planet are interrelated," says senior author David Silbersweig, MD, chairman emeritus of the BWH Department of Psychiatry. "Further studies can address the complex, multi-directional interactions so as to address large-scale challenges and inform policy."	R01 R02 C01	142
2502-079	Huntington's Disease Mutation: A New Understanding Of Brain Cell Death Emerges	New findings from a study on Huntington’s disease reveal that the genetic mutation responsible for the disorder evolves into a toxic form only in later life stages, leading to brain cell death. This groundbreaking research conducted by scientists at the Broad Institute and other institutions changes previous understandings and suggests that therapies aimed at slowing the mutation's progression might prevent or delay the onset of symptoms, providing hope for future treatment strategies.	Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Harvard Medical School, and McLean Hospital have discovered a surprising mechanism by which the inherited genetic mutation known to cause Huntington's disease leads to the death of brain cells. The findings change the understanding of the fatal neurodegenerative disorder and suggest potential ways to delay or even prevent it. -- For 30 years, researchers have known that Huntington's is caused by an inherited mutation in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene, but they didn't know how the mutation causes brain cell death. A new study published today in Cellreveals that the inherited mutation doesn't itself harm cells. Rather, the mutation is innocuous for decades but slowly morphs into a highly toxic form that then quickly kills the cell. -- The Huntington's mutation involves a stretch of DNA in the HTT gene in which a three-letter sequence of DNA, "CAG," is repeated at least 40 times, as opposed to the 15-35 repeats inherited by people without the disease. The researchers found that DNA tracts with 40 or more CAG repeats grow until they are hundreds of repeats long. This type of "somatic expansion" occurs in only the specific types of brain cells that later die in Huntington's disease. Only once a cell's DNA expansion reaches a threshold number of CAGs -- roughly 150 -- does the cell sicken and then die. The cumulative death of many such cells leads to the symptoms of Huntington's disease. -- The study offers a potential explanation as to why candidate Huntington's drugs that aim to reduce expression of the HTT protein have struggled in clinical trials: Very few cells have the toxic version of the protein at any given time, so the treatments may not be having a therapeutic effect in most cells. -- The research also elevates a different therapeutic strategy: Stopping or slowing the CAG-repeat expansion in the HTT gene might postpone toxicity in a far larger number of cells, delaying or even preventing the onset of the disease. -- "These experiments have changed how we think about how Huntington's develops," said Steve McCarroll, a geneticist and neuroscientist and co-senior author of the study. McCarroll is an institute member and director of genomic neurobiology at the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad, the Dorothy and Milton Flier Professor of Biomedical Science and Genetics at Harvard Medical School, and an investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. "This is a really different way of thinking about how a mutation brings about a disease, and we think that it will apply in DNA-repeat disorders beyond Huntington's disease." -- "The point of our work -- what we all do -- is relieving suffering caused by disease," said co-senior author Sabina Berretta, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. She is also the director of the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center (HBTRC), an NIH NeuroBioBank center at McLean Hospital. "This study and the work it informs could be impactful and make a major difference in relieving suffering in the short term." -- Bob Handsaker, a staff scientist, Seva Kashin, a senior principal software engineer, and former research associate Nora Reed, all from McCarroll's group, are co-first authors on the work. -- Open questions -- Huntington's disease kills a population of cells called striatal projection neurons, which are located in the striatum, a structure deep in the brain responsible for movement, many cognitive functions, and motivation. When large numbers of these cells die, patients develop involuntary movements in the arms, legs, and face, and many patients also develop cognitive problems. These symptoms typically begin in mid-life and then progress over 10 to 20 years to more severe cognitive problems and difficulty moving or swallowing.	H01	143
2502-E022	Gene Editing Breakthrough Could Extend Lifespan In Prion Disease Models	Researchers at the Broad Institute have developed a groundbreaking gene-editing treatment for prion disease that extends the lifespan of affected mice by approximately 50%. By using base editing to make a single-letter change in DNA, the treatment reduces the levels of the harmful prion protein in the brain. This approach could pave the way for preventive treatments for prion diseases, offering hope for future therapeutic advancements against this fatal neurodegenerative disorder.	Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have developed a gene-editing treatment for prion disease that extends lifespan by about 50 percent in a mouse model of the fatal neurodegenerative condition. The treatment, which uses base editing to make a single-letter change in DNA, reduced levels of the disease-causing prion protein in the brain by as much as 60 percent. -- There is currently no cure for prion disease, and the new approach could be an important step towards treatments that prevent the disease or slow its progression in patients who have already developed symptoms. -- A base-editing approach could also likely be a one-time treatment for all prion disease patients regardless of the genetic mutation causing their disease. -- The work, led by Broad senior group leaders Sonia Vallabh and Eric Minikel, as well as Broad core institute member David Liu, is the first demonstration that lowering levels of the prion protein improves lifespan in animals that have been infected with a human version of the protein. -- The findings appear in Nature Medicine. -- "As a patient scientist, I think often about how lucky we are to be coming at this problem now," said Vallabh. -- "When I received my genetic test report in 2011, the world had never heard of base editing. It's a huge privilege to have the opportunity to point these powerful new tools at our disease." -- "It's been incredible to merge our disease models with this gene-editing technology," Minikel said. -- "Our lab is very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Eric and Sonia, who have brought tremendous expertise, scientific rigor, and total dedication to this collaboration," said Liu, the Richard Merkin Professor and director of the Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare at the Broad. -- "We are hopeful the results might inform the future development of a one-time treatment for this important class of diseases."	N01	144
2509-008	Uncovering Immune Gene Programs In Brain Cancer: Future Immunotherapy Insights	Findings from the Broad Institute and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute may enhance immunotherapies for glioma, a highly aggressive brain tumor. By analyzing nearly 200,000 immune cells, researchers identified four gene expression programs that influence immune responses, which could be targeted in future treatments to optimize patients’ responses to immunotherapy, an area that has been challenging for brain cancer.	Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of many cancers, but brain tumors such as gliomas remain particularly difficult to treat, in part because they potently suppress immune responses. -- New findings from researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) could help make immunotherapies for brain cancer more effective. -- The team analyzed almost 200,000 individual immune cells called myeloid cells from tumor samples from patients with glioma, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain cancer. -- In a new study in Nature, the researchers found four gene expression "programs" -- sets of genes with coordinated activity -- that either suppress the immune system or make it more active. -- They also found that patients treated with dexamethasone, a common treatment for brain cancer patients, showed signs of one of the immunosuppressive programs, suggesting that this drug could reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy. -- The team says that defining and understanding what drives these programs could one day help researchers target them with new drugs to dial up or down specific parts of the immune system to improve patient response to immunotherapy. -- "This study provides us with the data we need to create myeloid-targeting strategies to modulate these programs and make immunotherapies more effective for brain tumor patients," said Tyler Miller, co-first author on the study and a resident in clinical pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital when the study began. -- Bradley Bernstein, an institute member at the Broad and chair of the cancer biology department at DFCI, was the study's senior author. -- "These gene signatures provide a roadmap that the field can use to study myeloid cells and how they impact the way brain tumors respond to therapy," Bernstein said. -- Chadi El Farran, a postdoctoral researcher in Bernstein's lab, and Charles Couturier, a postdoctoral researcher in Alex Shalek's lab at the Broad and MIT, were co-first authors on the work with Miller.	H01 R01 R02	145
2503-078	Critical Lack Of Pregnant Participants In Drug Trials Raises Concerns For Maternal Health	A study from Brown University highlights a concerning trend in clinical drug trials: pregnant women are frequently excluded from safety assessments, which raises concerns about medication efficacy for maternal and child health. Analyzing a vast number of drug trials, the researchers emphasize the importance of inclusive testing to ensure safe treatment options for pregnant women.	Brown University	American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health found that pregnant women are regularly excluded from clinical drug trials that test for safety, raising concerns for the efficacy of these medications for maternal and child health. -- The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, analyzed 90,860 drug trials involving women ages 18 to 45 from the past 15 years and found that only 0.8% included pregnant participants. -- About 75% of the studies excluded them, potentially leaving critical safety and efficacy questions unanswered. -- "When pregnant women are excluded from drug trials, it is harder to know if the medication is safe for mothers and their children," said Alyssa Bilinski, an assistant professor of health services, policy and practice and of biostatistics at Brown's School of Public Health. -- "In practice, this means that some people might decide to take medications even absent rigorous evidence, which could lead to harmful side effects. At the same time, others might avoid medications that could actually help them because there's not enough data to give them confidence about safety." -- About 24% of the studies the researchers looked at did not specify in the data whether pregnant participants were included, but further investigation suggested that they were generally excluded from such trials. -- Trials that included participants who were pregnant focused primarily on pregnancy-related conditions, labor and prevention of preterm labor. -- Chronic conditions affecting pregnant women and their children such as diabetes and asthma were largely overlooked. -- "We found only 19 trials for non-infectious chronic conditions like anxiety, depression and asthma that have included pregnant participants," Bilinski said. -- "While it may seem risky to include pregnant people in research, it's even worse to leave them guessing based on incomplete information."	H01 H02 R01	146
2507-053	Light-Sensitive Protein OPN3 Found To Regulate Food Intake In Mice	Recent findings indicate that the protein opsin 3 (OPN3) plays a crucial role in regulating food consumption within the hypothalamus. This study reveals that OPN3 interacts with the melanocortin 4 receptor, which is essential for managing energy balance and feeding behavior. Given that mutations in this receptor are linked to obesity, understanding OPN3's function may have significant implications for developing strategies to manage weight and metabolic health.	Brown University	Brown University	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists discovered years ago that the hypothalamus -- which helps to manage body temperature, hunger, sex drive, sleep and more -- includes neurons that express the protein opsin 3 (OPN3). Far less clear, however, was what this light-sensing protein does so deep inside the brain. -- A study published in PNAS suggests that OPN3 plays an important role in regulating food consumption. -- "Our results uncover a mechanism by which the nonvisual opsin receptor OPN3 modulates food intake via the melanocortin 4 receptor MC4R, which is crucial for regulating energy balance and feeding behavior," said Elena Oancea, a professor of medical science who is affiliated with the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University. -- "This finding is interesting because loss-of-function mutations in MC4R are a known genetic cause of obesity in humans." -- The study was led by Hala Haddad, who conducted the research while a Ph.D. student and then postdoctoral research associate at Brown, with senior authors Oancea and Richard Lang, director of the Visual Systems Group at Cincinnati Children's. -- The research team reported that OPN3 functions together with MC4R and the Kir7.1 potassium channel to regulate certain cell signals as well as neuronal firing in a key area that controls energy balance. -- Notably, when mice were engineered to lack OPN3 in this part of the hypothalamus, they ate significantly less and were less active than control mice. -- "We're very excited to have, for the first time, a cellular mechanism of what OPN3 is doing in the brain," Oancea said. -- Opsin 3 has been the focus of research in Oancea's lab for almost a decade, and the team has discovered that it is present in melanocytes, where it functions in pigmentation, and has developed a mouse model to identify the specific brain regions where this protein is expressed. -- Researchers in Lang's lab have also been studying OPN3 in fat tissue and in the brain, primarily using mouse genetics tools.	A01 H01 H02 R02	147
2507-105	Bio-Hybrid Drone Navigates Using Smell Thanks To Silkworm Moth Antennae	A complex interplay of factors contributes to obesity, yet the impact of the circadian system on eating behaviors remains unclear. Recent research from Brown University highlights the specific relationship between adolescents' eating habits and their body weight, revealing that those classified as overweight consume more calories later in the day. These findings underscore the importance of considering circadian rhythms in efforts to combat obesity among vulnerable populations.	Brown University	Brown University	Press Rel	PubMed	The causes of obesity are complex and influenced by many factors. While research has highlighted connections between sleep, eating patterns and weight gain, scientists remain uncertain of the role of the circadian system -- the biological clock -- in shaping eating patterns. -- But a new study from researchers at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Mass General Brigham reveals a distinct relationship between circadian rhythms, weight and eating habits in adolescents, a vulnerable age group whose eating patterns influence their lifelong health. The study found that adolescents whose weight was classified as "overweight" or "obese" consumed more calories later in the day compared to participants with healthy weights. -- The results demonstrate that circadian rhythms play an important role in explaining later caloric intake in individuals at risk for obesity, said lead investigator Mary Carskadon, a professor of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown's medical school. -- "The critical nature of adolescent development to set the stage for a lifetime of health highlights the need to understand the roles played by sleep/wake and circadian timing processes for eating behavior," said Carskadon, who also directs the Bradley Hospital Sleep Research Laboratory. "The knowledge gained here opens a door to potential interventions that can enhance teen health moving forward." -- The results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Isolating circadian influences -- The circadian system is composed of trillions of "clocks" present in virtually all organs, tissues and cells, which prepares biology and behavior to adapt to the changing demands across the day/night cycle. The influence of the circadian system is known to differ between people due to a combination of genetic, behavioral and environmental factors. -- Previous studies have analyzed sleeping and eating behavior using measures of self-reported hunger and other variables, said study author David Barker, an associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior (research) at Brown. Some factors that set this study apart, Barker said, were the meticulous measuring of food before and after meals and the fact that environmental and behavioral influences were controlled for while the participants remained in the lab. -- Fifty-one volunteers between the ages of 12 and 18 participated in the study, which was conducted at the Bradley Hospital Sleep Research Laboratory. Participants were divided into three groups based on body mass index. They were placed on 28-hour sleep and wake cycles -- slightly longer than a typical 24-hour day -- and stayed in a controlled dim-light setting while awake and in complete darkness during sleep. -- Participants remained in the same space throughout the study, which lasted for 11 days and 10 nights. To control for outside influences on circadian rhythm, researchers removed all external time cues from the lab's environment, including clocks and access to natural light.	H01 H02	148
2508-004	Understanding The Limits Of Human Working Memory Through New Research	Working memory is essential for day-to-day tasks, but its limitations have puzzled scientists. New research from Brown University has developed a computer model of specific brain regions, revealing that the boundaries of our working memory capacity stem from learning processes. This insight may reshape our understanding of cognitive functions and how we can optimize memory performance.	Brown University	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	Working memory is what allows humans to juggle different pieces of information in short-term scenarios, like making a mental grocery list and then going shopping or remembering and then dialing a phone number. -- While scientists agree that the capacity of working memory is limited, they offer competing theories about how and why this is true. -- But new research from scientists at the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown University shows why limits on working memory exist. -- Michael Frank, a professor of cognitive and psychological sciences affiliated with the Carney Institute, and Aneri Soni, a graduate student in his lab, developed a new computer model of the basal ganglia and the thalamus -- the parts of the brain relevant to working memory -- that shows why limits on working memory exist. -- According to their study published in eLife, the answer has to do with learning. -- "The simulations we ran show that if we did hold more than just a few items at a time, it becomes too difficult to learn how to manage so many pieces of information at once, such that the brain gets confused and can't use the information it does store," Soni said. -- "At the same time, our research demonstrates that when faced with these limitations, the brain responds by learning to strategically tap into a mechanism to help conserve space." -- Because the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in how learning relates to working memory, the researchers said these findings shed new light on dopamine-related disorders such as Parkinson's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia. -- The team arrived at their discovery by building and testing a new computer model of the brain that replicated the results of an experiment with humans conducted in 2018 by researchers in Frank's lab and researchers in the lab of Matt Nassar, a Carney Institute assistant professor of neuroscience and cognitive and psychological sciences. -- That study established that humans are capable of "chunking" information by compressing related pieces of information together in working memory to conserve space.	H02 R02 T01	149
2510-044	Comparing Cancer Risks: Is Red Wine Safer Than White Wine?	New research from Brown University investigates the cancer risks associated with red and white wine consumption, finding no clear evidence that red wine offers protective benefits against cancer. However, the study highlights a notable distinction, revealing that white wine may be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, prompting further examination of wine’s health impacts.	Brown University	Nutrients	Press Rel	PubMed	A common perception is that not all alcoholic beverages are alike. Red wine, for instance, is often considered a healthier choice, with many believing its high resveratrol content -- an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties -- offers protection against cancer. Researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health, however, have put this assumption to the test. -- In a new a study, the researchers compared cancer risks associated with red and white wine. -- Analyzing 42 observational studies involving nearly 96,000 participants, the team -- co-led by Eunyoung Cho, an associate professor of epidemiology and of dermatology at Brown -- found no clear evidence that red wine mitigates cancer risk. -- The study also found no overall increase to cancer risk from consuming wine regardless of type. -- "We conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess whether red wine is truly a healthier choice than white wine," Cho said "Our analysis included as many published epidemiological studies as possible that separately explored the relationship between red and white wine consumption and cancer risk. The results revealed no significant difference in cancer risk between red and white wine overall. However, we did observe a distinction when it came to skin cancer risk. Specifically, the consumption of white wine, but not red wine, was associated with an increased risk of skin cancer." -- In fact, the researchers calculated a 22% increased risk of skin cancer associated with white wine compared to red wine. -- The reasons for this remain unclear. Researchers suggest that heavy consumption of wine may correlate to high-risk behaviors, such as indoor tanning and inadequate sunscreen use. -- However, it is unclear why white wine, in particular, is the culprit. -- The study also found a stronger association between white wine intake and increased overall cancer risk among women. -- This finding warrants further investigations into potential underlying mechanisms.	R01	150
2512-035	Rising Avoidable Deaths In The U.S. Contrasted With Global Trends	Rising Avoidable Deaths In The U.S. Contrasted With Global Trends	Brown University	JAMA Internal Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	When a person dies, clinicians often look at the cause of death to determine whether it could have been avoided, either by medical prevention such as vaccines or by treatments like antibiotics. These types of deaths are known as avoidable mortalities, and in most high-income countries around the world, the number is going down. -- But in the United States, avoidable deaths have been on the rise for more than a decade, according to a new study by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health and Harvard University, who examined mortality trends across U.S. states and 40 high-income countries. Their findings were published in JAMA Internal Medicine. -- The team compared mortality data from all 50 U.S. states with data from countries in the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, whose 38 members include Australia, Japan and Iceland. They found that between 2009 to 2021, avoidable mortality in the U.S. kept getting worse, while avoidable mortality in the EU and OECD improved (with the exception of the period of time during COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2021). -- The findings suggest that deep-seated issues in the American health care system and public policy may be contributing to worsening health outcomes, said lead study author Irene Papanicolas, a professor of health services, policy and practice at Brown's School of Public Health. -- "We've known for some time that life expectancy has been getting worse in the U.S., but now we can see that the country is on a different trajectory from other high-income countries," said Papanicolas, who is also the director of the Center for Health System Sustainability. "Other countries are getting better at reducing avoidable deaths through prevention and treatment, but in the U.S., these deaths are growing." -- The researchers compared mortality data from individual U.S. states to data from high-income countries of similar scale, and also used aggregate data to compare the U.S. overall to the aggregates of other countries. -- On average, avoidable mortality increased across the U.S. by 32.5 avoidable deaths per 100,000 people. By contrast, avoidable mortality decreased in EU countries by 25.2 avoidable deaths per 100,000 people and decreased in OECD countries by 22.8 avoidable deaths per 100,000 people. -- "It's a bit shocking," Papanicolas said. "What we found is that while avoidable mortality varies by state, all U.S. states are getting worse." -- In New York, for instance, avoidable mortality from 2009 to 2019 increased by 4.9 deaths per 100,000 people; in West Virginia, avoidable mortality increased by 99.6 deaths per 100,000 people. -- When the researchers examined the causes of avoidable deaths (including road traffic accidents, illnesses preventable by vaccines, treatable conditions like sepsis or appendicitis, and conditions preventable by early detection and treatment like cervical cancer, ischemic heart disease and tuberculosis), they found that deaths from a variety of different causes are rising in every U.S.	R01	151
2505-E017	New Fungal Species Discovered On Spider Honors Sir David Attenborough	A recent study led by Dr. Harry Evans investigated a novel fungus found on a spider during the filming of BBC's Winterwatch in Northern Ireland. The study identified the fungus as a new species named after Sir David Attenborough, while also confirming the spider as the orb-weaving cave spider. Additional findings revealed the fungus's presence in various cave systems, showcasing how infected spiders exhibit behavior similar to ants under the influence of similar fungi.	CABI	Fungal Systematics and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	A new international study highlights the severity of climate change impacts across African mountains, how farmers are adapting, and the barriers they face -- findings relevant to people living in mountain regions around the world.  -- "Mountains are the sentinels of climate change," said Julia Klein, a Colorado State University professor of ecosystem science and sustainability and co-author of the study. "Like the Arctic, some of the first extreme changes we're seeing are happening in mountains, from glaciers melting to extreme events. There's greater warming at higher elevations, so what's happening in mountains is foreshadowing what's going to happen for the rest of the world."  -- Global studies have shown that temperatures are rising more rapidly in mountain regions than at lower elevations, but there has been a lack of climate data for African mountains. To start to fill this gap in information, researchers interviewed 1,500 farmers across 10 African mountain regions to understand how the climate has changed, the impacts those changes are having on local livelihoods, and how farmers are adapting.  -- Mountain regions in Africa are home to 228 million people, but many more rely on water and food from these areas.  -- "Many people in Africa depend on the water and crops provided from these mountain systems -- in the mountains but also in the lowlands and cities," said lead author Aida Cuni-Sanchez. "We must find solutions for these farmers as climate change impacts will only get worse over time."  -- Cuni-Sanchez, an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences and the University of York (UK), was inspired to study this topic using a participatory approach based on her postdoctoral research at Colorado State University. During that time, Cuni-Sanchez joined the Mountain Sentinels, a network of academics, Indigenous rights holders, mountain communities, and non-governmental organizations focused on mountain sustainability. The Mountain Sentinels network is funded by the National Science Foundation and has members in 56 countries, including 10 African countries.  -- The study found similarities in climate changes and impacts across mountain ranges in all eight countries studied -- Cameroon, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. Farmers reported increased temperatures, reduced fog, changes in rainfall amount and distribution, and an increase in extreme climate events. The most widespread climate-related impacts were lower crop yields and livestock production, increased pests and diseases, reduced human health and water availability, and more soil erosion.  -- Farmers adapted by changing planting dates, adopting new crop varieties, increasing use of soil conservation techniques and inputs, like fertilizer and pesticides, and using more veterinary care. Some also were working to diversify their income sources.  -- Most adaptation was incremental -- farmers made small changes to their normal processes rather than changing livelihoods -- and wealthier households were better able to adapt by trying more than one strategy.   -- Violent conflicts hindered adaptation in some areas of Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where market access, mobility, and economic opportunities for alternative livelihoods were limited.	Z01	152
2506-E014	Citizen Science And DNA Barcodes Help Track Biocontrol Agent For Invasive Shrubs	New research led by CABI has utilized public DNA barcodes and citizen science to track the spread of a biological control agent for the invasive shrub Lantana camara. By combining genetic data and images, researchers confirmed the establishment of the agent, providing valuable insights into biological control efforts and assessing the ecological impact of invasive species management strategies.	CABI	CABI Agriculture and Bioscience	Press Rel	PubMed	New CABI-led research using publicly-shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images have provided new evidence on the establishment and spread of a biological control agent used for the control of the major invasive shrub Lantana camara. -- Lantana camara was introduced as a garden and ornamental plant throughout the tropics and subtropics but is now pervasive throughout the Old World, invading woodlands, forestry, orchards, grasslands, and disturbed areas, where is displaces useful and indigenous plants. -- Dr Matthew Cock, CABI Emeritus Fellow, and colleagues took DNA barcodes from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and citizen science images from the iNaturalist and Afromoths websites to detect the establishment of the biological control agent Orphanostigma haemorrhoidalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) -- which is used to tackle L. camara -- in countries where it has not previously been reported. -- In this research, the scientists used for the first time a combination of publicly shared DNA barcodes and citizen science images to assess the establishment and spread of an introduced weed biological control agent, O. haemorrhoidalis, as well as confirm historical distribution and establishment records reported in the literature. -- Two genetically distinguishable populations of O. haemorrhoidalis -- Dr Cock, and colleagues from Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and MIA Consulting, found that there are two genetically distinguishable indigenous populations of O. haemorrhoidalis in the Americas, one in south-eastern USA and the other widespread in the rest of the Neotropics. -- These two populations were introduced into different parts of the World and subsequently spread. -- The scientists, whose research was published in the journal CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, used DNA barcodes from BOLD to clarify that a population from Florida is established in Hawai'i, Australia and Fiji, while a population from Trinidad is established in parts of mainland Africa (including new records for Cameroon, Nigeria and Ghana), Madagascar, Mauritius and La Réunion. -- New country records for O. haemorrhoidalis were established from iNaturalist images from Eswatini, Kenya, and Mozambique, and from Afromoths for Tanzania. -- Presence of O. haemorrhoidalis in its introduced range and beyond	N01 N02	153
2507-E016	Examining Zoo Employees' Grief And Burnout After Animal Losses	Researchers from Colorado State University and Denver Zoo explored the emotional toll of animal losses on zoo staff, revealing that inadequate grief support contributes to burnout and limits emotional expression. Their study highlights the need for zoos to implement comprehensive grief policies and improve mental health services to foster empathetic environments that enhance staff well-being and animal care.	CABI	CABI	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaboration of researchers from Colorado State University and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance surveyed zoo employees and volunteers across the US about their experiences of burnout and grief related to zoo animal losses. -- Their latest study has found that poor grief support in some US zoos leaves staff feeling limited empathy from leadership, burned out, and unable to openly express their grief after the death of an animal to which they had formed a close emotional bond. -- The research, published in the journal Human-Animal Interactions, underscores the importance for zoos to prioritize the development of comprehensive grief-affirming policies, training for leadership, and greater access to mental health services. -- Scientists also say -- to foster empathetic organizational cultures that support staff and volunteer wellbeing and effective animal care -- there is also a need to develop communication protocols for timely, compassionate responses to animal loss. -- The researchers from Colorado State University and Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance surveyed 1,695 zoo professionals and volunteers across the US and analysed open-ended responses from 182 participants -- 135 animal care and health professionals, 12 volunteers, and 35 other staff. -- Significant emotional strain due to animal losses -- Dr Nichole Nageotte, author of the study adjunct instructor at Unity Environmental University, in the paper said, "Zoo professionals and volunteers frequently face significant emotional strain due to animal losses, yet structured organizational support for processing grief remains limited." -- Participants working in organizations without supportive structures described experiences of loss that resulted in hurt, shame, guilt, or anxiety. -- Alternatively, participants from organizations with grief-affirming cultures held more positive views. -- In either case, participants provided concrete suggestions for ways that the zoo industry could be more supportive of staff.	H02 N01	154
2508-c019	Africa's Climate Crisis: All Subregions To Exceed 1.5°C By 2040	A recent study warns that all five subregions of Africa are projected to exceed the 1.5°C climate change threshold by 2040, despite being low emission contributors. Conducted by researchers from the University of Zimbabwe and ILRI, the research emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to enhance food security and resilience against climate change impacts, underlining the complex interplay between climate and human activities.	CABI	CABI Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	New research highlighted in the journal CABI Reviews suggests that all five subregions of Africa will breach the 1.5°C climate change threshold -- the limit stipulated by the Paris Agreement -- by 2040 even under low emission scenarios. -- A team of scientists, from the University of Zimbabwe, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya, conducted a literature review to develop a framework for just transition pathways for Africa's agriculture towards low emission and climate resilient development under 1.5°C of global warming. -- They found that despite Africa emitting less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, the 1.5°C climate change threshold will be approached by 2040 in all five subregions of Africa, even under low emission scenarios. -- Just transition pathways for Africa's agriculture are urgently required -- The scientists stress that just transition pathways for Africa's agriculture are urgently required for sustainable production systems that enhance food security and poverty reduction, while optimising mitigation co-benefits. -- Professor Paul Mapfumo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe and lead author of the paper, said novel climate conditions are posing a serious threat to humanity and ecological systems, presenting and aggravating social injustices at different levels. -- Distributive, procedural and recognition injustices include, the scientists say, inherent inequalities, gender disparities or narrow employment opportunities which they argue will be inevitably amplified and reinforced by the changing climate. -- Prof Mapfumo said, "African agriculture-based livelihood systems will be invariably the most affected because of their reliance on climate-sensitive agriculture and limited adaptive capacity due to low economic development linked primarily to historical contingency. -- "They have experienced considerable losses and damages from climate change, and this will worsen with increasing intensity of climate hazards. -- "Neither the existing or planned incremental adaptation mechanisms, nor the anticipated benefits of migratory measures, are sufficiently comprehensive to match the pending novel climate conditions."	H01 H02 C01	155
2503-E018	Bacterial Structures In Biofilms: Discoveries From Mucus Sample Research	Research from Caltech and Princeton University has unveiled unexpected structures formed by bacteria growing in mucus samples, revealing that they create long, intertwined cables resembling "living Jell-O." This discovery is particularly relevant for understanding bacterial infections in conditions like cystic fibrosis, where concentrated mucus fosters harmful bacterial growth. The findings may also inform industrial applications, emphasizing the need to study biofilm and mucus interactions more deeply.	California Institute of Technology	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Caltech and Princeton University have discovered that bacterial cells growing in a solution of polymers, such as mucus, form long cables that buckle and twist on each other, building a kind of "living Jell-O." -- The finding could be particularly important to the study and treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, in which the mucus that lines the lungs becomes more concentrated, often causing bacterial infections that take hold in that mucus to become life threatening. -- This discovery could also have implications in studies of polymer-secreting conglomerations of bacteria known as biofilms -- the slippery goo on river rocks, for example -- and in industrial applications where they can cause equipment malfunctions and health hazards. -- The work is described in a paper published on January 17 in the journal Science Advances. -- "We've discovered that when many bacteria grow in fluids containing spaghetti-like molecules called polymers, such as mucus in the lungs, they form cable-like structures that intertwine like living gels," says Sujit Datta, a professor of chemical engineering, bioengineering, and biophysics at Caltech and corresponding author of the new paper. -- "And, interestingly, there are similarities between the physics of how these structures form and the microscopic physics underlying many nonliving gels, like Purell or Jell-O." -- Datta recently moved to Caltech from Princeton University. One of his graduate students at Princeton, Sebastian Gonzalez La Corte, is lead author of the paper. -- He and Datta had been interested in how mucus concentration changes in the lungs and guts of cystic fibrosis patients -- in whom more polymers than usual are present. -- Working with mucus samples provided by colleagues at MIT, Gonzalez La Corte grew E. coli bacteria (commonly used in laboratory studies) in regular liquid and in cystic fibrosis-like samples and then observed the specimens under a microscope to watch how the bacterial cells grew in each case. -- He focused on cells that had lost the ability to swim, as is the case for many bacteria in nature.	R01	156
2505-E021	Laser-Induced Motion Of Miniature Lightsails: A Step Towards Interstellar Travel	Scientists at Caltech have achieved the first experimental measurements of laser-induced motions in miniature lightsails, an initiative inspired by Stephen Hawking and Yuri Milner's Breakthrough Starshot. This research aims to propel spacecraft using lasers and ultrathin sails, marking a significant step towards interstellar travel. The team has developed a platform to measure the forces exerted by lasers, laying the groundwork for the practical application of lightsail technology.	California Institute of Technology	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Drone shows are an increasingly popular form of large-scale light display. These shows incorporate hundreds to thousands of airborne bots, each programmed to fly in paths that together form intricate shapes and patterns across the sky. When they go as planned, drone shows can be spectacular. But when one or more drones malfunction, as has happened recently in Florida, New York, and elsewhere, they can be a serious hazard to spectators on the ground. -- Drone show accidents highlight the challenges of maintaining safety in what engineers call "multiagent systems" -- systems of multiple coordinated, collaborative, and computer-programmed agents, such as robots, drones, and self-driving cars. -- Now, a team of MIT engineers has developed a training method for multiagent systems that can guarantee their safe operation in crowded environments. The researchers found that once the method is used to train a small number of agents, the safety margins and controls learned by those agents can automatically scale to any larger number of agents, in a way that ensures the safety of the system as a whole. -- In real-world demonstrations, the team trained a small number of palm-sized drones to safely carry out different objectives, from simultaneously switching positions midflight to landing on designated moving vehicles on the ground. In simulations, the researchers showed that the same programs, trained on a few drones, could be copied and scaled up to thousands of drones, enabling a large system of agents to safely accomplish the same tasks. -- "This could be a standard for any application that requires a team of agents, such as warehouse robots, search-and-rescue drones, and self-driving cars," says Chuchu Fan, associate professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT. "This provides a shield, or safety filter, saying each agent can continue with their mission, and we'll tell you how to be safe." -- Fan and her colleagues report on their new method in a study appearing in the journal IEEE Transactions on Robotics.The study's co-authors are MIT graduate students Songyuan Zhang and Oswin So as well as former MIT postdoc Kunal Garg, who is now an assistant professor at Arizona State University. -- Mall margins -- When engineers design for safety in any multiagent system, they typically have to consider the potential paths of every single agent with respect to every other agent in the system. This pair-wise path-planning is a time-consuming and computationally expensive process. And even then, safety is not guaranteed. -- "In a drone show, each drone is given a specific trajectory -- a set of waypoints and a set of times -- and then they essentially close their eyes and follow the plan," says Zhang, the study's lead author. "Since they only know where they have to be and at what time, if there are unexpected things that happen, they don't know how to adapt." -- The MIT team looked instead to develop a method to train a small number of agents to maneuver safely, in a way that could efficiently scale to any number of agents in the system. And, rather than plan specific paths for individual agents, the method would enable agents to continually map their safety margins, or boundaries beyond which they might be unsafe. An agent could then take any number of paths to accomplish its task, as long as it stays within its safety margins.	T01	157
2505-T015	Printable Nanoparticles Enable Development Of Affordable Wearable Biosensors	Engineers at Caltech have pioneered a technique for inkjet printing nanoparticles, leading to the development of affordable, wearable sweat sensors that monitor various health biomarkers continuously. These sensors enable real-time tracking of essential molecules such as vitamins and medications, offering a personalized approach to healthcare. Successfully tested in patients with long COVID and cancer, this innovation underscores the potential for wearable biosensors to transform health monitoring and management.	California Institute of Technology	Nat. Mater	Press Rel	PubMed	The stereotype that women are much more talkative than men is pervasive across many cultures, but a widely reported study by University of Arizona researchers in 2007 refuted the claim, finding that men and women speak roughly the same number of words per day -- around 16,000. -- A new, larger follow-up to that study paints a more nuanced picture, suggesting that women may be the chattier gender, but only during a certain period of life. -- "There is a strong cross-cultural assumption that women talk a lot more than men," said co-lead study author Colin Tidwell, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the U of A. "We wanted to see whether or not this assumption holds when empirically tested." -- Researchers found that women between the ages of 25 and 65 -- the life stages of early and middle adulthood -- spoke on average about 3,000 more words per day than their male counterparts. Significant gender differences did not appear in the study's other age groups: adolescence (ages 10 to 17), emerging adulthood (ages 18 to 24) and older adulthood (65 and up). -- The researchers also discovered that people in general might be becoming less talkative, a finding they suspect is linked to an increasing reliance on digital communication. Their findings are published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. -- Revisiting an enduring question -- In 2007, U of A psychologist Matthias Mehl tested the common assumption that women are much more talkative than men by analyzing data collected from 500 male and female study participants who wore a portable recording device dubbed the EAR -- Electronically Activated Recorder -- that turns on at random intervals to capture snippets of daily conversations. -- Using those audio files, Mehl developed estimates for the number of words spoken by a person per day. When his analysis revealed no significant gender difference, the provocative finding -- published in the journal Science -- made national headlines. But the study also invited criticism due to its limitations: Its participants were almost entirely college-aged, and most lived in the same city -- Austin, Texas. -- Eighteen years later, Mehl and his collaborators -- including Tidwell; Valeria Pfeifer, a U of A psychology postdoctoral researcher; and Alexander Danvers, a former postdoctoral researcher at the U of A -- sought to replicate the original findings with a larger and more diverse sample. They analyzed 630,000 EAR recordings from 22 separate studies conducted in four countries, with participants ranging in age from 10 to 94. The study included 2,197 individuals -- four times as many as many as the original study. -- A significant gender difference only emerged for one age group: those 25-64, an age range that had been missing in the original study of college students. While women in the early to middle adulthood age group spoke 21,845 words a day on average, men spoke 18,570.	H01 R01 T01	158
2508-E001	DNA Origami Technology Enables Creation Of Advanced Electrochemical Sensors	Utilizing DNA origami, researchers at Caltech have developed a technique for creating electrochemical sensors capable of detecting biomarkers quickly and efficiently. This innovative approach could revolutionize diagnostics by enabling cost-effective, reusable tests for proteins and nucleic acids, streamlining the process of identifying important health indicators without extensive laboratory procedures.	California Institute of Technology	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Using an approach called DNA origami, scientists at Caltech have developed a technique that could lead to cheaper, reusable biomarker sensors for quickly detecting proteins in bodily fluids, eliminating the need to send samples out to lab centers for testing. -- "Our work provides a proof-of-concept showing a path to a single-step method that could be used to identify and measure nucleic acids and proteins," says Paul Rothemund (BS '94), a visiting associate at Caltech in computing and mathematical sciences, and computation and neural systems. -- A paper describing the work recently appeared in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The lead authors of the paper are former Caltech postdoctoral scholar Byoung-jin Jeon and current graduate student Matteo M. Guareschi, who completed the work in Rothemund's lab. -- In 2006, Rothemund published the first paper on DNA origami, a technique that provides simple yet exquisite control over the design of molecular structures at the nanoscale using nothing more than DNA. -- Essentially DNA origami enables long strands of DNA to fold, through self-assembly, into any desired shape. (In the 2006 paper, Rothemund famously used the technique to create miniature DNA smiley faces measuring 100 nanometers across and 2 nanometers thick). Researchers begin with a long strand of DNA, the scaffold, in solution. Because the nucleotide bases that make up DNA bind in a known way (adenine binds to thymine, and guanine binds to cytosine), the scientists can add hundreds of short sequences of complementary DNA knowing they will bind to the scaffold on either end at known locations. Those short, added pieces of DNA fold the scaffold and give it shape, acting as "staples" that hold the structure together. The technique can then be used to create shapes ranging from a map of North and South America to nanoscale transistors. -- In the new work, Rothemund and his colleagues used DNA origami to create a lilypad-like structure -- a flat, circular surface about 100 nanometers in diameter, tethered by a DNA linker to a gold electrode. Both the lilypad and the electrode have short DNA strands available to bind with an analyte, a molecule of interest in solution -- whether that be a molecule of DNA, a protein, or an antibody. When the analyte binds to those short strands, the lilypad gets pulled down to the gold surface, bringing 70 reporter molecules on the lilypad (which indicate that the targeted molecule is present) into contact with the gold surface. These reporters are redox reactive molecules, meaning they can easily lose electrons during a reaction. So, when they get sufficiently close to an electrode, an electric current can be observed. A stronger current indicates that more of the molecule of interest is present. -- Previously, a similar approach to making biosensors was developed using a single DNA strand rather than a DNA origami structure. That earlier work was led by Kevin W. Plaxco (PhD '94) of UC Santa Barbara, who is also an author of the current paper. -- Caltech's Guareschi points out that the new lilypad origami is large compared to a single DNA strand. "That means it can fit 70 reporters on a single molecule and keep them away from the surface before binding. Then when the analyte is bound and the lilypad reaches the electrode, there is a large signal gain, making the change easy to detect," Guareschi says. -- The relatively large size of the lilypad origami also means that the system can readily accommodate and detect larger molecules, such as large proteins. In the new paper, the team showed that the two short DNA strands on the lilypad and the gold surface could be used as adapters, making it a sensor for proteins rather than for DNA. In the work, the researchers added the vitamin biotin to those short DNA strands to turn the system into a sensor for the protein streptavidin. Then they added a DNA aptamer, a DNA strand that can bind to a specific protein; in this case, they used an aptamer that binds to a protein called platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), which could be used to help diagnose diseases such as cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease. -- "We just add these simple molecules to the system, and it's ready to sense something different," Guareschi says. "It's large enough to accommodate whatever you throw at it -- that could be aptamers, nanobodies, fragments of antibodies -- and it doesn't need to be completely redesigned every time."	H01	159
2508-T018	Achieving Entanglement Multiplexing: A Milestone In Quantum Networks	A team from Caltech has achieved the first demonstration of entanglement multiplexing in a quantum network, utilizing rare-earth ions as memory qubits. This advancement lays the groundwork for future quantum communication systems by allowing multiple channels for data transmission, showcasing the potential of this technology for efficient quantum information exchange.	California Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Laying the groundwork for quantum communication systems of the future, engineers at Caltech have demonstrated the successful operation of a quantum network of two nodes, each containing multiple quantum bits, or qubits -- the fundamental information-storing building blocks of quantum computers. -- To achieve this, the researchers developed a new protocol for distributing quantum information in a parallel manner, effectively creating multiple channels for sending data, or multiplexing. -- The work was accomplished by embedding ytterbium atoms inside crystals and coupling them to optical cavities -- nanoscale structures that capture and guide light. -- This platform has unique properties that make it ideal for using multiple qubits to transmit quantum information-carrying photons in parallel. -- "This is the first-ever demonstration of entanglement multiplexing in a quantum network of individual spin qubits," says Andrei Faraon (BS '04), the William L. Valentine Professor of Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering at Caltech. -- "This method significantly boosts quantum communication rates between nodes, representing a major leap in the field." -- The work is described in a paper published on February 26 in the journal Nature. The lead authors of the paper are Andrei Ruskuc (PhD '24), now a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University, and Chun-Ju Wu, a graduate student at Caltech, who completed the work in Faraon's lab. -- Just as the internet connects the classical computers we are accustomed to using today, the quantum networks of the future will connect quantum computers that exist in different physical locations. -- When working with the quantum realm, researchers are dealing with the miniscule scale of individual atoms and of photons, the basic particles of light. -- At this scale, matter does not behave according to classical physics; instead, quantum mechanics are at play.	H02 C01 T01	160
2509-T012	New Chip Architecture Reduces Quantum Errors Using Cat Qubits	A team of scientists at Caltech has introduced a new quantum chip architecture utilizing cat qubits to mitigate errors in quantum computing. This advancement addresses a critical hurdle in building reliable quantum computers, which have the potential to revolutionize various fields, including medicine and cryptography.	California Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists based at the AWS Center for Quantum Computing on Caltech's campus have made a leap forward in figuring out how to suppress errors in quantum computers, a pesky problem that continues to be the greatest hurdle to building the machines of the future. -- Quantum computers, which are based on the seemingly magical properties of the quantum realm, hold promise for use in many different fields, including medicine, materials science, cryptography, and fundamental physics. -- But while today's quantum computers can be useful for studying niche areas of physics, a general-purpose quantum computer capable of solving more advanced problems is not yet possible due to its inherent sensitivity to noise. -- Vibrations, heat, electromagnetic interference from cell phones and Wi-Fi networks, or even cosmic rays and radiation from outer space, can all knock qubits -- quantum bits -- out of their quantum state. -- As a result, quantum computers make a lot more errors than their classical computer counterparts. -- Reporting in the February 26 issue of the journal Nature, a team of scientists from AWS and Caltech demonstrate a new quantum chip architecture for suppressing errors using a type of qubit known as a cat qubit. -- Cat qubits were first proposed in 2001, and, since then, researchers have developed and refined them. -- Now, the AWS team has put together the first scalable cat qubit chip that can be used to efficiently reduce quantum errors. -- Called Ocelot, the new quantum computing chip is named after the spotted wild cat, while also giving a nod to internal "oscillator" technology that underlies the cat qubits. -- "For quantum computers to be successful, we need error rates to be about a billion times better than they are today," says Oskar Painter (PhD '01), John G Braun Professor of Applied Physics and Physics at Caltech and head of quantum hardware at AWS.	T01	161
2507-133	Brain Region Identified For Food Selectivity During Visual Processing	Carnegie Mellon University researchers have identified a specific area in the brain's visual cortex that responds to food stimuli, exploring how visual and non-visual cues shape its activity. Their theoretical framework outlines the various signals that contribute to food recognition, emphasizing the complex relationship between food perception and evolutionary survival needs in human history.	Carnegie Mellon University	Carnegie Mellon University	Press Rel	PubMed	Human evolution has revolved around food, from identifying and foraging for it to growing and preparing it. Carnegie Mellon University researchers have identified a region in the brain's visual cortex that responds to food and have developed a theoretical framework that could explain the origins of this selectivity. -- "It's crazy how many different aspects of life food touches and how many different factors might contribute to creating any particular category of food," said Leila Wehbe, an associate professor in the School of Computer Science's Machine Learning Department and CMU's Neuroscience Institute. -- "If you think about it, food is even more primal than social cognition. If you don't have food, you die. It's necessary for survival in all species. Even the ones that don't have that much social interaction need food. And so, I like to think of it as the brain has evolved to either help you find food or keep you from being food." -- Wehbe was part of a team that recently published a paper in Trends in Neurosciences that outlines how visual and nonvisual signals contribute to the brain's cortical responses when people were shown images of food. -- Team members include Michael Tarr, the Kav?i?-Moura Professor of Cognitive and Brain Science in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Psychology and the Neuroscience Institute; and Maggie Henderson, an assistant professor in the Psychology Department and the Neuroscience Institute. -- Tarr said there are regions of the brain that show some specialization for behaviorally critical domains, such as processing images of faces or tools. -- Until recently, researchers hadn't identified a similar region involved in processing images of food. -- Recent studies using the Natural Scenes Dataset, however, have identified a food region in the brain. -- The Natural Scenes Dataset is a large-scale fMRI dataset comprising scans taken of people's brains while they were looking at images of objects, such as food, in their natural context or environment -- like dishes at a buffet, or a hot dog and soda at a picnic table. -- The dataset's growth has made research into the brain's food region possible.	A01 H01 R02 T01	162
2509-T023	New Technology Helps Beekeepers Monitor Hive Health And Prevent Collapse	Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and UC Riverside have developed a monitoring system for beekeepers to assess hive health and mitigate risks of colony collapse. By tracking hive temperature regulation, this system aims to provide timely interventions in response to environmental stressors, addressing the declining honeybee populations essential for global food production.	Carnegie Mellon University	ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data	Press Rel	PubMed	Honeybees pollinate a third of what people eat and drink, from coffee to almonds, but colonies are on the decline because of extreme weather, pesticides and parasites. -- Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science (SCS) and the University of California, Riverside (UC Riverside) have created a system to help beekeepers monitor and analyze the health of their beehives and take corrective actions to prevent colony collapse -- when a majority of the worker bees abandon the colony and its queen. -- Beehives use thermoregulation to ensure the hive temperature stays between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius, about 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit. -- For example, bees might cluster to create insulation when it's cold or fan their wings when it's hot. -- But when beehives experience external stressors, such as pesticides or unexpected weather events, they lose the ability to regulate the hive temperature. -- That's when beekeepers need to intervene to save the hive. Currently, beekeepers manage hive health using their judgment and experience to address problems, which can lead to oversights. -- The Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV) uses low-cost heat sensors and predictive forecasting to assist beekeepers in managing hive temperature and overall honeybee health. -- Researchers used two sensors, one placed on the outside of the hive and one inside, to detect real-time temperatures in the bee colonies. -- This data was then fed into a model that calculates the hive health factor. -- Christos Faloutsos, the Fredkin University Professor of Computer Science in SCS's Computer Science Department, said researchers looked to heat-transfer physics for the equation when developing the EBV's beehive health forecasting model.	A01 H01 H02 C01 T01	163
2510-031	Real-Time AI Feedback Boosts Performance And Trust In Knowledge Work Environments	Research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that AI can improve trust and performance in knowledge work environments by providing real-time feedback. The study highlights how automated interventions can enhance understanding and efficiency, ultimately reshaping perceptions of AI in the workplace by demonstrating its potential as a supportive tool for human workers.	Carnegie Mellon University	Computers in Human Behavior	Press Rel	PubMed	In today's economy, many workers have transitioned from manual labor toward knowledge work, a move driven primarily by technological advances, and workers in this domain face challenges around managing non-routine work, which is inherently uncertain. Automated interventions can help workers understand their work and boost performance and trust. In a new study, researchers explored how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance performance and trust in knowledge work environments. They found that when AI systems provided feedback in real-time, performance and trust increased. -- The study, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, is published in Computers in Human Behavior. The article is part of a special issue, "The Social Bridge: An Interdisciplinary View on Trust in Technology," in which researchers from a range of disciplines explore mechanisms and functions of trust in people and technologies. -- "Our findings challenge traditional concerns that AI-driven management fosters distrust and demonstrate a path by which AI complements human work by providing greater transparency and alignment with workers' expectations," suggests Anita Williams Woolley, Professor of Organizational Behavior at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, who co-authored the study. -- "The results have broad implications for AI-powered performance management in industries increasingly reliant on digital and algorithmic work environments." -- Applications of machine learning and AI have consistently proven capable of performing demanding cognitive tasks, provided they can be routinized. -- But in non-routine work, AI capabilities (e.g., those designed to facilitate managers' ability to monitor productivity) often backfire, fostering enmity instead of efficiency. -- In this study, researchers sought to determine how the frequency of feedback and the uncertainty of a task interacted to influence workers' perceptions of an algorithm's trustworthiness. -- In a randomized, controlled experiment, 140 men and women (primarily White and with a median age of 39) performed caregiving tasks in an online, simulated home healthcare environment. -- Individuals were randomly assigned to receive or not receive automated real-time feedback (i.e., feedback delivered during the task) while performing their work under conditions of high or low uncertainty. -- After completing the task, they received an algorithmically determined rating based on their actual performance on the task.	A01 R01 T01	164
2512-022	Communication Network Characteristics Impact Group Performance And Identity Development	Communication Network Characteristics Impact Group Performance And Identity Development	Carnegie Mellon University	Small Group Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Research has predominantly analyzed the formation of social identity as driven by members belonging to the same categories based on prominent characteristics, such as gender, race, or ethnicity. Less common are studies on recognizing similarity within groups as the basis for forming shared social identities. -- In a new study, researchers explored how the characteristics of communication networks in groups (i.e., density and centralization) affected the development of shared social identity and, as a result, group performance. -- The study's findings can help managers and other business leaders develop strategies to enhance the performance of their teams. -- The study, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, appears in Small Group Research. -- "We argue that the structure of a group's communication network affects a group's performance, not only by influencing how the group exchanges information, but also by altering the psychological processes of its members, namely the extent to which they share a social identity," explains Linda Argote, Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory at Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, who coauthored the study. -- Groups whose members share a social identity are likely to share knowledge and collaborate, which typically results in better performance. -- In the business world, much work gets done by groups and communication is required to coordinate the interdependent activities of group members. -- In this study, researchers sought to determine whether and how communication networks affect the extent to which members share a social identity. -- In their work, the researchers theorized that two dimensions of a group's communication network -- density (the ratio of ties among group members to the number of possible ties) and centralization (the extent to which communication ties are concentrated in one or a few members) -- interact to affect the extent to which group members share an identity. -- They manipulated the density and centralization of communication networks in a lab experiment.	Z01	165
2512-E004	Dynamic Framework Developed to Measure Electricity Market Competition	A new study introduces a dynamic framework for assessing market power in wholesale electricity markets, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on renewable energy sources. Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Monash University found that as solar capacity expands in regions like Western Australia, fossil-fuel plants face higher costs and competition. Their findings, published in the American Economic Review, suggest that understanding operational constraints is crucial for market analysis amid the shift to renewables.	Carnegie Mellon University	American Economic Review	Press Rel	PubMed	Fossil-fuel plants are increasingly being forced to stop and start production in response to changes in output from renewables. In a new study, researchers developed a dynamic competitive benchmark that accounts for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. They apply their framework to Western Australia, a setting where rooftop solar capacity more than doubled between 2014 to 2018 to world-leading rooftop solar penetration rates. The study found that the large-scale expansion of rooftop solar capacity can lead to increases in the collective profitability of fossil fuel plants because competition softens at sunset -- plants displaced by solar during the day must incur start-up costs to compete in the evening. -- The study, by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Monash University, is published in American Economic Review. -- "We developed a framework to measure market power in wholesale electricity markets," explains Akshaya Jha, associate professor of economics and public policy at Carnegie Mellon's Heinz College, who co-authored the study. -- "This framework accounts for features of generating unit technology such as fixed start-up costs and ramping constraints that are becoming increasingly relevant in light of the global transition to intermittent wind and solar technologies." -- Firms that incur the fixed costs required to start production expect to recover these costs by earning revenues in excess of their variable costs in subsequent periods. -- This presents two challenges for studying competition: First, market power is usually measured based on the markup in prices above short-run marginal cost, but economists have long recognized that setting prices equal to short-run marginal cost ignores the requirement that prices must be sufficient for firms to recover their fixed costs. -- Second, fixed costs are a barrier to competition: Decisions on the extensive margin to incur the fixed costs necessary to produce affect the intensity of later competition. -- Researchers applied their framework to Western Australia, a world leader in rooftop solar penetration rates. -- They measured market power by comparing observed plant output and market prices to their benchmark -- a counterfactual time series of plant output and market prices -- that accounts for the recovery of the fixed costs required for plants to start up. -- Specifically, they extended static production function approaches by using high-frequency data on input gas use and output electricity to estimate unit-level cost functions with three components: variable costs, start-up costs, and the costs associated with running not tied to output levels.	N02	166
2512-E045	Lightning Strikes Benefit Some Tropical Trees By Eliminating Parasitic Vines	A Cary Institute study reveals that some tropical trees can benefit from lightning strikes by eliminating parasitic vines and enhancing their canopy. Led by Evan Gora, the research shows how certain tree species have adapted to withstand lightning, potentially evolving as natural lightning rods, thereby positively impacting biodiversity and carbon storage in Panama's tropical forests.	Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies	New Phytologist	Press Rel	PubMed	Getting zapped with millions of volts of electricity may not sound like a healthy activity, but for some trees, it is. A new study, published in New Phytologist, reports that some tropical tree species are not only able to tolerate lightning strikes, but benefit from them. The trees may have even evolved to act as lightning rods. -- The research was led by Evan Gora, a forest ecologist at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies. -- Gora studies how lightning impacts biodiversity and carbon storage in Panama's tropical forests. -- Lightning kills hundreds of millions of trees per year. But in 2015, while working in Panama, Gora and his colleagues came across a Dipteryx oleifera tree that had survived a strike with little damage -- even though the jolt had been strong enough to blast a parasitic vine out of its crown and kill more than a dozen neighboring trees. -- "Seeing that there are trees that get struck by lightning and they're fine was just mind-blowing," Gora recalled. -- Over time, the team encountered other Dipteryx oleifera trees thriving after getting hit, so they decided to take a closer look. -- Scientists had previously suspected that some trees evolved to tolerate lightning, but evidence to back it up was lacking. -- In 2022, Gora and colleagues demonstrated for the first time that trees differ in their ability to survive getting hit by lightning. -- Their new paper, published Wednesday, is the first to show that trees can benefit from these electric jolts. -- Using a unique lightning location system, the team tracked the outcomes of 93 trees that had been struck by lightning in Barro Colorado Nature Monument in central Panama.	C01 N02	167
2502-030	Genetic And Demographic Factors Identified As Risk Factors For Age-Related Macular Degeneration	A comprehensive study on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has uncovered significant genetic and demographic risk factors associated with its development, affecting approximately 200 million individuals worldwide. By analyzing extensive patient datasets from diverse populations, researchers have identified key contributors to AMD, providing valuable insights that could inform prevention and treatment strategies for this vision-threatening condition.	Case Western Reserve University	Nature Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects about 200 million people worldwide and can result in legal blindness, impairs an area of the eye (retina) used for reading, driving and many other critical daily tasks. -- A new study of large existing patient datasets indicates genetic and demographic factors that increase the risk for developing AMD. -- In the study, recently published in Nature Genetics, a team of scientists worked with the Million Veteran Program (MVP) of the VA Office of Research and Development, a large biobank of veterans recruited at more than 60 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers nationally, to examine demographic, lifestyle, clinical and genetic risk profiles for AMD. -- Their study focusedon more than 287,000 veterans enrolled in MVP and integrated findings with results from several other independent biobanks to define the largest study of genetic risk for AMD and the first to include populations of diverse ancestry. -- "An important aspect of our study is the inclusion of veterans of African or Hispanic ancestry in the MVP -- groups that have not been well-studied in prior genetic studies of AMD," said Sudha Iyengar, a professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. -- "This diverse population is a unique resource to identify clues to develop therapeutics for AMD, a condition for which few effective treatments are available." -- The collective human genome shared by all ancestral groups worldwide contains discrete signatures for higher AMD risk in those of European descent, compared to those of African or Hispanic ancestry. -- "By increasing the size of the study population," Sudha said, "the research provided additional information to identify genetic markers with more modest but potentially important biological contributions to the likelihood that an individual will -- or won't -- develop AMD. The study also found an increased number of genes linked to AMD, from 34 that were identified previously, to 60." -- They also confirmed earlier beliefs that a history of smoking or alcohol use increases the likelihood of developing AMD. -- Although about 90% of the MVP are male enrollees, the researchers were able to confirm prior observations that women are more susceptible to AMD than men.	Z01	168
2505-044	NF-kB c-Rel Protein Identified As Influential In Psoriasis Symptoms And Treatment Target	Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that the NF-kB c-Rel protein can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms when activated by immune system signals. Their study, published in eBioMedicine, reveals how c-Rel influences dendritic cells' function and responds to signals from Toll Like Receptor 7, which regulates inflammation and innate immunity. By understanding the role of c-Rel in skin inflammation, the research may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches to treat the painful and widespread condition of psoriasis.	Case Western Reserve University	eBioMedicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Our immune system is armed with an array of defenses designed to detect and eliminate harmful threats. One of its most powerful defense mechanisms is the complement system -- a group of proteins that patrols our body, ever vigilant for signs of infection or injury. Now, over 100 years after the complement system was first described, researchers at Mass General Brigham have discovered that a protein known as granzyme K (GZMK) drives tissue damage and inflammation by activating the complement system against our own tissues. Their findings not only reshape the century-old understanding of the complement system but also open new avenues for therapies that could specifically block this harmful pathway in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Results are published in Nature. -- "Our discovery of a new way of activating the complement system, driven by an enzyme produced by cells that are abundant in inflamed tissues, has important clinical implications," said lead author Carlos A. Donado, PhD, Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and a postdoctoral fellow in the Brenner lab in the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "Our work highlights GZMK as a promising therapeutic target to inhibit complement activation across multiple diseases. Unlike traditional therapies that broadly inhibit complement activation, hitting this target could preserve the anti-microbial functions of complement, while specifically inhibiting this harmful pathway in chronically inflamed tissues." -- The work, carried out in the laboratory of Michael Brenner, MD the E.F. Brigham Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, was driven by a compelling observation the Brenner group had made earlier: the majority of CD8+ T cells in the inflamed synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients -- and in affected organs across various inflammatory diseases -- produce GZMK, a protein that had an unclear function. -- Intriguingly, other research groups have also found this same population of cells to be highly enriched in the diseased tissues of patients with neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and even in aging individuals. -- Given their widespread abundance in inflamed tissues, the research team suspected that these cells -- and GZMK -- might play a fundamental role in driving inflammatory tissue damage. -- To explore this, they analyzed the protein sequence of GZMK and compared it to other human proteins to find clues about its function. -- Through a series of experiments, they demonstrated that GZMK activated the entire complement cascade, producing complexities that drive inflammation, recruit immune cells, and cause tissue damage. -- Their research further revealed that in human rheumatoid arthritis synovium, GZMK is enriched in regions exhibiting abundant complement activation. -- In two independent animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasiform dermatitis, mice with a genetic deficiency in GZMK were significantly protected from disease -- exhibiting reduced arthritis, dermatitis, and complement activation -- compared to mice with normal GZMK expression.	R01	169
2505-T025	Breakthrough Method Detects Inflammation In Specific Organs With Antibodies	A breakthrough method developed by Case Western Reserve University researchers allows for the detection of inflammation in specific organs using antibodies. This innovation could lead to blood tests that identify disease-specific biomarkers for various conditions, including heart disease and cancer, and may facilitate drug discovery by enhancing understanding of inflammatory processes within the body.	Case Western Reserve University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed an AI-based platform that designs short proteins, termed peptides, capable of binding and destroying previously undruggable disease-causing proteins. Inspired by OpenAI's image generation model, their new algorithm can rapidly prioritize peptides for experimental testing. -- The work appeared Jan. 22 in the journal Science Advances. -- One approach to treat disease is to develop therapeutics that can specifically target and destroy the proteins driving it. Sometimes these key proteins have well-defined structures, like a neatly folded origami crane, so conventional small molecule therapies can easily bind to them. -- But more than 80% of disease-causing proteins instead resemble a messy ball of yarn -- disordered and tangled -- making it incredibly difficult for standard therapies to find a pocket on the surface to latch on and do their job. -- To circumvent this issue, researchers have explored how peptides can be used to bind to and degrade disease-causing proteins. -- Because peptides are small versions of proteins, they don't require surface pockets for binding. -- Instead, they can bind to various amino acid sequences throughout the protein. -- But even these approaches have their limits, as existing "off-the-shelf" binders have not been designed to attach to unstable or overly tangled protein structures. -- While scientists have been working on developing new binding proteins, these approaches still rely on mapping out the 3D structural information of the target protein, which are not available for disordered targets. -- Rather than try to map out the structures of the disease-causing proteins, Pranam Chatterjee, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Duke, and his team took inspiration from generative large language models (LLMs) to create a solution.	H01 R01 R02	170
2507-074	New Study Proposes Efficient Molecular Methods For Cost-Effective Separations	A study from Case Western Reserve University reveals that traditional molecular separation methods are inefficient due to clogged pores in separation materials. By utilizing microscopy techniques, researchers identified the need for more effective design approaches, which could significantly reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs associated with the separation processes in various industries.	Case Western Reserve University	Case Western Reserve University	Press Rel	PubMed	The process of separating useful molecules from mixtures of other substances accounts for 15% of the nation's energy, emits 100 million tons of carbon dioxide and costs $4 billion annually. -- Commercial manufacturers produce columns of porous materials to separate potential new drugs developed by the pharmaceutical industry, for example, and also for energy and chemical production, environmental science and making foods and beverages. -- But in a new study, researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found these manufactured separation materials don't function as intended because the pores are so packed with polymer they become blocked. -- That means the separations are inefficient and unnecessarily expensive. -- Lydia Kisley, Ambrose Swasey Assistant Professor of physics and chemistry at Case Western Reserve, used what is known as single-molecule microscopy to find that solutions containing molecules of interest mainly diffused and adsorbed around the outer edge of the porous materials, leaving the center almost entirely unused. -- The research will be published Feb. 14 in the journal Science Advances. -- "These materials are marketed as 'fully porous,' but they aren't," said Kisley, who led the work. -- "We were really surprised by this. Why isn't this material working the way it was designed and is being sold to work?" -- Kisley, along with colleagues Professor Burcu Gurkan and Associate Professor Christine Duval, from the Case School of Engineering's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, wanted to find out why. -- Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, a specialized technique that allows scientists to visualize and analyze the behavior of individual molecules, allowed Kisley to see the molecular dynamics at the nanoscale.	A01 H01 C01 T01	171
2511-035	New Molecules Offer Hope For Early Detection And Treatment Of Gastric Cancer	Investigators at Case Western Reserve University have identified RNA molecules that could play a significant role in the development of gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Their study highlights a specific class of long intergenic non-coding RNAs as potential targets for early detection and treatment, addressing the challenges of late diagnosis and ineffective therapies.	Case Western Reserve University	Gastro Hep Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered molecules that present the potential to drive the development of gastric cancer -- among the world's deadliest forms of the disease. -- Gastric, or stomach cancer, remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society, because it's difficult to diagnose at an early stage and treatments often fail once the disease has spread. -- But a team of researchers led by Kishore Guda, associate professor at the Digestive Health Research Institute at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, found a special class of ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules -- called long intergentic non-coding RNAs (lincRNA) -- that may provide a new target to prevent and treat the disease. -- The main function of RNA is to convert genetic information from DNA into proteins. -- Non-coding RNA molecules don't carry genetic information that would later be converted to proteins. -- "We discovered that a particular lincRNA, lincPRKD, to be activated in both gastric and esophageal cancer," Guda said. -- "In understanding the role of lincPRKD in gastric cancer, we hope to uncover new ways to prevent and treat this challenging disease." -- Durga Ravillah, a senior research associate, and Andrew Blum, an assistant professor on Guda's team, led the study. -- Their findings were recently published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances. -- The goal is to determine how often this lincRNA molecule is activated in these cancers.	R01	172
2511-085	Bacterial Invasion Post-Brain Implant: A Challenge For Neurological Treatments	Research from Case Western Reserve University reveals that bacterial invasion can compromise brain implants, posing challenges for treating neurological disorders. Understanding the role of bacteria in implant performance may lead to improved design and maintenance of these devices, enhancing their effectiveness in restoring function for patients with conditions like epilepsy and paralysis.	Case Western Reserve University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Brain implants hold immense promise for restoring function in patients with paralysis, epilepsy and other neurological disorders. -- But a team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has discovered that bacteria can invade the brain after a medical device is implanted, contributing to inflammation and reducing the device's long-term effectiveness. -- The groundbreaking research, recently published in Nature Communications, could improve the long-term success of brain implants now that a target has been identified to address. -- "Understanding the role of bacteria in implant performance and brain health could revolutionize how these devices are designed and maintained," said Jeff Capadona, Case Western Reserve's vice provost for innovation, the Donnell Institute Professor of Biomedical Engineering and senior research career scientist at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. -- Capadona's lab led the study, which examined the presence of bacterial DNA in the brains of mouse models implanted with microelectrodes. -- To their surprise, researchers found bacteria linked to the gut inside the brain. The discovery suggests that a breach in what is known as "the blood-brain barrier," caused by implanting the device, could allow microbes to enter. -- "This is a paradigm-shifting finding," said George Hoeferlin, the study's lead author, who was a biomedical engineering graduate student at Case Western Reserve in Capadona's lab. "For decades, the field has focused on the body's immune response to these implants, but our research now shows that bacteria -- some originating from the gut -- are also playing a role in the inflammation surrounding these devices." -- In the study, mouse models treated with antibiotics had reduced bacterial contamination and the performance of the implanted devices improved -- although prolonged antibiotic use proved detrimental. -- The discovery's implications go beyond device failure. Some of the bacteria found in the brain have been linked to neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and stroke. -- "If we're not identifying or addressing this consequence of implantation, we could be causing more harm than we're fixing," Capadona said. "This finding highlights the urgent need to develop a permanent strategy for preventing bacterial invasion from implanted devices, rather than just managing inflammation after the fact. The more we understand about this process, the better we can design implants that work safely and effectively."	A01 R01 R02 N02 T01	173
2512-069	Cell Stress Response: New Insights Challenge Long-Held Beliefs About Cellular Mechanics	Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a more intricate cellular response to stress than previously understood, suggesting the potential for therapeutic advancements in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Their findings challenge long-held beliefs about cell function under stress and propose new avenues for treatment strategies.	Case Western Reserve University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The body's cells respond to stress -- toxins, mutations, starvation or other assaults -- by pausing normal functions to focus on conserving energy, repairing damaged components and boosting defenses. -- If the stress is manageable, cells resume normal activity; if not, they self-destruct. -- Scientists have believed for decades this response happens as a linear chain of events: sensors in the cell "sound an alarm" and modify a key protein, which then changes a second protein that slows or shuts down the cell's normal function. -- But in a new study published today in the journal Nature, researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a cell's response is more nuanced and compartmentalized -- not fixed or rigid, as previously thought. -- The groundbreaking research suggests this adaptive response to stress -- which the researchers call "split-integrated stress response" or s-ISR -- could potentially be exploited to kill cancer cells and more effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases. -- Maria Hatzoglou, professor of the Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and the study's principal investigator, found for the first time a cell's response to stress can be fine-tuned depending its nature, intensity and duration. -- This flexibility provides novel insights into how cells in organisms -- from yeast to humans -- adapt to their environment. -- "This study represents a new way of thinking about cellular stress," Hatzoglou said. -- "ISR is not a one-size-fits-all system like we used to think. Instead, it can change and adjust depending on the type, strength and length of the stress the cell is experiencing." -- The study	H02 R01	174
2512-072	Boosting Healing After Heart Attacks: New Technique Increases Anti-Inflammatory Cell Production	A novel technique that enhances the body’s production of anti-inflammatory cells has shown promise in promoting healing after heart attacks in mice. If adapted for human use, this approach could revolutionize the treatment of heart muscle damage and inflammatory disorders, offering new hope for recovery.	Cedars-Sinai Medical Center	Journal of Clinical Investigation	Press Rel	PubMed	A scientific technique that rapidly increases the body's production of anti-inflammatory cells promoted healing from heart attacks in mice, according to a new study by investigators from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai. Once adapted to treat humans, the technique could potentially be used to repair heart muscle damage after a heart attack and be applied to a variety of inflammatory disorders. -- The investigators' findings were published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Clinical Investigation. -- Heart attacks occur when the heart muscle is damaged by reduced blood flow from one or more arteries. -- They strike more than 800,000 people in the U.S. each year and are a leading cause of death. -- The new technique, as described in the study, addresses a major challenge to treating this disorder: uncontrolled inflammation. -- "Thanks largely to medical advances, more than 90% of people in the U.S. survive their heart attacks," said Eduardo Marbán, MD, PhD, executive director of the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and the study's senior author. -- "But a significant percentage of these patients suffer tissue damage when their immune systems overreact. This can trigger inflammation, which weakens the heart and raises the risk of heart failure." -- To solve this problem, the study's investigators focused on increasing the body's supply of regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which modulate the immune system and help keep it from overreacting to injuries. -- A number of clinical trials involving various diseases have sought to accomplish this goal through a weekslong process of extracting these rare cells from a patient, expanding them in the laboratory and infusing them back into the patient. -- But this method is too slow to help in an acute crisis like a heart attack.	R01 T01	175
2501-059	Deep Sleep Cleanses The Brain, Enhancing Mental Clarity And Health.	A compelling study published in Cell reveals that deep sleep may play a crucial role in clearing waste from the brain, a process vital for maintaining cognitive health. Researchers found that the glymphatic system, responsible for waste removal, is influenced by the molecule norepinephrine. This discovery suggests that sleep aids might disrupt this cleaning mechanism, potentially affecting long-term brain function and cognitive ability, underlining the importance of sleep for brain health.	Cell Press	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A good night's sleep does more than just help you feel rested -- it might literally clear your mind. A new study published January 8 in the Cell Press journal Cell shows how deep sleep may wash away waste buildup in the brain during waking hours, an essential process for maintaining brain health. The findings also offer insights into how sleep aids may disrupt the "brainwashing" system, potentially affecting cognitive function in the long run. -- Scientists have known that the brain has a built-in waste removal system, called the glymphatic system, which circulates fluid in the brain and spinal cord to clear out waste. -- This process helps remove toxic proteins that form sticky plaques linked to neurological disorders. -- However, what drives this system has remained unclear, until now. -- Danish scientists found that a molecule called norepinephrine plays a key role in the brain's cleaning in mice. -- During deep sleep, the brainstem releases tiny waves of norepinephrine about once every 50 seconds. -- Norepinephrine triggers blood vessels to contract, generating slow pulsations that create a rhythmic flow in the surrounding fluid to carry waste away. -- "It's like turning on the dishwasher before you go to bed and waking up with a clean brain," says senior author Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester and University of Copenhagen, Denmark. -- "We're essentially asking what drives this process and trying to define restorative sleep based on glymphatic clearance." -- To find clues, Nedergaard and her team looked into what happens in mice when the brain sleeps.	H02 R02	176
2503-E014	Contagious Urination: Unveiling Social Behaviors In Captive Chimpanzees	A fascinating study reveals the phenomenon of "contagious urinations" among captive chimpanzees, showing that one individual's urination can prompt others to follow suit. Conducted at Japan's Kumamoto Sanctuary, the research suggests that this behavior may have evolutionary roots similar to human social urination. The findings indicate that social hierarchy influences this behavior, with lower-ranking chimps more likely to urinate after others, shedding light on communal behaviors in primates.	Cell Press	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study reported in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on January 20 is the first to describe a phenomenon researchers refer to as "contagious urinations." The study in 20 captive chimpanzees living at the Kumamoto Sanctuary in Japan shows that, when one chimp pees, others are more likely to follow. -- "In humans, urinating together can be seen as a social phenomenon," says Ena Onishi of Kyoto University. -- "An Italian proverb states, 'Whoever doesn't pee in company is either a thief or a spy' (Chi non piscia in compagnia o è un ladro o è una spia), while in Japanese, the act of urinating with others is referred to as 'Tsureshon'. This behavior is represented in art across centuries and cultures and continues to appear in modern social contexts. Our research suggests that this phenomenon may have deep evolutionary roots. We found that chimpanzees, our closest relatives, tend to urinate in response to the urination of nearby individuals." -- The researchers decided to study this behavior after noticing that the sanctuary chimpanzees seemed to pee at about the same time. It reminded them of human behavior, and they wondered whether it might be comparable to contagious yawning. To find out, they documented peeing behaviors in the Kumamoto chimpanzees over more than 600 hours, including 1,328 urination events. They analyzed the observational data to see whether peeing among the chimpanzees was significantly synchronized in time. They also explored whether it was influenced by nearby individuals or shaped by social factors. -- The evidence showed that urination events were significantly more synchronized during observations than would be expected if the chimpanzees were simply peeing at random times with respect to one another. The likelihood of contagious urination also increased with physical proximity to the initial urinator, they report. Interestingly, individuals with lower dominance ranks were more likely to pee when others were peeing. The finding suggests that urination patterns are influenced by social hierarchy, with a tendency for the behavior to "flow down" the dominance structure, the researchers say. -- "We were surprised to discover that the contagion pattern was influenced by social rank," Onishi says. "Since there were no prior studies on contagious urination in any species, we drew parallels to contagious yawning, another semi-voluntary physiological behavior. Based on this, we initially expected that any social influences might resemble those seen in yawning -- such as stronger contagion between socially close pairs. However, our results showed no evidence of effects related to social closeness. Instead, we observed a clear influence of social rank, with lower-ranking individuals being more likely to follow the urination of others." -- "This was an unexpected and fascinating result, as it opens up multiple possibilities for interpretation," Shinya Yamamoto, also of Kyoto University, adds. "For instance, it could reflect hidden leadership in synchronizing group activities, the reinforcement of social bonds, or attention bias among lower-ranking individuals. These findings raise intriguing questions about the social functions of this behavior." -- The findings may have important implications for understanding and exploring the role of this behavior in maintaining group cohesion, facilitating coordination, or reinforcing social bonds within the group, according to the researchers. It reveals how this seemingly mundane and necessary behavior might be of overlooked social significance. -- The researchers say more study is needed to understand the specific functions and mechanisms underlying contagious urination in chimpanzees. They're also curious to know whether this phenomenon exists in other species.	Z01	177
2503-E029	Underground Ammonia Production Offers Sustainable Alternative For Fertilizer	Researchers have developed a method to produce ammonia for fertilizers using Earth's natural heat and forces, eliminating energy-intensive reactors. In a groundbreaking study, they mixed nitrogen-rich water with iron-rich rocks without energy input or CO2 emissions. This innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional ammonia production, with the potential to meet agricultural needs while significantly reducing environmental impact, marking a significant milestone in eco-friendly fertilizer technology.	Cell Press	Joule	Press Rel	PubMed	Instead of relying on energy-hungry reactors to generate high temperatures and pressure, researchers are looking underground at Earth's natural heat and forces to cook up ammonia for fertilizer. In a proof-of-concept study, published January 21 in the Cell Press journal Joule, researchers generated ammonia by mixing nitrogen-laced water with iron-rich rocks -- without any energy input or CO2 emission. This new recipe may lead to a more sustainable alternative to current methods, theoretically churning out enough ammonia for 2.42 million years. -- The idea stems from an unusual geological phenomenon observed in the 1980s in Mali, West Africa. -- Locals discovered a well streaming with hydrogen gas, which scientists later traced to a water-rock chemical reaction beneath the Earth's surface. -- "It was an 'aha' moment," says senior author Iwnetim Abate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). "We may be able to use Earth as a factory, harnessing its heat and pressure to produce valuable chemicals like ammonia in a cleaner manner." -- Ammonia is as a key ingredient in fertilizers and could one day power the future as clean fuel, but today's industrial ammonia production is energy intensive. -- It consumes about 2% of global energy and releases around 2.4 tons (5,291 lb) of CO2 for every ton (2,204 lb) of ammonia produced, making it the chemical industry's top CO2 emitter. -- To test their "Earth factory" idea, Abate and his team built a rock-water reaction system that mimics Earth's subsurface environment. -- They exposed synthetic iron-rich minerals to nitrogen-laced water, triggering a chemical reaction that oxidized the rock and yielded ammonia, which the team dubbed "geological ammonia." The process required no energy input, emitted no CO2, and even worked under ambient conditions. -- The team then swapped the synthetic mineral with olivine, a natural iron-laden rock, to better mimic real-world scenarios. -- They further optimized the process by adding a copper catalyst and cranking the heat to 300°C (572°F). Within 21 hours, they produced about 1.8 kg (4 lb) of ammonia per ton (2,204.6 lb) of olivine, demonstrating the method's feasibility and sustainability.	C01 T01	178
2504-038	Researchers Create Bi-Paternal Mouse Using Embryonic Stem Cell Engineering Techniques	A remarkable achievement in stem cell research has led to the creation of a bi-paternal mouse, a groundbreaking advance made possible through the engineering of embryonic stem cells. This research could potentially reshape our understanding of reproduction in mammals and address limitations in stem cell and regenerative medicine.	Cell Press	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of stem cell scientists have successfully used embryonic stem cell engineering to create a bi-paternal mouse -- a mouse with two male parents -- that lived until adulthood. Their results, publishing on January 28, 2025, in the Cell Press journal Cell Stem Cell, describe how targeting a particular set of genes involved in reproduction allowed the researchers to overcome previously insurmountable challenges in unisexual reproduction in mammals. -- Scientists have attempted to create bi-paternal mice before, but the embryos developed only to a certain point and then stopped growing. Here, the investigators, led by corresponding author Wei Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Beijing, focused on targeting imprinting genes, which regulate gene expression in a number of ways. "This work will help to address a number of limitations in stem cell and regenerative medicine research," says Li. -- "The unique characteristics of imprinting genes have led scientists to believe that they are a fundamental barrier to unisexual reproduction in mammals," says co-corresponding author Qi Zhou, also of CAS. "Even when constructing bi-maternal or bi-paternal embryos artificially, they fail to develop properly, and they stall at some point during development due to these genes." -- Earlier attempts to make a bi-paternal mouse used ovarian organoids to derive oocytes from male pluripotent stem cells; those ooctyes were then fertilized with sperm from another male. However, when the homologous chromosomes -- the chromosomes that divide during meiosis to create oocytes and sperm -- originated from the same sex, imprinting abnormalities arose, leading to severe developmental defects. -- In this study, the researchers modified 20 key imprinting genes individually using a number of different techniques, including frameshift mutations, gene deletions, and regulatory region edits. They found that not only did these edits allow the creation of bi-paternal animals that sometimes lived to adulthood, but they also led to stem cells with more stable pluripotency. -- "These findings provide strong evidence that imprinting abnormalities are the main barrier to mammalian unisexual reproduction," says co-corresponding author Guan-Zheng Luo of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. "This approach can significantly improve the developmental outcomes of embryonic stem cells and cloned animals, paving a promising path for the advancement of regenerative medicine." -- The researchers note several limitations that their work still needs to address. For one thing, only 11.8% of the viable embryos were capable of developing until birth, and not all the pups that were born lived to adulthood due to developmental defects. Most of those that did live to adulthood had altered growth and a shortened lifespan. Also, the mice that lived to adulthood were sterile, although they did exhibit increased cloning efficiency. -- "Further modifications to the imprinting genes could potentially facilitate the generation of healthy bi-paternal mice capable of producing viable gametes and lead to new therapeutic strategies for imprinting-related diseases," says co-corresponding author Zhi-Kun Li of CAS. -- The team will continue to study how modifying imprinting genes may lead to embryos with higher developmental potential. They also aim to extend the experimental approaches developed in mice to larger animals, including monkeys. However, they note that this will require considerable time and effort because the imprinting gene combinations in monkeys differ significantly from those in mice. Whether this technology will ultimately be applied towards solving human disease remains unclear. The International Society for Stem Cell Research's ethical guidelines for stem cell research does not allow heritable genome editing for reproductive purposes nor the use of human stem cell-derived gametes for reproduction because they are deemed as currently unsafe.	N01 T01	179
2505-E001	Gut Microbes Could Mediate Diabetes Risk Linked To Sugary Beverage Consumption	A recent study published in Cell Metabolism uncovers the link between sugary beverage consumption and diabetes risk through gut microbiota metabolites. Researchers discovered that individuals with high sugar-sweetened beverage intake exhibited altered metabolite profiles, suggesting the microbiome plays a mediating role in this relationship. This research not only elucidates the mechanisms behind diabetes risk but also opens avenues for potential prevention strategies, highlighting the significance of gut health in metabolic disorders.	Cell Press	Cell Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Cannabidiol (CBD), the component in cannabis often used for therapeutic treatments, is increasingly being used during pregnancy as a means of managing symptoms such as nausea, anxiety and sleep. Though the public perception is that CBD -- particularly when consumed orally -- is safer and helpful for symptom management, little is known about the impact of CBD on pregnancy. -- A new study from McMaster University researchers fills that gap in knowledge and has uncovered potential risks, including impaired fetal growth, associated with the use of both tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, as well as CBD, during pregnancy. -- The research, published in eBioMedicine, part of The Lancet Discovery Science, on Feb. 05, 2025, found oral cannabis use from early to mid-pregnancy was associated with impaired fetal growth and changes in the placenta, as well as changes in aggression, activity levels and learning ability in offspring. -- "The use of cannabis during pregnancy is rising in Canada. Most previous studies focus on exposure to cannabis smoke or just the psychoactive component of cannabis (THC), leaving other cannabis ingredients and methods of consumption understudied. However, consuming cannabis orally or only using other cannabis ingredients like CBD, is often perceived as safer despite this lack of evidence. Our study is shedding light that there's a possibility that CBD might also be harmful in the pregnancy," says Tyrah Ritchie, who led the study while completing her master's degree in the Medical Sciences program at McMaster University and with the McMaster Immunology Research Centre. -- Cannabis use may impact growth and behaviour -- The group of scientists led by Ritchie and Ali Ashkar, professor with McMaster's Department of Medicine, conducted the research by administering cannabis oil to mouse models and followed the development of the fetuses during pregnancy and post-birth. -- The researchers found that both THC and CBD impaired fetal growth causing fetuses to be small when compared to mice that did not receive cannabis. Additionally, they found that both THC and CBD impact development of the blood vessels that supply the placenta and therefore the baby with nutrients. -- "We did see that both THC and CBD can disrupt a special type of immune cell called a Uterine NK Cell that is crucial in normal development of the placenta. We also saw poor development of the arteries that help supply blood to the placenta. We're thinking this is what is possibly disrupting the nutrient and oxygen delivery to the baby and contributing to the intrauterine grow restriction," says Ashkar. -- When observing the behaviour of the babies post-birth, researchers found changes in their aggression, activity levels and even learning ability. -- "Oral use of THC and CBD during the pregnancy not only disrupts growth of the baby but seems to have long-term consequences as the babies were found to have changes in their behaviour later in life" says Ritchie.	H01 R01	180
2505-E026	The Future Of Refrigeration: Environmentally Friendly Thermogalvanic Cells	A study published in the journal Joule suggests that thermogalvanic refrigeration might provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods. This innovative technology leverages reversible electrochemical reactions to generate cooling effects with lower energy requirements, making it suitable for a wide range of applications—from personal cooling devices to industrial refrigeration systems.	Cell Press	Joule	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, measured very precisely atomic masses of radioactive lanthanum isotopes and found an interesting feature in their nuclear binding energies. The discovery provides essential data for understanding how elements heavier than iron are produced in the Cosmos and triggers new research to elucidate the underlying nuclear structure causing this unexpected change in nuclear binding energies. -- Nuclear binding energies of neutron-rich radioactive nuclei are essential inputs for calculations addressing the origin of heavy elements in the Cosmos. -- Recently, researchers at the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä produced radioactive, neutron-rich lanthanum isotopes using the Ion Guide Isotope Separation On-Line (IGISOL) facility. -- The produced isotopes are short-lived and therefore challenging to study. -- "Thanks to the highly sensitive phase-imaging ion cyclotron resonance technique, masses for six lanthanum isotopes could be determined with a very high precision using the JYFLTRAP Penning trap mass spectrometer. The masses for the two most exotic isotopes, lanthanum-152 and lanthanum-153 were measured for the first time," says Professor Anu Kankainen from University of Jyväskylä, who led the research as a part of her ERC CoG project MAIDEN. -- The phenomenon observed in neutron star collisions -- The high-precision mass measurements were utilised to study neutron separation energies of the lanthanum isotopes. -- The neutron separation energy tells how much energy is required to remove one neutron from the nucleus of a given isotopes. -- "It gives information on the structure of the nucleus and is an essential input to calculate astrophysical neutron-capture rates for the rapid neutron capture (r) process taking place at least in neutron-star mergers, as evidenced, e.g., by the kilonova observation from the merger GW170817," explains Kankainen. -- An unknown " bump" showed up on a scientist's screen	T01	181
2505-E034	Scientists Breed New Rice Strain That Emits Up To 70% Less Methane	Recent findings indicate that rice cultivation contributes significantly to global methane emissions, but scientists have identified root-released chemical compounds that affect methane output. A study published in Molecular Plant reported the development of a new rice strain that emits up to 70% less methane, without genetic modification. Senior author Anna Schnürer emphasized that this traditional breeding approach enables low-emission rice production while maintaining high yields, addressing both environmental concerns and food sustainability as global warming intensifies.	Cell Press	Molecular Plant	Press Rel	PubMed	Honey bee mortality can be significantly reduced by ensuring that treatments for the parasitic Varroa mite occur within specific timeframes, a new study reveals. -- The mites -- belonging to the species Varroa destructor -- feed on the larvae of bees and can destroy colonies if not treated at key points to reduce or remove infestations. -- But researchers have found that more than a third of beekeepers surveyed in England and Wales deviate from recommended treatment guidelines, including application windows. -- Crucially, they found that beekeepers who mistimed Varroa mite treatments experienced exacerbated colony losses, with the effect occurring across a wide range of medications. -- "The main finding here was that a major cause of honeybee mortality could, in theory, be quite easy to reduce," said Dr Thomas O'Shea-Wheller, lead author of the study, from the University of Exeter. -- "We talk a lot about honey bee colony losses in terms of novel diseases and emerging threats, but this is actually something that's been under our nose the whole time." -- The researchers used the National Bee Unit's BeeBase -- a register of beekeepers across England and Wales -- to analyse data from 4,339 beekeepers across 37 counties, encompassing a total of 18,700 colonies from 2016 to 2020. -- They looked at the range of Varroa treatments that beekeepers were using, how they were applying those treatments, and what influence this had on colony survival and honey yield. -- They found that colony losses were predicted not just by the type of Varroa treatment that a beekeeper used, but also by their level of adherence to the recommended treatment regimen. -- "Although beekeepers are frequently treating for Varroa, a considerable proportion are missing key time points and thus experiencing higher losses than expected," said Dr O'Shea-Wheller.	H01	182
2508-061	Spacecraft Sterility Linked To Astronauts' Immune Dysfunction And Inflammatory Conditions	Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) face immune dysfunctions and inflammatory issues, possibly due to the overly sterile environment. A new study highlights that the ISS hosts fewer microbial species compared to Earth, predominantly those brought by humans. The researchers advocate for introducing diverse natural microbes to enhance astronauts' health, suggesting future spacecraft should cultivate varied microbial communities instead of relying on stringent sanitation alone.	Cell Press	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Astronauts often experience immune dysfunction, skin rashes, and other inflammatory conditions while traveling in space. A new study publishing February 27 in the Cell Press journal Cell suggests that these issues could be due to the excessively sterile nature of spacecraft. The study showed that the International Space Station (ISS) has a much lower diversity of microbes compared to human-built environments on Earth, and the microbes that are present are mostly species carried by humans onto the ISS, suggesting that the presence of more microbes from nature could help improve human health in the space station. -- "Future built environments, including space stations, could benefit from intentionally fostering diverse microbial communities that better mimic the natural microbial exposures experienced on Earth, rather than relying on highly sanitized spaces," says co-first author Rodolfo Salido of the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego). -- The researchers collaborated with astronauts who swabbed 803 different surfaces on the ISS -- around 100 times more samples than were taken in previous surveys. -- Back on Earth, the researchers identified which bacterial species and chemicals were present in each sample. -- Then, they created three-dimensional maps illustrating where each was found on the ISS and how the bacteria and chemicals might be interacting. -- The team found that overall, human skin was the main source of microbes throughout the ISS. -- Chemicals from cleaning products and disinfectants were present ubiquitously throughout the station. -- They also found that different "modules" or rooms within the ISS hosted different microbial communities and chemical signatures, and these differences were determined by the module's use. -- For example, dining and food preparation areas contained more food-associated microbes, whereas the space toilet contained more urine- and fecal-associated microbes and metabolites. -- "We noticed that the abundance of disinfectant on the surface of the International Space Station is highly correlated with the microbiome diversity at different locations on the space station," says co-first author Nina Zhao of UC San Diego.	H01 C01	183
2509-T027	New Research Shows Hot Droplets Can Bounce On Cool Surfaces	Research has uncovered the behavior of hot droplets when they land on cool surfaces, revealing that they can bounce due to a layer of air forming beneath them. This phenomenon, observed in experiments with burning droplets, could lead to innovative strategies for fire management and improved efficiency in engines, challenging existing notions about heat and droplet interaction.	Cell Press	Newton	Press Rel	PubMed	When a droplet of water falls on a hot pan, it dances across the surface, skimming on a thin layer of steam like a tiny hovercraft; this is known as the Leidenfrost effect. But now, researchers know what happens when a hot droplet falls on a cool surface. These new findings, publishing in the Cell Press journal Newton on March 3, demonstrate that hot and burning droplets can bounce off cool surfaces, propelled by a thin layer of air that forms beneath them. This phenomenon could inspire new strategies for slowing the spread of fires and improving engine efficiency. -- "We started with a very fundamental question: What will happen when a burning droplet impacts a solid surface?" says senior author Pingan Zhu of City University of Hong Kong, China. -- To better understand how heat affects droplet behavior, Zhu and his team used hexadecane, an oily liquid with fuel-like properties, for their experiment. -- They dropped room-temperature, heated (120°C/248°F), and burning droplets of the substance on various surfaces, some of which were smooth, scratched, or liquid-repellent. -- The room-temperature droplet stuck to all the surfaces upon contact, as the team expected. -- But the heated and burning ones bounced, suggesting that the heat was the key. -- Using high-speed and thermal cameras along with computer models, the team captured the droplets in motion. -- They discovered that as a hot droplet approaches the room-temperature surface, the bottom cools faster than the top. -- This temperature difference stirs up circulation within the droplet, where hotter liquid flows from the edges toward the bottom, dragging air along with it. That air forms a thin, invisible cushion at the bottom of the droplet, preventing it from making contact with the surface and allowing it to bounce back instead. -- The authors note that while temperature distribution is key in this process, other factors may also play a role.	T01	184
2510-E054	Heart Cells ‘Speed Date’ To Form Proper Connections During Development	Research published in the Biophysical Journal models how heart cells engage in a 'matchmaking' process during development, impacting heart formation. The study captures the critical movements of these cells and explores how genetic variations could disrupt normal heart development, contributing to better understanding of congenital heart defects.	Cell Press	Biophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	In developing hearts, cells shuffle around, bumping into each other to find their place, and the stakes are high: pairing with the wrong cell could mean the difference between a beating heart and one that falters. A study publishing on March 12 in the Cell Press journal Biophysical Journal demonstrates how heart cells go about this "matchmaking" process. The researchers model the intricate movements of these cells and predict how genetic variations could disrupt the heart development process in fruit flies. -- In both humans and fruit flies, the heart's tissues arise from two distinct regions of the embryo, which are initially far apart. -- As development progresses, these cells journey toward each other, ultimately merging into a tube-like shape that will become the heart. -- For the heart to develop correctly, these cells must align and pair up precisely. -- "As the cells come together, they jiggle and adjust, and somehow always end up pairing with a heart cell of the same type," says the lead author, Timothy Saunders of the University of Warwick. -- This observation inspired the team to explore how cells match up in the first place and how they know when they've found the right fit. -- Developing heart cells have tentacle-like protrusions called filopodia, which probe and grab onto potential partners. -- Saunders' previous work found that proteins create waves that pull mismatched cells apart, giving them another chance to find the right match. -- "It's basically like cells are speed dating," says Saunders. -- "They have just a few moments to determine if they're a good match, with molecular 'friends' ready to pull them apart if they're not compatible."	R01	185
2512-042	Diagnosing Autism: Key Behaviors Beyond Social Skills Hold Significant Importance	Researchers are exploring autism diagnostics by utilizing a large language model to analyze the behaviors most indicative of the condition. Their findings suggest that focusing on repetitive behaviors, special interests, and perception-based actions, rather than social aspects emphasized in DSM-5, could refine diagnostic guidelines and empower clinicians by providing clearer objective criteria for autism assessments.	Cell Press	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	People with autism are typically diagnosed by clinical observation and assessment. To deconstruct the clinical decision process, which is often subjective and difficult to describe, researchers used a large language model (LLM) to synthesize the behaviors and observations that are most indicative of an autism diagnosis. Their results, publishing in the Cell Press journal Cell, show that repetitive behaviors, special interests, and perception-based behaviors are most associated with an autism diagnosis. These findings have potential to improve diagnostic guidelines for autism by decreasing the focus on social factors -- which the established guidelines in the DSM-5 focus on but the model did not classify among the most relevant in diagnosing autism. -- "Our goal was not to suggest that we could replace clinicians with AI tools for diagnosis," says senior author Danilo Bzdok of the Mila Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute and McGill University in Montreal. "Rather, we sought to quantitatively define exactly what aspects of observed behavior or patient history a clinician uses to reach a final diagnostic determination. In doing so, we hope to empower clinicians to work with diagnostic instruments that are more in line with their empirical realities." -- The scientists leveraged a transformer language model, which was pre-trained on about 489 million unique sentences. They then fine-tuned the LLM to predict the diagnostic outcome from a collection of more than 4,000 reports written by clinicians working with patients considered for autism diagnosis. The reports, which were often used by multiple clinicians, included accounts of observed behavior and relevant patient history but did not include a suggested diagnostic outcome. -- The team developed a bespoke LLM module that pinpointed specific sentences in the reports that were most relevant to a correct diagnosis prediction. They then extracted the numerical representation of these highly autism-relevant sentences and compared them directly with the established diagnostic criteria enumerated in the DSM-5. -- "Modern LLMs, with their advanced natural language processing capabilities, are natively suited to this textual analysis," Bzdok says. "The key challenge we faced was in designing sentence-level interpretability tools to pinpoint the exact sentences, expressed by the healthcare professional themselves, that were most essential to a correct diagnosis prediction by the LLM." -- The researchers were surprised by how clearly the LLM was able to distinguish between the most diagnostically relevant criteria. For example, their framework flagged that repetitive behaviors, special interests, and perception-based behavior were the criteria most relevant to autism. While these criteria are used in clinical settings, current criteria focus more on deficits in social interplay and lack of communication skills. -- The authors note that there are limitations to this study, including a lack of geographical diversity. Additionally, the researchers did not analyze their results based on demographic variables, with the goal of making the conclusions more broadly applicable. -- The team expects their framework will be helpful to researchers and medical professionals working with a range of psychiatric, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders in which clinical judgement forms the bulk of the diagnostic decision-making process. -- "We expect this paper to be highly relevant to the broader autism community," Bzdok says. "We hope that our paper motivates conversations about grounding diagnostic standards in more empirically derived criteria. We also hope it will establish common threads that link seemingly diverse clinical presentations of autism together."	T01	186
2512-056	Eugenics Should Be Taught: Professor Advocates For Its Inclusion In Genetics Education	To address the misuse of science for political agendas, Mark Peifer, a biology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, advocates for the inclusion of eugenics in genetics curriculums. His recent paper discusses the importance of teaching students about the history of eugenics to prepare them for ethical challenges they may face in their scientific careers.	Cell Press	Trends in Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	To encourage scientists to speak up when people misuse science to serve political agendas, biology professor Mark Peifer of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill argues that eugenics should be included in college genetics curriculums. In an opinion paper publishing March 27 in the Cell Press journal Trends in Genetics, Peifer explains how he incorporated a discussion of eugenics into his molecular genetics course last year and why understanding the history of the field is critical for up-and-coming scientists. -- "Eugenics is not dead but continues to influence science and policy today," writes Peifer. -- "We should include eugenics in our undergraduate classes, reminding students that scientists must speak out when others lie about science and use it to further their political views." -- In his genetics course, Peifer led his students through the history of eugenics -- a term that was coined in 1883 to describe the practice of promoting planned breeding for "racial improvement." He explained how the idea gained global popularity during the 20th century and was used to justify forced sterilization, racist immigration policies, and genocide in Nazi Germany. -- The class also covered how eugenics was championed scientifically by some of the founding fathers of genetics and molecular biology -- including James Watson, one of the scientists who co-discovered the structure of DNA. -- "The core ideas of eugenics are not things of the past -- they fuel current political discourse, as political candidates talk about 'good genes' and 'bad genes' and suggest immigration is 'poisoning the blood of our country,'" writes Peifer. -- "Science provides technology, but society decides how to use it." -- To illustrate the relevance of eugenics in today's world, Peifer ended the class by asking the students to discuss a series of questions surrounding in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo screening: Should we allow IVF? -- Should we allow embryo screening for cystic fibrosis? Should we allow screening for chromosomal sex? -- Should we allow screening for height?	Z01	187
2513-036	Miso Made In Space: A Nuttier Flavor Experience	Researchers have successfully fermented miso on the International Space Station, creating a condiment that tastes similar to its Earth counterpart, albeit with a nuttier flavor. This study, published in iScience, aims to expand culinary options for astronauts on long-term space missions. The research investigates how microgravity and radiation affect microbial growth and fermentation processes, enhancing the quality of life for space travelers through innovative food production methods.	Cell Press	iScience	Press Rel	PubMed	Miso is a traditional Japanese condiment made by fermenting cooked soybeans and salt. In a study publishing April 2 in the Cell Press journal iScience, researchers successfully made miso on the International Space Station (ISS). They found that the miso smelled and tasted similar to miso fermented on Earth -- just with a slightly nuttier, more roasted flavor. The team hopes this research will help broaden the culinary options available to astronauts, improving the quality of life for long-term space travelers. -- "There are some features of the space environment in low earth orbit -- in particular microgravity and increased radiation -- that could have impacts on how microbes grow and metabolize and thus how fermentation works," says co-lead author Joshua D. Evans of Technical University of Denmark. -- "We wanted to explore the effects of these conditions." -- Motivated by curiosity surrounding the food options available to astronauts and how microbial communities evolve in space, the researchers set forth to test whether food fermentation was possible in space and, if so, how foods fermented in space would taste compared to their counterparts on Earth. -- The researchers sent a small container of "miso-to-be" to the ISS in March 2020, where it stayed for 30 days to ferment before returning to Earth as miso. -- Two other miso batches were fermented on Earth: one in Cambridge, MA, and the other in Copenhagen, Denmark. -- Environmental sensing boxes kept tabs on the fermentation environment, closely monitoring temperature, humidity, pressure, and radiation. -- Once the ISS miso was back on Earth, the team analyzed its microbial communities, flavor compounds, and sensory properties. -- They found that the ISS miso fermented successfully, but that there were notable differences in the bacterial communities present in the misos. -- "Fermentation [on the ISS] illustrates how a living system at the microbial scale can thrive through the diversity of its microbial community, emphasizing the potential for life to exist in space," says co-lead author Maggie Coblentz of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.	H01 C01	188
2513-T020	Moon Dust Solar Cells: A Future Solution For Space Energy Needs	Researchers have ingeniously created solar cells using simulated Moon dust, transforming a resource typically associated with lunar exploration into a potential energy solution. These cells efficiently convert sunlight into energy while resisting radiation damage, thus reducing the reliance on transporting heavy materials from Earth. Lead researcher Felix Lang emphasizes that this innovation could revolutionize space energy sources, utilizing lunar regolith to craft solar cell components instead of traditional, costly materials.	Cell Press	Device	Press Rel	PubMed	The same dirt that clings to astronauts' boots may one day keep their lights on. In a study publishing April 3 in the Cell Press journal Device, researchers created solar cells made out of simulated Moon dust. The cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently, withstand radiation damage, and mitigate the need for transporting heavy materials into space, offering a potential solution to one of space exploration's biggest challenges: reliable energy sources. -- "The solar cells used in space now are amazing, reaching efficiencies of 30% to even 40%, but that efficiency comes with a price," says lead researcher Felix Lang of the University of Potsdam, Germany. -- "They are very expensive and are relatively heavy because they use glass or a thick foil as cover. It's hard to justify lifting all these cells into space." -- Instead of hauling solar cells from Earth, Lang's team is looking to materials available on the Moon itself. -- They aim to replace Earth-made glass with glass crafted from lunar regolith -- the Moon's loose, rocky surface debris. -- This change alone could cut a spacecraft's launch mass by 99.4%, slash 99% of transport costs, and make long-term lunar settlements more feasible. -- To test the idea, the researchers melted a substance designed to simulate Moon dust into moonglass and used it to build a new kind of solar cell. -- They crafted the cells by pairing moonglass with perovskite -- a class of crystals that are cheaper, easier to make, and very efficient in turning sunlight into electricity. -- For every gram of material sent to space, the new panels produced up to 100 times more energy than traditional solar panels. -- "If you cut the weight by 99%, you don't need ultra-efficient 30% solar cells, you just make more of them on the Moon," says Lang.	C01 T01	189
2501-060	Research Uncovers Unstable Proteins As Major Contributors To Genetic Disorders.	New research indicates that unstable proteins are significant contributors to various genetic disorders. A study published in Nature highlights how these proteins, prone to misfolding and degradation, play a role in hereditary diseases, including cataracts and rare neurological conditions. The findings shed light on the molecular basis of disease caused by minor genetic mutations, emphasizing the importance of protein stability in understanding and treating these disorders.	Center for Genomic Regulation	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Most mutations which cause disease by swapping one amino acid out for another do so by making the protein less stable, according to a massive study of human protein variants published today in the journal Nature. Unstable proteins are more likely to misfold and degrade, causing them to stop working or accumulate in harmful amounts inside cells. -- The work helps explain why minimal changes in the human genome, also known as missense mutations, cause disease at the molecular level. The researchers discovered that protein instability is one of the main drivers of heritable cataract formation, and also contributes to different types of neurological, developmental and muscle-wasting diseases. -- Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona and BGI in Shenzhen studied 621 well-known disease-causing missense mutations. Three in five (61%) of these mutations caused a detectable decrease in protein stability. -- The study looked at some disease-causing mutations more closely. For example, beta-gamma crystallins are a family of proteins essential for maintaining lens clarity in the human eye. They found that 72% (13 out of 18) of mutations linked to cataract formation destabilise crystallin proteins, making the proteins more likely to clump together and form opaque regions in the lens. -- The study also directly linked protein instability to the development of reducing body myopathy, a rare condition which causes muscle weakness and wasting, as well as Ankyloblepharon-ectodermal defects-clefting (AEC) Syndrome, a condition characterised by the development of a cleft palate and other developmental symptoms. -- However, some disease-causing mutations did not destabilise proteins and shed light on alternative molecular mechanisms at play. -- Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder which causes severe cognitive and physical impairments. It is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene, which produces a protein responsible for regulating gene expression in the brain. The study found that many mutations in MECP2 do not destabilise the protein but are instead found in regions which affect how MECP2 binds to DNA to regulate other genes. This loss of function could be disrupting brain development and function. -- "We reveal, at unprecedented scale, how mutations cause disease at the molecular level" says Dr. Antoni Beltran, first author of the study and researcher at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona. "By distinguishing whether a mutation destabilises a protein or alters its function without affecting stability, we can tailor more precise treatment strategies. This could mean the difference between developing drugs that stabilise a protein versus those that inhibit a harmful activity. It's a significant step toward personalised medicine." -- The study also found that the way mutations cause disease often relates to whether the disease is recessive or dominant. Dominant genetic disorders occur when a single copy of a mutated gene is enough to cause the disease, even if the other copy is normal, while recessive conditions occur when an individual inherits two copies of a mutated gene, one from each parent. -- Mutations causing recessive disorders were more likely to destabilise proteins, while mutations causing dominant disorders often affected other aspects of protein function, such as interactions with DNA or other proteins, rather than just stability.	H01 R02 C01	190
2502-E053	Merging Genomic And Structural Data Unveils Evolutionary Relationships In The Tree Of Life	A study published in Nature Communications has introduced a novel approach that combines genomic and structural data to explore ancient evolutionary relationships. By utilizing the three-dimensional shapes of proteins alongside genomic sequences, researchers are enhancing the reliability of evolutionary trees, which are essential for understanding the history of life and the development of new disease treatments. This innovative method paves the way for deeper investigations into Earth's biological past.	Center for Genomic Regulation	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The three-dimensional shape of a protein can be used to resolve deep, ancient evolutionary relationships in the tree of life, according to a study in Nature Communications. -- It is the first time researchers use data from protein shapes and combine it with data from genomic sequences to improve the reliability of evolutionary trees, a critical resource used by the scientific community for understanding the history of life, monitor the spread of pathogens or create new treatments for disease. -- Crucially, the approach works even with the predicted structures of proteins that have never been experimentally determined. -- It has implications for the massive amount of structural data being generated by tools like AlphaFold 2 and help open new windows into the ancient history of life on Earth. -- There are 210 thousand experimentally determined protein structures but 250 million known protein sequences. -- Initiatives like the EarthBioGenome project could generate billions more protein sequences in the next few years. -- The abundance of data opens the door to applying the approach on an unprecedented scale. -- For many decades, biologists have been reconstructing evolution by tracing how species and genes diverge from common ancestors. -- These phylogenetic or evolutionary trees are traditionally built by comparing DNA or protein sequences and counting the similarities and differences to infer relationships. -- However, researchers face a significant hurdle -- a problem known as saturation.	C01 N02	191
2505-097	Experimental Drug GL-II-73 Shows Promise In Restoring Memory For Early Alzheimer's Patients	A paradigm-shifting study from CAMH demonstrates that the experimental drug GL-II-73 may restore cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The findings indicate that the drug can improve memory and reverse brain cell damage, providing hope for delaying the progression of Alzheimer's and enhancing treatment approaches.	Centre for Addiction and Mental Health	Neurobiology of Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study conducted by University of New Hampshire researchers explored how integrating machine and deep learning techniques can create a standardized system for evaluating rock climbing routes to provide a difficulty grading scale that promotes inclusivity, accuracy and accessibility for all experience levels. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Sport and Active Living, found that the most successful approach for determining the difficulty of a rock-climbing route used route-centric, natural language processing methods. -- As the sport of rock climbing continues to gain popularity and international recognition since making its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the demand for a consistent method of determining route difficulty has become increasingly important as there is no official standard. -- Whereas commercial climbing gyms require objectivity in creating routes that are attainable for climbers of all levels, difficulty scales often rely on personal judgment and remain a subjective process, leading to inconsistencies and bias. -- "Rock climbing's popularity as a recreational sport is growing dramatically," says Blaise O'Mara, a graduate student at UNH and lead author of the study. -- "Reporting the objective grade of a climbing route is critical in the climbing community but the challenge has been in how to set a uniform grade that applies to all skill levels." -- Route difficulty relies on multiple factors such as climbing environment, rock hold types and the movements of the climber. -- The researchers looked at how these factors play a role in the determination of route difficulty. -- The survey conducted by UNH categorized machine learning techniques into route-centric, climber-centric and path-finding approaches and highlighted the potential use of natural language processing to offer a more objective method for rating route difficulty. -- "Through our research, we seek to address how climbing gyms can integrate machine and deep learning systems to streamline route setting and eliminate route difficulty bias," said MD Shaad Mahmud, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UNH. -- "During our study, the route-centric approach focused on analyzing route features such as hold types, movements between holds and sequences, while the climber-centric approach involved using wearable sensors to track metrics like electromyography and acceleration and looked at past climbing performances. The path-finding approach combined qualities from the other approaches. In the end, the most successful of these approaches was the route-centric and path-finding data with natural language processing methods."	A01 H01 H02 R02	192
2502-E066	Biochar Reduces DDT Soil Pollution: A New Method For Ecological Safety	DDT Soil Pollution: DDT remains a significant environmental concern globally, with researchers from Sweden developing a promising approach to mitigate its ecological risks. By incorporating biochar into polluted soils, they found that DDT absorption by earthworms was reduced by half, potentially allowing for the cultivation of crops on previously unusable land.	Chalmers University of Technology	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	DDT soil pollution is still a major problem in many parts of the world. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed a new method to manage ecological risks from the toxin by binding it with biochar. When they mixed biochar into contaminated soil at a former tree nursery, DDT uptake by earthworms in the soil was halved. This method may enable the growing of certain crops on land that is currently considered unusable due to the environmental risks. -- The legacy of previous generations´ use of the insecticide DDT still affects us today. During the 50s and 60s, the substance was used to control pests in forestry and agriculture, and although it has been banned for over 50 years, in Sweden alone there are thousands of sites where the soil is still DDT-contaminated. Many other countries around the world have the same problem. -- The toxin has been linked to a variety of negative health effects in humans and animals, and it breaks down very slowly. It poses an ecological risk because it can be taken up by terrestrial organisms such as earthworms. When these are in turn eaten by birds and other animals, DDT begins to accumulate within the food chain, which means that the top predators are affected by the highest toxin concentrations. -- For three years, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have been testing a new method to reduce the ecological risks of the toxin, at a DDT-contaminated former tree nursery in southern Sweden. -- "In our field experiment, we mixed the soil with biochar and grew different plants. We found that biochar binds DDT efficiently, so that it is not taken up by soil organisms," says Paul Drenning, postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at Chalmers, and the first author of the study. -- Cheap and environmentally friendly solution on site -- Biochar -- which is similar to charcoal -- is an environmentally friendly product that is cheap to produce. It binds contaminants and can improve soil health when added to soil. This practice can also be useful for climate change mitigation since it can contribute to long-term storage of carbon in the soil. -- The researchers found that the amount of DDT taken up by earthworms in the soil decreased by an average of 50 per cent when the soil had been mixed with biochar. This indicates that the bioavailability of DDT to soil organisms had been reduced -- meaning that the soil had become less toxic, with a lower risk of DDT spread via bioaccumulation in the food chain of animals, or by leaching into water. -- This reduction in environmental risks could, in turn, lead to landowners being able to start farming again on land that is currently unused, pending decisions on how to manage the contaminated soil. -- "Treating contaminated soil in large volumes is costly and complicated. A common solution is to dig out the soil and then transport it to a landfill for hazardous waste, but that means destroying good quality soils and is not a reasonable solution for large contaminated areas," says Paul Drenning. "Treatment with biochar on site could thus make the land useful instead of being left uncultivated or degraded, and also at a significantly lower cost for both the landowner and for the environment."	H01 C01 N01 N02	193
2502-T007	Record-Breaking Quantum Refrigerator: A Leap Toward Reliable Quantum Computing	Quantum computers face challenges due to the need for extreme cooling of qubits, and researchers from Chalmers University and the University of Maryland have engineered a refrigerator capable of autonomously cooling these qubits to record low temperatures. This advancement could enhance quantum computation reliability and unlock the potential for widespread applications across multiple industries, as the unique properties of qubits offer immense computational advantages over classical bits.	Chalmers University of Technology	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. One of the challenges preventing quantum computers from entering society is the difficulty of freezing the qubits to temperatures close to absolute zero. Now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation. -- Quantum computers have the potential to revolutionise fundamental technologies in various sectors of society, with applications in medicine, energy, encryption, AI, and logistics. -- While the building blocks of a classical computer -- bits -- can take a value of either 0 or 1, the most common building blocks in quantum computers -- qubits -- can have a value of 0 and 1 simultaneously. -- The phenomenon is called superposition and is one of the reasons why a quantum computer can perform parallel computations, resulting in enormous computational potential. -- However, the time a quantum computer can work on a calculation is still significantly constrained, because it spends a lot of time correcting errors. -- "Qubits, the building blocks of a quantum computer, are hypersensitive to their environment. Even extremely weak electromagnetic interference leaking into the computer could flip the value of the qubit randomly, causing errors -- and subsequently hindering quantum computation," says Aamir Ali, research specialist in quantum technology at Chalmers University of Technology. -- Demonstrates record low temperatures -- Today, many quantum computers are based on superconducting electrical circuits that have zero resistance and therefore preserve information very well. -- For qubits to work without errors and for longer periods in such a system, they need to be cooled to a temperature close to absolute zero, equivalent to minus 273.15 degrees Celsius or zero Kelvin, the scientific unit of temperature. -- The extreme cold puts the qubits into their lowest-energy state, the ground state, equivalent to value 0, a prerequisite for initiating a calculation.	T01	194
2505-118	Innovative Tuna Packaging Reduces Mercury Levels And Protects Consumers	Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed an innovative packaging solution for canned tuna that reduces mercury levels by up to 35%. Infused with the amino acid cysteine, this approach enhances the safety of tuna consumption, addressing concerns over mercury accumulation in fish and its associated health risks.	Chalmers University of Technology	Global Challenges	Press Rel	PubMed	A nanotechnology-based drug delivery system developed at UVA Health to save patients from repeated surgeries has proved to have unexpectedly long-lasting benefits in lab tests -- a promising sign for its potential to help human patients. -- The approach would allow surgeons to apply a paste of nanoparticles containing hydrogel on transplanted veins to prevent the formation of harmful blockages inside the veins. -- These blockages often force heart and dialysis patients to undergo repeated surgeries; some dialysis patients need seemingly endless procedures on both arms and then a leg or around their collarbone so that they can continue to receive their lifesaving treatment. -- While UVA's innovation, dubbed "Pericelle," produced encouraging results in early testing, there have been questions about how long the benefits this form of drug delivery could last. -- Would this quick and easy procedure, performed during the initial vein surgery, continue to protect patients months later? -- That was the hope, but even the UVA scientists were surprised by their latest results: Not only did Pericelle work at three months -- when the applied drug supply ran out -- but it continued to work at six months and was still working at nine months. -- The scientists can't fully explain the unexpectedly durable benefits. -- But they are excited about what it suggests for the potential of their technique. -- "This is a big deal because the treatment could work much longer than we originally thought, far beyond what people would expect," said researcher Lian-Wang Guo, PhD, who is developing the technique with UVA's K. Craig Kent, MD. "It is so exciting that one treatment can prevent the harmful blockages for many months." -- A $5 Billion Healthcare Drain	A01 H01	195
2508-T008	Microcomb Technology: Making Precision Optical Clocks More Accessible	A collaboration between Purdue University and Chalmers University has led to the development of smaller, more accessible optical atomic clocks using on-chip microcombs. This advancement promises to enhance the precision of timekeeping and positioning systems in mobile devices. By integrating these advanced clocks, significant improvements in navigation and autonomous technologies are anticipated, potentially transforming various applications.	Chalmers University of Technology	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Optical atomic clocks can increase the precision of time and geographic position a thousandfold in our mobile phones, computers, and GPS systems. However, they are currently too large and complex to be widely used in society. Now, a research team from Purdue University, USA, and Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, has developed a technology that, with the help of on-chip microcombs, could make ultra-precise optical atomic clock systems significantly smaller and more accessible -- with significant benefits for navigation, autonomous vehicles, and geo-data monitoring. -- Today, our mobile phones, computers, and GPS systems can give us very accurate time indications and positioning thanks to the over 400 atomic clocks worldwide. -- All sorts of clocks -- be it mechanical, atomic or a smartwatch -- are made of two parts: an oscillator and a counter. -- The oscillator provides a periodic variation of some known frequency over time while the counter counts the number of cycles of the oscillator. -- Atomic clocks count the oscillations of vibrating atoms that switch between two energy states with very precise frequency. -- Most atomic clocks use microwave frequencies to induce these energy oscillations in atoms. -- In recent years, researchers in the field have explored the possibility of using laser instead to induce oscillations optically. -- Just like a ruler with a great number of ticks per centimeter, optical atomic clocks make it possible to divide a second into even more time fractions, resulting in thousands of times more accurate time and position indications. -- "Today's atomic clocks enable GPS systems with a positional accuracy of a few meters. With an optical atomic clock, you may achieve a precision of just a few centimeters. This improves the autonomy of vehicles, and all electronic systems based on positioning. An optical atomic clock can also detect minimal changes in latitude on the Earth's surface and can be used for monitoring, for example, volcanic activity," says Prof. -- Minghao Qi from Purdue University, co-author of a study recently published in Nature Photonics.	C01 T01	196
2512-023	Rider Behavior Major Factor In Electric Scooter Crashes, Researchers Find	Rider Behavior Major Factor In Electric Scooter Crashes, Researchers Find	Chalmers University of Technology	Accident Analysis & Prevention	Press Rel	PubMed	Crashes on electric scooters are mostly due to the behaviour of the riders, with one-handed steering and riding in a group being some of the largest risk factors. The researchers are also concerned about riders who deliberately crash or cause dangerous situations when riding, a phenomenon that seems to be specific to electric scooters. This is shown by a study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, which for the first time examines the causes behind crashes with electric scooters from naturalistic data within an urban environment. -- The arrival of electric scooters in cities has meant an opportunity to quickly and smoothly make shorter trips. -- But not everyone is using them to simply get from A to B. -- "When working with road safety, it is important to understand that electric scooters not only meet mobility needs in cities but are also used for pleasure. Unfortunately, it is clear that leisure riding in some cases leads to dangerous behaviours that increase crash risks," says Marco Dozza, Professor of Active Safety and Road User Behaviour at Chalmers and one of the authors behind the recently published study. -- The study is the first of its kind and is an investigation of risk factors and causes of crashes with electric scooters in urban environments. -- While the findings clearly show that the vast majority of e-scooter riders do not demonstrate risky behaviour, the study focused on the safety-critical events. -- Using advanced technology and cameras attached to the vehicles, data was collected from almost 7,000 trips with rented electric scooters. -- This data allowed the researchers to examine the causes of the 61 safety-critical events that were identified, including 19 crashes and 42 "near-crashes"- critical situations that could have led to a crash. -- A phenomenon that was discovered surprised the researchers and clearly differs from studies of other vehicle types: in 20 per cent of safety-critical events, the rider deliberately created a risk situation, or collision while driving. -- Because the incidents were intentional, they were not included in the analysis of crash risks, but Marco Dozza sees significant concerns with this behaviour, which he thinks can be likened to a type of vandalism.	Z01	197
2512-E050	Renting Fashion: Niche Markets Offer Sustainable Solutions For Environmental Impact	A study from Chalmers University of Technology illustrates that clothing rentals can mitigate the fashion industry's environmental impact, but current business models need refinement. By focusing on niche markets and collaborating closely with suppliers, rental services can enhance sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint associated with new garment production.	Chalmers University of Technology	Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing	Press Rel	PubMed	Renting clothes can reduce the fashion industry's enormous environmental impact, but so far, the business models have not worked very well. The best chance of success is for a rental company to provide clothing within a niche market, such as specific sportswear, and to work closely with the suppliers and clothing manufacturers. This is shown by a study led by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, which highlights the measures that can make clothing rental a success. -- The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries and can account for up to ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, worldwide. -- In Sweden, over 90 percent of the clothes' climate impact is linked to the purchase of newly produced goods. -- Therefore, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Borås and the research institute Rise have examined alternative, more sustainable business models for the clothing industry. -- "Many people have clothes hanging in the closet that are rarely or never used. Renting clothes can extend the use of each garment and thus contribute to more sustainable consumption," says Frida Lind, Professor at Chalmers and one of the researchers behind the study. -- In the study, the researchers analysed nine Swedish companies that have either tried and failed, or are ongoing in the process of creating a sustainable and desirable clothes rental company. -- From this analysis, the researchers identified three main business models for renting out clothes: -- 1. Membership model: customers become members and can then borrow clothes for a certain period of time, similar to a library. -- This model often had an enthusiast as its founder, with a focus on sustainable consumption. -- 2. Subscription model: customers pay a monthly fee to rent a certain number of garments.	Z01	198
2513-068	AI Model Predicts Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance Using Genetic Data	An AI model has been developed to predict bacteria's potential for antibiotic resistance, shedding light on how resistance is transmitted among genetically similar strains. This research emphasizes the importance of understanding bacterial genetics in combating antibiotic resistance, which poses a significant threat to global health by complicating the treatment of infections.	Chalmers University of Technology	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	An AI model trained on large amounts of genetic data can predict whether bacteria will become antibiotic-resistant. The new study shows that antibiotic resistance is more easily transmitted between genetically similar bacteria and mainly occurs in wastewater treatment plants and inside the human body. -- "By understanding how resistance in bacteria arises, we can better combat its spread. This is crucial to protect public health and the healthcare system's ability to treat infections," says Erik Kristiansson, Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. -- Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). When bacteria become resistant, the effect of antibiotics disappears, which makes conditions such as pneumonia and blood poisoning difficult or impossible to treat. -- Increased antibiotic-resistant bacteria also make it more difficult to prevent infections associated with many medical procedures, such as organ transplantation and cancer treatment. -- A fundamental reason for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance is bacteria's ability to exchange genes, including the genes that make the bacteria resistant. -- "Bacteria that are harmful to humans have accumulated many resistance genes. Many of these genes originate from harmless bacteria that live in our bodies or the environment. Our research examines this complex evolutionary process to learn how these genes are transferred to pathogenic bacteria. This makes predicting how future bacteria develop resistance possible," says Erik Kristiansson. -- Complex data from all over the world -- In the new study, published in Nature Communications and conducted by researchers at the Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, and the Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre, the researchers developed an AI model to analyse historical gene transfers between bacteria using information about the bacteria's DNA, structure, and habitat. -- The model was trained on the genomes of almost a million bacteria, an extensive dataset compiled by the international research community over many years. -- "AI can be used to the best of its ability in complex contexts, with large amounts of data," says David Lund, doctoral student at the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Chalmers and the University of Gothenburg.	R01 N02 T01	199
2502-E003	New Global Study Offers Insights Into Terrestrial Water Cycle And Its Climate Implications	A groundbreaking study has provided essential global estimates regarding the storage and transit times of water within Earth's vegetation, revealing its dynamic role in the water cycle. This research enhances our understanding of how land use and climate change impact the water cycle, highlighting the importance of vegetation in maintaining ecological balance and ecosystem health.	Chapman University	Nat Water	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by scientists in the Schmid College of Science and Technology at Chapman University provides the first comprehensive global estimates of the amount of water stored in Earth's plants and the amount of time it takes for that water to flow through them. The information is a missing piece of the puzzle in understanding the global water cycle and how that cycle is being altered by changes in land use and climate. -- The study, published today, January 9, in the journal Nature Water, finds that Earth's vegetation stores about 786 km3 of water, only about 0.002% of the total amount of freshwater stored on Earth. -- The study also finds that the time it takes for water to flow through plants (referred to as transit or turnover time) and return to the atmosphere is among the fastest in the global water cycle, ranging from just five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen needleleaf forests. -- The transit of water through plants is particularly fast in croplands, grasslands and savannas. -- The results underscore vegetation's dynamic role in the water cycle. -- In comparison to the global annual median of 8.1 days for water to transit through plants from entry to exit, the water in lakes is estimated to take 17 years, and the water in glaciers is estimated to take 1600 years. -- "We have known for a long time that most of the water that returns from the ground to the atmosphere does so through plants, but until now, we did not really know how long it took for that water to transit through plants. Our results show that the transit of water through plants occurs on the order of days, rather than months, years, or centuries, as it does in other parts of the water cycle," said the study's lead author Dr. Andrew Felton, who carried out the work as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture Fellowship while at Chapman University and is now a professor at Montana State University. -- The research team notes that by combining estimates of the transit of water through plants with the transit of water through the atmosphere (about 8-10 days) and the transit time of water through soil before being taken up by plants (about 60 to 90 days), they can begin to estimate the complete amount of time it takes for a drop of water to move through the terrestrial water cycle. -- "Plants are the forgotten part of the global water cycle," said Felton. -- "In many cases, plants are not even represented on water cycle diagrams, which is ironic because we already know they play this critical role in returning water from the ground to the atmosphere."	R01 R02 N02	200
2511-102	One Dose Of Imvanex Vaccine Provides 84% Mpox Protection	A study from Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin reveals that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine offers 84% effectiveness against Mpox, but is insufficient for people with HIV. Researchers emphasize the necessity of the second vaccine dose for at-risk groups to ensure adequate protection against the virus.	Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin	The Lancet Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	A study at Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin has found that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine provides protection against Mpox with 84% effectiveness. For people with HIV, however, a single dose of the vaccine fails to offer sufficient protection. All at-risk groups, and people with HIV in particular, should therefore receive the second dose of the vaccine as recommended. The results of the study have now been published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases. -- Since a wave of infections with the Mpox virus swept around the world in 2022, Germany's Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) has recommended that people at an elevated risk of Mpox infection receive an Imvanex vaccination. Originally developed to protect against smallpox, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved Imvanex for use to protect against Mpox in July 2022 in response to the public health emergency. The Mpox virus is related to the original smallpox virus (Variola major). The EMA's decision to approve Imvanex was based on laboratory data showing that the vaccine offers cross-protection. Until now, however, the extent of this protective effect was not clear, especially for at-risk groups. -- Comprehensive study with over 9,300 participants -- The EMA commissioned a team led by Prof. Leif Erik Sander, Director of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine at Charité and a research group leader at the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), to conduct a comprehensive study into the vaccine's effectiveness against Mpox. This study compared effectiveness in people with and without HIV for the first time. "Our results confirm that a single dose of the vaccine provides good protection against Mpox, at least for a short time," says Sander. "However, this only applies to people not living with HIV. Unfortunately, we found that people with HIV -- even those taking adequate medication -- are not sufficiently protected by a single dose." -- Conducted between July 2022 and December 2023, the study examined over 9,300 men and trans people who reported to have sex with changing men or trans people. These are among the groups for which STIKO recommends vaccination. Half of the study participants received a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine, while the other half remained unvaccinated. Both groups were monitored for two months on average to determine how many participants contracted an Mpox infection. -- One dose protects those with a healthy immune system -- Far fewer Mpox cases were recorded for HIV-negative participants in the vaccinated group than in the unvaccinated group, with the vaccine achieving 84% effectiveness. "That is a very good figure, which is likely increased even further by the second vaccine dose," says Sander. However, due to the significant drop in infections in the second half of 2022, the study was unable to determine the additional effect of a second vaccine dose. -- By contrast, for people living with HIV, the study only identified a small, statistically insignificant protective effect. "The reason is presumably that developing immune protection after vaccination requires specific immune cells called T cells," explains the infectious disease expert. "These T cells often appear at lower levels in people with HIV and are not fully functional, which translates to a weaker immune response. This also corresponds to our observation that these participants experienced fewer local and systemic side effects after receiving the vaccine." -- Two vaccine doses recommended for all, especially for people with HIV -- "We assume that people living with HIV develop protection against Mpox after the second vaccine dose, and urgently advise these people to receive the two vaccine doses recommended by the STIKO," emphasizes Prof. Florian Kurth. Head of the Clinical Infection Research Group at Charité, Kurth played a leading role in the study alongside Sander. "We recommend that people in all other at-risk groups also complete the two-dose regimen. The immune system typically develops longer-lasting immune protection when exposed to the vaccine on more than one occasion." Further studies will be required to determine the precise extent of the protective effect in different groups following two vaccine doses.	R01	201
2503-066	New Method Preserves Cell Structure In Single-Cell Analysis Using Advanced Mass Spectrometry	Researchers have introduced a microdroplet generator to improve the introduction of mammalian cells in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This method preserves the structural integrity of cells while enabling elemental analysis, paving the way for enhanced diagnostic capabilities and a deeper understanding of trace metals' roles in health and disease.	Chiba University	Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry	Press Rel	PubMed	Trace metals are crucial for the growth of all living organisms. Understanding the role of these trace metals on the metabolism is essential for maintaining a stable state of the organism. Additionally, human beings are also facing constant exposure to various harmful heavy metals due to various types of pollution. Collectively, these aspects have led to research and development in the field of analytical techniques that can help in identifying the level of these trace metals in our cells. -- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an analytical technique used for the analysis of elemental compositions in various samples including biological samples. -- In recent times, the single-cell ICP-MS (scICP-MS) technique has been widely used in medical and biological fields for the analysis of single-living cells in bacteria, fungi, microorganisms, plants, and mammals. -- The sample introduction system of scICP-MS consists of a conventional pneumatic nebulizer and a total consumption spray chamber. -- A pneumatic nebulizer converts the sample (cell suspension) liquid into a mist. -- Although the transport efficiency of traditional scICP-MS analysis using a nebulizer reaches 10% for yeast cells, it cannot be used for mammalian cells owing to their fragile nature. -- Chemical fixation is known to enhance the strength of mammalian cells, but it greatly affects the elemental contents, leading to inaccuracy of the analysis. -- There is thus a need to develop a sample introduction system that does not cause any damage to the mammalian cells. -- Toward this end, a group of researchers from Japan has now demonstrated the potential of a microdroplet generator (µDG) as the sample introduction system for the efficient and quantitative elemental analysis of mammalian cells. -- The team, comprising Assistant Professor Yu-ki Tanaka along with Ms. Hinano Katayama, Ms. Risako Iida, and Professor Yasumitsu Ogra from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Japan introduced a µDG into the sample introduction system of an ICP-MS, revealing that the system was capable of accurately conducting the elemental analysis.	N01 N02	202
2504-T022	Breakthrough In Functional Coatings: Self-Cleaning, Water-Repellent Structural Color	A Japanese research group has made significant strides in advanced materials for functional coatings by combining structural color with super water-repellent properties. This breakthrough technology uses hydrophobic melanin particles to create coatings that not only exhibit unique colors but also possess self-cleaning capabilities. Unlike conventional paints, these structural color coatings are durable and resistant to fading. This discovery could revolutionize paint and coating applications, offering sustainable and aesthetically pleasing solutions for various industries.	Chiba University	Macromolecular Reaction Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	In a step towards developing advanced materials for functional coatings, a research group from Japan, developed a technology that combines structural color coating with super water-repellent properties. The structural color coating does not fade away like the conventional paints and exhibits self-cleaning properties. This was achieved by using hydrophobic melanin particles which provide structural color and water-repellence. The discovery marks a breakthrough in advanced materials for paints and coatings. -- Ever wondered about the brilliant blue hues of peacock feathers or the shimmering metallic chitin on beetles? -- These natural wonders are examples of structural colors -- a phenomenon in which microscopic structures create vibrant, lasting hues. -- Inspired by these marvels, a research team from Japan has been exploring structural colors. -- Their earlier work realized that the preparation of structural color materials from melanin particles mimics the coloration mechanism of peacock feathers. -- Building on this foundation, the team set out to develop a coating material that captures the brilliance of structural colors using melanin particles, producing non-iridescent color even when viewed from different angles. -- The research team, including Professor Michinari Kohri and Ms. Yui Maejima from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University, Japan collaborated with Dr. Shin-ichi Takeda of Takeda Colloid Techno-Consulting Co., Ltd., and Dr. Hiroshi Fudouzi from the National Institute for Materials Science. -- Their findings were published in Macromolecular Reaction Engineering on December 18, 2024. -- Dr. Kohri describes his motivation for the study, "We have been studying melanin-based structural color materials inspired by natural organisms for many years. Our motivation was to make these materials more practical by developing methods to create structural color quickly and add functional properties like water repellency." -- To achieve this, the team prepared polystyrene particles of three different diameters.	Z01	203
2505-T016	Eco-Friendly Clay-Based Displays Revolutionize Light Emission Control And Color Changing	A research team from Japan has introduced innovative electrochemical materials that enhance display technologies by integrating luminescent europium(III) complexes and color-changing viologen derivatives within a clay matrix. This eco-friendly approach allows for simultaneous control of light emission and color at low voltages, representing a significant leap in display technology. The research highlights the potential of combining advanced materials science with practical applications, paving the way for more adaptable and efficient electronic devices.	Chiba University	Journal of Materials Chemistry C	Press Rel	PubMed	As dairy farmers dwindle every year, the demand for high-quality milk remains steadfast, driving a surge in dairy farming. Although this shift improves efficiency, it makes managing the health of individual cows more challenging. Effective health management has thereby become a critical issue in the dairy industry. Early detection of abnormalities, swift diagnosis, prevention of disease spread, and maintaining proper breeding cycles are essential for desirable and stable milk production. -- While there are invasive methods, like using mechanical devices attached to dairy cows for health monitoring, non-intrusive and non-contact techniques are preferred. -- These methods are less stressful for the cows, as they do not require any physical attachments, making them more suitable for everyday use on farms. -- These include advanced deep learning methods, such as camera-based tracking and image analysis. -- This approach is based on the idea that dairy cows often exhibit unusual behaviors and movement patterns due to illness, diseases, the estrus cycle, stress, or anxiety. -- By tracking individual movements using cameras -- such as walking patterns, visits to feeding stations, and water consumption frequency -- farmers can analyze cow behavior, enabling early prediction of diseases or health issues. -- A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, led by Assistant Professor Yota Yamamoto from the Department of Information and Computer Technology, Faculty of Engineering, along with Mr. Kazuhiro Akizawa, Mr. Shunpei Aou, and Professor Yukinobu Taniguchi, has developed a novel location-based method using a multi-camera system to track cows across an entire barn. -- Their findings were made available online on December 4, 2024, and will be published in Volume 229 of Computers and Electronics in Agricultureon February 1, 2025. -- The proposed method for tracking dairy cows in barns relies on location information rather than complicated image patterns. -- Dr. Yamamoto explains the advancements of their technique, "This is the first attempt to track dairy cows across an entire barn using multi-camera systems. While previous studies have used multiple cameras to track different species of cows, each camera typically tracks cows individually, often the same cow as a different one across cameras. Although some methods enable consistent tracking across cameras, they have been limited to two or three cameras covering only a portion of the barn."	T01	204
2507-036	Novel Enhancers Regulate Gene Expression In Neuronal Development And Disorders	Researchers have identified novel transcriptional enhancers linked to neuronal differentiation, shedding light on genetic variants associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. This study emphasizes the role of these enhancers in gene expression regulation and provides crucial resources for understanding the complexities of neuronal development and disease.	Chiba University	Chiba University	Press Rel	PubMed	Neuropsychiatric disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent. Given their complex and multifactorial pathogenesis, there is an urgent need for effective and targeted therapies that can improve patients' quality of life. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified various genetic alterations that contribute to the development and progression of neuropsychiatric disorders, ranging from mild dyslexia to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia. -- While thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) -- changes in a single nucleotide position in the DNA -- have been associated with neurological disorders, the majority are located in non-coding regions of the genome. -- Although these non-coding regions do not encode proteins, they contain regulatory elements such as enhancer sequences, which play crucial roles in controlling gene expression. -- Enhancers can regulate gene activity over long distances and are often specific to cell types and developmental stages. -- Despite their importance, enhancers remain poorly characterized, and their precise functions in neurological development and disease are not yet fully understood. -- In a new study, Associate Professor Masahito Yoshihara from the Institute for Advanced Academic Research and Graduate School of Medicine at Chiba University, along with Professor Juha Kere and Dr. Peter Swoboda from the Department of Medicine Huddinge (MedH) at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and Dr. Pelin Sahlén from KTH -- Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, aimed to bridge this knowledge gap. -- They conducted a series of advanced analyses to identify and characterize enhancers involved in neuronal differentiation using LUHMES cells, a cell line derived from human fetal mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. -- Giving further insight into their work, soon to be published in EMBO Reports, Dr. Yoshihara, the main author of the study, says, "Elucidating how disease-associated variants influence gene regulation can uncover previously unidentified molecular pathways involved in neuronal disorders and reveal novel therapeutic targets for drug development." -- The researchers used LUHMES neuronal precursor cells, which can differentiate into functional neurons with a high transcriptional similarity to human brain-derived neurons. -- They employed Cap Analysis of Gene Expression (CAGE) and Native Elongating Transcript (NET)-CAGE to identify and quantify the activity of promoters and enhancers at a genome-wide level.	Z01	205
2508-024	Plasma Treatment Enhances Graphene Sensitivity For Improved Gas Detection	A research team from Chiba University has pioneered a new gas-sensing technology by enhancing graphene sheets through plasma treatment. This innovation improves the sensitivity and performance of gas sensors, particularly for ammonia detection, potentially leading to the creation of more efficient devices that can be employed in everyday environmental monitoring and safety.	Chiba University	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	Gas sensing technologies play a vital role in our modern world, from ensuring our safety in homes and workplaces to monitoring environmental pollution and industrial processes. Traditional gas sensors, while effective, often face limitations in their sensitivity, response time, and power consumption. -- To account for these drawbacks, recent developments in gas sensors have focused on carbon nanomaterials, including the ever-popular graphene. -- This versatile and relatively inexpensive material can provide exceptional sensitivity at room temperature while consuming minimal power. -- Thus, graphene holds the potential to revolutionize gas detection systems. -- Against this backdrop, a research team led by Associate Professor Tomonori Ohba from the Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Japan, explored a promising avenue to improve graphene's sensing properties even further. -- As reported in their latest paper, which was published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, the team investigated how and why graphene sheets treated by plasma with different gases can lead to enhanced sensitivity for ammonia (NH3), a toxic compound. -- The study was made available online on December 26, 2024, and was published on January 8, 2025, in Volume 17, Issue 1. This study was co-authored by Mr. Sogo Iwakami and Mr. Shunya Yakushiji, also from Chiba University. -- The researchers produced graphene sheets and applied a plasma treatment to them under argon (Ar), hydrogen (H2), or oxygen (O2) environments. -- This treatment "functionalized" graphene, meaning that it modified the surface of the graphene sheets by attaching specific chemical groups and creating controlled defects, serving as additional binding sites for gas molecules like NH3. After treatment, the researchers employed a variety of advanced spectroscopic techniques and theoretical calculations to shed light on the precise chemical and structural changes the graphene sheets underwent. -- The team found that the gas used during plasma treatment led to the creation of different types of defects on the graphene sheets.	C01 T01	206
2510-072	Breakthrough Radioactive Drug Targets Metastatic Melanoma With Alpha Particle Therapy	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking radioactive drug designed specifically for targeted therapy against metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer type. Utilizing alpha particles, this new treatment aims to deliver high energy directly to cancerous tissues while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells. This advancement could significantly improve treatment efficacy for patients battling this challenging form of cancer.	Chiba University	European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging	Press Rel	PubMed	Metastatic melanoma, also known as stage IV melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. It is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with current therapies -- including immunotherapy and targeted drugs -- showing limited effectiveness. Radiotherapy is an emerging treatment for melanoma, but conventional beta-emitting radionuclide therapies have limitations due to their low energy transfer and long-range radiation, which can cause unintended damage to healthy tissues. -- To enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy, a research team from Japan, led by Assistant Professor Hiroyuki Suzuki from Chiba University, including Dr. Tomoya Uehara from Chiba University, Dr. Noriko S. Ishioka from National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka from Juntendo University, Dr. Tadashi Watabe from Osaka University, adopted targeted alpha therapy (TAT) as a promising alternative to conventional beta therapy. -- They developed an astatine-211 (211At)-labeled peptide drug that could offer a potential breakthrough for treating metastatic melanoma. -- The research was conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology and was published in the European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging on January 20, 2025. -- TAT is a form of radiotherapy that involves drugs labeled with alpha particle-emitting radioisotopes. -- Compared to other forms of radioactive emissions (beta and gamma emissions), alpha particles are heavier and therefore have a short range. -- Owing to their greater mass, alpha particles also carry relatively higher energy, which is beneficial for the disruption of cancer cells. -- To develop the treatment, the researchers first identified an optimal hydrophilic linker to enhance tumor targeting and reduce off-target accumulation. -- The team then designed an astatine-211(211At)-labeled α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) peptide analog called [211At]NpG-GGN4c to specifically target melanocortin-1 receptors (MC1R), which are overexpressed in melanoma cells. -- "Since the tagged peptide was also receptor-targeted, it allowed for a high tumor selectivity while minimizing radiation exposure to the surrounding tissues," comments Dr. Suzuki.	A01 H01 R01 T01	207
2512-E008	Machine Learning Enhances Climate Predictions with Improved Siberia Land Cover Map	Researchers from Chiba and Nagoya Universities in Japan have developed an accurate land cover map for Siberia using advanced machine learning techniques. This new map addresses discrepancies in existing datasets and is crucial for understanding climate change impacts in this sensitive region. As Siberia is vital to the global carbon cycle, the study marks a significant advancement in predicting environmental shifts due to climate change.	Chiba University	Progress in Earth and Planetary Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Chiba University and Nagoya University, Japan, have developed a highly accurate land cover map for Siberia, providing insights into climate change and predictions. Using advanced machine learning techniques and existing multiple land cover maps, they were able to address the significant discrepancies found in the previous datasets. Being one of the world's most climate-sensitive regions, Siberia's newly developed map marks a breakthrough, providing critical details crucial for understanding the region's extreme environmental changes. -- Siberia, a province located in Russia, is a significant geographical region playing a crucial role in the world's carbon cycle. -- With its vast forests, wetlands, and permafrost regions (permanently frozen grounds), Siberia stores a considerable amount of carbon on a global scale. -- But climate change is rapidly altering Siberia's landscape, shifting its vegetative distribution and accelerating the permafrost thaw. -- Classifying land cover is essential to predict future climatic changes, but accumulating land cover data in regions like Siberia is challenging due to the limited availability of ground observation data. -- In a step towards advancing climatic studies, a recent study led by Professor Kazuhito Ichii from the Center for Environmental Remote Sensing and Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University, Japan, unveils a refined land cover map for Siberia. -- By leveraging multiple sources and applying a random forest classifier (a machine learning algorithm), the team addresses the inconsistencies between existing land cover datasets with a remarkable accuracy of 85.04%. The study was conducted in collaboration with Nagoya University, Japan, and was published in Volume 12, Issue 3 of the Progress in Earth and Planetary Science on January 6, 2025. -- Prof. Ichii discusses the motivation for this study by saying, "While working for the Pan-Arctic Water-Carbon Cycles project, we were surprised to find major differences among existing land cover datasets, even in the widely used data sets. It was then clear that a more reliable dataset was needed, which led us to carry out this research." -- The researchers started by comparing various global datasets and then used various data points to ensure an accurate land classification. -- The newly developed map gave a clearer picture of the forests, wetlands, and permafrost areas, which are key elements in climate studies.	A01 C01 N02	208
2505-068	Landmark Study Identifies Milk Protein Triggering Eosinophilic Esophagitis At Molecular Level	A multi-institutional study has made significant strides in identifying allergens responsible for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition affecting many children. For the first time, researchers identified a specific milk protein linked to this inflammatory disease at a molecular level. This discovery paves the way for understanding EoE's underlying mechanisms and developing targeted interventions, marking a key advancement in pediatric allergy research.	Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	New insights into what causes the painful and disruptive symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs) could offer hope for improved treatment. -- UTIs are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections globally, with more than 400 million cases reported every year. Nearly one in three women will experience UTIs before the age of 24, and many elderly people and those with bladder issues from spinal cord injuries can experience multiple UTI's in a single year. -- Findings from a new study led by Flinders University's Dr Luke Grundy and SAHMRI's Dr Steven Taylor show that UTIs cause the nerves in the bladder to become hypersensitive resulting in the extremely painful and frequent urge to urinate, pelvic pain, and burning pain while urinating. -- "We found that UTIs, caused by bacterial infections such as E. coli, can significantly alter the function and sensitivity of the nerves that usually detect bladder fulness, a phenomenon known as 'bladder afferent hypersensitivity', says Dr Grundy, from the College of Medicine and Public Health. -- "The study was the first of its kind to explore the impact of UTIs on the sensory signals that travel from the bladder to the brain, and the direct link this response has to causing bladder pain and dysfunction." -- A normal bladder will expand to store urine and can store up to two cups of urine for several hours. Once full, the bladders nervous system will signal that it is time to urinate, or empty the bladder. -- Described in Brain, Behavior, & Immunity -- Healthjournal, researchers analysed how UTIs cause sensory nerves that respond to bladder distension to become hypersensitive, so that they send signals of bladder fulness, even when the bladder is not yet full. -- "Our findings show that UTIs cause the nerves in the bladder to become overly sensitive, which means that even when the bladder is only partly filled, it can trigger painful bladder sensations that would signal for the need to urinate," he says. -- "We think that these heightened sensory responses may serve as a protective mechanism, alerting the body to the infection and prompting more frequent urination to expel the bacteria." -- Building on previous research, the new study reveals a deeper understanding of how UTIs affect bladder function and the nervous system, and raises important questions about the role of bladder hypersensitivity in the development of UTI-related symptoms.	H01 R01	209
2509-E043	'Trojan Horse' Strategy Shows Promise For Developing New Antimalarial Treatments	A study reveals how malaria parasites uptake a human enzyme, paving the way for novel antimalarial therapies amidst rising drug resistance. By understanding this key process, researchers aim to develop more effective treatments that can combat malaria, a disease that continues to affect millions globally and remains a significant public health threat.	Children's Hospital of Philadelphia	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Antimalarial drug resistance is a pressing issue in combating the spread of malaria worldwide. In a new study, researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) discovered a key process where malarial parasites take up a human blood cell enzyme, which could provide a new approach for antimalarial treatment. The findings, published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provide new insights into how to design drugs that more effectively treat patients affected by this devastating infectious disease. -- Despite many drugs and preventive strategies used to treat or halt the spread of malaria, the life-threatening disease continues to infect more than 250 million people each year, resulting in more than 600,000 deaths, the majority of which occur in children under the age of 5. Compounding this challenge, malarial parasites have become resistant to nearly every available antimalarial treatment. -- While a class of drugs known as artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACT) has helped save millions of lives that would have otherwise been claimed by malaria, ACT-resistant strains of malaria have been found in Southeast Asia and Africa. -- New treatment strategies are urgently needed to combat this disease. -- Many potential drugs fail in development because they are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract or absorbed and removed from the body too rapidly. -- However, one promising strategy for drug development is the use of prodrugs, which are used to improve a drug's ability to be absorbed or reach its target. -- Prodrugs work like a Trojan horse in that they are able to offer a more targeted attack against infections and diseases once they break through and reach the appropriate tissues or cells. -- However, prodrugs are inactive and must be activated, typically by an enzyme, to achieve their desired effect. -- Researchers at CHOP set out to understand how antimalarial prodrugs are activated, in the hopes of identifying a way to more effectively treat malaria. -- "Prodrugging is an enticing strategy because these drugs have methods for getting through the layers of protection offered by membranes of the parasite and host cells, as well as a drug 'warhead' that effectively kills the parasite," said senior study author Audrey R. Odom-John, MD, PhD, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at CHOP.	H01	210
2513-T029	Novel Spin Wave Discovery Paves The Way For Future Quantum Technologies	Researchers at The City College of New York have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding electronic excitations via spin waves, which could lead to advanced applications in future technologies. Their work demonstrates how excitons, or electron-hole pairs, can interact through spin waves in atomically thin materials, potentially paving the way for innovative optical devices and quantum technologies, as reported in Nature Materials.	City College of New York	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Groundbreaking research by physicists at The City College of New York is being credited for a novel discovery regarding the interaction of electronic excitations via spin waves. The finding by the Laboratory for Nano and Micro Photonics (LaNMP) team headed by physicist Vinod Menon could open the door to future technologies and advanced applications such as optical modulators, all-optical logic gates, and quantum transducers. The work is reported in the journal Nature Materials. -- The researchers showed the emergence of interaction between electronic excitations (excitons -- electron hole pairs) mediated via spin waves in atomically thin (2D) magnets. -- They demonstrated that the excitons can interact indirectly through magnons (spin waves), which are like ripples or waves in the 2D material's magnetic structure. -- "Think of magnons as tiny flip-flops of atomic magnets inside the crystal. One exciton changes the local magnetism, and that change then influences another exciton nearby. It's like two floating objects pulling toward each other by disturbing water waves around them," said Menon. -- To demonstrate this, the Menon group utilized a magnetic semiconductor, CrSBr which the group had previously shown to host strong light-matter interaction (Nature, 2023). -- Post-doctoral fellows Biswajit Datta and Pratap Chandra Adak led the research along with graduate students Sichao Yu and Agneya Dharmapalan in collaboration with the groups at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center, University of Chemistry and Technology -- Prague, RPTU -- Kaiserslautern, Germany and NREL, USA. -- "What is especially exciting about this discovery is that the interaction between excitons can be controlled externally using a magnetic field, thanks to the tunable magnetism of 2D materials. That means we can effectively switch the interaction on or off, which is hard to do with other types of interactions," said Datta. -- "One particularly exciting application enabled by this discovery is in the development of quantum transducers -- devices that convert quantum signals from one frequency to another, such as from microwave to optical. These are key components for building quantum computers and enabling the quantum internet." said Adak, another lead author of this work. -- The work at CCNY was supported by U.S. Department of Energy -- Office of Basic Energy Sciences, The Army Research Office, The National Science Foundation and The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.	T01	211
2513-047	New Test Predicts CAR T Therapy Outcomes Using Machine Learning	Researchers from City of Hope and MSK have developed a machine learning tool, InflaMix, to evaluate blood inflammation as a predictor of CHIMERIC antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy success in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients. The tool assesses various blood biomarkers to forecast treatment outcomes, enabling personalized approaches to blood cancer therapies. This innovative development represents a significant advancement in improving CAR T therapy effectiveness.	City of Hope	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers with City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, with its National Medical Center in Los Angeles ranked among the nation's top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report, and MSK have created a tool that uses machine learning to assess a non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patient's likely response to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy before starting the treatment, according to study results published today in Nature Medicine. -- CAR T cell therapy is one of the most promising recent advances made in the fight against blood cancers. -- But more than half of NHL patients who do not respond to standard lines of treatment also relapse or progress within six months of CAR T therapy. -- Known as InflaMix (Inflammation Mixture Model), the new tool was developed to assess inflammation, a potential cause of CAR T failure, by testing for a variety of blood biomarkers in 149 patients with NHL. -- With the help of machine learning, a type of artificial intelligence that uses algorithms to learn from sets of information and draw conclusions from patterns found in that data, the model was able to find an inflammatory biomarker from a series of unique blood tests not usually employed in standard clinical practice. -- By analyzing the inflammatory signature that InflaMix identified, the researchers found it was associated with a high risk of CAR T treatment failing, including increased risk of death or disease relapse. -- InflaMix is an unsupervised model, meaning that it was trained without any knowledge of clinical outcomes. -- "These studies demonstrate that by using machine learning and blood tests, we could develop a highly reliable tool that can help predict who will respond well to CAR T cell therapy," said Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D. president of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center, the Deana and Steve Campbell Chief Physician Executive Distinguished Chair in Honor of Alexandra Levine, M.D., and a senior author of the paper. -- "With a rigorous statistical approach, we demonstrated that this is one of the most thoroughly validated tests we have for predicting CAR T outcomes in lymphoma patients and could be used by oncologists everywhere to assess the risk of CAR T in an individual patient." -- According to the team, the machine learning model is very flexible and worked well even when they used only six available blood tests -- all of which are typically evaluated for patients with lymphoma -- to assess InflaMix's capabilities with less data.	H01 R01 T01	212
2504-005	Weight-Loss Surgery Reduces Liver Disease Risks In Obese Patients With Cirrhosis	Research from the Cleveland Clinic has shown that bariatric surgery significantly lowers the risk of serious liver complications in patients with obesity and fatty liver-related cirrhosis. The study published in Nature Medicine indicates that patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had a drastically reduced risk of progression to severe liver disease compared to those receiving only medical management. This finding suggests that bariatric surgery should be considered a viable treatment option for these patients, addressing a critical gap in therapeutic interventions.	Cleveland Clinic	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cleveland Clinic study shows that patients with obesity and fatty liver-related cirrhosis who had bariatric (weight-loss) surgery significantly lowered their future risk of developing serious liver complications compared with patients who received medical therapy alone. The results were published in Nature Medicine journal. -- Ali Aminian, M.D., director of Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric & Metabolic Institute and lead investigator of the study, said results show that bariatric surgery should be considered as a treatment option in patients with cirrhosis and obesity. "Bariatric surgery was associated with a 72% lower risk of developing serious complications of liver disease and an 80% lower risk of progression to decompensated stage among patients with compensated cirrhosis and obesity." -- Obesity and diabetes are the leading causes of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is the most common form of chronic liver disease in the United States. Accumulation of fat within liver cells triggers a cascade of events ultimately leading to liver scarring. About 20% of people with MASH can progress to late-stage liver scarring which is called cirrhosis. Approximately three million people in the United States are estimated to have MASH-related cirrhosis. -- Cirrhosis is categorized into two distinct stages: compensated and decompensated. In the compensated stage, despite presence of considerable damage, the liver maintains sufficient residual function to support the body's needs and patients can appear relatively healthy. In the decompensated stage, severe and life-threatening complications occur reflecting the liver's inability to sustain vital functions and liver transplantation becomes essential for survival. -- "Patients with MASH-related cirrhosis have extremely limited treatment options. Currently, no therapeutic interventions have demonstrated efficacy in mitigating the risk of severe liver complications within this patient population," said Sobia Laique, M.D., a transplant hepatologist and the study coinvestigator at Cleveland Clinic. "This underscores a critical unmet need for the development of effective therapies specifically targeting patients with compensated MASH-related cirrhosis." -- The aim of the SPECCIAL (Surgical Procedures Eliminate Compensated Cirrhosis In Advancing Long-term) study was to examine the long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery on the risk of developing major liver complications in patients with obesity and compensated MASH-related cirrhosis, compared with nonsurgical management. -- A group of 62 Cleveland Clinic's patients with compensated MASH-related cirrhosis and obesity who had bariatric surgery were compared with a control group of 106 nonsurgical patients and followed for 15 years. Study participants had similar characteristics such as severity of liver disease at their baseline liver biopsy. -- Fifteen years after enrollment, study results show that 20.9% in the surgical group and 46.4% in the nonsurgical group developed one of the major complications of liver disease including liver cancer and death. -- Over the course of 15 years, 15.6% in the surgical group and 30.7% in the nonsurgical group progressed from compensated cirrhosis to the decompensated stage. At 15 years, patients in the bariatric surgery group lost 26.6% (31.6 kg) of their weight and patients in the nonsurgical control group lost 9.8% (10.7 kg) of their weight. -- Steven Nissen, M.D., Chief Academic Officer of the Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic and the study's senior investigator, said: "Currently, lifestyle intervention is the only therapeutic recommendation for compensated MASH-related cirrhosis. However, lifestyle changes alone rarely provide the weight loss and metabolic changes needed to reduce the risk of liver complications in this patient population. The SPECCIAL study shows that bariatric surgery is an effective treatment that can influence the trajectory of cirrhosis progression in select patients."	H01 R01 N02	213
2512-E032	Long Organic Molecules Discovered On Mars Raise New Questions About Life	Long Organic Molecules Discovered On Mars Raise New Questions About Life	CNRS	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The longest organic molecules identified to date on Mars have recently been detected by scientists from the CNRS1, together with their colleagues from France, the United States of America, Mexico and Spain. These long carbon chains, containing up to 12 consecutive carbon atoms, could exhibit features similar to the fatty acids produced on Earth by biological activity2. The lack of geological activity and the cold, arid climate on Mars have helped preserve this invaluable organic matter in a clay-rich sample for the past 3.7 billion years. It therefore dates from the period during which life first emerged on Earth. These findings are due to be published on March 24th 2025 in the journal PNAS. -- The discovery was made using SAM3, co-funded by the French space agency CNES4. This is one of the instruments onboard NASA's Curiosity rover, which has been studying the Gale crater on Mars since 2012. -- This success paves the way for future interplanetary science missions in search of signs of complex, life-like chemistry. -- This will be one of the goals of ESA's upcoming ExoMars mission launched in 2028, and of the joint NASA-ESA Mars Sample Return mission in the 2030s. -- With an eye to exploration further out in the Solar System, the same international teams will build an instrument similar to SAM for Dragonfly, the drone that is due to explore the surface of Titan, Saturn's largest satellite, from 2034 onwards. -- Notes -- 1 -- From the " Atmosphères et observations spatiales " laboratory (CNRS/Sorbonne Université/Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines/Université Paris Saclay). -- 2 -- They're present within animals fats, as well as vegetable fats and oils. -- 3 -- Built by a French-American team of scientists, Sample Analysis at Mars is a small laboratory within Curiosity. its gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer allow it to identify molecules in collected samples. -- 4 -- Centre national d'études spatiales -- National Centre for Space Studies.	C01 N01	214
2501-008	Smell And Sound Merge In Brain, Impacting Social Behaviors And Interactions.	Research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory shows that smell and sound signals converge in the mouse brain's auditory center, impacting social behaviors such as pup retrieval. This discovery could pave the way for a deeper understanding of how neurological disorders like autism affect social cue interpretation, enhancing knowledge of sensory integration in social interactions.	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine you're at a dinner party, but you can't smell the food cooking or hear the dinner bell. Sounds like a dream, right? What if it wasn't? -- "When we experience the world and interact with people, we use all our senses," Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Professor Stephen Shea says. -- "That's true for animals and humans." However, that's not always the case in developmental disorders like autism. -- These conditions can affect how the brain processes incoming information, making it difficult to interpret the social cues that drive conversations, dates, and other interpersonal activities. -- Exactly how such signals mix and influence each other in the brain isn't well understood. -- To shed light on the subject, Shea and graduate student Alexander Nowlan traced how smell and hearing interact in mouse brains during a maternal behavior called pup retrieval. -- This activity isn't limited to mothers. It can also be learned by surrogates. -- Think stepmoms and babysitters. -- "Pup retrieval is one of the most important things for mothers or caregivers. It requires the ability to smell and hear the pup. If these things are both important, that may mean they merge somewhere in the brain. One interesting thing we found was a projection from a location called the basal amygdala (BA)," explains Shea. -- In mice and humans, the BA is involved in learning and processing social and emotional signals.	H01 R02 N01 N02	215
2504-069	Brain's Feedback Loop Helps Animals Interpret Smells And Sounds Together	New findings from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory reveal a feedback loop in the brain's olfactory system that helps contextualize sensory experiences, such as smells and sounds. The research indicates that the brain uses rapid signals to interpret sensory stimuli based on context, enabling animals to adjust their behaviors accordingly. This mechanism is crucial for understanding how creatures respond to varying environmental cues and can have implications for sensory processing research.	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Kaboom! The first time most of us hear the sound of an explosion is in the movies. Encountering the sound in the real world -- even at a distance -- has a profoundly different effect. Why? It's all about context. How we react to sounds and other sensory stimuli depends on how they're presented. We often don't know how we'll respond to something until we experience it. And the sensation is sometimes quite different from what we expected. So, the brain has to adjust quickly. -- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Professor Florin Albeanu explains: "In nature, animals are faced with different rules of engagement. Sometimes, the same stimuli mean different things depending on context. Therefore, it's not so unusual that you have to act on these different rules and assess what action you have to take. What are the associations that the stimulus has with certain outcomes?" -- New research from Albeanu and postdoc Diego Hernandez Trejo helps explain how this works. -- Their findings point to never-before-seen fast-updating signals in a feedback loop between the brain's olfactory cortex and olfactory bulb. -- These signals may help put odors and sounds into new contexts. -- The feedback loop may enable an animal's brain to immediately adapt to changes and help the animal fine-tune its motor responses accordingly. -- Hernandez Trejo and colleagues ran a series of behavioral tests to measure mice's reactions to different smells and sounds. -- The mice were trained to associate rewards with one stimulus but not the other -- and only for a while. -- Importantly, the researchers switched the rules once the mice seemed to learn them. -- That presented little trouble for expert mice, Albeanu says.	H01 R02 N01	216
2513-039	New Approach Slows Pancreatic Cancer Tumor Formation By Targeting Genes	A significant breakthrough in pancreatic cancer research has emerged with findings indicating that inhibiting the cancer gene FGFR2 can slow tumor formation. Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a method to "intercept" pancreatic cancer before it becomes aggressive. This discovery highlights the importance of early intervention and offers promising avenues for treatment strategies against a cancer that is often diagnosed late and poses high mortality rates.	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory	Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second-deadliest cancer by 2030. By the time it's diagnosed, it's often difficult to treat. So, for both individual patients and the general population, fighting pancreatic cancer can feel like a race against time. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) Professor and Cancer Center Director David Tuveson offers a telling analogy: -- "We all have moles on our skin. Most of your moles are fine. But some of your moles you have a dermatologist looking at to make sure it's always fine. They may take it out and send it to the pathologist to ask, 'Is this an early melanoma, a melanoma in situ?' Now, that's just what you can see. Imagine that in your pancreas -- because that's the reality. We all have early versions of cancer in many tissues at all times." -- Now imagine treating those "early versions" in the pancreas -- before they become cancerous. -- A new discovery at the CSHL Cancer Center could help make this possible. -- Tuveson and Research Investigator Claudia Tonelli have found a way to effectively "intercept" pancreatic cancer. -- To understand how it works, we need to first understand a little bit about pancreatic cancer genetics. -- "Over 95% of pancreatic cancer patients have mutations in KRAS," Tonelli explains. -- "It's the driving oncogene in this disease. We discovered that another gene, FGFR2, plays a role in enhancing mutant KRAS signaling in pancreatic cancer. When that happens, those 'early versions' of pancreatic cancer become much more aggressive." -- Tonelli and Tuveson observed this outcome in mice and organoids -- lab-grown versions of human pancreatic tissue. -- Of course, the researchers weren't just having a look. Their goal was to stop the pancreatic tissue from becoming cancerous.	R01	217
2513-E023	New Genome Sequences For Duckweed Open Up Agricultural Opportunities	A comprehensive analysis of five duckweed species has unveiled crucial genome sequences that reveal the genetic basis of their beneficial traits. This research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory aims to unlock the potential of duckweed as a versatile agricultural resource, enhancing its application in various sectors such as soil enrichment, food production, and biofuel development.	Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Under the right conditions, duckweed essentially farms itself. Wastewater, ponds, puddles, swamps -- you name it. If there's enough sunlight and carbon dioxide, the aquatic plant can grow freely. But that's not all that makes it intriguing. Packed inside duckweed's tiny fronds is enormous potential as a soil enricher, a fuel source, protein-rich foods, and more. New findings at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) could help bring all that potential to life. -- CSHL Professor and HHMI Investigator Rob Martienssen and Computational Analyst Evan Ernst started working with duckweed over 15 years ago. -- They see their latest research as one of the most important and eye-opening studies on the plant to date. -- The team has developed new genome sequences for five duckweed species. -- The sequences reveal several genes that -- when present or absent -- may be behind the plant's unique traits and versatility. -- Martienssen explains: -- "The use of cutting-edge technology allowed us to make a catalog of genes that was extremely accurate. We could tell exactly which genes were there and which were not. A lot of genes that are missing are responsible for features of the plant -- open stomata or the lack of roots. We could identify genes that were responsible for each trait." -- Stomata are pores on the surface of plants. They're crucial for taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. -- Open stomata allow for greater intake, making them valuable for carbon capture technology. -- A lack of roots in some species further increases duckweed's potential, making it easier for the plant to thrive in any watery environment.	H01 C01 N02	218
2504-E040	Grassland Drought Responses Reveal Vulnerabilities Between Asia And North America	A new study comparing grasslands in Asia and North America unveils significant differences in their drought responses, with Eurasian Steppe grasslands showing greater vulnerability. This research highlights the implications for land management and climate resilience strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding local ecosystems to inform effective environmental practices across continents.	Colorado State University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Grasslands in Asia and North America differ in their responses to drought, according to a new paper in the journal Nature led by faculty at Colorado State University. The findings show that differences in the dominant grasses and lower species diversity in the Eurasian Steppe grasslands may make it more vulnerable to drought than the North American Great Plains. -- The findings have broad implications for land management practices on both continents and provide a valuable comparison point that was not previously available when addressing climate change. -- The work at CSU was led by Professors Melinda Smith and University Distinguished Professor Alan Knapp in the Department of Biology. -- Smith said the multi-year project was built through ongoing collaboration with researchers in China, including first author and Smith's former postdoctoral researcher at CSU, Qiang Yu. Together, the team established six sites on each continent and imposed extreme drought conditions over a four-year period. -- They found the Eurasian grasslands saw a 43% reduction in annual productivity -- plant growth each year -- compared to just a 25% reduction in North America under the same conditions. -- Smith said the findings also show that the negative effects of drought in Eurasia increased over time. -- Meanwhile, the North American system was able to stabilize in the second year of the experiment. -- The paper explores that difference, specifically considering how plant diversity impacted each region's ability to cope with prolonged extreme droughts. -- Smith said the research shows the difference may be linked to the overall number of uncommon, subordinate plant species in each region. -- These species make up the bulk of plant diversity there and contribute to overall productivity -- even as primary species struggle to do so in drought conditions.	C01 N02	219
2504-E061	Protecting Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs Aids Conservation Efforts In Central Grasslands	A collaborative research effort at Colorado State University has pinpointed key areas for conserving the black-tailed prairie dog, crucial for protecting the endangered Central Grasslands ecosystem. With historical richness akin to Africa's Serengeti, these grasslands have dramatically declined, making the identification of priority conservation zones essential for preserving not only prairie dogs but also a myriad of other species dependent on this habitat.	Colorado State University	Diversity and Distributions	Press Rel	PubMed	Colorado State University researchers have identified priority areas for the conservation of the black-tailed prairie dog in the United States, extending from Montana to Texas and New Mexico to Arizona. Protecting these regions will also benefit North America's Central Grasslands and the many associated grassland species that flourished there centuries ago. -- Once rivaling Africa's Serengeti in species abundance and diversity, North America's Central Grasslands supported a rich ecosystem comprised of millions of bison, pronghorn, elk, wolves, grizzly bears, grassland bird species and prairie dogs. Today, this ecosystem -- stretching from Canada to Mexico -- is one of the most endangered in the world, with widespread declines in native wildlife, including the near extirpation of wolves and grizzly bears, more than 95% decline in bison and prairie dog populations and a 50% decline in grassland bird species. -- After looking at ecological, political and social factors, climate change, and land use throughout the central and western United States, CSU researchers have mapped a blueprint that identifies the best landscapes for black-tailed prairie dog conservation. Conserving this habitat benefits other grassland species that depend on the prairie dog for food and habitat. -- Published in Diversity and Distributions in January, this research and accompanying maps aim to guide state, regional and national conservation initiatives, supporting the goal to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 by identifying priority conservation areas for the most effective use of limited resources. -- This research was led by Ana Davidson, a CSU research scientist at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and joint faculty member in the Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Department. As part of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' Western Grasslands Initiative, Davidson and other researchers, including CNHP colleague Michael Menefee, collaborated with scientists and state biologists to identify the most intact and connected grasslands with the highest long-term stability and viability in the face of climate and land use change. -- They also considered the political and social landscapes that exist within these areas, such as available funding for conservation and social attitudes, to understand whether a community could and would support prairie dog habitat conservation. -- "Grasslands are declining significantly because they are the primary biome that humans rely on for agriculture, so there is a lot of potential for conflict with livestock production and loss of habitat to cropland," Davidson said. -- The results of this research are found in a publicly available interactive map that outlines BTPD geographic range in parts of Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, and identifies the top 10% and top 30% of areas that have the highest conservation potential for the prairie dog ecosystem. -- Davidson's "Homes on the Range" core research team -- comprised of scientists from the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Humane Society of the United States, Prairie Dog Coalition, WAFWA and United States Department of Agricultural Research Services -- is already putting their research into action. The team is applying for large grants to help implement conservation in the priority regions and working to build on existing relationships with local ranchers, land trusts, agency biologists and managers, and conservation groups. -- Davidson stated that this effort is not a "one-size-fits-all approach," and the goal is to support the unique needs of different communities. The needs of a rural community in Wyoming may differ from those of a community in southeastern Colorado, which may further differ from the needs of tribal communities in South Dakota, for example.	H01 C01 N01 N02	220
2505-E049	African Farmers Adapt To Climate Change Challenges In Mountain Regions	An international study highlights the severe impact of climate change on African mountain regions, revealing how farmers are adapting while facing significant barriers. Researchers interviewed 1,500 farmers to understand the changes in climate and their effects on livelihoods. Findings indicate that these mountain ecosystems are experiencing rapid warming, with implications for the millions who depend on them for water and food, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions in the face of worsening climate conditions.	Colorado State University	Nature Climate Change	Press Rel	PubMed	Long-term exposure to low levels of traffic-related air pollution harms the liver and may raise the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a new study in mice suggests. -- Fatty liver, also called hepatic steatosis, is the most common liver disease worldwide, and occurs when excess fat builds up in liver cells. It can lead to inflammation, scarring (cirrhosis), and an increased risk of cancer and liver failure. -- "We think of air pollution as being harmful to people's lungs, but it has a broader impact on health including on the liver," said lead author Professor Hui Chen from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). -- "The liver is critical for metabolism. It clears toxins, regulates blood sugar, and produces essential vitamins and proteins, among many other functions. If the liver isn't functioning properly, it can leave people feeling tired and unwell due to disrupted metabolism," said Professor Chen. -- "When we inhale air pollution, the very tiny particles known as PM2.5 enter the bloodstream through the lungs. The liver, which filters toxins from the blood, then accumulates these substances, which can include heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, nickel and zinc." -- World-leading liver specialist Professor Jacob George, Director of the Storr Liver Centre at The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, studies the causes of liver diseases and cancer, and is a co-author on the study. -- "Around one in three Australian adults has fatty liver disease, and it is more common in those who are overweight or have diabetes," said Professor George. -- "Lifestyle factors such as a bad diet, lack of exercise and excessive alcohol contribute to the development of fatty liver, however this research suggests that your environment, particularly exposure to traffic air pollution, may also be a contributing factor," said Professor Chen. -- The study, Prolonged exposure to low-dose traffic-derived PM2.5 causes fatty liver disorder in mice, was recently published in the Journal of Environmental Sciences. -- The researchers exposed mice to a dose (10 micrograms daily of traffic-derived PM2.5 particles) that reflects typical human exposure in Sydney, collected from a major road in Sydney.	A01 H01 C01	221
2511-T009	Fortified Enclosures Protect Livestock From Carnivore Attacks, Benefiting Farmers	A study has found that fortified corrals used to protect livestock from carnivores also help neighboring farmers by reducing predator attacks. Research from Colorado State University shows that these enclosures promote coexistence between livestock and wildlife, offering a practical solution to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in rural areas.	Colorado State University	Conservation Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A predator's gotta eat, but sometimes what they eat harms people sharing the landscape, and that often leads to the carnivore's death. -- Fortified corrals are one strategy used in Tanzania to protect both livestock and vulnerable carnivore species. -- But then where do lions, leopards and hyenas go for dinner? Do they feed on the next herd over? -- A new study led by Colorado State University has found that good fences truly do make good neighbors because fortified enclosures also benefit livestock keepers who live nearby. -- Instead of dining on easier meals next-door and negatively impacting neighbors who don't have fortified enclosures, predators seem to completely avoid neighborhoods when some corrals are built from chain-link fencing, which is more effective than traditional African boma fences made of thorny bushes. -- These surprising results are the first to demonstrate a beneficial spillover effect from a strategy to reduce conflict with large carnivores, which play an important role in ecosystems. -- Losing apex predators can cause ripple effects that disrupt the food web and impact environmental health. -- "Coexistence between humans and carnivores is a global challenge, and conflict resulting from carnivores attacking livestock is among the most important coexistence threats globally, including here in the Rocky Mountain West and Colorado specifically," said Kevin Crooks, co-author of the study and director of the CSU Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence. -- "Our results provide important evidence of the effectiveness of proactive, non-lethal tools to prevent livestock predation by carnivores, benefiting not just the target household but potentially neighboring households as well." -- Lead author Jonathan Salerno, an associate professor in CSU's Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, said that while the intervention method studied is only applicable in limited contexts in the U.S. West, the need to understand the complex interactions among predators, people and conflict interventions is universal.	R01 C01 N01	222
2512-T002	Advancements In 3D X-Ray Imaging: High-Resolution Scans Of Dense Objects Achieved	A research team from Colorado State University has achieved a major breakthrough in 3D X-ray imaging technology by capturing high-resolution scans of dense objects using a compact laser-driven source. This advancement opens new possibilities for various industries, including aerospace and manufacturing, paving the way for innovative imaging applications.	Colorado State University	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Colorado State University has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology. The scientists are the first to capture high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object -- a gas turbine blade -- using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source.   -- The findings, published this week in Optica, describe the science and engineering behind this new radiographic imaging capability and its potential benefits to a range of industries, from aerospace to additive manufacturing.  -- The project is a years-long collaboration between researchers at CSU's Departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics and Los Alamos National Laboratory, with participation from AWE in the U.K.  -- "This demonstration is just the beginning," said Reed Hollinger, an assistant professor at CSU and lead author of the study. -- "We are using the CSU-built ALEPH laser to generate extremely bright X-ray sources to do high-resolution X-ray radiography and CT. As we develop our new facility, our goal is to ramp this into something that can make a broad impact." -- The team's approach offers a fast and non-destructive way to obtain a detailed view inside dense structures, such as rocket components and turbojet engines. -- With growth in additive manufacturing, the new technology could greatly enhance quality control while preserving the integrity of 3D-printed parts.  -- Next-generation laser-driven imaging at Colorado State University -- Current industrial CT scanners are not only massive and costly, but they produce images with millimeter scale resolution. -- The team's laser-driven approach generates a much smaller X-ray source, enabling significantly higher resolution without decreasing the energy of the X-rays.	A01 T01	223
2506-011	Brain Networks Have Unique Ways Of Detecting New Information, Study Explores	A recent study offers insights into how brain networks process new information, which could inform understanding of disorders like schizophrenia. The research focuses on the cerebral cortex's role in predicting future events by encoding outside information, advancing our knowledge of cognitive functions and their implications for mental health conditions.	Columbia University	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	A study sheds light on how networks in the brain detect new information, offering insight into disorders like schizophrenia. -- The cerebral cortex is the largest part of a mammal's brain, and by some measures the most important. -- In humans in particular, it's where most things happen -- like perception, thinking, memory storage and decision-making. -- One current hypothesis suggests that the cortex's primary role is to predict what's going to happen in the future by identifying and encoding new information it receives from the outside world and comparing it with what was expected to occur. -- A new study published today in the journal Neuron takes a big step toward proving that hypothesis. -- The paper's lead author is Yuriy Shymkiv, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Professor Rafael Yuste. -- "We found that the cortex acts like a memory machine, encoding new experiences, and predicting the very near future," Shymkiv said. -- "This study gives a great deal of insight into the role of the cerebral cortex, and into diseases like schizophrenia where the cortex seems to be malfunctioning," Yuste said, noting that it also helps clarify important processes in the normal brain. -- "Novelty is the difference between what you predicted will happen and what actually occurred. This research shows that the cerebral cortex is continuously detecting novel stimuli, in order to change and improve its predictions of the future. Novelty detection is a critical function for humans and other animals." -- The team began their research by designing a study to identify how mice responded to a mix of familiar and new sensory stimuli.	H02 R02 N01	224
2501-062	AI Model Captures Cell Language, Predicting Cellular Activities Like Never Before.	Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new AI model capable of predicting cellular activities by deciphering the 'language' of cells. This innovative system can identify gene functions within human cells, offering transformative insights into biological processes and diseases, such as cancer. The study, published in Nature, emphasizes the model’s potential to enhance traditional experimental approaches, enabling rapid and accurate predictions crucial for understanding cell behavior.	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In the same way that ChatGPT understands human language, a new AI model developed by Columbia computational biologists captures the language of cells to accurately predict their activities. -- Using a new artificial intelligence method, researchers at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons can accurately predict the activity of genes within any human cell, essentially revealing the cell's inner mechanisms. The system, described in the current issue of Nature, could transform the way scientists work to understand everything from cancer to genetic diseases. -- "Predictive generalizable computational models allow to uncover biological processes in a fast and accurate way. These methods can effectively conduct large-scale computational experiments, boosting and guiding traditional experimental approaches," says Raul Rabadan, professor of systems biology and senior author of the new paper. -- Traditional research methods in biology are good at revealing how cells perform their jobs or react to disturbances. But they cannot make predictions about how cells work or how cells will react to change, like a cancer-causing mutation. -- "Having the ability to accurately predict a cell's activities would transform our understanding of fundamental biological processes," Rabadan says. "It would turn biology from a science that describes seemingly random processes into one that can predict the underlying systems that govern cell behavior." -- In recent years, the accumulation of massive amounts of data from cells and more powerful AI models are starting to transform biology into a more predictive science. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to researchers for their groundbreaking work in using AI to predict protein structures. But the use of AI methods to predict the activities of genes and proteins inside cells has proven more difficult. -- New AI method predicts gene expression in any cell -- In the new study, Rabadan and his colleagues tried to use AI to predict which genes are active within specific cells. Such information about gene expression can tell researchers the identity of the cell and how the cell performs its functions. -- "Previous models have been trained on data in particular cell types, usually cancer cell lines or something else that has little resemblance to normal cells," Rabadan says. Xi Fu, a graduate student in Rabadan's lab, decided to take a different approach, training a machine learning model on gene expression data from millions of cells obtained from normal human tissues. The inputs consisted of genome sequences and data showing which parts of the genome are accessible and expressed. -- The overall approach resembles the way ChatGPT and other popular "foundation" models work. These systems use a set of training data to identify underlying rules, the grammar of language, and then apply those inferred rules to new situations. "Here it's exactly the same thing: we learn the grammar in many different cellular states, and then we go into a particular condition -- it can be a diseased or it can be a normal cell type -- and we can try to see how well we predict patterns from this information," says Rabadan.	R01 T01	225
2507-084	Unique RNA Splicing Offers New Targets For Cancer Immunotherapy	A groundbreaking discovery shows that stomach cancers create electrical connections with surrounding nerves to stimulate their growth and spread. This direct communication between cancer cells and neurons indicates a new area of study in cancer neuroscience, suggesting that similar mechanisms may exist in other cancers. This insight opens up possibilities for repurposing neurological drugs in cancer treatment, potentially improving therapeutic approaches.	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered that stomach cancers make electrical connections with nearby sensory nerves and use these malignant circuits to stimulate the cancer's growth and spread. -- It is the first time that electrical contacts between nerves and a cancer outside the brain have been found, raising the possibility that many other cancers progress by making similar connections. -- "We know that many cancers exploit nearby neurons to fuel their growth, but outside of cancers in the brain, these interactions have been attributed to the secretion of growth factors broadly or through indirect effects," says Timothy Wang, the Silberberg Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, who led the study and is one of the leaders in the growing field of cancer neuroscience. -- "Now that we know the communication between the two is more direct and electrical, it raises the possibility of repurposing drugs designed for neurological conditions to treat cancer." -- The wiring of neurons to cancer cells also suggests that cancer can commandeer a particularly rapid mechanism to stimulate growth. -- "There are many different cells surrounding cancers, and this microenvironment can sometimes provide a rich soil for their growth," Wang says. -- Researchers have been focusing on the role of the microenvironment's immune cells, connective tissue, and blood vessels in cancer growth but have only started to examine the role of nerves in the last two decades. -- "What's emerged recently is how advantageous the nervous system can be to cancer," Wang adds. -- "The nervous system works faster than any of these other cells in the tumor microenvironment, which allows tumors to more quickly communicate and remodel their surroundings to promote their growth and survival." -- Cancer-neuron connections resemble synapses	H01 R01 R02	226
2509-042	Sleep Patterns Reveal Hidden Consciousness In Comatose Patients After Brain Injuries	New research from Columbia University identifies sleep-like brain wave patterns in unresponsive patients, which may indicate potential consciousness and recovery from severe brain injuries. This finding aims to enhance predictions about patient outcomes, offering families hope and improved guidance during difficult times in neurocritical care.	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Several studies in the past decade have revealed that up to a quarter of unresponsive patients with recent brain injuries may possess a degree of consciousness that's normally hidden from their families and physicians. -- New research from Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian may soon help physicians identify unresponsive brain-injury patients with hidden consciousness who are likely to achieve long-term recovery by looking for brain waves that are indicative of normal sleep patterns. -- "We're at an exciting crossroad in neurocritical care where we know that many patients appear to be unconscious, but some are recovering without our knowledge. We're starting to lift the lid a little bit and find some signs of recovery as it's happening," says Jan Claassen, associate professor of neurology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, who led the study. -- "Families of my patients ask me all the time, will my mother wake up? How is my mother going to look in three, six, or 12 months? Very often we cannot guide them very precisely, and it's crucial that we improve our predictions to guide their decision making." -- Sleep and consciousness -- Claassen, who is also chief of critical care and hospitalist neurology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, has previously developed sophisticated techniques to identify patients with hidden consciousness by analyzing a patient's EEG recordings as they are presented with a command in the neurocritical care unit. -- The techniques detect EEG brain wave activity indicating that the patient can hear and understand their physicians' instructions (to open and close their hand, for example) even though the patients do not physically respond. -- But the techniques can be difficult to implement and can yield false-negative results. -- Claassen decided to focus on sleep, as brain circuits that are fundamental for consciousness, including cognitive motor dissociation, are also critical to control sleep. -- "I'm always thinking about how my work can be best implemented and used in the real world, and looking at sleep made sense practically and scientifically," Claassen says.	H02 R02	227
2511-032	Restoring Stellate Cells May Improve Liver Health And Reduce Scarring	Columbia University and German Cancer Center researchers have discovered that healthy stellate cells in the liver can be restored to alleviate liver damage and improve function. Traditionally known for causing liver fibrosis, these cells also play a crucial role in maintaining liver organization. This research could hold significant implications for millions affected by metabolic liver diseases and highlights the cells' dual roles as protectors and offenders in liver health.	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Columbia University and the German Cancer Center have found that stellate cells -- star-shaped liver cells long known as the main perpetrators in liver fibrosis -- have a commanding role in protecting and sustaining the liver's organization and function before they go rogue and cause liver damage. -- The discovery could be especially important for hundreds of millions of people, including one-third of American adults who have metabolic liver disease. -- As the metabolic hub of our body, impaired liver function can predispose to liver and cardiovascular disease. -- "Our research shows a surprising role for stellate cells in the normal liver, where they act like "secrete bosses," organizing its structure and instructing the work of other cells that perform the liver's main functions, namely metabolism and detoxification," says study leader Robert F. Schwabe, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Digestive and Liver Disease Research Center at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. -- "But the cells lose these protective functions as liver disease progresses, turning from good into bad guys. -- "If we can reprogram diseased stellate cells back to their healthy state, we could potentially halt liver scarring and simultaneously improve liver function, which may be most helpful for patients in advanced disease stages who are not helped by current therapies," adds Schwabe. -- The findings were published online in Nature. -- What the study found -- In the past 40 years, research on the liver's stellate cells has focused on their role in driving diseases that scar the liver. -- "Evolutionary pressure ensures that we do not have cells in our bodies that only do bad things," Schwabe says.	R01	228
2513-070	AI Tool Helps Nurses Identify Patient Deterioration Earlier, Saving Lives	A groundbreaking AI tool, known as the CONCERN Early Warning System, has proven to predict patient deterioration in hospitals nearly two days sooner than traditional methods, as demonstrated in a year-long study involving over 60,000 patients. This advanced system analyzes nursing documentation patterns to provide early alerts, significantly reducing mortality risk and the average hospital stay, showcasing the critical role nurses play in patient care.	Columbia University Irving Medical Center	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	An AI tool that analyzes nurses' data and notes detected when patients in the hospital were deteriorating nearly two days earlier than traditional methods and reduced the risk of death by over 35%, found a year-long clinical trial of more than 60,000 patients led by researchers at Columbia University. -- The new AI tool, CONCERN Early Warning System, uses machine learning to analyze nursing documentation patterns to predict when a hospitalized patient is deteriorating before the change is reflected in vital signs, allowing for timely, life-saving interventions. -- In the study, CONCERN shortened the average hospital stay by more than half a day and led to a 7.5% decrease in risk of sepsis. -- Patients monitored by CONCERN were roughly 25% more likely to be transferred to an intensive care unit compared to those who had usual care. -- "Nurses are particularly skilled and experienced in detecting when something is wrong with patients under their care," said Sarah Rossetti, lead author of the study and an associate professor of biomedical informatics and nursing at Columbia University. -- "When we can combine that expertise with AI, we can produce real-time, actionable insights that save lives." -- The findings were published today in Nature Medicine. -- CONCERN Reflects Nurses' Concerns -- Nurses often recognize subtle signs that a patient is deteriorating, such as pallor change or small changes in mental status. -- But their concerns, noted in a patient's electronic health record, may not cause immediate intervention, such as transfer to an intensive care unit.	T01	229
2501-T026	Discovering 'All-Optical' Nanosensors Of Force: A Breakthrough For Remote Readings	Researchers have invented groundbreaking nanoscale sensors capable of measuring mechanical forces with high precision and remote read-outs. These luminescent nanocrystals change color or intensity when subjected to force, enabling new applications in robotics, medicine, and more, revolutionizing the field of optical sensing.	Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Mechanical force is an essential feature for many physical and biological processes. Remote measurement of mechanical signals with high sensitivity and spatial resolution is needed for a wide range of applications, from robotics to cellular biophysics and medicine and even to space travel. Nanoscale luminescent force sensors excel at measuring piconewton forces, while larger sensors have proven powerful in probing micronewton forces. However, large gaps remain in the force magnitudes that can be probed remotely from subsurface or interfacial sites, and no individual, non-invasive sensor has yet been able to make measurements over the large dynamic range needed to understand many systems. -- New, highly responsive nanoscale sensors of force -- In a paper published today by Nature, a team led byColumbia Engineering researchers and collaborators report that they have invented new nanoscale sensors of force. They are luminescent nanocrystals that can change intensity and/or color when you push or pull on them. These "all-optical" nanosensors are probed with light only and therefore allow for fully remote read-outs -- no wires or connections are needed. -- The researchers, led by Jim Schuck, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and Natalie Fardian-Melamed, a postdoctoral scholar in his group, along with the Cohen and Chan groups at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (Berkeley Lab), developed nanosensors that have attained both the most sensitive force response and largest dynamic range ever realized in similar nanoprobes. They have 100 times better force sensitivity than the existing nanoparticles that utilize rare-earth ions for their optical response, and an operational range that spans more than four orders of magnitude in force, a much larger range -- 10-100 times larger -- than any previous optical nanosensor. -- "We expect our discovery will revolutionize the sensitivities and dynamic range achievable with optical force sensors, and will immediately disrupt technologies in areas from robotics to cellular biophysics and medicine to space travel," Schuck says. -- New nanosensors can operate in previously inaccessible environments -- The new nanosensors achieve high-resolution, multiscale function with the same nanosensor for the first time. This is important as it means that just this nanosensor, rather than a suite of different classes of sensors, can be employed for the continuous study of forces, from the subcellular to the whole-system level in engineered and biological systems, such as developing embryos, migrating cells, batteries, or integrated NEMS, very sensitive nanoelectromechanical systems in which the physical motion of a nanometer-scale structure is controlled by an electronic circuit, or vice versa. -- "What makes these force sensors unique -- apart from their unparalleled multiscale sensing capabilities -- is that they operate with benign, biocompatible, and deeply penetrating infrared light," Fardian-Melamed says. "This allows one to peer deep into various technological and physiological systems, and monitor their health from afar. Enabling the early detection of malfunction or failure in these systems, these sensors will have a profound impact on fields ranging from human health to energy and sustainability." -- Using the photon-avalanching effect to build the nanosensors -- The team was able to build these nanosensors by exploiting the photon-avalanching effect within nanocrystals. In photon-avalanching nanoparticles, which were first discovered by Schuck's group at Columbia Engineering, the absorption of a single photon within a material sets off a chain reaction of events that ultimately leads to the emission of many photons. So: one photon is absorbed, many photons are emitted. It is an extremely nonlinear and volatile process that Schuck likes to describe as "steeply nonlinear,' playing on the word "avalanche."	C01	230
2502-T022	Creating Energy-Efficient Photon Pairs: The Future Of Quantum Technology	Columbia Engineering researchers have introduced a new method for generating photon pairs that exhibit quantum entanglement, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption in the process. This breakthrough could significantly advance computing, telecommunications, and sensing technologies, leveraging the unique properties of entangled photons to develop innovative quantum applications with far-reaching implications.	Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nat. Photon	Press Rel	PubMed	Physicists have spent more than a century measuring and making sense of the strange ways that photons, electrons, and other subatomic particles interact at extremely small scales. Engineers have spent decades figuring out how to take advantage of these phenomena to create new technologies. -- In one such phenomenon, called quantum entanglement, pairs of photons become interconnected in such a way that the state of one photon instantly changes to match the state of its paired photon, no matter how far apart they are. -- Nearly 80 years ago, Albert Einstein referred to this phenomenon as "spooky action at a distance." Today, entanglement is the subject of research programs across the world -- and it's becoming a favored way to implement the most fundamental form of quantum information, the qubit. -- Currently, the most efficient way to create photon pairs requires sending lightwaves through a crystal large enough to see without a microscope. -- In a paper published today in Nature Photonics, a team led by Columbia Engineering researchers and collaborators, describe a new method for creating these photon pairs that achieves higher performance on a much smaller device using less energy. -- P. James Schuck, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia Engineering, helped lead the research team. -- These findings represent a significant step forward in the field of nonlinear optics, which is concerned with using technologies to change the properties of light for applications including lasers, telecommunications, and laboratory equipment. -- "This work represents the embodiment of the long-sought goal of bridging macroscopic and microscopic nonlinear and quantum optics," says Schuck, who co-directs Columbia's MS in Quantum Science and Technology. -- "It provides the foundation for scalable, highly efficient on-chip integrable devices such as tunable microscopic entangled-photon-pair generators." -- How it works	A01 R01 C01 T01	231
2504-018	Key Immune Cells Identified To Enhance Cancer Treatment Success In AML	A pivotal discovery in cancer immunotherapy has identified a specific immune cell population that is crucial for effectively treating relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The research team from Columbia Engineering and Dana Farber Cancer Institute highlights the importance of these immune cells in improving treatment outcomes for AML patients, who often face high relapse rates after standard therapies, paving the way for more targeted immunotherapeutic strategies.	Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science	Science Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from Columbia Engineering and the Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics made a pivotal discovery in the field of cancer immunotherapy. In a paper published today in Science Immunology, the team identified a specific population of immune cells that play a critical role in successful treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This work was in collaboration with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). -- AML, which affects four out of 100,000 patients in the U.S. every year, according to the National Cancer Institute, is a type of cancer that first attacks the bone marrow before moving to infect the blood. -- The current treatment plan includes targeted chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. -- Unfortunately, up to 40% of these patients relapse after transplant and have a median survival of six months. -- At that stage, the only hope for remission is through immunotherapy. -- Led by Elham Azizi, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Columbia Engineering, the research explores how coordinated immune networks in leukemia bone marrow microenvironments influence responses to cellular therapy, raising the question: why do some patients benefit from immunotherapy while others do not? -- The current treatment for relapsed AML, donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) -- a therapy involving donor immune cells -- has a 5-year survival rate of only 24%, according to research conducted by Pfizer. -- This new study finds that a unique population of T cells found in patients who are responding to DLI might be the key. -- These cells fight leukemia by boosting the immune response. Additionally, the study shows that patients with a healthier, more active and diverse immune environment in the bone marrow are better able to support these cells and their cancer-fighting abilities. -- Utilizing the team's proprietary computational DIISCO approach, the researchers discovered key interactions between the unique T cell population and other immune cells may lead to patient remission.	H01 R01	232
2501-029	Large Floods Linked To Increased Death Rates From Multiple Causes, Study Reveals.	A comprehensive study in Nature Medicine illustrates that large floods over the past two decades have led to significantly higher mortality rates in the U.S. The research identifies diverse causes of flood-related deaths, emphasizing the need for better public health strategies to mitigate these risks as climate change intensifies flooding events.	Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Over the last 20 years, large floods were associated with up to 24.9 percent higher death rates from major mortality causes in the U.S. compared to normal conditions. A new study in the journal Nature Medicine demonstrates the sweeping and hidden effects of floods -- including floods unrelated to hurricanes, such as those due to heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams. -- Scientists at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health led the study in partnership with researchers at Arizona State University, Harvard University, and the University of Arizona. -- Until now, there had been a critical knowledge gap about cause-specific flood mortality risks in the U.S. over time, and how risks may vary among groups within the population. -- The study's findings provide information that could help public health agencies allocate resources. -- In the U.S., population growth alone is projected to result in an estimated 72 percent increase in the population exposed to floods annually by 2050, before accounting for the effect of climate change in leading to more frequent river, coastal, and flash floods. -- "Flooding is an urgent public health concern as sea level rise, rapid snowpack melting, and increased storm severity will lead to more destructive and frequent events," says first author Victoria Lynch, PhD, post-doctoral research fellow at Columbia Mailman School. -- "Our results show that floods were associated with higher death rates for most major causes of death, even for rain- and snow-related floods that are less likely to generate rapid emergency responses." -- "In the U.S., floods have a devastating effect on society, yet a comprehensive assessment of their continuing health impacts had been lacking,"says Robbie M. Parks, assistant professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School and senior author. -- "Our study is a first major step in better understanding how floods may affect deaths, which provides an essential foundation for improving resilience to climate-related disasters across the days, weeks, months, and years after they wreak destruction." -- After collecting 35.6 million U.S. death records from 2001 to 2018, the researchers used a statistical model to calculate how death rates changed in three-month periods following large floods when compared to equivalent periods in normal conditions.	C01	233
2501-061	Volunteering Activities May Help Decrease Depression Rates Among Older Adults.	A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health shows that volunteering may significantly reduce the risk of depression among older adults. Analyzing data from nearly 3,000 participants, researchers found that individuals with a history of positive mental health or higher income levels exhibited lower rates of depression, with volunteering linked to a 43% decline in depression odds. These findings provide critical insights into the mental health benefits of community engagement for seniors.	Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health	Journal of the American Geriatrics Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Marked variation in the prevalence of depression was found in a multisite sample of community-dwelling older adults in the United States reports a study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Until now, few studies, have examined the frequency of depression in community-dwelling older adults in the U.S. The study is published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. -- Of the 2,900 participants studied, 6.2 percent had depression. Older adults who had a negative history of depression or had annual household incomes of $50,000 or greater were at significantly decreased odds of depression. Volunteering was a factor in reducing the odds of depression -- with at a 43 percent rate of decline. -- "Our findings help strengthen the existing research on the epidemiology and prevention of depression in older adults," said Yitao Xi, MPH, a recent graduate in Epidemiology from Columbia Mailman School and first author. "Specifically, it provides empirical data on the prevalence of depression among community-dwelling older adults in the U.S. and the potential role of volunteering in mitigating the risk of depression among older adults." -- Using data from the Longitudinal Research on Aging Drivers (LongROAD) study of 2,990 active drivers aged 65-79 years without significant cognitive impairment, the researchers examined the prevalence and correlates of depression in this multisite sample of community-dwelling adults who were enrolled and assessed between July 2015 and March 2017 from primary care clinics or healthcare systems across five study sites: Ann Arbor, MI; Baltimore, MD; Cooperstown, NY; Denver, CO; and San Diego, CA. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) depression scale was used to determine the depression status. Participants were also assessed from questionnaires, medical record abstraction, functional tests (e.g., grip strength), and a comprehensive review of current medications. -- Among participants 7 percent were women; 8 percent were not married; 8 percent had a high school degree or less and 11 percent had annual household incomes lower than $50,000. Elevated prevalence rates of depression were found in those who: were 65 -- 69 years of age (8 percent), whereas those aged 70-74 years had significantly lower odds of depression. -- "The 65-69 age group often faces significant life changes such as retirement or the onset of chronic diseases, which can contribute to depressive symptoms," said Guohua Li, MD, DrPH, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University, senior author and principal investigator of the LongROAD study. "This finding aligns with other reports indicating that ages 65 and older are often accompanied by factors such as increased physical health issues or chronic medical conditions including diabetes mellitus, anxiety, cognitive decline, and the loss of social networks -- which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depressive symptoms. Alternately, those engaged in volunteering activities had a significantly lower prevalence of depression." -- In addition to volunteering's effect on reducing the odds of depression, the study also reaffirms the important role of marital status in the prevalence of depression. "It is well known that social relationships in general and marriage in particular can provide social support and buffer against mental health problems," notes Li, who is also professor of Anesthesiology at Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. -- The World Health Organization estimates there are over 1.4 billion individuals aged 60 and above. Accompanying this estimate are public health challenges, such as increasing prevalence of depression due to comorbid medical conditions and inadequate social support. Globally, depression among older adults is a serious concern. -- "Our findings reaffirm the important role that sociodemographic and medical factors play in the prevalence of depression at the late phase of lifespan," points out Li. "Our study underscores the need for policies that bolster financial security for older adults, and provides further evidence for the potential protective role of volunteering in mitigating the risk of depression." -- Dr. Soo Borson, journal editor, wrote: "The important study by Xi et al. deserves wide attention. In addition to reminding us that older people with chronic illness, prior depression, and sociodemographic disadvantage are more likely to be depressed, they find a potential protective effect of volunteering -- even in people with a history of depression. Interestingly, their data show that the period around "'normal"' retirement age -- the mid- to late-60''s -- is one of higher depression prevalence. In the early days of geriatrics in the United States, retirement was recognized as a developmental stage fraught with potential risks -- loss of purpose, personal value, and meaning, all experiences that reside in the penumbra of depression. Retirement is still a defining life event, but its timing has now spread widely across the age span. Xi and colleagues point us once again to the value of "'work"' in all its forms -- especially the work of serving others long beyond the last paycheck."	A01 H01 H02 R01 C01 N01	234
2502-E027	Understanding Opioid Trends After Marijuana Laws: What The Study Reveals	A study from Columbia University indicates that the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana has not significantly altered opioid outcomes among the general population. However, the research does show improvements in opioid outcomes among those who reported cannabis use following the enactment of medical marijuana laws. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the relationship between cannabis legalization and opioid misuse, providing valuable insights into public health policies and their impacts.	Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health	International Journal of Drug Policy	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found no changes in opioid outcomes among the general population with the states' passage of medical and recreational marijuana laws. However, the findings also show decreases in opioid outcomes after medical marijuana laws existed among people reporting cannabis use but no changes in opioid outcomes when laws for both medical and recreational use were enacted. The results are published in the International Journal of Drug Policy. -- By the end of 2019, 32 states had adopted medical marijuana laws (MCL) alone. -- All states that went on to adopt recreational marijuana laws (RCL) had previously adopted an MCL. -- Using National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2015-2019, the researchers estimated cannabis law associations with opioid (prescription opioid misuse and/or heroin use) misuse and use disorder. -- The study adds to the literature for investigating effects of MCL alone and RCL+MCL on opioid misuse and DSM-IV opioid use disorder overall and by prior cannabis use history. -- The findings also build on several recent analyses of NSDUH data. -- "Our study is the first to investigate the effects of cannabis laws on opioid outcomes among people that used cannabis in the past year and that initiated cannabis use prior to cannabis law adoption in their state," noted Silvia Martins, MD, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School. -- "Much has been speculated on whether the enactment of medical and recreational cannabis laws can have a role in decreasing prescriptions for opioid pain relievers, opioid use and misuse, opioid use disorder, and overdose in the U.S." -- Martins continues, "Comparing individuals in states with medical cannabis laws alone to those in states without such laws, we found an inconsistent pattern of decreased odds of opioid outcomes, which were more pronounced among people reporting cannabis use. The pattern did not hold for individuals in states with recreational cannabis laws, suggesting that MCLs may be associated with reductions in opioid use among people using cannabis but additional work to replicate and expand on these findings is needed." -- Overall, MCL and RCL adoption were not associated with changes in the odds of any opioid outcome.	Z01	235
2507-122	Geographic Variations In Early-Onset Breast Cancer Trends Highlight Need For Targeted Risk Assessment	Research from Columbia University reveals significant geographical variations in breast cancer incidence trends among women under 40, suggesting that location-based risk factors should be integrated into predictive models. The study emphasizes the need for targeted approaches to identify younger women at higher risk for early-onset breast cancer and improve screening and prevention strategies.	Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health	Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Breast cancer incidence trends in U.S. women under 40 vary by geography and supports incorporating location information with established risk factors into risk prediction, improving the ability to identify groups of younger women at higher risk for early-onset breast cancer, according to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. This study comprehensively examined trends across different states, regions, metropolitan versus non-metropolitan areas and by racial and ethnic groups. It also is one of the first to incorporate registry data from all 50 states to examine age-specific breast cancer trends. The findings are published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control. -- "Breast cancer incidence is increasing in U.S. women under 40, but until now, it was unknownif incidence trends varied by U.S. geographic region," said Rebecca Kehm, PhD, assistant professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School, and first author. -- "Our findings can more accurately inform whether exposures that vary in prevalence across the U.S. also contributes to breast cancer risk in younger women." -- Using the U.S. Cancer Statistics database, the researchers analyzed age-adjusted breast cancer-incidence rates from 2001 to 2020 in women aged 25-39. They calculated the average annual percent change using statistical regression formulas and performed age-distribution analyses. -- "Two-thirds of all cancers identified both in the U.S. and globally are diagnosed in women," said Mary Beth Terry, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, and senior author of the study. -- From 2001 to 2020, breast cancer incidence in women under 40 increased by more than 0.50 percent per year in 21 states, while remaining stable or decreasing in the other states. -- Incidence was 32 percent higher in the five states with the highest rates compared to the five states with the lowest rates. -- The Western region had the highest rate of increase from 2001 to 2020; the Northeast had the highest absolute rate among women under 40 and experienced a significant increase over time The South was the only region where breast cancer under 40 did not increase from 2001 to 2020. -- The overall incidence of early-onset breast cancer ranged from 28.6 per 100,000 in Wyoming to 41 cases per 100,000 people in Connecticut. -- The five states with the highest early-onset incidence from 2001 to 2020 were Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Connecticut.	R01	236
2510-007	Urban Highways Boost Speed But Diminish Social Connections In Cities	Urban highways, while designed to expedite travel, are shown to hinder social connections within cities, particularly over short distances. This study quantitatively assesses how urban infrastructure can serve as barriers to social interaction, revealing implications for urban planning and community cohesion.	Complexity Science Hub	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Urban highways promise to get people to their destinations faster -- and bring them together. But at the same time, they reduce social connections between people within the city, especially at distances of less than 5 km, according to a study involving the Complexity Science Hub published in PNAS. -- "In this study, we use the spatial social connections of people within the 50 largest cities in the US to test whether the built environment -- in this case, urban highways -- is indeed a barrier to social ties, as has long been assumed in urban studies. For the first time, we are also finding quantitatively that this is the case," explains co-author Sándor Juhász. During his postdoctoral fellowship at the Complexity Science Hub (CSH), Juhász participated in the study. -- This barrier effect by urban highways is particularly strong for short distances of less than 5 km (or ca. 3 miles) in all the US cities studied. -- It only reverses at around 20 km (ca. 12.4 miles) -- above this distance, urban highways tend to help connect places within a city, according to the study. -- "In concrete terms, this means that if two people live on different sides of an urban highway, it is less likely that there will be social contact between them," says Juhász, who's now a research fellow at the Corvinus University of Budapest. -- "Urban highways, especially those built in the US in the 1950s and 1960s, were entirely geared towards car traffic," explains co-author Anastassia Vybornova from the IT University of Copenhagen. -- They were intended to shorten the commute to work and make traveling within the city easier. -- "But this comes at a price, especially over short distances. If someone wants to cross a multi-lane highway, it takes a lot of effort. So highways connect over long distances, but divide over short ones," adds Juhász. -- Effects Quantified for the First Time -- A special feature of this study is that, for the first time, the researchers not only described these barrier effects qualitatively, but also quantified them.	Z01	237
2502-T027	Ultrasound Enhances T Cell Function For Cancer Treatment Without Damaging Cells	Engineers at Concordia University have pioneered a method using ultrasound to enhance the behavior of T cells in cancer treatment. By employing focused ultrasound and microbubbles, the researchers increased T cell permeability, facilitating the release of immune-signaling molecules. This innovative process, described in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, offers a promising direction for improving cancer immunotherapy and overcoming obstacles posed by hostile tumor microenvironments.	Concordia University	Frontiers in Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new paper by a team of Concordia researchers from the departments of Biology and Physics proposes a novel method of fighting cancer tumours that uses ultrasound-guided microbubbles -- a technology already widely used in medical imaging and drug delivery. -- Writing in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, the researchers describe a process that uses ultrasound to modify the behaviour of cancer-fighting T cells by increasing their cell permeability. -- They examined how this can influence the release of more than 90 kinds of cytokines, a type of signalling molecule crucial for immune response. -- The researchers targeted freshly isolated human immune cells with tightly focused ultrasound beams and clinically approved contrast agent microbubbles. -- When hit with the ultrasound, the bubbles vibrate at extremely high frequency, acting as a push-pull on the walls of the T cell's membranes. -- This can mimic the T cell's natural response to the presence of an antigen. -- The T cell then begins to secrete vital signalling molecules that would otherwise be restricted by the tumour's hostile microenvironment. -- The process does not damage the cell itself. -- "We're combining the use of ultrasound and microbubbles to help modulate brain immunology with the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy, which is the harnessing of our own immune cells to fight cancer," says Brandon Helfield, an associate professor of biology and physics and the paper's supervising author. -- Reactivating cells	A01 H01 R01 T01	238
2505-E044	Innovative Nanotechnology Shows Promise For Effective Oil Spill Cleanup Solutions	Innovative advances in nanotechnology may revolutionize oil spill clean-up efforts, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. A comprehensive review of 40-50 studies highlights the potential of nanomaterials to offer faster, safer, and more effective responses to oil spills compared to traditional methods, especially in the Arctic region. Researchers emphasize the critical need for these sustainable approaches as climate change increases the risk of oil spills from heightened maritime activities in remote areas.	Concordia University	Environmental Science: Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	The most complex engineering of human cell lines ever has been achieved by scientists, revealing that our genomes are more resilient to significant structural changes than was previously thought. -- Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Imperial College London, Harvard University in the US and their collaborators used CRISPR prime editing to create multiple versions of human genomes in cell lines, each with different structural changes. Using genome sequencing, they were able to analyse the genetic effects of these structural variations on cell survival. -- The research, published today (30 January) in Science, shows that as long as essential genes remain intact, our genomes can tolerate significant structural changes, including large deletions of the genetic code. The work opens the door to studying and predicting the role of structural variation in disease. -- Structural variation is a change in the structure of an organism's genome, such as deletions, duplications and inversions of the genetic sequence. These structural changes to the genome can be significant, sometimes affecting hundreds to many thousands of nucleotides -- the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA. -- Structural variants are associated with developmental diseases and cancer. However, our ability to study the effects of structural variation in the genomes of mammals, and the role they play in disease, has been difficult due to the inability to engineer these genetic changes. -- To overcome this challenge, Sanger Institute researchers and their collaborators set out to develop new approaches for creating and studying structural variation. -- In a new study, the team used a combination of CRISPR prime editing1 and human cell lines2 -- groups of human cells in a dish -- to generate thousands of structural variants in human genomes within a single experiment. -- To do this, researchers used prime editing to insert a recognition sequence into the genomes of the human cell lines to target with recombinase3 -- an enzyme that enabled the team to 'shuffle' the genome. By inserting these recombinase handles into repetitive sequences, which are hundreds and thousands of identical sequences in the genome, with a single prime editor they were able to integrate up to almost 1,700 recombinase recognition sites into each cell line. This resulted in more than 100 random large-scale genetic structural changes per cell. This is the first time that it's been possible to 'shuffle' a mammalian genome, especially at this scale. -- The team then studied the impacts of the structural variation on the human cell lines. Using genomic sequencing, the team was able to take 'snapshots' of the human cells and their 'shuffled' genomes over the course of a few weeks, watching which cells survived and which died. -- As expected, they found that when structural variation deleted essential genes, this was heavily selected against and the cells died. However, they found that groups of cells with large-scale deletions in the genomes that avoided essential genes, survived.	A01 C01 T01	239
2506-033	Grooving To Music: Even Those Who Don't Enjoy It Still Feel The Beat	New research indicates that individuals with musical anhedonia can still experience a physiological urge to move to music, referred to as "grooving." This study, conducted by Concordia researchers, illustrates that despite reduced pleasure from music, the innate urge to move compensates for the diminished enjoyment, suggesting distinct pathways for pleasure and movement in musical experience.	Concordia University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	The pleasurable urge to move to music -- to groove -- appears to be a physiological response independent of how much we generally enjoy music, according to a new paper led by Concordia researchers. -- That groove response is so strong it is even found in people with musical anhedonia, those who take little or no pleasure from music. -- The article's lead author is Isaac Romkey, a PhD student in the Department of Psychology. -- He writes in the journal PLOS One that recent research shows the two aspects of groove, pleasure and urge to move, while usually closely correlated, may in fact be separable. -- To test this, Romkey and his co-authors compared groove responses to more than 50 short pieces of music in people with musical anhedonia and non-anhedonic controls. -- Participants with musical anhedonia were only included if they derived pleasure from other aspects of life, like food and sex, and if they exhibited appropriate reward responses across other metrics. -- The researchers also ensured participants were not depressed and had intact pitch and beat perception. -- Participants listened to short pieces of music designed to elicit a groove response and varied in rhythmic complexity. -- After each piece, they were asked to rate how much pleasure they experienced and how much it made them want to move. -- "Normally, we would expect to see an inverted U-shaped response to rhythmic complexity, meaning that we want to move to music that is of medium complex rhythms as opposed to music that is very simple or very complex," Romkey explains.	H01	240
2508-021	Early Physiotherapy Benefits Children After Concussions At Montreal Children's Hospital	A shift in concussion treatment protocols at Montreal Children's Hospital has led to improved recovery outcomes for young patients. By initiating rehabilitation within two weeks post-injury, the clinic has demonstrated that early intervention significantly benefits children, shortening their recovery time from concussions. This evidence supports the growing consensus among specialists to prioritize active rehabilitation over prolonged rest.	Concordia University	Journal of Sport Rehabilitation	Press Rel	PubMed	Recovery from concussions can be a long and difficult process, especially for children. Active rehabilitation, usually beginning with physiotherapy-based treatments such as mild aerobic exercise, is known to help. But many non-specialist medical professionals remain uncertain about when to initiate it. -- Until roughly a decade ago, there was a common consensus that rehab should primarily be rest-based and that a return to physical activity should begin about four weeks after injury. -- However, many concussion specialists disagreed and argued for moving treatment up significantly. Among them were clinicians at the Montreal Children's Hospital Concussion Clinic, who changed their policies in 2017. A new study of this protocol change shows the approach benefitted patients and decreased recovery time significantly. -- The study was led by Elizabeth Teel, an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, and it was published in the Journal of Sport Rehabilitation. -- "In 2017, the clinic amended their internal institutional policy toward a two-week start time for treatment, which was the earliest they could fit into their treatment model," Teel says. "We looked at data from two years before and two years after the shift in policy to see whether the policy had an effect. -- "We found that kids who started treatment earlier recover about a week faster compared to those who started treatment later." -- Policy-driven change -- Unlike other studies on childhood concussion treatment, Teel's paper looks at results that have arisen out of a change of institutional policy. They looked at data collected by the hospital's concussion clinic between 2015 and 2019 and randomly selected 150 cases from each year. At the time, the hospital was treating roughly 600 patients annually. -- Along with demographic information, the records contained a list of symptoms, evaluations and treatment recommendations. The clinic made any additional data accessible when necessary. -- The researchers worked closely with Isabelle Gagnon, a clinical scientist in the Trauma Centre at the Montreal Children's Hospital. She spearheaded the idea of using physiotherapy to treat concussion patients, with research dating back to 2009 suggesting that physical activity could help speed recovery.	H01	241
2501-E004	Trained Dogs Aid In Early Detection Of Invasive Spotted Lanternflies.	A study from Cornell University reveals that specially trained dogs are more effective than humans at locating invasive spotted lanternfly egg masses. This innovative approach offers growers and conservationists a novel tool to combat the spread of this harmful pest threatening various crops and trees.	Cornell University	Ecosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	Growers and conservationists have a new weapon to detect invasive spotted lanternflies early and limit their spread: dogs trained to sniff out egg masses that overwinter in vineyards and forests. -- A Cornell University study found that trained dogs -- a Labrador retriever and a Belgian Malinois -- were better than humans at detecting egg masses in forested areas near vineyards, while people spotted them better than the dogs in vineyards. -- The spotted lanternfly, which was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, has since spread to 18 other states, including New York. -- It's a threat to grapes, apples, hops, and maple and walnut trees. -- "A spotted lanternfly infestation in a vineyard can cause 80% to 100% mortality of the vines in one growing season," said Angela Fuller, the paper's author and professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. -- Infestations also increase the amount of insecticide that growers need to use, which can increase costs by up to 170% in a growing season, Fuller said. -- Fuller and colleagues chose 20 vineyards in Pennsylvania and New Jersey known to have lanternfly infestations. -- They then mapped out transects along grape rows and in adjacent forests. -- Humans surveyed for egg masses one day, while leashed dogs with a human handler scanned the same transects on separate days, so human scents didn't influence the dogs. -- People detected 1.8 times more egg masses than dogs in vineyards, where female adult lanternflies lay eggs on vines and support poles.	N02	242
2501-E028	Revolutionary Method Turns E-Waste Into Valuable Gold Catalyst	A team from Cornell University has innovated a method for extracting gold from e-waste and using it to convert carbon dioxide into organic materials. This sustainable approach addresses the environmental issue of e-waste, which often remains unrecycled. The researchers demonstrated high efficiency in recovering gold, which can be utilized as a catalyst, potentially creating a circular economy for electronic waste and carbon emissions.	Cornell University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cornell University-led research team has developed a method for extracting gold from electronics waste, then using the recovered precious metal as a catalyst for converting carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, to organic materials. -- The method could provide a sustainable use for some of the approximately 50 million tons of e-waste discarded each year, only 20% of which is recycled, according to Amin Zadehnazari, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Alireza Abbaspourrad, professor of food chemistry and ingredient technology. -- Zadehnazari synthesized a pair of vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs) to remove gold ions and nanoparticles from circuit boards in discarded electronic devices. -- One of his VCOFs was shown to selectively capture 99.9% of the gold and very little of other metals, including nickel and copper, from the devices. -- "We can then use the gold-loaded COFs to convert CO2 into useful chemicals," Zadehnazari said. -- "By transforming CO2 into value-added materials, we not only reduce waste disposal demands, we also provide both environmental and practical benefits. It's kind of a win-win for the environment." -- Abbaspourrad is corresponding author and Zadehnazari lead author of "Recycling E-waste Into Gold-loaded Covalent Organic Framework Catalysts for Terminal Alkyne Carboxylation," which published in Nature Communications. -- Electronics waste is a literal gold mine: It's estimated that a ton of e-waste contains at least 10 times more gold than a ton of the ore from which gold is extracted. -- And with an anticipated 80 million metric tons of e-waste by 2030, it's increasingly important to find ways to recover that precious metal. -- Traditional methods for recovering gold from e-waste involve harsh chemicals, including cyanide, which pose environmental risks.	H01 C01 T01	243
2502-E047	Birds Use Snake Skin Nesting To Deter Predators: Nature’s Ingenious Decor Strategy	Researchers from Cornell University have uncovered that certain bird species utilize shed snake skins as a nest covering not merely for aesthetics but as a strategic defense mechanism against predators. Their study reveals that cavity-nesting birds are more likely to employ snake skins in their nests, which helps deter smaller predators that might otherwise threaten their eggs. This behavior may be rooted in evolutionary adaptations shaped by historical predator-prey dynamics, making predator species wary of snake skin's presence.	Cornell University	The American Naturalist	Press Rel	PubMed	When a bird drapes its nest with snake skin, it isn't just making an interesting décor choice. Cornell University researchers find that for some birds, it keeps predators at bay. -- Scientists combined new and historical data to show birds that nest in cavities -- covered nests with small openings -- are more likely to use shed snake skins in their construction than birds that build open-cup nests, and this practice helps deter predators from eating the eggs. -- "What do snakes eat? They eat a lot of mice and small mammals," said Vanya Rohwer, senior researcher and lead author of the paper published in the journal The American Naturalist. -- "We think that an evolutionary history of harmful interactions between small-bodied predators of birds that are often eaten by snakes should make these predators afraid of snake skin inside of a nest," Rohwer said. -- "It might change their decision-making process of whether or not they're going to go into a nest." -- Birdwatchers have documented the use of snake skins in nests for centuries and speculated that it occurs more in cavity nests, but no one had tested this theory, said Rohwer. -- To test what benefit birds might be getting out of the snake skin, the researchers explored if snake skin could reduce nest predation, reduce harmful nest ectoparasites, change microbial communities in ways that benefit birds or function as a signal of parental quality and increase the effort parents make in raising their young. -- Of these ideas, their results supported the nest predation hypothesis, but only in cavity nests. -- For this experiment, the researchers placed two quail eggs inside more than 60 nest boxes and 80 inactive American robin nests placed around the Monkey Run Natural Area in Ithaca to simulate cavity and open-cup nests. -- Some nests received snake skins collected from a local snake breeder, and others did not.	C01 N01	244
2504-T002	Floating Solar Panels: Efficiency Trade-Offs And Environmental Concerns Explored	A groundbreaking study on floating solar panels reveals unexpected environmental trade-offs, including increased greenhouse gas emissions in ponds where solar panels were installed. This first experimental analysis highlights the complexities of integrating renewable energy solutions and urges a careful examination of their ecological impacts before widespread adoption.	Cornell University	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	While floating solar -- the emerging practice of putting solar panels on bodies of water -- is promising in its efficiency and its potential to spare agricultural and conservation lands, a new experiment finds environmental trade-offs. -- In the first manipulative field study examining the environmental impacts of floating solar, published in Environmental Science and Technology, researchers found that floating solar panels increased greenhouse gas emissions on small ponds by nearly 27%. -- "There have been a flurry of papers about floating solar, but it's mostly modeling and projections," said Steven Grodsky, assistant professor of natural resources and the environment. -- "This is the first manipulative study to produce empirical results. It's saying, here's what's actually happening. And what we found was that there was increased greenhouse gas emissions from ponds with floating solar." -- Grodsky and collaborators covered three ponds at the Cornell Experimental Pond Facility with solar panels, at 70% coverage, and found that, almost immediately, methane and carbon dioxide emissions increased -- by 26.8% compared to ponds without solar panels -- and dissolved oxygen throughout the ponds substantially decreased. -- "If you put floating solar on there," Grodsky said, "you're drastically reducing oxygen availability for organisms, you're messing with ecological processes, how decomposition takes place, the microbes, the way wind moves across the surface of the water. It's all connected." -- The data is particularly important because much of the floating solar development in the U.S. is currently happening on small lakes and ponds, Grodsky said. -- It's also timely for New York state, where floating solar could be considered as an alternative to terrestrial solar and is the source of debate and exploration. -- The study offers some bright sides for floating solar: When comparing floating solar to terrestrial solar in total emissions cost, from site development to maintenance and disposal, the floating solar's greenhouse gas emissions (per kilowatt hour of energy generated) are likely still lower than terrestrial solar and fossil fuel-based energy production. -- Seventy percent coverage also represents an outer limit, and the researchers made suggestions that might offset the panels' impacts, like reducing coverage or installing a bubbler to agitate the water, although more research is needed.	C01	245
2504-T025	Soft Robots Evolve: Battery Innovations Propel Modular Jellyfish And Worm Designs	Recent research at Cornell University has led to advancements in soft robotics, showcasing the evolution of modular robots inspired by aquatic life. The development of a worm-like and jellyfish robot demonstrates the concept of "embodied energy," which integrates power sources within the robot's structure for improved efficiency. With enhanced battery capacity and design, these robots illustrate significant progress in soft robotic technology, paving the way for future applications that require lightweight and adaptable machines capable of operating in various environments.	Cornell University	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	In the same way that terrestrial life evolved from ocean swimmers to land walkers, soft robots are progressing, too, thanks to recent Cornell University research in battery development and design. -- A modular worm robot and jellyfish demonstrate the benefits of "embodied energy" -- an approach that incorporates power sources into the body of a machine, to reduce its weight and cost. -- The worm and jellyfish are direct descendants of an aqueous soft robot, inspired by a lionfish and unveiled in 2019, that could store energy and power its applications via a circulating hydraulic fluid -- i.e., "robot blood." Similar blood sustains the new species, but with an improved design for greater battery capacity and power density. -- "The jellyfish has much more capacity for its weight, so the duration it can travel is even longer than the fish," said Rob Shepherd, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, who led both projects. -- "The worm is the first version we've done above ground. When it's underwater, you get buoyantly supported, so you don't need a skeleton. It doesn't need to be rigid." -- The key innovation of the worm robot was its compartmentalized design. -- The worm's body is a series of interconnected pods, each containing a motor and tendon actuator so the worm can compress and expand its shape, as well as a stack of anolyte pouches immersed in catholyte. -- "There are a lot of robots that are powered hydraulically, and we're the first to use hydraulic fluid as the battery, which reduces the overall weight of the robot, because the battery serves two purposes, providing the energy for the system and providing the force to get it to move," Shepherd said. -- "So then you can have things like a worm, where it's almost all energy, so it can travel for long distances." -- The researchers tested two modes of movement. The worm can inch along the ground, with each pod contracting and then pushing itself forward; the worm can also push its way up and down a vertical pipe like a caterpillar, a technique known as two-anchor crawling.	N01 T01	246
2505-E028	Chemists Create Recyclable Alternative To Durable Plastics For Everyday Use	Cornell University researchers have created a recyclable alternative to thermoset plastics, traditionally used in durable items like tires and medical devices. By developing a bio-sourced material with similar durability, they have addressed the recycling challenges associated with conventional thermosets. This innovation promises a more sustainable lifecycle for these materials, contributing to environmental conservation efforts in the plastics industry.	Cornell University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A research group at Umeå University has developed new advanced light-controlled tools that enable precise control of proteins in real time in living cells. This groundbreaking research opens doors to new methods for studying complex processes in cells and could pave the way for significant advances in medicine and synthetic biology. -- “Cellular processes are complex and constantly change depending on when and where in the cell they occur. Our new chemical tool with light switches will make it easier to control processes in the cell and study how cells function in real time. We can also determine where we make such regulation with a resolution of micrometres within a cell or tissue”, says Yaowen Wu, professor in the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University. -- The intricate choreography of what happens in a cell is based on the precise distribution and interaction of proteins over time and space. Controlling protein or gene function is a cornerstone of modern biological research. However, traditional genetic techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 often operate on a longer time scale, which risks causing cells to adapt. In addition, the techniques lack the spatial and temporal precision required to study highly dynamic cellular processes. -- To address these challenges, so-called chemo-optogenetic systems have emerged as powerful tools. These systems combine chemical molecules, optics, and genetically modified proteins to precisely control protein activities at specific locations in cells using light-sensitive small molecules. Professor Yaowen Wu’s lab is at the forefront of developing chemo-optogenetic systems. -- Previously, Yaowen Wu’s lab introduced systems based on a type of molecular glue. These work by bringing two proteins close together to change the localization or activity of a protein. The molecular glues are activated or deactivated by light by removing or cleaving a light-sensitive group. Although these tools represented significant advances, they had limitations in their use and insufficient photo- and chemical stability. -- In two new publications selected as hot papers in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition and Chemistry – A European Journal, researchers in the Wu lab have developed next-generation chemo-optogenetic tools based on photoswitchable molecular glues. These improve on previous systems and overcome limitations. Through the modified molecular design, these molecular glues can be turned “on” or “off” like a light switch using light of specific wavelengths, allowing for multiple activation cycles where the two different states either promote or inhibit protein function. -- ”The new modular design enables enormous versatility of the system with adaptable properties and more stability”, says Jun Zhang, staff scientist at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University. -- “In our experiments, we were able to demonstrate precise control over several processes in the cell, including protein function and localization, organelle positioning and protein levels”, says Laura Herzog, postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Chemistry at Umeå University.	A01 C01 T01	247
2507-024	Protein Mechanism Helps Bacteria Survive Antibiotic Exposure, Researchers Discover	A team from Cornell University has identified a shuttling mechanism that enables bacteria to withstand antibiotic exposure by pumping out various substances, including antibiotics. This discovery lays the groundwork for developing strategies to counteract antibiotic resistance by disrupting the bacterial pumping process.	Cornell University	Cornell University	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cornell University-led collaboration has uncovered the equipment that enables bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics: a shuttling mechanism that helps a complex of proteins pump out a wide spectrum of antibiotics along with other physiological substrates from the cell. -- Now that the mechanism has been identified, the researchers are using chemical and mechanical manipulations to disrupt the process, so that antibiotics can work unimpeded. -- The research was led by Peng Chen, professor of chemistry. Co-lead authors are Wenyao Zhang, Ph.D. '23, and Christine Harper, Ph.D. '22. -- Some bacteria are more resistant to antibiotics than others, with so-called gram-negative bacteria being particularly resilient because they have an extra membrane to armor themselves. -- They also have a sophisticated plumbing system in the form of a three-part protein complex -- MacAB-TolC -- that spans the cell's inner and outer membranes, as well as the periplasm that connects them. -- Each of the three key proteins occupies a different location: TolC on the outer membrane, MacB on the inner membrane and MacA in the periplasm, although it is anchored on the inner membrane. -- This "tripartite" protein complex, also known as a multidrug efflux pump, forms a conduit that drains out not only antibiotics but also virulence factors -- i.e., molecules that are produced by the bacterial cell itself and can infect or otherwise compromise its host. -- In order to pump out toxins, the three proteins need to assemble in a specific stoichiometry, or chemical balance. -- Two MacB proteins assemble with six MacA proteins, then three TolC proteins. -- That ratio has been well understood, but researchers have wondered, once the structure is assembled, how molecules in the periplasm enter the channel that runs through the complex and through which different types of substrates they get pumped.	Z01	248
2508-E003	Migrating Mallard Ducks Pose Bird Flu Risk To Backyard Poultry	A Cornell University study has discovered that tracking the migration patterns of mallard ducks—known carriers of avian influenza—can help predict the risk of bird flu spreading to backyard poultry. By analyzing stopover locations and durations, researchers aim to improve biosecurity measures for poultry flocks, especially in Croatia, where both migratory mallards and mute swans congregate. The findings could lead to better public awareness and protection for domestic birds.	Cornell University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Knowing where, when and for how long mallard ducks -- natural carriers of avian influenza -- stop and rest as they migrate can help predict the probability that they will spread bird flu to backyard poultry flocks, according to a Cornell University study. -- The finding, published in Scientific Reports, takes an important step in explaining the transmission dynamics of bird flu, a strain also known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), and could one day inform people with backyard poultry of the best times to take extra precautions to isolate their birds from wild ones. -- The researchers used a computer model to predict infection risk to backyard poultry, resident mallards and overwintering mute swans in Croatia, which serves as a stopover area for both migratory mallards and the swans. -- While mallards tolerate avian influenza well, it is fatal to mute swans; the dead birds can serve to alert people to the presence of bird flu that is otherwise hard to detect in the wild. -- Though Croatia served as a study system in this paper, the results are relevant to other places, including the United States. -- "The virus has jumped independently at different times from wild birds to dairy cows," said Sebastian Llanos-Soto, a doctoral student in the lab of senior author Renata Ivanek, professor of epidemiology. -- "There is an urgent need to improve our ability to predict the introduction of avian influenza at the wildlife-domestic animal interface and our study contributes to this goal," Llanos-Soto said. -- In the study, the computer model was informed with migratory data, with migratory mute swans arriving in Croatia between September and November to winter and returning to breeding grounds between February and April. -- Mallards arrive between October and November for a stopover of seven to 28 days before continuing on their migration through the Mediterranean-Black Sea flyway. -- The model simulated the transmission of HPAI in an area considered to be of high risk for introduction into poultry farms via waterfowl.	R01 N01 T01	249
2508-E009	Underwater Microphones And Machine Learning Aid North Atlantic Right Whale Conservation	A novel method utilizing underwater microphones and machine learning has been developed to estimate the population of North Atlantic right whales, enhancing conservation efforts for this endangered species. Researchers have combined audio recordings with traditional aerial surveys to improve monitoring accuracy in Cape Cod Bay. This innovative approach offers a safer, cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, allowing for better tracking of whale numbers and their movements.	Cornell University	Endangered Species Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Using underwater microphones and machine learning (ML), Cornell University researchers have developed a new method to estimate North Atlantic right whale numbers -- offering a potentially safer and more cost-effective way to monitor this critically endangered species. -- Their study, published in Endangered Species Research, demonstrates how microphones combined with ML and traditional aerial survey methods can help track right whale populations in Cape Cod Bay, a crucial feeding ground where the whales gather each spring. -- To track this endangered species, researchers rely on costly and dangerous surveys by airplanes, or use sound recordings to identify their presence, or absence. -- "Using sound recordings to monitor whale populations isn't new," said lead author Marissa Garcia of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics. -- "What makes our study unique is that we were able to take those recordings and go beyond getting information on the presence or absence of whales to getting an approximate number of whales in an area." -- The team set out an array of marine autonomous recording units (MARU) across Cape Cod Bay to capture right whale sounds. -- Following deployment of the MARUs, the team trained, validated and applied a deep-learning model that could automatically detect right whale sounds with 86% precision. -- "By analyzing their distinctive upcall vocalizations, we can detect their presence continuously, day and night," Garcia said. -- "This kind of round-the-clock monitoring that results from passive acoustic monitoring just isn't possible with traditional aerial surveys, which can only happen in daylight hours and in good weather." -- Garcia says there's still some uncertainty in the counts that the team needs to address in future research, but the team is optimistic that monitoring whale vocalizations holds promise for estimating the abundance of right whales to aid in conservation and management efforts.	Z01	250
2508-E039	Genetic Factors Influence Cavities Caused By Starchy Carbohydrates	New research from Cornell University indicates that, like sugar, starches may also contribute to dental cavities, depending on genetic factors. The study focuses on how variations in the AMY1 gene, which affects salivary amylase production, influence the oral microbiome's response to starch consumption. The findings stress the importance of oral hygiene, suggesting that individuals with certain genetic makeups should be equally diligent about cleaning their teeth after consuming starchy foods.	Cornell University	Microorganisms	Press Rel	PubMed	It's common knowledge that sugar causes cavities, but new Cornell University research provides evidence that -- depending on your genetic makeup -- starches could also be a contributing factor. -- The study, published in Microorganisms, explores the response of the oral microbiome to starch, finding that the number of copies of a particular gene, AMY1, in combination with starch, alters the complex composition of bacteria that play a role in oral health. -- "Most people have been warned that if you eat a bunch of sugar, make sure you brush your teeth," said Angela Poole, senior author and assistant professor of molecular nutrition. -- "The takeaway finding here is that depending on your AMY1 copy number, you may want to be just as vigilant about brushing your teeth after eating those digestible starches." -- AMY1 codes for the salivary amylase enzyme, which helps break down starch in the mouth. -- Previous studies have associated AMY1 with cavities and periodontal disease. -- Poole, in prior studies, found that a high AMY1 copy number is associated with higher levels of the species Porphyromonas endodontalis, which is strongly associated with periodontitis and gum disease. -- But how the salivary amylase enzyme interacts with its main substrate, starch, to alter the oral microbiome and increase disease risk was unclear. -- "That's what we wanted to know in this experiment," Poole said. -- "What's going on in the mouth if someone eats starch, and is the answer different if their copy number is high or if it's low? What we found was that there are other bacteria involved in these processes and that the changes depended on AMY1."	H01 H02	251
2509-054	Going Against Your Own Judgment Increases Feelings Of Self-Blame When Things Go Wrong	New research from Cornell University reveals that individuals who ignore their better judgment in decision-making feel more culpable if outcomes go poorly. This study uncovers the psychological dynamics of shared decision-making, suggesting that seeking outside opinions may inadvertently increase personal accountability for negative results.	Cornell University	Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin	Press Rel	PubMed	When people go along with opinions that go against their better judgment, they feel more culpable for the decision if things go wrong than if they hadn't received another opinion, new research from Cornell University finds. -- The effect may seem counterintuitive, but going against one's better judgment increases thoughts about better decisions that could have been made, which amplify feelings of control over the situation. -- "If you have another person in the decision process, you would think that's going to help spread the responsibility," said Kaitlin Woolley, professor of marketing and management communications. -- "And yet not only do people not blame the adviser more, they're blaming themselves more." -- Woolley and Sunita Sah, associate professor of management and organizations, published their findings in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. -- The research included a 200-subject in-person experiment with physical prizes and four online studies, with up to 1,200 participants per experiment. -- Participants chose between two lotteries, one with clearly superior prizes. -- Some subjects were offered input from an adviser who had no more knowledge about the choices. -- The adviser recommended the lesser lottery, and in four of the five studies participants received the lowest possible prize: 10 cents. -- Across all studies, they found that participants' feelings of culpability and the perception that they had control over the situation were greater in the group that received input than in the group that made an independent decision.	Z01	252
2509-075	Peer Recognition Plays A Vital Role In Success For Physics Students	A recent study highlights the significance of peer recognition in physics education, revealing that female students, despite receiving similar acknowledgment as their male counterparts, perceive it differently. The findings suggest that men's internalization of peer praise varies from women's, impacting their confidence and success in physics. This research aims to enhance teaching strategies by understanding these dynamics, indicating the crucial role of peer interactions in student achievement.	Cornell University	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Experts see peer recognition as important to student success in physics, and a new study gives college-level physics instructors insight into how students perceive the message from their classmates that "you're good at physics." -- Even when women receive similar amounts of recognition from peers as men for excelling in physics classes, they perceive significantly less peer recognition, the researchers found. "Men are internalizing their recognition differently than women," said Natasha Holmes, professor of physics at Cornell University. -- "This research fits into the broader goal of physics education research, to understand how we support students to make sure they are successful, and how we figure out where we can intervene," Holmes said. "We know from the research that having teachers and parents recognize students as being good at physics is important, but peers' recognition is a huge part. Small interactions can take place that either pull someone in or push someone out." -- With the goal of advancing physics teaching and learning, physics education research uses data-driven outcomes to explore what students are learning and how to help instructors promote student learning. The subfield has been active within physics for decades in the U.S., Holmes said, and to have this study published in a leading international physics journal signals its growth and acceptance broadly. The article is the first on physics education research to be published in Nature Physics since editors invited submissions from the subfield in March 2024. -- Past studies, including at Cornell, have examined how undergraduate physics students receive recognition from peers for being good at physics; other studies have looked at how they perceive those messages. -- This is the first study to examine the relationship between receiving and perceiving messages of positive recognition, said first author Meagan Sundstrom, Ph.D. '24, a postdoctoral researcher at Drexel University. The team developed and tested three possible relationships based on prior literature, each of which could inspire future study, she said. -- Sundstrom designed the study to directly compare the number of nominations students receive from their peers for being strong in their physics course (a stand-in for received peer recognition) to the extent to which students feel recognized by their peers (perceived peer recognition.) The study included more than 1,700 undergraduate students enrolled in 27 courses at eight institutions in the U.S. -- Although men and women received proportional recognition from peers in their physics lab classes, men received disproportionate recognition in their physics lecture classes. But men reported significantly higher perceptions of peer recognition than women in both lab and lecture courses. -- "For students receiving the same amount of peer recognition … women report significantly lower perceived peer recognition than men," the researchers wrote. -- "We learned that the place for intervention is on perception of recognition -- on how students are internalizing the recognition they are receiving," Holmes said.	Z01	253
2510-E015	New Mechanism Helps Bacterial Jumping Genes Survive And Evolve	Researchers have discovered how transposons, or "jumping genes," contribute to bacterial evolution and antibiotic resistance by moving within linear DNA. This finding sheds light on their survival mechanisms and has implications for biotechnology and drug development, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.	Cornell University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Transposons, or "jumping genes" -- DNA segments that can move from one part of the genome to another -- are key to bacterial evolution and the development of antibiotic resistance. -- Cornell University researchers have discovered a new mechanism these genes use to survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA, with applications in biotechnology and drug development. -- Researchers show that transposons can target and insert themselves at the ends of linear chromosomes, called telomeres, within their bacterial host. -- In Streptomyces -- historically one of the most significant bacteria for antibiotic development -- they found that transposons controlled the telomeres in nearly a third of the chromosomes. -- "This is a big part of their biology," said senior author Joseph Peters, professor of microbiology. -- "Bacteria are like these little tinkerers. They're always collecting these mobile DNA pieces, and they're making new functions all the time -- everything in antibiotic resistance is really about mobile genetic elements and almost always transposons that can move between bacteria." -- With some technologies not available even five years ago, the researchers identified several families of transposons in cyanobacteria and Streptomyces that, using different mechanisms, can find and insert themselves at the telomere, with benefits for the transposon and their bacterial host. -- For one, inserting at the end of the chromosome helps the transposon avoid genes for the cell's core functioning, which reside in the middle of the chromosomes; transposons that can target the ends are less likely to disrupt an essential function or cause cell death. -- "If you could target the end, you're less likely to knock out something that the host wants, and then these ends, by various systems, are transferred between cells," Peters said. -- "For any element to survive -- a transposon, bacteria -- they really need to be able to do those two things: They need to not cause too much damage, and they need a way to move to new hosts. By inserting into the telomeres, they're able to do both."	Z01	254
2510-T003	New Metal Design Method Enhances Impact Resistance	A novel method for designing impact-resistant metals and alloys has emerged, capable of enhancing the durability of vehicles and protective gear. This research focuses on nanometer-scale modifications to prevent embrittlement under extreme conditions, paving the way for advancements in materials science and engineering.	Cornell University	Communications Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cornell University-led collaboration devised a new method for designing metals and alloys that can withstand extreme impacts, which could lead to the development of automobiles, aircraft and armor that can better endure high-speed impacts, extreme heat and stress. -- The research, published in Communications Materials, introduces nanometer-scale speed bumps that suppress a fundamental transition that controls how metallic materials deform. -- The project was led by Mostafa Hassani, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, in collaboration with researchers from the Army Research Laboratory (ARL). The paper's co-lead authors were doctoral candidate Qi Tang and postdoctoral researcher Jianxiong Li. -- When a metallic material is struck at an extremely high speed -- think highway collisions and ballistic impacts -- the material immediately ruptures and fails. The reason for that failure is embrittlement -- the material loses ductility (the ability to bend without breaking) when deformed rapidly. However, embrittlement is a fickle process: If you take the same material and bend it slowly, it will deform but not break right way. -- That malleable quality in metals is the result of tiny defects, or dislocations, that move through the crystalline grain until they encounter a barrier. During rapid, extreme strains, the dislocations accelerate -- at speeds of kilometers per second -- and begin interacting with lattice vibrations, or phonons, which create a substantial resistance. This is where a fundamental transition occurs -- from a so-called thermally activated glide to a ballistic transport -- leading to significant drag and, ultimately, embrittlement. -- Hassani's team worked with the ARL researchers to create a nanocrystalline alloy, copper-tantalum (Cu-3Ta). Nanocrystalline copper's grains are so small, the dislocations' movement would be inherently limited, and that movement was further confined by the inclusion of nanometer clusters of tantalum inside the grains. -- To test the material, Hassani's lab used a custom-built tabletop platform that launches, via laser pulse, spherical microprojectiles that are 10 microns in size and reach speeds of up to 1 kilometer per second -- faster than an airplane. The microprojectiles strike a target material, and the impact is recorded by a high-speed camera. The researchers ran the experiment with pure copper, then with copper-tantalum. They also repeated the experiment at a slower rate with a spherical tip that was gradually pushed into the substrate, indenting it. -- In a conventional metal or alloy, dislocations can travel several dozen microns without any barriers. But in nanocrystalline copper-tantalum, the dislocations could barely move more than a few nanometers, which are 1,000 times smaller than a micron, before they were stopped in their tracks. Embrittlement was effectively suppressed. -- "This is the first time we see a behavior like this at such a high rate. And this is just one microstructure, one composition that we have studied," Hassani said. "Can we tune the composition and microstructure to control dislocation-phonon drag? Can we predict the extent of dislocation-phonon interactions?" -- The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and the Army Research Office.	H02	255
2510-T022	Acoustic Monitoring Aids Forest Managers In Restoring Fire-Prone Areas	A groundbreaking study utilizing the largest network of microphones in the United States allows scientists to track bird populations in California's Sierra Nevada, enhancing forest management strategies. By analyzing over 700,000 hours of recorded bird sounds, the research sheds light on the health of various bird species and their relationship with forest conditions. This innovative bioacoustic approach provides vital insights for preserving wildlife and maintaining resilient forest ecosystems.	Cornell University	Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have found a new way to track forest birds using thousands of microphones, helping them better protect both wildlife and forests in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The research, published today in Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, demonstrates how emerging bioacoustic technology can enhance wildlife monitoring and forest management. -- Researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics analyzed more than 700,000 hours of bird sounds recorded across California's Sierra Nevada. -- The team deployed microphones at 1,600 sites spanning approximately 6 M acres of Sierra Nevada forest to track 10 important bird species, including owls and woodpeckers, that can tell us about the forest's health. -- "The amount of coverage that gives us and the idea of what's happening with species at so many different locations allow for really powerful inference to be drawn from the network," said study lead author Kristin Brunk, a postdoctoral associate at the Yang Center. -- Using automatic microphone recording units and BirdNET, a machine-learning algorithm, they analyzed the recordings to identify different bird calls and studied how these birds relate to various forest conditions, such as how many trees are in an area or how dense the forest canopy is -- variables that managers commonly use in their planning processes. -- This information is particularly valuable now, as forest managers face tough decisions about preventing destructive wildfires while protecting wildlife. -- The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about where to thin forests or conduct controlled burns. -- "We're able to understand bird populations in the context of the forest conditions that are going to be actively manipulated by the management community to hopefully restore some resilience to this system," said Connor Wood, lead researcher at the K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics. -- This approach proves remarkably cost-effective compared to traditional wildlife surveys. -- "If you think about what the cost would have been to get that amount of information by having biologists collecting data across the landscape... the cost effectiveness can't really be matched," Brunk noted.	N01 N02	256
2510-T035	Understanding Handclapping: The Science Behind Its Acoustic Dynamics	Research led by Professor Sunny Jung explores the intricate physics of handclaps, revealing complex fluid dynamics that could have broader applications in bioacoustics and personal identification. The study highlights how something as simple as clapping can serve as a medium for communication and, intriguingly, a method for identifying individuals.	Cornell University	Physical Review Research	Press Rel	PubMed	In a scene toward the end of the 2006 film, "X-Men: The Last Stand," a character claps and sends a shock wave that knocks out an opposing army. -- Sunny Jung, professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, was intrigued. -- "It made me curious about how the wave propagates when we clap our hands," Jung said. -- Jung is senior author of a study, published March 11 in Physical Review Research, that elucidates the complex physical mechanisms and fluid dynamics involved in a handclap, with potential applications in bioacoustics and personal identification, whereby a handclap could be used to identify someone. -- "Clapping hands is a daily, human activity and form of communication," Jung said. -- "We use it in religious rituals, or to express appreciation: to resonate ourselves and excite ourselves. We wanted to explore how we generate the sound depending on how we clap our hands." -- The researchers used high-speed cameras to track the hand motion, air flow and sound of 10 volunteers clapping, measuring the different frequencies when the size and shape of the cavity between hands changes: when clapping with cupped hands, flat hands or fingers to palm. -- They found the larger the cavity between palms, the lower the frequency of the clap, with the hands acting as a resonator -- whereby the sound comes from the force of air through the hand's cavity and the opening between the thumb and index finger. -- "It's the air column pushed by this jet flow of air coming out of the hand cavity that causes the disturbance in the air, and that's the sound we hear," said first author Yicong Fu, doctoral student in the field of mechanical engineering. -- The researchers compared the human data to that produced with simplified replicas, as well as theoretical projections of how air would move through a traditional resonator, called a Helmholtz resonator.	Z01	257
2511-T025	AI Ring Innovatively Tracks American Sign Language Finger-Spelling In Real Time	Researchers at Cornell University have developed an innovative AI-powered ring that utilizes micro-sonar technology to track fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL) in real-time. This groundbreaking device, known as SpellRing, could revolutionize communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community by allowing seamless text entry through fingerspelling. With the potential for further development, the compact and practical design addresses previous technological challenges, providing an efficient tool for translating entire words and sentences in ASL.	Cornell University	submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cornell University-led research team has developed an artificial intelligence-powered ring equipped with micro-sonar technology that can continuously and in real time track fingerspelling in American Sign Language (ASL). -- In its current form, SpellRing could be used to enter text into computers or smartphones via fingerspelling, which is used in ASL to spell out words without corresponding signs, such as proper nouns, names and technical terms. -- With further development, the device -- believed to be the first of its kind -- could revolutionize ASL translation by continuously tracking entire signed words and sentences. -- "Many other technologies that recognize fingerspelling in ASL have not been adopted by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community because the hardware is bulky and impractical," said Hyunchul Lim, a doctoral student in the field of information science. -- "We sought to develop a single ring to capture all of the subtle and complex finger movement in ASL." -- Lim is lead author of "SpellRing: Recognizing Continuous Fingerspelling in American Sign Language using a Ring," which will be presented at the Association of Computing Machinery's conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI), April 26-May 1 in Yokohama, Japan. -- SpellRing is worn on the thumb and equipped with a microphone and speaker. -- Together they send and receive inaudible sound waves that track the wearer's hand and finger movements, while a mini gyroscope tracks the hand's motion. -- A proprietary deep-learning algorithm then processes the sonar images and predicts the ASL fingerspelled letters in real time and with similar accuracy as many existing systems that require more hardware. -- Developers evaluated SpellRing with 20 experienced and novice ASL signers, having them naturally and continuously fingerspell a total of more than 20,000 words of varying lengths.	C01	258
2513-E049	Warming Southern Ocean Will Lead To Increased Rainfall In Western U.S.	As global temperatures rise, projections indicate that the Southern Ocean will release absorbed heat, leading to increased precipitation in East Asia and the Western U.S., irrespective of climate mitigation efforts. A Cornell University-led study clarifies uncertainties surrounding these predictions, which could enhance our understanding of climate impacts across distant regions, highlighting the interconnectedness of Earth's climate systems.	Cornell University	Nat.	Press Rel	PubMed	As global temperatures warm, the Southern Ocean -- between Antarctica and other continents -- will eventually release heat absorbed from the atmosphere, leading to projected long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S., regardless of climate mitigation efforts. -- These teleconnections between the tropical Pacific and far-flung areas are reported in a Cornell University-led computer-model study published in Nature Geoscience. -- While other computer models have projected similar precipitation increases generated by a warming Southern Ocean, major uncertainties and a wide range of predictions exist between models. -- The new study serves to reduce those uncertainties, which could improve predictions of global mean temperatures and regional precipitation. -- "We needed to find the cause of those uncertainties," said Hanjun Kim, the study's co-corresponding author and a postdoctoral associate working with co-authors Flavio Lehner and Angeline Pendergrass, both assistant professors of atmospheric sciences at Cornell. -- Sarah Kang, professor in the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg, Germany, is the paper's other corresponding author. -- "I found that low-altitude cloud feedbacks over the Southern Hemisphere can be one cause of those uncertainties in remote Northern Hemisphere regional precipitation," Kim said. -- "If we try to reduce the uncertainty of Southern Hemisphere cloud feedbacks, then we can also improve the prediction of global mean temperatures." -- The Southern Ocean has a higher capacity for absorbing heat than other bodies of water due to a strong upwelling of deep cold water, but eventually the water will warm and gradually release heat. -- When this happens, that heat is distributed, creating teleconnections, which are predicted to increase precipitation in East Asia during summers and in the Western U.S. during winters.	R01 C01 N02 T01	259
2501-T019	Drone Mapping Reveals Hidden Secrets Of An Ancient Caucasus 'Mega Fortress'	A researcher from Cranfield University has utilized drone mapping to study a 3,000-year-old mega fortress in the Caucasus mountains, revealing new insights into ancient urbanization. This groundbreaking work reshapes our understanding of historical settlement growth and highlights the region’s cultural significance.	Cranfield University	Antiquity	Press Rel	PubMed	A Cranfield University, UK, academic has used drone mapping to investigate a 3000-year-old 'mega fortress' in the Caucasus mountains. Dr Nathaniel Erb-Satullo, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Science at Cranfield Forensic Institute, has been researching the site since 2018 with Dimitri Jachvliani, his co-director from the Georgian National Museum, revealing details that re-shape our understanding of the site and contribute to a global reassessment of ancient settlement growth and urbanism. -- Fortress settlements in the South Caucasus appeared between 1500-500 BCE, and represent an unprecedented development in the prehistory of the regions. -- Situated at the boundary between Europe, the Eurasian Steppe, and the Middle East, the Caucasus region has a long history as a cultural crossroads with distinctive local identities. -- Research on the fortress -- named Dmanisis Gora -- began with test excavations on a fortified promontory between two deep gorges. -- A subsequent visit in Autumn, when the knee-high high summer grasses had died back, revealed that the site was much larger than originally thought. -- Scattered across a huge area outside the inner fortress were the remains of additional fortification walls and other stone structures. -- Because of its size, it was impossible to get a sense of the site as a whole from the ground. -- "That was what sparked the idea of using a drone to assess the site from the air," commented Dr Erb-Satullo. -- "The drone took nearly 11,000 pictures which were knitted together using advanced software to produce high-resolution digital elevation models and orthophotos -- composite pictures that show every point as if you were looking straight down. -- "These datasets enabled us to identify subtle topographic features and create accurate maps of all the fortification walls, graves, field systems, and other stone structures within the outer settlement. The results of this survey showed that the site was more than 40 times larger than originally thought, including a large outer settlement defended by a 1km long fortification wall."	N02	260
2505-117	Fast And Affordable Cancer Biomarker Sensor Shows Promise For Early Detection	Scientists have designed a quick, low-cost sensor for detecting lung cancer biomarkers, which can yield results from blood samples in just 40 minutes. This innovative technology aims to enhance the early identification of lung cancer risk, supporting precision medicine approaches by tailoring treatments for those diagnosed with the disease.	Cranfield University	Biosensors	Press Rel	PubMed	It's been known for some time that radiation impacts the structural integrity of concrete. However, until now the details of this were unknown. Researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, can finally demonstrate what properties of concrete affect its structural characteristics under different neutron radiation loads. Their findings raise some concerns whilst reducing others; for example, quartz crystals in concrete can heal themselves, potentially allowing some reactors to run for longer than initially thought possible. -- Some high-profile incidents involving nuclear power stations naturally raise fear in people. But many believe nuclear power to be one of the cornerstones for achieving a carbon-neutral world. This places an emphasis on finding ways to improve safety, reliability, cost-effectiveness and other things, to reduce fears and increase receptiveness to this technology. One aspect of nuclear power stations that relates to safety and also longevity lies in the materials used in their construction; in particular, the concrete used throughout the buildings. It's known to be a very robust material and has been studied for a long time to better understand its material characteristics. But only now have researchers been able to explore in detail the way that neutron radiation from nuclear reactors can impact concrete's longevity. -- "Concrete is a composite material made up of multiple compounds. These can vary depending on various factors, including local geography, especially the rock aggregate which is a major component in concrete. But rock will often contain quartz. So, understanding how quartz changes under different radiation loads can help us predict how concrete should also behave in general," said Professor Ippei Maruyama from the Department of Architecture. "Neutron radiation-induced degradation is a particularly costly area of study, making extensive research difficult. Our research team has been addressing this issue since 2008, formulating strategies to solve the problem by consulting a wide range of literature and conducting interviews with experts. This culminated on our recent experiments using X-ray diffraction to look at irradiated quartz crystals." -- Among other things, Maruyama and his team looked at two properties of neutron radiation: the total dose the samples receive and the rates at which they receive it, or flux. What they found was a little surprising at first, for a given total dosage of neutron radiation, the amount of expansion in a quartz crystal was far higher when the dose rate was higher, and vice versa. As an analogy, you could think about the impact of the sun on your skin -- it's commonly advised not to spend too much time exposed to direct sunlight without protection, while it's less of a concern to receive the same exposure spread out over a longer stretch of time. -- "The discovery of the flux effect indicates not only that neutron radiation distorts the crystal structure, causing amorphization and expansion, but that there is also a phenomenon where the distorted crystals recover and the expansion diminishes, hence a lower rate affords more time to heal," said Maruyama. "We also saw this phenomenon depends on the size of the mineral crystals within concrete. Larger crystal grains exhibited less expansion, suggesting a size-dependent effect. Considering these findings, the degradation of concrete due to neutrons, which is currently a concern, may involve less expansion than previously thought. Consequently, degradation may be less severe than anticipated, potentially allowing nuclear power plants to operate more safely over longer periods." -- The team now aims to address several challenges in understanding the expansion behavior of different rock-forming minerals, further clarifying the mechanisms of expansion and developing the ability to predict the expansion of aggregates based on their material properties and environmental conditions. The team also seeks to predict the way cracks form based on mineral expansion. This research could contribute to the selection of materials and design of concrete for future nuclear power plants. Additionally, it may provide valuable insights into the durability and stability of inorganic materials used in space-based structures for extraterrestrial construction in orbit of Earth, and beyond.	H01 R01 T01	261
2506-038	Outdoor Pollution And Climate Change May Delay Births During Pregnancy, New Study Finds	New research from Curtin University indicates that outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy may increase the likelihood of prolonged pregnancies. Analyzing data from nearly 400,000 births, the study emphasizes the need to understand climate change's impact on maternal health and the associated risks for mothers and infants.	Curtin University	Urban Climate	Press Rel	PubMed	New Curtin University research has found exposure to outdoor air pollution and extreme temperatures during pregnancy may increase the risk of prolonged pregnancy, offering new insights into the impact of climate change on maternal health. -- The study analysed data from nearly 400,000 births in Western Australia and found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and biothermal stress (a measure that combines air temperature, radiant temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and human physiology) was associated with pregnancies lasting beyond 41 weeks. -- Lead author Dr Sylvester Dodzi Nyadanu from Curtin's School of Population Health said while climate exposure has long been linked to preterm births, this is the first study to examine its impact on prolonged pregnancies. -- "We know that being 'born too soon' -- preterm birth -- has well-documented health risks, but little attention has been given to the risks associated with being 'born too late'," Dr Nyadanu said. -- "Our findings show that exposure to air pollution and biothermal stress during pregnancy increases the likelihood of prolonged pregnancies, particularly among mothers over 35 years old, first-time mothers, those living in urban areas, and those with complicated pregnancies. -- "Environmental stressors, including climate-related exposures during pregnancy, have been associated with maternal stress response and subsequent disruptions in endocrine and inflammatory activities, which increase towards the end of pregnancy. This can either shorten gestation, leading to preterm birth, or lengthen gestation, resulting in prolonged pregnancy in some cases." -- Dr Nyadanu said prolonged pregnancy can have serious health implications for both mother and baby, including the need for medical interventions such as labour induction or caesarean sections, increased risk of stillbirth, birth complications, child mortality, early childhood behavioural and emotional problems, and emotional impacts on families. -- "With climate change driving more frequent extreme weather events and worsening air quality, it is essential that we recognise the potential impacts on maternal and child health," Dr Nyadanu said. -- "Healthcare providers, policymakers and pregnant women -- particularly those in vulnerable groups -- must consider climate-related exposures when assessing pregnancy risks and planning interventions. -- "This study highlights the need for targeted policies and preventative measures to reduce climate-related health risks, including better air quality regulations and public health initiatives aimed at protecting expectant mothers and children from extreme climatic conditions."	H01 H02 C01	262
2508-065	Innovative Glass Treatment Enhances Hydrophobic Properties For Safer, Cleaner Environments	Researchers at Curtin University have pioneered a non-toxic technique to render glass water-repellent using ultrasonic sound waves, which could enhance vehicle safety, lower building maintenance costs, and improve filtration systems. This innovative method permanently alters the glass surface, creating durable hydrophobic or electrically charged characteristics, unlike conventional coatings that can wear off over time. Lead researcher Associate Professor Nadim Darwish emphasizes the environmentally friendly nature of this process.	Curtin University	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Curtin University researchers have developed a new technique to make glass water-repellent, a feature that could improve safety in vehicles, reduce cleaning costs for buildings and enhance filtration systems. -- The research, published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, shows how an innovative and non-toxic process using ultrasonic sound waves can alter the surface of glass, making it either hydrophobic (water resistant) or electrically charged. -- Lead researcher Associate Professor Nadim Darwish, an ARC Future Fellow at Curtin's School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS), explained that the process uses ultrasound to trigger a chemical reaction that permanently alters the surface of glass. -- "The sound waves create microscopic bubbles in a diazonium salt solution, which then collapse rapidly creating tiny bursts of heat and pressure," Associate Professor Darwish said. -- "This triggers a reaction that forms a stable, organic layer to the glass, making it either permanently water-repellent or positively charged, depending on the type of diazonium salt used. Unlike conventional coatings, that wear off over time, our method creates a chemical bond at the molecular level, making it far more durable and environmentally friendly." -- Study co-author Dr Tiexin Li, a Research Associate at Curtin's School of MLS, said the ability to modify glass surfaces in a simple and sustainable way has far-reaching implications across multiple industries. -- "Glass is used everywhere -- from cars and buildings to industrial filters -- but its natural tendency to attract water limits its performance," Dr Li said. -- "Unlike traditional coatings this film won't peel off, dissolve in water or deteriorate so it's ideal for real-world applications where reliability and durability are key. This could mean clearer windshields in heavy rain, self-cleaning skyscraper windows and solar panels that stay dust-free." -- Co-author Zane Datson, also from Curtin's School of MLS, highlighted another unexpected benefit -- the ability of the modified glass to attract bacteria, fungi and algae. -- "This is very exciting as we can tailor glass properties for specific uses including in advanced filtration systems and biofuel production," Mr Datson said.	C01	263
2510-E033	Ancient Meteorite Impact Crater Discovered, Changing Our Understanding Of Earth's History	Researchers at Curtin University have uncovered the oldest known meteorite impact crater, dated to 3.5 billion years ago, which could reshape our understanding of life’s origins and Earth’s geological history. This groundbreaking discovery challenges prior beliefs, as the previous oldest crater was only 2.2 billion years old. Evidence from unique rock formations called 'shatter cones' indicates the intensity of the ancient impact.	Curtin University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Curtin University researchers have discovered the world's oldest known meteorite impact crater, which could significantly redefine our understanding of the origins of life and how our planet was shaped. -- The team from Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) investigated rock layers in the North Pole Dome -- an area of the Pilbara region of Western Australia -- and found evidence of a major meteorite impact 3.5 billion years ago. -- Study co-lead Professor Tim Johnson, from Curtin University, said the discovery significantly challenged previous assumptions about our planet's ancient history. -- "Before our discovery, the oldest impact crater was 2.2 billion years old, so this is by far the oldest known crater ever found on Earth," Professor Johnson said. -- Researchers discovered the crater thanks to 'shatter cones', distinctive rock formations only formed under the intense pressure of a meteorite strike. -- The shatter cones at the site, about 40 kilometres west of Marble Bar in WA's Pilbara region, were formed when a meteorite slammed into the area at more than 36,000km/h. -- This would have been a major planetary event, resulting in a crater more than 100km wide that would have sent debris flying across the globe. -- "We know large impacts were common in the early solar system from looking at the Moon," Professor Johnson said. -- "Until now, the absence of any truly ancient craters means they are largely ignored by geologists. -- "This study provides a crucial piece of the puzzle of Earth's impact history and suggests there may be many other ancient craters that could be discovered over time."	C01	264
2503-061	Innovative PET Imaging Method Detects Inflammation With High Sensitivity And Selectivity	Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have pioneered a PET imaging method for detecting inflammation by targeting CD45, a marker on immune cells. This innovative probe offers clear imaging of inflammatory conditions in various organs, demonstrating the potential to enhance clinical diagnosis and management of diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and acute respiratory distress syndrome.	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a breakthrough method to detect inflammation in the body using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This innovative probe targets CD45, a marker abundantly expressed on all immune cells but absent from other cell types. In healthy animals, the probe provides remarkably clear images of immune system organs such as bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. In disease models, it reveals inflammation in affected organs, such as the colon in inflammatory bowel disease and the lungs in acute respiratory distress syndrome. -- The researchers found that the inflammation severity shown by CD45-PET correlates with both microscopic tissue analysis and clinical symptoms. -- They also developed a human CD45-PET probe and demonstrated its ability to detect human immune cells in a humanized mouse model. -- Furthermore, in animal models of graft-versus-host disease -- a serious condition following bone marrow transplants -- the human CD45-PET probe showed potential for early detection and precise localization of the disease, which can manifest in various body parts. -- The team is now working toward initiating clinical trials to validate their human CD45-PET probe. -- Inflammation is a sign that the immune system is actively defending the body against disease. -- However, prolonged and excessive inflammation can become pathological and is a key factor in many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, which collectively contribute to a significant portion of global mortality. -- Currently, there are no non-invasive tools to reliably detect and pinpoint inflamed areas within the body. -- The developed CD45-PET probe is the first to identify inflammation generally and with high sensitivity through whole-body imaging. -- Once validated in humans, this tool could have immediate clinical applications, guiding the selection of anti-inflammatory treatments, monitoring responses to anti-inflammatory medications and cancer immunotherapies, and aiding in the diagnosis of conditions with known inflammatory underpinnings.	H02 R01 N01 N02 T01	265
2505-089	Personalized Cancer Vaccine Triggers Successful Immune Response In Kidney Cancer Patients	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reports promising results from a clinical trial of a personalized cancer vaccine for patients with advanced kidney cancer. All nine participants generated successful anti-cancer immune responses post-surgery, remaining cancer-free at follow-up, indicating that this innovative approach could be pivotal in future cancer therapies.	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Known for their powerful punch, mantis shrimp can smash a shell with the force of a .22 caliber bullet. Yet, amazingly, these tough critters remain intact despite the intense shockwaves created by their own strikes. -- Northwestern University researchers have discovered how mantis shrimp remain impervious to their own punches. -- Their fists, or dactyl clubs, are covered in layered patterns, which selectively filter out sound. -- By blocking specific vibrations, the patterns act like a shield against self-generated shockwaves. -- The study will be published on Friday (Feb. 7) in the journal Science. -- The findings someday could be applied to developing synthetic, sound-filtering materials for protective gear as well as inspire new approaches to reducing blast-related injuries in military and sports. -- "The mantis shrimp is known for its incredibly powerful strike, which can break mollusk shells and even crack aquarium glass," said Northwestern's Horacio D. Espinosa, the study's co-corresponding author. -- "However, to repeatedly execute these high-impact strikes, the mantis shrimp's dactyl club must have a robust protection mechanism to prevent self-damage. Most prior work has focused on the club's toughness and crack resistance, treating the structure as a toughened impact shield. We found it uses phononic mechanisms -- structures that selectively filter stress waves. This enables the shrimp to preserve its striking ability over multiple impacts and prevent soft tissue damage." -- An expert on bio-inspired materials, Espinosa is the James N. and Nancy J. Farley Professor in Manufacturing and Entrepreneurship and a professor of mechanical engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, where he directs the Institute for Cellular Engineering Technologies. -- Espinosa led the study in partnership with M. Abi Ghanem of the Institute of Light and Matter, a joint research unit between Claude-Bernard-Lyon-I University and the Center for National Scientific Research in France.	H01 R01	266
2507-120	Study Explores Navtemadlin's Potential To Enhance Glioblastoma Treatment Effectiveness	A promising study suggests that combining the novel drug navtemadlin with traditional chemotherapy could enhance treatment efficacy for glioblastoma. This innovative approach targets cancer cells by activating the p53 protein, paving the way for further research into effective combinations that may improve survival rates for patients battling this aggressive form of brain cancer.	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	Clinical research by Dana-Farber scientists suggests that combining a novel agent called navtemadlin with DNA-damaging chemotherapy for the treatment of glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer, could increase efficacy. Navtemadlin is an MDM2 inhibitor that can help to kill cancer cells by boosting the activity of p53, a protein that controls cell growth and induces cell death in response to DNA damage. In lab experiments, the researchers found that navtemadlin was one of the best drugs at killing glioblastoma cells with intact, non-mutant p53. -- In this clinical trial, patients received navtemadlin, followed by surgery to remove tumor tissue, enabling the researchers to see how well the drug penetrated the tumor and understand its effects on cancer cells. -- They found that navtemadlin reached effective concentrations in the tumor and activated the p53 pathway, but the tumors eventually relapsed. -- The team then used tissue samples from three relapses and other patients to create patient-derived tumor models. -- They tested a range of navtemadlin dosing and combinations on these tumor models and found that combining navtemadlin with other DNA-damaging chemotherapy, such as temozolomide, could increase the rates at which cancer cells die. -- Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and most common malignant brain cancer in adults. It is currently treated with surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Prognosis is poor even with treatment. A challenge in conducting clinical trials in brain cancer is that it can be difficult to detect the cellular effects of new agents, as investigators are often limited to using imaging data and patient symptoms. This trial of navtemadlin sampled tumors on treatment, enabling the investigators to understand its effects in detail and conduct additional studies to optimize treatment strategies. This study suggests that a combination therapy strategy has the potential to increases the efficacy of navtemadlin and stave off resistance.	A01 H01 R01 R02 T01	267
2513-077	New Method Reveals How Proteins Control Cell Growth And Maturation Using CRISPR Technology	Collaborative research from Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center introduces a groundbreaking method, 'Perturb-multiome,' that employs CRISPR technology to investigate transcription factors affecting blood cell development. By analyzing the effects of these factors across numerous cells, the researchers identified crucial DNA regions that influence blood cell maturation, revealing connections to mutations associated with blood disorders, and paving the way for future gene therapy advancements.	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Collaborative research led by investigators at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center defines a novel approach to understanding how certain proteins called transcription factors determine which genetic programs will drive cell growth and maturation. The method, called "Perturb-multiome," uses CRISPR to knock out the function of individual transcription factors across many blood cells at once. -- The researchers then perform single-cell analyses on each cell to measure the effects of the editing, including identifying which genes have been turned on or off and which genes are accessible (based on epigenetic markers). The team applied this tool to immature blood cells to identify the important transcription factors -- and DNA regions that code for them -- that strongly affect how blood cells develop. -- They discovered that many of the DNA regions they identified as important for driving blood cell production are also regions known to harbor mutations linked to blood disorders. -- The DNA regions they identified as important occupy less than 0.3% of the genome, but they explain a disproportionately large share of the genetic influence on blood cell features and specialization. -- In earlier work, investigators from this team and other collaborators used genome-wide association studies to identify the transcription factor responsible for switching off fetal hemoglobin after birth, laying the groundwork for the development of gene therapy for sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. -- This new Perturb-multiome approach enables researchers to systematically reveal how thousands of transcription factor variants influence blood cell production and influence disease risk, creating opportunities for finding many more novel targeted therapies for blood disorders. -- Funding: La Caixa Foundation, the Rafael del Pino Foundation, the American Society of Hematology, the Broad Institute, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, the Lodish Family, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the National Institutes of Health.	H01 R01	268
2502-076	Half Of Adult Ticks Carry Lyme Disease: A 30-Year Study Reveals Alarming Findings	A Dartmouth study published in Parasites and Vectors analyzes data spanning three decades, revealing alarming rates of Lyme disease bacteria in blacklegged ticks across the Northeast. The research highlights that 50% of adult ticks and 20-25% of nymph ticks carry the Lyme-causing bacteria, indicating significant health risks during peak tick season, particularly in states like Connecticut and New York. The study emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive measures against tick bites.	Dartmouth College	Parasites & Vectors	Press Rel	PubMed	Across most of the Northeast, getting bitten by a blacklegged tick -- also called a deer tick -- is a risk during spring, summer, and fall. A new Dartmouth study, published in Parasites and Vectors, finds that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease while 20% to 25% of the younger (nymph) blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria. -- A team of researchers from universities, health departments, and agricultural agencies from across the Northeast conducted a meta-analysis of data on how many blacklegged ticks there are and how many of them have the potential to pass pathogens responsible for Lyme disease and three other tick-borne diseases in the Northeast from 1989 to 2021, including in Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine. -- Data was collected in Maine starting in 1989, while most of the other states began data collection in the mid- 2000s. Massachusetts and Rhode Island were not represented in the study due to either unavailable or insufficient data. -- Lyme disease was first discovered in Lyme, Conn, in 1975. Its symptoms can vary depending on the stage and severity of the disease but can include a rash, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle or joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. If left untreated, prolonged and more severe symptoms may develop. -- Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria calledBorrelia burgdorferi. Some but not all, white-footed mice, chipmunks, birds, squirrels, and other small animals carry the bacteria in their blood, making them "competent" hosts. Blacklegged ticks are not born infected with the Lyme disease bacteria. But when a blacklegged tick feeds on an infected host, the tick can get the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and then potentially spread it to humans through its bite. Other animals, like white-tailed deer, are "incompetent hosts," so while they are a food source for blacklegged ticks, they do not transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. -- Blacklegged ticks typically consume three blood meals over the course of a two-year life cycle: after they hatch into larvae in the midsummer of their first year; as nymphs during the following late spring, often in May or June; and as adults that fall, most likely between September and November. -- In general, ticks must be attached to a person for at least 24 hours to transmit the Lyme disease bacteria. So even though adult blacklegged ticks are more likely to carry the bacteria than younger ticks, because they are bigger, about the size of a sesame seed, there is particular concern about the younger ticks or nymphs, which are only about the size of a poppy seed, making them difficult to spot. -- "While the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease has a complicated chain of transmission, our results show the relative abundance of blacklegged ticks, and just how many of them are carrying disease-causing pathogens throughout the Northeast," says lead author Lucas Price, who was a postdoctoral fellow in geography at Dartmouth at the time of the study and is now a wildlife biologist at the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management. -- The researchers analyzed the abundance of blacklegged ticks and the presence of Lyme disease bacteria and other pathogens so that they could determine how blacklegged ticks and the pathogens they carry are changing in time and space. -- "Contrary to the well-documented spread of blacklegged ticks and Lyme disease over the past 30 years, we found very small changes in the abundance of blacklegged ticks, but think this is likely because we usually don't start sampling a location for blacklegged ticks until they're already established," says senior author Jonathan Winter, an associate professor of geography and director of the Applied Hydroclimatology Group at Dartmouth. However, we did find an increase in the percentage of blacklegged ticks that carry the Lyme disease bacteria."	H01 N01	269
2505-134	Lower Stress For New Mothers With Emotional Support Present During Childbirth	A Dartmouth-led study finds that pregnant individuals lacking desired emotional support during childbirth report significantly higher stress levels compared to those with support. The research highlights the importance of emotional presence during childbirth, suggesting that the absence of support can elevate stress comparable to the experience of a Cesarean section, thereby emphasizing the need for emotional support in enhancing maternal health during labor.	Dartmouth College	Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking University of Hawai'i at Manoa study on the freezing of water droplets suspended in air sheds light on a key process in Earth's water cycle: the transformation of supercooled water into ice. -- Conducted using a novel cryogenically cooled ultrasonic levitation chamber, the research captures real-time molecular-level changes during the freezing process, mimicking conditions in the Earth's atmosphere. -- This innovative setup enables researchers to observe how water droplets transition to ice at subzero temperatures, providing valuable insights into cloud formation and precipitation. -- This research ties into the larger effort by UH Manoa researchers and their collaborators to address climate challenges through a $26 million project to develop sustainable refrigerant technologies. -- "By uncovering the mechanisms of supercooled water freezing, we open pathways to innovations in low-temperature chemistry and climate-friendly cooling technologies," said UH Manoa Department of Chemistry Professor Ralf I. Kaiser. -- "This research holds particular importance for Hawai'i, where sustainable cooling solutions are vital to addressing the region's unique environmental and energy challenges." -- The research findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on February 3. -- More about the research -- By recreating atmospheric conditions, including pressure and temperature variations, the study also opens the door for future experiments involving chemically reactive trace gases, advancing our understanding of ice nucleation (process where ice begins to form, starting with tiny ice crystals developing in supercooled water) under realistic scenarios. -- Understanding the molecular interactions driving ice formation can help refine models of cloud dynamics and precipitation patterns, both of which play critical roles in predicting weather and climate changes.	H01 H02 R01	270
2513-008	AI Chatbot 'Therabot' Proves Effective In Reducing Mental Health Symptoms	A clinical trial conducted by Dartmouth researchers has successfully tested an AI-powered therapy chatbot named Therabot, which significantly improved mental health symptoms in participants. Users reported that interactions with the chatbot felt similar to working with a therapist. The study highlights the potential of AI in providing immediate support for mental health issues, particularly for individuals lacking access to traditional therapy, though clinician oversight remains crucial.	Dartmouth College	NEJM AI	Press Rel	PubMed	Dartmouth researchers conducted the first clinical trial of a therapy chatbot powered by generative AI and found that the software resulted in significant improvements in participants' symptoms, according to results published in NEJM AI, a journal from the publishers of the New England Journal of Medicine. -- People in the study also reported they could trust and communicate with the system, known as Therabot, to a degree that is comparable to working with a mental-health professional. -- The trial consisted of 106 people from across the United States diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or an eating disorder. Participants interacted with Therabot through a smartphone app by typing out responses to prompts about how they were feeling or initiating conversations when they needed to talk. -- People diagnosed with depression experienced a 51% average reduction in symptoms, leading to clinically significant improvements in mood and overall well-being, the researchers report. Participants with generalized anxiety reported an average reduction in symptoms of 31%, with many shifting from moderate to mild anxiety, or from mild anxiety to below the clinical threshold for diagnosis. -- Among those at risk for eating disorders -- who are traditionally more challenging to treat -- Therabot users showed a 19% average reduction in concerns about body image and weight, which significantly outpaced a control group that also was part of the trial. -- The researchers conclude that while AI-powered therapy is still in critical need of clinician oversight, it has the potential to provide real-time support for the many people who lack regular or immediate access to a mental-health professional. -- "The improvements in symptoms we observed were comparable to what is reported for traditional outpatient therapy, suggesting this AI-assisted approach may offer clinically meaningful benefits," says Nicholas Jacobson, the study's senior author and an associate professor of biomedical data science and psychiatry in Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. -- "There is no replacement for in-person care, but there are nowhere near enough providers to go around," Jacobson says. For every available provider in the United States, there's an average of 1,600 patients with depression or anxiety alone, he says. -- "We would like to see generative AI help provide mental health support to the huge number of people outside the in-person care system. I see the potential for person-to-person and software-based therapy to work together," says Jacobson, who is the director of the treatment development and evaluation core at Dartmouth's Center for Technology and Behavioral Health. -- Michael Heinz, the study's first author and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth, says the trial results also underscore the critical work ahead before generative AI can be used to treat people safely and effectively.	H01 H02 T01	271
2501-072	Research Enhances Durability Of Neural Implants With Innovative Protective Coatings.	A team of researchers has addressed the durability challenges of implantable silicon integrated circuits (ICs) in neural implants. By studying degradation mechanisms and applying protective soft PDMS elastomers, the team enhanced the longevity of these chips in corrosive body environments. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, expand the potential applications of neural implants in treating brain diseases, highlighting the importance of improving the durability of these devices for chronic use.	Delft University of Technology	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Neural implants contain integrated circuits (ICs) -- commonly called chips -- built on silicon. These implants need to be small and flexible to mimic circumstances inside the human body. However, the environment within the body is corrosive, which raises concerns about the durability of implantable silicon ICs. A team of researchers from the Bioelectronics Section led by Dr. Vasiliki (Vasso) Giagka, address this challenge by studying the degradation mechanisms of silicon ICs in the body and by coating them with soft PDMS elastomers to form body-fluid barriers that offer long-term protection to implantable chips. These findings not only enhance the longevity of implantable ICs but also significantly broaden their applications in the biomedical field. The paper on this project is published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Crucial research on brain diseases -- Neural implants are crucial in order to study the brain and develop treatments for patients with diseases like Parkinson's or clinical depression. -- Neural implants electrically stimulate, block, or record signals from neurons or neural networks in the brain. -- For study and treatment, and specifically for chronic use, these neural implants must be durable. -- "Miniaturized neural implants have enormous potential to transform healthcare, but their long-term stability in the body is a major concern," explains Vasso Giagka, researcher at the Technical University Delft. -- "Our research not only identifies key challenges but also provides practical guidelines to enhance the reliability of these devices, bringing us closer to safe and long-lasting clinical solutions." -- The researchers evaluated the electrical and material performance of chips (from two different manufacturers, also known as foundries) over the course of one year through accelerated in vitro and in vivo studies. -- They used bare silicon IC structures and integrated them with soft PDMS elastomers to form body-fluid barriers that offer long-term protection to implantable chips. -- The chips used in the study were partially coated in PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), which is a polymer containing silicon.	A01 R02 N02 T01	272
2502-080	DNA Motors Can Switch Directions: A Groundbreaking Discovery In Genetics	A collaborative study involving researchers from multiple European institutions has shown that Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) motors, which shape DNA, can move in both directions, contrary to previous beliefs. This discovery is vital for understanding gene regulation, allowing cells to quickly adjust gene expression based on environmental changes like food availability and temperature, thereby enhancing our understanding of genetic processes and cellular responses.	Delft University of Technology	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from Delft, Vienna, and Lausanne discovered that the protein machines that shape our DNA can switch direction. Until now, researchers believed that these so-called SMC motors that make loops into DNA could move in one direction only. The discovery, which is published in Cell, is key to understanding how these motors shape our genome and regulate our genes. -- Connecting DNA -- "Sometimes, a cell needs to be quick in changing which genes should be expressed and which ones should be turned off, for example in response to food, alcohol or heat. To turn genes off and on, cells use Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) motors that act like switches to connect different parts of DNA," first author Roman Barth explains. -- "However, SMC machines don't naturally know which parts to connect. They simply load somewhere on the DNA and start shaping it into a loop until they reach a point where they are forced to stop. That's why they rely heavily on the ability to explore both sides of the DNA to find the right stop signs." -- Gearbox -- Biophysicists at Delft University of Technology now found that SMC motors can switch direction, contrary to what was thought to be possible. -- "Our experiments show that SMCs momentarily pull DNA from one side, and then switch direction to pull DNA from the opposite side. By doing so, they can pull DNA into a loop from both sides over time. We found this to be true for all types of SMC motors, of which there are many," Delft professor Cees Dekker, who supervised the research, says. -- "You can compare it to a gearbox in a car: With a manual gear stick you can let the car move forward or backward. We even identified the 'gear lever', protein subunit NIPBL, in the cohesin SMC motor protein." -- Impressive nanotechnology -- To discover the reverse gear of SMC motors, the researchers used an advanced home-built microscope to look at single proteins on individual DNA molecules.	H01 R02	273
2505-013	3D-Printed Environment Mimics Brain Tissue, Aiding Neuron Growth	Researchers have successfully created a 3D-printed environment that mimics the brain's natural conditions, promoting neuron growth and network formation. This innovative model, designed with tiny nanopillars, provides insights into neuronal behavior and could be instrumental in studying neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. By replicating the soft neural tissue structure, this approach enhances the understanding of neuronal connectivity and its implications for brain health.	Delft University of Technology	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	As more waterways contend with algae blooms and pollution caused by minerals from agricultural runoff and industrial manufacturing processes, new methods to remove pollutants like phosphate, copper and zinc are emerging across fields. -- While solutions exist, they tend to be costly and can be used just once. -- But a specialized sponge created by researchers at Northwestern University that works to slurp up pollutants, and then release them as desired, may present a reusable, low-cost solution. -- The sponge, coated with nanoparticles that have an affinity for pollutants, can collect metals like zinc and copper, as well as phosphate, and in previous iterations has successfully pulled lead from water, and microplastics and oil from lakes and oceans. -- It then releases these valuable resources when it is exposed to different pH's. -- In a paper to be published Feb. 5 in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology Water, researchers define a method to tailor their platform to specific Chicago pollutants and then selectively release them, giving resources that typically must be mined a potential for a second life. -- "The technology can be used as a universal sorbent or 'catch-all,' or it can be tailored to certain groups of contaminants like metals, plastics or nutrients," said principal investigator Vinayak Dravid. -- Dravid is the Abraham Harris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering and a faculty affiliate of the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. -- He is also the founding director of the Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization (NUANCE) Center as well as the Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, and also serves as the associate director for global programs at the International Institute of Nanotechnology. -- What's with the sponge?	R02	274
2511-T022	Phase Transitions In Magnetic Nanomaterials: New Insights For Ultra-Sensitive Sensors	Water undergoes significant changes in its properties when it transitions from liquid to solid or vapor states at designated temperatures, known as phase transitions. These transitions are crucial for understanding various materials. However, the behavior of these transitions in nanomaterials remains less understood. A recent study by scientists from TU Delft sheds light on the intricacies of phase transitions in magnetic nanomaterials, revealing a fascinating interaction between their magnetic and mechanical properties, which could lead to the development of ultra-sensitive sensors.	Delft University of Technology	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	When water freezes into ice or boils into vapour, its properties change dramatically at specific temperatures. These so-called phase transitions are fundamental to understanding materials. But how do such transitions behave in nanomaterials? In Nature Communications, a team of scientists led by TU Delft (The Netherlands) presents new insights into the complex nature of phase transitions in magnetic nanomaterials. Their findings reveal the coupling between magnetic and mechanical properties, paving the way for ultra-sensitive sensors. -- The scientists from TU Delft, together with colleagues from the University of Valencia and the National University of Singapore, studied the 2D nanomaterial FePS₃, which is just a few atoms thick. -- For the first time, they developed a method to gain deeper insights into the highly complex phase transitions of such materials. -- By using tiny, suspended membranes of FePS₃, the team vibrated the material at high amplitudes while sweeping the temperature. -- This revealed how the material's vibrations change near its phase transition temperature and, with that, its magnetic properties. -- "Imagine a drum with a magnetic structure, where the laser light acts as the drumstick -- continuously making it vibrate while its rhythm subtly shifts with changing temperature," explains Farbod Alijani, associate professor at the TU Delft Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. -- "While warm, this magnetic drum is loose, and its magnetic spins, which are natural turns in particles that make them act like small magnets, are in a disordered phase. But once cold, the drum tightens up, with the spins snapping into an orderly pattern. Now, imagine that while drumming, you slowly change the temperature from warm to cold. As you do, you notice not only when the drum starts to feel different but also that this change isn't smooth (linear) -- it unfolds in an intricate and irregular (nonlinear) manner, affecting its mechanical properties." -- Phase transition temperature -- The researchers essentially measured this nonlinear change during the phase transition. -- By using a nanoscale drum, they could detect the temperature at which this sudden transformation occurs and study how the drum's mechanical behaviour changes in detail.	T01	275
2513-092	New Ultrasound Technology Reveals Capillaries And Cells Within Living Organs	Physicists have introduced a revolutionary ultrasound-based microscopy technique that allows for real-time imaging of living cells and capillaries within whole organs, something previously unattainable. This advancement bridges the gap between clinical ultrasound technology and microscopic imaging, offering new possibilities for studying cellular structures in their natural environments.	Delft University of Technology	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Ultrasound is one of the most widely used imaging techniques in medicine, but until recently it lacked a significant role in imaging the tiniest structures of our bodies, such as cells. "Clinical ultrasound, like the kind used for pregnancy scans, creates real-time images of body parts," first author Baptiste Heiles explains. "It allows diagnosis of various diseases, or to monitor a developing baby. However, what is going on at a microscopic level remains hidden." -- Imaging living cells in 3D -- Now, a team of scientists from TU Delft, the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience and Caltech managed to image specifically labelled cells in 3D with ultrasound. -- For the first time, they imaged living cells inside whole organs across volumes the size of a sugar cube. -- In comparison, current light-based microscopes often require imaging of non-living samples, Heiles says. -- "The sample or organ of interest has to be removed and processed, and you lose the ability to track activity of cells over time." -- The present leading technology to image how living cells behave in 3D, for example during the development of embryos, is called light sheet microscopy. -- This method is limited to translucent or thin specimens because light cannot penetrate deeper than 1 mm in opaque tissue. -- "Ultrasound can image centimetres deep in opaque mammal tissue, allowing non-invasive imaging of whole organs. This gives us information about how cells behave in their natural environment, something that light-based methods can't do in larger, living tissues," lead researcher David Maresca says. -- Labelling capillaries and cells with sound-reflecting probes	A01 T01	276
2501-E020	Lead Pollution Linked To Cognitive Declines In Ancient Rome	A study using Arctic ice core records has linked historic lead pollution in Ancient Rome to cognitive declines in the population. By analyzing lead levels from the Roman era, researchers found connections between environmental toxins and human health, shedding light on the long-term effects of pollution.	Desert Research Institute	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Lead exposure is responsible for a range of human health impacts, with even relatively low levels impacting the cognitive development of children. DRI scientists have previously used atmospheric pollution records preserved in Arctic ice cores to identify periods of lead pollution throughout the Roman Empire, and now new research expands on this finding to identify how this pollution may have affected the European population. -- The study, published Jan. 6th in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examined three ice core records to identify lead pollution levels in the Arctic between 500 BCE through 600 CE. This era spans the rise of the Roman Republic through the fall of the Roman Empire, with the study focusing on the approximately 200-year height of the Empire called the Pax Romana. Lead isotopes allowed the research team to identify mining and smelting operations throughout Europe as the likely source of pollution during this period. -- Advanced computer modeling of atmospheric movement then produced maps of atmospheric lead pollution levels across Europe. -- Combined with research linking lead exposure to cognitive decline, the research team also identified likely reductions in IQ levels of at least 2 to 3 points among the European population. -- "This is the first study to take a pollution record from an ice core and invert it to get atmospheric concentrations of pollution and then assess human impacts," says Joe McConnell, research professor of hydrology at DRI and lead author of the study. -- "The idea that we can do this for 2,000 years ago is pretty novel and exciting." -- Records of the Past Preserved in Ice -- McConnell's Ice Core Laboratory at DRI has spent decades examining ice cores from places like Greenland and Antarctica, where sheets of ice have built up over millennia. -- Using enormous drills, they painstakingly extract columns of ice as much as 11,000 feet (3,400 meters) long, reaching more distant depths of Earth's history with each inch. -- McConnell's team creates precise timelines using records of well-dated volcanic eruptions, which stamp the ice record like postcards from the past.	H01 C01 T01	277
2513-E021	Rocky Mountain Snowpacks Found Contaminated With Mercury And Other Pollutants	A recent study reveals that mercury and other contaminants are being deposited in mountain snowpacks during winter storms, raising concerns about their environmental impact. Conducted in the Rocky Mountains, this research highlights the relationship between atmospheric circulation and contaminant spread, suggesting implications for snowpack quality and the long-lasting effects of mining activities in the region.	Desert Research Institute	Environmental Pollution	Press Rel	PubMed	Mountain snowpacks accumulate snow throughout the winter, building up stores of water that will supply communities across the American West throughout the long dry season. Now, a new study shows that as storms carry snow to the Rocky Mountains, they are also bringing mercury and other contaminants from mines in the region. The research helps scientists understand how contaminants are spread by atmospheric circulation and has implications for snowpack preservation and illuminating the lasting environmental impact of mining activities. -- The study, published in the May issue of the journal Environmental Pollution, examined contamination levels for Mercury, Zinc, Cadmium and Antimony from nearly 50 sites in the Rocky Mountains. -- DRI's Monica Arienzo, Associate Research Professor of Hydrology, led the research, along with colleagues from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the University of Nevada, Reno, and Portland State University. -- They found higher levels of metal contaminants in the northern Rockies and identified mines in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, and Montana as the likely source by following winter storms back in time. -- It is one of the first studies to look at metal contamination across the greater Rocky Mountains. -- "Metal pollution in the Rockies is relatively understudied," Arienzo said. -- "Other studies have focused on certain parts, so the fact that we have this transect from Montana to New Mexico makes this study unique." -- Although contamination levels were found to be within guidelines set by the EPA for both drinking water and aquatic life, dust can accelerate snowmelt by decreasing the reflectivity of the snowpack. -- The data can also provide critical information about how environmental contaminants and dust are distributed by the atmosphere. -- The study combined a number of data sets to capture a comprehensive understanding of the amount of metal contamination making its way to the region.	Z01	278
2503-031	Early Maternal Stress Impacts Offspring's Stress Responses For Life	A significant long-term study on wild Assamese macaques in Thailand has uncovered that maternal stress during early pregnancy can have enduring effects on the stress systems of their offspring. Unlike later stressors, early pregnancy stress hormones play a crucial role in shaping the offspring's stress responses, providing valuable insights into the impact of early life experiences in natural environments on physiological development.	Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Maternal stress hormone levels during early pregnancy can have a lasting effect on the stress system of the offspring. The results of a long-term study on wild Assamese macaques in Thailand indicate that maternal stress in the first half of pregnancy is particularly relevant. Elevated stress hormones later during pregnancy or after birth did not have the same effects. The long-term study conducted by the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Center -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research provides important insights into the influence of early life stages on the development of the stress system under natural environmental conditions. -- Influence of very early life stages -- The research team investigated how maternal stress affects the stress hormone system of the offspring. -- They found that the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a central role in coping with stress, can be significantly influenced by exposure to maternal glucocorticoids during development. -- The early phase of organ differentiation in the first half of pregnancy proved to be a particularly critical period. -- "Our results show that the HPA-axis activity of offspring was enhanced, the more adversity the other had experienced during early pregnancy -- which could be food shortages or social conflicts for example," says Simone Anzá, former doctoral student at the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Center and first author of the study. -- Investigation in the wild -- In contrast to studies in the laboratory, the monkeys were observed in their natural habitat. -- Over a period of nine years, the researchers repeatedly collected fecal samples from pregnant females and measured the concentration of glucocorticoid metabolites in them in order to determine the animals' exposure to environmental factors such as food scarcity, temperature fluctuations and social interactions. -- These values were compared with the stress hormone levels of the offspring at different ages.	H01 H02 N01	279
2505-029	Brain Flexibility: How Context Influences Decisions In Similar Situations Revealed By Neuroscientists	Neuroscientists at the German Primate Center have uncovered the brain's remarkable flexibility in responding to similar stimuli by choosing different actions based on context. For instance, a soccer player may decide to kick towards an empty corner or aim directly at the goalkeeper, demonstrating how the brain can adapt its neural pathways to select movements. This research enhances our understanding of cognitive flexibility and the varying challenges faced in adapting to new situations, whether socially or during physical tasks.	Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	A relatively small amount of groundwater trickling through Alaska's tundra is releasing huge quantities of carbon into the ocean, where it can contribute to climate change, according to new research out of The University of Texas at Austin. -- Researchers found that although the groundwater only makes up a fraction of the water discharged to the sea, it's liberating an estimated 230 tons of organic carbon per day along the almost 2,000-kilometer coastline of the Beaufort Sea in summer. -- This quantity of carbon is on par with what free-flowing rivers in the area release during summer months. -- "This study shows that there's humongous amounts of organic carbon and carbon dioxide released via fresh groundwater discharge in summer," said Cansu Demir, who led the research while she was completing her doctoral degree at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. -- She is now a postdoctoral research associate at Los Alamos National Laboratory. -- The research was published recently in Geophysical Research Letters. -- As the tundra continues to thaw and the flow of submarine groundwater ratchets up, Demir said that the outflow of carbon from shore to sea could effectively make ocean surface waters a carbon source to the atmosphere. -- The CO2 released via groundwater could also contribute to ocean acidification. -- The study is first to use direct observations to show that fresh water is being discharged into the submarine environment ocean where the coast meets the sea. -- Before this research, the existence of fresh submarine groundwater discharge in this area of the Arctic was thought to be very limited, Demir said.	R02	280
2512-058	Decoding Human Brain Evolution: Two Genes Play A Key Role In Cerebrum Growth	A study from the German Primate Center and the Max Planck Institute has identified two unique genes that exclusively evolve in humans and jointly influence cerebrum development, contributing to the brain's evolutionary enlargement. This research not only sheds light on human brain evolution but also offers insights into developmental disorders and neurological diseases.	Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Two specific genes that evolve exclusively in humans jointly influence the development of the cerebrum. Researchers from the German Primate Center -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research and the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics have discovered this in a recently published study. They have thus provided evidence that these genes contribute together to the evolutionary enlargement of the brain. -- The results of the study show that the two genes act in a finely tuned interplay: one ensures that the progenitor cells of the brain multiply more, while the other causes these cells to transform into a different type of progenitor cell -- the cells that later form the nerve cells of the brain. -- In the course of evolution, this interplay has led to the human brain being unique in its size and complexity. -- The newly gained insights not only provide a deeper understanding of the evolutionary development of our brain but could also help to better comprehend how certain developmental disorders or diseases of the brain arise. -- 'Our findings deepen the fundamental understanding of brain development and provide new insights into the evolutionary origins of our large brain. -- In the long term, they could contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches for malformations of the brain,' says Nesil Eşiyok, first author of the study. -- Various methods were combined for the study: In addition to animal experiments with mice, alternative methods such as chimpanzee brain organoids were also used. -- 'The remarkable feature of our study is that the results from animal experiments and alternative methods complement each other well and mutually confirm their findings. -- . This not only emphasizes the high significance of our results, but could also help to reduce the need for animal experiments in the future by further developing, refining and confirming alternative methods,' explains Michael Heide, the study's lead researcher. -- The German Primate Center (DPZ) -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research conducts biological and biomedical research on and with primates in the fields of infection research, neuroscience and primate biology. The DPZ also maintains five field stations in the tropics and is a reference and service center for all aspects of primate research. The DPZ is one of the 96 research and infrastructure facilities of the Leibniz Association.	R02 N01	281
2513-033	How Neurons Process Rewards, Risks, And Decision-Making Insights	A recent study reveals that neurons in the amygdala may play a crucial role in how the brain assesses rewards and risks. Neuroscientists have discovered that these cells not only encode the likelihood and magnitude of rewards but also process this information dynamically to predict value. This research deepens our understanding of decision-making processes and offers potential insights into treating mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.	Deutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have gained a new understanding of how the brain processes reward and risk information. A study by neuroscientists Raymundo Báez-Mendoza from the German Primate Center (DPZ) -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen and Fabian Grabenhorst from the University of Oxford shows how nerve cells in the so-called Amygdala not only encode the probability and magnitude of rewards, but also dynamically process this information to predict value and risk. The findings provide new insights into the neural basis of decision-making and could also be important for understanding mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression (Nature Communications). -- "The amygdala is an important center for emotions and decision-making," says Raymundo Báez-Mendoza, head of the Junior Research Group Social Neurobiology at the German Primate Center. "We wanted to find out how individual neurons in the primate brain extract information about the probability and magnitude of a reward based on visual cues and how they translate these attributes into risk assessments, which ultimately form the basis for decision-making." -- Fabian Grabenhorst, associate professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, explains "Probability and risk govern our lives. Try to estimate how probable it is that something good will happen to you today, someone offering you a treat or a promotion. The amygdala cells we identified may process probability and risk to guide our emotions and social behaviors, functions we know the amygdala specializes in." -- Study with rhesus monkeys -- To gain these insights, two rhesus monkeys were trained in an experimental environment that allowed the researchers to measure neural activity during a decision-making process. The monkeys learned to sit in front of a screen and look at visual cues that provided them with information about the probability and magnitude of the associated rewards, which they received in the form of fruit juice from a tube. While the monkeys viewed and processed the visual stimuli, the researchers recorded the activity of individual neurons in the amygdala using hair-thin microelectrodes. -- In addition, the monkeys performed behavioral tasks in which they could choose between two reward options presented to them on the screen: a "safe" option with a fixed reward probability and a "risky" option with a variable probability. In this task, the animals had to decide by touching the screen whether they preferred the safe or the risky option. This allowed the researchers to confirm that the animals were able to use the information provided to maximize rewards. -- How the brain processes probabilities -- The scientists observed that many neurons in the amygdala represent the probability of a reward in an abstract way that is independent of the visual stimuli. This means that the cells recognize the probability regardless of whether it is represented by images or other visual signals, for example. Some neurons specialize in pure probability, while others also flexibly consider the magnitude of the reward. -- Dynamic evaluation of rewards -- The researchers were also able to show that many neurons in the amygdala process information about the probability and magnitude of rewards one after the other. These cells first react to the probability and then to the magnitude of the reward. This dynamic processing enables the brain to flexibly evaluate different aspects of a reward and integrate them into an overall evaluation.	H02 R02 N01	282
2506-073	Comparing Hybrid Closed-Loop And Open-Loop Systems For Type 1 Diabetes Care	Type 1 Diabetes Management: A recent study highlights the benefits and risks associated with hybrid closed-loop systems for managing type 1 diabetes. While these systems improve long-term blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycemic events, they are linked to a higher occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis. This research underscores the need for careful management strategies in diabetes care.	Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD	The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology	Press Rel	PubMed	People with type 1 diabetes require continuous insulin treatment and must regularly measure their glucose levels. With open-loop therapies*, insulin administration is manually controlled, while hybrid closed-loop systems automatically regulate insulin delivery. A study with the involvement of the German Center for Diabetes Research showed that hybrid closed-loop systems offer improved long-term blood sugar values (HbA1c levels) and a lower risk of hypoglycemic coma, but lead to a higher rate of diabetic ketoacidosis. The results were published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. -- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body stops producing insulin. -- Insulin is a hormone that our body cells need in order to take up sugar (glucose) from food and convert it into energy. -- People with type 1 diabetes have to inject insulin every day of their lives. -- Despite advances in insulin therapy, many people do not achieve their blood glucose targets and have a high risk of complications. -- Until now, the effect of insulin delivery in hybrid closed-loop systems on the risk of acute diabetes complications in people with type 1 diabetes has been unclear. -- Researchers have therefore now investigated whether the rates of severe low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) and diabetic ketoacidosis are lower with hybrid closed-loop insulin therapy compared with sensor-augmented (open-loop) pump therapy. -- Study with Nearly 14,000 Participants -- In order to answer this question, the researchers, led by Professor Beate Karges, Faculty of Medicine at the RWTH Aachen, examined the data of nearly 14,000 participants. -- The study involved young people with type 1 diabetes from 250 diabetes centers in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.	A01 H01 R01	283
2509-015	The Brain's Role In Obesity: Insulin Sensitivity And Weight Gain	A study underscores the brain's pivotal role in obesity development, particularly regarding insulin's regulatory functions. Researchers have linked brain sensitivity to insulin with weight gain and unhealthy fat distribution, revealing that even short-term consumption of unhealthy foods can impair insulin responsiveness and contribute to obesity, highlighting the complexity of metabolic health.	Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	The number of obese persons has grown significantly in recent decades, which presents significant difficulties for those who are impacted, healthcare systems, and those who provide treatment. The hormone insulin plays a key role in the development of obesity. Up until recently, there have been numerous signs indicating insulin causes neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, especially in the brain. A recent study by the University Hospital of Tübingen, the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), and Helmholtz Munich offers intriguing new insights into the origins of type 2 diabetes and obesity as well as the brain's function as a critical control center. -- Obesity has only been officially recognized as a disease in Germany since 2020, despite the fact that it has long been known to cause a number of illnesses, including diabetes, heart attacks, and even cancer. The World Health Organization has already declared obesity to be an epidemic, affecting over one billion individuals globally and almost 16 million in Germany alone. A body mass index of 30 or more is considered obese, and a poor diet and insufficient exercise are frequently cited as the causes of this chronic illness. However, the mechanisms in the body that lead to obesity and cause the disease are more complex. -- Obesity and the role of insulin in the brain -- Unhealthy body fat distribution and chronic weight gain are linked to the brain's sensitivity to insulin. What specific functions does insulin perform in the brain, and how does it affect individuals of normal weight? In their study, Prof. Dr. Stephanie Kullmann and her colleagues at the Tübingen University Hospital for Diabetology, Endocrinology, and Nephrology found the answer to this query. "Our findings demonstrate for the first time that even a brief consumption of highly processed, unhealthy foods (such as chocolate bars and potato chips) causes a significant alteration in the brain of healthy individuals, which may be the initial cause of obesity and type 2 diabetes," says Prof. Kullmann, the study's leader. In a healthy state, insulin has an appetite-suppressing effect in the brain. However, in people with obesity in particular, insulin no longer regulates eating behavior properly, resulting in insulin resistance. "Interestingly, in our healthy study participants, the brain shows a similar decrease in sensitivity to insulin after a short-term high calorie intake as in people with obesity," says Ms. Kullmann. "This effect can even be observed one week after returning to a balanced diet," she adds. She is also deputy head of the Metabolic Neuroimaging department at the DZD partner Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of Helmholtz Munich at the University of Tübingen. -- Focus on the brain -- Prof. Dr. Andreas Birkenfeld, Medical Director of Internal Medicine IV, Director of the IDM and DZD Board Member, and the study's final author, concludes, "We assume that the brain's insulin response adapts to short-term changes in diet before any weight gain occurs and thus promotes the development of obesity and other secondary diseases." He urges more research on how the brain contributes to the development of obesity and other metabolic illnesses in light of the current findings. -- Short period with far-reaching effects -- 29 male volunteers of average weight participated in the study and were split into two groups. For five days in a row, the first group had to supplement their regular diet with 1500 kcal from highly processed, high-calorie snacks. The extra calories were not consumed by the control group. Both groups underwent two separate examinations following an initial evaluation. One examination was conducted immediately following the five-day period, and another was conducted seven days after the first group had resumed their regular diet. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to look at the liver's fat content and the brain's insulin sensitivity. Not only did the fat content of the liver of the first group increase significantly after five days of increased calorie intake. Surprisingly, the significantly lower insulin sensitivity in the brain compared to the control group also persisted one week after returning to a normal diet. This effect had previously only been observed in obese people.	A01 H01 R01 R02 T01	284
2506-T017	Superconducting Nanowires Prove Effective For High-Energy Particle Detection Breakthrough	Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that superconducting nanowire photon detectors can also be used as highly precise particle detectors. Their findings during beam tests reveal the optimal size of nanowires for particle detection, which could enhance our understanding of the universe's fundamental building blocks and advance research in nuclear and particle physics.	DOE/Argonne National Laboratory	Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A	Press Rel	PubMed	Particle detectors play a crucial role in our understanding of the fundamental building blocks of the universe. They allow scientists to study the behavior and properties of the particles produced in high-energy collisions. Such particles are boosted to near the speed of light in large accelerators and then smashed into targets or other particles where they are then analyzed with detectors. Traditional detectors, however, lack the needed sensitivity and precision for certain types of research. -- Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have made a significant breakthrough in the field of high-energy particle detection in recent experiments conducted at the Test Beam Facility at DOE's Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab). -- They have found a new use for the superconducting nanowire photon detectors (SNSPDs) already employed for detecting photons, the fundamental particles of light. These incredibly sensitive and precise detectors work by absorbing individual photons. The absorption generates small electrical changes in the superconducting nanowires at very low temperatures, allowing for the detection and measurement of photons. Specialized devices able to detect individual photons are crucial for quantum cryptography (the science of keeping information secret and secure), advanced optical sensing (precision measurement using light) and quantum computing. -- In this study, the research team discovered that these photon sensors could potentially also function as highly accurate particle detectors, specifically for high-energy protons used as projectiles in particle accelerators. Found in the atomic nucleus of every element, the proton is a particle with a positive electrical charge. -- The team's breakthrough opens up exciting opportunities in the field of nuclear and particle physics. -- "This was a first-of-its-kind use of the technology," said Argonne physicist Whitney Armstrong. "This step was critical to demonstrate that the technology works the way we want it to because it is typically geared toward photons. It was a key demonstration for future high-impact applications." -- The team made SNSPDs with different wire sizes and tested them with a beam of 120 GeV protons at Fermilab, which was the nearest facility equipped to carry out this experiment. These high-energy protons are important because they allow researchers to simulate and study the conditions under which SNSPDs might operate in high-energy physics experiments, providing valuable insights into their capabilities and limitations. -- They found that wire widths smaller than 400 nanometers -- the width of a human hair is approximately 100,000 nanometers -- demonstrated the high detection efficiency needed for high-energy proton sensing. Further, the study also revealed an optimal wire size of approximately 250 nanometers for this application. -- In addition to their sensitivity and precision, SNSPDs also operate well under high magnetic fields, making them suitable for use in the superconducting magnets used in accelerators to boost particle velocity. The ability to detect high-energy protons with SNSPDs has never been reported before, and this breakthrough widens the scope of particle detection applications. -- "This was a successful technology transfer between quantum sciences, for photon detection, into experimental nuclear physics," said Argonne physicist Tomas Polakovic. "We took the photon-sensing device and made slight changes to make it work better in magnetic fields and for particles. And behold, we saw the particles exactly as we expected."	H01 T01	285
2507-T019	Unlocking Quantum Secrets: New Technique Reveals Atomic Vibrations In Crystalline Materials	Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel surface-sensitive technique to study atomic vibrations in materials at interfaces, unveiling quantum behaviors crucial for computing and sensing technologies. This advanced method, known as surface-sensitive spintronic terahertz spectroscopy, allows researchers to gain insights into how materials behave at their surfaces, helping to facilitate the development of new materials for future quantum applications.	DOE/Argonne National Laboratory	DOE/Argonne National Laboratory	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists are racing to develop new materials for quantum technologies in computing and sensing for ultraprecise measurements. For these future technologies to transition from the laboratory to real-world applications, a much deeper understanding is needed of the behavior near surfaces, especially those at interfaces between materials. -- Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have unveiled a new technique that could help advance the development of quantum technology. -- Their innovation, surface-sensitive spintronic terahertz spectroscopy (SSTS), provides an unprecedented look at how quantum materials behave at interfaces. -- "This technique allows us to study surface phonons -- the collective vibrations of atoms at a material's surface or interface between materials," said Zhaodong Chu, a postdoctoral researcher at Argonne and first author of the study. -- ?"Our findings reveal striking differences between surface phonons and those in the bulk material, opening new avenues for research and applications." -- In materials such as crystals, atoms form repeating patterns called lattices, which can vibrate in waves known as phonons. -- While much is understood about phonons in the bulk material, little is known about surface phonons -- those occurring within nanometers of an interface. -- The team's research reveals that surface phonons behave differently, enabling unique quantum behaviors such as interfacial superconductivity. -- Superconductivity, the phenomenon of electrons flowing without resistance, has applications in technologies such as MRI machines and particle accelerators. -- Interfacial superconductivity -- a type that appears only at the boundary between two materials -- holds promise for new quantum technologies.	T01	286
2502-T033	Quark-Gluon Plasma Evidence Found: Unique Jets Stuck In Collisions At Heavy Ion Collider	A new analysis from the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has revealed direct evidence of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) formation from deuteron-gold collisions. This study suggests that even small nuclei can create QGP, supporting theories about the early universe's conditions. The findings highlight significant particle flow patterns and energy suppression in collision systems, bolstering the understanding of this primordial state of matter.	DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A new analysis of data from the PHENIX experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) reveals fresh evidence that collisions of even very small nuclei with large ones might create tiny specks of a quark-gluon plasma (QGP). Scientists believe such a substance of free quarks and gluons, the building blocks of protons and neutrons, permeated the universe a fraction of a second after the Big Bang. RHIC's energetic smashups of gold ions -- the nuclei of gold atoms that have been stripped of their electrons -- routinely create a QGP by "melting" these nuclear building blocks so scientists can study the QGP's properties. -- Physicists originally thought that collisions of smaller ions with large ones wouldn't create a QGP because the small ion wouldn't deposit enough energy to melt the large ion's protons and neutrons. But evidence from PHENIX has long suggested that these small collision systems generate particle flow patterns that are consistent with the existence of tiny specks of the primordial soup, the QGP. The new findings, just published in Physical Review Letters, bolster the case for these tiny droplets of the QGP. The paper provides the first direct evidence that energetic particles generated in RHIC's small collision systems sometimes lose energy and slow down significantly on the way out. -- "We found, for the first time in a small collision system, the suppression of energetic particles, which is one of two main pieces of evidence for the QGP," said PHENIX Collaboration Spokesperson Yasuyuki Akiba, a physicist at Japan's RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science and Experiment Group Leader at the RIKEN-BNL Research Center (RBRC) at Brookhaven Lab. -- Jet quenching as a sign of QGP -- Looking for the suppression of high-energy jets of particles, or jet "quenching," has been a key goal from the earliest days at RHIC, a DOE Office of Science user facility for nuclear physics research that began operating at Brookhaven Lab in 2000. Jets are created when a quark or gluon within a proton or neutron in one of RHIC's ion beams collides intensely with a quark or gluon in the nuclear particles that make up the beam traveling in the opposite direction. These strong interactions can kick single quarks or gluons free from the colliding nuclear building blocks with tremendous amounts of energy, which quickly transforms the energetic particles into cascades, or jets, of other particles. -- If the collision doesn't melt the nuclear matter into a soup of free quarks and gluons -- the QGP -- then these energetic jets of particles, or their decay products, sail out freely to be counted by RHIC's detectors. But if the collisions do form a QGP, the kicked-free quark or gluon, despite its energy, gets caught up in interactions with the quarks and gluons that make up the plasma. -- "Those interactions lead to energy loss," explained Gabor David, a PHENIX physicist from Stony Brook University (SBU) who was one of the leaders of the new analysis. -- "You can think about it like the difference between running through air and running through water," he said. The QGP is like the water; it slows the particles down. As a result, jets reach the detector with only a fraction of their original energy. -- To look for this suppression, the physicists first must estimate the number of energetic particles that would be expected from the gold-gold smashups by mathematically scaling up from simple proton-proton collisions to the number of protons and neutrons involved in collisions of heavier ions such as gold. The calculated values indirectly indicate whether the collision happens dead-center between the two gold ions or if it's a glancing collision where the ions sideswipe one another at the edges. Central collisions are expected to create more jets than peripheral ones. But they're also more likely to generate bigger QGP and therefore higher jet suppression. -- This method has worked beautifully for the gold-gold smashups.	C01	287
2504-T004	Cutting-Edge X-Ray Techniques Reveal Secrets Of Nickelate Superconductivity	Innovative X-ray techniques have revealed intrinsic properties of superconducting infinite-layer nickelate materials, which hold promise for high-temperature superconductivity. This research provides crucial insights into these materials, potentially leading to breakthroughs that could revolutionize energy efficiency and technology applications, such as improved power grids and advanced transportation systems.	DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	So-called "infinite-layer" nickelate materials, characterized by their unique crystal and electronic structures, exhibit significant potential as high-temperature superconductors. Studying these materials remains challenging for researchers; they have only been synthesized as thin films and then "capped" with a protective layer that could alter properties of the nickelate layered system. -- To address this challenge, a team led by researchers at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II) -- a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility at DOE's Brookhaven National Laboratory -- used complementary X-ray techniques at two different beamlines to gain new insights into these materials. Their results were published in Physical Review Letters. -- New discoveries in a long history -- Superconductivity was first discovered in mercury more than 100 years ago. Superconducting materials allow current to flow through them with no resistance and therefore have no power loss. As these materials enter a superconducting state, the persistent electric current allows them to expel a magnetic field and levitate over magnetic materials as well. -- Initially, superconducting properties seemed to only appear at extremely low temperatures -- -415 degrees Fahrenheit. In the mid-1980s, however, researchers found that copper-based oxide materials, or "cuprates," can display these properties at -297.7 degrees Fahrenheit. This spearheaded research in "high-temperature" superconductivity and the search for other cuprate-like high-temperature superconductors. If researchers can find a way to engineer materials to superconduct at higher, more practical temperatures, they might one day contribute to eliminating energy losses in the power grid and paving the way for other novel technologies like maglev trains, more efficient MRI machines, and high-capacity energy storage for electric vehicles. -- More recently, nickel-based materials have attracted attention as a new family of high temperature superconductors analogous to cuprates. Neodymium nickelate becomes particularly interesting when strontium is added to its structure. This compound is known as an "infinite layer nickelate," since nickel atoms are arranged in a two-dimensional square lattice that repeats indefinitely in two dimensions, earning the moniker "infinite." -- Superconductivity in nickelates has, so far, only been observed in very thin films. This raises questions about whether the superconducting properties depend on interactions at the interfaces between the nickelate material and its substrate or capping layer. Early studies provided conflicting results on the properties of these materials. -- "This system is sensitive to water and oxygen," explained Jonathan (Johnny) Pelliciari, a beamline scientist at NSLS-II's Soft Inelastic X-ray Scattering (SIX) beamline, "so past studies used a very thin protective capping layer and attributed electronic orders to the lack of a thick surface layer. Given how sensitive these systems are, small changes or defects can also affect the material's properties. We wanted to see how much of a role this capping layer was playing and what signals may be spurious." -- To answer this question, the team employed two beamlines at NSLS-II to investigate high quality nickelate thin film samples with and without a capping layer of strontium titanate to see if the layer has an effect on magnetic and electronic properties. Magnetic properties are critical because they relate to the material's intrinsic electronic structure, which is directly linked to its superconductivity. -- Complementary techniques complete the picture	Z01	288
2513-T024	Radiation-Induced Chemistry Might Reduce Corrosion In New Nuclear Reactor Technologies	Researchers at Brookhaven and Idaho National Laboratories have discovered that radiation-induced chemical reactions may actually help reduce metal corrosion in molten salt-cooled nuclear reactors. The findings highlight the need to understand how these reactions can enhance the longevity of reactor materials under extreme conditions. This research, detailed in Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, positions molten salt reactors as a promising technology for safer nuclear energy production.	DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory	Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	High temperatures and ionizing radiation create extremely corrosive environments inside a nuclear reactor. To design long-lasting reactors, scientists must understand how radiation-induced chemical reactions impact structural materials. Chemists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory recently performed experiments showing that radiation-induced reactions may help mitigate the corrosion of reactor metals in a new type of reactor cooled by molten salts. Their findings are published in the journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. -- "Molten salt reactors are an emerging technology for safer, scalable nuclear energy production. These advanced reactors can operate at higher, more efficient temperatures than traditional water-cooled reactor technologies while maintaining relatively ambient pressure," explained James Wishart, a distinguished chemist at Brookhaven Lab and leader of the research. -- Unlike water-cooled reactors, molten salt reactors use a coolant made entirely of positively and negatively charged ions, which remain in a liquid state only at high temperatures. -- It's similar to melting table salt crystals until they flow without adding any other liquid. -- "To assure the long-term reliability of these new reactors, we have to understand how molten salts interact with other elements in a radiation environment," Wishart said. -- The scientists were particularly concerned with tracking chromium, a frequent constituent of the metal alloys proposed for molten salt nuclear reactors. -- "Chromium tends to be the easiest element to corrode from most alloys and will ultimately accumulate in the coolant of molten salt reactors," Wishart said. -- As chromium dissolves into the molten salt, some of its chemical forms can accelerate corrosion processes, compromising the structural integrity and performance of the reactor. -- The distribution of chromium ion oxidation states -- how many electron vacancies these ions have available for chemical reactions -- may be the factor that determines whether corrosion occurs. -- "The presence of dissolved trivalent chromium [Cr3+, with three electron vacancies] can accelerate corrosion in some cases, whereas divalent chromium [Cr2+, with just two vacancies] does not," Wishart said.	Z01	289
2504-E042	Asteroid Bennu's Salty Minerals Reveal Clues About Ancient Water Sources	Analysis of samples from the asteroid Bennu reveals significant clues about ancient water conditions in our solar system. These findings, characterized by unique salty mineral deposits formed through evaporation, suggest that Bennu originated from a once-hydrated environment, offering valuable insights into the potential for life-sustaining elements beyond Earth.	DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	During the past year, there's been an unusual set of samples at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab): material gathered from the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid Bennu when it was roughly 200 million miles from Earth. -- Berkeley Lab is one of more than 40 institutions investigating Bennu's chemical makeup to better understand how our solar system and planets evolved. In a new study published today in the journal Nature, researchers found evidence that Bennu comes from an ancient wet world, with some material from the coldest regions of the solar system, likely beyond the orbit of Saturn. -- The asteroid contained a set of salty mineral deposits that formed in an exact sequence when a brine evaporated, leaving clues about the type of water that flowed billions of years ago. Brines could be a productive broth for cooking up some of the key ingredients of life, and the same type of minerals are found in dried-up lake beds on Earth (such as Searles Lake in California) and have been observed on Jupiter's moon Europa and Saturn's moon Enceladus. -- "It's an amazing privilege to be able to study asteroid material, direct from space," said Matthew Marcus, a Berkeley Lab scientist who runs the Advanced Light Source (ALS) beamline where some of the samples were studied and who wrote one of the programs used to analyze their chemical composition. "We have highly specialized instruments that can tell us what Bennu is made of and help reveal its history." -- The samples from Bennu were gathered by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, the first U.S. mission to return samples from an asteroid. The mission returned nearly 122 grams of material from Bennu -- the largest sample ever captured in space and returned to Earth from an extraterrestrial body beyond the Moon. -- Marcus teamed up with Scott Sandford from NASA Ames Research Center and Zack Gainsforth from the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory to study the Bennu sample using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) at the ALS. By varying the energy of the X-rays, they were able to determine the presence (or absence) of specific chemical bonds at the nanometer scale and map out the different chemicals found in the asteroid. The science team discovered that some of the last salts to evaporate from the brine were mixed into the rock at the finest levels. -- "This sort of information provides us with important clues about the processes, environments, and timing that formed the samples," Sandford said. "Understanding these samples is important, since they represent the types of materials that were likely seeded on the surface of the early Earth and may have played a role in the origins and early evolution of life." -- At Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry, researchers used a beam of electrons to image the same Bennu samples with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Foundry also helped prepare the samples for the experiments run at the ALS. Experts used an ion beam to carve out microscopic sections of the material that are about a thousand times thinner than a sheet of paper. -- "Being able to examine the same exact atoms using both STXM and TEM removed many of the uncertainties in interpreting our data," Gainsforth said. "We were able to confirm that we really were seeing a ubiquitous phase formed by evaporation. It took a lot of work to get Bennu to give up its secrets, but we are delighted with the final result." -- This is not the first time the ALS and Molecular Foundry have studied material from space. Researchers also used the two facilities to investigate samples from the asteroid Ryugu, building up our understanding of our early solar system. And there's still more to come, with additional studies of Bennu at both the STXM and infrared beamlines at the ALS planned for the coming year.	C01	290
2508-T028	Next-Level Optical Computing Enabled By Photon-Avalanching Nanoparticles	Researchers have developed a novel optical computing material using photon avalanching nanoparticles, paving the way for future optical transistors and memory. This advancement, published in Nature Photonics, harnesses the concept of intrinsic optical bistability to fabricate smaller and faster components, advancing optical computing technologies. The ability to replicate these materials reliably is a significant step towards realizing scalable optical computing solutions, potentially transforming computational capabilities.	DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team co-led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), Columbia University, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid has developed a new optical computing material from photon avalanching nanoparticles. -- The breakthrough -- which the team published recently in the journal Nature Photonics -- paves the way for fabricating optical memory and transistors on a nanometer size scale comparable to current microelectronics. -- This approach offers a path toward realizing smaller, faster components for next-generation computers by taking advantage of an optical phenomenon called "intrinsic optical bistability." -- "This is the first practical demonstration of intrinsic optical bistability in nanoscale materials," said Emory Chan, a staff scientist in Berkeley Lab's Molecular Foundry and co-lead author on the study. -- "The fact that we can reproducibly make these materials and understand their unintuitive properties is critical for making optical computers at scale a reality." -- The work is part of Berkeley Lab's broader push to advance smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient microelectronics with new materials and techniques. -- For decades, researchers have sought ways to make a computer that uses light instead of electricity. -- Materials with intrinsic optical bistability (IOB) -- a property that allows a material to use light to switch between two different states, such as glowing brightly or not at all -- could serve as components for optical computers. -- But in previous studies, optical bistability had almost exclusively been observed in bulk materials that were too big for a microchip and challenging to mass produce. -- And in the few earlier reports of nanoscale IOB, the process was not well understood and was assumed to occur by heating the nanoparticles, which is inefficient and difficult to control.	H02 T01	291
2509-T042	Nanodiamonds Encased In Water Droplets Enhance Quantum Sensing Capabilities	Scientists have created a new quantum sensing method by encasing nanodiamonds in microdroplets of water, enabling precise detection of trace substances. This innovative technique promises applications in various fields, including environmental monitoring and medicine, and demonstrates an effective approach for studying small quantities of materials.	DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Combine a garden-variety green laser, microwaves with roughly the energy of your wi-fi, and some diamond dust in drops of water, and what do you get? A precise chemical detection tool. -- For the first time, researchers have combined nanodiamonds in microdroplets of liquid for quantum sensing. -- The new technique is precise, fast, sensitive, and requires only small amounts of the material to be studied -- helpful when studying trace chemicals or individual cells. -- The results were published in the journal Science Advances in December. -- "We weren't even sure whether our technique would work, but it turned out to be surprisingly easy and effective," said Ashok Ajoy, a faculty scientist in the Chemical Sciences Division at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and assistant professor at UC Berkeley who led the project. -- "There are broad applications where these sensors could be deployed into interesting environments and help you find something that would usually be hard to detect." -- Quantum sensing takes advantage of unique properties that emerge at the smallest scales. -- In their new method, researchers make a series of microdroplets that are millions of times smaller than a raindrop. -- These are filled with a special kind of diamond where some of the carbon atoms are removed and nitrogen atoms are added. -- These "nitrogen vacancies" act as quantum sensors and give the nanodiamonds a special property: as the droplets flow past a laser and are hit by microwaves, the nanodiamonds give off light.	C01 T01	292
2510-T029	Scientists Uncover 'Berkelocene,' A New Heavy-Metal Molecule Challenging Longheld Chemistry Theories	Scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered 'berkelocene,' a groundbreaking organometallic molecule containing berkelium, challenging existing theories about transuranium elements. This discovery enhances the understanding of the chemical behavior of heavy actinides, marking a significant advancement in the field of heavy-element chemistry.	DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has discovered "berkelocene," the first organometallic molecule to be characterized containing the heavy element berkelium. -- Organometallic molecules, which consist of a metal ion surrounded by a carbon-based framework, are relatively common for early actinide elements like uranium (atomic number 92), but they are scarcely known for later actinides like berkelium (atomic number 97). -- "This is the first time that evidence for the formation of a chemical bond between berkelium and carbon has been obtained. The discovery provides new understanding of how berkelium and other actinides behave relative to their peers in the periodic table," said Stefan Minasian, a scientist in Berkeley Lab's Chemical Sciences Division and one of four co-corresponding authors of a new study published in the journal Science. -- A heavy metal molecule with Berkeley roots -- Berkelium is one of 15 actinides in the periodic table's f-block. -- One row above the actinides are the lanthanides. -- The pioneering nuclear chemist Glenn Seaborg discovered berkelium at Berkeley Lab in 1949. -- It would become just one of many achievements that led to his winning the 1951 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with fellow Berkeley Lab scientist Edwin McMillan for their discoveries in the chemistry of the transuranium elements. -- For many years, the Heavy Element Chemistry group in Berkeley Lab's Chemical Sciences Division has been dedicated to preparing organometallic compounds of the actinides, because these molecules typically have high symmetries and form multiple covalent bonds with carbon, making them useful for observing the unique electronic structures of the actinides. -- "When scientists study higher symmetry structures, it helps them understand the underlying logic that nature is using to organize matter at the atomic level," Minasian said.	C01	293
2502-E037	Floating Solar Panels On Federal Reservoirs Could Power Millions Of US Homes	A new study reveals that federal reservoirs in the U.S. could generate enough energy from floating solar panels to power around 100 million homes annually. Researchers quantified the potential energy output, highlighting the significant opportunity for harnessing solar energy through innovative installations on existing water bodies, paving the way for cleaner energy solutions.	DOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory	Solar Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Federal reservoirs could help meet the country's solar energy needs, according to a new study published in Solar Energy. -- For the study, Evan Rosenlieb and Marie Rivers, geospatial scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as well as Aaron Levine, a senior legal and regulatory analyst at NREL, quantified for the first time exactly how much energy could be generated from floating solar panel projects installed on federally owned or regulated reservoirs. -- (Developers can find specific details for each reservoir on the website AquaPV.) -- And the potential is surprisingly large: Reservoirs could host enough floating solar panels to generate up to 1,476 terawatt hours, or enough energy to power approximately 100 million homes a year. -- "That's a technical potential," Rosenlieb said, meaning the maximum amount of energy that could be generated if each reservoir held as many floating solar panels as possible. -- "We know we're not going to be able to develop all of this. But even if you could develop 10% of what we identified, that would go a long way." -- Levine and Rosenlieb have yet to consider how human and wildlife activities might impact floating solar energy development on specific reservoirs. -- But they plan to address this limitation in future work. -- This study provides far more accurate data on floating solar power's potential in the United States. -- And that accuracy could help developers more easily plan projects on U.S. reservoirs and help researchers better assess how these technologies fit into the country's broader energy goals.	C01 N01	294
2503-T004	Upcycling Plastics: Chemists Transform Waste Into Higher-Performance Materials	Chemists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have pioneered a method for upcycling discarded plastics into new macromolecules with superior properties. By editing the polymers of these materials, the researchers aim to tackle the global plastic waste crisis, which sees over 450 million tons of plastic discarded annually. This innovative approach represents a shift away from traditional recycling methods, potentially transforming the environmental fate of plastics and fostering sustainable practices.	DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	By editing the polymers of discarded plastics, chemists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have found a way to generate new macromolecules with more valuable properties than those of the starting material. Upcycling may help remedy the roughly 450 million tons of plastic discarded worldwide annually, of which only 9% gets recycled; the rest is incinerated or winds up in landfills, oceans or elsewhere. -- ORNL's invention may change plastic's environmental fate by rearranging polymeric building blocks to customize the properties of plastics. Molecular subunits link to produce polymer chains that can connect through their backbones and cross-linked molecules to form multipurpose plastics. The makeup of polymer chains determines how strong, rigid or heat-resistant those plastics will be. -- Molecular editing is so promising that it has been the basis of two Nobel Prizes in Chemistry. In 2005, the prize went to developers of the metathesis reaction, which breaks and makes double bonds between carbon atoms in rings and chains so their subunits can swap to create new molecules limited only by imagination. Similarly, in 2020, the prize went to developers of CRISPR, "genetic scissors" for editing DNA strands, biopolymers made of nucleotide subunits that carry the code of life. -- "This is CRISPR for editing polymers," said ORNL's Jeffrey Foster, who led a study that was published in Journal of the American Chemical Society. "However, instead of editing strands of genes, we are editing polymer chains. This isn't the typical plastic recycling 'melt and hope for the best' scenario." -- The ORNL researchers precisely edited commodity polymers that significantly contribute to plastic waste. In some experiments, the researchers worked with soft polybutadiene, which is common in rubber tires. In other experiments, they worked with tough acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, the stuff of plastic toys, computer keyboards, ventilation pipes, protective headgear, vehicle trim and molding, and kitchen appliances. -- "This is a waste stream that's really not recycled at all," Foster said. "We're addressing a significant component of the waste stream with this technology. That'd make a pretty big impact just from conservation of mass and energy from materials that are now going into landfills." -- Dissolving the waste polymers is the first step in creating drop-in additives for polymer synthesis. The researchers shredded synthetic or commercial polybutadiene and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and immersed the material in a solvent, dichloromethane, to conduct a chemical reaction at a low temperature (40 degrees Celsius) for less than two hours. -- A ruthenium catalyst facilitated the polymerization, or polymer addition. Industrial firms have used this catalyst to make robust plastics and to convert biomass such as plant oils into fuels and other high-value organic compounds with no difficulty, highlighting the potential for its use in chemical upcycling. -- The molecular building blocks of the polymer backbone contain functional groups, or clusters of atoms that serve as reactive sites for modification. Notably, the double bonds between carbons increase the chances for chemical reactions that enable polymerization. A carbon ring opens at a double bond to create a polymer chain that grows as each functional polymer unit directly slips in, conserving the material. The plastic additive also helps control the molecular weight of the synthesized material and, in turn, its properties and performance. -- If this material synthesis strategy could be expanded to a broader range of industrially important polymers, then it could prove an economically viable path for reusing manufacturing materials that today can only be used in a single product. The upcycled materials might be, for instance, softer and stretchier than the original polymers or, perhaps, easier to shape and harden into durable thermoset products.	C01 N02 T01	295
2508-036	Supercomputing Technique Reveals Nuclear Structure In Unprecedented Detail	Using the Frontier supercomputer, researchers have developed a technique to predict nuclear properties in unprecedented detail, enhancing our understanding of atomic structures and their forces. This advancement holds implications for various fields, including quantum physics, energy production, and national security, as it deepens our knowledge of nuclear forces.	DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory	Physical Review X	Press Rel	PubMed	Using the Frontier supercomputer at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, researchers have developed a new technique that predicts nuclear properties in record detail. -- The study revealed how the structure of a nucleus relates to the force that holds it together. -- This understanding could advance efforts in quantum physics and across a variety of sectors, from to energy production to national security. -- "Our reliable predictions will bring new insights to the study of nuclear forces and structure," said Zhonghao Sun of Louisiana State University, formerly of ORNL. -- The team's findings, published in the journal Physical Review X, advance knowledge of both the structure of the nucleus itself at the atomic level and the behaviors of its subatomic particles. -- A nucleus rotates and can have both a round and a deformed, football-like shape. -- Historically, building a computational model that captures a variety of these features -- such as shape, the small energy of rotation, and the large binding energy that holds the nucleus together -- has been a challenge. -- "At very low resolution, the nucleus might be viewed as a liquid drop that rotates," said ORNL's Gaute Hagen. -- "As resolution increases, you see more details about the internal structure, and more is learned about how subatomic particles interact to build the nucleus." -- The team reached this improved understanding after modeling a variety of particle behaviors at different energy levels, where behavior changes.	T01	296
2509-T038	New Nanoscale Measurements Advance Understanding Of Magnetic Material Fluctuations	A team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has revealed a new method for measuring high-speed fluctuations in magnetic materials at nanoscale dimensions. This advancement could propel technologies in traditional computing and quantum computing, providing critical insights into material behavior near phase transitions.	DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory	Nano Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Working at nanoscale dimensions, billionths of a meter in size, a team of scientists led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory revealed a new way to measure high-speed fluctuations in magnetic materials. Knowledge obtained by these new measurements, published in Nano Letters, could be used to advance technologies ranging from traditional computing to the emerging field of quantum computing. -- Many materials undergo phase transitions characterized by temperature-dependent stepwise changes of important fundamental properties. -- Understanding materials' behavior near a critical transition temperature is key to developing new technologies that take advantage of unique physical properties. -- In this study, the team used a nanoscale quantum sensor to measure spin fluctuations near a phase transition in a magnetic thin film. -- Thin films with magnetic properties at room temperature are essential for data storage, sensors and electronic devices because their magnetic properties can be precisely controlled and manipulated. -- The team used a specialized instrument called a scanning nitrogen-vacancy center microscope at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, a DOE Office of Science user facility at ORNL. -- A nitrogen-vacancy center is an atomic-scale defect in diamond where a nitrogen atom takes the place of a carbon atom, and a neighboring carbon atom is missing, creating a special configuration of quantum spin states. -- In a nitrogen-vacancy center microscope, the defect reacts to static and fluctuating magnetic fields, allowing scientists to detect signals on a single spin level to examine nanoscale structures. -- "The nitrogen-vacancy center functions as both a quantum bit, or qubit, and a highly sensitive sensor that we moved around on top of the thin film to measure temperature-dependent changes in magnetic properties and spin fluctuations that cannot be measured any other way," said ORNL's Ben Lawrie, a research scientist in ORNL's Materials Science and Technology Division. -- Spin fluctuations are observed when the magnetic properties of a material governed by the spin orientation keep changing direction rather than staying fixed.	C01 T01	297
2504-T017	Doubling Flash Memory Production Speed With Hydrogen Fluoride Plasma	To meet the growing demand for denser data storage in electronic devices, researchers have examined new manufacturing processes for 3D NAND flash memory. By focusing on optimizing the etching of narrow, deep holes necessary for memory structure, the team found that using a hydrogen fluoride plasma could double etching speed. This breakthrough, achieved through collaboration among scientists at various institutions, is pivotal for enhancing data storage efficiency necessary for the increasing reliance on digital technology, including artificial intelligence applications.	DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory	Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A	Press Rel	PubMed	To store ever more data in electronic devices of the same size, the manufacturing processes for these devices need to be studied in greater detail. By investigating new approaches to making digital memory at the atomic scale, researchers engaged in a public-private partnership are aiming to address the endless demand for denser data storage. -- One such effort has focused on developing the ideal manufacturing process for a type of digital memory known as 3D NAND flash memory, which stacks data vertically to increase storage density. The narrow, deep holes required for this type of memory can be etched twice as fast with the right plasma and other key ingredients, according to a new study published in the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A. The study involved simulations and experiments conducted by scientists at Lam Research, the University of Colorado Boulder and the U.S. Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). -- NAND flash memory is a type of nonvolatile data storage, meaning that it retains data even if the power to the device is off. "Most people are familiar with NAND flash memory because it's the kind that is in the memory cards for digital cameras and thumb drives. It is also used in computers and mobile phones. Making this type of memory denser still -- so that more data can be packed into the same footprint -- will be increasingly important as our data storage needs grow due to the use of artificial intelligence," said Igor Kaganovich, a principal research physicist at PPPL. -- Stacking memory cells to save space -- Digital memory saves information in units called cells. Data is saved as the cell's state, where each cell is either on or off. With traditional NAND flash memory, the cells are arranged in a single layer. In 3D NAND flash memory, many memory cells are stacked on top of each other to fit more data in a smaller footprint. It's akin to replacing a bungalow with a 10-story apartment to house more people. -- A critical step in creating these stacks involves carving holes into alternating layers of silicon oxide and silicon nitride. The holes can be etched by exposing the layered material to chemicals in the form of plasma (partly ionized gases). Atoms in the plasma interact with atoms in the layered material, carving out the holes. -- Researchers want to refine how they make these holes so each one is deep, narrow, and vertical, with smooth sides. Getting the recipe just right has been tough, so scientists have continued to test new ingredients and temperatures. -- Using plasma to create deep, narrow channels -- "These processes use plasma as a source of high-energy ions," said Yuri Barsukov, a former PPPL researcher now working at Lam Research. Using the charged particles found in plasma is the easiest way to create the very small but deep, circular holes needed for microelectronics, he said. However, the process, known as reactive ion etching, isn't fully understood and could be improved. One recent development involves keeping the wafer -- the sheet of semiconductor material to be processed -- at a low temperature. This emerging approach is called cryo etching. -- Traditionally, cryo etching uses separate hydrogen and fluorine gases to make the holes. The researchers compared results from this process to a more advanced cryo-etching process that uses hydrogen fluoride gas to create the plasma.	H02 T01	298
2508-T027	Minimizing Radioactive Tritium In Fusion Vessels: New Insights From Research	New insights into plasma interactions with fusion vessel walls are critical for minimizing radioactive tritium accumulation, essential for developing practical fusion power systems. Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory investigated how deuterium, a promising fusion fuel, becomes embedded in the walls of tokamak vessels. Understanding these interactions is vital for enhancing the efficiency and safety of fusion reactors, as reducing trapped fuel directly impacts radioactive material buildup.	DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory	Nuclear Materials and Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	To develop a practical fusion power system, scientists need to fully understand how the plasma fuel interacts with its surroundings. The plasma is superheated, which means some of the atoms involved can strike the wall of the fusion vessel and become embedded. To keep the system working efficiently, it's important to know how much fuel might be trapped. -- "The less fuel is trapped in the wall, the less radioactive material builds up," said Shota Abe, a staff research physicist at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). -- Abe is the lead researcher on a new study published in Nuclear Materials and Energy. The study looks specifically at how much deuterium -- thought to be one of the best fuels for fusion -- might get stuck in the boron-coated, graphite walls of a doughnut-shaped fusion vessel known as a tokamak. -- Boron is used in some experimental fusion systems to reduce plasma impurities. -- However, researchers do not fully understand how a boron coating might impact the amount of fusion fuel that leaves the plasma and becomes embedded in the vessel walls. -- "Understanding how boron coatings can interact with deuterium can help us improve materials for future fusion power plants, such as ITER," said Abe. -- ITER is the multinational facility under assembly in France, which will study plasma that can heat itself and sustain its own fusion reactions. -- In addition to researchers from PPPL, a sizable team of experts from institutions across the country contributed to the new study on fuel retention, including researchers from Princeton University, the University of California-San Diego, General Atomics, the University of Tennessee and Sandia National Laboratories. -- Their world-leading work is critically important to making fusion a viable source of electricity on a commercial scale. -- Deuterium also stands in for tritium in experiments	N02	299
2510-E053	New Code Speeds Up Design Of Affordable Fusion Energy Magnets	Physicists have developed a new computer code called QUADCOIL to improve the design of magnets used in stellarators for plasma confinement. This advancement simplifies the process, making it more cost-effective and efficient, and aims to enhance the performance of plasmas in fusion energy systems.	DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory	Nuclear Fusion	Press Rel	PubMed	Physicists have created a new computer code that could speed up the design of the complicated magnets that shape the plasma in stellarators, making the systems simpler and more affordable to build. -- Like engineers who design high-performance Formula One race cars, scientists want to create high-performance plasmas in twisty fusion systems known as stellarators. -- Achieving this performance means that the plasma must retain much of its heat and stay within its confining magnetic fields. -- To ease the creation of these plasmas, physicists have created a new computer code that could speed up the design of the complicated magnets that shape the plasma, making stellarators simpler and more affordable to build. -- Known as QUADCOIL, the code helps scientists rule out plasma shapes that are stable but require magnets with overly complicated shapes. -- With this information, scientists can instead devote their efforts to designing stellarators that can be built affordably. -- "QUADCOIL predicts the complexity of the magnets quickly, helping you avoid the plasma shapes that are great physics-wise but not helpful for actually building a fusion facility," said Frank Fu, a graduate student in the Princeton Program in Plasma Physics, based at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), and lead author of a paper outlining the code. -- This research pairs PPPL's expertise in sophisticated plasma computer codes with its extensive history of developing stellarators, a concept that the Lab originated 70 years ago. -- Balancing physics and engineering -- Once scientists have chosen a plasma shape with a particular set of properties that can foster fusion reactions, QUADCOIL efficiently performs rough calculations to determine the magnet shapes that could create a plasma with those properties.	T01	300
2512-T017	Optimal Gas Injection Setup Ensures Safety in Next-Gen Fusion Power Systems	Researchers have found that six gas valves optimize cooling gas distribution in SPARC, an experimental fusion system designed to protect against plasma disruptions. By refining the gas injection setup, the team ensures effective cooling to prevent damage from high-temperature plasma. Their research, conducted in collaboration with various institutions and highlighted in Nuclear Fusion, paves the way for safer fusion power plants, incorporating advanced disruption mitigation strategies for future energy solutions.	DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory	Nuclear Fusion	Press Rel	PubMed	When the plasma inside a fusion system starts to misbehave, it needs to be quickly cooled to prevent damage to the device. Researchers at Commonwealth Fusion Systems believe the best bet is a massive gas injection: essentially, a well-timed, rapid blast of cooling gas inside their fusion system, which is known as SPARC. But how many gas valves does it take to quickly tame a plasma that is hotter than the sun? The team has to strike the perfect balance: with too few valves, some parts of SPARC might overheat. With too many, valuable space inside the vessel would be wasted. -- To answer this question, researchers turned to a computer code known as M3D-C1, which is developed and maintained by scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL). The code was used to model different valve configurations, and the results show that spacing six gas valves around the fusion vessel, with three on the top and three on the bottom, provides optimal protection. -- The research, conducted by a team from PPPL, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), General Atomics and Commonwealth Fusion Systems, is featured in a paper in Nuclear Fusion. The project was partially funded by the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, an initiative designed to accelerate collaboration between national laboratories, universities, and private fusion companies. By advancing disruption mitigation strategies, the research team is helping bring fusion power one step closer to reality. -- "This work also demonstrates that M3D-C1 can model a rapid shutdown via a massive gas injection using narrow and more realistic gas jets than in previous simulations," said Andreas Kleiner, a staff research scientist at PPPL and the study's lead author. "Our research also had a direct influence on the design of SPARC," he said, noting that design plans for SPARC now incorporate six gas valves based in large part on this research. -- Once completed, SPARC will use powerful magnetic fields to hold plasma in a shape that looks much like a doughnut. While SPARC will be an experimental fusion system, the hope is that one day similar devices will be refined enough to generate power for the electrical grid. A key part of this refinement is creating a system to prevent jets of ultrahot particles from damaging the inner walls of the fusion vessel. This problem is amplified in fusion systems such as SPARC, which use particularly strong magnetic fields to hold the plasma. -- "Massive gas injection mitigation is needed to make sure that we can rapidly restart SPARC after a disruption," said Ryan Sweeney, a co-author of the paper and disruption scientist at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. -- Instabilities also need to be managed to ensure a long life for the fusion vessel. -- "We don't currently have any material that can withstand the power per area that may be deposited during such an event," said Kleiner. That's why it is critical to get the details right for the massive gas injection system that's intended to cool the plasma down rapidly. "If there is no management of these events, the heat that is ejected toward the first wall can melt it." -- The most comprehensive disruption simulations to date -- The simulations considered symmetric configurations with six, four and two gas valves spaced evenly around the fusion vessel, with half the valves on the top and half on the bottom. The simulations also considered asymmetric configurations with one injector and five valves. Each simulation is extremely time intensive -- taking weeks to run -- even though the team used extremely powerful, exascale computers.	A01 N02 T01	301
2502-T006	Accelerating Catalyst Discovery: Surprising Benefits In Daily Life	Researchers at SLAC have developed a method to expedite the discovery process of single atom catalysts, which play a crucial role in various everyday applications, including efficient fuel production and food preparation. These catalysts significantly reduce energy consumption during chemical reactions, and understanding their active sites’ structures is vital for improving their effectiveness and developing sustainable technologies.	DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory	Chemistry–Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Catalysts do several surprising things to assist with daily life -- from bread making to turning raw materials into fuels more efficiently. Now, SLAC researchers have developed a way to speed up the discovery process for a promising new class of these helpful substances called single atom catalysts. -- For decades, catalysts have been unsung heroes in daily life. -- These workhorses transform a starting material into a product or fuel with lower energy, like the yeast in bread making and human-made catalysts for converting raw materials into fuels more efficiently and sustainably. -- A promising class of these helpful substances, called single atom catalysts, has emerged, and researchers need new methods to better understand them. -- More specifically, they want to know how the structure of the sites where chemical reactions occur, called active sites, affects the catalyst's ability to speed up the chemical reaction rate, known as the activity. -- In an important step forward, researchers from the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory collaborated with a team from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), to develop a new software tool that can provide more quantitative details about the structure of the active sites in single atom catalysts in much less time, compared to current methods. -- The results were published in Chemistry-Methods. -- Normally, a catalyst uses an inert support to stabilize nanometer-sized clusters of metal atoms, or metal nanoparticles. -- During catalysis, only the surface atoms act as active sites, leaving atoms in the interior of the nanoparticle unused. -- To maximize the utilization of each metal atom, researchers came up with a promising idea -- single atom catalysts, where individual metal atoms are dispersed onto the support.	H01 T01	302
2507-T018	Witness The Shortest Electron Dance Ever Captured At A Sub-Nanometer Scale	An international team of researchers has achieved unprecedented precision in observing the synchronized movement of electrons around a sub-nanometer particle, marking a significant advancement in our understanding of plasmonic resonance. This phenomenon has wide-ranging applications, from enhancing light-sensitive technologies to improving energy conversion processes. The study illustrates the intricate behaviors of electrons and their potential for future innovations in nanotechnology and photonics.	DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory	DOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory	Press Rel	PubMed	It may be the smallest, shortest chorus dance ever recorded. -- As reported in Science Advances, an international team of researchers observed how electrons, excited by ultrafast light pulses, danced in unison around a particle less than a nanometer in diameter. -- Researchers measured this dance with unprecedented precision, achieving the first measurement of its kind at the sub-nanometer scale. -- The synchronized dance of electrons, known as plasmonic resonance, can confine light for brief periods of time. -- That light-trapping ability has been applied in a wide range of areas, from turning light into chemical energy to improving light-sensitive gadgets and even converting sunlight into electricity. -- While they've been studied extensively in systems from several centimeters across to those just 10 nanometers wide, this is the first time researchers were able to break the field's "nanometer barrier." -- The study was conducted by researchers from the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University in collaboration with Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Hamburg, DESY, Northwest Missouri State University, Politecnico di Milano, and the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter. -- Early studies have indicated that when plasmonic resonances unfold at incredibly small scales, new phenomena emerge, allowing light to be confined and controlled with unprecedented precision. -- This characteristic makes understanding exactly how resonances play out at small scales a very interesting topic for researchers. -- To better understand plasmonic resonance, researchers first excite electrons around a particle, then wait for them to release their excess energy by emitting an electron.	Z01	303
2507-E047	Targeting Ultra-Processed Food Intake Results In Significant Reduction Among Participants	A new intervention designed by researchers at Drexel University has successfully reduced ultra-processed food (UPF) intake among participants by nearly half. By combining education with mindful eating strategies and practical support, the program addressed the addictive nature of UPFs, highlighting promising results in enhancing dietary habits and reducing unhealthy food consumption.	Drexel University	Drexel University	Press Rel	PubMed	Most dietary programs are designed to help people achieve weight loss or adhere to U.S. nutrition guidelines, which currently make no mention of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). UPFs -- like chips or candy -- are the mass-produced, packaged products that contain little or no naturally occurring foods. Eating UPFs is strongly associated with increased risk of diseases and early death. -- Because almost no existing programs focus specifically on reducing UPF intake, researchers from Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences designed an intervention that included a variety of tactics to target the uniquely problematic aspects of UPFs, including being engineered to be addictive. In addition to providing education about UPFs, the program integrated mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies, to help participants cope with cravings; one-on-one meal planning; a focus on improving the home food environment by involving a household member in the intervention; and financial support to help participants purchase healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables which can be more expensive. -- Recently published in Obesity and Science Practice, the researchers tested a two-month intervention with 14 adults with overweight or obesity, who regularly ate UPFs (two UPF items per day). On average, participants successfully reduced their UPF intake by almost half. -- "Reducing UPF intake can be extremely difficult, because the food industry wants us to be hooked on UPFs," said lead author Charlotte Hagerman, PhD, an assistant research professor in the College. "The industry designs UPFs to be ultra-delicious, convenient, cheap, and constantly present in the U.S. -- even if not directly in front of us, then on our TVs, phones, and roadside signs." -- Hagerman noted that although the sample was small, the results of this intervention were very promising. By the end of the program, participants had reduced their UPF intake by almost half -- both when measured as calories from UPFs and as the total number of UPFs consumed. Participants also reduced their calorie intake, on average by over 600 calories per day. Further, sugar consumption declined by 50%, saturated fat consumption declined by 37%, and sodium consumption declined by 28%. Participants also self-reported losing an average of 7.7 pounds. -- "Interestingly, participants did not have meaningful increases in their fruit and vegetable consumption, suggesting that if we want to improve dietary intake more wholistically, we may need to more strongly encourage people to eat these foods," said Hagerman. -- The research team highlighted that participants had highly positive feedback about the intervention and were enthusiastic about the benefits they noticed. During interviews, many reported that they experienced improvements in their mood and energy. -- During the two-month intervention, the 14 participants worked with coaches with expertise in health behavior change at weekly group sessions that included one-on-one meetings, discussion and activities. Participants received education about identifying UPFs and their harmful effects, learned acceptance-based strategies for coping with the cravings and withdrawal of reducing UPFs and learned the importance of the household food environment for reducing UPF intake. Participants also had individual meal-planning sessions and financial support in the form of a $100 grocery store gift card. -- To assess their dietary intake, participants completed the Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA-24) to ask participants to report everything they ate over the past 24 hours. Before and after the intervention, participants reported everything they ate during two weekdays and one weekend day (since eating behavior tends to be different during the weekend). The assessment tool automatically reported servings of specific food groups (e.g., fruits), macronutrient intake, and calorie intake, to help the team and participants identify consumption patterns. -- A member of the research team categorized each entry as UPF or not and consulted with a UPF expert for a second opinion on ambiguous cases. Researchers were not aware of whether each entry was from before or after the intervention, to avoid biasing their coding.	H01	304
2513-019	New DNA Test Personalizes Treatment For Bacterial Vaginosis In Patients	Researchers have developed a DNA PCR-based lab test to help diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common condition affecting one in three women. The test focuses on the genetic characteristics of bacteria causing BV, enabling more precise treatment. With many patients failing to respond to standard antibiotics, this innovative approach could lead to better-targeted therapies, reducing recurrence and improving overall patient care.	Drexel University	Genome Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Roughly one out of three women ages 14-49 in the United States develop a vaginal bacterial imbalance known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) during their lifetime. BV is characterized by unpleasant odors, and potentially painful side effects, as well as the risk of associated health issues later in life. More than half of the patients who seek medical care do not respond to the first-line treatment, the antibiotic metronidazole, leading to recurrence. -- Now Drexel researchers have developed a simple DNA PCR-based lab test -- built on a more detailed genetic analysis of the main group of bacterial organisms that cause the infection -- to help clinicians prescribe the right medicine for each patient. -- The results are published this week in the journal Genome Medicine. -- "If this test becomes available to patients, they can avoid taking the wrong antibiotic, avoiding additional potential side effects and financial costs," said lead author Katherine Innamorati, PhD, an instructor in Drexel University College of Medicine. -- "Faster treatment and better antibiotic stewardship is especially important for patients who may need to take multiple courses of antibiotics to fully eliminate the infection." -- The main bacterial pathogens associated with BV are a group of related bacterial species previously known as Gardnerella vaginalis. Earlier work by Garth Ehrlich, PhD, a professor of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Medicine, and colleagues revealed that this group is actually composed of multiple species. -- In the current paper, the authors built out this "family tree" much further. -- Using genome sequencing and genomic metrics on 129 Gardnerella spp. genomes, the team performed a detailed analysis revealing much greater diversity, including identifying 11 unique groups of organisms known as genospecies, which fall within several major clades, or groupings. -- Using this data, the research team found that two of the clades are composed of five genospecies that are 100% resistant to metronidazole, but can be successfully treated with the antibiotic clindamycin. -- Both drugs are typically taken for a week and can be administered vaginally or by mouth.	H01	305
2502-050	Small-Scale Fisheries: Key Players In Global Nutrition And Economic Security	Research published in Nature reveals the critical role of small-scale fisheries in global food security, nutritional needs, and socioeconomic stability. The study quantifies their contributions to aquatic harvests and emphasizes the importance of recognizing these fisheries in policy-making, as they support millions of livelihoods worldwide, particularly in lower-income communities often overlooked in resource management.	Duke University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Small-scale fisheries play a significant but overlooked role in global fisheries production and are key to addressing hunger and malnutrition while supporting livelihoods around the world, according to research featured in the journal Nature. Published online on Jan. 15 by an international team of scientists, the study is the first to rigorously quantify how marine and inland small-scale fisheries contribute to aquatic harvests and nutritional and socioeconomic security on a global scale. -- Although definitions vary, small-scale fisheries generally comprise households or communities, mostly in lower- to middle-income countries, that use lower-tech, more labor-intensive fishing techniques to fish for food or to earn money compared to large-scale fisheries. -- Historically, decision-makers have marginalized small-scale fisheries in resource management plans, food system analyses, and agricultural, nutritional and development policies, for various reasons. -- For example, census data usually groups small-scale fishers with agricultural workers. -- "Millions of people who fish marine and inland waters have essentially been flying under the radar of science and policy. Ignoring their contributions and needs could be detrimental -- not just to fisherfolk, but to the environment and society as a whole," said co-lead author Xavier Basurto, who was the Bass Chair for Excellence in Teaching and Research at the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment during the time of research. -- "Our analysis shows that small-scale fisheries contribute almost half the catch across all fisheries. They have a critical role to play in meeting the food security and nutritional needs of billions of people," added co-lead author Nicolas L. Gutierrez, senior fishery officer for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). -- In 2017, FAO forged a unique partnership with the Nicholas School and the international research organization WorldFish to assess how small-scale fisheries fit into the U.N.'s Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint for addressing global challenges such as hunger, poverty and gender inequality. -- The new study builds on a 2023 report published by the group, who call their collaboration the Illuminating Hidden Harvests Initiative (IHH). -- "Our driving question was simple: Who produces aquatic foods, how and for whom?" said co-author Nicole Franz, who leads the Equitable Livelihoods Team in FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Division and had the initial idea for IHH. -- "Answering that question was more complicated, requiring a huge team of diverse experts in fields like fisheries science, nutrition, governance, gender and economics."	H01 R01 R02	306
2505-E002	AI Platform Designs Peptides To Target Previously Undruggable Proteins	Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created an AI-based platform that designs peptides to target complex disease-causing proteins. This innovative approach enables the identification of peptides that can bind to previously undruggable proteins, overcoming challenges in therapeutic development. By prioritizing peptides for experimental testing, this research marks a significant advancement in tackling diseases associated with disordered proteins, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.	Duke University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A new variety of Kentucky bluegrass has been commercially released by researchers at Washington State University. -- "Matchless," developed from another bluegrass variety called "Kenblue," offers seed growers higher yields without the harmful impacts of burning. -- It also provides consumers with the option of a more environmentally friendly grass. -- For several decades in the 1900s, Kentucky bluegrass growers burned fields to remove stubble after harvest, reduce thatch buildup, prevent disease, and for a number of other benefits. -- In 1998, Washington state banned the practice due to air quality and safety concerns. -- Washington produces around 80% of the world's Kentucky bluegrass seed. -- "The ban had a huge impact on an important crop," said Michael Neff, WSU professor and director of WSU's turfgrass research program. -- "The ban didn't kill the dryland bluegrass seed production industry, but it limited the varieties that could be grown and increased costs for those that could. Matchless adds yield and profit for growers." -- Burning was once widespread in the Pacific Northwest, but now is banned in Washington and Oregon and heavily regulated in Idaho, allowed only under very specific circumstances. -- Eliminating the practice has environmental benefits that can be marketed to end-users as well.	T01	307
2506-E023	Assessing Environmental Impact: Analyzing Bolivia's Lithium Mining Wastewater	Researchers have conducted a comprehensive chemical analysis of wastewater linked to lithium extraction from the world's largest lithium deposit in Bolivia, located in the Salar de Uyuni. This vast salt pan, known for its stunning landscapes, contains significant reserves of lithium under highly saline conditions. The study aims to understand the environmental health implications associated with lithium mining, which is increasingly crucial for the renewable energy sector, as the global demand for lithium continues to rise.	Duke University	Environmental Science & Technology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The world's largest known lithium deposit exists within a vast salt pan called the Salar de Uyuni, which stretches for thousands of square miles atop a high, dry Andean plateau in Bolivia. For most of the year, salt crystals encrust the terrain, white as confectioner's sugar. During the wet season, pooling rainwater mirrors surrounding mountains and sky. -- "The Salar is a magical place for travelers from all over the world who come to see the colors, the reflections, in this endless white landscape," said Avner Vengosh, Nicholas Chair of Environmental Quality at the Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment. -- What most tourists don't see is the vast reserve of lithium dissolved in highly saline, or salty, brine just below their shoes. -- Contained within sediments and salts that descend a few feet to more than 160 feet below the surface, this untapped trove could potentially be a key resource for the renewable energy sector. -- For the past few years, Vengosh, who is also chair of the Division of Earth and Climate Sciences at the Nicholas School, and Ph.D. student Gordon Williams have been working to understand the potential environmental health implications of lithium mining, both in the U.S. and abroad. -- Reporting in Environmental Science & Technology Letters in January, the duo conducted the first thorough chemical analysis of wastewater associated with mining the lithium brine at the Salar de Uyuni. -- Their findings could inform strategies to manage future mining operations more sustainably and protect the fragile salar environment. -- Lithium-brine mining currently entails a multi-step process that generally goes like this: Brine is pumped from below the surface into a series of shallow, above-ground evaporation ponds. -- As liquid evaporates in successive ponds, undesirable salts precipitate out. -- Lithium, however, becomes more concentrated in the brine at each stage.	C01	308
2508-E023	Coral-Dwelling Crabs May Help Corals Endure Heat Waves: A Surprising Connection	Research published in Proceedings Biological Sciences indicates that certain reef-dwelling crabs can enhance coral resilience to heat stress, supporting positive ecological interactions. The study found that a specific crab species aids heat-stressed corals, suggesting that fostering mutualistic relationships can help buffer coral reefs against environmental threats. This knowledge could inform conservation strategies aimed at protecting coral ecosystems under climate change.	Duke University	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	For certain vulnerable corals, help is in the claws of a crab. Reporting in Proceedings Biological Sciences, researchers found that a species of branching coral benefitted from a reef-dwelling crab, especially when the coral was heat-stressed and wounded. The findings support the idea that positive species interactions can buffer coral reefs from multiple environmental threats. -- Corals are what ecologists call "foundation species," meaning that they're integral to habitats and food webs. -- Understanding ecological factors that shield coral reefs from harm could inform conservation and restoration efforts. -- "Foundation species like corals create the base of an ecosystem: They form structures that other species use for shelter, they modify the local environment, and they provide food for other organisms. Learning how these species respond to stress can help us design better strategies to conserve them -- and, in turn, other species that rely on them -- in an era of global change," said first author Julianna Renzi, who conducted the research as a graduate student at the Duke University Marine Laboratory, part of the Nicholas School of the Environment. -- Renzi is particularly interested in mutualism, a relationship between species that helps both. -- Many studies have investigated how positive species interactions reduce the effects of a single environmental stressor, like rising ocean temperatures. -- However, less work has explored how these beneficial relationships can counteract multiple, coinciding stressors, according to the authors. -- For their study, Renzi and colleagues collected samples of Acropora aspera, a type of branching coral, from a designated research area in Australia's Great Barrier Reef during a heat wave. -- They placed the coral samples in tanks fed with seawater and exposed them to one or a combination of treatments, including physical wounds; a harmful algae; and the Australian crustacean Cyclodius ungulatus, or hoof-clawed reef crab. -- For each treatment, they measured coral tissue loss over the course of a month as a proxy for coral health.	H01 H02 C01	309
2509-T014	Tougher Double-Network Hydrogels Developed To Heal Themselves After Damage	A collaboration between researchers at Hokkaido University and Duke University has led to the development of a self-healing hydrogel that can recover from damage. This innovation may pave the way for durable materials in various applications, demonstrating the potential of hydrogels to perform effectively under challenging conditions.	Duke University	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Hokkaido University and Duke University have developed a hydrogel that heals and strengthens itself as it is overloaded and damaged. The proof-of-concept demonstration could lead to improved performance for situations where soft but durable materials are required, such as load-bearing connections and joints within machines, robots and even people. -- The research appears online Feb. 26 in the journal Nature Materials. -- Hydrogels sound like a fancy term, but they are everywhere in the world all around us, such as soft contact lenses, gummy bears and cartilage. -- This broad class of materials is defined by web-like matrices of long molecular chains that absorb and hold a lot of water. -- It is challenging to create hydrogels that are soft and easily deformed but also difficult to tear apart. -- Imagine slowly pushing down on a Jell-O mold with your hand; it will bulge out and remain intact for a little while, but eventually, it will split and lose its structural integrity. -- In 2003, Jian Ping Gong, a professor of soft and wet matter at Hokkaido University, invented what is called double-network hydrogels. -- In these materials, an additional harder, more brittle interior skeleton is placed within the hydrogel to provide additional strength and durability. -- "The concept is similar to the tires on your car," said Michael Rubinstein, the Aleksandar S. Vesic Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke. -- "The rubber is very soft, but by putting a network of connected carbon particles inside of it, one makes tires much harder, stronger and tougher."	C01 T01	310
2511-026	New CRISPR Systems Enhance Gene Editing Capabilities	Recent research has unveiled several new CRISPR-Cas systems that could enhance gene editing and DNA manipulation techniques. Notably, one system derived from dairy cow bacteria holds significant potential for human health, showcasing efficiency comparable to the mainstream CRISPR-Cas tool while being smaller and capable of targeting unique gene sequences. Its distinctiveness may also help it evade human immune responses, as published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.	Duke University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Duke University and North Carolina State University have discovered a handful of new CRISPR-Cas systems that could add to the capabilities of the already transformational gene editing and DNA manipulation toolbox. -- Of the new recruits, one system from bacteria commonly found in dairy cows shows particular promise for human health. -- Its efficiency is on par with the original and most widely used CRISPR-Cas system, but its small size allows it to be more easily packaged for delivery to human cells. -- It also can target specific gene sequences that other systems cannot, and human immune systems are unlikely to have been exposed to it. -- The results appear online March 14 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). -- CRISPR-Cas9 burst onto the broader scientific scene in 2012 when a team led by Jennifer Doudna showed that it could be modified to target and cut specific segments of DNA. -- The CRISPR half of the system acts as a genetic homing device, while the Cas9 portion works like a scalpel that cuts where CRISPR tells it to. That work -- and most of the subsequent research using CRISPR -- is built on a viral defense mechanism from the bacterial species Streptococcus pyogenes. But other bacterial species also have similar defense systems with a wide range of potential abilities and limitations. -- "It's actually remarkable that the first CRISPR-Cas systems researchers used on human cells is still the one that works the best," said Charlie Gersbach, the John W. Strohbehn Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke. -- "We wanted to scour bacteria found in more obscure settings for different CRISPR systems that might have different abilities." -- To do this, Gersbach and his group turned to one of the world's first and foremost experts on CRISPR, whose lab is just 25 miles down the highway.	R01 T01	311
2502-007	T Cells Can Prevent Viral Infections Independently, Transforming Vaccine Development Approaches	A recent discovery by scientists indicates that T cells can independently prevent viral infections, a capability previously attributed only to neutralizing antibodies. This finding alters our understanding of immune responses and could lead to advancements in vaccine design, enhancing protection against viral diseases in the future.	Duke-NUS Medical School	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the Singapore General Hospital have discovered that T cells -- white blood cells that can destroy harmful pathogens -- can completely prevent viral infection, to an extent previously thought only possible due to neutralising antibodies. Their findings, shown experimentally for the first time in human studies, reshape our understanding of how our immune system works, paving the way for the design of more effective vaccines. -- Traditionally, scientists have considered neutralising antibodies (proteins that prevent viruses from entering cells) as the ultimate form of protection against viral diseases. These antibodies bind to viruses to prevent them from infecting cells, such that clinical and lab investigations would find no trace of infection. Such a level of protection is referred to as sterilising immunity. But these latest findings, published in Nature Microbiology, challenge this view, demonstrating that T cells are also capable of controlling viral infection entirely to untraceable extents, even without any neutralising antibodies. -- In the study involving 33 healthy adult volunteers aged 21 to 45, scientists employed a cross-vaccination approach by administering a live-attenuated yellow fever vaccine followed by a challenge 28 days later, with a weakened Japanese encephalitis virus, and vice versa. Yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis are genetically related viruses. The weakened strains were not capable of causing disease in the volunteers, but were sufficient to result in mild symptoms and measurable levels of virus in the blood, as well as an immune response necessary for protection. The study was conducted at the SingHealth Investigational Medicine Unit in Singapore from 30 March to 31 Oct 2023. -- As the Japanese encephalitis vaccine was constructed using the backbone of the yellow fever vaccine, inoculation with either one of the vaccines generates T cells that are effective against both viruses, but stimulates production of neutralising antibodies that are ineffective against the virus used in the human challenge study. This allowed the scientists to assess how well the T-cells, independent of neutralising antibodies, were able to control the infection. -- The results showed that T cells from yellow fever vaccination controlled the Japanese encephalitis vaccine virus challenge infection, reducing both viral loads and antibodies produced. Moreover, when present in high enough levels after vaccination, T cells controlled the challenge infection to undetectable levels in 15 per cent of study participants, to the point that no new antibodies were formed following infection. -- Professor Ooi Eng Eong, from Duke-NUS' Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme and lead author of the study said: -- "We found that T cells can serve as the first line of defence, not just a supportive element in protecting us from acute viral diseases. These findings challenge the current paradigm that antibodies are absolutely vital for protection against acute viral infection. Measuring antibodies alone without considering T cells could underestimate herd immunity -- when sufficient numbers of individuals in a population are already protected against specific viruses either through vaccination or previous infections -- which is one of the considerations in developing policies on vaccine dosage and frequency." -- Historically, vaccine development has prioritised generating elevated levels of antibodies. This approach may not only limit the efficacy of vaccines but could also hinder our ability to combat variants that escape antibodies but not T cells. -- Assistant Professor Shirin Kalimuddin is a Senior Consultant with the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Singapore General Hospital and a faculty member of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS. The first author of the study said: -- "We need to rethink how we design and develop vaccines. Vaccines that generate high levels of antibodies do not necessarily generate high levels of T cells. Development of vaccines must incorporate the viral components that T cells recognise and react against. Indeed, our findings may explain why some vaccines offer better protection against viruses when they are able to trigger a broader T cell response."	R01	312
2505-E057	Gut Microbes Might Hold The Key To Easing Anxiety Through Probiotic Therapies	New research from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute has revealed a vital link between gut microbes and anxiety-related behaviors. The study indicates that metabolites produced by these microbes, specifically indoles, directly influence brain activity associated with anxiety. This discovery opens avenues for developing probiotic-based therapies aimed at improving mental health, particularly as mental health disorders have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.	Duke-NUS Medical School	EMBO Molecular Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A team led by a Rutgers-New Brunswick scientist has concluded water did not arrive as early during Earth's formation as previously thought, an insight that bears directly on the question of when life originated on the planet. -- The finding, reported in the science journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, is significant because the data reported by the study support the idea that water arrived towards the final stages of Earth's development into a planet from dust and gas, what geologists refer to as late accretion. -- Scientists seek to learn when the constituent materials necessary for life appeared so that they can understand how and when life began. According to present scientific understanding, at least three necessary ingredients are essential to kick-start life. These are water, energy and a soup of organic chemicals known as CHNOPS -- scientific shorthand for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. -- "When water was delivered to the planet is a major unanswered question in planetary science," said Katherine Bermingham, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. "If we know the answer, we can better constrain when and how life developed." -- Bermingham is a cosmogeochemist, a scientist who studies the chemical composition of matter in the solar system, particularly focusing on the origin and evolution of the solar system and its rocky planets by analyzing Earth rocks and extraterrestrial materials such as meteorites. -- Using thermal ionization mass spectrometry and a new analytical method the team developed, Bermingham and colleagues studied isotopes of the element molybdenum. An isotope is a form of an element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. This allows it to share the same chemical properties while having a different atomic mass. -- "The molybdenum isotopic composition of Earth rocks provides us with a special window into events occurring around the time of Earth's final core formation, when the last 10% to 20% of material was being assembled by the planet. This period is thought to coincide with the Moon's formation," Bermingham said. -- They extracted molybdenum from meteorite samples obtained from the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution. The scientific community has divided meteorites into two general groups -- the first, "CC," with constituent elements suggesting the meteorites formed in the outer, presumably wetter, Solar System. The second group, "NC," has characteristics indicating its meteorites formed in the inner, presumably drier, solar system. This study focused on samples that belong to the NC group. -- They compared the molybdenum isotopic composition of these meteorites to Earth rocks from Greenland, South Africa, Canada, the United States and Japan collected by field geologists. The molybdenum in these rocks is generally considered to have been added to Earth during the time the Moon was formed, which is when final core formation occurred. This is precisely when the team wanted to search for the origins of water. -- "Once we gathered the different samples and measured their isotopic compositions, we compared the meteorites signatures with the rock signatures to see if there was a similarity or a difference," Bermingham said. "And from there, we drew inferences."	H02 R01 R02	313
2507-117	Targeting Immune Cell Proteins May Reverse Lung Scarring In Pulmonary Fibrosis	Duke-NUS Medical School scientists have identified immune cell proteins that, when blocked, could significantly reduce scarring in pulmonary fibrosis patients. This discovery offers new avenues for addressing the condition, which currently has limited treatment options aimed solely at symptom management, marking a potential shift toward targeting underlying disease mechanisms for better patient outcomes.	Duke-NUS Medical School	Duke-NUS Medical School	Press Rel	PubMed	A discovery at Duke-NUS Medical School offers new hope in the battle against pulmonary fibrosis, a debilitating lung condition that progressively makes it harder for patients to breathe. Scientists have pinpointed proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, could significantly reduce lung tissue scarring. -- Current treatments primarily manage symptoms and improving quality of life, without addressing the underlying cause of pulmonary fibrosis. -- Although macrophages, a type of immune cell, had previously been known to contribute to inflammation and scarring in pulmonary fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. -- After discovering that two proteins in macrophages -- YAP and TAZ -- are involved in heart scarring, researchers from the School sought to determine whether these proteins play a similar role in the lungs and to better understand how their activity influences disease progression. -- YAP and TAZ are part of a critical molecular pathway that usually helps cells grow and repair. -- However, in a preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis, the researchers discovered that these proteins can also contribute to harmful scarring. -- In their study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, the researchers found that blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation and restore the immediate environment to one that encourages regeneration in three ways: -- Dampening a loud call to arms: YAP and TAZ drive inflammation by amplifying the effect of a molecule called CCL2. -- Like a homing beacon, this signalling molecule attracts various immune cells to the affected areas of the lungs during injuries. -- However, when recruited to the lungs in excess, these immune cells can harm the organs by causing uncontrolled inflammation, leading to tissue scarring.	R01	314
2505-049	New Insights Into Immune Cells Reveal Promise For Alzheimer’s Treatment Through Neuroinflammation	Recent research highlights the significant role of immune cells in neurodegeneration, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's disease. Scientists have found that targeting brain inflammation could pave the way for effective therapies. Their comprehensive studies involving cell cultures, animal models, and human tissue samples reveal crucial insights into the mechanisms of neuroinflammation, thereby opening avenues for innovative treatments against this debilitating condition.	DZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases	Immunity	Press Rel	PubMed	Sour beers have become a fixture on microbrewery menus and store shelves. They're enjoyed for their tart, complex flavors, but some can require long and complicated brewing processes. Researchers reporting in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry brewed new sours in less time using a seemingly strange ingredient: field peas. The experimental beers had fruity -- not "beany" -- flavors and other attributes comparable to a commercial Belgian-style sour, but with shorter, simpler brewing steps. -- "Sour beer is the beer enthusiast's alternative to Champagne. By using sugars derived from peas that yeast cannot metabolize, we promote the growth of bacteria essential for producing sour beer," says Bjørge Westereng, one of the study's authors. -- The characteristic mouth-puckering taste of a sour beer comes from acids made by lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) or Brettanomyces yeast, which are added by brewers or introduced naturally from the environment. -- However, these microbes often require months or even years to ferment the original sugary, steeped-grain liquid (wort) into a desirable drink. -- So, Westereng, Philipp Garbers, Catrin Tyl and colleagues have been searching for sugars beyond those found in traditional grain for the LAB to nosh on that might speed up the fermentation process. -- Previously, they tried molecules derived from wood. But this time, they turned to a group of plants called pulses, which includes beans, lentils and peas. -- Pulses have historically been underutilized largely because of their tendency to impart beany flavors to foods. -- But they're considered sustainable and easy to grow, and contain sugars called raffinose-family oligosaccharides (RFOs), which LAB can easily use as a food source. -- In the new research, the team brewed sour beers with RFOs extracted from field peas and compared the final product to a commercially available Belgian sour. -- Using three different LAB, the researchers brewed four experimental sour beers: two with the field pea RFOs and two without.	H01 R02	315
2501-T025	Macroscopic Oscillators Achieve Collective Quantum Behavior: New Frontiers In Quantum Tech	Scientists at EPFL have achieved a significant milestone in quantum technology by successfully demonstrating collective quantum behavior in mechanical oscillators. This research opens new avenues for developing ultra-sensitive sensors and components crucial for advancing quantum computing and enhancing measurement precision.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Quantum technologies are radically transforming our understanding of the universe. One emerging technology are macroscopic mechanical oscillators, devices that are vital in quartz watches, mobile phones, and lasers used in telecommunications. In the quantum realm, macroscopic oscillators could enable ultra-sensitive sensors and components for quantum computing, opening new possibilities for innovation in various industries. -- Controlling mechanical oscillators at the quantum level is essential for developing future technologies in quantum computing and ultra-precise sensing. But controlling them collectively is challenging, as it requires near-perfect units, i.e. identical. -- Most research in quantum optomechanics has centered on single oscillators, demonstrating quantum phenomena like ground-state cooling and quantum squeezing. But this hasn't been the case for collective quantum behavior, where many oscillators act as one. Although these collective dynamics are key to creating more powerful quantum systems, they demand exceptionally precise control over multiple oscillators with nearly identical properties. -- Scientists led by Tobias Kippenberg at EPFL have now achieved the long-sought goal: they successfully prepared six mechanical oscillators in a collective state, observed their quantum behavior, and measured phenomena that only emerge when oscillators act as a group. The research, published in Science, marks a significant step forward for quantum technologies, opening the door to large-scale quantum systems. -- "This is enabled by the extremely low disorder among the mechanical frequencies in a superconducting platform, reaching levels as low as 0.1%," says Mahdi Chegnizadeh, the first author of the study. "This precision allowed the oscillators to enter a collective state, where they behave as a unified system rather than independent components." -- To enable the observation of quantum effects, the scientists used sideband cooling, a technique that reduces the energy of oscillators to their quantum ground state -- the lowest possible energy allowed by quantum mechanics. -- Sideband cooling works by shining a laser at an oscillator, with the laser's light tuned slightly below the oscillator's natural frequency. The light's energy interacts with the vibrating system in a way that subtracts energy from it. This process is crucial for observing delicate quantum effects, as it reduces thermal vibrations and brings the system near stillness. -- By increasing the coupling between the microwave cavity and the oscillators, the system transitions from individual to collective dynamics. "More interestingly, by preparing the collective mode in its quantum ground state, we observed quantum sideband asymmetry, which is the hallmark of quantum collective motion. Typically, quantum motion is confined to a single object, but here it spanned the entire system of oscillators," says Marco Scigliuzzo, a co-author of the study. -- The researchers also observed enhanced cooling rates and the emergence of "dark" mechanical modes, i.e., modes that did not interact with the system's cavity and retained higher energy. -- The findings provide experimental confirmation of theories about collective quantum behavior in mechanical systems and open new possibilities for exploring quantum states. They also have major implications for the future of quantum technologies, as the ability to control collective quantum motion in mechanical systems could lead to advances in quantum sensing and generation of multi-partite entanglement.	T01	316
2501-T036	Blocking Spasticity: Empowering Paraplegics In Their Journey To Walk Again	Researchers have made strides in spinal cord injury rehabilitation by applying high-frequency electrical stimulation to reduce muscle spasticity. This innovative approach has enabled better access to rehabilitation protocols for paralyzed patients, showing promise for enhancing recovery and mobility after severe spinal injuries.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is a promising strategy for reestablishing walking after spinal cord injury, recent studies show. But for patients suffering from muscle spasms, the stimulation protocols have a limited effect due to the unpredictable behaviour of involuntary muscle stiffness related to spasticity. Muscle spasticity affects almost 70% of spinal cord injured patients -- Now, scientists at EPFL, Università San Raffaele and Scuola Sant'Anna have found a promising way to address and reduce muscle spasticity in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury. It involves zapping the spinal cord with high-frequency electrical stimulation that blocks the abnormal muscular contractions. This high-frequency treatment gives patients suffering from spasticity access to rehabilitation protocols that were previously inaccessible to them with a very good clinical outcome. The results are published today in Science Translational Medicine. -- "We've found that high frequency electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, coupled with the usual continuous, low-frequency spinal stimulation, is effective during rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, overcoming muscular stiffness and spasms in paralyzed patients and effectively assisting the patients during locomotion," explains Silvestro Micera, professor at EPFL's Neuro X Institute and Scuola Sant'Anna. -- "This is a safe and effective surgical procedure that offers a new perspective in the treatment of patients with severe damage to the spinal cord. We are planning to extend the indications to different clinical conditions we will define in the next month. We are deeply grateful to the patients who trusted us," says Pietro Mortini, Head of the Neurosurgery and Stereotactic Radiosurgery Unit at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele (Milan) and full professor of Neurosurgery at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele. -- Electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is an indirect way to reach the motor neurons that make muscles move. That's because the backside of the spinal cord contains sensory neurons which in turn communicate with the motor neurons. In muscle spasticity, it is known that the spinal sensory-motor circuits are overreactive. In fact, the spinal cord is naturally overreactive to stimuli, which is good since it leads to fast reflexes. Normally, that over-reactivity is balanced out by the brain that inhibits the motor circuits. In spinal cord injury, the patient loses messaging from the brain and these inhibitory mechanisms. By indirectly stimulating the motor circuits, the research team has found that high-frequency stimulation of the spinal cord is an artificial and safe way to inhibit that over-reactivity without producing discomfort in patients. -- During the clinical trial at San Raffaele Hospital, coordinated by Mortini and Micera, Simone Romeni, first author of the study and researcher at EPFL and Università San Raffaele, proposed to implement high-frequency stimulation taking inspiration from previous work on high-frequency kilohertz blocks of motor circuits by stimulating peripheral nerves. -- "At this stage, we can only speculate that high-frequency stimulation acts as a kilohertz block that prevents muscle spasticity," says Micera. -- "The clinical data with the two patients point to the benefits of implementing high-frequency stimulation for reducing muscle stiffness and spasms in paralysis. More experiments will be necessary to confirm the potentials of this approach," concludes Mortini.	A01 R02 T01	317
2502-051	New Insights Into Plant Protection Under Salt Stress Promise Food Security Advances	A collaborative study involving scientists from EPFL and the University of Lausanne has uncovered a novel plant protection mechanism against salt stress, which poses a significant threat to global food security. By examining the 'Salt Overly Sensitive 1' gene, researchers utilized advanced imaging techniques to observe how this gene helps plants manage excess sodium, offering new insights for agricultural resilience.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	According to the United Nations, soil salinization affects between 20% and 40% of arable land globally, with human activity and climate change -- especially rising sea levels -- largely responsible for this process. While the human body needs sodium to function, this is not the case for most plants. In fact, excess salt around plants' roots gradually blocks their access to water, stunting their growth, poisoning them and hastening their death. Ten million hectares of farmland are destroyed by soil salinization every year, posing a threat to global food security. -- Scientists at EPFL, the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and their Spanish partners observed how 'Salt Overly Sensitive 1' (SOS1), a gene identified in 2000, protects the plant cells from salt. -- The team of biologists and engineers produced unprecedented images using the CryoNanoSIMS (Cryo Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry) ion microprobe. -- With this cryogenic microscopy instrument -- the only one of its kind in the world -- they were able to obtain precise images of the location in which a specific nutrient is stored or used within a cell or tissue sample. -- Their observations show that, under high levels of salt stress, the ion transporter SOS1 no longer removes sodium but rather helps to load it into structures called the vacuoles within the cells. -- Better understanding this mechanism and working out why some species are more tolerant to sodium than others could, according to the scientists, allow us to develop new strategies to strengthen food security. -- Their findings have just been published in Nature. -- First visual proof -- "Our research provides the first visual proof, at the cellular scale, of how plants protect themselves against excess of sodium," says Priya Ramakrishna, a postdoctoral researcher at EPFL's Laboratory for Biological Geochemistry (LGB) and the lead author of the paper. -- "Previous hypotheses of this mechanism were based on indirect evidence. We can now see where sodium is transported to at different levels of salt stress -- something we were unable to do at this resolution before." The joint EPFL and UNIL team carried out observations in unprecedented detail with the recently developed CryoNanoSIMS instrument, that permits obtaining chemical images of biological tissue at a resolution of 100 nanometers, in this case on samples of plant roots that had been snap-frozen in a bath of liquid nitrogen and maintained at very low temperatures under vacuum, to preserve all elements in place in the tissue.	A01 H01 H02 N02 T01	318
2502-T043	Deep Learning Enables Design Of Innovative Protein Interactions For Biomedicine	Protein Design with Deep Learning: Scientists have utilized deep learning to create novel proteins that can bind to small molecules, paving the way for new therapeutic applications. This innovative approach enables precise molecular interactions, presenting exciting opportunities for advancements in biomedicine and drug development.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2023, scientists in the joint School of Engineering and School of Life Sciences Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI), led by Bruno Correia, published in Nature a deep-learning pipeline for designing new proteins to interact with therapeutic targets. MaSIF can rapidly scan millions of proteins to identify optimal matches between molecules based on their chemical and geometric surface properties, enabling scientists to engineer novel protein-protein interactions that play key roles in cell regulation and therapeutics. -- A year and a half later, the team has reported -- again in Nature -- an exciting advancement of this technology. -- They have used MaSIF to design novel protein binders to interact with known protein complexes involving small molecules like therapeutic drugs or hormones. -- Because these bound small molecules induce subtle changes in the surface properties ('neosurfaces') of these protein-drug complexes, they can act as 'on' or 'off' switches for the fine control of cellular functions like DNA transcription or protein degradation. -- "Our idea was to engineer an interaction in which a small molecule causes two proteins to come together. Some approaches have focused on screening for such small molecules, but we wanted to design a novel protein that would bind to a defined protein-drug complex," says LPDI scientist and co-first author Anthony Marchand. -- Remarkably, the team showed that MaSIF could seamlessly apply protein surface representations ('fingerprints') that had been trained only on proteins to neosurfaces emerging from protein-drug complexes. -- While most learning-based protein design systems work only on amino acid building blocks from nature, MaSIF's sensitivity and generalizability to small molecules means it could be used to design chemically induced protein interactions in engineered cells for drug-controlled cell-based therapies or biosensors. -- Small but powerful -- While protein binding may seem as simple as fitting puzzle pieces together, in reality, protein surface variations make it hard to predict how and where binding events will occur. -- As in their previous study, the team designed novel protein binders by using MaSIF to generate 'fingerprints' for surface features like positive and negative charge, hydrophobicity, shape, etc.	H01	319
2504-030	Hydrogel Injections Combined With Osteoporosis Drugs Show Promise In Bone Density Increase	Researchers at EPFL have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel that rapidly increases bone density when combined with osteoporosis drugs in rats. This promising approach aims to provide immediate protection against fractures in osteoporosis patients, addressing a significant health risk and offering hope for more effective treatment strategies.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Bone	Press Rel	PubMed	Osteoporosis is a disease in which bone resorbs faster than it is formed, gradually weakening its structure over time and leading to fractures. Although the condition is well recognized, Dominique Pioletti, head of the Laboratory of Biomechanical Orthopedics in EPFL's School of Engineering, emphasizes that the economic and societal impacts of osteoporosis fractures are often underestimated. -- "In the absence of effective preventive measures, around 40% of women aged 50 will suffer at least one major osteoporotic fracture; in men, the percentage is around 20%," he says. -- "Moreover, people often do not realize the severity of the condition. In the elderly, fractures of the femoral neck, near the hip, have a 20% mortality rate in the year following the fracture, and over half of those affected are never able to return to pre-fracture activities." -- A diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually followed by treatment with systemic drugs that work either by decreasing the resorption rate of old bone (anti-catabolism) or boosting new bone production (anabolism). But both types of treatment can take up to a year to have an effect, leaving patients vulnerable to fracture in the meantime. -- Pioletti and colleagues at EPFL start-up flowbone have developed an injectable hydrogel that targets rapid, localized increase in bone density. -- The team, in collaboration with Vincent Stadelmann at the Schulthess Klinik, Zurich, have recently reported a novel therapy that combines these hydrogel injections with traditional systemic drugs. -- The results, published in the journal Bone, show a four- to five-fold increase in bone density in the legs of rats with bone loss. -- "In this work, we demonstrate for the first time that a combined therapy of a systemically delivered drug and local injection of our hydrogel delivers a rapid increase in bone density, and could therefore revolutionize the prevention of osteoporosis fractures," Pioletti says. -- Boosting build-up while blocking breakdown -- Most current osteoporosis treatments are systemic, and the few local treatments available take the form of pastes that harden into a kind of cement.	H01 R01	320
2504-E035	Explainable AI Techniques Enhance Trust In Wind Power Forecasts	By applying explainable artificial intelligence techniques, researchers have enhanced the transparency and reliability of wind power forecasts. This innovative approach could significantly improve decision-making by offering insights into the predictive models used, ultimately aiding grid operators in integrating renewable energy sources effectively.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Applied Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is a branch of AI that helps users to peek inside the black-box of AI models to understand how their output is generated and whether their forecasts can be trusted. Recently, XAI has gained prominence in computer vision tasks such as image recognition, where understanding model decisions is critical. Building on its success in this field, it is now gradually being extended to various fields where trust and transparency are particularly important, including healthcare, transportation, and finance. -- Researchers at EPFL's Wind Engineering and Renewable Energy Laboratory (WiRE) have tailored XAI to the black-box AI models used in their field. -- In a study appearing in Applied Energy, they found that XAI can improve the interpretability of wind power forecasting by providing insight into the string of decisions made by a black-box model and can help identify which variables should be used in a model's input. -- "Before grid operators can effectively integrate wind power into their smart grids, they need reliable daily forecasts of wind energy generation with a low margin of error," says Prof. -- Fernando Porté-Agel, who's the head of WiRE. "Inaccurate forecasts mean grid operators have to compensate at the last minute, often using more expensive fossil fuel-based energy." -- More credible and reliable predictions -- The models currently used to forecast wind power output are based on fluid dynamics, weather modeling, and statistical methods -- yet they still have a non-negligible margin of error. -- AI has enabled engineers to improve wind power predictions by using extensive data to identify patterns between weather model variables and wind turbine power output. -- Most AI models, however, function as "black boxes," making it challenging to understand how they arrive at specific predictions. -- XAI addresses this issue by providing transparency on the modeling processes leading to the forecasts, resulting in more credible and reliable predictions.	C01 T01	321
2504-E053	Flexible Bat-Like Wings Could Revolutionize Drone Flight And Energy-Harvesting Technologies	Researchers at EPFL have developed innovative, flexible wings inspired by bats to enhance flight performance and energy efficiency in drones. Their study revealed that these flexible wings, unlike rigid ones, generate smoother air flows, leading to increased lift. This discovery, which builds on previous understandings of insect flight dynamics, could revolutionize aerial technology by creating more efficient flying devices, harnessing principles observed in nature.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	In 1934, French entomologist Antoine Magnan wrote that bumblebees "should not be able to fly," as their small wings should theoretically not be able to produce enough lift. It took modern high-speed camera technology to uncover what allowed airborne insects to fly: the leading-edge vortex. This phenomenon occurs when air flow around the leading edge of flapping wings rolls up into a vortex, creating a low-pressure region that boosts lift. -- On the other hand, bats -- with their flexible membrane wings -- are able to fly just as well as insects, if not more efficiently. -- In fact, some bats have been found to expend as much as 40% less energy than moths of a similar size. -- Researchers in the Unsteady Flow Diagnostics Laboratory in EPFL's School of Engineering set out to study the aerodynamic potential of more flexible wings using an experimental platform with a highly deformable membrane made from a silicone-based polymer. -- They found that instead of creating a vortex, the air flows smoothly over the curved wings, generating more lift and making them even more efficient than rigid wings of the same size. -- "The main finding of this work is that the gain in lift we see comes not from a leading-edge vortex, but from the flow following the smooth curvature of the membrane wing," says former EPFL student Alexander Gehrke, now a researcher at Brown University. -- "Not only does the wing have to be curved, but it has to be curved by just the right amount, as a wing that is too flexible performs worse again." -- Gehrke is the first author on a paper describing the work that has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Design insights for drones or energy harvesters -- The researchers mounted the flexible membrane onto a rigid frame with edges that rotate around their axes.	T01	322
2507-050	New Geometric Deep Learning Method Decodes Brain Activity During Cognitive Tasks	A novel geometric deep learning method developed by scientists can now create a cohesive understanding of neuronal activity across different cognitive and motor tasks. By addressing the challenge of interpreting limited neuronal recordings, this method promises to enhance our understanding of brain dynamics and how different subjects may utilize various strategies for similar tasks. This advancement could significantly impact neuroscience research, helping to unravel complex brain behaviors.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Press Rel	PubMed	In the parable of the blind men and the elephant, several blind men each describe a different part of an elephant they are touching -- a sharp tusk, a flexible trunk, or a broad leg -- and disagree about the animal's true nature. The story illustrates the problem of understanding an unseen, or latent object based on incomplete individual perceptions. Likewise, when researchers study brain dynamics based on recordings of a limited number of neurons, they must infer the latent patterns of brain dynamics that generate these recordings. -- "Suppose you and I both engage in a mental task, such as navigating our way to work. Can signals from a small fraction of neurons tell us that we use the same or different mental strategies to solve the task?" says Pierre Vandergheynst, head of the Signal Processing Laboratory LTS2 in EPFL's School of Engineering. -- "This is a fundamental question to neuroscience, because experimentalists often record data from many animals, yet we have limited evidence as to whether they represent a given task using the same brain patterns." -- Vandergheynst and former postdoc Adam Gosztolai, now an assistant professor at the AI Institute of the Medical University of Vienna, have published a geometric deep learning approach in Nature Methods that can infer latent brain activity patterns across experimental subjects. -- MARBLE (Manifold Representation Basis Learning) achieves this by breaking down electrical neural activity into dynamic patterns, or motifs, that are learnable by a geometric neural network. -- In experiments on macaque and rat brain recordings, the scientists used MARBLE to show that when different animals used the same mental strategy to reach an arm or navigate a maze, their brain dynamics were made up of the same motifs. -- A geometric neural net for dynamic data -- Traditional deep learning is not suited to understanding dynamic systems that change regularly as a function of time, like firing neurons or flowing fluids. -- These patterns of activity are so complex that they are best described as geometric objects in high-dimensional spaces. -- One example of such an object is a torus, which resembles a donut.	R02 N01 T01	323
2507-T003	Interface Flexibility: A Key Discovery In Molecular Self-Organization	A recent discovery in supramolecular chemistry has identified a new property called interface flexibility, which governs how certain molecules self-organize into crystalline networks. This finding could revolutionize the design of synthetic materials, enhancing our understanding of molecular interactions and potentially leading to new applications in various scientific fields.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Press Rel	PubMed	Covalent bonding is a widely understood phenomenon that joins the atoms of a molecule by a shared electron pair. But in nature, patterns of molecules can also be connected through weaker, more dynamic forces that give rise to supramolecular networks. These can self-assemble from an initial molecular cluster, or crystal, and grow into large, stable architectures. -- Supramolecular networks are essential for maintaining the structure and function of biological systems. -- For example, to 'eat', cells rely on hexagonal supramolecular networks that self-assemble from units of the three-armed protein clathrin. -- Clathrin networks form bubbles around nutrients to bring them into the cell. -- Similarly, a protein called TRIM5a forms a hexagonal lattice that forms around HIV viruses, helping to disrupt their replication. -- "This hexagonal network structure is omnipresent in nature -- you can even see it at the macroscale in beehives, for example," explains Maartje Bastings, head of the Programmable Biomaterials Lab (PBL) in EPFL's School of Engineering. -- For their latest study published in Nature Chemistry, the researchers from the PBL and the Laboratory for Bio- and Nano-Instrumentation (LBNI), led by Georg Fantner, used nanoengineered DNA strands in a three-point star shape to isolate and examine the different factors controlling crystalline supramolecular network formation. -- In the process, they discovered a "defining parameter" even more important than chemical bond strength or number. -- 'Interface flexibility will always win' -- Like human DNA, the composition of the three-point star DNA molecules varied by their sequences of nucleotides, which affected their interaction strength (affinity) with neighboring molecules.	Z01	324
2507-T037	Miniature Swimming Robot Inspired By Flatworms Navigates Cluttered Water Surfaces	Engineers have created a nimble swimming robot inspired by marine flatworms, capable of navigating cluttered water surfaces for environmental monitoring. This innovative device, smaller than a credit card, is designed for delicate ecosystems and has potential applications in pollution mapping and inspection tasks, representing a significant advancement in aquatic robotic technology.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Press Rel	PubMed	Swimming robots play a crucial role in mapping pollution, studying aquatic ecosystems, and monitoring water quality in sensitive areas such as coral reefs or lake shores. However, many devices rely on noisy propellers, which can disturb or harm wildlife. The natural clutter in these environments -- including plants, animals, and debris -- also poses a challenge to robotic swimmers. -- Now, researchers in the Soft Transducers Lab and the Unsteady flow diagnostics laboratory in EPFL's School of Engineering, and at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, have developed a compact and versatile robot that can maneuver through tight spaces and transport payloads much heavier than itself. -- Smaller than a credit card and weighing 6 grams, the nimble swimming robot is ideal for environments with limited space like rice fields, or for performing inspections in waterborne machines. -- The research has been published in Science Robotics. -- "In 2020, our team demonstrated autonomous insect-scale crawling robots, but making untethered ultra-thin robots for aquatic environments is a whole new challenge," says EPFL Soft Transducers Lab head Herbert Shea. -- "We had to start from scratch, developing more powerful soft actuators, new undulating locomotion strategies, and compact high-voltage electronics." -- Miniature electronics for autonomous operation -- Unlike traditional propeller-based systems, the EPFL robot uses silently undulating fins -inspired by marine flatworms -- for propulsion. -- This design, combined with its light weight, allows the robot to float on the water's surface and blend seamlessly into natural environments. -- "Our design doesn't simply replicate nature; it goes beyond what natural organisms can achieve," explains former EPFL researcher Florian Hartmann, now a research group leader at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany.	N01 N02 T01	325
2509-T004	A Shape-Shifting Robot Adapts To Its Environment For Enhanced Mobility	A team of researchers led by Josie Hughes has created a bioinspired robot named GOAT, designed to change shape in response to environmental conditions, enhancing its mobility. This innovative vehicle can shift between configurations for different terrains, effectively navigating diverse landscapes while conserving energy. Their work presents a new paradigm for robotic locomotion and control, enabling the robot to adaptively choose its mode of movement based on surrounding obstacles.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Science Robotics	Press Rel	PubMed	From mountain goats that run up near-vertical rock faces to armadillos that roll into a protective ball, animals have evolved to adapt effortlessly to changes in their environment. In contrast, when an autonomous robot is programmed to reach a goal, each variation in its pre-determined path presents a significant physical and computational challenge. -- Researchers led by Josie Hughes in the CREATE Lab in EPFL's School of Engineering wanted to develop a robot that could traverse diverse environments as adeptly as animals by changing form on the fly. With GOAT (Good Over All Terrains) they have achieved just that -- and created a new paradigm for robotic locomotion and control in the process. -- Thanks to its flexible yet durable design, GOAT can spontaneously morph between a flat 'rover' shape and a sphere as it moves. This allows it to switch between driving, rolling, and even swimming, all while consuming less energy than a robot with limbs or appendages. -- "While most robots compute the shortest path from A to B, GOAT considers the travel modality as well as the path to be taken," Hughes explains. "For example, instead of going around an obstacle like a stream, GOAT can swim straight through. If its path is hilly, it can passively roll downhill as a sphere to save both time and energy, and then actively drive as a rover when rolling is no longer beneficial." -- The research has been published in Science Robotics. -- Compliance is key -- To design their robot, the CREATE team took inspiration from across the animal kingdom, including spiders, kangaroos, cockroaches, and octopuses.The team's bioinspired approach led to a design that is highly compliant, meaning it adapts in response to interaction with its environment, rather than remaining rigid. This compliance means that GOAT can actively alter its shape to change its passive properties, which range from more flexible in its 'rover' configuration, to more robust as a sphere. -- Built from inexpensive materials, the robot's simple frame is made of two intersecting elastic fiberglass rods, with four motorized rimless wheels. Two winch-driven cables change the frame's configuration, ultimately shortening like tendons to draw it tightly into a ball. The battery, onboard computer, and sensors are contained in a payload weighing up to 2 kg that is suspended in the center of the frame, where it is well protected in sphere mode -- much as a hedgehog protects its underbelly. -- The path of least resistance -- CREATE Lab PhD student Max Polzin explains that compliance also allows GOAT to navigate with minimal sensing equipment. With only a satellite navigation system and a device for measuring the robot's own orientation (inertial measurement unit), GOAT carries no cameras onboard: it simply does not need to know exactly what lies in its path.	N01 T01	326
2509-T016	Quantum Insights: Understanding Molecular Behavior On Gold Surfaces	Recent findings have illuminated the role of quantum interference and symmetry in molecular collisions with gold surfaces, providing insight into molecular behavior. This research underscores the complexity of energy exchange during these interactions and could have significant implications for advancements in chemistry and materials science, enhancing the understanding of molecular dynamics.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The quantum rules shaping molecular collisions are now coming into focus, offering fresh insights for chemistry and materials science. -- When molecules collide with surfaces, a complex exchange of energy takes place between the molecule and the atoms composing the surface. -- But beneath this dizzying complexity, quantum mechanics, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, governs the process. -- Quantum interference, in particular, plays a key role. It occurs when different pathways that a molecule can take overlap, resulting in specific patterns of interaction: some pathways amplify each other, while others cancel out entirely. -- This "dance of waves" affects how molecules exchange energy and momentum with surfaces, and ultimately how efficiently they react. -- But until now, observing quantum interference in surface collisions with heavier molecules like methane (CH4) was nearly impossible because of the overwhelming number of pathways available for the system to take en route to the different collision outcomes. -- Many scientists have even wondered if all quantum effects would always "wash out" for these processes so that the simpler laws of classical physics, which apply to everyday, "macroscopic" objects, might be enough to describe them. -- Addressing the challenge of observing quantum interference in surface collisions of methane, researchers in Rainer Beck's group at EPFL, with colleagues in Germany and the United States, have developed a method to cut through the complexity. -- They tuned methane molecules to specific quantum states, scattered them off a gold (Au) surface, and measured their states after the collision. -- The results, published in Science, revealed clear patterns of quantum interference, challenging assumptions about molecular behavior and providing new ways to study these interactions.	T01	327
2510-T030	Restoring Movement: Combining Robotics And Spinal Stimulation For Spinal Injury Recovery	An innovative approach combines rehabilitation robotics with spinal cord stimulation to enhance recovery for individuals with spinal cord injuries. By synchronizing electrical impulses with robotic movements, this technology promotes natural muscle activity, improving mobility and fostering long-term rehabilitation outcomes for patients facing severe mobility challenges.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Science Robotics	Press Rel	PubMed	Spinal cord injuries are life-altering, often leaving individuals with severe mobility impairments. While rehabilitation robotics -- devices that guide movement during therapy -- have improved training for those with spinal cord injuries, their effectiveness remains limited. Without active muscle engagement, robotic-assisted movement alone does not sufficiently retrain the nervous system. -- A team at .NeuroRestore, led by Grégoire Courtine and Jocelyne Bloch, has now developed a system that seemlessly integrates an implanted spinal cord neuroprosthesis with rehabilitation robotics. -- The researchers' device delivers well-timed electrical pulses to stimulate muscles in harmony with robotic movements, resulting in natural and coordinated muscle activity during therapy. -- The neuroprosthetics innovation leveraged the the robotic expertise of Professor Auke Ijspeert's lab at EPFL. -- This advancement not only enhances immediate mobility but also fosters long-term recovery. -- "The seamless integration of spinal cord stimulation with rehabilitation or recreational robotics will accelerate the deployment of this therapy into the standard of care and the community of people with spinal cord injury," says Courtine. -- This adaptability ensures that rehabilitation professionals can incorporate this technology into existing rehabilitation protocols worldwide. -- Combining therapies also presents significant challenges, as each requires precise synchronization. -- Spinal cord stimulation strategies must be modulated in both space and time to match the patient's movement, and integrating them with widely used robotic rehabilitation systems requires a flexible and adaptable framework. -- The technology relies on a fully implanted spinal cord stimulator that delivers biomimetic electrical epidural stimulation (electrical epidural stimulation). Unlike traditional functional electrical stimulation, this method activates motor neurons more efficiently by mimicking natural nerve signals.	H01 R01 N02 T01	328
2512-T027	New Acoustic System Explores Quantum Atom Interactions For Future Computing	Researchers at EPFL have developed an acoustic metamaterial system to explore condensed matter properties, bypassing the limitations of quantum physics. This innovative setup allows for the examination of interactions among densely packed atoms, with the potential to create an acoustic version of a quantum computer, as discussed in their publication in Physical Review B.	Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne	Physical Review B	Press Rel	PubMed	What happens when a quantum physicist is frustrated by the limitations of quantum mechanics when trying to study densely packed atoms? At EPFL, you get a metamaterial, an engineered material that exhibits exotic properties. -- That frustrated physicist is PhD student Mathieu Padlewski. In collaboration with Hervé Lissek and Romain Fleury at EPFL's Laboratory of Wave Engineering, Padlewski has built a novel acoustic system for exploring condensed matter and their macroscopic properties, all the while circumventing the extremely sensitive nature that is inherent to quantum phenomena. -- Moreover, the acoustic system can be tweaked to study properties that go beyond solid-state physics. -- The results are published in Physical Review B. -- "We've essentially built a playground inspired by quantum mechanics that can be adjusted to study various systems. Our metamaterial consists of highly tunable active elements, allowing us to synthesize phenomena that extend beyond the realm of nature," says Padlewski. -- "Potential applications include manipulating waves and guiding energy for telecommunications, and the setup may one day provide clues for harvesting energy from waves for instance." -- Schrödinger's cat, the quantum conundrum -- In quantum mechanics, the cat is both dead and alive inside of the box until you interfere with the system by measuring it, which is done in this case by opening the box. -- From a purely quantum perspective, the cat is in a superposition of two probable states: a probable state of being dead and a probable state of being alive, until you open the box only to observe if the cat is actually dead or alive. -- A cat cannot be both dead and alive at the same time, and that's the essence of Schrödinger cat, a thought experiment devised by Erwin Schrödinger in 1935 that illustrates the complexities of quantum concepts when imagined beyond the quantum scale, like the scale of a cat.	C01 T01	329
2504-073	FIFO Workers Can Achieve Better Sleep With Improved Sleep Hygiene Practices	Better sleep hygiene practices could significantly improve sleep quality for fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining workers, as highlighted in new research from Edith Cowan University. The study emphasizes the challenges of obtaining restful sleep in remote mining locations and identifies factors like diet and screen time that can enhance sleep. Given the demanding nature of shift work, adopting effective sleep strategies is crucial for worker health and performance.	Edith Cowan University	Journal of Sleep Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Better sleep hygiene could see fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) mining shift workers get a better night's sleep, new research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown. -- Sleep hygiene includes habits and sleep environment factors that can positively influence sleep, including a healthy diet, physical exercise and limited screen time. -- While these all seem obvious, the remote location of mine sites across Australia and the nature of mining, often makes it difficult for employees on mine sites to get adequate shut-eye. -- ECU PhD candidate Mr Philipp Beranek noted that employees undertaking shift work often had the most difficulty in achieving and maintaining good sleep quality and sufficient sleep duration. -- Previous research has shown that average sleep durations of 6 hours to 6 hours and 19 minutes for FIFO workers on day shifts, 5 hours and 32 minutes to 6 hours and 12 minutes for those working night shifts, and 6 hours and 49 minutes to 7 hours and 18 minutes on days off. -- "Shift workers often experience sleep disruptions because they are unable to allocate a constant and specific time for sleeping, and their body clock is often not adjusted for this. If you are working the night shift, it requires you to go to bed at a time when your brain and body usually are awake and set to function," Mr Beranek said. -- "FIFO workers have long shifts, yet they are still required to do all the normal things as well, like having dinner, washing their clothes, doing exercise or even commute from the mine site. It makes it difficult to manage sufficient sleep within that 24-hour period." -- Mr Beranek notes that his research found FIFO workers with better sleep hygiene had better health. -- "Specifically, we found better sleep health in FIFO workers that have a better sleep environment, more regular sleep schedule, and better mental health." -- "Having an optimal sleep environment can be difficult in remote mining camps. For instance, in the Pilbara region in WA it gets really hot during summer. This can lead to elevated room temperatures, which potentially disrupt the sleep of night shift workers who sleep during daytime."	H01 H02 R02	330
2505-E062	Diet's Impact On Depression And Alzheimer's Disease Explored In Recent Study	New findings from Edith Cowan University propose a correlation between diet and the risk of both depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study suggests that healthy eating habits may mitigate the impact of depression on AD-related blood biomarkers, which track disease progression. This research highlights the intricate relationship between diet, mental health, and neurodegenerative diseases, underscoring the potential benefits of nutritional interventions.	Edith Cowan University	Neurobiology of Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Hidden within our bones, marrow sustains life by producing billions of blood cells daily, from oxygen-carrying red cells to immune-boosting white cells. This vital function is often disrupted in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, which can damage the marrow and lead to dangerously low white cell counts, leaving patients vulnerable to infection. -- Now, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering), Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have developed a platform that emulates human marrow's native environment. This breakthrough addresses a critical need in medical science, as animal studies often fail to fully replicate the complexities of human marrow. -- Mimicking Human Marrow -- The team's new device is a small plastic chip whose specially designed chambers are filled with human blood stem cells and the surrounding support cells with which they interact in a hydrogel to mimic the intricate process of bone marrow development in the human embryo. This biologically inspired platform makes it possible to build living human marrow tissue that can generate functional human blood cells and release them into culture media flowing in engineered capillary blood vessels. -- The bone marrow-on-a-chip allows researchers to simulate and study common side effects of medical treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cancer patients. When connected to another device, it can even model how the bone marrow communicates with other organs, like the lungs, to protect them from infections and other potentially life-threatening conditions. -- Described in a new paper in Cell Stem Cell, the bone marrow model and the demonstration of its large-scale production and automation could advance fields as diverse as drug development by enabling automated, high-throughput preclinical screening of marrow toxicity of anticancer drugs) and space travel (by allowing researchers to study the effects of prolonged radiation exposure and microgravity on the immune system of astronauts). -- "We've come a long way in terms of our ability to regenerate human tissues in vitro and mimic their complex functions, but I would say this system is probably one of the most sophisticated bioengineered tissue models developed to date," says Dan Huh, Professor in Bioengineering and the paper's senior author. "For example, we show for the first time in this paper the feasibility of creating interconnected organ-on-a-chip models of the human marrow and bacteria-infected lungs to emulate the biochemical crosstalk between the two organs and the entire process of innate immune response to infection, from rapid release of a large number of white blood cells from the marrow into the bloodstream to their trafficking into the infected airways where they fight off infection by engulfing the bacterial cells." -- Extraterrestrial Origins -- The project originally began with the goal of studying the immune system in space. Nearly a decade ago, Huh and G. Scott Worthen, an attending physician at CHOP, Professor Emeritus in Pediatrics at PSOM and the paper's other senior author, proposed developing a model of human bone marrow and sending it to the International Space Station (ISS). "Based on accumulating evidence showing increased risk of infection in astronauts on prolonged missions, we wanted to study how weightlessness affects our immune system," says Worthen. "Our hypothesis was that microgravity might have adverse effects." -- Unfortunately, the researchers never had the chance to conduct paired experiments -- some on earth, and others on the ISS -- whose results they could compare. "Much to our disappointment, the flow controller of the cubelab system required to sustain our engineered tissue models short-circuited during ascent," recalls Huh. "And the second launch was canceled due to the pandemic."	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02	331
2512-071	Just Five Minutes A Day: Eccentric Exercise Provides Major Health Benefits	Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that just five minutes of daily eccentric exercise can yield considerable health benefits for sedentary individuals, improving physical fitness and mental health. This study highlights the efficacy and accessibility of bodyweight exercises, encouraging a shift towards more active lifestyles.	Edith Cowan University	European Journal of Applied Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	As little as five minutes a day of eccentric exercise could offer significant health benefits to those living a stagnant lifestyle, researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU) found. -- The study, led by Dr Benjamin Kirk and Professor Ken Nosaka in ECU's School of Medical and Health Sciences, evaluated the effects of a five-minute a day, home-based bodyweight eccentric exercise program on physical fitness, body composition, and both physical and mental health in sedentary individuals. -- Over a four-week period, the participants completed daily exercise consisting of 10 repetitions each of chair squats, chair reclines, wall push-ups, and heel drops focusing on eccentric -- muscle lengthening contractions, by slowly stretching contracting muscles such as sitting to a chair slowly in which the front thigh muscles are lengthened while supporting the body weight. -- "We saw significant improvements in muscle strength, flexibility, strength endurance and mental health, suggesting that even small amounts of daily exercise can provide sustainable and detectable benefits in sedentary individuals," Professor Ken Nosaka said. -- "The results highlighted that eccentric exercises are very effective in improving fitness. This type of exercise is also more accessible to most people, as it makes use of body weight and eliminates the need to go to a gym. -- "The eccentric exercises can also be spread out during the day, which makes it more achievable to those who are time poor." -- Sedentary lifestyles can be deadly -- Physical inactivity is estimated to contribute to some 5.3 million deaths in Australia each year. -- It is estimated that only 63% of people met the aerobic guidelines for adult physical activity, while only 29% met the muscle strengthening activity criteria. -- Only 19% of Australia's adult population currently meet both aerobic and physical strength guidelines.	A01 H01	332
2511-E055	Researchers Uncover How Songbirds Learn To Perfect Their Melodies	A study has mapped the intricate synaptic connections involved in vocal learning in zebra finches, enhancing our understanding of how these birds learn and produce songs. By revealing how different sensory inputs interact within a specific brain region, the research offers insight into the neural mechanisms behind birdsong. This work has broader implications for understanding vocalization in humans, as both species rely on imitation and practice to refine their vocal skills.	eLife	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have mapped the long-range synaptic connections involved in vocal learning in zebra finches, uncovering new details about how the brain organises learned vocalisations such as birdsong. -- The study, published as a Reviewed Preprint in eLife, is described by the editors as having fundamental significance and compelling evidence clarifying how four distinct inputs to a specific region of the brain act on three distinct cell types to facilitate the learning and production of birdsong. -- Understanding how the brain integrates sensory and motor information to guide learned vocalisations is crucial for studying both birdsong and human speech. The courtship song of male zebra finches is a well-studied example of a naturally learned behaviour, and is controlled by a set of interconnected forebrain regions in the dorsal ventricular ridge (DVR) -- the avian equivalent of the mammalian neocortex. Within this network, the premotor region HVC is essential for birds to both learn songs when they are young and to produce them when they are adults. Whilst the major pathways involved in guiding birdsongs have been established, the precise synaptic-level connections between different brain areas have remained difficult to establish due to technological limitations. -- "Songbirds, like humans, learn their vocalisations through imitation and practice, relying on sensory feedback to refine their songs," explains lead author Massimo Trusel, an Instructor in the Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Texas, US. "We set out to uncover how different sensory inputs interact with HVC in the zebra finch song network to provide a framework for understanding how the brain organises learned vocal behaviour." -- To map the synaptic connectivity of the HVC region, Trusel and colleagues used an optimised version of optogenetic circuit mapping, which allowed them to manipulate auditory and thalamic inputs from specific brain regions one-by-one, and record the activity of the HVC circuit. They could then trace how sensory and motor information converges on the circuits responsible for song production. They examined how inputs from four main sensory pathways interact with three key HVC cell types: HVC-RA neurons, which send signals to brain areas controlling movement for singing; HVC-AV neurons, which send motor signals to auditory areas involved in processing auditory feedback; and HVC-X neurons, which connect to the basal ganglia, a region that helps with learning and adjusting song patterns. -- Their findings suggest HVC is organised into highly structured neural modules that contain both projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons, working together in tightly connected networks. This indicates that HVC acts as a hub for integrating sensory and motor information, with the three types of projection neurons receiving inputs tailored to their specific role in song learning and production. Put simply, HVC-RA neurons enable the production of stable, learned songs, and HVC-X neurons are responsible for learning and modifying the song. -- The researchers also found a previously unknown connection between HVC's presynaptic partners mMAN (medial magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium) and Av (nucleus Avalanche). This suggests that mMAN, which was previously thought to play a role in early song learning only, may also help integrate auditory feedback with motor control, allowing young birds to fine-tune their songs as they develop. -- While this study provides new insights into the HVC microcircuit, which eLife's editors say is critical for informing models of song learning and production, there are some limitations to the work. These include a potential gap in understanding the functions of developmental song learning, as the research focused on analysing the neural connections in adult birds. -- "Our study provides the most detailed synaptic map to date of how different brain regions connect to HVC, a crucial centre for song learning and production," says senior author Todd Roberts, a professor at the Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center. "By revealing these wiring patterns, we've highlighted the synaptic networks that allow birds to structure their songs and refine their vocal skills. The optogenetics-based mapping technique we used provides a powerful tool to explore other neural circuits, bringing us closer to understanding how songbirds achieve their remarkable vocal imitation abilities. Furthermore, because birdsong and human speech may rely on similarly organised brain circuits, this work may also pave the way to understanding more about how our brains support the learning and production of speech and language."	C01	333
2508-042	Missing CD44 Protein Keeps Mice Lean On High-Fat Diet	A study has revealed the significant role of the CD44 protein in regulating fat cell formation and metabolic health. CD44-deficient mice remained lean despite high-fat diets, suggesting it as a potential target for obesity prevention and management, highlighting the intricate connections between inflammation and metabolic disorders.	Elsevier	The American Journal of Pathology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers investigating the role of the protein CD44 in obesity and metabolic health found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean even on a high-fat diet, while the control mice developed obesity. A new study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, details the unexpected pivotal role of CD44, highlighting how it regulates fat cell formation and metabolic health. -- Lead investigator Cheng Sun, PhD, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, China, says, "We previously reported that CD44 deficiency suppresses neuroinflammation. Given the critical role inflammation plays in the progression of obesity and its related complications, including hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, we hypothesized that CD44 might have a significant role in these processes. Therefore, we investigated the potential link between CD44 and metabolic disorders." -- Co-investigator Lan Luo, MD, Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, China, adds, "We were surprised to observe that mice genetically engineered to lack the CD44 protein maintained a lean phenotype despite having been put on a high-fat diet, while the control mice developed obesity. This unexpected finding highlights CD44's pivotal role in regulating fat cell formation and metabolic health." -- Recent studies have shown that CD44, a transmembrane protein that plays an essential role in transducing extracellular stimuli into intracellular signaling cascades, contributes to metabolic regulation. -- In the current study, the effect protecting against obesity was attributed to suppressed adipogenesis (fat cell formation) in white adipose tissue, the most common type of body fat. -- Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists, which primarily regulate appetite and glucose metabolism, CD44 inhibition addresses obesity through a distinct mechanism by directly impairing adipogenesis. -- Dr. Sun concludes: "Mechanistically, we found that CD44 deficiency downregulates tryptophan hydroxylase 2 expression in white adipose tissue, leading to reduced serotonin (5-HT) levels, which subsequently impair adipogenesis. These findings reveal a novel mechanism linking CD44 to metabolic regulation, thereby offering a novel therapeutic target for obesity and its related metabolic disorders. This unique mode of action suggests that CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary or synergistic treatment alongside GLP-1s, potentially enhancing the overall efficacy of obesity management strategies."	H01	334
2509-051	Brain Connectivity Changes Can Predict Substance Use Risk Among Adolescents	A novel study highlights the significance of brain connectivity in predicting adolescent substance use, emphasizing that tracking cognitive control changes can identify high-risk individuals. This research underscores the importance of early intervention strategies to prevent substance use disorders and promote healthier outcomes for adolescents.	Elsevier	Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging	Press Rel	PubMed	Adolescent substance use is a significant predictor of future addiction and related disorders. Understanding neural mechanisms underlying substance use initiation and frequency during adolescence is critical for early prevention and intervention. A novel study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, published by Elsevier, shows that by tracking year-to-year changes in brain connectivity underlying cognitive control, the ability to flexibly use goals to guide behavior and overcome habitual responses, data can predict when an adolescent is at high risk of starting to use substances, an important message for early prevention. -- Lead investigator Jungmeen Kim-Spoon, PhD, Department of Psychology and School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, says, "Beginning to use substances at a young age can significantly increase the risk of developing serious substance use problems later in life. This may lead to major challenges in relationships, work, and overall well-being. By identifying the risk of early substance use, we can improve our chances of preventing it and helping individuals avoid these challenges." -- To clarify brain mechanisms that prospectively predict initiation and progression of substance use, the current study examined the trajectories of functional connectivity during cognitive control linked to substance use. -- For seven years researchers followed 91 adolescents from ages 14 to 21 who had never used substances at the start of this longitudinal study to identify potential neural precursors that predict substance use initiation and frequency. -- Cognitive control processes were examined using the Multi-Source Interference Task (MSIT) to assess functional neural connectivity; a questionnaire assessed substance use frequency. -- Findings indicate that brain connectivity related to cognitive control predicted substance use initiation, whereas cognitive control behavior did not. -- Co-investigator Tae-Ho Lee, PhD, Department of Psychology and School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, explains, "Our studyrevealed that neural recruitment from the salience network (brain regions for detecting and responding to stimuli) during the cognitive control process, specifically the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and anterior insula (aINS), can predict future substance use in adolescents before they actually begin using substances." -- Co-investigator Ya-Yun Chen, MS, Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, adds, "Specifically, stronger connectivity between the dACC and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was associated with delayed substance use onset, and this connectivity pattern showed a significant drop one year prior to substance use initiation. In contrast, lower connectivity of the dACC with the supplementary motor area, along with heightened connectivity of the aINS with the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and angular gyrus, predicted greater severity of future substance use." -- Editor-in-Chief of Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Cameron S. Carter, MD, University of California Irvine, comments, "Adolescence is an important period characterized by heightened susceptibility to risk-taking behaviors, which have implications for substance use. National data indicate that approximately 68% of individuals aged 12 to 17 in the United States reported initiating the use of substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana in the past year. In light of these statistics, identifying neurodevelopmental precursors linked to the risk of early substance use and heavy use during adolescence becomes crucial. The current study paves the way for innovative early prevention and intervention strategies." -- Dr. Kim-Spoon concludes, "Our study highlights the critical role of cognitive control-related neural connectivity in forecasting substance use initiation and frequency during adolescence. The results imply that efforts to strengthen and monitor the development of the top-down cognitive control system in the brain from early adolescence may serve as a protective factor, helping to deter progression into problematic substance use. Furthermore, for adolescents with heightened frequency of substance use, interventions may be more effective if they target interoceptive processes as part of cognitive control training."	A01 R02 T01	335
2510-024	Gene Asah1 Plays Key Role In Preventing Severe Liver Disease	A study highlights the role of the Asah1 gene in preventing the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This discovery could inform new therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes for millions of affected patients by regulating lipid metabolism and cellular health.	Elsevier	The American Journal of Pathology	Press Rel	PubMed	Investigators have found that the gene Asah1 plays a crucial protective role in preventing the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) into more severe forms of liver disease by regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis and cellular maintenance processes. The findings from the new study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, have the potential to inform new therapeutic strategies and improve outcomes for NAFLD patients. -- The liver functions as your body's chemical processing plant, handling fats and nutrients. -- However, today's lifestyle of poor diet choices and lack of exercise can cause too much fat to build up in the liver, leading to a range of metabolic conditions like NAFLD. -- It is estimated that about 100 million individuals in the United States (about 25% of the population) and one in three individuals in the world are affected by NAFLD. -- About 25% of NAFLD patients progress to a more severe stage including liver inflammation (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and scarring (liver fibrosis), which can lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. -- Therefore, understanding how NAFLD progresses to fibrotic NASH is important for improving the outcomes of NAFLD patients. -- Impaired lysosomal function (breaking down waste) leads to accumulation of excess lipids in liver cells, worsening NAFLD and contributing to its progression. -- By analyzing a clinical gene-profiling dataset (GSE163211) among obese patients, researchers identified Asah1 as a significant lysosomal gene that positively correlated with NAFLD stages. -- Lead investigator Yang Zhang, PhD, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, says, "NAFLD has become a major global health challenge, while current treatment options for NAFLD and NASH are still limited. The lack of approved pharmacological treatments specifically for NASH with fibrosis represents a significant unmet medical need. In this study, we emphasized the significant role of Asah1 in NAFLD progression. Although previous research had established connections between the Asah1 gene and liver disease, this study is the first to demonstrate how Asah1 specifically affects lipid processing in liver cells and influences disease progression." -- Researchers identified Asah1 [encoding a protein named acid ceramidase (AC)] as an important gene that related to the severity of NAFLD.	H01 R01 N02	336
2512-029	Piezo2 Inhibition May Slow Progression Of Pulmonary Fibrosis, New Insights Provided	Piezo2 Inhibition May Slow Progression Of Pulmonary Fibrosis, New Insights Provided	Elsevier	The American Journal of Pathology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have found a potential new way to slow the progression of lung fibrosis and other fibrotic diseases by inhibiting the expression or function of Piezo2, a receptor that senses mechanical forces in tissues including stress, strain, and stiffness. The new study in The American Journal of Pathology, published by Elsevier, sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrotic diseases and identifies potential new targets and options for therapy to improve patients' outcomes. -- Pulmonary fibrotic diseases are a group of conditions that cause significant morbidity and sometimes mortality. -- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating progressive fibrotic lung disease with a median survival of 2.9 years from diagnosis. -- Lung fibrosis results in dramatic mechanical changes including increased stiffness in the tissue that cells can sense and respond to, making it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract properly during breathing. -- Piezo channels are a newly discovered receptor that are sensitive to mechanical signals. -- Since the 2021 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Dr. Ardem Patapoutian for the discovery of Piezo channels in 2010, interest has increased in their role in tissue homeostasis and disease outside of neuronal signaling, however, little has been published on their possible role in fibrotic lung diseases. -- A group of researchers driven to understand how mechanical forces in lung tissue contribute to and drive pulmonary fibrosis investigated the role of Piezo2 in pulmonary fibrosis using donor tissue from patients with IPF, mouse models of lung fibrosis, cell culture investigation of lung cells (fibroblasts) that create the fibrosis lesions, and by examining publicly available RNAseq datasets from other research groups. -- Investigators found that: -- Piezo2 is highly expressed in human lung tissue from patients with IPF and in multiple (different) mouse models of lung fibrosis. -- Piezo2 is highly expressed in primary human lung fibroblasts in culture, the cells that are believed to play key roles in producing fibrosis in tissues (by proliferating and laying down matrix proteins, creating scar-like features).	H01 H02 R01	337
2512-067	Heroin Addiction Unraveled: Study Identifies Shisa7 Gene As A Key Factor	A recent study has uncovered a molecular signature in the orbitofrontal cortex linked to heroin-seeking behavior, providing critical insights into the neurobiology of addiction. This research may inform strategies for combating opioid use disorder, highlighting the potential of the gene Shisa7 as a predictor of addictive behaviors.	Elsevier	Biological Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Opioid use disorder is associated with more than 350,000 deaths annually worldwide. Guided by the need for an increased understanding of critical neurobiological features of addiction, researchers have now found a unique molecular signature and genes in the orbitofrontal cortex associated with heroin-seeking behavior. A preclinical rodent model implicated a gene called Shisa7 as the key predictor. A new study in Biological Psychiatry, published by Elsevier, provides valuable insights into the neurobiological mechanisms underlying heroin addiction and may have implications for the development of innovative strategies to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic. -- Lead investigator Yasmin L. Hurd, PhD, Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, says, "My research team and I are driven to expand the neurobiological insights underlying addiction. By examining molecular signatures in the brains of human opioid users, we hope to gain insights into the neuropathology of opioid use disorder beyond acute reward mechanisms and to identify new pathways for treatments relevant to core phenotypes that perpetuate substance use." -- In this study, the research team applied machine learning to distinguish the molecular signature in the orbitofrontal cortex, a brain region critical for aspects of impulse control, drug-seeking behavior, and cognitive functions related to substance use disorders. -- The investigators found that the machine learning algorithm was not only effective in identifying which signatures distinguished the brain of a human heroin user, but it also identified the gene most predictive of that molecular signature called Shisa7 that had not been explored previously in the field. -- Further investigation revealed that modulating this gene's expression in the orbitofrontal cortex influences heroin-seeking behavior and cognitive flexibility. -- Dr. Hurd adds, "We also observed that when we overexpressed Shisa7 in drug-naïve animals, it completely mimicked the transcriptome signature observed with repeated heroin use. Interestingly, the Shisa7 signature related to neurodegenerative disease and neuroimmune processes. Moreover, we determined that the proteins that bind to Shisa7 were linked to both GABA (the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals) and glutamate (the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system) receptor signaling, which are also highly related to neurodegenerative disease pathways." -- Lead author of the study Randall Ellis, PhD, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Addiction Institute of Mount Sinai, New York, notes, "The use of our advanced machine learning approach led us down a very exciting path of discovery, which highlights the potential of AI in understanding complex biological systems. Applying machine learning in this way is exceptionally useful to better understand high-dimensional datasets, such as the thousands of genes captured by RNA sequencing, to uncover novel patterns in gene expression that can effectively predict disease states. This strategy in leveraging data from human opioid users is particularly important as we seek innovative strategies to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic. Moreover, our findings highlight the potential long-term risks of opioid use for future neurodegenerative disease." -- John Krystal, MD, Editor of Biological Psychiatry, says, "This study highlights the complex biology of opioid use disorder. Careful studies of postmortem brain tissue, employing AI-guided analyses, are critical for identifying the molecular building blocks of addiction. It is interesting that a target identified in this process, Shisa7, also alters learning and promotes opioid self-administration when levels are increased in animals." -- Dr. Hurd concludes, "These translational findings highlight the importance of studying the human brain, which can help uncover novel biological systems underlying the disorder that could ultimately open up new treatment avenues."	A01 R02 N01 T01	338
2513-009	Digital PCR Accurately Monitors Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Remission Status	Researchers have discovered that using BCR::ABL1 digital PCR can accurately quantify deep molecular remission in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, enabling better treatment decisions. This method is more sensitive than traditional PCR techniques in detecting low levels of residual disease. The findings, published in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, could help identify patients eligible for discontinuing drug treatment, offering hope for improved long-term outcomes.	Elsevier	The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have found that the clinical application of BCR::ABL1 digital PCR can reliably quantify stable deep molecular remission of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), which will help to determine for which patients chronic drug treatment could potentially be discontinued. This transcript that is unique for CML is more sensitive and accurate than the current standard, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), for detecting ultralow levels of residual leukemic disease. Results are reported in a novel study in The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, published by Elsevier. -- Lead investigator Peter E. Westerweel, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, says, "In our research, we show that digital PCR for BCR::ABL reaches a sufficiently high sensitivity in almost all (97%) samples of patients in deep molecular remission. The molecular target was detected in two thirds of patients that were below the limit of detection of standard RT-qPCR technique. Digital PCR was therefore more sensitive and more accurate, allowing a reliable measurement to select CML patients in deep remission eligible for drug treatment discontinuation." -- BCR::ABL1 is a specific genetic fusion protein that is characteristic of CML, which is created when two genes, BCR and ABL1, become abnormally joined together. -- With targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), patients with CML may achieve deep molecular responses. -- Patients who reach this depth of remission can have a normal life expectancy and may qualify for a TKI discontinuation attempt. -- In a nationwide prospective multicenter study, samples were collected from Dutch patients with CML for whom a TKI discontinuation attempt was under consideration. -- From July 2020, a total of 168 samples from 136 patients with CML from 31 medical centers were received until the time of analysis in May 2023. -- Commenting on the findings of the study, Dr. Westerweel says, "BCR::ABL1 digital PCR was found to accurately quantify BCR::ABL1 around the level of 0.0023% on the International Scale, which is the clinically relevant prediction cutoff in the context of treatment-free remission. The target sensitivity was set at MR5.0, requiring reliable detection of one transcript in a background of at least 100,000 regular copies. This was achieved in 97% of assessments. Digital PCR was able to detect and quantify the BCR::ABL construct in 68% of samples below the limit of detection of current standard RT-qPCR." -- In addition, researchers noted that there was a difference between patients in the fluorescence level of droplets rendered by the digital PCR technique. -- This was due to a difference in transcript type carried by individual patients.	H01	339
2502-010	AI Platform Translates Clinical Trials Into Practical Benefits For Individual Patients	The newly developed AI platform, 'TrialTranslator,' could revolutionize how clinicians and patients evaluate the potential benefits of therapies tested in clinical trials. This innovative tool aims to enhance treatment decision-making and patient care by providing tailored insights into the effectiveness of novel therapies.	Emory Health Sciences	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Abramson Cancer Center of University of Pennsylvania researchers demonstrates that a first-of-its-kind platform using artificial intelligence (AI) could help clinicians and patients assess whether and how much an individual patient may benefit from a particular therapy being tested in a clinical trial. This AI platform can help with making informed treatment decisions, understanding the expected benefits of novel therapies and planning future care. -- The study, published in Nature Medicine, was led by board-certified medical oncologist Ravi B. Parikh, MD, MPP, medical director of the Data and Technology Applications Shared Resource at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and associate professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine, who develops and integrates AI applications to improve the care of patients with cancer. -- Qi Long, PhD, a professor of Biostatistics, and Computer and Information Science, and founding director of the Center for Cancer Data Science at the University of Pennsylvania, and associate director for Quantitative Data Science of the Abramson Cancer Center of Penn Medicine, was co-senior author. -- The study's first author was Xavier Orcutt, MD, a trainee in Parikh's lab. -- Other study authors included Kan Chen, a PhD student training in Long's lab, and Ronac Mamtani, associate professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. -- Parikh and his fellow researchers developed TrialTranslator, a machine learning framework to "translate" clinical trial results to real-world populations. -- By emulating 11 landmark cancer clinical trials using real-world data, they were able to recapitulate actual clinical trial findings, thus enabling them to identify which distinct groups of patients may respond well to treatments in a clinical trial, and those that may not. -- "We hope that this AI platform will provide a framework to help doctors and patients decide if the results of a clinical trial can apply to individual patients," Parikh says. -- "Furthermore, this study may help researchers identify subgroups in whom novel treatments do not work, spurring newer clinical trials for those high-risk groups." -- "Our work demonstrates the enormous potential of leveraging AI/ML to harness the power of rich, yet complex real-world data to advance precision medicine at its best," adds Long.	H01 R01 C01 T01	340
2505-099	New Targeted Therapy Shows Promise Against Childhood Brain Cancer In Preclinical Trials	Researchers have found a promising targeted therapy, CT-179, that successfully infiltrates and kills tumor cells in preclinical mouse models for childhood brain cancer. This innovative approach specifically targets tumor cells responsible for recurrence and resistance to existing therapies, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for young patients. The findings indicate a transformative impact on the treatment of common pediatric brain cancers like medulloblastoma and may extend to others such as glioblastoma and DIPG.	Emory Health Sciences	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	It is well known that consuming sugary drinks increases the risk of diabetes, but the mechanism behind this relationship is unclear. Now, in a paper publishing January 31 in the Cell Press journal Cell Metabolism, researchers show that metabolites produced by gut microbes might play a role. In a long-term cohort of US Hispanic/Latino adults, the researchers identified differences in the gut microbiota and blood metabolites of individuals with a high intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. The altered metabolite profile seen in sugary beverage drinkers was associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes in the subsequent 10 years. Since some of these metabolites are produced by gut microbes, this suggests that the microbiome might mediate the association between sugary beverages and diabetes. -- "Our study suggests a potential mechanism to explain why sugar-sweetened beverages are bad for your metabolism," says senior author Qibin Qi, an epidemiologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. -- "Although our findings are observational, they provide insights for potential diabetes prevention or management strategies using the gut microbiome." -- Sugar-sweetened beverages are the main source of added sugar in the diets of US adults -- in 2017 and 2018, US adults consumed an average of 34.8g of added sugar each day from sugary beverages such as soda and sweetened fruit juice. -- Compared to added sugars in solid foods, added sugar in beverages "might be more easily absorbed, and they have a really high energy density because they're just sugar and water," says Qi. -- Previous studies in Europe and China have shown that sugar-sweetened beverages alter gut microbiome composition, but this is the first study to investigate whether this microbial change impacts host metabolism and diabetes risk. -- It's also the first study to investigate the issue in US-based Hispanic/Latino population -- a group that experiences high rates of diabetes and is known to consume high volumes of sugar-sweetened beverages. -- The team used data from the ongoing Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL), a large-scale cohort study with data from over 16,000 participants living in San Diego, Chicago, Miami, and the Bronx. -- At an initial visit, participants were asked to recall their diet from the past 24 hours and had blood drawn to characterize their serum metabolites. -- The researchers collected fecal samples and characterized the gut microbiomes of a subset of the participants (n = 3,035) at a follow-up visit and used these data to identify association between sugar-sweetened beverage intake, gut microbiome composition, and serum metabolites.	H01 R01 R02	341
2513-018	Marathon Runners’ Survival Rates Double After Cardiac Arrest Remain Unchanged	A recent study shows that while the rate of cardiac arrests among marathon runners remains stable, survival rates have dramatically improved. This research, building on previous findings, indicates that fewer runners are dying from cardiac arrests during races. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding factors influencing these incidents, as recreational running continues to gain popularity and awareness about cardiac health grows.	Emory Health Sciences	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	While more people than ever are running marathons in the U.S., the risk of dying from a heart attack during a run has fallen dramatically in recent years. That's a key conclusion from a new study by Jonathan Kim, associate professor in the Emory School of Medicine. Kim's research is a follow-up to a study he published in 2012 -- the first investigation into unexpected cardiac arrests during long distance running events. -- The new findings, published in JAMA, indicate that while the rate of marathon runners who suffer cardiac arrests remained unchanged, their chance for survival is twice what it was in the past. -- Now, far fewer marathon runners who suffer cardiac arrest are dying of it. -- "We continue to see media reports about unfortunate cases of cardiac arrest during long distance running events," Kim says. -- "But, has the incidence of these events changed? Have there been changes in the most common causes of cardiac arrest? What are the factors associated with death and survival? It was a novel question to ask 13 years after our first analysis, and an important one because recreational running continues to increase in popularity." -- The challenge of finding data -- More than 29 million people completed marathons in the U.S. between 2010 and 2023, triple the number of the previous decade, which Kim examined in his first study. -- There's no central registry of race-related cardiac events, so for both studies, his team had to find their data through a range of sources, starting by contacting individual race directors. -- "We leveraged a few sources including a comprehensive review of media reports," Kim says. -- "We also had contact information for all race directors and were able to reach approximately 70% of them who helped and told us the number of events during this specific timeline, including if the individual died and the sex of the participant."	R01	342
2513-073	Maternal Exposure To Phthalates During Pregnancy May Influence Newborn Metabolism	A new study indicates that pregnant women's exposure to phthalates, commonly found in personal care products, can negatively impact their newborns' metabolism and brain development. This research underscores the potential health risks associated with these plasticizers, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental influences on maternal and child health, particularly as phthalates are linked to hormonal disruptions.	Emory University	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	A newly published study by researchers from Emory University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Columbia University found that a mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy can affect their newborn's metabolism and brain development. -- Phthalates are a group of widely used plasticizers commonly found in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, and detergents, as well as plastic food and beverage containers. -- Previous research showed phthalates can affect hormones and suggested they may be linked to health effects in mothers and babies. -- The study, led by researchers at Emory's Rollins School of Public Health and published in Nature Communications on Wednesday, was the first to explore and find evidence of how a pregnant woman's exposure to phthalates influences their baby's metabolism at birth. -- Main Takeaways -- Prenatal phthalate levels in the mother's blood during pregnancy were associated with lower levels of key neurotransmitter precursors (related to tyrosine and tryptophan metabolism) important for brain development in the newborn's blood soon after birth. -- Higher prenatal phthalate levels were also associated with biological changes linked to lower information processing (or attention) and excitability (or arousal) scores in newborns. -- These findings suggest that a mother's exposure to phthalates during pregnancy may influence her newborn's metabolism soon after birth. Furthermore, exposure to phthalates while babies are still in the uterus may also have lasting effects on infant brain development. -- What The Experts Say -- "This was the first study to demonstrate that a mother's exposure to phthalates can impact their baby's metabolome and also the first to show that these biological changes can impact newborn development. This is important because there is a common belief that the placenta protects the baby from a lot of harmful substances, but this study supports that phthalates are able to cross through the placenta and actually impact the baby's biology before they are even born and negatively affect their development over time," said Susan Hoffman, PhD, study first author and recent graduate of the Epidemiology PhD program at the Rollins School of Public Health.	H01 R02	343
2512-T013	Oxygen Detected In Most Distant Galaxy Challenges Existing Cosmological Theories	Oxygen Detected In Most Distant Galaxy Challenges Existing Cosmological Theories	ESO	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	Two different teams of astronomers have detected oxygen in the most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0. The discovery, reported in two separate studies, was made possible thanks to the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), in which the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is a partner. This record-breaking detection is making astronomers rethink how quickly galaxies formed in the early Universe. -- Discovered last year, JADES-GS-z14-0 is the most distant confirmed galaxy ever found: it is so far away, its light took 13.4 billion years to reach us, meaning we see it as it was when the Universe was less than 300 million years old, about 2% of its present age. -- The new oxygen detection with ALMA, a telescope array in Chile's Atacama Desert, suggests the galaxy is much more chemically mature than expected. -- "It is like finding an adolescent where you would only expect babies," says Sander Schouws, a PhD candidate at Leiden Observatory, the Netherlands, and first author of the Dutch-led study, now accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. -- "The results show the galaxy has formed very rapidly and is also maturing rapidly, adding to a growing body of evidence that the formation of galaxies happens much faster than was expected." -- Galaxies usually start their lives full of young stars, which are made mostly of light elements like hydrogen and helium. -- As stars evolve, they create heavier elements like oxygen, which get dispersed through their host galaxy after they die. -- Researchers had thought that, at 300 million years old, the Universe was still too young to have galaxies ripe with heavy elements. -- However, the two ALMA studies indicate JADES-GS-z14-0 has about 10 times more heavy elements than expected. -- "I was astonished by the unexpected results because they opened a new view on the first phases of galaxy evolution," says Stefano Carniani, of the Scuola Normale Superiore of Pisa, Italy, and lead author on the paper now accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics.	Z01	344
2504-024	Digoxin Shows Potential To Prevent Breast Cancer Metastasis By Dissolving Cell Clusters	A significant breakthrough in breast cancer treatment has been achieved with the use of digoxin, a cardiac drug, which helps dissolve clusters of circulating cancer cells in the bloodstream. These clusters are responsible for metastasis, which poses a severe risk to patient survival. The study indicates that digoxin could potentially reduce metastasis risk, offering new hope for patients battling breast cancer.	ETH Zurich	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	Certain tumour types do not remain at their point of origin but spread throughout the body and form metastases. This is because the primary tumour continuously releases cancer cells into the blood. These circulating tumour cells (CTCs) can join together into small clusters of up to a dozen cells and settle in other organs. There, the clusters grow into larger tumours, known as metastases. Metastatic tumours are still a major medical problem: every year, around seven million people worldwide die from them. -- One example of such a spreading tumour is breast cancer. As soon as the primary tumour forms metastases, the chances of survival decrease drastically. -- Tens of thousands of women worldwide still die of metastatic breast cancer. -- Oncologists are therefore looking for ways to weaken or destroy the clusters in order to prevent the formation of metastases. -- Significantly reduced risk of metastases -- In a new study, which has just been published in the journal Nature Medicine, a team of researchers from ETH Zurich, the University Hospitals of Basel and Zurich, and the Basel-Land Cantonal Hospital, shows a new, promising approach. -- In a clinical study, the researchers administered the drug digoxin at a low and safe dosage for one week to nine patients with metastatic breast cancer. -- The result: the number of cells per cluster decreased significantly -- by an average of 2.2 cells. -- Given that typical cluster sizes are only a handful of cells, this means a significant reduction in the risk of metastases. -- The smaller the clusters, the less able they are to successfully produce metastases.	R01	345
2505-078	New Atlas Reveals Why Some Overweight Individuals Remain Healthy Despite Body Mass Index	A comprehensive study from researchers in Zurich and Leipzig has produced an atlas of fat tissue cells, shedding light on why some obese individuals remain healthy while others develop metabolic diseases. By analyzing gene activity and cellular structures in adipose tissue, the findings could lead to identifying markers for metabolic disease risk and inform the development of targeted therapies.	ETH Zurich	Cell Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Missouri researcher has discovered a new method to remove so-called "forever chemicals" from our drinking water. -- Per- and polyfluoroalkyls (PFAS) are industrial chemicals used to manufacture thousands of products, including cosmetics, carpeting, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, food packaging and waterproof clothing. -- They're everywhere -- the environment, our food and even in our bodies. -- Peer-reviewed studies have shown that exposure to PFAS may lead to decreased fertility, developmental delays in children and increased risk of some cancers. -- And they take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down. -- For roughly the past 10 years, researchers have been looking for ways to remove PFAS from the environment or at least degrade them into harmless, inorganic compounds. -- Now, Feng "Frank" Xiao, an associate professor in Mizzou's College of Engineering, and team have found a simple solution using common tools and materials. -- "You don't need organic solvent or really high temperatures," Xiao, an expert in degrading PFAS, said. -- "Just heat the PFAS with granular activated carbon, or GAC." -- GAC is composed of granules of coal, wood or other carbon-rich materials that have been heated.	R01	346
2506-E001	Tiny Ice Quakes Unraveled: Greenland's Ice Dynamics Get New Insights	An international research team has discovered a pattern of tiny ice quakes in Greenland's ice streams, which could alter existing models of ice flow and sea level rise estimation. This revelation challenges previous assumptions about ice movement and underscores the importance of understanding the dynamics of ice sheets, which are crucial in predicting future sea-level changes and their implications for coastal communities.	ETH Zurich	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The great ice streams of the Antarctic and Greenland are like frozen rivers, carrying ice from the massive inland ice sheets to the sea -- and a change in their dynamics will contribute significantly to sea-level rise. In order to estimate just how much sea levels will rise, climate researchers rely on computer simulations of the ice streams. Until now, they have based these simulations on an assumption that the ice streams flow slowly but steadily into the sea like thick honey. -- However, satellite measurements of the flow speed of ice streams show that such simulations are inaccurate and have shortcomings to correctly reflect reality. -- This leads to considerable uncertainties in estimates of how much mass the ice streams are losing and how quickly and how high sea levels will rise. -- Ice streams both judder and flow -- Now, a team of researchers led by ETH professor Andreas Fichtner has made an unexpected discovery: deep within the ice streams, there are countless weak quakes taking place that trigger one another and propagate over distances of hundreds of metres. -- This discovery helps to explain the discrepancy between current simulations of ice streams and satellite measurements, and the new findings should also impact the way ice streams are simulated in the future. -- "The assumption that ice streams only flow like viscous honey is no longer tenable. They also move with a constant stick-slip motion," says Fichtner. -- The ETH professor is confident that this finding will be integrated into simulations of ice streams, making estimates of changes in sea level more accurate. -- Riddles relating to ice cores resolved -- Moreover, the ice quakes explain the origin of numerous fault planes between ice crystals in ice cores obtained from great depths.	C01 T01	347
2507-056	Innovative Gene Switch Activated By Nitroglycerine Patch Promises Future Cell Therapies	Researchers have introduced a novel gene switch activated by a nitroglycerin patch that could revolutionize cell therapies for metabolic diseases. This innovative approach aims to mimic the body's natural regulatory mechanisms for blood sugar levels, potentially leading to more precise treatments for diabetes. The development represents a significant step toward harnessing biotechnology for improved metabolic health management and targeted therapeutic interventions.	ETH Zurich	ETH Zurich	Press Rel	PubMed	The body regulates its metabolism precisely and continuously, with specialised cells in the pancreas constantly monitoring the amount of sugar in the blood, for example. When this blood sugar level increases after a meal, the body sets a signal cascade in motion in order to bring it back down. -- In people suffering from diabetes, this regulatory mechanism no longer works exactly as it should. -- Those affected therefore have too much sugar in their blood and need to measure their blood sugar level and inject themselves with insulin in order to regulate it. This is a relatively imprecise approach compared to the body's own mechanism. -- Equipping cells with special functions -- Martin Fussenegger is Professor of Biotechnology and Bioengineering at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering of ETH Zurich in Basel. -- With the above situation in mind, he and his team have been working on cell therapies for some time. -- One day, the hope is that these therapies will allow metabolic diseases such as diabetes to be treated individually and precisely -- or even cured. -- But how do these cell therapies work? First, the researchers modify human cells by incorporating a network of genes that give the cells special abilities. -- These cells are implanted under the skin, for example, and the network is activated by a specific external stimulus. -- A suitable switch is key	R01 N02	348
2508-014	Microbubbles: A New Tool For Targeted Drug Delivery Using Ultrasound	Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a breakthrough in drug delivery using microbubbles, which can penetrate cell membranes with the help of ultrasound. This innovative approach may facilitate targeted treatments for challenging brain diseases, providing a new avenue for overcoming the blood-brain barrier and delivering essential therapies directly to affected areas.	ETH Zurich	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	ETH Zurich researchers have investigated how microbubbles tiny gas bubbles can deliver drugs into cells in a targeted manner using ultrasound. For the first time, they have visualised how tiny cyclic microjets liquid jets generated by microbubbles penetrate the cell membrane enabling the drug uptake.ETH Zurich researchers have investigated how microbubbles tiny gas bubbles can deliver drugs into cells in a targeted manner using ultrasound. For the first time, they have visualised how tiny cyclic microjets liquid jets generated by microbubbles penetrate the cell membrane enabling the drug uptake. -- The targeted treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or brain tumours is challenging because the brain is a particularly sensitive organ that is well protected. That's why researchers are working on ways of delivering drugs to the brain precisely, via the bloodstream. The aim is to overcome the blood-brain barrier which normally only allows certain nutrients and oxygen to pass through. -- Microbubbles that react to ultrasound are a particularly promising method for this sort of therapy. These microbubbles are smaller than a red blood cell, filled with gas and have consist of a special coating of fat molecules to stabilise them. They are injected into the bloodstream together with the drug and then activated at the target site using ultrasound. The action movement of the microbubbles creates tiny pores in the cell membrane of the blood vessel wall which the drug can then pass through. -- How exactly microbubbles create these pores was previously unclear. Now, a group of ETH researchers, led by Outi Supponen, a professor at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, have been able to demonstrate for the first time how this mechanism works. "We were able to show that under ultrasound, the surface of the microbubbles loses theirits shape, resulting in tiny jets of liquid, so-called microjets, which penetrate the cell membrane," explains Marco Cattaneo, Supponen's doctoral student and lead author of the study which was recently published in Nature Physics. -- The invisible force: liquid microjets at 200 kph -- Until now, nobody knew how the pores in the cell membrane were formed because the microbubbles measure just a few micrometres across and vibrate up to several million times per second under ultrasound. This is a process that is incredibly difficult to observe and which requires a special set-up in the lab. "So far, most studies have looked at the process from above through a conventional microscope. But when you do that, you can't see what's happening between the microbubble and the cell," says Cattaneo. The researchers therefore built a microscope with a magnification of 200x, which allows them to observe the process from the side, and connected it to a high-speed camera that can take up to ten million images per second. -- For their experiment, they mimicked the blood vessel wall using an in-vitro model, growing endothelial cells on a plastic membrane. They placed this membrane on a box with transparent walls filled with a saline solution and a model drug, with the cells facing down like a lid. The gas-filled microbubble rose to the top automatically and made contact with the cells. The microbubbles were then set in vibration by a microsecond-long pulse of ultrasound. -- The targeted treatment of brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or brain tumours is challenging because the brain is a particularly sensitive organ that is well protected. That's why researchers are working on ways of delivering drugs to the brain precisely, via the bloodstream. The aim is to overcome the blood-brain barrier which normally only allows certain nutrients and oxygen to pass through. -- Microbubbles that react to ultrasound are a particularly promising method for this sort of therapy. These microbubbles are smaller than a red blood cell, filled with gas and have consist of a special coating of fat molecules to stabilise them. They are injected into the bloodstream together with the drug and then activated at the target site using ultrasound. The action movement of the microbubbles creates tiny pores in the cell membrane of the blood vessel wall which the drug can then pass through. -- How exactly microbubbles create these pores was previously unclear. Now, a group of ETH researchers, led by Outi Supponen, a professor at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, have been able to demonstrate for the first time how this mechanism works. "We were able to show that under ultrasound, the surface of the microbubbles loses theirits shape, resulting in tiny jets of liquid, so-called microjets, which penetrate the cell membrane," explains Marco Cattaneo, Supponen's doctoral student and lead author of the study which was recently published in Nature Physics.	H01 R01 R02	349
2509-084	What We Learned About Pupils And Brain Activity During Sleep	A recent study has revealed that pupil size fluctuates during sleep, indicating heightened brain activity contrary to previous beliefs of low arousal. Researchers from ETH Zurich found that these fluctuations reflect varying levels of brain activation, providing valuable insights into sleep dynamics and challenging long-held assumptions about the brain's state during rest.	ETH Zurich	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Our eyes are typically closed when we sleep. However, there is a flurry of activity taking place beneath our closed eyelids: a team of researchers, led by principal investigators Caroline Lustenberger, Sarah Meissner and Nicole Wenderoth from the Neural Control of Movement Lab at ETH Zurich, have observed that the size of the pupil fluctuates constantly during sleep. Sometimes it increases in size, sometimes it decreases; sometimes these changes occur within seconds, other times over the course of several minutes. -- "These dynamics reflect the state of arousal, or the level of brain activation in regions that are responsible for sleep-wake regulation," says Lustenberger. "These observations contradict the previous assumption that, essentially, the level of arousal during sleep is low." -- Instead, these fluctuations in pupil size show that even during sleep, the brain is constantly switching between a higher and lower level of activation. These new findings also confirm for humans what other research groups have recently discovered in studies on rodents, who also exhibit slow fluctuations in the activation level (known in the field as arousal). The study by the ETH researchers was recently published in the journal Nature Communications. -- New method for an old mystery -- The regions of the brain which control the activation level are situated deep within the brainstem, making it previously difficult to directly measure these processes in humans during sleep. Existing methods are technically demanding and have not yet been established in this context. The ETH researchers' study therefore relies on pupil measurements. Pupils are known to indicate the activation level when a person is awake. They can therefore be used as markers for the activity in regions situated deeper within the brain. -- The ETH researchers developed a new method for examining the changes in people's pupils while asleep: using a special adhesive technique and a transparent plaster, they were able to keep the eyes of the test subjects open for several hours. -- "Our main concern was that the test subjects would be unable to sleep with their eyes open. But in a dark room, most people forget that their eyes are still open and they are able to sleep," explains the study's lead author, Manuel Carro Domínguez, who developed the technique. -- Analysis of the data showed that pupil dynamics is related not just to the different stages of sleep, but also to specific patterns of brain activity, such as sleep spindles and pronounced deep sleep waves -- brain waves that are important for memory consolidation and sleep stability. The researchers also discovered that the brain reacts to sounds with varying degrees of intensity, depending on the level of activation, which is reflected in the size of the pupil. -- A central regulator of the activation level is a small region in the brainstem, known as the locus coeruleus. In animals, scientists have been able to show that this is important for the regulation of sleep stages and waking. The ETH researchers were unable to prove in this study whether the locus coeruleus is indeed directly responsible for pupil changes. "We are simply observing pupil changes that are related to the level of brain activation and heart activity," Lustenberger explains. -- In a follow-up study, the researchers will attempt to influence the activity of the locus coeruleus using medication, so that they can investigate how this affects pupil dynamics. They hope to discover whether this region of the brain is in fact responsible for controlling the pupils during sleep, and how changes in the level of activation affect sleep and its functions.	H02 R01 R02 C01 N01	350
2510-T033	Additive Manufacturing's Role In Building Large-Scale Particle Detectors	An international collaboration has demonstrated that additive manufacturing can effectively create large-scale plastic scintillator detectors for particle physics. The T2K Collaboration’s advancements in building these complex detectors highlight the potential of modern manufacturing techniques to enhance neutrino research and improve the capabilities of experimental particle physics.	ETH Zurich	Communications Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2024, the T2K Collaboration started to collect new neutrino data following several upgrades to the experiment that included new types of detectors. One of these, called SuperFGD, has a mass of about 2 tons of sensitive volume and is made of approximately two million cubes. Each cube is made of plastic scintillator (PS) material that emits light when a charged particle passes through it. Neutrinos carry no charge, as their name indicates, but they sometimes interact with other particles, then producing electrons, protons, muons or pions that can be detected. Each PS cube is traversed by three orthogonal optical fibers that collect the scintillation light and guide it to 56'000 photodetectors. The data reveal three-dimensional (3D) particle tracks, which in turn allow researchers to learn more about neutrinos. -- Detector upgrades of this kind are crucial to advance the discovery capabilities of large particle physics experiments, and yet it's fair to ask: what does it take to assemble, cube after cube and layer after layer, 2 million PS cubes into a functioning particle detector? -- Could large-scale detectors in high-energy physics be built differently? -- These are the questions that motivate one line of work of Professors Davide Sgalaberna and André Rubbia in the Institute for Particle Physics and Astrophysics. -- Together with colleagues from ETH Zurich, CERN, the HES-SO, the HEIG-VD, COMATEC-AddiPole and the Institute for Scintillation Materials in Ukraine, Sgalaberna and Rubbia have just published a research paper in the journal Communications Engineering where they present a fully additive-manufactured plastic scintillator detector for elementary particles. -- The authors are all part of the 3D printed DETector (3DET) Collaboration, which is led by Sgalaberna with the technical coordination of Dr Umut Kose. -- The team believes their demonstration to be a significant step in the direction of time- and cost-effective ways to build future large-scale particle detectors. -- An engineering problem -- PS detectors make it possible to track the paths and measure the energy loss of charged particles passing through the scintillator material with a fast temporal response. -- These characteristics have determined their growing success since they were proposed in the 1950s.	Z01	351
2511-T016	New Modulator Breaks Terahertz Record For High-Speed Data Transmission	Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough with plasmonic modulators, successfully transmitting data at frequencies over a terahertz. This advancement is critical for the future of optical fiber technology and mobile communications, promising to enhance data transmission efficiency and meet the growing demands of next-generation communication networks.	ETH Zurich	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	Plasmonic modulators are tiny components that convert electrical signals into optical signals in order to transport them through optical fibres. A modulator of this kind had never managed to transmit data with a frequency of over a terahertz (over a trillion oscillations per second). Now, researchers from the group led by Jürg Leuthold, Professor of Photonics and Communications at ETH Zurich, have succeeded in doing just that. Previous modulators could only convert frequencies up to 100 or 200 gigahertz - in other words, frequencies that are five to ten times lower. -- Modulators of this kind could be used wherever large volumes of data are transmitted, as a bridge between the electrical world and data transmission using light. -- "Data is always initially present in electrical form and nowadays, its transmission always involves optical fibres at some point," explains Professor Leuthold. -- The next generation of mobile communications (6G) will operate in the terahertz range. -- Its backbone - the cables between the base stations - relies on optical fibre technology. -- "Our modulator allows radio signals and other electrical signals to be converted into optical signals directly and therefore efficiently," says Yannik Horst, who worked on the component during his doctoral thesis. -- Also for medicine and measurement technology -- Although the transfer of terahertz signals onto optical fibre is already possible from a technical perspective, it is a laborious process and currently requires several expensive components. -- The new modulators can convert the signals directly, reducing energy consumption and increasing measurement accuracy. -- Moreover, different components are currently needed for different frequency ranges.	Z01	352
2512-E007	The Mystery of Phosphorus: Was It in Ancient Soda Lakes?	A team of origin-of-life researchers has made significant strides in understanding the role of phosphorus in the emergence of life on Earth. Their experiments demonstrate that high concentrations of phosphorus, previously thought to be scarce, were necessary for prebiotic chemistry. Earth scientist Craig Walton suggests that large soda lakes could have maintained these required concentrations, as detailed in their findings published in Science Advances, offering new insights into life's beginnings.	ETH Zurich	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Along with nitrogen and carbon, phosphorus is an essential element for life on Earth. It is a central component of molecules such as DNA and RNA, which serve to transmit and store genetic information, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells need to produce energy. -- Phosphorus may also have played a key role in the origin of life. Certain conditions are needed to trigger the start of the biochemical processes that precede life. One of these is the presence of sufficient phosphorus. Its availability regulates the growth and activities of organisms. Unlike nitrogen or carbon, however, phosphorus is relatively rare at Earth's surface -- which was the case in the era before life existed as well as today. -- It is precisely because phosphorus is rare and so difficult to obtain, yet subject to high demand by living organisms, that scientists have long wondered how life could have arisen at all. -- To answer this question, they conducted experiments in the laboratory. These showed that prebiotic chemistry requires very high concentrations of phosphorus -- about 10,000 times more phosphorus than naturally occurs in water. This raises the question of how and where such high concentrations of phosphorus in water occurred on Earth billions of years ago. -- Earth scientist Craig Walton has a new answer: large soda lakes without natural runoff could maintain phosphorus concentrations for a sufficiently long time, even if life begins to exist in them at some point (and continuously consumes phosphorus). The results of the study have just been published in the journal Science Advances. -- Such lakes lose water only through evaporation. This means that phosphorus is left in the water instead of being washed away through rivers and streams. As a result, very high concentrations of phosphorus can build up in these soda lakes. -- As early as 2020, researchers from the University of Washington had suggested that soda lakes could be the cradle of life. Walton has now taken this further. The researcher is investigating questions about the origin of life from a geochemical perspective as part of a Nomis fellowship at ETH Zurich's Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL). -- Not every soda lake is suitable; Walton excludes small ones. "As soon as life develops in them, their phosphorus supply would be depleted faster than it is replenished. This would nip in the bud both the chemical reactions and the developing life," says Walton. In large soda lakes, on the other hand, the phosphorus concentrations are high enough to sustain both the basic chemical reactions and life over the long term. These high concentrations are achieved through a high volume of inflowing river water, which contains phosphorus, while water only leaves the lake through evaporation. Since phosphorus does not evaporate easily, it stays behind and accumulates in the lake. -- One example of such a large soda lake is Mono Lake in California. It is about twice the size of Lake Zurich. In Mono Lake, the phosphorus concentration remains constantly high, allowing a wide variety of organisms to flourish. This is crucial because in small lakes, the phosphorus is used up before new amounts can be formed. Phosphorus in Mono Lake is therefore maintained at a high concentration, which means that a lot of phosphorus regularly flows in without the phosphorus content dropping too quickly. -- Walton and his team therefore consider large soda lakes that had a constant high phosphorus supply in the early history of the Earth to have been an ideal environment for the origin of life. The researchers assume that life is more likely to have originated in such large bodies of water than in small pools, as Charles Darwin had suspected.	C01	353
2512-E010	Exploring Our Ancestry: Microbes Hold Secrets To The Origin Of Complex Cells	Recent discoveries about Asgard archaea, a group of single-celled organisms, could provide insight into the origins of complex life. First identified in deep-sea sediments, these archaea possess unique genetic characteristics that differentiate them from bacteria, suggesting a significant evolutionary link to our earliest ancestors.	ETH Zurich	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Ten years ago, nobody knew that Asgard archaea even existed. In 2015, however, researchers examining deep-sea sediments discovered gene fragments that indicated a new and previously undiscovered form of microbes. -- With computer assistance, the researchers assembled these fragments like puzzle pieces to compile the entire genome. -- It was only then that they realised they were dealing with a previously unknown group of archaea. -- Like bacteria, archaea are single-celled organisms. Genetically, however, there are significant differences between the two domains, especially regarding their cell envelopes and metabolic processes. -- After a further search, microbiologists identified the corresponding organisms, described them and classified them as a separate archaeal sub-group: Asgard archaea. -- Their name, taken from the heavenly realm in Norse mythology, references their initial discovery close to Loki's Castle -- a black smoker on the mid-Atlantic ridge between Norway and Svalbard. -- In fact, Asgard archaea appeared almost heaven-sent for research: they turned out to be a missing link between archaea and eukaryotes -- that is, between archaea and organisms whose cells contain a nucleus, such as plants and animals. -- Tree of life with one branch fewer -- In recent years, researchers have found growing indications of close links between Asgard archaea and eukaryotes, and that the latter may have evolved from the former. -- The division of all living organisms into the three domains of bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes did not hold up to this surprising discovery.	C01 N01 N02 T01	354
2513-091	Combining Vaccination And Beneficial Microorganisms Offers New Hope Against Antibiotic Resistance	A novel research approach combines vaccination with the intentional colonization of the intestine by harmless microorganisms to combat bacterial pathogens. This strategy could innovate the fight against the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance, addressing both the necessity of beneficial gut bacteria for digestion and the threat posed by harmful pathogens.	ETH Zurich	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	In the fight against bacterial pathogens, researchers are combining vaccination with targeted colonisation of the intestine by harmless microorganisms. This approach could potentially mark a turning point in the antibiotics crisis. -- The issue of intestinal bacteria is a complex one. On the one hand, we are dependent on the microorganisms because they are the ones that digest the food in our intestine. -- On the other hand, there are also numerous pathogens present among the bacteria. -- Some of these pathogens can cause diarrhea, while with others it depends on the circumstances: they can live unnoticed in the intestine for a long time, but they become dangerous if the immune system is weakened, the intestinal wall is damaged, or they enter the blood via wounds. -- This can lead to blood poisoning or life-threatening inflammation of organs. -- For a long time, scientists have been investigating vaccines against pathogenic microbes in the intestine -- particularly those that antibiotics have become ineffective against due to resistance. -- This is no simple task, however, because the immune system of the intestine works differently from that of the rest of the body and science is yet to fully decipher the intestinal immune system. -- An effective combination -- Emma Slack, a professor at ETH Zurich and the University of Oxford's Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, is carrying out research in this area. -- Together with Médéric Diard, a professor at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, and an international team of researchers, she has now demonstrated how highly effective oral vaccinations can be formulated against intestinal pathogens: namely, by not only administering the vaccine but also combining it with harmless bacteria that compete with the pathogenic microbes for food and therefore starve them out.	H01 R01	355
2502-031	New Mechanism Driving Osteosarcoma Discovered: Insights To Predict Patient Outcomes Revealed	New findings in osteosarcoma research have identified a unique mutation mechanism, called LTA chromothripsis, that drives the aggressive progression of this bone cancer in young patients. This discovery, derived from extensive whole-genome data analysis, not only enhances understanding of the disease's complex biology but also presents a prognostic biomarker that could help predict patient outcomes and guide treatment approaches.	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Osteosarcoma is a type of aggressive bone cancer that most commonly affects children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20, during times of rapid bone growth. Although rare, it has a significant impact on young people and their families as treatment can require surgery or amputation. The cancer also has the potential to spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs. Because osteosarcoma is so genomically complex, it has been challenging to identify what genetic mutations drive the disease. As a result, there has been little advancement in treatment options over the past 40 years. -- New research, published in the journal Cell, solves the mystery of what drives the genomic rearrangements causing the aggressive development and evolution of osteosarcoma tumours. -- By analysing the largest collection of whole-genome data from osteosarcoma patients, the researchers identified a new mutation mechanism, called loss-translocation-amplification (LTA) chromothripsis, which is present in approximately 50% of high-grade osteosarcoma cases. -- This finding explains the unique biology that makes this tumour type so aggressive and the high levels of genomic instability observed in osteosarcoma cancer cells. -- The study also presents a prognostic biomarker -- a biological characteristic of cancer cells that can help predict patient outcome -- that might be used to anticipate the likely course of the disease. -- This work is a collaboration between researchers at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), University College London (UCL), the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and the R&D laboratory of Genomics England. -- "We've known for years that osteosarcoma cells have some of the most complex genomes seen in human cancers, but we couldn't explain the mechanisms behind this," said Isidro Cortes-Ciriano, Group Leader at EMBL-EBI and co-senior author of the study. -- "By studying the genetic abnormalities in different regions of each tumour and using new technologies that let us read long stretches of DNA, we've been able to understand how chromosomes break and rearrange, and how this impacts osteosarcoma disease progression." -- Large-scale genomic analysis -- This study analysed multiple regions from each osteosarcoma tumour using long-read sequencing.	H01 R01	356
2503-044	New Findings Identify Key Protein Complex As Drug Target For Trypanosome Diseases	Scientists at EMBL Grenoble have characterized a crucial protein complex in trypanosomes, the parasites responsible for diseases like sleeping sickness and Chagas. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular biology of these pathogens, potentially guiding the development of targeted drugs that can combat these neglected tropical diseases, which continue to pose significant public health challenges.	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Trypanosomes are parasites that cause deadly diseases in humans and animals, such as Human African Trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Chagas disease, and Nagana in cattle. According to the World Health Organisation, sustained control efforts have reduced the number of sleeping sickness infections, but millions of people are still estimated to be infected with Chagas disease. Diagnosis and treatment remain complex, and no effective vaccine has been developed for these neglected tropical diseases. -- A new study from the Kowalinski group at EMBL Grenoble characterised the structure of an important trypanosomal protein complex, potentially paving the way for novel drug discovery in the future. -- Currently, the insect species that transmit trypanosomes are mostly found in the Southern Hemisphere. However, as climate change may increase the spread of insect-borne diseases across the globe, understanding the biology of these parasites is becoming even more urgent. -- Trypanosomes -- like other living organisms -- transcribe their DNA into messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which serve as a set of instructions for the cells to build proteins, which are essential for nearly all processes in living organisms. They perform specific biological tasks, such as the infection process in the host. -- Both humans and trypanosomes are eukaryotic organisms -- those that pack their DNA into a nucleus. In eukaryotes, mRNAs undergo extensive processing before the instructions they carry can be used by the cell. Since the processing of human and trypanosome mRNAs bears significant differences, a better understanding of these molecular processes is fundamental to developing drugs that specifically inhibit RNA processing in the parasite without affecting human cells. -- In their recent study, published in Nature Communications, the Kowalinski group characterised the nuclear cap-binding complex. This complex binds all mRNAs in trypanosomes and is vital for correct mRNA processing and thus for the survival of the parasite. The researchers reveal major differences between the trypanosomal and human nuclear cap-binding complex, suggesting it could serve as a potential drug target. -- Different pathways -- In all eukaryotes, the nuclear cap-binding complex is a key player in cellular RNA metabolism. It binds RNA at a very early stage during its production. Other components (called factors) of the cellular machinery then interact with the newly synthesised RNA molecule via the cap-binding complex. These factors use the cap-binding complex as a platform to lead the RNA to its next processing step or to a new location in the cell. -- Unlike its human counterpart, which has two sub-units, the trypanosome nuclear cap-binding complex consists of four subunits. The function of three of them had not been understood so far -- which triggered the interest of the Kowalinski group. -- Their research revealed that the complex consists of two lobes -- one that resembles the human complex and a second part that is connected to the first through a very flexible protein.	H01 H02 C01 N01	357
2506-006	Gut Bacteria Are Changing The Way We Understand Brain Functions, Study Reveals	A new study from EMBL Heidelberg reveals that gut bacteria can significantly influence protein modification in the brain through a process called glycosylation. Using an innovative method, researchers demonstrated how these microbial interactions affect cellular functions linked to diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders. This research sheds light on the intricate relationship between gut health and brain function.	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Our guts are home to trillions of bacteria, and research over the last few decades has established how essential they are to our physiology -- in health and disease. A new study from EMBL Heidelberg researchers shows that gut bacteria can bring about profound molecular changes in one of our most critical organs -- the brain. -- The new study, published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, is the first to show that bacteria living in the gut can influence how proteins in the brain are modified by carbohydrates -- a process called glycosylation. The study was made possible by a new method the scientists developed -- DQGlyco -- which allows them to study glycosylation at a much higher scale and resolution than previous studies. -- A new way to measure glycosylation -- Proteins are the workhorses of our cells and their main building blocks. Sugars, or carbohydrates, on the other hand, are among the body's main sources of energy. However, the cell also uses sugars to chemically modify proteins, altering their functions. This is called glycosylation. -- "Glycosylation can affect how cells attach to each other (adhesion), how they move (motility), and even how they talk to one another (communication)," explained Clément Potel, first author of the study and Savitski Team Research Scientist. "It is involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer and neuronal disorders." -- However, glycosylation has traditionally been notoriously difficult to study. Only a small portion of proteins in the cell are glycosylated and concentrating enough of them in a sample for studying (a process called 'enriching') tends to be laborious, expensive, and time-consuming. -- "So far, it's not been possible to do such studies on a systematic scale, in a quantitative fashion, and with high reproducibility," said Mikhail Savitski, Team Leader, Senior Scientist, and Head of the Proteomics Core Facility at EMBL Heidelberg. "These are the challenges we managed to overcome with the new method." -- DQGlyco uses easily available and low-cost laboratory materials, such as functionalised silica beads, to selectively enrich glycosylated proteins from biological samples, which can then be precisely identified and measured. Applying the method to brain tissue samples from mice, the researchers could identify over 150,000 glycosylated forms of proteins ('proteoforms'), an increase of over 25-fold compared to previous studies. -- The quantitative nature of the new method means that researchers can compare and measure differences between samples from different tissues, cell lines, species etc. This also allows them to study the pattern of 'microheterogeneity' -- the phenomenon where the same part of a protein can be modified by many (sometimes hundreds of) different sugar groups. -- One of the most common examples of microheterogeneity is human blood groups, where the presence of different sugar groups on proteins in red blood cells determines blood type (A, B, O, and AB). This plays a major role in deciding the success of blood transfusions from one individual to the other.	R01 R02	358
2506-067	Understanding Introns Is Key To Unlocking Our Genetic Health	Gene Splicing Insights: Understanding the process of gene expression is essential for health, particularly regarding introns in our DNA. A specialized complex known as the minor spliceosome is crucial for removing these non-coding segments, and issues with its function can lead to genetic disorders. Recent research has provided new structural insights into how this spliceosome operates, revealing its vital role in maintaining cellular health.	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	In human cells, only a small proportion of the information written in genes is used to produce proteins. How does the cell select this information? A large molecular machine called the spliceosome continuously separates the coding and non-coding regions of our genes -- and it's doing this even as you read these lines. -- The spliceosome is critical for the proper functioning of every cell, and numerous genetic disorders are linked to problems with spliceosome function. -- In most eukaryotic cells, two types of spliceosome work in parallel to stitch gene pieces together: the major spliceosome and the minor spliceosome. -- The Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble has recently published new structural insights into minor spliceosome function in the journal Molecular Cell. -- The major spliceosome is abundant in cells and has been extensively investigated for more than four decades. -- Its long-separated twin -- the minor spliceosome, is much more scarce and remains enigmatic, even though its function is equally important. -- In this new study, the researchers reveal the structure of U11 snRNP -- one of the five subunits of the minor spliceosome, which initiates the intron selection process. -- Stitching gene pieces together -- Spliceosomes help cells remove large chunks of non-coding genetic information -- called introns -- from the precursors of messenger RNA (pre-mRNA), the molecule responsible for transferring genetic information from DNA into proteins. -- Spliceosomes act as an editing tool, helping to make sense of the fragmented messages stored in pre-mRNA.	Z01	359
2507-109	New Microscope Technology Opens Doors To Non-Invasive Biological Imaging	A novel microscope that utilizes Brillouin scattering has been developed, enabling significant advancements in biological imaging. This technique allows scientists to capture live images of light-sensitive organisms with remarkable speed and efficiency, marking a major improvement in microscopy that enhances the ability to analyze biological materials and supports various research applications in life sciences, as highlighted by recent studies.	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Press Rel	PubMed	EMBL tech developers have made an important leap forward with a novel methodology that adds an important microscopy capability to life scientists' toolbox. The advance represents a 1,000-fold improvement in speed and throughput in Brillouin microscopy and provides a way to view light-sensitive organisms more efficiently. -- "We were on a quest to speed up image acquisition," said Carlo Bevilacqua, lead author on a paper published about this technological development in Nature Photonics and an optical engineer in EMBL's Prevedel Team. -- "Over the years, we have progressed from being able to see just a pixel at a time to a line of 100 pixels, to now a full plane that offers a view of approximately 10,000 pixels." -- The technology is based on a phenomenon first predicted in 1922 by French physicist Léon Brillouin. -- He showed that when light is shone on a material, it interacts with naturally occurring thermal vibrations within, exchanging energy and thereby slightly shifting the frequency (or colour) of the light. -- Measuring the spectrum (colours) of the scattered light reveals information about a material's physical characteristics. -- Using Brillouin scattering for microscopy purposes came much later -- in the early 2000s -- when other technological advancements enabled scientists to measure tiny frequency shifts with high precision and sufficient throughput. -- This allowed them to compute mechanical properties of living biological samples. -- However, at that point, scientists were only able to view one pixel at a time. -- The process was therefore quite time-consuming, and it severely limited how the microscopy method could be used in biology.	A01 T01	360
2512-E035	Study Reveals Chromosomal Packing Mechanisms During Cell Division	Study Reveals Chromosomal Packing Mechanisms During Cell Division	European Molecular Biology Laboratory	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Among the many marvels of life is the cell's ability to divide and thus enable organisms to grow and renew themselves. For this, the cell must duplicate its DNA -- its genome -- and segregate it equally into two new daughter cells. To prepare the 46 chromosomes of a human cell for transport to the daughter cells during cell division, each chromosome forms a compact X-shaped structure with two rod-like copies. How the cell achieves this feat remains largely unknown. -- Now, for the first time, EMBL scientists have directly observed this process in high resolution under the microscope using a new chromatin tracing method. -- The new study shows that the long DNA molecules of each chromosome form a series of overlapping loops during cell division that repel each other. -- As a result of this repulsion, the DNA loops then stack up to form rod-shaped chromosomes. -- Tracing chromosomal DNA in high resolution -- Scientists have long hypothesised the importance of DNA loops in building and maintaining chromosomal structure. -- First identified in the 1990s, condensins are large protein complexes that bind DNA during cell division and extrude it to create loops of varying sizes. -- Previous studies from EMBL have shed light on the structural mechanics of this process and their essential role in packing chromosomes into forms that can be easily moved between cells. -- In fact, mutations in condensin structure can result in severe chromosome segregation defects and lead to cell death, cancer formation, or rare developmental disorders called 'condensinopathies'. -- "However, observing how this looping process occurs on the cellular scale and contributes to chromosome structure is challenging," said Andreas Brunner, postdoc in EMBL Heidelberg's Ellenberg Group and a lead author of the new paper.	R01	361
2501-069	Morning Coffee Linked To Lower Cardiovascular Disease Risk Compared To All-Day Drinking.	Research published in the European Heart Journal suggests that morning coffee drinkers have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who consume coffee throughout the day. Conducted by a team at Tulane University, the study analyzed data from over 40,000 adults, linking coffee consumption timing to health outcomes. This work reinforces the potential health benefits of coffee while suggesting that its consumption timing may impact long-term cardiovascular health.	European Society of Cardiology	European Heart Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	People who drink coffee in the morning have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a lower overall mortality risk compared to all-day coffee drinkers, according to research published in the European Heart Journal today (Wednesday). -- The research was led by Dr Lu Qi, HCA Regents Distinguished Chair and Professor at the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Tulane University, New Orleans, USA. He said: "Research so far suggests that drinking coffee doesn't raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, and it seems to lower the risk of some chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. Given the effects that caffeine has on our bodies, we wanted to see if the time of day when you drink coffee has any impact on heart health." -- The study included 40,725 adults taking part in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018. As part of this study, participants were asked about all the food and drink they consumed on at least one day, including whether they drank coffee, how much and when. It also included a sub-group of 1,463 people who were asked to complete a detailed food and drink diary for a full week. -- Researchers were able to link this information with records of deaths and cause of death over a period of nine to ten years. -- Around 36% of people in the study were morning coffee drinkers (they primarily drank coffee before midday), 16% of people drank coffee throughout the day (morning, afternoon and evening) and 48% were not coffee drinkers. -- Compared with people who did not drink coffee, morning coffee drinkers were 16% less likely to die of any cause and 31% less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. However, there was no reduction in risk for all-day coffee drinkers compared to non-coffee drinkers. -- Morning coffee drinkers benefited from the lower risks whether they were moderate drinkers (two to three cups) or heavy drinkers (more than three cups). Light morning drinkers (one cup or less) benefited from a smaller decrease in risk. -- Dr Qi said: "This is the first study testing coffee drinking timing patterns and health outcomes. Our findings indicate that it's not just whether you drink coffee or how much you drink, but the time of day when you drink coffee that's important. We don't typically give advice about timing in our dietary guidance, but perhaps we should be thinking about this in the future. -- "This study doesn't tell us why drinking coffee in the morning reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. A possible explanation is that consuming coffee in the afternoon or evening may disrupt circadian rhythms and levels of hormones such as melatonin. This, in turn, leads to changes in cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and blood pressure. -- "Further studies are needed to validate our findings in other populations, and we need clinical trials to test the potential impact of changing the time of day when people drink coffee."	H01 R01 C01	362
2503-027	Hidden Fat Risks: Intermuscular Fat Linked To Heart Disease, Regardless Of BMI	New research indicates that hidden fat within muscles, known as intermuscular fat, significantly increases the risk of heart-related issues, independent of body mass index. Conducted by Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, this study emphasizes that traditional measures of obesity may not adequately assess cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the need for more comprehensive evaluations of body composition to better understand heart disease susceptibility and direct appropriate preventive measures.	European Society of Cardiology	European Heart Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	People with pockets of fat hidden inside their muscles are at a higher risk of dying or being hospitalised from a heart attack or heart failure, regardless of their body mass index, according to research published in the European Heart Journal today (Monday). -- This 'intermuscular' fat is highly prized in beef steaks for cooking. However, little is known about this type of body fat in humans, and its impact on health. This is the first study to comprehensively investigate the effects of fatty muscles on heart disease. -- The new finding adds evidence that existing measures, such as body mass index or waist circumference, are not adequate to evaluate the risk of heart disease accurately for all people. -- The new study was led by Professor Viviany Taqueti, Director of the Cardiac Stress Laboratory at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Faculty at Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA. She said: "Obesity is now one of the biggest global threats to cardiovascular health, yet body mass index -- our main metric for defining obesity and thresholds for intervention -- remains a controversial and flawed marker of cardiovascular prognosis. This is especially true in women, where high body mass index may reflect more 'benign' types of fat. -- "Intermuscular fat can be found in most muscles in the body, but the amount of fat can vary widely between different people. In our research, we analyse muscle and different types of fat to understand how body composition can influence the small blood vessels or 'microcirculation' of the heart, as well as future risk of heart failure, heart attack and death." -- The new research included 669 people who were being evaluated at the Brigham and Women's Hospital for chest pain and/or shortness of breath and found to have no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease (where the arteries that supply the heart are becoming dangerously clogged). These patients had an average age of 63. The majority (70%) were female and almost half (46%) were non-white. -- All the patients were tested with cardiac positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning to assess how well their hearts were functioning. Researchers also used CT scans to analyse each patient's body composition, measuring the amounts and location of fat and muscle in a section of their torso. -- To quantify the amount of fat stored within muscles, researchers calculated the ratio of intermuscular fat to total muscle plus fat, a measurement they called the fatty muscle fraction. -- Patients were followed up for around six years and researchers recorded whether any patients died or were hospitalised for a heart attack or heart failure. -- Researchers found that people with higher amounts of fat stored in their muscles were more likely to have damage to the tiny blood vessels that serve the heart (coronary microvascular dysfunction or CMD), and they were more likely to go on to die or be hospitalised for heart disease. For every 1% increase in fatty muscle fraction, there was a 2% increase in the risk of CMD and a 7% increased risk of future serious heart disease, regardless of other known risk factors and body mass index.	H02 R01	363
2505-070	Mothers Of Twins Face Increased Heart Disease Risk In Year Following Birth	A new study published in the European Heart Journal indicates that mothers of twins face double the risk of being hospitalized for heart disease in the year following childbirth compared to mothers of singletons, particularly if they experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy. Led by Professor Cande Ananth, this research analyzed data from 36 million hospital deliveries and drew attention to the growing prevalence of twin pregnancies due to fertility treatments and older maternal ages, emphasizing the need for awareness of potential cardiovascular risks.	European Society of Cardiology	European Heart Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Psoriasis, a painful and uncomfortable inflammatory skin condition that affects millions worldwide, flares up from the activity of disease- and infection-protecting immune cells. -- In a new study, researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have determined that a protein called NF-kB c-Rel can intensify the condition's symptoms when activated by signals from the body's immune system. -- Understanding how "c-Rel" affects skin inflammation could lead to new treatments, they said. -- The study, published recently in eBioMedicine, examined how c-Rel contributes to the function of a type of immune cell -- known as dendritic cells (DCs). The study examined how c-Rel responds to specific immunological signals through Toll Like Receptor 7 (TLR7), which regulates innate immunity and inflammation, exacerbating psoriasis. -- The researchers also found the absence of c-Rel alleviates inflammation that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. -- "We believe that by focusing on c-Rel and TLR7, scientists might be able to create more targeted treatments that reduce inflammation and help psoriasis symptoms," said Parameswaran Ramakrishnan, associate professor of pathology, member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center and researcher at Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, the study's principal investigator. -- "This may help relieve the discomfort millions of people live with skin inflammation." -- The researchers examined skin samples from psoriasis patients and a mouse model with similar skin changes. -- They analyzed c-Rel levels and its behavior in specially engineered cells lacking the protein; they also examined the mouse model lacking c-Rel. -- Their goal: to better understand how c-Rel impacts the immune response in psoriasis.	A01 H01 R01	364
2505-T011	Gaia Mission Reveals Hidden Companions: A Gigantic Exoplanet And A Brown Dwarf	Using data from ESA's Gaia mission, scientists have discovered a massive exoplanet, Gaia-4b, and a brown dwarf, Gaia-5b, both orbiting low-mass stars. This discovery marks the first instance of a planet being identified through its gravitational influence on a star, revealing unexpected celestial dynamics. The findings highlight the capabilities of the Gaia spacecraft in detecting rare astronomical objects and contribute to our understanding of planetary systems surrounding low-mass stars.	European Space Agency	The Astronomical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has revealed a startling public health threat: About 17 million people are at risk of gastrointestinal problems due to excessive sulfate levels in groundwater. This alarming finding emerged from the world's first high-resolution global groundwater sulfate distribution map, launched by the university's School of Engineering. -- While groundwater is a vital source of drinking water for billions of people, the consumption of groundwater with high sulfate concentration can directly cause diarrhea and dehydration, with elevated risks among infants, seniors, and other vulnerable populations. -- Moreover, sulfate exacerbatesarsenic contamination in water and triggers the release of heavy metals from pipeline corrosion, indirectly leading to other health conditions and economic costs. -- For instance, the United States alone incurs an estimated USD 22 billion annually in corrosion-related costs in water supply systems. -- "Unfortunately, sulfate levels in groundwater often go unmonitored. This overlooked yet critical issue has far-reaching implications for public health and water infrastructure," said Prof. -- CHEN Guanghao, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and a co-corresponding author of the present study. -- To investigate the scope of the problem, Prof. Chen and his team developed a high-resolution map by employing advanced data-driven methods. -- After analyzing over 17,000 sulfate concentration measurements alongside global geospatial datasets of variables, they successfully generated a pioneering 1-km resolution map. -- As the first of its kind, the map serves as a practical tool for the assessment of water quality. -- It highlights sulfate excessive hotspots and identifies key contributing factors, which include natural elements such as precipitation patterns and sedimentary geology, as well as human activities like fertilizer application and mining operations.	C01	365
2506-T003	Cosmic Discoveries: Euclid Unveils An Astonishing Einstein Ring In Our Universe	The European Space Agency’s Euclid mission has made an exciting discovery of an Einstein ring, a unique cosmic phenomenon, during its early testing phase. Launched on July 1, 2023, Euclid aims to explore the dark Universe, and its initial observations revealed this rare occurrence in the galaxy NGC 6505, located approximately 590 million light-years from Earth. The discovery offers a glimpse into gravitational lensing and emphasizes the mission's importance in understanding cosmic structures.	European Space Agency	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	Euclid blasted off on its six-year mission to explore the dark Universe on 1 July 2023. Before the spacecraft could begin its survey, the team of scientists and engineers on Earth had to make sure everything was working properly. During this early testing phase, in September 2023, Euclid sent some images back to Earth. They were deliberately out of focus, but in one fuzzy image Euclid Archive Scientist Bruno Altieri saw a hint of a very special phenomenon and decided to take a closer look. -- "I look at the data from Euclid as it comes in," explains Bruno. -- "Even from that first observation, I could see it, but after Euclid made more observations of the area, we could see a perfect Einstein ring. For me, with a lifelong interest in gravitational lensing, that was amazing." -- The Einstein Ring, an extremely rare phenomenon, turned out to be hiding in plain sight in a galaxy not far away. -- The galaxy, called NGC 6505, is around 590 million light-years from Earth, a stone's throw away in cosmic terms. -- But this is the first time that the ring of light surrounding its centre is detected, thanks to Euclid's high-resolution instruments. -- The ring around the foreground galaxy is made up of light from a farther out bright galaxy. -- This background galaxy is 4.42 billion light-years away, and its light has been distorted by gravity on its way to us. The far-away galaxy hasn't been observed before and doesn't yet have a name. -- "An Einstein ring is an example of strong gravitational lensing," explains Conor O'Riordan, of the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Germany, and lead author of the first scientific paper analysing the ring. -- "All strong lenses are special, because they're so rare, and they're incredibly useful scientifically. This one is particularly special, because it's so close to Earth and the alignment makes it very beautiful."	C01	366
2509-E013	Evolutionary Changes In Birds Show Body Adaptations Occur Before Feather Changes	In a new study, researchers analyzed bird species in museum collections to understand the evolutionary changes from flying ancestors to flightless birds. The findings indicate that body structure changes occur before feather adaptations, providing valuable insights into the evolutionary processes that lead to flightlessness in various species.	Field Museum	Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	More than 99% of birds can fly. But that still leaves many species that evolved to be flightless, including penguins, ostriches, and kiwi birds. In a new study in the journal Evolution, researchers compared the feathers and bodies of different species of flightless birds and their closest relatives who can still fly. They were able to determine which features change first when birds evolve to be flightless, versus which traits take more time for evolution to alter. These findings help shed light on the evolution of complex traits that lose their original function, and could even help reveal which fossil birds were flightless. -- All of the flightless birds alive today evolved from ancestors who could fly and later lost that ability. -- "Going from something that can't fly to flying is quite the engineering challenge, but going from something that can fly to not flying is rather easy," says Evan Saitta, a research associate at the Field Museum in Chicago and lead author of the paper. -- In general, there are two common reasons why birds evolve flightlessness. -- When birds land on an island where there aren't predators (including mammals) that would hunt them or steal their eggs, they sometimes settle there and gradually adapt to living on the ground. -- Since they don't experience evolutionary pressure to stay in flying form, they gradually lose some of the features of their skeletons and feathers that help them fly. -- Meanwhile, some birds' bodies change when they evolve semi-aquatic lifestyles. -- Penguins, for instance, can't fly, but they swim in a way that's akin to "flying underwater." Their feathers and skeletons have changed accordingly. -- Saitta is a paleontologist who often studies non-avian dinosaurs (the branches of the dinosaur family tree that do not include modern birds). However, when he arrived at the Field Museum for a postdoctoral fellowship, he was struck by the Field's collections of over half a million birds. -- "I suddenly had access to all these modern birds, and it made me wonder, 'What happens when a bird loses the ability to fly?'" says Saitta.	N01	367
2505-124	New Insights Offer Hope For Better UTI Treatments	Recent research led by Dr. Luke Grundy and Dr. Steven Taylor reveals that urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause bladder nerves to become hypersensitive, leading to painful symptoms like a frequent urge to urinate. Given the staggering number of annual UTI cases, particularly among women and the elderly, these insights could pave the way for improved treatments that target nerve function in the bladder.	Flinders University	Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by Nikita Komarov and Simon Sprecher at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, has discovered neurons in the fly larva mouth that allow the taste of food texture. Published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology on January 30, the study found that the fly peripheral taste organ has neurons with texture-tasting mechanoreceptors that derive their ability from the painless gene. -- Most research on food sensation has focused on tastes like sweetness or saltiness. -- But preferences for food often depend on their texture; some might like the flavor of mushrooms, but not the rubbery feeling in their mouths. -- While tasting flavors requires chemical sensation, tasting texture requires mechanical sensation, and it is unclear whether taste organs like the tongue have this capacity. -- The new study addressed this issue in fruit fly larvae, commonly called maggots, because of the simplicity of their nervous system and the available genetic tools. -- The researchers established that maggots will not eat food that is too hard or too soft, but if it is just right -- corresponding to days old decaying fruit -- they dig in. Hypothesizing that this ability to sense food texture takes place in the peripheral taste organs, the researchers selectively disabled taste neurons in the larva mouth. -- As a result, the maggots lost their sense of taste texture and tried eating food that was softer or harder than their usual preference. -- Further experiments revealed that the painless mechanoreceptor gene is required for this sense. -- Lastly, they found that the C6 neuron in the maggot taste organ can sense both sugar and mechanical stimulation, meaning that the same neuron can taste food texture and food substance. -- Taste sensation and signal integration is thus quite different from other systems, and investigations beyond fruit flies are needed to fully understand taste perception in mammals, including humans.	R02	368
2505-E035	Killer Whales In Australia Confirmed To Hunt White Shark For Its Liver	A study led by Flinders University has confirmed through DNA evidence that killer whales in Australia specifically hunted a white shark for its liver. The analysis of bite marks on a large white shark carcass found in Victoria revealed the distinctive feeding behavior associated with killer whales. This research provides valuable insights into the predatory practices of killer whales and adds to existing knowledge of their interactions with various shark species worldwide, as noted by lead author Isabella Reeves.	Flinders University	Ecology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Women who go through menopause later in life have healthier blood vessels for years to come than those who go through it earlier, according to new University of Colorado Boulder research. -- The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation Research, offers new insight into why females who stop menstruating at age 55 or later are significantly less likely to have heart attacks and strokes in their postmenopausal years. -- Arriving just in time for Women's Heart Health Month, in February, the findings could help lead to new therapies, including dietary interventions, to reduce risk of heart disease -- the No. 1 killer of women. -- "Our paper identifies that there's actually a physiological benefit to later-onset menopause and is one of the first to identify the specific mechanisms driving these benefits," said first author Sanna Darvish, a PhD candidate in the Department of Integrative Physiology. -- Nearly half of women in the U.S. live with heart disease and it accounts for about one in five female deaths each year. While females are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than males for most of their life, their risk spikes and overtakes male risk after menopause. -- But there is one notable caveat to this trend. -- Previous studies show that women who hit menopause -- defined as going one year without a period -- at age 55 or later are as much as 20% less likely to develop heart disease than those who cease menstruation at the usual 45 to 54 years old. -- Darvish and her colleagues at CU's Integrative Physiology of Aging Laboratory set out to determine why. They assessed the vascular health of 92 women, looking specifically at a measure called brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), or how well their brachial artery -- the main blood vessel in the upper arm -- dilates with increased blood flow. -- The team also measured the health of the women's mitochondria, the energy powerhouses in the cells lining their blood vessels. And they took a close look at what molecules were coursing through their bloodstreams. -- Not surprisingly, all the postmenopausal women had significantly worse arterial function than their premenopausal counterparts. That's in part because, as people age, they produce less nitric oxide, a compound that helps blood vessels dilate and keeps them from getting stiff and developing plaque. Mitochondria in cells lining the blood vessels also become dysfunctional with age and generate more damaging molecules called free radicals, explained Darvish.	R01	369
2506-003	Can AI Improve Heart Diagnoses? New Study Tests Technology In Emergency Rooms	Flinders University researchers are examining a pioneering AI tool designed to assist emergency medical staff in diagnosing heart issues more swiftly. The study aims to evaluate the tool's reliability and practicality in clinical settings, emphasizing the need for AI systems to integrate smoothly into healthcare workflows. This exploration seeks to ensure that AI enhances rather than complicates patient care in emergency departments.	Flinders University	International Journal of Medical Informatics	Press Rel	PubMed	Using a pioneering artificial intelligence platform, Flinders University researchers have assessed whether a cardiac AI tool recently trialled in South Australian hospitals actually has the potential to assist doctors and nurses to rapidly diagnose heart issues in emergency departments. -- "AI is becoming more common in healthcare, but it doesn't always fit in smoothly with the vital work of our doctors and nurses," says Flinders University's Dr Maria Alejandra Pinero de Plaza, who led the research. -- "We need to confirm these systems are trustworthy and work consistently for everyone, ensuring they are able to support medical teams rather than slowing them down." -- Developed by Dr Pinero de Plaza and her team, PROLIFERATE_AI is a human-centred evaluation tool that uses artificial intelligence alongside researcher analysis to assess how well AI tools work in hospitals. -- "In order to understand if the AI systems are viable, we look at how easy they are to use, how well doctors and nurses adopt them, and how they impact patient care," says Dr Pinero de Plaza, a research fellow in Flinders' Caring Futures Institute. -- "It's not just about making AI accurate; it's about making sure it's easy to understand, adaptable, and genuinely helpful for doctors and patients when it matters most." -- Published in the International Journal of Medical Informatics, the study used PROLIFERATE_AI to assess the RAPIDx AI tool; designed to help emergency doctors quickly and accurately diagnose cardiac conditions by rapidly analysing clinical and biochemical data. -- With chest pain one of the most common reasons for ED visits, the South Australian health system has been part of an NHMRC-funded trial being run across 12 hospitals in metropolitan and rural SA, which is currently analysing its 12-month patient outcomes. -- Before and during the trial, the PROLIFERATE researchers evaluated the tool, with medical and nursing staff at the participating hospitals being provided the opportunity to share their insights on interacting with the RAPIDx AI tool. -- The results showed that while experienced clinicians, such as ED consultants and registrars, demonstrated high comprehension and engagement with the RAPIDx AI tool, less experienced users, including residents and interns, faced usability challenges.	H01 R01 T01	370
2509-E010	Discovering Feeding Habits Of The Elusive Desert Rat-Kangaroo	Research on the elusive desert rat-kangaroo, once thought extinct, has provided new insights into its feeding habits, which may aid in rediscovery efforts. By comparing skull biomechanics, Flinders University scientists have determined the types of food the species likely consumed. This research narrows down monitoring areas, with hopes of locating the animal, known as 'ngudlukanta' by the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people, in the remote Sturt Stony Desert.	Flinders University	Journal of Experimental Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	An intriguing native Australian rat-kangaroo, thought to be probably extinct, may still be running around in the inhospitable remote Sturt Stony Desert -- and Flinders University researchers have discovered new details about its feeding habits that might help to find it. -- The experts in marsupial evolution and ecology have compared the biting ability of different small animal skulls to understand the kinds of food the desert rat-kangaroo (Caloprymnus campestris) ate, thus narrowing down the best areas to monitor for the little animal. -- "Rat-kangaroos, like bettongs and potoroos, are an ideal group of animals for testing skull biomechanics because they each have different shaped skulls and specialise on very different food groups," says Dr Rex Mitchell, lead author of a new article published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. -- "We were surprised to find the heftier skull of the desert rat-kangaroo isn't necessarily adapted for biting into harder foods. When we included the animal's smaller size into the analysis, the robust features of the desert rat-kangaroo's skull were only found to be effective enough to handle eating a softer range of foods." -- The latest research could help efforts to 'rediscover' the desert rat-kangaroo -- known as 'ngudlukanta' to the traditional custodians of that Country, the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people -- particularly after unsubstantiated reports of a distinctively small, short-faced, hopping animal in the vicinity of their home range in the Lake Eyre Basin in remote far north-east South Australia into adjacent Queensland. -- Predation by foxes and cats and competition with rabbits, overstocking with cattle and sheep, and poor fire management have pushed it to extinction. -- The small desert-dwelling potoroid marsupial is now known from only a handful of museum specimens that were gathered in inaccessible areas of South Australia. -- The small marsupial was declared extinct in 1994 after the last specimen was collected in 1930 but monitoring for the rare animal continues. -- Senior author of the new study, Flinders University Associate Professor Vera Weisbecker, says: "It is plausible that a small, nocturnal species could be evading detection in the vast inland desert. In fact, this species was previously a resurrected 'Lazarus' species after its rediscovery in the 1930s." -- "So regardless of whether or not the species persists in the Sturt Stony Desert or elsewhere, the story of the desert rat-kangaroo serves as an ongoing reminder that extinction declarations might not always be the end of the story," she says.	H01 N01	371
2510-010	Throat Microbiome Swabs May Reveal Health Clues For Aged Care Residents	A study suggests that a simple throat swab can serve as a potential health marker for older adults in long-term care facilities, pointing to specific bacteria that indicate health vulnerabilities. This research emphasizes the importance of integrating biological markers with physical assessments to better identify at-risk individuals in aged care.	Flinders University	Age and Ageing	Press Rel	PubMed	New research by Flinders University has uncovered a potential marker that could provide valuable insights into the overall health of older adults living in long-term aged care facilities. -- Led by PhD candidate Sophie Miller in the College of Medicine and Public Health, the study found that a simple swab from the back of the throat, known as the oropharynx, may offer clues about health challenges faced by aged care residents. -- "Our findings suggest that certain bacteria detected in the back of the throat could indicate greater health vulnerability in older adults," says Miller. -- Identifying vulnerable individuals in later life has proven successful through measures of physical robustness, such as grip strength and other physical assessments. -- However, this study suggests the inclusion of a biological marker, which may provide additional insight into the risk of poor health outcomes in aged care. -- "As we age, the community of bacteria and other micro-organisms in our throat changes. Factors like taking multiple medications and having more frequent healthcare visits, which are common in later life, can affect this balance," she says. -- "These changes that occur with age may result in physiological shifts that increase vulnerability to diseases and frailty. -- The research involved the collection of oropharyngeal swabs from 190 residents of aged care facilities across metropolitan South Australia, and followed their health outcomes over 12 months. -- One bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), an organism ordinarily associated with infections -- but not in this study context -- was notably linked to poorer health outcomes. -- Residents carrying this bacterium were found to be nearly ten times more likely to die within a year compared to non-carriers.	A01	372
2510-E019	Genetic Diversity Boosts Killer Whale Resilience In Low Latitude Populations	A study on killer whales highlights their surprising genetic diversity in low-latitude regions, attributed to historical gene flow from Antarctic populations. This research underscores the importance of genetic mixing for the resilience of these marine mammals, enhancing their ability to adapt to environmental changes.	Flinders University	Molecular Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of marine biologists have published research in Molecular Ecology that shows the benefits of gene flow between geographically distant and genetically different killer whale populations. -- The study highlights that about 20% of the genetic makeup of southwestern Australian killer whales can be traced back to Antarctic ancestors, with gene flow occurring both historically and recently in the past century. -- This influx of genetic material helps reduce the risk of inbreeding and boosts the population's genetic health, perhaps increasing their ability to adapt to shifting environmental conditions. -- "Despite their low densities, killer whale populations in low-latitude oceans maintain exceptionally high genetic diversity, driven by sporadic gene flow from distinct lineages -- and this is evident in Australasian killer whales" says lead author Isabella Reeves, PhD Candidate at Flinders University, and part of the Cetacean Research Centre, and the Southern Shark Ecology Group based at Flinders. -- "We even identified the presence of great-grandparents from Antarctica in the southwestern Australian killer whales. This sporadic mixing with other populations acts as a mechanism to maintain long-term genetic health and survival. It reduces the effects of inbreeding, promotes a rare natural genetic rescue effect, and increases the population's ability to adapt." -- Such natural genetic mechanisms are crucial in an era of rapid environmental change. -- "This genetic mixing is supporting the long-term viability of these populations, helping safeguard these whales, hopefully in the future of environmental change, but future research will tell," says Reeves. -- The study provides rare evidence of mechanisms in wild populations that promote population health and resilience. -- It also illustrates how natural genetic rescue protects the genetic integrity of the population, and may enhance their capacity to evolve and thrive in the face of environmental challenges. -- This genetic evidence of population health aligns with nearly 15 years of ecological research led by John Totterdell from the Cetacean Research Centre.	C01	373
2511-E015	Urgent Investigations Needed For Groundwater Security On Pacific Islands	Hydrology experts are calling for immediate investigations into the management of bore-fields accessing groundwater in Pacific islands like Kiribati, where rising sea levels threaten freshwater supplies. The proposed use of specialized horizontal wells could help mitigate aquifer overuse and improve drinking water quality, benefiting remote communities reliant on these resources.	Flinders University	Journal of Hydrology	Press Rel	PubMed	Hydrology experts at Flinders University are calling for urgent investigations into the operation of bore-fields that access fresh groundwater on Pacific islands, including Kiribati, where rising sea levels are already putting local water supplies at risk. -- "These atoll islands have the most threatened fresh groundwater on earth, and are relied upon by some of the most remote communities," says Flinders University's Professor Adrian Werner. -- Modelling of a specialised form of fresh groundwater extraction, featuring horizontal wells, has the potential to reduce the risk of aquifer reserves being overused, and to provide drinking water of lower salinity. -- Such wells, also known as infiltration galleries or skimming wells, play a crucial role in extracting fresh groundwater on atoll islands. -- They typically comprise horizontal or slightly inclined slotted pipes, surrounded by a gravel pack and connected to an extraction well or sump. -- These infiltration galleries skim fresh groundwater from shallow depths while minimising the risk of saltwater intrusion beneath thin subterranean freshwater lenses, which typically range 3 to 21 metres in thickness. -- The design, construction and operation of these galleries need to be precise to avoid drawing seawater into the island's water supply. -- Such galleries are currently in operation across several atoll islands, and Flinders researchers have focused on nine small islands in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati Atoll and Bonriki Island in Kiribati, Lifuka Island in Tonga, and the Cocos Islands. -- While these systems provide crucial freshwater supplies, information is lacking about the optimal layout of infiltration galleries, pipe characteristics and pumping rates. -- There is also limited data on the performance of these galleries -- specifically pumping rates and salinity levels -- on small atoll islands.	R01 R02 N01	374
2511-E046	Research Sheds Light On The Unique Hopping Of Kangaroos	A study on the musky rat-kangaroo, a small marsupial, offers insights into the evolutionary origins of kangaroos’ unique hopping behavior. Researchers filmed these primitive kangaroos in their natural habitat to understand their locomotion. The findings suggest that the musky rat-kangaroo's distinctive movement patterns hold clues to the evolutionary development of hopping in larger kangaroo species, shedding light on the broader evolutionary history of this group.	Flinders University	Australian Mammalogy	Press Rel	PubMed	The evolutionary history of kangaroos, which are the only hopping animals with body masses greater than 5kg, cannot be understood without considering the origins of their diverse locomotor behaviours, especially hopping. -- "The musky rat-kangaroo, as the most primitive living macropodoid (a group that includes kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos and bettongs), can offer insight into evolution within the group, including the origin of bipedal hopping locomotion," says co-lead author Amy Tschirn, a PhD student and researcher at Flinders University's College of Science and Engineering. -- "As the only living macropodoid that doesn't hop, the musky rat-kangaroo provides a crucial insight into how and when the iconic hopping form of locomotion evolved in Australia." -- This study observed muskies in their native habitat in the Atherton Tableland, far-northern Queensland, to better understand how they move. -- Adult musky rat-kangaroos were filmed in the wild, which showed they mostly use a "bound" or "half-bound" gait, characterised by the hindfeet moving together in synchrony. -- No other marsupial that moves on all fours is known to use this distinctive style of movement to the same extent as muskies. -- Observations also confirmed that musky rat-kangaroos are restricted to quadrupedal gaits even at very fast speeds. -- "There remains no evidence of hopping in this species. Even when travelling at high speeds, muskies always use quadrupedal gaits, never rearing up on just their back legs," says Harvard's Dr Peter Bishop, co-lead author of the research paper. -- "These results support the hypothesis that a shift to an asymmetric-gait-dominant locomotor repertoire was a functional prerequisite in the evolution of bipedal hopping in macropodoids." -- Combined with further investigation of the musky rat-kangaroo's anatomy, these observations help provide more understanding of how and why kangaroos adopted their distinctive bipedal hopping behaviours.	C01	375
2512-E048	Introduced Pacific Oysters Boost Biodiversity In Adelaide's Port River	A study from Flinders University uncovers the ecological impact of introduced Pacific oysters in the Port River, demonstrating unexpected benefits for local biodiversity. While acknowledging the potential risks of non-native species, researchers found that these oysters provide essential habitats for coastal animals, indicating a complex balance between ecological disruption and enhancement.	Flinders University	NeoBiota	Press Rel	PubMed	The study -- led by Brad Martin, a Flinders University PhD candidate, with colleagues from Flinders' College of Science and Engineering -- assessed the effects of introduced, reef-forming Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas), within a temperate Australian mangrove-dominated estuary (the Port River-Barker Inlet Estuary) and how they influenced both intertidal fish and invertebrate communities, and fish foraging behaviour. -- "The introduction of non-native foundation species such as Pacific oysters can significantly alter ecological communities and functions, but through this research we found that these Port River oyster reefs are providing habitats for coastal animals" says Mr Martin. -- The study shows both positive and negative ecological impacts of these 'invaders' on grey mangrove forest biodiversity in the Port River and how they are influencing local estuarine biodiversity. -- This includes: -- • Oysters had no discernible impact on mangrove pneumatophores (aerial roots), but doubled the densities of mangrove seedlings. -- • Pacific oyster habitats supported 2x greater richness and 8x greater biomass of mobile invertebrates (including crabs, worms and snails) compared to other habitats. -- This means there is a richer diversity of prey for fish to feed on, and that oysters are supporting a greater range of invertebrates. -- • Video surveys showed that the oyster habitats generally supported greater fish richness, abundances and foraging behaviour. -- Fisheries-targeted black bream showed a preference for the oyster habitat, while juvenile King George whiting were common to mangroves with and without oysters. -- Oyster shells were also essential for native oyster blennies which used the shells for nest sites and shelter through high and low tides.	A01 N01 N02	376
2503-010	Neurons With A Purpose: Discovering How Immune Communication Works In The Brain	Neuroscientists have discovered that the IL-1R1 receptor enables direct communication between neurons and the immune system. This research, which clarified the roles of IL-1R1 in the brain, may inform our understanding of neuroinflammation and its implications for neurological disorders, including mood and cognitive issues.	Florida Atlantic University	Journal of Neuroinflammation	Press Rel	PubMed	FAU neuroscientists have identified that the receptor IL-1R1 plays a critical role in enabling neurons to directly communicate with the immune system. The new study provides the most detailed mapping of neuronal IL-1R1 (nIL-1R1) expression in the mouse brain, clarifying prior inconsistencies. Researchers were able to tag neuronal populations that express nIL-1R1 using a clever cell tagging approach, offering new insights into the functional roles of this receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). -- Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key molecule involved in inflammation and plays an important role in both healthy and diseased states. -- In disease, high levels of IL-1 in the brain are linked to neuroinflammation, which can disrupt the body's stress response, cause sickness-like behaviors, worsen inflammation by activating brain immune cells, and allow immune cells from the body to enter the brain. -- It also can lead to brain damage by causing support cells to produce harmful molecules. -- Elevated IL-1 levels are associated with mood disorders, such as depression, and problems with memory and thinking. -- Conversely, in normal conditions without inflammation, IL-1 has essential roles in the brain. -- It helps regulate hormone activity, supports healthy sleep patterns, and improves cognitive functions such as memory and learning. -- IL-1R1 is like a doorbell on cells that gets rung when there's an infection or injury, and in immune cells, it signals the body to start an immune response. -- However, neurons that express IL-1R1 are not thought to induce inflammation, suggesting that these cells may actually integrate immune signals into neural ones. -- It has yet to be revealed where or how IL-1R1 (Interleukin-1 Receptor Type 1) may control or modify normal brain function.	H02 R02	377
2503-012	Visualizing Cholesterol: New Probes Aid Alzheimer's And Cellular Function Research	Researchers have developed advanced fluorescent cholesterol probes that allow for real-time visualization of cholesterol dynamics within living cells. By combining imaging with computer simulations, they aim to understand how cholesterol imbalances may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, advancing potential treatment strategies.	Florida Atlantic University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Cutting-edge fluorescent cholesterol probes now enable scientists to visualize cholesterol movement and distribution in live cells with unprecedented detail. By combining computer simulations with live-cell imaging, researchers have uncovered how different probe designs influence cholesterol probe behavior. These probes could reveal how cholesterol imbalances drive Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders, aiding drug development to modulate lipid activity and potentially offering new treatments or prevention strategies. -- The search for answers to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders remains one of the most pressing goals in brain research. Maciej J. Stawikowski, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, believes the key may lie in understanding how cholesterol and other lipids move through cells and affect their communication. -- "It's well known that lipids and Alzheimer's are linked," said Stawikowski, a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. "Lipid imbalance may lead to amyloid plaque formation -- oversized protein clumps that disrupt cell function, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. -- His team, including Qi Zhang, Ph.D., an associate professor in the FAU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and a member of the FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, has focused on developing advanced tools to investigate the relationship between lipids and cellular function. -- Cholesterol is a crucial component of cellular membranes, enabling hormone production, membrane stability and signaling. However, disruptions in cholesterol movement between cell compartments may play a role in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. To study this, Stawikowski and his team have developed novel fluorescent cholesterol probes (CNDs) designed to track cholesterol within cellular membranes. -- A new study, published in Scientific Reports, demonstrates how CND probes can help at visualizing cholesterol in live cells. By combining computer simulations with live-cell imaging, the researchers have uncovered how different probe designs influence cholesterol probe behavior. -- These innovative probes could enhance our understanding of how cholesterol imbalances contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. By understanding cholesterol's role in amyloid plaque formation and cellular signaling, researchers could develop drugs to modulate lipid activity, potentially leading to new treatments or preventive strategies. -- "With these probes, we can now visualize cholesterol movement and distribution in live cells with unprecedented detail," said Stawikowski, senior author of the study. -- The CND probes are designed using a 1,8-naphthalimide (ND) scaffold, which is renowned for its unique fluorescence properties, including large Stokes shifts and sensitivity to environmental changes. This novel design allows for modular customization, enabling researchers to tailor the probes with different head groups and linkers to meet specific experimental requirements. Findings show that modifying head groups or linkers could enhance the probes' sensitivity and targeting ability. -- These probes are categorized into three distinct types. Neutral probes tend to aggregate easily, but their cellular uptake is limited. Charged probes, on the other hand, demonstrate improved solubility and better interaction with cellular membranes. Probes containing hydroxyl groups further enhance hydrogen bonding and lipid interactions, making them particularly effective for studying membrane behavior.	A01 H01 R02 T01	378
2504-E003	Algae-Based Adsorbents: A Game Changer In Combatting Phosphorus Pollution In Water	Researchers have developed algae-based adsorbents that effectively combat phosphorus pollution, a significant contributor to harmful algal blooms. By transforming cyanobacterial biomass into materials capable of removing over 99% of phosphorus from water, this innovative method addresses nutrient pollution. As algal blooms pose increasing threats to ecosystems, this research highlights the potential for utilizing problematic algal species to develop sustainable water treatment solutions.	Florida Atlantic University	Algal Research	Press Rel	PubMed	As harmful algal blooms (HABs) continue to spread across the globe, urgent research is needed to address this growing threat. Studies in Italy, China, and the Atlantic basin have shown that many water bodies have high nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, making phosphorus a key factor that drives these blooms. This highlights the critical need for more effective phosphorus management strategies to curb the rise of HABs and protect our ecosystems. -- Recently, there's been a growing interest in finding useful ways to repurpose troublesome algal biomass, which could be turned into valuable products like bioplastics, biofertilizers, and biofuels. Researchers have already explored using algal biomass to create materials that can help clean up things such as heavy metals, rare earth metals, dyes, and even capture CO2 and harmful volatile organic compounds from the air. -- However, few studies have looked into how algal biomass, especially cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, can be used to create materials that remove phosphate from water. -- Now, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University, have filled that gap by transforming cyanobacterial biomass, which is typically a hazardous waste, into custom-made adsorbent materials that can pull harmful phosphorus out of water. Adsorbent materials are substances that can attract and hold molecules or particles such as gases, liquids, or dissolved solids on their surface. Unlike absorbent materials that soak up substances into their structure, adsorbents capture molecules on the outside surface, forming a thin layer. -- To convert algal biomass into chemically modified activated carbon adsorbent materials for phosphate removal, researchers collected cyanobacterial biomass from Florida's Lake Okeechobee and processed before activation using fast and energy-efficient microwave heating. To improve phosphate removal from water, researchers tested adsorbent materials modified with lanthanum chloride or zinc chloride. Relatively abundant, lanthanum is a metal that is part of the rare-earth element group. Both compounds are useful in a variety of fields including environmental cleanup, industrial processing, and chemical manufacturing. Previous research did not identify any human health risks associated with the use of lanthanum for phosphorus removal. -- Results of the study, published in the journal Algal Research, show that materials treated with lanthanum chloride removed more than 99% of phosphorus, even at starting phosphorus concentrations as high as 20 milligrams per liter of water. The best material could be synthesized in three minutes and successfully achieved 90% phosphorus removal efficiency with a low amount of material (0.2 gram per liter of contaminated water) and just 30 minutes of contact time. This material also performed well in the presence of natural organic matter by selectively removing phosphorus. -- The study suggests that lanthanum-modified algae-based adsorbents could help reduce HABs by removing phosphorus from water. The effectiveness comes from the formation of a compound, LaPO4.H2O (also known as rhabdophane), which traps phosphorus permanently. -- "Our findings suggest that lanthanum-modified algae-based materials could be an effective solution for removing phosphorus and preventing harmful algal blooms if used on a larger scale," said Masoud Jahandar Lashaki, Ph.D., senior author, assistant professor and graduate program director/coordinator in FAU's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering. "By using readily available waste materials like algal biomass, combined with lanthanum, an element known for its strong phosphorus-binding capabilities, we have developed an adsorbent that can effectively target and remove excess phosphorus from water. Phosphorus is a major contributor to the occurrence of harmful algal blooms, which can lead to toxic water conditions, loss of aquatic life, and significant economic impacts on industries like fishing and tourism." -- Results of this study show the promise of this innovative approach in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in water quality management. With further refinement and scalability, this technique could become an essential tool for managing nutrient pollution and preserving aquatic ecosystems globally. -- "Our team's research highlights the high efficiency of these materials in removing phosphorus over a wide range of concentrations. This approach could provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to mitigate the effects of eutrophication -- the process where excessive nutrients, particularly phosphorus, fuel the growth of harmful algae in lakes, rivers, and coastal areas," said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science. "By applying lanthanum-modified algae-based materials in regions prone to harmful algal blooms, communities could significantly reduce the occurrence of these blooms, improving water quality, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring safe water for both human use and wildlife."	A01 C01 N01 T01	379
2505-083	College Commuters Face Higher Crash Risks Linked To Mental Health Issues, New Study	A study from Florida Atlantic University explores the connection between commuter students' mental health and car crash risks. Young adults are particularly vulnerable due to factors like inexperience and risk-taking behavior, and the research highlights the mental health challenges faced by this demographic, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve their overall well-being.	Florida Atlantic University	Journal of Transport & Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Cancer symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as normal pregnancy-related changes for women who are expecting, in some cases leading to a delay in treatment, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. -- In a first-of-its-kind study in the UK, researchers from Surrey recruited 20 women through Mummy's Star, a charity supporting women and families facing cancer during or after pregnancy, and analysed their experiences of being diagnosed with various cancers while pregnant or shortly after giving birth. -- The study also found that women experiencing breast changes, such as lumps, were more likely to suspect cancer and promptly looked for medical advice, resulting in quicker referrals for further investigations; however, women with less specific symptoms, such as abdominal pain, often experienced delays in diagnosis and referrals for necessary tests. -- Dr Afrodita Marcu, Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, and lead author of the study said: -- "Our research highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to thoroughly assess pregnant women presenting with concerning symptoms, and to refer them for appropriate tests when these symptoms persist. By carefully considering all possibilities and avoiding the immediate assumption that symptoms are solely pregnancy-related, we can ensure women receive timely diagnoses and access appropriate treatment." -- Pete Wallroth, Founder and CEO at Mummy's Star said: -- "The research reiterates the importance of seeing symptoms independent of a person's pregnancy during assessment, to ensure we do not wrongly attribute cause, but also for women to advocate for themselves to seek second opinions if symptoms persist. For HCPs of all disciplines in maternity care, we encourage referral to appropriate specialist clinics as quickly as possible, and to highlight issues or symptoms during routine checks if you have concern, even if the person has not noticed something themselves. We have a collective responsibility to intervene."	A01 H02	380
2506-E008	Innovative System Monitors Arctic Ice Melting With Autonomous Underwater Vehicles	A novel autonomous observation method for monitoring Arctic ice has been designed to enhance marine vehicle capabilities, improve maritime mission efficiency, and deepen understanding of the ecological impacts of melting ice. This innovative system, which utilizes renewable energy to support continuous monitoring, addresses the urgent need for long-term data collection in the rapidly changing Arctic environment.	Florida Atlantic University	Applied Ocean Research	Press Rel	PubMed	The rapid melting and thinning of the Arctic ice have sparked serious concerns in the scientific community. In addition, sea ice thickness also has decreased, which makes ice cover more vulnerable to warming air and ocean temperature. -- Understanding the ecological role of sea ice in the Arctic is crucial, particularly because the extent of sea ice in the region has been decreasing at an unprecedented rate. -- What would happen to the Arctic marine ecosystem if the sea ice melted even faster? -- To answer these questions, a long-term monitoring and data collection system is necessary in the harsh Arctic environment. -- However, direct observation is challenging as satellite sensors have a coarse spatial resolution and cannot detect the fine fractal structure of the ice. -- Deploying human-crewed ships to the area also is difficult due to extreme weather conditions and obstacles posed by floating broken ice. -- Moreover, traditional ocean observation methods offer limited temporal and spatial coverage, while drones and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are hindered by energy constraints that restrict their research potential. -- To overcome these challenges, researchers from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University have proposed a design of an alternative, autonomous observational method, which holds promise for improving the autonomy of marine vehicles, aiding in maritime missions, and gaining a deeper understanding of how melting Arctic sea ice affects marine ecosystems. -- Their conceptual design features a small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessel that acts as a docking and charging station for AUVs and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The SWATH ship is engineered for exceptional stability, allowing it to navigate through melting ice and operate in a wide range of sea conditions. -- It is designed to be self-sufficient, utilizing automated sailing, solar panels and an underwater turbine positioned between its twin hulls to generate and store energy, ensuring continuous mission support even when sailing against ocean currents.	C01 T01	381
2506-E034	Florida's Sharks Identified As Major Threats To Recreational Fishing And Targeted Species	A recent study identifies the shark species responsible for depredating snapper-grouper fisheries in Florida, revealing the extent of this issue in recreational fishing. Utilizing citizen science and genetic analysis, researchers found that bull and sandbar sharks are the main culprits behind nearly half of angler-reported thefts. This research provides critical insights into human-wildlife interaction and its implications for fishery management and conservation efforts.	Florida Atlantic University	ICES Journal of Marine Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Shark depredation is a hot-button issue in recreational fishing, as anglers face off against these stealthy ocean bandits. These underwater thieves snatch fish straight off the line, often leaving nothing but scraps -- or a broken leader -- as evidence of their heist. -- The Southeast, a major hub for saltwater fishing, is a depredation "hot spot" due to high fishing activity. -- While fisheries managers in the United States monitor shark depredation in commercial fisheries, efforts to evaluate these interactions in recreational fishing have been limited. -- With Florida's recreational fishing being economically vital and concerns about rising shark depredation, understanding its extent is crucial. -- A major research gap is identifying depredating shark species, as most events occur at depth and are rarely observed, making accurate identification difficult. -- Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute researchers and collaborators have addressed these challenges by involving the public in citizen-science research. -- Using multiple methodologies that included social media, online angler surveys, cooperative fishery-dependent charters, and genetic analysis, the study uncovers the scope and impact of shark depredation in Florida's recreational fisheries. -- Results of the study, published in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Journal of Marine Science, reveal that across methodologies, snapper-grouper species were the most frequently depredated target species group, and bull sharks and sandbar sharks were the most commonly identified depredating species. -- Findings show 43% of anglers experienced depredation and the probability of experiencing depredation ranged from 10% to 60% and varied both regionally and seasonally. -- "Our research provides crucial insights into the growing challenge of shark depredation, helping to build a comprehensive understanding of this human-wildlife conflict and how different fishery sectors are being affected by it," said Matt Ajemian, Ph.D., senior author, an associate research professor and director of the Fisheries Ecology and Conservation Lab (FEC) at FAU Harbor Branch.	N01	382
2507-095	Meeting Vitamin B12 Requirements May Not Prevent Neurocognitive Decline	A study examines how AI impacts retail employees’ innovation and job satisfaction, revealing that perceived reliability and empathy in AI systems significantly encourage innovative behavior. While adaptability in AI enhances service quality, the research underscores the importance of emotional intelligence in technology as a driver for employee engagement and workplace creativity.	Florida Atlantic University	Florida Atlantic University	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping workplaces by streamlining routine tasks and boosting efficiency, particularly in retail, where innovation is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Beyond automation, AI supports employee creativity by offering valuable insights and allowing them to focus on innovative tasks. However, research is limited on how AI service quality impacts employees in retail industries, making this an important area to explore. -- Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea, examined how perceived AI service quality influences retail employees' innovation, job fit and job satisfaction. -- The study looked at system-related factors such as reliability and transparency, as well as interaction-related aspects such as responsiveness and empathy. -- Researchers also explored the moderating role of AI adaptability, a key feature that allows AI systems to adjust their behavior based on user needs, for its potential to enhance service quality. -- Results of the study, published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, suggest that employees are more likely to engage in innovation when they perceive benefits from AI interactions. -- When AI systems demonstrate reliability and empathy, employees reciprocate with innovative behaviors. -- The study highlights AI's role in service innovation, particularly in management's strategic decision-making and operational scaling across retail industries. -- Reliability strongly supports service innovation, emphasizing the need for consistent AI performance, whereas transparency does not significantly influence innovation. -- Surprisingly, responsiveness had an insignificant effect on service innovative behavior, challenging prior studies in which responsiveness is considered vital for enhancing customer engagement and real-time problem-solving. -- In contrast, empathy had a strong and significant positive effect on service innovative behavior.	T01	383
2508-026	Key Traits Fueling Childhood Dislike Revealed In Longitudinal Study	A longitudinal study has uncovered how specific behavioral traits can lead to mutual disliking among children. Researchers found that early emotional instability and aggression significantly increase the likelihood of developing antagonistic relationships, indicating that early interactions and emotional management can have lasting consequences on children's social dynamics.	Florida Atlantic University	Journal of Youth and Adolescence	Press Rel	PubMed	It is unpleasant to have an enemy. Most people try to avoid hostilities that escalate to the point of mutual antagonism. Which raises the question:What does it take to make an enemy? One possible answer is that aversive or off-putting behaviors increase the likelihood of clashes with others that lead to lasting enmity. Yet without longitudinal data, it's unclear which comes first -- being aversive or being disliked -- making it hard to distinguish between the causes and the consequences of having an enemy. -- New research from Florida Atlantic University clearly establishes the order of effects. -- The results, published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, indicate that students who behave in unattractive ways at the beginning of the school year are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships by the end of the school year. -- The study involved more than 300 Florida students ages 9 to 14 years old attending diverse public primary and middle schools. -- Students completed surveys at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. -- At each time point, students identified classmates they disliked. -- Enemies (also known as mutual antipathies) were defined as dyads in which both partners disliked one another. -- Students also nominated classmates who did well in school and who were prosocial, as well as those who were aggressive and those who were disruptive. -- Self-reports described emotional instability and emotional problems. -- "Enemies or mutual antipathies occur when two people dislike each other. Ill will needs to be reciprocated. Both parties need to share the same feeling. Mutual antipathies are not very common; less than 5% of students in our study had enemies," said Brett Laursen, Ph.D., senior author and a professor of psychology within FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.	H01	384
2508-E041	Harvesting Dead Wood Can Mitigate Wildfire Risks And Boost Carbon Storage	A study investigates the role of dead wood harvesting in wildfire management and carbon sequestration, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the Western U.S. The research reveals that combining physical wood removal with thinning can reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage, echoing traditional Indigenous practices. This approach seeks to mitigate the detrimental effects of fire suppression and climate change on forest ecosystems while addressing carbon emissions concerns.	Florida Atlantic University	Journal of Environmental Management	Press Rel	PubMed	A century of fire suppression, combined with global warming and drought, has led to increasingly destructive wildfires in the Western United States. Forest managers use tools like prescribed burns, thinning, mastication, and piling and burning to reduce fuel -- live and dead trees, needles and leaves, and downed branches -- that can feed intense wildfires. These methods aim to lower fuel levels, reduce crown density, and protect fire-resistant trees, fostering healthier, more resilient forests. -- However, prescribed burning efforts haven't kept up with the rapid buildup of surface fuel, creating a "fire deficit" -- the gap between the amount of fuel that has accumulated, and the fire management efforts needed to reduce it -- and raises the risk of severe wildfires. -- Prescribed fires in the Western U.S. are an essential tool for managing forests and reducing wildfire risks, but they also come with significant social and environmental consequences. These controlled burns can escape and become wildfires, degrade air quality, reduce visibility and pose serious health risks, particularly respiratory illnesses. In the Pacific Northwest, emissions from prescribed fires have been linked to hundreds of deaths, thousands of respiratory problems, and significant workday losses due to poor air quality. -- In addition, human activities like deforestation and logging, as well as pests, drought and large high-severity wildfires, diminish forests' ability to absorb and store carbon, which is essential for reducing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. Effective wildfire management is key to reducing risks, lowering carbon emissions, and enhancing carbon storage to combat global warming. -- For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples in the Western U.S. played a vital role in forest and fire management, shaping ecosystems through practices like controlled low-severity burns and the collection of non-timber forest products for firewood, shelter, cultural items and tools. These traditions inform modern forest management techniques, (e.g., prescribed burning and piling and burning), but the physical harvesting of dead wood without combustion is now being explored as a way to both reduce wildfire risks and carbon emissions. -- Researchers from Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage in the Sierra Nevada. The study focused on the effects of physical harvesting -- removing specific sizes of dead and downed branches and trees -- on wildfire behavior and carbon emissions. Researchers also examined which forest management strategies, particularly those involving combinations of fuel treatments, are most effective in reducing wildfire risks, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting long-term forest resilience. -- The team simulated the effects of eight different forest management treatments to see how they affect wildfire risks. Along with a "control" scenario that only included wildfire, the treatments included thinning, physical removal of surface fuel, and prescribed burning, either alone or in combination. -- The study, published in the Journal of Environmental Management, found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced risks like tree mortality and crown fires, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar, charcoal created by heating organic material in a low-oxygen environment, used to store carbon and improve soil. -- "In our increasingly warming world with frequent dangerous fire weather, more people and structures at risk in the wildland-urban interface, health risks from exposure to smoke, and need to enhance carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming, scientists need to examine effective alternative management actions," said Scott H. Markwith, Ph.D., co-author and a professor in the Department of Geosciences, within FAU's Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. "By combining physical harvesting with thinning -- removing smaller or fire-vulnerable trees -- evidence from this research suggests we can help restore healthy, resilient forests. This approach, paired with transforming wood into carbon-storing products rather than burning it, could reduce wildfire severity and smoke and carbon emissions, while also generating carbon credits." -- Findings from the study offer important insights for forest management strategies that reduce wildfire risks, lower carbon emissions and boost forest carbon storage.	A01 C01 N02	385
2510-E052	Severe Sunburn In Youth Linked To Higher Melanoma Risk Later In Life	A study from Florida Atlantic University explores the connections between sunburn history, perceived cancer risk, and protective behaviors in U.S. adults. The findings underscore the significant impact of sunburns on skin cancer risk and highlight the need for greater awareness and education regarding effective sun protection practices.	Florida Atlantic University	American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and a significant health issue, with millions of non-melanoma cases and tens of thousands of melanomas diagnosed annually. Furthermore, treating skin cancer costs the U.S. approximately $8.9 billion annually. -- Those with fair skin, a history of sun exposure or tanning bed use, and a genetic predisposition, are at higher risk. Key barriers to prevention include a lack of awareness, cultural preferences for tanned skin, and limited access to sun protection. -- A study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine is one of a few to explore associations between reported number of sunburns and sociodemographic characteristics, in addition to examining prevalence of protective skin behaviors adopted by the U.S. adult population in a nationally representative sample. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, experiencing five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases one's melanoma risk by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer risk by 68%. -- Using data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute's 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey 6 (HINTS 6), researchers selected questions focused on respondents' confidence in their health, perceived cancer risk, and worry about getting diagnosed with cancer, as well as their sunburn experiences over the past year. Sociodemographic factors that were studied included age, gender, occupational status, marital status, educational level, Hispanic origin, race and income due to their potential link to skin cancer risk. -- Among 6,252 participants surveyed, when asked how confident they felt about their ability to take good care of their own health, most respondents felt either very confident (44%) or completely confident (27.3%). Findings, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, also showed most respondents had moderate concerns about skin cancer risk. Only 9.1% reported being extremely worried, while the majority were either somewhat (26.6%) or slightly (25.6%) concerned. -- For sunburn and skin protection, 67.6% reported no sunburns in the past year, while 30.3% had 1-5 sunburns. Additionally, 6.4% reported consuming alcohol while sunburned, a known risk factor for increased sunburn incidence. Activities like drinking alcohol, working outside or swimming were common among those who reported sunburns. -- Using multinomial regression analysis, statistically significant associations were reported between the number of sunburns and sociodemographic factors. Adults (over 40) had lower sunburn risks, as did women. Disabled, unemployed, and multi-occupation participants reported fewer sunburns. Married or partnered individuals had higher risks of sunburn, while divorced or single participants had lower risks. Higher education levels, being Hispanic, Black, Asian or of mixed race were linked to lower sunburn risks. Higher income groups had significantly higher risks of sunburns, with the highest income group being more than four times more likely to report a sunburn. -- "Social determinants such as race/ethnicity, sex, income and employment status are closely linked to sunburn and skin cancer risk," said Lea Sacca, Ph.D., senior author and an assistant professor in the Department of Population Health and Social Medicine, within the Schmidt College of Medicine. "While Hispanics and Black Americans generally report lower rates of sunburn, Hispanics often perceive greater benefits of UV exposure, which increases their risk. Factors such as sex, education, and income also influence sunscreen use, with lower use observed among Black Americans and Hispanic Americans. However, within these groups, women with higher education and income are more likely to use sunscreen. Interestingly, higher income is associated with more frequent sunburns." -- Skin cancer includes three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common and least aggressive, typically appearing as a shiny, pearly bump or pinkish patch, often on sun-exposed areas. Squamous cell carcinoma usually appears as red, scaly patches or open sores and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Melanoma, the most dangerous form, develops in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can appear as a new mole or changes to an existing one. It is highly aggressive and can spread quickly to other organs if not caught early. -- "Understanding perceptions of skin cancer risk and the prevalence of protective behaviors is vital to reducing the likelihood of developing skin cancer, particularly among vulnerable groups," said Madison Etzel, first author and a second-year medical student in the Schmidt College of Medicine. "Our study underscores the importance of raising awareness about skin cancer susceptibility as we found that all sociodemographic factors were significantly linked to the number of reported sunburns in the past year. Future research should explore how additional social determinants of health influence sunburn incidence and prevention behaviors. A deeper understanding of these factors is critical to addressing the widespread harms of skin cancer in U.S. adults."	R01	386
2511-053	High-Power Ocean Currents Off East Florida And South Africa: A New Energy Source	A comprehensive study utilizing 30 years of NOAA data highlights the exceptional energy potential of ocean currents off Florida’s East Coast and South Africa. With power densities far exceeding traditional wind resources, this research opens new avenues for marine renewable energy development, essential in meeting global electricity demands.	Florida Atlantic University	Renewable Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	As global electricity demand grows, traditional energy sources are under strain. Oceans, which cover more than 70% of Earth's surface, offer vast potential for clean energy from renewable resources such as ocean currents and waves. -- However, marine renewable energy development is still in its early stages compared to wind and solar power. -- One challenge is identifying the most feasible and economically viable locations for ocean current energy projects. -- While many studies have focused on regional ocean current energy resource assessment, a global evaluation based on actual data has been lacking -- until now. -- Using more than 30 years of measured data from NOAA's Global Drifter Program (GDP), a unique study from the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Florida Atlantic University provides the most comprehensive global assessment of ocean current energy to date. -- And there's great news for Southeast Florida. -- Researchers explored the potential of capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents, focusing on power density estimation and its variation over time and location. -- The GDP includes about 1,250 satellite-tracked buoys that measure ocean currents and their positions. -- For this study, researchers used more than 43 million data points from March 1988 to September 2021. -- Results, published in the journal Renewable Energy, reveal that the waters off Florida's East coast and South Africa consistently exhibited high power densities, making them ideal for generating electricity from ocean currents.	C01 T01	387
2512-E020	New GIS Tool Identifies Best Methods For Shoreline Stabilization In Florida Keys	A new GIS-based tool developed by researchers aims to identify effective shoreline stabilization methods for the Florida Keys, integrating expert input and environmental data. As sea levels rise, this tool will help plan nature-based and hybrid solutions to protect vulnerable coastlines and enhance resilience against climate hazards.	Florida Atlantic University	Journal of Marine Science and Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	By 2050, sea levels along the United States coast are expected to rise by 0.25 to 0.30 meters, increasing flooding in low-lying areas. Due to its unique geography and infrastructure network, the Florida Keys is particularly at risk of climate hazards such as sea level rise, hurricanes and flooding. Since 2015, the Florida Keys has experienced four hurricanes -- Irma (2107), Ian (2022), Helene (2024) and Milton (2024). -- Nature-based solutions, such as restoring mangroves and coastal strands, can help mitigate these risks by stabilizing shorelines, improving ecosystems and enhancing resilience to flooding and hurricanes. -- These solutions, alongside hybrid approaches and soft armoring, which uses natural materials like plants, sand dunes, or rocks to protect shorelines from erosion, offer effective, site-specific protection. -- While living shorelines are beneficial, they require careful design and planning to optimize their effectiveness. -- Researchers from Florida Atlantic University, in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, created a new tool to identify the most effective shoreline stabilization methods to prevent erosion and protect the Florida Keys from damage caused by natural forces like waves, tides and storms. -- Maintaining the shape and integrity of the shoreline reduces the risk of further erosion while protecting ecosystems, properties and infrastructure. -- The goal is to guide decisions on using vegetated shorelines or combining them with structures to reduce waves, prevent erosion and protect Florida Keys communities from storms. -- Results of the study, published in the Journal of Marine Science Engineering, reveal that nearly 8% of the approximately 2,550 kilometers of shoreline in the Florida Keys is suitable for nature-based solutions -- mangrove planting, oyster reefs and beach dune vegetation -- or hybrid solutions -- some combination of hard structures and vegetation. -- Conversely, roughly 25.1% of the Florida Keys shoreline was deemed unsuitable for nature-based approaches, and approximately 67% is already vegetated or represents some other type of natural shoreline. -- For the study, researchers designed a GIS-based multi-criteria decision tool that facilitates coastal restoration and integrates nature-based solutions into conventional shoreline armoring.	N02	388
2511-045	Scientists Discover Why Thorny Skates Have Two Sizes Amid Population Decline	Thorny skates exhibit two distinct sizes along the North Atlantic, a mystery that puzzled scientists for decades. New research led by Jeff Kneebone has uncovered reasons behind this size variation and its potential connection to declining populations, highlighting the importance of understanding species’ characteristics for their conservation amidst environmental challenges.	Florida Museum of Natural History	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	When Jeff Kneebone was a college student in 2002, his research involved a marine mystery that has stumped curious scientists for the last two decades. That mystery had to do with thorny skates in the North Atlantic. In some parts of their range, individuals of this species come in two distinct sizes, irrespective of sex, and no one could figure out why. At the time, neither could Kneebone. -- In a new study, Kneebone and researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History say they've finally found an answer. -- And it's all thanks to COVID-19. -- People have known about the size discrepancy in thorny skates for nearly a century, but it became critically important beginning in the 1970s, when their numbers took a nosedive. -- The cause of the decline was thought to be overfishing by humans, and the solution was simple. -- In 2003, a strict fishing moratorium in the United States was put in place for thorny skates and another species, the barndoor skate, that was also doing poorly. -- "The barndoor skate rebounded to the point where they're now allowed to be harvested again, but for whatever reason, the thorny skate has remained low, despite 20 years of protection," said Kneebone, who currently works as a senior scientist at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. -- According to survey data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, thorny skates have declined by 80% to 95% in some areas, particularly the Gulf of Maine, and they're also languishing in low numbers in Canadian waters off the Scotian Shelf. -- Thorny skates have a large distribution. They can be found from South Carolina up to the Arctic Circle and east through Scotland, Norway and Russia. -- In the Arctic and European part of their range, thorny skates come in just one size.	R01 N01	389
2511-E027	Unique Cuban Dove Species: A Genetic Relative To The Dodo	An intriguing study on the blue-headed quail dove in Cuba reveals that it is more genetically distinct than the extinct dodo. Researchers sequenced the dove's DNA, uncovering its unique evolutionary lineage and raising new questions about its origins and the complexities of Caribbean biogeography, emphasizing the need for further ornithological research.	Florida Museum of Natural History	Biology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	On first inspection, the Cuban blue-headed quail dove doesn't look like much: drab brown feathers, a slender beak, a pronounced strut in their walk typical of most other doves. You'd be forgiven for overlooking it in favor of Cuba's prismatic parrots. But looks aren't everything. For decades, this unassuming bird has perplexed biologists, who have no idea where it came from, how it got to the island or what it's related to. -- Now, for the first time, scientists have sequenced DNA from the blue-headed quail dove with the goal of finally getting to the bottom of things. -- Instead, they're even more perplexed now than when they started. -- "This species has been an ornithological enigma for a very long time," said Jessica Oswald, a Florida Museum of Natural History consultant staff affiliate and lead author of a study describing the results of the DNA analysis. -- "We focused on this dove species because we were anticipating an odd result that may help us understand the complex biogeography of the Caribbean. We did not anticipate it being so unique from an evolutionary perspective relative to anything else." -- Blue-headed quail doves were once assumed to be most closely related to the doves and pigeons of Central and South America. -- But keen biologists began noticing it had several unusual features that are more similar to the doves and pigeons of Australasia. -- The study, published in the journal Biology Letters, shows that neither of these assumptions are accurate. -- Blue-headed quail doves aren't closely related to species in Australia, but they don't share a close relationship with American doves either. -- "This species is even more evolutionarily distinct than the dodo was," Oswald said.	Z01	390
2511-T040	Machine Learning And Robotics Transform Chemical Analysis With High Accuracy	Chemists at Florida State University have created a groundbreaking machine learning tool that can accurately identify the chemical composition of dried salt solutions from images with remarkable precision. By leveraging robotics to compile extensive sample data and applying artificial intelligence for analysis, this cost-effective tool has the potential to transform chemical analysis processes, paving the way for expanded capabilities in scientific research and analysis.	Florida State University	Digital Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	Florida State University chemists have created a machine learning tool that can identify the chemical composition of dried salt solutions from an image with 99% accuracy. -- By using robotics to prepare thousands of samples and artificial intelligence to analyze their da, they created a simple, inexpensive tool that could expand possibilities for performing chemical analysis. -- The work was published in Digital Discovery. -- "We are living in the age of artificial intelligence and big data," said co-author Oliver Steinbock, a professor in the FSU Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. -- "We thought that if we used sufficiently large databases with enough pictures of different compounds and stains, we could maybe use AI to determine what the composition is." -- The research could make possible cheaper, faster chemical analysis that could be used in space exploration, law enforcement, home testing and more. -- HOW IT WORKS -- This paper builds on a previous study from Steinbock's lab in which researchers used machine learning to identify the chemical composition of salt stains from photos. -- In that study, the researchers analyzed about 7,500 samples, which they prepared by hand. -- This paper amplifies that work by using a robot to process samples that were later analyzed by an improved machine learning program.	C01	391
2511-091	Novel Memristors Designed To Combat AI's Memory Limitations	Jülich researchers have introduced innovative memristors that replicate brain cell behavior while consuming minimal power. These new components are more robust and versatile, functioning in both analog and digital modes, which may help address the challenge of 'catastrophic forgetting' in artificial neural networks, enhancing their learning capabilities.	Forschungszentrum Juelich	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	They consume extremely little power and behave similarly to brain cells: so-called memristors. Researchers from Jülich, led by Ilia Valov, have now introduced novel memristive components in Nature Communications that offer significant advantages over previous versions: they are more robust, function across a wider voltage range, and can operate in both analog and digital modes. These properties could help address the problem of "catastrophic forgetting," where artificial neural networks abruptly forget previously learned information. -- The problem of "catastrophic forgetting" occurs when deep neural networks are trained for a new task. -- This is because a new optimization simply overwrites a previous one. -- The brain does not have this problem because it can apparently adjust the degree of synaptic change; experts are now also talking about a so-called "metaplasticity." They suspect that it is only through these different degrees of plasticity that our brain can permanently learn new tasks without forgetting old content. -- The new memristor accomplishes something similar. -- "Its unique properties allow the use of different switching modes to control the modulation of the memristor in such a way that stored information is not lost," says Ilia Valov from the Peter Grünberg Institute (PGI-7) at Forschungszentrum Jülich. -- Ideal candidates for neuro-inspired devices -- Modern computer chips are evolving rapidly. Their development could receive a further boost from memristors -- a term derived from memory and resistor. These components are essentially resistors with memory: their electrical resistance changes depending on the applied voltage, and unlike conventional switching elements, their resistance value remains even after the voltage is turned off. -- This is because memristors can undergo structural changes -- for example, due to atoms depositing on the electrodes. -- "Memristive elements are considered ideal candidates for learning-capable, neuro-inspired computer components modeled on the brain," says Ilia Valov.	H02 R02 T01	392
2504-032	Fecal Microbiota Transplantation Shows Promise For Cancer Patient Recovery After Stem Cell Therapy	A phase 2 clinical trial has demonstrated that oral fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can safely enhance gut microbiome recovery in cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants. This study highlights the gut microbiome's role in post-transplant recovery and the potential of FMT to restore beneficial microbial diversity, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.	Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study shows that oral fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a feasible and safe addition to preventing graft-versus-host disease in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation for blood cancers. -- The study, published Jan. 25 in Nature Communications, is part of a phase 2 clinical trial led by clinicians at Fred Hutch Cancer Center. The study builds on earlier research of the role of the gut microbiome in helping patients recover after stem cell transplantation. -- "The gut microbiome is an organ in itself, and it is connected to the immune system," said lead author Armin Rashidi, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at Fred Hutch. "Since the process of stem cell transplantation damages the gut microbiome, we want to see if FMT will help restore microbial diversity and promote the beneficial bacterial species that support a healthy immune system." -- The study included 20 patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantations for various blood disorders including blood cancers. They then received FMT via oral capsules taken three times a day for seven days. The capsules contained a purified community of microbes derived from stool samples from three healthy donors. -- The capsules were manufactured by the University of Minnesota Microbiota Therapeutics Program in accordance with the FDA-approved investigational protocols and strict pharmaceutical standards. -- "Although the capsules were originally developed for treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection, they are now being investigated for a multitude of different indications," said Alexander Khoruts, MD, coauthor of the paper and a gastroenterologist at the University of Minnesota Medical School. "Unlike treatment of C. difficile, most indications require optimized formulations of gut microbes. The Fred Hutch trial illustrates this next phase in the development of donor-derived microbial therapeutics." -- Key Findings: -- Donor Differences Matter: The trial analyzed three different FMT donors and found notable differences in how well each one established itself in the recipient. Donor 3 emerged as the most effective, achieving a 67% microbiota engraftment rate. This means of all the microbes after FMT whose origin could be determined with certainty, 67% came from the donor and the remaining were from the patient. This "winning" donor was characterized by high levels of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, a beneficial microbe. -- Microbiota Diversity Influences Success: Consistent with prior research, the study found that lower pre-FMT microbiota diversity in patients was associated with better donor microbiota engraftment. This suggests that less diverse pre-FMT gut environments may make it easier for transplanted microbes to establish themselves. -- FMT is Safe: FMT was shown to be safe even in highly immunocompromised patients. The transfer of millions of live microbes to the patient did not cause any infections, likely because they were "healthy" microbes from a healthy donor. Engraftment reached 100% for some microbial species known to support overall gut health and protect against graft-versus-host disease.	H01 R01 N02	393
2504-T033	New Insights Into Electrocatalysis Could Lead To Efficient Catalyst Designs	A research team from the Fritz Haber Institute has made strides in electrocatalysis, revealing how catalysts can maintain unexpected forms during nitrate reduction. This advancement, featured in Nature Materials, enhances our understanding of catalyst behavior during chemical reactions, paving the way for more effective catalyst designs that could improve processes in various industries, from energy production to pharmaceuticals.	Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from the Interface Science Department of the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society in collaboration with beamline scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have made an advancement in the field of electrocatalysis. Their latest research, published in th journal Nature Materials, sheds light on how catalysts can stay in unanticipated forms during the process of nitrate reduction. The study, titled "Revealing Catalyst Restructuring and Composition During Nitrate Electroreduction through Correlated Operando Microscopy and Spectroscopy," offers new insights that could pave the way for more efficient catalyst design. -- Understanding Catalysts: The Key to Better Chemical Reactions -- Catalysts are substances that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process. They are crucial in many industrial applications, from producing fuels to manufacturing pharmaceuticals. However, understanding how these catalysts behave while they are working has always been a challenge. This is because catalysts can change their structure (size and shape) and composition when an electric potential is applied, much like how a chameleon changes its color to blend into different environments. A long-standing assumption is that also like the chameleon, the catalyst will quickly transform into its preferred state (active state) once the electrical potential is applied. -- A Multi-Modal Approach to Study Catalysts -- The research team employed a unique combination of advanced techniques to show that this assumption is not valid under certain conditions. First, they used a method called electrochemical liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (EC-TEM) to follow cubic Cu2O pre-catalysts under conditions where they were participating in the nitrate reduction reaction that is here being utilized to generate green ammonia. This technique allowed them to see how the catalysts, specifically cubic Cu2O pre-catalysts, changed during the reaction. Then, they used a combination of X-ray microscopy/spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy to check whether the pre-catalysts transform into the expected Cu metal phase during reaction, and whether such transformation was homogeneous over all nanocatalyst particles. -- Key Findings: The Role of Redox Kinetics -- A significant finding of the study is that the Cu2O cubes do not quickly turn into the preferred metallic state and can stay as a mix of Cu metal, Cu oxide and Cu hydroxide for a long time during operation. The composition of this mixture and the shape of the evolved catalysts depend heavily on the electric potential applied, the surrounding chemical environment and the reaction duration. -- Implications for Ammonia Selectivity -- A big motivation for studying nitrate reduction is to explore its potential for recycling waste nitrates by turning them back into ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizers for food production. So far, our strategies for optimizing this process have been based on expecting catalysts to adopt their most favorable forms during reaction. This research will pave the way towards new ways to design the Cu-based pre-catalysts that are better at producing ammonia. -- Dr. See Wee Chee, a group leader at the Interface Science Department and corresponding author of the study emphasizes, "It is unexpected that we get different phases during reaction especially when we start from a single form of a single element pre-catalyst. More importantly, this mixed state can be maintained for a long time, which is valuable insight if we want to design more efficient catalysts."	H01 T01	394
2506-T021	Measuring Light Waves With Precision: A Breakthrough In Quantum Electrodynamics	Researchers have developed an innovative experimental platform to measure electric fields of light with unprecedented precision. This technology, known as electro-optic Fabry-Pérot resonators, allows scientists to explore light-matter interactions, particularly in the terahertz range. By fine-tuning their approach, the team opens new avenues for studying quantum electrodynamics and controlling material properties at ultrafast timescales, potentially revolutionizing various fields of physics.	Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society	Light: Science & Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Department of Physical Chemistry at the Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society and the Institute of Radiation Physics at Helmholtz Center Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a novel experimental platform to measure the electric fields of light trapped between two mirrors with a sub-cycle precision. These electro-optic Fabry-Pérot resonators will allow for precise control and observation of light-matter interactions, particularly in the terahertz (THz) spectral range. By developing a tunable hybrid-cavity design, and measuring and modeling its complex sets of allowed modes, the physicists can switch between nodes and maxima of the light waves exactly at the location of interest. The study opens new avenues for exploring quantum electrodynamics and ultrafast control of material properties. -- Key Aspects -- Electro-Optic Cavities: Enable in-situ measurement of intra-cavity electric fields. -- Terahertz Spectral Range: Focus on low-energy interactions of quasi-particles in solids and molecules, e.g. crucial for understanding quantum dynamics in correlated materials. -- Hybrid Cavity Design: Development of a tunable multi-layer cavity design providing an ON-OFF switch for light-matter interaction. -- Theoretical Insights: New models explaining complex interplay of electromagnetic modes and how to distinguish light-matter quasi-particles (polaritons) in future. -- Introduction to Electro-Optic Cavities -- In a significant advancement in the field of cavity electrodynamics, the team of physicists have introduced a novel method to measure electric fields inside cavities. -- By utilizing electro-optic Fabry-Pérot resonators, they have achieved sub-cycle timescale measurements, allowing for insight into light and matter, exactly where their interaction takes place. -- Focus on the Terahertz Spectral Range	T01	395
2510-T016	Automatic Process Explorer Reveals Complexities In Atomic And Molecular Reactions	The Automatic Process Explorer (APE) developed by researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute enhances our understanding of atomic and molecular processes by dynamically refining simulations. APE's application to palladium surfaces has uncovered complex oxidation behaviors, revealing previously unnoticed atomic movements that could inform the design of more efficient catalysts in energy production and pollution control.	Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Fritz Haber Institute have developed the Automatic Process Explorer (APE), an approach that enhances our understanding of atomic and molecular processes. By dynamically refining simulations, APE has uncovered unexpected complexities in the oxidation of Palladium (Pd) surfaces, offering new insights into catalyst behavior. -- Key Aspects -- • Innovative Approach: APE refines traditional Kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations by dynamically updating process lists, reducing bias and uncovering overlooked atomic movements. -- • Significant Findings: The application of APE to Pd surfaces revealed nearly 3,000 processes, highlighting complex atomic motions previously undetected. -- • Real-World Impact: Insights from APE can lead to the development of more efficient catalysts, crucial for energy production and pollution control. -- This implies applications in areas like automotive catalytic converters, which are used in cars to reduce emissions. -- • Machine Learning Integration: APE utilizes machine-learned interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to predict atomic interactions, enhancing the accuracy of simulations. -- Understanding Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations -- Kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations are essential for studying the long-term evolution of atomic and molecular processes. -- They are widely used in fields like surface catalysis, where reactions on material surfaces are crucial for developing efficient catalysts that accelerate reactions in energy production and pollution control.	T01	396
2509-026	Rising VZV Infections In Adults Prompt Urgent Need For Vaccination And Awareness	A recent study conducted by Fujita Health University has uncovered a significant rise in varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections in adults, emphasizing the urgent need for vaccination. Researchers noted an increase in central nervous system infections post-2019, linking VZV to complications such as dementia, and highlighting zoster vaccination as a potential preventive measure.	Fujita Health University	Emerging Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Fujita Health University, Japan, observed a rise in adult central nervous system (CNS) infections, primarily aseptic meningitis caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), post-2019. The researchers highlighted the potential of zoster vaccination to reduce CNS infections. Meanwhile, CNS infection by herpesviruses, including VZV, may contribute to the progression of dementia. Furthermore, the potential effect of zoster vaccines in preventing dementia progression by reducing VZV reactivation has also been highlighted. -- The varicella zoster virus (VZV), an infectious virus from the herpes virus family, is primarily known to cause varicella in children and shingles in adults. -- But lately, this virus has also been reported to trigger severe complications like central nervous system (CNS) infections. -- Researchers from Fujita Health University, Japan, conducted a comprehensive study spanning 10 years (2013-2022), to identify the VZV-related infections affecting the CNS. -- Their study reveals a marked increase in adult VZV-related CNS infections, particularly since 2019. -- The findings were published in Volume 30, Issue 12of the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal on December 30, 2024. -- The study was led by Professor Tetsushi Yoshikawa, along with Hiroki Miura and Ayami Yoshikane from the Department of Pediatrics, Fujita Health University School of Medicine. -- The researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples of 615 adult patients with suspected CNS infections. -- VZV DNA was most frequently detected in these patients, with its presence in 10.2% of the cases, and aseptic meningitis being the most common infection. -- The data from 2019 to 2022 revealed that there was a noticeable rise in VZV DNA-positive cases, forming a distinct temporal cluster during this period.	H01 R01 R02	397
2512-026	Eating Slower And Chewing More Can Help Prevent Overeating	Eating Slower And Chewing More Can Help Prevent Overeating	Fujita Health University	Nutrients	Press Rel	PubMed	Obesity is linked to numerous health complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease. In a world where obesity rates continue to climb, researchers are constantly seeking effective, accessible solutions to this global health crisis. Interestingly, over the past few decades, scientists have begun to focus not only on what we eat but also on how we eat it. -- While much attention has indeed focused on dietary content and caloric intake, emerging research suggests that eating behaviors -- including meal duration, chewing speed, and number of bites taken -- may have a big impact on how much food we consume. -- Previous studies have indicated that people who eat more slowly tend to consume less food overall, but specific, evidence-based guidelines on how to effectively slow down eating have been lacking. -- This is particularly true for Japan, where eating habits differ from Western norms. -- Against this backdrop, a research team led by Professor Katsumi Iizuka from the Department of Clinical Nutrition, Fujita Health University, Japan, conducted a study to identify factors that influence meal duration and eating behavior. -- Their paper, co-authored by Dr. Megumi Aoshima and Dr. Kanako Deguchi from Fujita Health University and published in Volume 17, Issue 6 of Nutrients journal on March 10, 2025, explores factors including sex differences, chewing patterns, and external rhythmic stimuli and their relationship to how we consume our meals. -- "While nutritional science is often concerned with food metabolism and absorption and dietary content, there's limited evidence in Japan on dietary behavior that connects the two. This intrigued me to study eating behavior, which involves gender differences," explains Iizuka. -- The study involved 33 healthy participants aged 20 to 65 years who were asked to eat slices of pizza under different conditions. -- Researchers measured meal duration, number of chews, number of bites, and chewing tempo (the rate or speed of chewing), noting how these variables changed when participants were exposed to different metronome rhythms using headphones. -- The results revealed significant differences between men and women in eating behaviors.	H01 R01	398
2502-047	Link Discovered Between Chronic Hepatitis C And Autoimmune Disease Development	Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have uncovered the mechanism by which chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to autoimmune diseases, challenging previous assumptions. Their study highlights that mutations in rogue B cells, rather than viral protein mimicry, trigger autoimmune responses. This discovery opens new avenues for developing treatments for autoimmune conditions linked to viral infections.	Garvan Institute of Medical Research	Immunity	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered how a viral infection causes autoimmune disease, disproving a long-standing theory and opening a promising new approach to developing treatments for autoimmune conditions. -- The research, published today in the journal Immunity, focuses on hepatitis C virus (HCV) -- which affects an estimated 58 million people worldwide -- and its role in triggering a serious autoimmune disease called cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in up to 15% of cases, where antibodies attack blood vessels and can damage organs throughout the body. -- Until now, scientists believed this autoimmune response occurred because viral proteins mimicked the body's own proteins, confusing the immune system into attacking both. -- The Garvan team revealed that this is not the case -- rather, the critical trigger is mutations in 'rogue clone' B cells. -- "This discovery fundamentally changes our understanding of how infections can cause autoimmune conditions," says Professor Chris Goodnow, Head of the Immunogenomics Lab at Garvan and the study's co-senior author. -- "By pinpointing these rogue clones, we can better understand how to target them, which is a potentially transformative approach to treating autoimmune disease in patients." -- Viral infection leads to a 'perfect storm' of mutations -- Using sophisticated single-cell analysis techniques and whole genome sequencing, the researchers analysed the immune cells in the blood of four patients with HCV-triggered cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. -- They identified the specific rogue clone B cells that were present in large numbers and produced harmful autoantibodies. -- "The long-standing theory is that B cells trained to recognise the foreign virus become confused and target the body instead -- a phenomenon referred to as molecular mimicry. What our study showed was that during a chronic hepatitis C infection, antibodies on the virus surface form an antibody cluster that persistently stimulates the B cells to mutate," explains lead author Dr Clara Young.	R01	399
2502-058	College Students And Older Adults Gain Weight Differently During The Holidays	New research indicates that college students and older adults gain weight differently over the holiday season, with older adults accumulating fat and students building muscle. This study highlights the distinct impacts of life stages on weight gain and emphasizes the importance of understanding these differences to address health outcomes related to holiday eating patterns effectively.	George Mason University	Obesity Science & Practice	Press Rel	PubMed	With the holidays behind us, many Americans are seeing the numbers on the scale go up a pound or two. In fact, data shows that many American midlife and older adults gain 1 to 1.5 pounds over the November through January holiday period. Though not harmful on its own, even a small amount of holiday weight gain in the form of fat can negatively affect health. People often fail to lose the extra weight, which leads to significant cumulative weight gain over the years and contributes to health concerns. -- Based on new research, we now know that college students gain the same amount of weight as older adults during the holiday season; however, they add new muscle not fat. -- Obesity researcher Martin Binks, professor and chair of George Mason University's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, was surprised by the findings of this breakthrough research. -- "The differences between college students' and older adults' weight gain highlights the importance of understanding weight and health in the context of major life stages and transitions across the lifespan," says Binks. -- "At this key transitional stage of life, the influence of the holiday season is uniquely different for college students than later in adulthood. It raises so many important scientific questions about what might be driving this." Binks is interested in learning more about the reasons for this difference with future studies. -- Binks has been a metabolic disease scientist and clinician for over 20 years. -- He has assisted thousands of patients with behavioral pharmacologic and surgical weight loss, health and wellness, and quality of life improvement. -- He has been chair of George Mason's Department of Nutrition and Food Studies since August 2024. -- This publication is the result of a study that was conducted by undergraduate students who were guided by graduate students under Binks' mentorship. -- "Mentoring students in conducting impactful research is at the heart of my lifelong passion and is integral to the vision of George Mason's Nutrition and Food Studies department," says Binks.	A01 H01 R01 R02	400
2505-021	Prenatal Vitamins Proven Beneficial For Reducing Infant Death Risk	Researchers, led by Dongqing Wang at George Mason University, have conducted a significant study on prenatal vitamins, revealing that multiple micronutrient supplements considerably reduce the risk of adverse birth outcomes compared to traditional folic acid and iron. Published in The Lancet Global Health and funded by the Gates Foundation, Wang's findings underscore the importance of examining prenatal nutritional interventions, particularly in preventing complications like low birth weight and preterm births, which are critical indicators of infant mortality.	George Mason University	The Lancet Global Health	Press Rel	PubMed	In India, many kids who work in retail markets have good math skills: They can quickly perform a range of calculations to complete transactions. But as a new study shows, these kids often perform much worse on the same kinds of problems as they are taught in the classroom. This happens even though many of these students still attend school or attended school through 7th or 8th grades. -- Conversely, the study also finds, Indian students who are still enrolled in school and don't have jobs do better on school-type math problems, but they often fare poorly at the kinds of problems that occur in marketplaces. -- Overall, both the "market kids" and the "school kids" struggle with the approach the other group is proficient in, raising questions about how to help both groups learn math more comprehensively. -- "For the school kids, they do worse when you go from an abstract problem to a concrete problem," says MIT economist Esther Duflo, co-author of a new paper detailing the study's results. "For the market kids, it's the opposite." -- Indeed, the kids with jobs who are also in school "underperform despite being extraordinarily good at mental math," says Abhijit Banerjee an MIT economist and another co-author of the paper. "That for me was always the revelation, that the one doesn't translate into the other." -- The paper, "Children's arithmetic skills do not transfer between applied and academic math," will be published in Nature. The authors are Banerjee, the Ford Professor of Economics at MIT; Swati Bhattacharjee of the newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika, in Kolkata, India; Raghabendra Chattopadhyay of the Indian Institute of Management in Kolkata; Duflo, the Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Poverty Alleviation and Development Economics at MIT; Alejandro J. Ganimian, a professor of applied psychology and economics at New York University; Kailash Rajaha, a doctoral candidate in economics at MIT; and Elizabeth S. Spelke, a professor of psychology at Harvard University. -- Duflo and Banerjee shared the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2019 and are co-founders of MIT's Jameel Abdul Lateef Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), a global leader in development economics. -- Three experiments -- The study consists largely of three data-collection exercises with some embedded experiments. The first one shows that 201 kids working in markets in Kolkata do have good math skills. For instance, a researcher, posing as an ordinary shopper, would ask for the cost of 800 grams of potatoes sold at 20 rupees per kilogram, then ask for the cost of 1.4 kilograms of onions sold at 15 rupees per kilo. They would request the combined answer -- 37 rupees -- then hand the market worker a 200 rupee note and collect 163 rupees back. All told, the kids working in markets correctly solved this kind of problem from 95 to 98 percent of the time by the second try. -- However, when the working children were pulled aside (with their parents' permission) and given a standardized Indian national math test, just 32 percent could correctly divide a three-digit number by a one-digit number, and just 54 percent could correctly subtract a two-digit number from another two-digit number two times. Clearly, the kids' skills were not yielding classroom results.	Z01	401
2501-099	Rising Demand For Permanent Contraception Seen Among Young Adults Post Roe V. Wade.	Following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade, a surge in young adults seeking permanent contraception options like tubal sterilization and vasectomy has been noted. Research indicates that this decision has profoundly impacted reproductive choices, as more young individuals opt for permanent methods amid concerns over reproductive rights.	George Washington University	Health Affairs	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from the George Washington University found a significant increase in the number of U.S. young adults seeking permanent contraception, specifically tubal sterilization and vasectomy, following the Supreme Court's June 2022 decision which overturned Roe v. Wade. -- "Our study shows that the Dobbs decision has had a profound effect on young adults' reproductive choices, leading many to opt for permanent contraception in the months following the decision," said Julia Strasser, director of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. "While access to all contraceptive methods -- including permanent ones -- is critical for reproductive autonomy, young people should not feel coerced into making decisions based on fear and uncertainty surrounding their rights." -- Strasser and her colleagues studied the changes in contraceptive use and perceptions before and after the Dobbs ruling, and found that the number of young adults seeking tubal sterilization and vasectomy significantly increased in the months following the leaked Dobbs opinion in May 2022 and the decision itself in June 2022. -- Other Key Takeaways: -- In August 2022, there were 799, or 70%, more tubal sterilizations, and 346, or 95%, more vasectomies compared to May 2022 for young adults between the ages of 19-26. -- There was a greater increase in tubal sterilizations and vasectomies in states deemed likely to ban abortion vs. states not likely to ban abortion. -- Qualitative responses from a survey of 638 young adults revealed that many expressed fears about their reproductive rights. -- Participants mentioned their interest in permanent contraception was motivated by concerns about losing access to abortion or the ability to make decisions regarding pregnancy. -- Strasser says the study adds to a growing body of literature on the wide-reaching impact of the Dobbs decision, one that could affect generations to come. The research calls for greater attention to the unique needs of young people, especially in the context of evolving state laws and policies that restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. -- The study, "Tubal Sterilization And Vasectomy Increased Among US Young Adults After The Dobbs Supreme Court Decision," was published on January 6, 2025 in Health Affairs.	Z01	402
2507-136	Daily Cannabis Use Raises Risk Of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome	Researchers from George Washington University have conducted a significant study on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, a condition affecting long-term cannabis users. Their findings suggest a growing public health concern linked to this syndrome, which leads to severe nausea and vomiting, emphasizing the importance of understanding its prevalence as cannabis use rises in the U.S.	George Washington University	George Washington University	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study analyzes the disease burden and the risk factors for severity among people who suffer from a condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. Researchers at the George Washington University say the condition occurs in people who are long-term regular consumers of cannabis and causes nausea, uncontrollable vomiting and excruciating pain in a cyclical pattern that often leads to repeated trips to the hospital. -- "This is one of the first large studies to examine the burden of disease associated with this cannabis-linked syndrome," says Andrew Meltzer, professor of emergency medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences and lead author of the study. -- "Our findings suggest that cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome could represent a costly and largely hidden public health problem." While the exact prevalence of the condition is unknown, many experts say that the condition is on the rise as the number of daily or near daily users of cannabis has increased in the US. -- To assess the burden of disease, Meltzer and his colleagues conducted a survey of 1,052 people who report suffering from cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. -- The researchers asked questions about frequency of use, duration of the habit, the age they started using the drug, and need for emergency department or hospital care. -- Key findings of the study: -- 85% reported at least 1 emergency department visit and 44% reported at least 1 hospitalization associated with the hyperemesis symptoms. -- Early age of cannabis initiation was associated with higher odds of emergency department visits. -- Daily use of cannabis before the onset of the syndrome was nearly universal, with over 40% of respondents reporting they used marijuana more than 5 times a day. -- Prolonged use was common with 44% reporting using regularly for more than 5 years before onset of syndrome.	Z01	403
2512-E051	Researchers Make Surprising Discovery About Whole-Genome Duplication In Evolution	Researchers at Georgia Tech made a serendipitous discovery regarding whole-genome duplication (WGD), uncovering how it arises and remains stable over evolutionary time. This unexpected finding provides insights into the evolutionary significance of WGD, shedding light on its role in adaptation and the overall understanding of genetic stability through generations.	Georgia Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Sometimes, the most significant scientific discoveries happen by accident. -- Scientists have long known that whole-genome duplication (WGD) -- the process by which organisms copy all their genetic material -- plays an important role in evolution. -- But understanding just how WGD arises, persists, and drives adaptation has remained poorly understood. -- In an unexpected turn, scientists at Georgia Tech not only uncovered how WGD occurs, but also how it stays stable over thousands of generations of evolution in the lab. -- The new study was led by William Ratcliff, professor in the School of Biological Sciences, and Kai Tong, a former Ph.D. student in Ratcliff's lab who is now a postdoctoral fellow at Boston University. -- Their paper, "Genome duplication in a long-term multicellularity evolution experiment,"was published in Nature as the journal's cover story in March. -- "We set out to explore how organisms make the transition to multicellularity, but discovering the role of WGD in this process was completely serendipitous," said Ratcliff. -- "This research provides new insights into how WGD can emerge, persist over long periods, and fuel evolutionary innovation. That's truly exciting." -- A secret hidden in the data -- In 2018, Ratcliff's lab launched an experiment to explore open-ended multicellular evolution.	C01 T01	404
2503-E012	Neurons Inducing Hibernation: Implications For Metabolism And Weight Management	A groundbreaking study from Georgia State University has discovered a novel group of neurons that can induce a hibernation-like hypometabolic state by regulating the brain-heart-gut axis. This finding holds promise for addressing conditions like obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, as well as potential applications for long-duration space travel. Published in Nature Metabolism, the research emphasizes the neural mechanisms behind sensations of fullness and reduced metabolic activity.	Georgia State University	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	A team led by researchers at Georgia State University has identified a novel group of neurons controlling the brain-heart-gut axis which can be activated to induce a hypometabolic state that resembles hibernation. The discovery could have wide-ranging impacts for scientific fields ranging from obesity to cardiometabolic health, and even space travel. -- The new study is published in the journal Nature Metabolism. -- Lead author Eric Krause is a professor of neuroscience, a Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) Distinguished Investigator at Georgia State University and a core member of the Center for Neuroinflammation and Cardiometabolic Disease (CNCD). Krause worked with researchers from the University of Florida and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. -- "We identified this population of neurons located near the base of the skull that relay the sensation of mechanical stretch exerted on the gut and heart to the brain. When these neurons are activated, they seem to recreate the sensation of feeling full or having increased blood pressure," Krause said. -- "We found that activating these neurons suppresses eating and lowers blood pressure, heart rate and whole-body metabolism." -- During the research, the team discovered that simultaneous, recurrent firing of these neurons in mice produces a torpor-like state, similar to that of animals in hibernation, characterized by reductions in cardiac output, body temperature and energy expenditure. -- "We found that repeated excitation of the neurons decreased body mass and produced a hypometabolic state without inducing anxiety-like behaviors that are often observed with chronic stress," Krause said. -- "This is changing what we know about body-to-brain communication and how profoundly it affects physiology and behavior." -- The researchers were able to activate the population of neurons through a process known as chemogenetic excitation. -- Utilizing animal models to manipulate oxytocin signaling in the vagal sensory neurons, the team was able to assess impacts on various sensory function.	H02 R01 R02 N01	405
2501-019	Cultivating Mini-Tumors From Blood Samples Advances Understanding Of Breast Cancer Metastasis.	A team has successfully cultivated stable tumor organoids from blood samples of breast cancer patients, allowing for in-depth research into therapy resistance. By understanding molecular signaling pathways in these organoids, researchers aim to develop targeted strategies for eliminating resistant tumor cells, which pose challenges in treating metastatic breast cancer.	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Tumor cells circulating in the blood are the "germ cells" of breast cancer metastases. They are very rare and could not be propagated in the culture dish until now, which made research into therapy resistance difficult. A team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Heidelberg Stem Cell Institute HI-STEM* and the NCT Heidelberg** has now succeeded for the first time in cultivating stable tumor organoids directly from blood samples of breast cancer patients. Using these mini-tumors, the researchers were able to decipher a molecular signaling pathway that ensures the cancer cells' survival and resistance to therapy. With this knowledge, the team was able to develop an approach to specifically eliminate these tumor cells in lab experiments. -- Metastases are the dangerous offshoots of tumors that spread to vital organs such as the liver, lungs or brain and are usually difficult to treat. -- Even though the prognosis for breast cancer patients has improved significantly in recent decades, metastatic breast cancer still poses a major challenge, as the metastases often only respond temporarily to treatment. -- Breast cancer metastases are initiated by cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor and migrate to other organs via the bloodstream. -- These circulating cancer cells (CTCs) are extremely rare and hide among the billions of blood cells. -- Andreas Trumpp, Head of a research division at the DKFZ and Director of HI-STEM, had already demonstrated several years ago that only a few of the circulating tumor cells are capable of forming a new metastasis in another organ. -- These mostly therapy-resistant "germ cells" of metastases are very rare, difficult to isolate and could not be multiplied in the laboratory until now. -- "This makes it difficult to develop targeted new therapies that directly attack the metastasis-initiating cells. However, if we understand how these cells survive the initial therapy and what drives their resistance, we could tackle the formation of breast cancer metastases at the root and perhaps one day even prevent them," explains the first author of the paper, Roberto Würth from Trumpp's lab. -- Andreas Trumpp's team has succeeded for the first time in multiplying CTCs from blood samples of breast cancer patients and growing them as stable tumor organoids in the culture dish. -- Until now, this always required a detour, namely the complex and lengthy propagation of CTCs in immunodeficient mice.	H01 R01 R02	406
2506-036	Growing Patient-Specific Brain Tumors In Lab For Better Cancer Treatment Insights	Scientists have developed a method for growing patient-specific brain tumor organoids that closely mimic the original tumors' architecture and molecular properties. This approach, created by researchers from the German Cancer Research Center and ShanghaiTech University, offers a promising new model for testing drug responses, potentially leading to more personalized and effective cancer therapies.	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and ShanghaiTech University have developed an innovative method for growing brain tumors of individual patients in the laboratory that mimic the original structure and the molecular property of the parental tumor as closely as possible. Drug tests in this model were found to correlate very well with actual patient responses, making it a valuable method for investigating therapies. -- Tumor organoids, i.e. mini-tumors grown from surgical material in the culture dish, are now widely used in cancer research. -- Numerous research groups have already developed approaches to cultivate brain tumors in the laboratory, especially for the very aggressive glioblastomas. -- However, the complexity of the tumors is a major challenge for this research. -- In many of the existing methods, the mini-tumors quickly lose important properties or the interactions between tumor cells and their environment cannot be adequately represented. -- The new model from Haikun Liu, DKFZ, relies on cerebral organoids -- a type of "mini-brain" generated from induced human pluripotent stem cells. -- In these organoids, which exhibit brain-like properties, the researchers grow freshly collected tumor samples. -- This creates a model of the tumor that accurately mimics the diversity of cell types, the complex tumor environment, and the molecular characteristics of the original tumor. -- The researchers named the new method IPTO (Individualized Patient Tumor Organoid). This method was tested in patient samples from hospitals in Heidelberg, Mannheim and further validated in a large number brain tumor patients in Shanghai in collaboration with ShanghaiTech University. -- "With IPTOs, we can not only maintain the structure and heterogeneity of the tumors, but also predict their response to different therapies," explains study leader Haikun Liu.	H01 R01 R02 T01	407
2507-140	Surprising Finding: Zinc Proteins Activate Acid-Reducing Medications Without Stomach Acid	Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center have made a surprising discovery regarding proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to reduce stomach acid. They found that zinc-carrying proteins can activate PPIs even without gastric acid, deepening the understanding of these medications and their side effects, which are widely prescribed to treat stomach issues.	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	Press Rel	PubMed	Acid reducing medicines from the group of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are best-selling drugs that prevent and alleviate stomach problems. PPIs are activated in the acid-producing cells of the stomach, where they block acid production. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) made the surprising discovery that zinc-carrying proteins, which are found in all cells, can also activate PPIs -- without the presence of gastric acid. The result could be a key to understanding the side effects of PPIs. -- Excessive gastric acid can cause not only heartburn, but also chronic complaints such as gastritis or even a stomach ulcer. -- Doctors usually prescribe a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for treatment. -- Examples include the medications pantoprazole, omeprazole and rabeprazole. -- PPIs bind to and block an enzyme in the gastric parietal cells known as the proton pump, effectively reducing the production of gastric acid. -- PPIs are prodrugs, which means that they are taken as inactive precursors. -- Their activation to the actual active substance is triggered by protons. -- The presence of many protons is the hallmark of an acid. The proton pump in the intestinal wall supplies the protons for acidifying the gastric fluid. -- Since there is a particularly high concentration of protons in the immediate vicinity of the proton pump, the PPIs are activated locally. -- Proton-dependent activation ensures that PPIs almost exclusively attack and paralyze the proton pump, at least according to the current doctrine.	H01 R01	408
2507-E003	Guardian Molecule Preserves Liver Cell Identity, Offering Hope For Cancer Treatments	Researchers have identified a "guardian molecule" that helps liver cells maintain their identity, which is crucial for preventing cancer development. The study notes this sentinel molecule's ability to counteract potent cancer drivers and induce regression of malignant tumors, emphasizing its potential in cancer treatment strategies.	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	Press Rel	PubMed	A guardian molecule ensures that liver cells do not lose their identity. This has been discovered by researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Hector Institute für Translational Brain Research (HITBR), and from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). The discovery is of great interest for cancer medicine because a change of identity of cells has come into focus as a fundamental principle of carcinogenesis for several years. The Heidelberg researchers were able to show that the newly discovered sentinel is so powerful that it can slow down highly potent cancer drivers and cause malignant liver tumors to regress in mice. -- As a rule, the identity of cells is determined during embryonic development. -- They differentiate into nerve cells or liver cells, for example, and their fate is sealed. -- Only stem cells retain the ability to develop in different directions. -- However, once cells have differentiated, they usually stay on course. -- Cancer cells can change their identity -- Cancer cells are different. They have the amazing ability to reactivate embryonic programs and thus change their identity -- their phenotype. -- This ability is referred to as -- unwanted or abnormal -- plasticity. -- It enables tumor cells to break away from the cell network and migrate through the body. -- Once they have arrived in the target organ, the cells differentiate again, become sedentary again and form metastases at this site.	R01 R02 C01	409
2510-076	Hepatic Stellate Cells: Key Players In Liver Function And Regeneration	New findings reveal that hepatic stellate cells, previously known primarily for promoting liver fibrosis, also play crucial roles in regulating liver metabolism and regeneration. This groundbreaking research has the potential to inform novel therapeutic strategies for liver diseases, expanding our understanding of these specialized cells and their implications for overall liver health.	German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Until now, doctors knew hepatic stellate cells mainly as drivers of liver fibrosis. The actual functions of this cell type have hardly been studied to date. Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the Mannheim Medical Faculty and Columbia University in New York have now published in the journal Nature that hepatic stellate cells control liver metabolism as well as liver regeneration and size. The results of the study could contribute to new therapeutic approaches for liver diseases. -- The liver is a central organ for carbohydrate and protein metabolism as well as for the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. -- Its vital functions require a high regenerative capacity. Liver cells, so-called hepatocytes, make up about 60 percent of the total cell number of the organ. -- They have important metabolic tasks and are active in detoxification and metabolism. -- Endothelial cells provide mass transfer, cholangiocytes transport bile, and Kupffer cells act as a protective barrier. -- Hepatic stellate cells are located along the specialized blood capillaries of the liver, known as sinusoids. -- They are known to drive liver fibrosis, but their actual physiological functions and interactions with other cells are largely uninvestigated. -- Scientists led by Hellmut Augustin, DKFZ and the Mannheim Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University, and Robert F. Schwabe, Columbia University, New York, have now shown that stellate cells are essential for liver regeneration and liver metabolism. -- Using a genetic trick, the teams led by the two senior authors bred mice whose livers contained no stellate cells. -- This affected the organ's detoxification function and its ability to regenerate after injury.	R01 C01	410
2506-048	Understanding The Causes Behind Fevers Of Unknown Origin In Sub-Saharan Africa	A retrospective study from the German Center for Infection Research sheds light on the causes of fevers of unknown origin (FUO) in sub-Saharan Africa by examining 550 patients in Guinea during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Researchers aimed to enhance understanding through modern diagnostic techniques, revealing that many FUO cases remain undiagnosed, with malaria often treated without confirmation. The findings point to various bacterial and viral infections that contribute to a high number of pediatric hospitalizations.	German Center for Infection Research	The Journal of Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	A new retrospective, laboratory-based observational study provides detailed insights into the causes of fevers of unknown origin in sub-Saharan Africa. Together with scientists from Guinea and Slovakia, researchers from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) at Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin examined 550 patients from Guinea who developed a persistent fever at the time of the major Ebola outbreak in 2014, but tested negative for the Ebola virus on site. The goal was to use modern diagnostic methods to better understand the underlying infectious diseases. The study is published today in The Journal of Infectious Diseases. -- Fever is a common symptom of many diseases, including infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. -- When the cause of a persistent fever remains unclear despite extensive investigation, it is referred to as fever of unknown origin (FUO). Approximately half of all FUO cases worldwide remain undiagnosed. -- In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is often suspected and treated without laboratory confirmation or further investigation. -- However, 90 million pediatric hospitalizations per year in sub-Saharan Africa are due to fevers not caused by malaria but by other infections, often due to various bacteria and viruses. -- A research team from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) and Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, in collaboration with scientists from Guinea and Slovakia, conducted a retrospective observational study to thoroughly investigate the pathogen diversity of patients from Guinea with fever of unknown cause during a major Ebola outbreak in 2014. -- They combined epidemiological, phylogenetic, molecular, serological and clinical data. -- Using serologic tests, PCR and high-throughput sequencing, at least one pathogen was detected in 275 of 550 patients. -- In addition to the expected malaria parasite Plasmodium, pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Klebsiella strains were detected in almost one fifth of the patients. -- The frequent detection of resistance to so-called first-line antibiotics in the samples examined and the high rate of co-infections were also worrying: One in five infected patients had multiple infections at the same time.	H01 R01	411
2503-042	New Method Reveals Insights Into DNA Changes After Cell Division	Gladstone Institutes' new research has advanced our understanding of DNA replication post-cell division, using a combination of long-read sequencing and AI models. This innovative method allows scientists to closely observe the intricate processes that occur following DNA replication, shedding light on cellular behaviors that could lead to improved medicinal strategies for various diseases, including cancer.	Gladstone Institutes	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	DNA replication is happening continuously throughout the body, as many as trillions of times per day. Whenever a cell divides -- whether to repair damaged tissue, replace old cells, or simply to help the body grow -- DNA is copied to ensure the new cells carry the same genetic instructions. -- But this fundamental aspect of human biology has been poorly understood, chiefly because scientists lack the ability to closely observe the intricate process of replication. -- Attempts to do so have relied on chemicals that damage the DNA structure or strategies that capture only short stretches of DNA, preventing a comprehensive picture. -- In a new study published in Cell, scientists from Gladstone Institutes made a major leap in resolving this problem with a new method that combines long-read DNA sequencing with a predictive artificial intelligence model. -- Through this, they shed new light on what happens in the minutes and hours after new DNA is formed through replication. -- "This has been a longstanding biochemical question because the machinery responsible for replication actually destroys all the DNA structure that exists, and that structure must be faithfully reestablished in new cells," says Gladstone Investigator Vijay Ramani, PhD, who led the study. -- "To understand how that's possible, we needed to create a new method for mapping the DNA structure before and after replication." -- More Vulnerable Than We Knew -- Ramani is at the forefront of a technological wave called single-cell genomics, which seeks to probe genome function at the level of individual cells and molecules. -- He and his team have developed many new methods for doing so, with the goal of understanding the molecular steps that regulate health or lead to disease.	R01 T01	412
2510-T011	UV Radiation Causes 2-Thiouracil Molecule To Become Dangerously Reactive	Utilizing cutting-edge X-ray laser technology, researchers have revealed how the molecule 2-thiouracil becomes reactive when exposed to UV radiation. This study sheds light on the rapid transformations that occur in biologically important molecules, potentially informing safer pharmaceutical practices and contributing to our understanding of the molecular changes associated with UV exposure.	Goethe University Frankfurt	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Many biologically important molecules change shape when stimulated by UV radiation. Although this property can also be found in some drugs, it is not yet well understood. Using an innovative technique, an international team involving researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt, the European XFEL in Schenefeld and the Deutschen Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg has elucidated this ultra-fast process, and made it visible in slow motion, with the help of X-ray light. The method opens up exciting new ways of analyzing many other molecules. -- "We investigated the molecule 2-thiouracil, which belongs to a group of pharmaceutically activesubstances based on certain DNA building blocks, the nucleobases," says the study's last author Markus Gühr, the head of DESY's free-electron laser FLASH and Professor of Chemistry at University of Hamburg. -- 2-thiouracil and its chemically related active substances have a sulfur atom, which gives the molecules its unusual, medically relevant properties. -- "Another special feature is that these molecules become dangerously reactive when exposed to UV radiation." Studies indicate an increased risk of skin cancer due to this effect. -- To better understand what happens during such processes, the research team used an already well-established method, bringing it to a new level by applying the technical possibilities available today. -- "Coulomb explosion imaging involves irradiating a molecule with intense X-ray pulses, which knock out electrons," explains Till Jahnke, Professor of Experimental Atomic and Molecular Physics at Goethe University and the study's first author. -- "Thereby, the molecule charges up positively and thus becomes unstable, so that it is torn apart within fractions of a second." By tracking the direction in which the various fragments of the molecule -- the atoms -- fly apart, it is possible to derive information about the molecule's structure. -- To date, Coulomb explosion imaging had only yielded useful results for very simple molecules. -- Using an experimental setup specially developed at Goethe University, the research team now combined this technique with the world's most powerful X-ray laser, European XFEL using the SQS ("Small Quantum Systems") scientific instrument of EuXFEL. -- "This experiment is a technical innovation in many ways and it constitutes an important expansion of the experimental possibilities available at the SQS instrument. For the first time ever, it is now possible to use these imaging techniques on a biologically and medically relevant molecule, and not just for fundamental physics research," says Michael Meyer, head of the SQS instrument, about the successful experiment.	A01 H01 R01 T01	413
2511-033	Scientists Unravel Ancient Enzyme’s Role In Cellular Respiration And CO2 Reduction	A team of researchers has unraveled the workings of the oldest known enzyme involved in cellular respiration, focusing on bacteria that convert carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid. Their findings not only clarify energy production in these microbes but also highlight potential applications in combating climate change by naturally removing CO2 from the environment.	Goethe University Frankfurt	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists from Goethe University Frankfurt, University of Marburg and Stockholm University have elucidated an ancient mechanism of cellular respiration. To that end, they studied bacteria that feed on the gases carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and turn them into acetic acid -- a metabolic pathway that emerged very early in evolution. The international team has now been able to resolve the mystery of how the microbes use this process to generate energy. Their findings are also interesting for another reason: Since the microorganisms remove CO2 from their environment, they are seen as a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. -- Animals, plants and many other living organisms inhale oxygen to "burn" (technically: oxidize) compounds like sugar into CO2 and water -- a process during which the energy-rich molecule ATP is produced. Cells require ATP to power vital reactions. In the early phase of our planet's existence, however, the earth's atmosphere did not yet contain any oxygen. Nevertheless, studies of ancient bacteria that still occur today in ecosystems without oxygen, e.g. in hot springs at the bottom of the ocean, suggest that a special form of respiration could have existed even then. -- These microorganisms "respire" carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid. The metabolic pathway with which they do so has been known for some time. The question that remained unanswered until now is how they use this process to produce ATP. The current study now provides an answer. "We were able to show that the production of acetic acid itself activates a sophisticated mechanism as part of which sodium ions are pumped out of the bacterial cell into the environment," explains Prof. Volker Müller, Chair of Molecular Microbiology and Bioenergetics at Goethe University Frankfurt. "This reduces the sodium concentration inside the cell, whereby the cell envelope acts like a kind of dam for the ions. Once this dam is opened, the sodium ions flow back into the cell, driving a kind of molecular turbine that generates ATP." -- Cell respiration enzyme isolated just a few years ago -- A conglomerate of different proteins known as the Rnf complex plays a key role in this process. These proteins are largely embedded inside the membrane surrounding the bacterial cell. "The complex is so sensitive that we were only able to isolate it a few years ago," Müller emphasizes. When carbon dioxide reacts with hydrogen to form acetic acid, electrons are transferred from the hydrogen to the carbon atom via a series of different intermediate steps, in which the Rnf complex plays a mediating role: it takes up and passes on the electrons. -- In the current study, the scientists have now shown what exactly happens during this process. Structural biologist Anuj Kumar -- a PhD student in both Müller's research group as well as that of Dr. Jan Schuller at the University of Marburg -- used a sophisticated method known as cryo-electron microscopy, as part of which the purified Rnf complex of the Acetobacterium woodii bacterium was "shock-frozen" and then dripped onto a carrier plate. A thin film of ice is created in the process, which contains millions of Rnf complexes that can be observed using an electron microscope. Since they fall onto the carrier plate differently during the dripping process, it is possible to see different sides of them under the microscope. -- "These images can be combined into a three-dimensional one, which gave us a precise insight into the structure of the complex -- especially those parts that are essential to the transfer of electrons," Kumar explains. The analysis of images taken at different intervals shows that far from being rigid, the individual components of the complex move back and forth dynamically. This allows the electron carriers to bridge longer distances and pass on their cargo. -- Fundamentally new mechanism -- The question remained: How does the flow of electrons drive the outflow of sodium ions? A molecular dynamics simulation by Prof. Dr. Ville Kaila's working group at Stockholm University provided an initial answer to this question. A key role is played by a cluster of iron and sulphur atoms located in the middle of the membrane, which, after picking up an electron, becomes negatively charged. "The positively charged sodium ions from inside the cell are drawn to this cluster, just like a magnet," explains Jennifer Roth, a doctoral candidate in Müller's research group. "This attraction in turn causes the proteins to shift around the iron-sulphur cluster, much like a rocker switch: they create an opening leading to the outside of the membrane, through which the sodium ions are once again released." -- Roth was able to confirm this process by making specific genetic changes to the Rnf proteins. The fact that this fundamentally new mechanism could be elucidated is a testament to the successful cooperation between the three universities. Making the results even more interesting is the microorganisms' ability to absorb CO2 from their environment during the acetic acid production process. This ability could potentially be used to remove greenhouse gases from industrial waste emissions, for example. It could help slow down climate change while simultaneously providing valuable starting materials for the chemical industry. "Once we know how the bacteria generate energy in the process, we may be able to optimize this process in a manner that would allow us to produce even higher-quality end products," is Müller's hope. The findings could also provide starting points for new drugs against pathogens with similar respiratory enzymes.	H01 C01 N01 N02	414
2512-004	Surprising Roles Of Stem Cells: How They Regulate Immune Responses In Blood	An international team of researchers has discovered that even blood stem cells possess surface proteins that can suppress inflammatory responses. This finding, which could significantly impact stem cell transplants for conditions like leukemia, reveals crucial insights into blood cell development and immune response regulation, enhancing our understanding of the blood system's complexities.	Goethe University Frankfurt	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Our blood consists of many cell types that develop through different stages from a precursor type -- the blood stem cell. An international research team led by Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt and Goethe University has now investigated the developmental pathways of blood cells in humans. The results yielded a surprise: Even stem cells possess surface proteins that enable them to suppress the activation of inflammatory and immune responses in the body. This finding is particularly relevant for stem cell transplants, applied for the treatment of e.g. leukemia. -- Every second, an adult generates around five million new blood cells to replace aging or dying ones, making the blood system a highly regenerative organ. These new blood cells are formed in the bone marrow from unspecialized cells, known as blood stem cells. Through several intermediate stages, these stem cells develop into oxygen-transporting erythrocytes, blood-clotting platelets, and the large group of white blood cells which orchestrate the immune defense. This process, known as differentiation, must be precisely regulated to ensure a balanced production of mature blood cells across all cell types. -- An international team of scientists from Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt/Goethe University, University of Gothenburg, and University Hospital Pamplona, led by Prof. Michael Rieger from Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt's Department of Medicine II, has now molecularly decoded the differentiation pathways of human blood stem cells into all specialized blood cell types. Using state-of-the-art sequencing methods, the research team identified gene and protein expression patterns in more than 62,000 individual cells and analyzed the resulting data with high-performance computing. -- "We were able to gain an overview of the molecular processes in stem cells and discover new surface proteins that are crucial for the complex interaction between stem cells and their bone marrow environment," explains Rieger. "This provides us with detailed insights into what exactly the unique characteristics of a stem cell are and which genes regulate stem cell differentiation. This newly established technology in my lab will answer many unresolved questions in health research with extraordinary precision." -- The researchers uncovered an unexpected finding: "We found a protein called PD-L2 on the surface of blood stem cells, which we know suppresses the immune response of our defense cells -- the T cells -- by preventing their activation and proliferation and inhibiting the release of inflammatory substances called cytokines," summarizes the study's first author, PhD student Tessa Schmachtel. -- PD-L2 likely serves to prevent immune-mediated damage, biologist Schmachtel explains. "This is particularly important for protecting stem cells from potential attacks by reactive T cells and likely plays a key role in stem cell transplantations with grafts from unrelated donors. PD-L2 could help to reduce the body's immune response against the transplanted stem cells." -- Rieger is convinced: "Groundbreaking discoveries can only be made on the basis of close interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, scientists, and bioinformaticians -- as practiced at Universitätsmedizin Frankfurt -- and through the establishment of international networks."	A01 N02	415
2512-E031	5,700-Year Archive Reveals Increasing Storm Frequency In The Caribbean	5,700-Year Archive Reveals Increasing Storm Frequency In The Caribbean	Goethe University Frankfurt	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A storm, even once it has passed, can leave traces in the ocean that last for thousands of years. These consist of sediment layers composed of coarse particles, which are different from the finer sediments associated with good weather. In the Caribbean, an international research team led by Goethe University Frankfurt has now examined such sediments using a 30 m long core from a "blue hole" offshore Belize. The analysis shows that over the past 5,700 years, the frequency of tropical storms and hurricanes in the region has steadily increased. For the 21st century, the research team predicts a significant rise in regional storm frequency as a result of climate change. -- In the shallow waters of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, located 80 kilometers off the coast of the small Central American country of Belize, the seabed suddenly drops steeply. -- Resembling a dark blue eye surrounded by coral reefs, the "Great Blue Hole" is a 125-meter-deep underwater cave with a diameter of 300 meters, which originated thousands of years ago from a karst cave located on a limestone island. -- During the last ice age, the cave's roof collapsed. As ice sheets melted and global sea level started to rise, the cave was subsequently flooded. -- In the summer of 2022, a team of scientists -- led by Prof. Eberhard Gischler, head of the Biosedimentology Research Group at Goethe University Frankfurt, and funded by the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) -- transported a drilling platform over the open sea to the "Great Blue Hole." They then proceeded to extract a 30-meter sediment core from the underwater cave, which has been accumulating sediment for approximately 20,000 years. -- The core was subsequently analyzed by a research team from the universities of Frankfurt, Cologne, Göttingen, Hamburg, and Bern. -- Coarse layers are a testimony to tropical storms -- Some 7,200 years ago, the former limestone island of what is now Lighthouse Reef was inundated by the sea. -- The layered sediments at the bottom of the "Great Blue Hole" serve as archive for extreme weather events of the past 5,700 years, including tropical storms and hurricanes. -- Dr. Dominik Schmitt, a researcher in the Biosedimentology Research Group and the study's lead author, explains: "Due to the unique environmental conditions -- including oxygen-free bottom water and several stratified water layers -- fine marine sediments could settle largely undisturbed in the 'Great Blue Hole.' Inside the sediment core, they look a bit like tree rings, with the annual layers alternating in color between gray-green and light green depending on organic content." Storm waves and storm surges transported coarse particles from the atoll's eastern reef edge into the "Great Blue Hole," forming distinct sedimentary event layers (tempestites) at the bottom.	Z01	416
2502-T042	AI To Revolutionize Nanostructure Construction: A New Research Initiative	AI in Nanostructure Construction: A new research initiative at TU Graz aims to revolutionize the construction of nanostructures using artificial intelligence. By developing an autonomous AI system capable of precisely positioning molecules, the project promises to enhance the complexity and efficiency of nanoscale material fabrication.	Graz University of Technology	Computer Physics Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The chemical composition of a material alone sometimes reveals little about its properties. The decisive factor is often the arrangement of the molecules in the atomic lattice structure or on the surface of the material. Materials science utilises this factor to create certain properties by applying individual atoms and molecules to surfaces with the aid of high-performance microscopes. This is still extremely time-consuming and the constructed nanostructures are comparatively simple. -- Using artificial intelligence, a new research group at TU Graz now wants to take the construction of nanostructures to a new level: "We want to develop a self-learning AI system that positions individual molecules quickly, specifically and in the right orientation, and all this completely autonomously," says Oliver Hofmann from the Institute of Solid State Physics, who heads the research group. -- This should make it possible to build highly complex molecular structures, including logic circuits in the nanometre range. -- The "Molecule arrangement through artificial intelligence" research group is receiving funding totalling 1.19 million euros from the Austrian Science Fund. -- Positioning using a scanning tunnelling microscope -- The positioning of individual molecules on a material's surface is carried out using a scanning tunnelling microscope. -- The tip of the probe emits an electrical impulse to deposit a molecule it is carrying. -- "A person needs a few minutes to complete this step for a simple molecule," says Oliver Hofmann. -- "But in order to build complicated structures with potentially exciting effects, many thousands of complex molecules have to be positioned individually and the result then tested. This of course takes a relatively long time." -- However, a scanning tunnelling microscope can also be controlled by a computer.	R01 T01	417
2513-E042	3D-Printed Skin Model Aims To Replace Animal Testing For Cosmetic Safety	Researchers from TU Graz and the Vellore Institute of Technology are innovating a 3D-printed skin-like material embedded with living cells to test nanoparticles in cosmetics without resorting to animal testing. This alternative approach aims to meet strict regulations against animal testing in cosmetics while effectively evaluating the safety and toxicity of ingredients, representing a significant advance in ethical research practices in the beauty industry.	Graz University of Technology	STAR Protocols	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from TU Graz and the Vellore Institute of Technology in India is developing a 3D-printed skin imitation equipped with living cells in order to test nanoparticles from cosmetics without animal testing. -- Directive 2010/63/EU laid down restrictions on animal testing for the testing of cosmetics and their ingredients throughout the EU. Therefore, there is an intense search for alternatives to test the absorption and toxicity of nanoparticles from cosmetics such as sun creams. -- A team of researchers from Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) in India is working on the development of skin imitations that mimic the native three-layer tissue structure and biomechanics of human skin. -- Such imitations can be produced using 3D printing and consist of hydrogel formulations that are printed together with living cells. -- Hydrogels in which skin cells survive and grow -- "The hydrogels for our skin imitation from the 3D printer have to fulfil a number of requirements," says Karin Stana Kleinschek from the Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Biobased Systems. -- "The hydrogels must be able to interact with living skin cells. These cells not only have to survive, but also have to be able to grow and multiply." The starting point for stable and 3D-printable structures are hydrogel formulations developed at TU Graz. -- Hydrogels are characterised by their high-water content, which creates ideal conditions for the integration and growth of cells. -- However, the high-water content also requires methods for mechanical and chemical stabilisation of the 3D prints. -- TU Graz is working intensively on cross-linking methods for stabilisation.	N01	418
2505-072	Study Shows Fans Are Ineffective For Cooling Elderly During Extreme Heat Conditions	A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association investigated the effects of electric fans on older adults' core temperatures and heart rates in extreme indoor conditions. Participants aged 65-85 spent eight hours in a simulated environment of high heat and humidity, revealing that fan use provided little physiological benefit, as core temperatures remained elevated across all conditions. While comfort levels improved slightly, the findings emphasize the limited effectiveness of fans for cooling older adults in extreme heat.	Griffith University	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	A Canadian research team has released the results of a study on stress resilience in seniors. Their findings were published on January 5, 2025 in Frontiers in Psychology.The study involving 170 seniors with an average age of 76 found that O'stress, a six-week stress management program, had beneficial effects on the emotional health of participants. Those who followed the program used more problem-solving strategies and had less anxiety three weeks after completing the program and their diurnal cortisol levels, an indicator of chronic stress, were significantly lower than those of non-participants. -- Program for teens adapted to seniors -- The O'stress program is based on DeStress for Success, an innovative program created by the Centre for Studies on Human Stress to help teens deal with the stress of transitioning to high school. -- In a groundbreaking study led by Sonia Lupien, the Centre's director, published in Neuroscience in 2013, DeStress for Success was shown to decrease cortisol levels and depressive symptoms in participating teens who were experiencing strong negative emotions at the start of the school year. -- Since then, DeStress for Success has been adapted in partnership with Plusquellec's team for several populations, including teens at high risk for behavioural problems (2016) and young people with autism spectrum disorder (2018). -- Countering emotional contagion -- In her doctoral research under the supervision of Université de Montréal professors Pierrich Plusquellec and Sébastien Grenier, Marie-Josée Richer adapted DeStress for Success to the specific needs of seniors. -- "Aging, like adolescence but for different reasons, is a particularly sensitive period when individuals are more vulnerable to chronic stress and its consequences," Plusquellec noted. -- O'stress incorporates elements relevant to aging, social relationships and, in particular, emotional contagion, the tendency to get caught up in the emotions of others. According to a recent study by the same researchers, emotional contagion is a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors. An educational component on emotional contagion was therefore included in the O'stress program to help participants recognize and manage this dynamic on a daily basis. -- O'stress uses a variety of approaches including small-group workshops to help seniors identify symptoms of stress and release that energy through activities such as bopping to The Beatles' "Twist and Shout." Participants also analyze their social network to identify sources of support, pressure and emotional contagion, and then problem-solve to find solutions.	A01 H02 R01	419
2505-E048	Urgent Funding Needed: $15.6 Billion Annually To Save Australia’s Priority Species	A recent study estimates that preventing the extinction of 99 of Australia’s priority species will require an investment of $15.6 billion annually for 30 years. Conducted by Griffith University's Centre for Planetary Health, the research highlights urgent funding needs to combat habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change threats. With over 100 native species lost in the last three centuries, this study emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to protect Australia's unique biodiversity.	Griffith University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Playing music has long been a way for expectant parents to connect with their children in the womb, but a group of researchers has found evidence it can calm fetal heart rates, potentially providing developmental benefits. -- In Chaos, by AIP Publishing, researchers from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, the Metropolitan Autonomous University, the General Hospital Nicolás San Juan, and the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez studied the effect of classical music on a fetal heartbeat. -- The team used mathematical analysis tools to identify patterns in heart rate variability. -- Typical measures of heart rate are an average of several beats across multiple seconds. -- In contrast, heart rate variability measures the time between individual beats. -- This measure can provide insight into the maturation of the fetal autonomic nervous system, with greater variability often indicating healthy development. -- To test the effects music can have on fetal heart rate, the group of researchers recruited 36 pregnant women and played a pair of classical pieces for their fetuses. -- For the experiment, they chose "The Swan," by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, and "Arpa de Oro," by Mexican composer Abundio Martínez. -- By attaching external heart rate monitors, the researchers could measure the fetal heart rate response to both songs. -- And by employing nonlinear recurrence quantification analysis, they could identify changes in heart rate variability during and after the music was played.	H01 C01	420
2502-T035	Researchers Measure Rf252 Nucleus, Pushing Boundaries Of Super-Heavies And Island Of Stability	Researchers from GSI/FAIR and other institutions have advanced the exploration of the island of stability in superheavy nuclides by measuring the rutherfordium-252 nucleus. This work, which highlights the shortest-lived known superheavy nucleus, contributes to understanding how specific combinations of protons and neutrons can enhance nuclear stability. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, suggest pathways for creating new superheavy elements and deepen knowledge about nuclear structure.	GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from GSI/FAIR, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz has succeeded in exploring the limits of the so-called island of stability within the superheavy nuclides more precisely by measuring the superheavy rutherfordium-252 nucleus, which is now the shortest-lived known superheavy nucleus. The results were published in the journal Physical Review Letters and highlighted as an "Editor's suggestion." -- The strong force ensures cohesion in atomic nuclei consisting of protons and neutrons. -- However, as the positively charged protons repel each other, nuclei with too many protons are at risk of splitting -- a challenge in the production of new, superheavy elements. -- Certain combinations of protons and neutrons, the so-called "magic numbers," give nuclei additional stability. -- When taking these magic combinations into account, theoretical works dating back to the 1960s predict an island of stability in the sea of unstable superheavy nuclei, where very long lifetimes could be achieved, even approaching the age of the Earth. -- The concept of this island has since been confirmed, with the observation of increasing half-lives in the heaviest currently known nuclei as the predicted next magic number of 184 neutrons is approached. -- However, the location of the peak of this island, its height (reflecting the maximum expected half-life), and also the island's extension are still unknown. -- Researchers at GSI/FAIR in Darmstadt, the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (HIM) have now come a step closer to mapping this island, by discovering the shortest-lived superheavy nucleus known thus far, which marks the position of the island's shoreline in nuclei of rutherfordium (Rf, element 104). -- To allow experimental detection, the minimum lifetime of superheavy nuclei is on the order of a millionth of a second, which renders extremely short-lived superheavy nuclei in the vicinity of sea of instability inaccessible. -- But there is a trick: Sometimes, excited states, stabilized by quantum effects, show longer lifetimes and open a doorway to the short-lived nuclei.	A01 R01 C01 T01	421
2504-059	Asymptomatic Brain Metastasis More Common In Stage 4 Breast Cancer Patients	Research indicates that asymptomatic brain metastasis in stage 4 breast cancer patients is more prevalent than previously recognized. This study necessitates a reevaluation of current screening guidelines, stressing the importance of MRI scans even for patients without symptoms, to ensure timely detection and intervention for brain metastasis across various breast cancer subtypes.	H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute	Neuro-Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center shows that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more common in stage 4 breast cancer patients than previously believed. The study, published in Neuro-Oncology, suggests that doctors may need to rethink current screening guidelines for detecting brain metastasis in patients without symptoms. -- Researchers examined 101 asymptomatic patients diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, including triple-negative, HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. -- These patients underwent MRI scans to check for brain metastasis, with a follow-up MRI six months later if the initial scan showed no signs of cancer spread. -- Of the patients who completed the initial MRI, 14% had brain metastasis. -- The rates by subtype were: -- 18% in triple-negative breast cancer -- 15% in HER2-positive breast cancer -- 10% in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer -- After the second MRI, the number of patients with brain metastasis grew to about 25% in each subtype. -- Following diagnosis, patients went on to receive early treatment for their brain metastases, including changes in systemic therapy and local therapies.	H01 H02 R01 R02	422
2504-T027	AI Collaboration With Doctors Enhances Cancer Treatment Outcomes In Radiotherapy	A recent study from Moffitt Cancer Center underscores the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance decision-making in cancer treatment while revealing the complexities of human-AI collaboration. Focusing on AI-assisted radiotherapy for lung and liver cancers, the research demonstrates how AI can promote consistency in treatment plans, though it also highlights instances where doctors might prioritize their clinical judgment over AI recommendations in patient care.	H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers from Moffitt Cancer Center, in collaboration with investigators from the University of Michigan, shows that artificial intelligence (AI) can help doctors make better decisions when treating cancer. However, it also highlights challenges in how doctors and AI work together. The study, published in Nature Communications, focused on AI-assisted radiotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). -- Radiotherapy is a common treatment for cancer that uses high-energy radiation to kill or shrink tumors. The study looked at a treatment approach known as knowledge-based response-adaptive radiotherapy (KBR-ART). This method uses AI to optimize treatment outcomes by suggesting treatment adjustments based on how well the patient responds to the therapy. -- The study found that when doctors used AI to help decide the best treatment plan, they made more consistent choices, reducing differences between doctors' decisions. However, the technology didn't always change doctors' minds. In some cases, doctors disagreed with the AI suggested and made treatment decisions based on their experience and patient needs. -- Doctors were asked to make treatment decisions for cancer patients, first without any technological assistance, and then with the help of AI. The AI system developed by the researchers uses patient data like medical imaging and test results to recommend changes in radiation doses. While some doctors found the suggestions helpful, others preferred to rely on their own judgment. -- "While AI offers insights based on complex data, the human touch remains crucial in cancer care," said Issam El Naqa, Ph.D., chair of the Machine Learning Dept. at Moffitt. "Every patient is unique, and doctors must make decisions based on both AI recommendations and their own clinical judgment." -- The researchers noted that while AI can be a helpful tool, doctors need to trust it for it to work well. Their study found that doctors were more likely to follow AI suggestions when they felt confident in its recommendations. "Our research shows that AI can be a powerful tool for doctors," said Dipesh Niraula, Ph.D., an applied research scientist in Moffitt's Machine Learning Department. "But it's important to recognize that AI works best when it's used as a support, not a replacement, for human expertise. Doctors bring their expertise and experience to the table, while AI provides data-driven insights. Together, they can make better treatment plans, but it requires trust and clear communication." -- The study's authors hope that their findings can lead to better integration of AI tools and collaborative relationships that doctors can use to make more personalized treatment decisions for cancer patients. They also plan to further investigate how AI can support doctors in other medical fields. -- This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R01-CA233487).	A01 H01 R01 T01	423
2505-094	Community Pickleball Program Enhances Health And Well-Being For Cancer Survivors	The community-based pickleball program Project Rally is proving beneficial for cancer survivors by enhancing their physical and social well-being. Research from Moffitt Cancer Center indicates high levels of participation and enjoyment among participants, highlighting the importance of physical activity in cancer survivorship and the need for effective supportive programs.	H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute	Healthcare	Press Rel	PubMed	Zaps of static electricity might be a wintertime annoyance, but to certain scientists, they represent an untapped source of energy. Using a device called a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy using triboelectric effect static. Many TENGs contain expensive, specially fabricated materials, but one team has instead used inexpensive store-bought tape, plastic and aluminum metal. The researchers report an improved version of their tape-based TENG in ACS Omega. -- The research team, led by Gang Wang and Moon-Hyung Jang, previously stacked layers of a store-bought double-sided tape, plastic film and aluminum metal to form an effective, low-cost TENG. -- When the layers of tape were pressed together and pulled apart, a small amount of electricity was generated. -- But the tape's stickiness proved problematic, requiring a lot of force to detach the layers. -- For the new and improved TENG, researchers replaced the double-sided tape with layers of thicker, heavy-duty single-sided tape. -- Unlike the old version, power is generated by the interaction between the polypropylene backing of the tape and the acrylic adhesive layer. -- The smooth surfaces can easily stick and unstick from one another, enabling the TENG to be rapidly connected and disconnected, thereby generating even more power in a shorter amount of time than before. -- Researchers accomplished this by placing the TENG atop a vibrational plate that bounced the tape layers apart, generating electricity as they came into contact and separated repeatedly. -- In tests, the new device produced a maximum power of 53 milliwatts. -- Additionally, it created enough power to light more than 350 LED lights as well as a laser pointer.	H01 H02 R01	424
2510-081	Targeting MARCO Protein Enhances Immunotherapy Effectiveness For Melanoma Patients	Research from Moffitt Cancer Center reveals that targeting a protein called MARCO can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in melanoma patients. By blocking MARCO alongside anti-CTLA4 therapy, tumor regression significantly improves. This study indicates promising pathways for treating resistant tumors, as manipulating immune cell behavior could lead to better outcomes for melanoma and potentially other cancers.	H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute	Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Moffitt Cancer Center have found a new way to boost cancer immunotherapy by targeting a protein called macrophage receptor with collagenous structure, or MARCO. Their study, published in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, shows that blocking MARCO in combination with a type of immunotherapy known as anti-CTLA4 therapy, significantly enhances tumor regression in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. -- The researchers found that inhibiting MARCO changes the behavior of certain immune cells in the tumor, leading to more immune cells entering the tumor and making the anti-CTLA4 therapy more effective. -- This new approach could help overcome resistance to current treatments, especially in tumors that usually have few immune cells, known as "cold" tumors. -- "Our findings provide strong evidence that targeting MARCO can enhance the effectiveness of existing immunotherapies without requiring macrophage depletion," said James Mulé. iPh.D., associate center director for Translational Science at Moffitt and lead author of the study. -- "This discovery paves the way for new combination treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers." -- The study highlights that the combination of an anti-MARCO monoclonal antibody with anti-CTLA4 therapy significantly increases immune cell infiltration, including conventional dendritic cells, a key factor in activating a robust anti-tumor immune response. -- This effect was not observed when MARCO was targeted alongside anti-PD1 therapy, emphasizing the importance of this approach in boosting anti-CTLA4 treatment. -- These findings open new avenues for clinical research, with potential applications in treating patients who do not respond to current immunotherapy options. -- The study also suggests that incorporating MARCO-targeting strategies into neoadjuvant or adjuvant settings may help reduce cancer recurrence risks by enhancing immune priming within the tumor microenvironment. -- This study was supported by the National Cancer Institute (P30-CA076292).	H01 R01	425
2511-069	New Vaccine Strategy Shows Promise For HER2-Positive Breast Cancer	Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have discovered a dendritic cell vaccine that may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy for a specific type of breast cancer. In a pilot study involving patients with HER2-positive and ER-negative breast cancer, the vaccine showed safety and significant immune responses, suggesting it could improve treatment outcomes and potentially lead to complete tumor disappearance in some cases.	H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute	npj Breast Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have discovered a promising new vaccine strategy for treating a specific type of breast cancer. The innovative approach targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive, estrogen receptor-negative (HER2-positive, ER-negative) breast cancer and has shown encouraging results in a recent pilot study. Published in npj Breast Cancer, the study combined the HER2-targeting dendritic cell vaccines with standard chemotherapy, demonstrating both safety and positive response rates. -- The study enrolled 30 patients with stage 2 and stage 3 HER2-positive, ER-negative breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. -- Researchers gave the HER2-directed dendritic cell vaccine before chemotherapy to determine its effects on immune response and treatment outcomes. -- The results showed that patients receiving the vaccine had significant immune activity, with complete tumor disappearance observed in a notable percentage of cases. -- "Our findings suggest that the dendritic cell vaccine can boost the body's immune response against tumors, potentially improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy," said Hatem Soliman, M.D., medical oncologist in the Breast Oncology Department at Moffitt and lead author of the study. -- "This approach may offer a new way to enhance breast cancer treatment and patient outcomes." -- The study also found that injecting the vaccine directly into the tumor led to greater immune cell activity within the tumor environment. -- This could help refine future immunotherapy strategies for breast cancer and other types of cancer. -- "These findings highlight the potential of immunotherapy to transform how we treat HER2-positive breast cancer," said Brian Czerniecki, M.D., Ph.D., co-author and chair of the Breast Oncology Department at Moffitt. -- "By stimulating the immune system, we may be able to create more effective, long-lasting responses for patients."	A01 H01 R01	426
2503-E011	Quinone Innovations: Revolutionizing Carbon Capture Technology	A study from Harvard University reveals how innovative carbon capture systems using quinones in water can contribute to climate change mitigation. This research uncovers the mechanisms behind these safer, more efficient electrochemical processes, paving the way for improved carbon capture technologies. The findings offer promising insights for developing sustainable solutions to reduce industrial carbon emissions.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Nature Chemical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Carbon capture, or the isolation and removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during industrial processes like cement mixing or steel production, is widely regarded as a key component of fighting climate change. Existing carbon capture technologies, such as amine scrubbing, are hard to deploy because they require significant energy to operate and involve corrosive compounds. -- As a promising alternative, researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed carbon capture systems that use molecules called quinones, dissolved in water, as their capturing compounds. -- A new study in Nature Chemical Engineering provides critical insights into the mechanisms of carbon capture in these safer, gentler, water-based electrochemical systems, paving the way for their further refinement. -- Led by former Harvard postdoctoral fellow Kiana Amini, now an assistant professor at University of British Columbia, the study outlines the detailed chemistry of how an aqueous, quinone-mediated carbon capture system works, showcasing the interplay of two types of electrochemistry that contribute to the system's performance. -- The study's senior author is Michael J. Aziz, the Gene and Tracy Sykes Professor of Materials and Energy Technologies at SEAS. -- Aziz' lab previously invented a redox flow battery technology that uses similar quinone chemistry to store energy for commercial and grid applications. -- Quinones are abundant, small organic molecules found in both crude oil and rhubarb that can convert, trap, and release CO2 from the atmosphere many times over. -- Through lab experiments, the Harvard team knew that quinones trap carbon in two distinct ways. -- These two processes happen simultaneously, but the researchers have been unsure of each one's contributions to overall carbon capture -- as if their experimental electrochemical device were a black box. -- This study opens the box.	C01 T01	427
2504-T023	Ancient Mars: Discovering The Warm, Wet History Of The Red Planet	Researchers from Harvard University have provided new insights into the climatic history of Mars, suggesting chemical mechanisms that allowed the planet to sustain liquid water billions of years ago. Their findings challenge previous assumptions regarding Mars' ability to retain warmth despite its distance from the sun and the faintness of the sun in its early history. By analyzing the role of hydrogen in Martian atmospheric chemistry, they aim to clarify the conditions that may have once supported life on the Red Planet.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Nature Geoscience	Press Rel	PubMed	The fact that the cold, dry Mars of today had flowing rivers and lakes several billion years ago has puzzled scientists for decades. Now, Harvard researchers think they have a good explanation for a warmer, wetter ancient Mars. -- Building on prior theories describing the Mars of yore as a hot again, cold again place, a team led by researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have determined the chemical mechanisms by which ancient Mars was able to sustain enough warmth in its early days to host water, and possibly life. -- "It's been such a puzzle that there was liquid water on Mars, because Mars is further from the sun, and also, the sun was fainter early on," said Danica Adams, NASA Sagan Postdoctoral Fellow and lead author of the new paper in Nature Geoscience. -- Hydrogen was previously theorized as the magic ingredient, mixed with carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere to trigger episodes of greenhouse warming. -- But the lifetime of atmospheric hydrogen is short, so a more detailed analysis was required. -- Now, Adams; Robin Wordsworth, the Gordon McKay Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering at SEAS; and team have performed photochemical modeling -- similar to methods used today to track air pollutants -- to fill in details of the early Martian atmosphere's relationship to hydrogen, and how that relationship changed over time. -- "Early Mars is a lost world, but it can be reconstructed in great detail if we ask the right questions," Wordsworth said. -- "This study synthesizes atmospheric chemistry and climate for the first time, to make some striking new predictions -- which are testable once we bring Mars rocks back to Earth." -- Adams modified a model called KINETICS to simulate how a combination of hydrogen and other gases reacting with both the ground and the air controlled the early Martian climate. -- She found that during Mars' Noachian and Hesperian periods, between 4 and 3 billion years ago, Mars experienced episodic warm spells over about 40 million years, with each event lasting 100,000 or more years.	C01	428
2507-015	Researchers Map 70,000 Synaptic Connections In Rat Neurons Using Silicon Chip	Harvard researchers have mapped over 70,000 synaptic connections among 2,000 rat neurons using an advanced silicon chip. This significant achievement in neuronal recording technology could lead to more detailed synaptic connection maps, enhancing our understanding of brain function and the dynamics of neuron-to-neuron communication.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Harvard researchers have mapped and catalogued more than 70,000 synaptic connections from about 2,000 rat neurons, using a silicon chip capable of recording small yet telltale synaptic signals from a large number of neurons. -- The research, published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, is a major advance in neuronal recording and may help bring scientists a step closer to drawing a detailed synaptic connection map of the brain. -- Higher-order brain functions are believed to be derived from the ways brain cells, or neurons, are connected. -- Neuron-to-neuron contact points are called synapses, and scientists seek to draw synaptic connection maps that show not only which neurons connect to which other neurons, but also how strong each connection is. While electron microscopy has been used with great success to make visual maps of synaptic connections, these images lack information on connection strengths and thus the ultimate function of the neuronal network. -- In contrast, a patch-clamp electrode, the gold standard in neuronal recording, can effectively get inside an individual neuron to record a faint synaptic signal with high sensitivity, and thus can find a synaptic connection and tell its strength. -- Scientists have long tried to apply such high-sensitivity intracellular recording to a large number of neurons in parallel, in order to measure and characterize a large number of synaptic signals and thus draw a map annotated with connection strengths. -- But they have seldom gotten further than obtaining intracellular access from a handful of neurons at once. -- The researchers, led by Donhee Ham, the John A. and Elizabeth S. Armstrong Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), developed an array of 4,096 microhole electrodes on a silicon chip, which performed massively parallel intracellular recording of rat neurons cultured on the chip. -- From these unprecedented recording data that abounded with synaptic signals, they extracted over 70,000 synaptic connections from about 2,000 neurons. -- The work builds on the team's 2020 breakthrough device -- an array of 4,096 vertical nanoneedle electrodes sticking out of a silicon chip of the same integrated circuit design.	R02 T01	429
2507-E019	Machine Learning Optimizes Biohybrid Ray Development For Enhanced Efficiency	The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and NTT Research have developed biohybrid rays that leverage machine learning to enhance swimming efficiency. Their innovative approach has produced miniaturized biohybrid structures comprising heart cells and rubber, demonstrating a significant improvement in performance over traditional methods. This research paves the way for advanced biohybrid robot designs.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and NTT Research, Inc., a division of NTT, announced the publication of research showing an application of machine-learning directed optimization (ML-DO) that efficiently searches for high-performance design configurations in the context of biohybrid robots. Applying a machine learning approach, the researchers created mini biohybrid rays made of cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) and rubber with a wingspan of about 10 mm that are approximately two times more efficient at swimming than those recently developed under a conventional biomimetic approach. -- A team led by Harvard SEAS Postdoctoral Fellow John Zimmerman and including NTT Research Medical and Health Informatics Scientist Ryoma Ishii, Harvard SEAS Tarr Family Professor of Bioengineering and Applied Physics Kevin Kit Parker, and members of the Harvard SEAS Disease Biophysics Group led by Parker demonstrated this research in a new paper published in Science Robotics titled, "Bioinspired Design of a Tissue Engineered Ray with Machine Learning." -- "This research seeks to answer a fundamental question in the development of biohybrid robots, in this case the marine ray: How do we select fin geometries to operate under novel working environments while preserving natural scaling laws in terms of swimming speed and efficiency," said Ishii, who also works as a visiting scientist for Harvard University. -- "Our research indicates the application of ML-DO, inspired by protein engineering, offers a more efficient and less computationally intensive path forward in automating the creation of muscular structure-function relationships." -- Limitations of the Biomimetic Approach -- In biomimetic design, the conventional approach to biohybrids, engineers form functional devices by recreating existing biological structures. -- That approach, however, has limits. For biohybrid lifeforms that resemble batoid fishes (skates and rays), for example, there is a wide range of natural aspect ratios and fin morphologies. -- Which ones do you mimic? Also, biomimetics may neglect the natural biomechanical and hydrodynamic forces that govern how fast an organism can swim based on its size and body kinematics, leading to inefficient muscle mass and limited swimming speeds. -- In that light, the motivating question in this study became: How to select fin geometries that operate under novel working environments while preserving natural scaling laws in terms of swimming speed and efficiency? -- The Design Breakthroughs of Machine Learning	R01 N01 T01	430
2512-T024	New Interferometer Revolutionizes Light Manipulation For Fiber Optics	Harvard physicists have introduced a novel cascaded-mode interferometer that enhances control over light signals in fiber-optic technologies. This compact device, described in Science Advances, integrates multiple mechanisms in a single waveguide to manipulate light's frequency, intensity, and mode, opening doors for advancements in nanophotonic sensors and on-chip quantum computing.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Interferometers, devices that can modulate aspects of light, play the important role of modulating and switching light signals in fiber-optic communications networks and are frequently used for gas sensing and optical computing. -- Now, applied physicists at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have invented a new type of interferometer that allows precise control of light's frequency, intensity and mode in one compact package. -- Called a cascaded-mode interferometer, it is a single waveguide on a silicon-on-insulator platform that can create multiple signal paths to control the amplitude and phase of light simultaneously, a process known as optical spectral shaping. -- By combining mechanisms to manipulate different aspects of light into a single waveguide, the device could be used in advanced nanophotonic sensors or on-chip quantum computing. -- Published in Science Advances, the research was led by postdoctoral fellow Jinsheng Lu, who works in the lab of Federico Capasso, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering. -- Federal support for the work included award No. FA9550-23-1-0699 from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under. -- Devices were made at Harvard's Center for Nanoscale Systems, supported by the National Science Foundation under award No. ECCS-2025158. -- "Conceptually, this is a very big step forward compared to the state of the art for commercial high-speed modulators that are particularly used for communications," Capasso said. -- The most widely used such devices, known as Mach-Zehnder interferometers, work by splitting a beam of light down two paths to toggle its output. -- Despite their widespread use, Mach-Zehnder interferometers have their limitations -- they are not very good at simultaneously controlling different aspects of light.	C01 T01	431
2513-T008	Scientists Explore Rolling Physics Of Irregular Objects On Inclined Planes	A recent study at Harvard reveals the complexities of rolling physics in real-world objects, moving beyond simplistic textbook explanations. By combining theory, simulations, and experiments, researchers gained insights into how imperfect spherical objects behave on inclined planes, shedding light on phenomena that could impact various applications from robotics to cellular transport.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	How gravity causes a perfectly spherical ball to roll down an inclined plane is part of elementary school physics canon. But the world is messier than a textbook. -- Scientists in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have sought to quantitatively describe the much more complex rolling physics of real-world objects. -- Led by L. Mahadevan, the Lola England de Valpine Professor of Applied Mathematics, Physics, and Organismic and Evolutionary Biology in SEAS and FAS, they combined theory, simulations, and experiments to understand what happens when an imperfect, spherical object is placed on an inclined plane. -- Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research, which was inspired by nothing more than curiosity about the everyday world, could provide fundamental insights into anything that involves irregular objects that roll, from nanoscale cellular transport to robotics. -- "We go about the world seeing just about what everyone else sees," Mahadevan said. -- "But if we choose to pause and wonder even as we wander, we learn about the world, and perhaps even about ourselves. Drawing connections between different fields of mathematics and physics by exploring this simple problem was fun -- who knows, it might even turn out to be useful one day." -- The authors started with simulations of slightly irregular objects (either spheres or cylinders) rolling down various degrees of incline, noting that an irregularly shaped object does not always roll, whereas a uniform object will just roll along. -- The steeper the ramp, the more likely the object rolls; as the ramp flattens out, the more likely the object stops. -- The transition from not-rolling-to-rolling, which happens at a critical angle of inclination, is where some interesting physics is seen, said first author Daoyuan Qian, a former research fellow in Mahadevan's group. -- "Indeed the behavior of the object near the transition angle, or a critical point, has the features of a phase transition, or bifurcation, which separates two qualitatively distinct states -- rolling and not rolling," Qian said.	Z01	432
2513-T016	New Bilayer Metasurface Controls Complex Light Properties With Precision	Harvard researchers have created a bilayer metasurface made of two stacked layers of titanium dioxide, enhancing light manipulation capabilities. This advancement in nanotechnology opens new avenues for compact and multifunctional optical applications, reinforcing the potential of metasurfaces in various fields, from imaging to communications.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	Almost a decade ago, Harvard engineers unveiled the world's first visible-spectrum metasurfaces -- ultra-thin, flat devices patterned with nanoscale structures that could precisely control the behavior of light. A powerful alternative to traditional, bulky optical components, metasurfaces today enable compact, lightweight, multifunctional applications ranging from imaging systems and augmented reality to spectroscopy and communications. -- Now, researchers in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) are doubling down, literally, on metasurface technology by creating a bilayer metasurface, made of not one, but two stacked layers of titanium dioxide nanostructures. -- Under a microscope, the new device looks like a dense array of stepped skyscrapers. -- The research is published in Nature Communications. -- "This is a feat of nanotechnology at the highest level," said senior author Federico Capasso, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics and Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering at SEAS. -- "It opens up a new way to structure light, in which we can engineer all its aspects such as wavelength, phase and polarization in an unprecedented manner…It signifies a new avenue for metasurfaces that so far has been just scratching the surface." -- For centuries, optical systems have relied on bulky, curved lenses made of glass or plastic to bend and focus light. -- The SEAS-led metasurface revolution of the last decade has produced flat, ultra-thin structures patterned with millions of tiny elements that can manipulate light with nanometer precision. -- A striking example technology is the metalens: Unlike conventional lenses, metalenses can be fabricated with existing semiconductor manufacturing, making possible compact, integrated optical systems in devices like smartphones, cameras, and augmented reality displays. -- After Capasso's team reported their first working metalens that can bend visible light, they worked with Harvard's Office of Technology Development to license the technology and start a company, Metalenz.	A01 T01	433
2513-T023	Innovative Photon Router Could Enhance Quantum Networks For Improved Computing	Physicists at Harvard have developed a photon router designed for integration into quantum networks, enhancing optical interfaces for quantum computing. This innovation facilitates the control of microwave qubits through optical signals, bridging the gap between microwave and optical photons. As published in Nature Physics, this breakthrough represents a significant move toward modular and distributed quantum computing systems, which could efficiently utilize existing telecommunications infrastructure.	Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences	Nat.	Press Rel	PubMed	Applied physicists at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have created a photon router that could plug into quantum networks to create robust optical interfaces for noise-sensitive microwave quantum computers. -- The breakthrough is a crucial step toward someday realizing modular, distributed quantum computing networks that leverage existing telecommunications infrastructure. -- Comprising millions of miles of optical fiber, today's fiber-optic networks send information between computing clusters as pulses of light, or photons, all around the world in the blink of an eye. -- Led by Marko Lončar, the Tiantsai Lin Professor of Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics at SEAS, the team has created a microwave-optical quantum transducer, a device designed for quantum processing systems that use superconducting microwave qubits as their smallest units of operation (analogous to the 1s and 0s of classical bits). The research is published in Nature Physics. -- Effectively a router for photons, the transducer bridges the large energy gap between microwave and optical photons, thus enabling control of microwave qubits with optical signals generated many miles away. -- The device is the first of its kind to demonstrate control of a superconducting qubit using only light. -- Paper first author and graduate student Hana Warner said the transducer offers a way to tap the power of optics when dreaming up quantum networks. -- "The realization of these systems is still a ways out, but in order to get there, we need to figure out practical ways to scale and interface with the different components," Warner said. -- "Optical photons are one of the best ways you can do that, because they're very good carriers of information, with low loss, and high bandwidth." -- Superconducting qubits, which are nanofabricated circuits engineered for different energy states, are an emerging quantum computing platform due to their scalability, compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, and ability to maintain quantum superposition long enough to perform calculations.	T01	434
2501-037	Evaluating AI’s Clinical Communication Skills: New Realistic Testing Method Developed.	A new evaluation framework for assessing AI's clinical communication skills reveals that large-language models perform well on standardized tests but struggle with real-life scenarios. Researchers propose guidelines to enhance AI tools' performance, ensuring they align more closely with actual clinical interactions.	Harvard Medical School	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT have been touted for their promise to alleviate clinician workload by triaging patients, taking medical histories and even providing preliminary diagnoses. -- These tools, known as large-language models, are already being used by patients to make sense of their symptoms and medical tests results. -- But while these AI models perform impressively on standardized medical tests, how well do they fare in situations that more closely mimic the real world? -- Not that great, according to the findings of a new study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University. -- For their analysis, published Jan. 2 in Nature Medicine, the researchers designed an evaluation framework -- or a test -- called CRAFT-MD (Conversational Reasoning Assessment Framework for Testing in Medicine) and deployed it on four large-language models to see how well they performed in settings closely mimicking actual interactions with patients. -- All four large-language models did well on medical exam-style questions, but their performance worsened when engaged in conversations more closely mimicking real-world interactions. -- This gap, the researchers said, underscores a two-fold need: First, to create more realistic evaluations that better gauge the fitness of clinical AI models for use in the real world and, second, to improve the ability of these tools to make diagnosis based on more realistic interactions before they are deployed in the clinic. -- Evaluation tools like CRAFT-MD, the research team said, can not only assess AI models more accurately for real-world fitness but could also help optimize their performance in clinic. -- "Our work reveals a striking paradox -- while these AI models excel at medical board exams, they struggle with the basic back-and-forth of a doctor's visit," said study senior author Pranav Rajpurkar, assistant professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School. "The dynamic nature of medical conversations -- the need to ask the right questions at the right time, to piece together scattered information, and to reason through symptoms -- poses unique challenges that go far beyond answering multiple choice questions. When we switch from standardized tests to these natural conversations, even the most sophisticated AI models show significant drops in diagnostic accuracy." -- A better test to check AI's real-world performance	A01 H01 T01	435
2503-009	Exploring The Nipah Virus: Insights Into Its Structure And Potential Drug Targets	Researchers have mapped a key component of the Nipah virus, providing insights into how its polymerase influences viral replication and infectivity. This work aims to develop treatments against the deadly virus, which has no current vaccines or effective treatments, highlighting the urgent need for research on this high-risk pathogen.	Harvard Medical School	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Harvard Medical School and Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine have mapped a critical component of the Nipah virus, a highly lethal bat-borne pathogen that has caused outbreaks in humans almost every year since it was identified in 1999. -- The advance, described Jan. 20 in Cell, brings scientists a step closer to developing much-needed medicines. Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent or mitigate infection with the Nipah virus and no effective treatments for the disease other than supportive care. -- The virus, harbored by fruit bats, can be transmitted to pigs and to humans. It can also infect people through contaminated food and can travel directly from person to person via droplets released when coughing. The World Health Organization has declared Nipah virus a priority pathogen, a designation given to organisms that can cause serious outbreaks and require urgent research to inform prevention and treatment strategies. -- Nipah virus has the potential to ignite a pandemic, researchers say, because it can spread via airborne droplets and respiratory secretions. Additionally, the researchers note, evidence hints that some infected people who develop milder, nonspecific symptoms may still transmit the virus. -- In severe cases, the infection can cause serious respiratory illness and encephalitis, a form of brain inflammation that can lead to devastating neurologic deficits and death. The virus kills between 40 and 75 percent of those infected, according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By comparison, Ebola virus kills between 25 and 90 percent of those infected in past outbreaks, with an average death rate of 50 percent. -- In the new study, researchers homed in on a part of the viral machinery called the viral polymerase complex, a group of proteins the virus uses to copy its genetic material, spread, and infect cells. The work provides a detailed three-dimensional picture of the virus's polymerase and its key features. Understanding the structure and behavior of this critical piece of the viral machinery illuminates how the pathogen multiplies inside its hosts. -- Until now, the structure and function of the Nipah virus polymerase remained poorly understood, researchers said, cautioning that further research would be needed to fully understand how the polymerase makes the different types of genetic materials that enable the virus to multiply. -- Nonetheless, the team said, unraveling this piece of the viral apparatus is the critical first step toward profiling the inner workings of a virus that poses a serious threat. -- "Identifying how the polymerase is regulated to switch on and switch off the different enzymatic activities that are required for viral replication would be game-changing, and this study represents a key step towards that goal," said study co-corresponding author Rachel Fearns, Chair and Ernest Barsamian Professor of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. -- Unraveling the molecular structure of the viral polymerase complex provides a foundation that can inform the design of treatments.	H01 R01 R02	436
2504-E029	New Drug Regimens Offer Hope For Faster, Safer Multidrug-Resistant TB Treatment	A new international clinical trial has identified three promising drug regimens for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, offering safer and more effective options. These regimens leverage recently developed medications to shorten treatment duration and enhance patient accessibility, addressing the urgent global challenge posed by drug-resistant TB strains.	Harvard Medical School	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Tuberculosis remains one of the top infectious disease killers worldwide, a challenge amplified by drug-resistant forms of the disease. Now, in a major step forward, an international clinical trial has found three new safe and effective drug regimens for tuberculosis that is resistant to rifampin, the most effective of the first-line antibiotics used to treat TB. -- The research, published Jan. 30 in the New England Journal of Medicine, was led by researchers at Harvard Medical School and other members of the endTB project, a collaboration among Partners In Health, Médecins Sans Frontières, and Interactive Research and Development, with help from researchers and clinicians at academic medical centers and research hubs worldwide. -- The newly identified regimens take advantage of recently discovered drugs to expand the treatment arsenal and give physicians new ways to shorten and personalize treatment, minimize side effects, and treat patients using only pills instead of daily injections. -- They also offer alternatives in case of drug intolerance, medication shortages or unavailability, or drug resistance, the researchers said. -- The endTB trial is one of four recent efforts to use randomized controlled trials to test new, shorter, less toxic regimens for drug-resistant TB. endTB uses two new drugs -- bedaquiline and delamanid -- which, when brought to market in 2012-2013, were the first new TB medicines developed in nearly 50 years. -- To find shorter, injection-free drug combinations for people infected with TB resistant to rifampin, endTB tested five new, all-oral 9-month regimens using the two new drugs in combination with older medications. -- A third drug, pretomanid, received emergency authorization from the FDA for specific use within a regimen against highly drug-resistant TB in 2019, after the endTB clinical trial was underway, and is not included in the regimens used in these trials. -- Trial regimens were considered effective if they performed at least as well as the control group, which received a well-performing standard of care composed in accordance with a stringent interpretation of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. -- The three successful new regimens were successful for between 85 and 90 percent of patients, compared with 81 percent success for people in the control group. -- The control group was treated with longer treatments, which also included the recently discovered medicines.	A01 H01	437
2506-043	Newly Discovered Enzyme Fuels Growth Of Cancer Cells, Research Finds	Researchers from Harvard Medical School have identified the enzyme GUK1, which plays a crucial role in enhancing the metabolism of cancer cells, particularly in lung cancers with genetic alterations. This discovery provides a deeper understanding of how certain cancers manipulate metabolic processes to support aggressive tumor growth, opening avenues for targeted therapies that combat this complex disease more effectively.	Harvard Medical School	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Lung cancer is a particularly challenging form of cancer. It often strikes unexpectedly and aggressively with little warning, and it can shapeshift in unpredictable ways to evade treatment. -- While researchers have gleaned important insights into the basic biology of lung cancer, some of the disease's molecular maneuvers have remained elusive. -- Now, a team led by scientists at Harvard Medical School has made strides in understanding how a genetic flaw in some lung cancers alters cancer cell metabolism to fuel the disease. -- Working with mouse models and human cancer cells, the researchers identified a metabolic enzyme called GUK1 in lung cancers harboring an alteration in the ALK gene. -- Their experiments showed that GUK1 plays an important role in boosting metabolism in tumor cells to help them grow. -- The findings, reported Feb. 6 in Cell and supported in part by federal funding, provide a clearer picture of how metabolism works in lung cancer. -- The research could set the stage for developing therapies that target GUK1 to curb cancer growth, the team said. -- Lung cancer: A formidable foe -- As a thoracic oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, co-first author Jaime Schneider regularly treats patients with lung cancer, and sees firsthand how aggressive and persistent the disease can be. -- "A huge percentage of patients I see in the clinic do well for some period of time on the currently available therapies, but eventually relapse," said Schneider, who is also an instructor of medicine in cell biology at HMS.	R01	438
2507-089	Hydrodissection May Alleviate Pain And Reduce Opioid Use In Amputees	A study by researchers at Harvard Medical School reveals brain circuitry involved in reward-based decision-making in mice. The findings provide insight into how the brain evaluates risk and reward, contributing to our understanding of cognitive processes that guide behavior. This research holds implications for further studies on decision-making and neural mechanisms in humans.	Harvard Medical School	Harvard Medical School	Press Rel	PubMed	Every day, our brain makes thousands of decisions, big and small. Any of these decisions -- from the least consequential such as picking a restaurant to the more important such as pursuing a different career or moving to a new city -- may result in better or worse outcomes. -- How does the brain gauge risk and reward in making these calls? -- The answer to this question continues to puzzle scientists, but a new study carried out by researchers at Harvard Medical School and Harvard University offers intriguing clues. -- The research, published Feb. 19 in Nature and supported in part by federal funding, incorporated machine-learning concepts into mouse experiments to study the brain circuitry that supports reward-based decisions. -- The scientists uncovered two groups of brain cells in mice: one that helps mice learn about above-average outcomes and another associated with below-average outcomes. -- Together, the experiments showed, these cells allow the brain to gauge the full range of possible rewards associated with a choice. -- "Our results suggest that mice -- and by extension, other mammals -- seem to be representing more fine-grained details about risk and reward than we thought before," said co-senior author Jan Drugowitsch, associate professor of neurobiology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School. -- If confirmed in humans, the findings could provide a framework for understanding how the human brain makes reward-based decisions and what happens to the ability to judge risk and reward when reward circuitry fails. -- Machine learning illuminates reward-based decisions -- Neuroscientists have long been interested in how the brain uses past experiences to make new decisions.	R02 N01	439
2513-082	Tiny Mutations In Virus Spike Proteins Can Trigger Major Outbreak Risks	New findings from Harvard Medical School reveal how small molecular shifts in a virus’s structure can significantly affect its pathogenic potential. Research led by Jonathan Abraham on the western equine encephalitis virus highlights that these changes can escalate a virus from a harmless state to one capable of causing severe outbreaks, providing valuable insights for predicting future viral threats.	Harvard Medical School	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	New research shows how small shifts in the molecular makeup of a virus can profoundly alter its fate. These shifts could turn a deadly pathogen into a harmless bug or supercharge a relatively benign virus, influencing its ability to infect humans and cause dangerous outbreaks. -- This is the latest finding in a series of studies led by Jonathan Abraham, associate professor of microbiology in the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School, and his team that aim to understand the risk of western equine encephalitis virus and related viruses. The work, which was supported by federal funding, is published in Cell on April 4. -- The findings, the research team said, offer important insights that could help researchers and public health experts better anticipate the likelihood of future outbreaks. -- Historically, WEEV has caused large and dangerous outbreaks of encephalitis (a serious type of brain inflammation) among humans and horses throughout the Americas. -- The virus circulates mainly between mosquitoes and birds. Since the turn of the century, WEEV has disappeared as a pathogen in North America. In South America, the virus occasionally spilled over to sicken small numbers of humans and mammals. However, in 2023, WEEV caused the first major human outbreak in four decades in South America, involving thousands of horses and over a hundred confirmed human cases. -- How did the virus lose its ability to infect humans in North America? Why did the virus persist as a pathogen in South America and re-emerge to cause a major outbreak? The secret lies in alterations in its molecular makeup, the new study found. -- Using an advanced imaging technique, the researchers determined how the spike proteins on the surface of WEEV strains isolated over the past century interact with a type of cell receptor known as PCDH10 that is shared by humans and birds. -- The virus enters its host and causes infection by attaching one of its spike proteins to a receptor on the surface of the host cell. In order to cause infection, the spike protein and receptor need to fit each other, like matching pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. -- In a strain from 1958, when deadly WEEV outbreaks happened regularly, the virus was a good fit for both human and bird cell receptors. -- However, a North American WEEV strain isolated from mosquitoes in California in 2005 was a good fit for bird cell receptors but not for mammals.	A01 R01 R02 N01 T01	440
2511-109	New Study Questions Effectiveness Of Sepsis Quality Measure	A study led by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute raises concerns about the effectiveness of the CMS sepsis quality measure, the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1). The study calls into question whether the established interventions significantly improve outcomes for patients with sepsis.	Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by the Center for Sepsis Epidemiology and Prevention Studies (SEPSIS) at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) sepsis quality measure, known as the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1). -- Sepsis, a life-threatening condition arising from dysregulated physiological response to infection, requires rapid treatment to improve survival. -- In 2015, CMS implemented SEP-1 to promote timely sepsis care. -- SEP-1 requires clinicians to complete a well-defined set of interventions within 3 hours of recognizing sepsis. -- These steps include measuring lactate levels, drawing blood cultures, administering antibiotics, and for some patients infusing large amounts of fluids. -- SEP was initially a pay-for-reporting measure but is now a pay-for-performance measure. -- SEP-1 is controversial because of concern that its rigid protocol does not account for the complexity of patient presentations. -- Many illnesses can mimic the clinical presentation of sepsis so undue pressure on clinicians to treat sepsis rapidly and aggressively may lead to spillover treatment of uninfected patients which could be a source of harm. -- CMS has presented data showing that patients who get SEP-1 compliant care have lower mortality rates than patients who do not get SEP-1 compliant care. -- It is not clear, though, whether lower mortality rates in patients who get SEP-1 compliant care is due to benefit from the SEP-1 bundle or whether it is because patients who get compliant care tend to be less sick and less complicated compared to patients who get non-compliant care.	Z01	441
2505-107	Comprehensive Gene Map Could Revolutionize Malaria Drug Development	Harvard researchers have created a comprehensive map identifying essential genes involved in blood infections caused by the malaria parasite Plasmodium knowlesi. This map serves as a critical tool for researchers to pinpoint druggable targets and understand resistance mechanisms, ultimately aiding the development of new antimalarial therapies amid increasing drug resistance.	Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Hall thrusters, a key space technology for missions like SpaceX's Starlink constellation and NASA's Psyche asteroid mission, are high-efficiency electric propulsion devices using plasma technology. The KAIST research team announced that the AI-designed Hall thruster developed for CubeSats will be installed on the KAIST-Hall Effect Rocket Orbiter (K-HERO) CubeSat to demonstrate its in-orbit performance during the fourth launch of the Korean Launch Vehicle called Nuri rocket (KSLV-2) scheduled for November this year. -- Plasma is one of the four states of matter, where gases are heated to high energies, causing them to separate into charged ions and electrons. -- Plasma is used not only in space electric propulsion but also in semiconductor manufacturing, display processes, and sterilization devices. -- On February 3rd, the research team from the KAIST Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering's Electric Propulsion Laboratory, led by Professor Wonho Choe, announced the development of an AI-based technique to accurately predict the performance of Hall thrusters, the engines of satellites and space probes. -- Hall thrusters provide high fuel efficiency, requiring minimal propellant to achieve significant acceleration of spacecrafts or satellites while producing substantial thrust relative to power consumption. -- Due to these advantages, Hall thrusters are widely used in various space missions, including the formation flight of satellite constellations, deorbiting maneuvers for space debris mitigation, and deep space missions such as asteroid exploration. -- As the space industry continues to grow during the NewSpace era, the demand for Hall thrusters suited to diverse missions is increasing. -- To rapidly develop highly efficient, mission-optimized Hall thrusters, it is essential to predict thruster performance accurately from the design phase. -- However, conventional methods have limitations, as they struggle to handle the complex plasma phenomena within Hall thrusters or are only applicable under specific conditions, leading to lower prediction accuracy. -- The research team developed an AI-based performance prediction technique with high accuracy, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with the iterative design, fabrication, and testing of thrusters.	H01	442
2512-037	Plant-Based Diet Linked To Healthy Aging In Midlife Research	Plant-Based Diet Linked To Healthy Aging In Midlife Research	Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Maintaining a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods, with low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods and lower intake of ultra-processed foods, was linked to a higher likelihood of healthy aging -- defined as reaching age 70 free of major chronic diseases and with cognitive, physical, and mental health maintained, according to a new study by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, and University of Montreal. The study is among the first to examine multiple dietary patterns in midlife in relation to overall healthy aging. -- "Studies have previously investigated dietary patterns in the context of specific diseases or how long people live. Ours takes a multifaceted view, asking, how does diet impact people's ability to live independently and enjoy a good quality of life as they age?" said co-corresponding author Frank Hu, Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition and Epidemiology and chair of the Department of Nutrition at Harvard Chan School. -- The study will be published March 24 in Nature Medicine. -- The researchers used data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study to examine the midlife diets and eventual health outcomes of more than 105,000 women and men ages 39-69 over the course of 30 years. Participants regularly completed dietary questionnaires, which the researchers scored on how well participants adhered to eight healthy dietary patterns: the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), the Alternative Mediterranean Index (aMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND), the healthful plant-based diet (hPDI), the Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI), the empirically inflammatory dietary pattern (EDIP), and the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH). Each of these diets emphasizes high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, and legumes, and some also include low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods such as fish and certain dairy products. The researchers also assessed participants' intake of ultra-processed foods, which are industrially manufactured, often containing artificial ingredients, added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats. -- The study found that 9,771 participants -- 9.3% of the study population -- aged healthfully. Adhering to any one of the healthy dietary patterns was linked to overall healthy aging and its individual domains, including cognitive, physical, and mental health. -- The leading healthy diet was the AHEI, which was developed to prevent chronic diseases. Participants in the highest quintile of the AHEI score had an 86% greater likelihood of healthy aging at 70 years and a 2.2-fold higher likelihood of healthy aging at 75 years compared to those in the lowest quintile of the AHEI score. The AHEI diet reflects a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats and low in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, sodium, and refined grains. Another leading diet for healthy aging was the PHDI, which considers both human and environmental health by emphasizing plant-based foods and minimizing animal-based foods. -- Higher intake of ultra-processed foods, especially processed meat and sugary and diet beverages, was associated with lower chances of healthy aging. -- "Since staying active and independent is a priority for both individuals and public health, research on healthy aging is essential," said co-corresponding author Marta Guasch-Ferré, associate professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen and adjunct associate professor of nutrition at Harvard Chan School. "Our findings suggest that dietary patterns rich in plant-based foods, with moderate inclusion of healthy animal-based foods, may promote overall healthy aging and help shape future dietary guidelines." -- "Our findings also show that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Healthy diets can be adapted to fit individual needs and preferences," added lead author Anne-Julie Tessier, assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of Montreal, researcher at the Montreal Heart Institute, and visiting scientist at Harvard Chan School. -- The study had some limitations, notably that the study population was composed exclusively of health professionals. The researchers noted that replicating the study among populations with diverse socioeconomic statuses and ancestries would offer further insights into the findings' generalizability.	A01 H01 R01 N01 N02 T01	443
2513-083	Wildfire Smoke Linked To Increased Emergency Visits For Mental Health Issues	A study conducted by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health links exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke with increased emergency department visits for mental health issues. The findings highlight that wildfire smoke poses risks beyond respiratory health, contributing to mental health problems like anxiety and depression, emphasizing the need for comprehensive public health responses to wildfire events.	Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) from wildfire smoke was associated with increased visits to emergency departments (ED) for mental health conditions, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. -- "Wildfire smoke isn't just a respiratory issue -- it affects mental health, too," said corresponding author Kari Nadeau, John Rock Professor of Climate and Population Studies and chair of the Department of Environmental Health. -- "Our study suggests that -- in addition to the trauma a wildfire can induce -- smoke itself may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders." -- The study will be published April 4 in JAMA Network Open. -- The study is the first to isolate the short-term impact of wildfire-specific PM2.5, offering more precise insights into its impacts on mental health. -- A growing body of research suggests that PM2.5 may influence mental health outcomes, but few studies have investigated the effects of wildfire-specific PM2.5. Most studies of wildfire-specific PM2.5 have focused on its relationship to respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. -- The researchers analyzed data on wildfire-specific PM2.5 levels and emergency department visits for mental health conditions throughout California between July and December 2020, a period covering the state's most severe wildfire season on record. -- Daily wildfire-specific PM2.5 levels and visits to the ED for mental health conditions -- including psychoactive substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood-affective disorders, depression, and anxiety -- were ascertained for each zip code in the state. -- Throughout the study period, there were 86,588 mental health ED visits. -- The average daily concentration of wildfire-specific PM2.5 was 6.95 micrograms per cubic meter of air (μg/m3), a level that rose to 11.9 μg/m3 during peak wildfire months and to 24.9 μg/m3 during the highest peak in September.	H02 C01	444
2502-E045	Study Dates Volcanic Eruption, Revealing It Did Not Trigger Cold Period 13,000 Years Ago	Recent research has accurately dated the Laacher See volcanic eruption and clarified its relation to a sudden cold period 13,000 years ago. By synchronizing data from natural climate records, scientists have determined that the eruption occurred earlier than previously thought, thus dissociating it from the onset of significant climate changes during that period.	Heidelberg University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The synchronization of data from two natural climate archives -- a speleothem from the Herbstlabyrinth Cave in Hesse (Germany) and ice cores from Greenland -- offers new insights into the chronology of abrupt climate changes in Central Europe. According to the analysis, the devastating eruption of the Laacher See volcano in what is now Rhineland-Palatinate occurred earlier than previously assumed and hence could not have triggered the sudden-onset cold period of approximately 13,000 years ago. Research by geoscientists from Heidelberg University and Mainz University has confirmed this finding. Along with precisely dating the volcanic eruption, the research team also estimated its climatic impact. -- The last eruption of the Laacher See volcano is considered to be one of the most devastating events of the past two million years, with effects that reached as far as northern Italy, Scandinavia, and Russia. -- Exactly when the eruption occurred and whether it was directly connected to a sudden cold period termed the Younger Dryas has long been a topic of scientific debate. -- A new temporal classification was undertaken in 2021 using radiocarbon dating of tree trunks. -- The results suggest that the volcanic eruption must have taken place 130 years earlier than previously assumed. -- The research team from Heidelberg and Mainz were able to confirm this new date using a speleothem from the Herbstlabyrinth Cave in Breitscheid, Hesse. -- Because a volcanic eruption is associated with high sulfur emissions, this volcanic signal would also have to be present in the speleothem. -- "The high-resolution sulfur and oxygen isotope measurements taken by the ion probe in Heidelberg were pivotal in making this determination," explains Prof. -- Dr Axel Schmitt, a researcher at Curtin University in Perth (Australia) and honorary professor at Heidelberg University. -- With the ion probe, it is possible to measure various isotope ratios and trace elements at micrometer level.	C01	445
2505-E013	Ancient Lead Contamination In Aegean Region Reveals Early Human Impact	Geoscientists have uncovered the earliest evidence of human-induced lead contamination in the Aegean region, dating back approximately 5,200 years. By analyzing sediment cores, researchers highlighted the environmental impacts of early human activities and their socioeconomic implications. This significant finding provides insights into the historical relationship between human civilization and its ecological footprint, revealing how ancient societies affected both terrestrial and marine ecosystems.	Heidelberg University	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Much like the windy weather patterns that affect the Earth's surface, our planet's oceans experience their own distinct weather patterns. These weather patterns, known as eddies, are circular currents of water that are typically about 100 kilometers wide. -- A new study of satellite imagery and high-resolution climate model data by scientists at the University of Rochester upends previous assumptions and provides insight about how those surface and ocean weather patterns interact. -- Scientists formerly believed atmospheric wind had a damping effect, slowing the eddies, but the study, published in Nature Communications, offers a new theory that better explains the complexities of how atmospheric wind affects eddies. -- "It's actually more interesting than what people had previously thought," says Hussein Aluie, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Mathematics and senior scientist at the University's Laboratory for Laser Energetics "There's a marked asymmetry in how the wind affects these motions, and it depends on the direction they spin." -- Aluie says that prevailing winds that move longitudinally across the globe, such as the westerlies and trade winds, will slow the eddies when they move in the opposite direction but energize them if their spin is aligned. -- In between the swirling eddies are intricate tangles of ocean weather patterns known as strain. -- While strain patterns aren't as easily distinguished by the naked eye, Aluie says they account for about half of the ocean's kinetic energy and are damped or energized by wind in similar ways as eddies. -- "The new energy pathways between the atmosphere and the ocean that we discovered can help design better ocean observation systems and improve climate models," says Shikhar Rai '23 PhD (mechanical engineering), first author of the study and a postdoctoral investigator at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. -- In addition to improving climate modeling, being able to better predict the ocean's weather patterns could have practical applications for fisheries and help better direct commercial ships where to go. -- The study was supported by the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Energy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, focused largely on the mechanical interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean. In future studies, Aluie plans to investigate the role eddies play in transporting energy between the oceans and atmosphere.	H02 C01	446
2506-E015	Exploring The Spliceosome: Unveiling Genetic Quality Control At The Atomic Level	Structural biologists have made significant strides in understanding the spliceosome's quality control mechanisms at the atomic level. By visualizing a malfunctioning spliceosome, researchers have detailed how cells recognize and eliminate errors in mRNA splicing, providing insights that could inform strategies for addressing genetic disorders caused by splicing defects and enhancing our understanding of cellular processes.	Heidelberg University	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A complex molecular machine, the spliceosome, ensures that the genetic information from the genome, after being transcribed into mRNA precursors, is correctly assembled into mature mRNA. Splicing is a basic requirement for producing proteins that fulfill an organism's vital functions. Faulty functioning of a spliceosome can lead to a variety of serious diseases. Researchers at the Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center (BZH) have succeeded for the first time in depicting a faultily "blocked" spliceosome at high resolution and reconstructing how it is recognized and eliminated in the cell. The research was conducted in collaboration with colleagues from the Australian National University. -- The genetic information of all living organisms is contained in the DNA, with the majority of genes in higher organisms being structured in a mosaic-like manner. -- So the cells are able to "read" the instructions for building proteins stored in these genetic mosaic particles, they are first copied into precursors of mRNA, or messenger RNA. The spliceosome then converts them into mature, functional mRNA. -- To do this, this large protein-RNA complex, which is located in the cell nucleus, removes non-coding sections (introns) from mRNA precursors and links the coding sections (exons) to form a continuous strand of information. -- Errors in this process, also known as splicing, are one of the main causes of inheritable genetic disorders and are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and diseases such as cancer. -- It was known that the spliceosome has quality control mechanisms, but the mechanistic details were not understood. -- For their experiments, the Heidelberg researchers led by BZH director Prof. -- Dr Irmgard Sinning used the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, a model organism frequently used in cell biology. -- Using molecular markers, defective spliceosomes were identified, purified, and structurally examined via cryo-electron microscopy. -- "The largely stable structure of the spliceosome center enabled us to obtain high-resolution information. This means that a spliceosome discarded during cellular quality control can be represented at the atomic level for the first time," states the structural biologist.	R01	447
2511-050	RNA Origami Advances Towards Creating Synthetic Cells: Breakthrough in Synthetic Biology	Scientists at Heidelberg University are pioneering the creation of synthetic cells using RNA origami techniques. By folding RNA into nanotubes mimicking cytoskeleton structures, they aim to bypass the need for protein synthesis, marking a significant advancement towards constructing living cells from non-living components for future applications in synthetic biology.	Heidelberg University	Nature Nanotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	With the long-term goal of creating living cells from non-living components, scientists in the field of synthetic biology work with RNA origami. This tool uses the multifunctionality of the natural RNA biomolecule to fold new building blocks, making protein synthesis superfluous. In pursuit of the artificial cell, a research team led by Prof. Dr Kerstin Göpfrich at the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University has cleared a crucial hurdle. Using the new RNA origami technique, they succeeded in producing nanotubes that fold into cytoskeleton-like structures. The cytoskeleton is an essential structural component in cells that gives them stability, shape, and mobility. The research work forms the potential basis for more complex RNA machinery. -- One major challenge in constructing synthetic cells is manufacturing proteins, which are responsible for nearly all biological processes in the organism and thus make life possible in the first place. -- For natural cells, the so-called central dogma of molecular biology describes how protein synthesis occurs through transcription and translation of genetic information in the cell. -- In the process, DNA is transcribed into RNA and then translated into functional proteins that subsequently undergo folding to achieve their correct structure, which is key to proper function. -- "There are over 150 genes involved in this complex process alone," explains Prof. -- Göpfrich, who along with her team, "Biophysical Engineering of Life," conducts research at the Center for Molecular Biology of Heidelberg University (ZMBH). -- Prof. Göpfrich's work starts with the question of how synthetic cells can be created that bypass protein synthesis, which is essential in living cells. -- She uses the technique of RNA origami, which is based on the idea that genetic information -- the blueprint for the cell structure, for example -- is translated using self-folding RNA alone. -- First, a DNA sequence is designed in a computer-assisted process. -- It codes for the shape that the RNA should assume after folding.	T01	448
2511-E053	Discovering How Organelles Evolved From Independent Cells To Integrated Structures	Researchers are investigating the evolutionary process by which organelles, originally independent cells, became integrated into host cells. A team at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is studying an intermediate stage in this assimilation process, which is crucial for understanding the evolution of eukaryotic cells. Their findings focus on how endosymbionts, such as mitochondria, lost their independence over time, providing insights into cellular evolution and the symbiotic relationships that define eukaryotic life.	Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Organelles in cells were originally often independent cells, which were incorporated by host cells and lost their independence in the course of evolution. A team of biologists headed by Professor Dr Eva Nowack at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) are examining the way in which this assimilation process occurs and how quickly. They now describe their findings about an intermediate stage in this process in the scientific journal Science Advances. -- Eukaryotic cells -- i.e. cells with a nucleus -- contain a large number of functional sub-units, so-called organelles. They perform important functions within the cell. Some organelles were independent, single-celled organisms at some point in the past. They were then taken up by a cell and have evolved over time in symbiosis with the host cell. These "endosymbionts" lost their ability to function autonomously in the process. One well-known example of this type of organelle is the mitochondrion -- the "powerhouse of the cell" -- which evolved from a bacterium. -- The working group headed by Professor Nowack at the Institute of Microbial Cell Biology is researching how cells and their endosymbionts have adapted to and evolved in symbiosis with each other over the course of millions of years. A publication, which has now appeared in the scientific journal "Science Advances," focuses on the trypanosomatid Angomonas deanei (for short: A. deanei), a single-celled flagellate from the sub-family Strigomonadinae. These organisms live in the intestines of insects. -- Professor Nowack: "All members of the Strigomonadinae sub-family have an endosymbiont. At some point around 40 to 120 million years ago, a common ancestor of the current Strigomonadinae absorbed a protobacterium, from which the endosymbiont evolved." It supplies its host cells with metabolites and so-called co-factors, which have e.g. a catalytic function in enzymes. "It is noteworthy that each host cell has just one of these endosymbionts, which always divides synchronously with the host cell," adds Nowack. -- In 2022, the Düsseldorf-based research team reported in "Current Biology" that several proteins produced by the host cell interact with the endosymbiont. One of these proteins, called ETP9, forms a ring around the endosymbiont division site (see press release of 7 December 2022). The researchers working with Professor Nowack and her PhD student Anay Maurya have now found out that the endosymbionts of Strigomonadinae -- which used to be independent bacteria -- have lost virtually all the genes required for division. The gene, which describes the protein FtsZ and marks the division site in bacteria and most organelles, is one of the few remaining bacterial cell division genes. -- Maurya, member of the Manchot Graduate School "Molecules of Infection IV" and lead author of the study: "Controlled from the cell nucleus, the protein ETP9 accumulates at the endosymbiont division site in a process that is dependent on the cell cycle. When we stop the production of ETP9 experimentally, the endosymbiont can no longer divide. Long, thread-like endosymbionts arise, in which the bacterial protein FtsZ now marks several division sites, but they can no longer divide without the help of the host protein ETP9." -- The endosymbiont in A. deanei thus represents an intermediate stage between an endosymbiotic bacterium -- which is still genetically autonomous -- and an organelle, which is almost entirely controlled by the host cell. The endosymbiont has lost genes, which are essential for its autonomous survival. Genes in the nucleus of the host cell have now replaced their functions. -- Nowack: "These fundamental findings help us understand how an organelle evolves from a bacterium. Using this mechanism, it may also be possible to develop a synthetic symbiosis in the future in which synthetic endosymbionts are controlled by the cell nucleus." -- The biologists from the Institute of Microbial Cell Biology conducted the research work in collaboration with the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene at HHU (research team headed by Professor Dr Stefanie Scheu) and the Center for Advanced Imaging.	N01	449
2507-E021	Alpine Glaciers Contaminated By Nanoplastics: A Call For Awareness	A new study reveals the pervasive presence of nanoplastics on alpine glaciers, highlighting environmental pollution at altitudes over 3,000 meters. Utilizing citizen science for data collection, researchers emphasize the risks posed by these tiny particles, which can originate from the degradation of larger plastics and may have significant health implications for humans.	Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ	Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ	Press Rel	PubMed	Nanoplastics -- plastic particles smaller than 1 µm -- are widely dispersed because of their low weight. A research team coordinated by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has now published an article in Scientific Reports that shows the extent to which glaciers at an altitude of more than 3,000 m in the Alps are polluted by nanoplastics. The researchers relied on citizen science to collect the data. Mountaineers collected the samples on the glaciers. -- Nanoplastics are created primarily through the degradation of macro- and microplastics in the environment -- through abiotic and biotic decomposition processes such as enzymes, oxidation, hydrolysis, and mechanical abrasion. -- The contribution of macro- and microplastics to environmental pollution has been well researched. -- However, far less is known about nanoplastic particles, which may pose even greater risks to humans. -- "Nanoplastics are particularly concerning because, unlike microplastics, they are not filtered out. Humans can easily inhale the particles, which -- because their small size -- can penetrate membranes and enter the bloodstream," says Dr Dušan Materić, the scientific lead of the project and chemist at the UFZ. -- Because of their low weight, nanoparticles can be transported over long distances through the atmosphere. -- However, there is still a lack of global studies on how they reach remote regions far from industrial and urban centres. -- In their research work, Materić and his colleagues investigated the extent to which glaciers in the Alps are contaminated with nanoparticles and the sources from which they originate. -- The researchers first had to collect samples from over 3,000 m above sea level. -- "For researchers, it is hardly possible and often too dangerous to get into these regions. Not only do you need time for long excursions and specialised local knowledge, but above all, you must be physically fit in order to be able to spend several days travelling on glaciers with a heavy rucksack," says the firstauthor Leonie Jurkschat.	Z01	450
2508-E042	New Patterns In Tree Distribution Ensure Biodiversity In Forests	An international team of researchers has identified unexpected spatial patterns in tree species distribution that contribute to biodiversity stability in forests. Their findings, published in Nature, reveal that tropical and temperate forests exhibit contrasting strategies for species coexistence. Utilizing extensive data from the Forest Global Earth Observatory, the study enhances understanding of how tree clustering and species abundance influence forest dynamics, providing insights into ecological management and conservation.	Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The reason why so many tree species can coexist in species-rich forests has long been a subject of debate in ecology. This question is key to understanding the mechanisms governing the dynamics and stability of forests. An international team of scientists led by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) has now discovered unexpected patterns in the spatial distribution of tree species, as reported in the scientific journal Nature. Their results suggest that tree species in tropical and temperate forests manifest contrasting coexistence strategies as a result of differences in the patterns of tree clustering and the abundances of tree species. -- The data sets are very large: with more than 75 permanent forest dynamics plots in 29 countries worldwide, the Forest Global Earth Observatory network (ForestGEO) of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) provides excellent forest inventories for investigating the dynamics of forest ecosystems and better understanding the processes that drive the structure and function of forests. -- On these 20-to-50-hectare plots, every single tree with a diameter not much larger than a pencil has been identified, measured and mapped every five years, often totalling more than 200,000 trees. -- The two UFZ researchers, Dr. Thorsten Wiegand and Prof. Dr. Andreas Huth, took a closer look at 21 of these forest megaplots, which cover a gradient from the tropical to the subtropical and temperate zones. -- Their international team then used the ForestGEO data to analyse the distribution of tree species in the forests and which processes are responsible for their spatial patterns. -- "The search for simple principles underlying the spatial structure and dynamics of plant communities is a long-standing challenge in theoretical ecology," says first author Thorsten Wiegand, describing their research question. -- For their analyses, the research team examined all individual trees with a diameter at breast height of at least 10 centimetres as found in the forests. -- "The closer the forest plot was located to the equator, the less likely it was that trees of rare species had a tree of the same species nearby," says Andreas Huth. -- In temperate forests, in contrast, they found only slight differences between common and rare species. -- This results in unexpected and systematic changes in the spatial patterns from the tropics over the subtropics to the temperate latitudes.	C01 N02	451
2512-T026	Cover Plants: A Sustainable Solution To Pollutants In Agricultural Soils	Addressing the issue of agricultural soil pollution, a research team has highlighted the use of specific cover plants for phytoremediation. Their analysis of over 100 studies suggests these plants can effectively remove pollutants while enhancing soil health, presenting a natural and sustainable approach for farmers to combat contamination in agricultural land.	Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ	Trends in Plant Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Farmers often grow so-called cover plants between main crops. They are used for purposes such as for animal feeds or remain on the field as green manure. In this way, they supply the soil with nutrients before the next planting. However, cover plants also protect against erosion, stabilise the soil's water, nutrient and carbon balance, regulate soil temperature, promote humus formation, sequester carbon dioxide and increase biodiversity above and below ground. "Cover plants are actually a kind of miracle tool in agriculture," says Prof Marie Muehe, head of the Plant Biogeochemistry working group at the UFZ and senior author of the publication. However, their potential for removing soil contaminants has yet to be recognised. -- Using plants to remediate contaminants in the soil is nothing new. -- For example, contaminated soil on industrial sites is already being remediated in this way. -- But agriculture could also benefit from this method, says Marie Muehe: "The use of selected cover plants for phytoremediation is a natural, climate-neutral way to improve and maintain soil health. We should also apply this in the interests of sustainable agriculture." -- But which plants are suitable for phytoremediation in agriculture? -- And which pollutants could be managed with which plants? The UFZ team investigated these questions and analysed the current status of research. -- "For example, we researched whether there are already studies that indicate which of the frequently used cover plants have the ability to break down contaminants. We also looked for plants that can break down or fix the pollutants in six categories -- nitrate, salts, metals, pesticides, plastics and antibiotic resistance genes," explains first author Dr Pooja Sharma, who is also a researcher in the Plant Biogeochemistry working group at the UFZ. -- Based on the results of the literature review, the research team developed concepts for phytoremediation for the respective pollutant categories. -- For example, rye and sunflower could be used as cover plants to prevent excess nitrate in the arable soil from being washed out and polluting the groundwater. -- The plants absorb the nitrate from the soil to grow and can remain on the field as green manure.	N01 N02	452
2502-018	New Insights Into Gut Microbe Bacteroides Thetaiotaomicron's Sugar Metabolism Control Mechanisms	A recent study has uncovered important control mechanisms regulating sugar metabolism in the gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These findings enhance understanding of how gut microbes adapt to dietary changes and may inform new therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting gut health through microbiota modulation.	Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The gut plays a vital role in human health. The composition of the microbiota and its functions for human well-being are heavily influenced by how well bacteria adjust to the constantly shifting intestinal environment. The question of how intestinal commensals adapt their metabolism to daily nutrient fluctuations has therefore become a central topic of microbiota research. -- While the gut's microbial ecosystem varies from person to person, several species can be found prevalently. -- One such species is Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. These microbes possess dozens of different multiprotein complexes encoded at specific sites in the genome called polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs). PUL complexes enable the bacteria to bind, break down, and import specific polysaccharides, thus contributing to their successful gut colonization. -- The production of PUL complexes is tightly controlled at the transcriptional level. -- However, how PULs are regulated post-transcriptionally to adapt to environmental changes remains largely unexplored. -- Scientists at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, a site of the Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), and of the Chair of Microbiology at JMU have taken up this challenge. -- In collaboration with Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee (USA), and the University of Toronto in Canada, they have made significant progress through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. -- "Our investigations revealed a remarkably complex RNA-based regulatory circuit governing PUL expression in B. thetaiotaomicron," says corresponding author Alexander Westermann explaining the results of the study published in the journal Nature Communications. "This complements previous work focusing on transcriptional control mechanisms," he adds. -- A complex network -- At the heart of this network is the RNA-binding protein RbpB: "We found that the absence of RbpB significantly impairs intestinal colonization," says Ann-Sophie Rüttiger, first author of the study and PhD student in Alexander Westermann's laboratory.	H01 R01	453
2503-E005	HIV-1 Survival Strategies: Understanding The Virus’s Molecular Tactics	A team from the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research has uncovered how HIV-1 manipulates host cell machinery for replication. By analyzing the virus's interaction with cellular processes, researchers identified new strategies that the virus employs to evade immune responses. This study provides valuable insights into the complexities of viral infections and could inform future antiviral therapies.	Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg and the University of Regensburg has unveiled insights into how HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS, skillfully hijacks cellular machinery for its own survival. By dissecting the molecular interplay between the virus and its host, the researchers identified novel strategies that HIV-1 employs to ensure its replication while suppressing the host's cellular defenses. The study was published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. -- HIV-1, like other viruses, lacks the machinery to produce its own proteins and must rely on the host cell to translate its genetic instructions. After entering host cells, it seizes control of the translation process, which converts messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) into proteins. "In this study, we combined ribosome profiling, RNA sequencing and RNA structural probing to map the viral and host translational landscape and pausing during replication of the virus in unprecedented detail," says corresponding author Neva Caliskan. She is a former group leader at the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg, a site of the Braunschweig Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) in cooperation with the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU), and is currently the Director of the Department of Biochemistry III at the University of Regensburg. -- Cheat Codes of Viral Translation -- One of the key findings was the discovery of previously unrecognized elements in HIV-1 RNA called upstream open reading frames (uORFs) and internal open reading frames (iORFs). These "hidden gene fragments" may play a crucial role in fine-tuning the production of viral proteins as well as the interaction with the host immune system. "For instance, uORFs and iORFs can act as regulators, ensuring precise timing and levels of protein synthesis," explains Anuja Kibe, a postdoctoral researcher at the HIRI and first author of the study, which was published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. -- Another important discovery was an intricate RNA structure near the critical "frameshift site" in the viral genome. This frameshift site is essential for the virus to produce the correct proportions of two key proteins, Gag and Gag-Pol, which are necessary for assembling infectious particles and replication of HIV-1. The researchers demonstrated that this extended RNA fold not only promotes ribosome collisions upstream of the site -- a mechanism that appears to regulate translation -- but also maintains the frameshifting efficiency. "Our team also showed that targeting this RNA structure with antisense molecules could significantly reduce frameshift efficiency by nearly 40 percent, offering a promising new avenue for antiviral drug development," reports Caliskan. -- A Game of Priorities -- Redmond Smyth, a former Helmholtz Young Investigator Group Leader at the HIRI and currently a group leader at the Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in Strasbourg, France, mentions, "Interestingly, our analysis revealed that, while HIV-1 mRNAs are translated efficiently throughout infection, the virus suppresses the protein production of the host, particularly at the translation initiation stage." This allows HIV-1 to prioritize its own needs while effectively stalling the host defense mechanisms. Thus, the virus can manipulate the host cell machinery in ways that remain robust even under stress conditions. -- More Than Traffic Jams -- The researchers also observed that ribosomes collide at specific regions of the viral RNA, particularly upstream of the frameshift site. "These collisions are not accidental but are instead tightly regulated pauses that may influence how ribosomes interact with downstream RNA structures," says Florian Erhard, study co-author and Chair of Computational Immunology at the University of Regensburg. -- Overall, the study provides not only a detailed map of the translational landscape of HIV-1 infected cells but also a wealth of potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The identification of RNA structures and genetic elements critical for viral replication highlights new opportunities for the development of drugs aimed at disrupting these processes. "By understanding how the virus cleverly manipulates our cells, these discoveries will bring us closer to innovative treatments that could one day turn tables and outsmart the virus itself," Caliskan adds.	H01 H02 R01	454
2507-E041	Urban Species Exhibit Resilience To Environmental Stressors, Promoting Adaptation	A study examining urban aquatic species finds they demonstrate remarkable resilience to environmental stressors, adapting effectively to disturbed habitats. This research sheds light on how urbanization influences species survival and adaptability, providing valuable insights for conservation strategies aimed at protecting biodiversity amid climate and land-use changes.	Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)	Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)	Press Rel	PubMed	Animal populations from urban areas show significantly higher resilience to stressful environmental conditions. This was found by an international team of researchers led by Dr Elizabeta Briski from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Germany. The mussel and crustacean species studied were able to adapt to disturbed environments, making them more resistant to environmental changes such as climate and land-use change. The study is published today in the journal Ecology Letters. -- Urban habitats are very different from natural habitats and pose new challenges for animals and plants. -- Until now, little was known about how populations of the same species evolve in habitats with and without human influence. -- An international team of researchers led by Dr Elizabeta Briski, a marine biologist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, Germany, has now investigated how conditions in urban areas affect the populations of three aquatic species (one bivalve and two crustaceans). Her study shows that these populations adapt to a disturbed environment and thus become more resilient to environmental change. -- The results are published today in the journal Ecology Letters. -- Differences between urban and natural habitats -- For their study, the researchers compared populations of blue mussel (Mytilus sp.) and amphipods (Gammarus locusta and Gammarus salinus) from the Kiel Fjord, which is heavily influenced by humans, with those from the Schlei, which is less exposed to environmental changes. -- "Just some of the differences between these locations are the concentrations of heavy metals in sediment, as well as temperature" explains Briski. -- "Cities are heat islands where animals already have to endure higher temperatures than in natural habitats that are largely unaffected by humans." -- Stress test in the lab	H02 C01 N01 N02	455
2508-T006	Analyzing The Longest-Runout Sediment Flows: New Insights For Underwater Infrastructure	An international research team has successfully mapped the internal structure of the longest sediment flow recorded on Earth, using seismic measurements. This groundbreaking study provides insights into turbidity currents that shape underwater landscapes and transport sediment, aiding in risk assessments for submarine infrastructure. Their findings deepen our understanding of these powerful oceanographic phenomena that influence sediment dynamics.	Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Turbidity currents are an important natural process that often goes unnoticed: these powerful currents beneath the ocean surface carve deep submarine canyons, create huge sediment deposits and can damage submarine cables and pipelines. Although the phenomenon has been known for about 100 years, its high-energy nature has made it almost impossible to measure directly -- any instruments placed in its path would be destroyed by its immense force, much like avalanches on land. -- Now, an international team led by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Durham University (UK) has developed a new method to monitor these flows from a safe distance. Using ocean-bottom seismometers -- normally deployed to study earthquakes -- the researchers have, for the first time, revealed the internal structure of these massive currents. Their findings are published today in the journal Nature Communications Earth and Environment. -- From a distance: Ocean-bottom seismometers detect the longest-runout sediment flows ever recorded on Earth -- "Turbidity currents are the dominant mechanism transporting sediment and organic carbon from coastal areas into the deep sea, just as rivers transport sediment over land," explains Dr Pascal Kunath, seismologist at GEOMAR and lead author of the study. "However, unlike rivers, they are among the least understood processes of sediment transport." -- To address this knowledge gap, the team deployed seismometers in October 2019 in the Congo Canyon and Channel off the west coast of Africa -- one of the largest and deepest submarine canyons in the world. The instruments were placed several kilometres outside the canyon-channel axis, beyond the destructive reach of the currents, allowing them to record the seismic signals generated by flow turbulence and associated sediment transport. -- Using this method, the researchers tracked two turbidity currents moving at speeds of 5 to 8 metres per second (m/s) over a distance of 1,100 kilometres -- from the mouth of the Congo River through the Congo deep-sea fan and canyon system. These are the longest-runout sediment flows ever recorded. The flows also damaged several submarine cables in January and March 2020, disrupting internet and data communications in West Africa during a particularly critical phase of the early COVID-19 pandemic. -- Rethinking turbidity current dynamics -- "Our results show that the dense front of these canyon-flushing turbidity currents is not a single continuous flow, but consists of many pulses, each lasting between five and 30 minutes," says Kunath. Remarkably, the fastest pulses occur up to 20 kilometres behind the front. These surges eventually overtake the leading edge, suppling sediments and the momentum needed to sustain the flow over long distances. -- This finding challenges previous assumptions that the highest velocities occur at the flow front. Instead, the new data suggest that turbulent mixing with seawater or other retarding forces significantly influence the behaviour of these flows over long distances. -- New possibilities for monitoring turbidity currents	R01 C01	456
2508-T014	Environmental Risks From Unexploded Ordnance In The Baltic Sea: A Study	A study by GEOMAR reveals troubling levels of toxic chemicals from unexploded ordnance in the southwestern Baltic Sea. With approximately 3,000 kilograms of these pollutants detected, the research underscores the pressing need for munitions clearance to mitigate long-term environmental risks, even as current concentrations remain below health thresholds.	Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)	Chemosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	The south-western Baltic Sea has about 3,000 kilograms of dissolved toxic chemicals released from unexploded ordnance, according to a new study by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. The substances were detected in almost all water samples taken in 2017 and 2018, with particularly high concentrations in the Bights of Kiel and Lübeck. The levels are still below thresholds for health risk, but highlight the urgent need for munitions clearance to minimise long-term risks. The study has now been published in the journal Chemosphere. -- It is estimated that around 300,000 tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain in the German Baltic Sea. -- Most of this originates from deliberate dumping after the end of the Second World War. -- These dumping sites are well documented, with much of the ordnance lying visibly on the seabed, allowing it to be mapped and documented using underwater robots. -- However, explosive compounds are spreading beyond these dumping sites. -- As corrosion progresses, contamination is expected to increase, heightening risks if these legacy munitions are not removed. -- Rising temperatures and increased storm activity due to climate change further accelerate the release of these explosive chemicals. -- Toxins Found in Almost Every Sample -- A new study from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel highlights the long-term environmental contamination caused by unexploded ordnance in the south-western Baltic Sea. -- Water samples were taken from the region in 2017 and 2018, including from the Bay of Kiel and the Bay of Lübeck.	C01 T01	457
2512-E005	Ocean Eddies: Key Players in Nutrient Transport and Marine Ecosystems	Researchers from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre and MARUM have unveiled the lipidome composition of mesoscale eddies, shedding light on their significance in nutrient transport and the carbon cycle. These swirling currents, rich in essential lipids, facilitate the movement of organic matter from coastal areas to the open ocean. Their study, published in Communications Earth and Environment, highlights the crucial role of eddies in marine ecosystems and their influence on global nutrient and carbon dynamics.	Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	How is organic matter transported from productive coastal areas to the open ocean? Researchers from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and MARUM -- Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen have now shown that eddies play a crucial role in this process. The swirling currents contain large amounts of energy-rich and essential fat molecules (essential lipids), which play a key role in marine food webs and the carbon cycle. The study has now been published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. -- Mesoscale eddies, oceanic swirling currents with typical horizontal scales of 10-100 kilometres in diameter, are ubiquitous features of the global ocean and play a vital role in marine ecosystems. -- Eddies, which form in biologically productive coastal upwelling regions, are important vehicles for the transport of carbon and nutrients. -- These eddies trap water masses and migrate into the open ocean, where productivity is comparatively low. -- As such, they have a significant influence on the nutrient and carbon cycles within the ocean. -- For decades, marine scientists have sought to understand in detail how coastal waters are transported offshore and how this process affects productivity in the open ocean, especially as eddy activity is expected to change significantly due to climate change. -- While it was previously known that ocean eddies transport large quantities of organic carbon and nutrients, the exact composition and nutritional quality of this material for zooplankton and fish has remained largely unexplored. -- Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, a team of researchers from GEOMAR and MARUM has now analysed the lipidome -- the entire spectrum of lipid molecules including essential fats -- in and around an ocean eddy. -- The results of their work have been published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. -- Cutting-edge analysis reveals lipid diversity in eddies	H01 C01 N01	458
2502-022	SCP-Nano Technology Visualizes Nanocarriers In Mouse Bodies, Enhancing Drug Delivery Research	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method, termed SCP-Nano, that allows for precise tracking of nanocarriers within the mouse body at a single-cell level. This advancement could enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents, ensuring they reach their intended targets while minimizing side effects for patients.	Helmholtz Munich	Nat Biotechnol	Press Rel	PubMed	How can we ensure that life-saving drugs or genetic therapies reach their intended target cells without causing harmful side effects? Researchers at Helmholtz Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) and Technical University Munich (TUM) have taken an important step to answer this question. They have developed a method that, for the first time, enables the precise detection of nanocarriers -- tiny transport vehicles -- throughout the entire mouse body at a single-cell level. This innovation, called "Single-Cell Profiling of Nanocarriers" or short "SCP-Nano," combines advanced imaging with artificial intelligence to provide unparalleled insights into the functionality of nanotechnology-based therapies. The results, published in Nature Biotechnology, pave the way for safer and more effective treatments, including mRNA vaccines and gene therapies. -- The Role of Nanocarriers in Modern Medicine -- Nanocarriers will play a central role in the next wave of life-saving medicines. -- They enable the targeted delivery of drugs, genes, or proteins to cells within patients. -- With SCP-Nano, researchers can analyze the distribution of extremely low doses of nanocarriers throughout the entire mouse body, visualizing each cell that has taken them up. SCP-Nano combines optical tissue clearing, light-sheet microscopy imaging, and deep-learning algorithms. -- First, whole mouse bodies are made transparent. After the three-dimensional imaging of whole mouse bodies, nanocarriers within the transparent tissues can then be identified down to the single-cell level. -- By integrating AI-based analysis, researchers can quantify which cells and tissues are interacting with the nanocarriers and precisely where this occurs. -- Practical Applications of SCP-Nano -- Examples of nanocarriers analyzed by Ali Ertürk, the director of the Institute for Intelligent Biotechnologies (iBIO) at Helmholtz Munich, and his team using SCP-Nano include lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), DNA origami structures and adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). These nanocarriers are essential for modern therapeutics that address diseases at their cellular roots, each possessing unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. -- DNA origami structures are easily programmable and AAVs are highly efficient carriers for gene therapy.	A01 H01 R01 T01	459
2503-E008	The Unexpected Role Of Viral DNA: Insights Into Embryo Development	A study from Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität has revealed the essential role of transposable elements—ancient viral DNA remnants—in early embryo development. Once considered genetic relics, these elements are now understood to be critical during the early stages of cell differentiation. The research opens new avenues for exploring the functions of these genetic components and their implications for development.	Helmholtz Munich	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Over half of our genomes consists of thousands of remnants of ancient viral DNA, known as transposable elements, which are widespread across the tree of life. -- Once dismissed as the "dark side" of the genome, researchers at Helmholtz Munich and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) have now revealed their crucial role in early embryo development. -- Unanswered Questions About the Role of Ancient Viral DNA -- Transposable elements, remnants of ancient viral DNA, are reactivated during the first hours and days following fertilization. -- This dynamic period of early development sees embryonic cells displaying remarkable plasticity, yet the molecular mechanisms and factors that regulate this plasticity remain unclear. -- Research in models such as mice suggests that transposable elements play a crucial role in cellular plasticity, but it is still uncertain whether this is a universal feature across all mammalian species. -- The diverse evolutionary origins of these viral remnants raise further questions about their conservation across mammalian genomes. -- Understanding the regulatory mechanisms governing the activation of transposable elements is essential for advancing reproductive medicine and uncovering the fundamental principles of genome regulation. -- Thought to Be Extinct Viral Elements Re-Expressed in Mammalian Embryos -- A team of researchers led by Prof. Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla at Helmholtz Munich and LMU set out to explore these ancient DNA sequences by developing a novel method to study their transcription.	Z01	460
2503-T011	Moscot Technology Allows Unprecedented Observation Of Cell Development	With the advent of a new technology called Moscot, researchers can observe the simultaneous development of millions of cells into organs, such as the pancreas. This significant breakthrough, led by Helmholtz Munich and detailed in Nature, enhances understanding of organ development and disease processes. By providing dynamic, spatially-linked observations, Moscot overcomes limitations of previous methods, offering deeper insights into cellular interactions and advancements in biomedical research.	Helmholtz Munich	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Thanks to a new technology called Moscot ("Multi-Omics Single-Cell Optimal Transport"), researchers can now observe millions of cells simultaneously as they develop into a new organ -- for example, a pancreas. This groundbreaking method was developed by an international research team led by Helmholtz Munich and has been published in the renowned journal Nature. -- Until now, biologists had only a limited understanding of how cells develop in their natural environment -- for instance, when they form an organ in the embryo. -- "Existing methods provided only snapshots of a few cells or could not link the dynamic processes in space and time," explains Dominik Klein, one of the lead authors of the study, a PhD candidate at the Institute of Computational Biology at Helmholtz Munich, and a researcher at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). "This has greatly limited our understanding of the complex interactions during organ development and in disease processes." -- Moscot Maps Cell Development in Entire Organs and Organisms -- Together with an interdisciplinary team led by Giovanni Palla (Helmholtz Munich), Marius Lange (ETH Zurich), Michal Klein (Apple), and Zoe Piran (Hebrew University of Jerusalem), Dominik Klein developed Moscot. -- The team drew on a theory developed in the 18th century: the theory of optimal transport, which describes how objects can move most efficiently from one place to another to minimize time, energy, or cost. -- The application of optimal transport to two populations of cells had previously been limited by the size of biomedical datasets. -- This obstacle has now been overcome thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, significantly influenced by co-author Marco Cuturi (Apple). "We have adapted our mathematical models to accurately represent the molecular information and position of cells in the body during their development. The theory of optimal transport helps us understand how cells move, change, and transition from one state to another," says Klein. -- This now makes it possible to observe millions of cells simultaneously -- with an accuracy that was previously unimaginable. -- Moscot enables the multimodal mapping of single cells in spatial tissues and plays a crucial role in dynamic biological processes.	T01	461
2501-T033	Investigating Lithium-Sulphur Pouch Cells: Insights Into Battery Performance And Longevity	A collaborative team has gained new insights into lithium-sulfur battery performance and lifespan via advanced imaging techniques. Their findings reveal degradation processes affecting this promising battery type, aiming to assist in developing solutions to enhance efficiency and longevity for commercial use.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie	Advanced Energy Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A team from HZB and the Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (IWS) in Dresden has gained new insights into lithium-sulphur pouch cells at the BAMline of BESSY II. Supplemented by analyses in the HZB imaging laboratory and further measurements, a new picture emerges of processes that limit the performance and lifespan of this industrially relevant battery type. The study has been published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. -- Lithium-sulphur batteries have a number of advantages over conventional lithium batteries: they use the abundant raw material sulphur, do not require the critical elements cobalt or nickel, and can achieve extremely high specific energy densities. -- Prototype cells are already achieving up to 500 Wh/kg, almost twice as much as current lithium-ion batteries. -- Degradation processes examined -- However, lithium-sulphur batteries have so far been much more susceptible to degradation processes: during charging and discharging, dissolved polysulphides and sulphur phases form on the lithium electrode, gradually reducing the performance and lifetime of the battery. -- 'Our research aims to elucidate these processes in order to improve this type of battery,' says HZB physicist Dr. Sebastian Risse, who leads a team at HZB working on operando analysis of batteries. -- The pouch cell lab at HZB -- He is focusing on pouch cells, a battery format widely used in industry. -- HZB's Institute for Electrochemical Energy Storage (CE-IEES), headed by Prof. -- Yan Lu, has therefore set up a laboratory specialising in the production of lithium-sulphur batteries in the required pocket format.	A01	462
2508-E026	Enhancing Perovskite Solar Cells: Thermal Stress Insights For Improved Stability	An international research collaboration has identified thermal stress as a key factor in the degradation of perovskite solar cells, which are valued for their efficiency and low production costs. Their findings pave the way for developing strategies to improve the long-term stability of these solar cells, addressing a critical challenge in making perovskites a viable option for sustainable energy solutions in various environmental conditions.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie	Nature Reviews Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Perovskite solar cells are highly efficient and low cost in production. However, they still lack stability over the decades under real weather conditions. An international research collaboration led by Prof. Antonio Abate has now published a perspective on this topic in the journal Nature Reviews Materials. They explored the effects of multiple thermal cycles on microstructures and interactions between different layers of perovskite solar cells. They conclude that thermal stress is the decisive factor in the degradation of metal-halide perovskites. Based on this, they derive the most promising strategies to increase the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. -- Perovskites are a wide class of materials with semiconducting properties suitable for energy conversion in a solar cell: the best of them, the metal-halide perovskites, already deliver efficiencies of up to 27%. The production of such thin-film solar cells requires particularly little material and energy, so solar energy could become considerably cheaper. -- However, when used outdoors, solar modules should provide a nearly stable yield for at least 20 to 30 years. -- And here, there is still a lot of room for improvement in perovskite materials. -- Results from several years -- An international research collaboration led by Prof. Antonio Abate has now published the results of several years of work in a review paper in the journal Nature Reviews Materials. Together with a team led by Prof. -- Meng Li, Henan University, China, and other partners in Italy, Spain, UK, Switzerland and Germany, they show that thermal stress is the decisive factor in the degradation of metal-halide perovskites. -- Harsh conditions in "real life" -- 'When used outdoors, solar modules are exposed to the weather and the seasons,' says Abate. -- While encapsulation can effectively protect the cells from moisture and atmospheric oxygen, they are still exposed to quite large temperature variations day and night and throughout the year.	H02 R01 C01	463
2508-T022	Mesoporous Silicon: A Semiconductor With Enhanced Properties	Researchers have produced mesoporous silicon layers with numerous tiny pores, drastically altering silicon's semiconductor properties. By investigating the electronic transport mechanisms within this material, they highlight its potential applications, including thermal insulation for quantum computing qubits and various other electronic devices.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie	Small Structures	Press Rel	PubMed	Silicon is the best-known semiconductor material. However, controlled nanostructuring drastically alters the material's properties. Using a specially developed etching apparatus, a team at HZB has now produced mesoporous silicon layers with countless tiny pores and investigated their electrical and thermal conductivity. For the first time, the researchers elucidated the electronic transport mechanism in this mesoporous silicon. The material has great potential for applications and could also be used to thermally insulate qubits for quantum computers. -- Mesoporous silicon is crystalline silicon with disordered nanometer-sized pores. -- The material has a huge internal surface area and is also biocompatible. -- This opens up a wide range of potential applications, from biosensors to battery anodes and capacitors. -- In addition, the material's exceptionally low thermal conductivity suggests applications as thermal insulator. -- Understanding transport properties in silicon nanostructures -- Although mesoporous silicon has been known for decades, until now there has been a lack of fundamental understanding of the transport of charge carriers and the possible involvement of lattice vibrations (phonons). 'However, in order to develop the material in a targeted manner, a precise understanding of the transport properties and processes is required,' says Priv. -- Doz. Dr. Klaus Habicht, who heads the Dynamics and Transport in Quantum Materials (QM-ADT) department at HZB. -- Habicht and his team have now presented new insights. They synthesised a series of silicon nanostructures using an etching technique optimised at HZB and determined the temperature-dependent electrical conductivity and thermopower. -- Electrons in wavelike states dominate the transport	T01	464
2511-T037	Innovative Material Efficiently Separates Deuterium From Hydrogen At High Temperatures	A novel porous material designed to efficiently separate deuterium from hydrogen at 120 K has been developed, offering new prospects for industrial applications by utilizing existing liquefied natural gas infrastructure. This advancement allows for cost-effective D2 production, crucial in semiconductor manufacturing and fusion energy. Researchers presented a copper-based zeolite imidazolate framework showcasing exceptional separation performance at this elevated temperature, marking a significant step forward in material science and hydrogen production technology.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A novel porous material capable of separating deuterium (D2) from hydrogen (H2) at a temperature of 120 K has been introduced. Notably, this temperature exceeds the liquefaction point of natural gas, thus facilitating large-scale industrial applications. This advancement presents an attractive pathway for the economical production of D2 by leveraging the existing infrastructure of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production pipelines. The research conducted by Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST), Korea, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Heinz Maier Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), and Soongsil University, Korea, has been published in Nature Communications. -- Deuterium, a stable isotope of hydrogen, plays a critical role in enhancing the durability and luminous efficiency of semiconductors and display devices, as well as serving as a fusion fuel in energy production. However, the increasing demand for D2 presents challenges in its production, primarily due to the need to separate from hydrogen through a cryogenic distillation process conducted at temperatures as low as 20 K (-253°C). While research has explored the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for D2 separation, their efficiency diminishes significantly at elevated temperatures. -- In this study, the research team presented a copper-based zeolite imidazolate framework (Cu-ZIF-gis), which shows exceptional D2 separation performance, even at 120 K (-153℃). While typical MOFs operate effectively at around 23 K (-250℃), their performance decreases sharply as temperatures approach 77 K (-196℃). However, the newly developed Cu-based MOF demonstrates a significant advantage in maintaining its effectiveness at higher temperatures. -- For the first time, the research team identified that the superior performance of this material results from the increased expansion of its lattice as the temperature rises. At cryogenic temperatures, the pores of the developed MOF are smaller than H2 molecules, thereby inhibiting their passage. However, as the temperature increases, the lattice expands, leading to an increase in pore size. This enlargement facilitates the passage of gases through the pores, thereby enabling the separation of H2 and D2 via the quantum sieving effect, wherein heavier molecules traverse the pores more efficiently at lower temperatures. -- Confirmatory in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments, conducted at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, by the joint team from UNIST, HZB and MLZ, confirmed the expansion of the lattice framework with increasing temperature, as well as the difference in isotope diffusivity even at elevated temperatures. Additionally, the analysis from the Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy (TDS) experiments indicated stable D2 separation at elevated temperatures. -- Professor Oh remarked, "The reported material exhibits markedly lower energy consumption and enhanced separation efficiency compared to most traditional methods, which operate at extremely low temperatures." Dr. Jitae Park further noted, "These findings can be applied to develop sustainable isotope separation technologies using existing LNG cryogenic infrastructure, underscoring its potential industrial impact." -- Dr. Margarita Russina highlighted the crucial role of QENS in this study, stating: "With QENS, we can directly probe the molecular motion of H2 and D2 in MOFs, gaining key insights into their diffusion behavior and interactions with porous materials. The observed stronger confinement of D2 compared to H₂, a strictly nanoscale phenomenon, leads to remarkable effects on macroscopic properties, forming the basis for the development of a new generation of materials for more efficient isotope separation." -- The research team, jointly led by Professor Hyunchul Oh from the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, Professor Jaheon Kim from Soongsil University, Dr. Jitae Park from Heinz Maier Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ) at Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Dr. Margarita Russina from Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) in Berlin, Germany announced this advancement on March 19, 2025. The study also involved Minji Jung, Jaewoo Park, and Raeesh Muhammad from the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, who served as co-first authors. The findings of this research have been published in Nature Communications on February 27, 2025. This study was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) of Korea and the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT), and the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France for the allocation of beam time.	Z01	465
2512-T025	Magnetic Microflowers: Revolutionizing Sensor Technology With Enhanced Magnetic Fields	A team led by Dr. Anna Palau has developed a unique flower-shaped magnetic metamaterial that can enhance and concentrate magnetic fields. This innovative design, created from a nickel-iron alloy, offers potential applications in improving magnetic sensor sensitivity and studying samples under higher magnetic fields, with findings published in collaboration with BESSY II.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie	ACS Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	A flower-shaped structure only a few micrometres in size made of a nickel-iron alloy can concentrate and locally enhance magnetic fields. The size of the effect can be controlled by varying the geometry and number of 'petals'. This magnetic metamaterial developed by Dr Anna Palau's group at the Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) in collaboration with her partners of the CHIST-ERA MetaMagIC project, has now been studied at BESSY II in collaboration with Dr Sergio Valencia. Such a device can be used to increase the sensitivity of magnetic sensors, to reduce the energy required for creating local magnetic fields, but also, at the PEEM experimental station, to study samples under much higher magnetic fields than currently possible. -- Dr Anna Palau from the Institut de Ciencia de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB) has developed a special metamaterial that looks like tiny flowers under the scanning electron microscope. -- The 'petals' consist of strips of a ferromagnetic nickel-iron alloy. -- The microflowers can be produced in various geometries, not only with different inner and outer radii, but also with variable numbers and widths of petals. -- This flower-shaped geometry causes the field lines of an external magnetic field to concentrate in the centre of the device, resulting on a greatly intensified magnetic field. -- Magnetic metamaterials -- 'Metamaterials are artificially produced materials with microstructures whose dimensions are smaller than the electromagnetic or thermal waves they are designed to manipulate,' explains Anna Palau. -- The physicist is working on magnetic microstructures that can be used in data storage, information processing, biomedicine, catalysis and magnetic sensor technology. -- By using these metamaterials, the sensitivity of magnetic sensors could be highly increased, as the magnetic field to be detected would be amplified at the center of these systems. -- Mapping magnetic domains at BESSY II	T01	466
2506-E006	Rare Isotope Discovery Enhances Geological Dating Methods, Offers New Earth Insights	Researchers have discovered an unexpected accumulation of the rare isotope beryllium-10 in Pacific seabed samples, which could enhance geological dating methods. This finding suggests potential links to historical ocean current shifts or ancient astrophysical events, providing valuable insight into Earth's geological history and offering a new tool for dating geological archives spanning millions of years.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Beryllium-10, a rare radioactive isotope produced by cosmic rays in the atmosphere, provides valuable insights into the Earth's geological history. A research team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), in collaboration with the TUD Dresden University of Technology and the Australian National University (ANU), has discovered an unexpected accumulation of this isotope in samples taken from the Pacific seabed. Such an anomaly may be attributed to shifts in ocean currents or astrophysical events that occurred approximately 10 million years ago. The findings hold the potential to serve as a global time marker, representing a promising advancement in the dating of geological archives spanning millions of years. The team presents its results in the scientific journal Nature Communications. -- Radionuclides are types of atomic nuclei (isotopes) that decay into other elements over time. -- They are used to date archaeological and geological samples, with radiocarbon dating being one of the most well-known methods. -- In principle, radiocarbon dating is based on the fact that living organisms continuously absorb the radioactive isotope carbon-14 (14C) during their lifetime. -- Once an organism dies, the absorption ceases, and the 14C content starts to decrease through radioactive decay with a half-life of approximately 5,700 years. -- By comparing the ratio of unstable 14C to stable carbon-12 (12C), researchers can determine the date of the organism's death. -- Archaeological finds, such as bones or remnants of wood, can be dated quite accurately in this way. -- "However, the radiocarbon method is limited to dating samples no more than 50,000 years old," explains HZDR physicist Dr. Dominik Koll. -- "To date older samples, we need to use other isotopes, such as cosmogenic beryllium-10 (10Be)." This isotope is created when cosmic rays interact with oxygen and nitrogen in the upper atmosphere. -- It reaches the Earth through precipitation and can accumulate on the seabed.	C01	467
2508-T023	Nanosynthesis Insights: Cadmium Selenide Nanoplatelets As High-Tech Materials	A team has made significant progress in the systematic production of cadmium selenide nanoplatelets, enhancing their potential for creating innovative electronic materials. Their research identifies the relationship between structure and function, paving the way for applications in medical diagnostics and communications technology utilizing near-infrared light.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Small	Press Rel	PubMed	Cadmium selenide nanoplatelets provide a promising foundation for the development of innovative electronic materials. Since the turn of the millennium, researchers around the world have taken a particular interest in these tiny platelets, which are only a few atoms thick, as they offer extraordinary optical and other properties. A team from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), TU Dresden, and the Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW) has taken an important step towards the systematic production of such nanoplatelets. The researchers were able to gain fundamental insights into the interaction between structure and function, as they report in the journal Small. -- Cadmium-based nanostructures lend themselves to the development of two-dimensional materials that enter into specific interactions with near-infrared light (NIR) by either absorbing, reflecting, or emitting light, or exhibiting other optical properties. -- This spectral range is of interest for numerous technologies. -- In medical diagnostics, for example, such materials offer deeper insights into tissue, since NIR light is scattered less than visible light. -- In communications technology, NIR materials are used in highly efficient fiber-optic systems. -- In solar energy, they could increase the efficiency of photovoltaic cells. -- "The ability to specifically modify the material to present the desired optical and electronic properties is crucial for all these applications," says Dr. Rico Friedrich from the Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research at HZDR and Chair of Theoretical Chemistry at TU Dresden. -- "In the past, this was a challenge because nanochemical synthesis used to be more about mixing materials by trial and error," adds Prof. -- Alexander Eychmüller, Chair of Physical Chemistry at TU Dresden. -- The two scientists jointly led the collaborative research project.	C01	468
2509-082	Touchless Tech Lets You Control Fabrics With Just A Finger Wave	Researchers have developed pioneering washable electronic textiles with integrated magnetic field sensors, enabling touchless interaction with clothing. This groundbreaking technology allows users to engage with garments by merely gesturing above the sensors, potentially revolutionizing how we wear and interact with textiles in various environments, including underwater applications.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Communications Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from Nottingham Trent University (UK), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy) has created washable and durable magnetic field sensing electronic textiles -- thought to be the first of their kind -- which they say paves the way to transform use in clothing, as they report in the journal Communications Engineering. This technology will allow users to interact with everyday textiles or specialized clothing by simply pointing their finger above a sensor. -- The researchers show how they placed tiny flexible and highly responsive magnetoresistive sensors within braided textile yarns compatible with conventional textile manufacturing. -- The garment can be operated by the user across a variety of functions through the use of a ring or glove which would require a miniature magnet. -- The sensors are seamlessly integrated within the textile, allowing the position of the sensors to be indicated using dyeing or embroidering, acting as touchless controls or 'buttons'. -- The technology, which could even be in the form of a textile-based keyboard, can be integrated into clothing and other textiles and can work underwater and across different weather conditions. -- Importantly, the researchers argue, it is not prone to accidental activation unlike some capacitive sensors in textiles and textile-based switches. -- "By integrating the technology into everyday clothing people would be able to interact with computers, smart phones, watches and other smart devices, transforming their clothes into a wearable human-computer interface," summarizes Dr. Denys Makarov from the Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research at HZDR. -- Washable fashion for human-computer interaction -- The technology could be applied to areas such as temperature or safety controls for specialized clothing, gaming, or interactive fashion -- such as allowing its users to employ simple gestures to control LEDs or other illuminating devices embedded in the textiles. -- Furthermore, the research team demonstrates the technology on a variety of uses, including a functional armband allowing navigational control in a virtual reality environment, and a self-monitoring safety strap for a motorcycle helmet.	T01	469
2509-T034	AI Utilizes Optical Phenomenon To Improve Image Quality In Biomedical Microscopy	Scientists are exploring how to improve quantitative phase imaging (QPI), a microscopy technique used to study cells and tissues, by leveraging chromatic aberration. Their approach aims to enhance image quality and acquisition speed, making QPI more applicable in clinical diagnostics and potentially revolutionizing the field of biomedical imaging.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	Quantitative phase imaging (QPI) is a microscopy technique widely used to investigate cells and tissues. Even though first biomedical applications based on QPI have been developed, both acquisition speed and image quality need to improve to guarantee a widespread reception. Scientists from the Görlitz-based Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) as well as Imperial College London and University College London suggest leveraging an optical phenomenon called chromatic aberration -- that usually degrades image quality -- to produce suitable images with standard microscopes. By employing a generative AI model, just one single exposure is needed to obtain the image quality necessary to make QPI attractive for applications in biomedicine. -- The team presented the work in late February at the 39th Annual Conference on AI by the Association for the Advancement of AI (AAAI) organized this year in Philadelphia (USA). The corresponding peer-reviewed conference paper will be available later in March. -- Labelling biological samples with dyes or other agents reveals valuable insights. But this approach has some disadvantages that hinder its widespread usage in clinical diagnostics: It is time-consuming and expensive equipment as well as reagents are needed. Research in the past years has therefore centered on certain label-free microscopy methods like QPI. Here, not only the magnitude of light absorbed from or scattered by the sample is of interest. Using the scattering information, QPI also captures how the sample shifts the phase of light passing through it -- a change that is directly related to its thickness, refractive index, and other structural properties. While also QPI requires quite expensive equipment, computational QPI does not. -- One of the most prominent computational QPI approaches is solving the Transport-of-Intensity Equation (TIE). This differential equation allows calculating an image of the sample based on the recorded phase changes. The approach is easy to integrate into an existing optical microscope set-up and results in good-quality images. On the downside, the TIE method often requires multiple acquisitions with different focus distances to get rid of artefacts. Dealing with through-focus stacks can be time-consuming and technically demanding so this type of TIE-based QPI is often not feasible in a clinical setting. -- Making use of chromatic aberration -- "Our approach relies on the similar principles as TIE but only needs one image because of a clever combination of physics and generative AI," says Prof. Artur Yakimovich, Leader of a CASUS Young Investigator Group and corresponding author of the work presented at the AAAI Conference. The information about the phase shift induced by biological specimen does not come from additional exposures taken with other focus distances. A through-focus stack can also be generated from one single exposure thanks to a phenomenon called chromatic aberration. Most lens systems of the microscope cannot bring all wavelengths of (polychromatic) white light to a single converging point perfectly -- a handicap that only highly specialized lenses can correct. This means e.g. red, green and blue (RGB) light have slightly different focus distances. "By recording the phase shifts of those three wavelengths separately using a conventional RGB detector, one can build a through-focus stack that facilitates computational QPI turning the handicap into an asset," Yakimovich explains. -- "Using chromatic aberrations to realize QPI poses one challenge: The distance between the red light focus and the blue light focus is very small," says Gabriel della Maggiora, PhD student at CASUS and one of the two lead authors of the publication. Solving the TIE the standard way just does not give meaningful results. "We then reasoned that we could use artificial intelligence. As it turned out, this idea proved to be decisive," della Maggiora adds. "After training a generative AI model with an open-access data set consisting of 1.2 million images, the model was able to retrieve phase information even though just relying on the very limited data input from the recording." -- Method validated on real-world clinical specimen -- The team drew on a generative AI model for image quality improvement presented last spring: the Conditional Variational Diffusion Model (CVDM). It belongs to a particular family of generative AI models named diffusion models. The developers emphasize that training a CVDM needs significantly less computational effort than training other diffusion models while the results are the same or even better. Harnessing a CVDM strategy, della Maggiora and colleagues developed a novel diffusion model that is applicable for quantitative data. With this model, they were now able to finally realize computational QPI based on chromatic aberrations. They validated their generative AI-based approach using for example a common brightfield microscope equipped with a commercially available color camera to make microscopic images from real-world clinical specimen: Analyzing red blood cells in a human urine sample, the method was able to unveil the donut-like shape of these cells whereas another, established computational TIE-based approach was not. An additional advantage was the virtual absence of cloud artifacts in the images calculated with the new generative AI-based quantitative phase imaging variant. -- The Yakimovich group "Machine Learning for Infection and Disease" develops novel computational techniques for microscopy that could be immediately applied in clinical settings. The potential e.g. in diagnostics is huge. Among the techniques used is generative AI. As generative AI is prone to produce hallucinations, a main focus of the group is to reduce them. Incorporating physics-based elements is the key approach here. As the AI-based quantitative phase imaging example shows, this approach is very promising.	A01 T01	470
2511-T006	Terahertz Light Offers New Approach To Reading Magnetic States	Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and TU Dortmund University have shown that terahertz light pulses can determine the magnetic orientation of materials at unprecedented speeds. By utilizing ultrafast light instead of electrical pulses, they can read magnetic structures in picoseconds, vastly improving data retrieval rates. This technique marks a significant advancement in spintronics, which could reshape the future of data storage and processing technologies, as detailed in Nature Communications.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Today, a single modern hard drive can store several million megabytes -- providing enough storage for hundreds of thousands of photos. These multi-terabyte hard drives rely on tiny magnetic structures. However, with data rates of only a few hundred megabytes per second, access to this digital information remains relatively slow. Initial experiments have already shown a promising new strategy: Magnetic states can be read out by short current pulses, whereby recently discovered spintronic effects in purpose-built material systems could remove previous speed restrictions. Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) and TU Dortmund University are now providing proof of the feasibility of such ultrafast data sources. Instead of electrical pulses, they use ultrashort terahertz light pulses, thereby enabling the read-out of magnetic structures within picoseconds. The team has presented its results in the journal Nature Communications. -- "We now can determine the magnetic orientation of a material much quicker with light-induced current pulses," explains Dr. Jan-Christoph Deinert of HZDR's Institute of Radiation Physics. -- For their experiments, the physicist and his team employed light that is invisible to the human eye -- so-called terahertz radiation. -- With a wavelength of just under a millimeter, this light is located between infrared radiation and microwave radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum. -- The source of this light was the ELBE radiation source at HZDR, where researchers can generate extremely short and intensive terahertz pulses. -- These proved to be ideal for analyzing the magnetization of wafer-thin material samples. -- The samples consisted of two extremely thin superimposed layers. -- For the lower layer, the researchers selected a magnetic material made from elements such as cobalt or an iron-nickel alloy. -- The upper layer was composed of metals like platinum, tantalum or tungsten. -- None of these metal layers exceeded three nanometers in thickness.	H01 R01 T01	471
2511-T034	Quantum Materials Reveal Unexplored Mechanisms Of Heat Conduction	A collaborative research team has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for heat conduction in quantum materials, notably revealing new behaviors in zirconium pentatelluride at extreme temperatures and magnetic fields. By exposing this semimetal to specific conditions, researchers found enhanced heat oscillations that challenge conventional understanding of heat transport in quantum materials. These findings could significantly influence future developments in quantum technologies and materials science.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The ability to conduct heat is one of the most fundamental properties of matter, crucial for engineering applications. Scientists know well how conventional materials, such as metals and insulators, conduct heat. However, things are not as straightforward under extreme conditions such as temperatures close to absolute zero combined with strong magnetic fields, where strange quantum effects begin to dominate. This is particularly true in the realm of quantum materials. Researchers from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), University of Bonn, and Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS) now exposed the semimetal zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe5) to high magnetic fields and very low temperatures. They found dramatically enhanced heat oscillations caused by a novel mechanism. This finding challenges the widely held belief that magnetic quantum oscillations should not be detectable in the heat transport of semimetals, as the scientists report in the journal PNAS. -- The quantum material ZrTe5 belongs to the class of so-called topological semimetals. -- In physics, the term "topological" describes special materials that, due to their unique electronic structure, have extremely robust ("topologically protected") conduction properties. -- In such materials, quantum effects can lead to unconventional and often bizarre phenomena that could play a crucial role in advancing future quantum technologies. -- Notably, both research and industry are currently investing considerable effort into developing quantum computers, with topological materials emerging as a promising avenue for their realization. -- Like ZrTe₅: it combines a rare set of non-trivial electronic properties, making it potentially relevant for high-precision electronics applications and magnetic-field sensor technologies. -- "When a normal metal such as silver or copper is placed in strong magnetic fields at temperatures close to absolute zero, that is −273.15 °C, its heat conduction is expected to oscillate − a striking example of quantum mechanical dynamics of electrons in metals. This effect arises due to the existence of the so-called Fermi surface, a boundary between occupied and unoccupied energy states of electrons in a metal," Dr. Stanisław Gałeski, currently assistant professor at Radboud University and visiting scientist at the Dresden High Magnetic Field (HLD) laboratory at HZDR, explains. -- "On the other hand, in semimetals, there are very few electrons available to transport heat, and as such, heat conduction is widely believed to be dominated by phonons − emergent particles that represent crystal lattice vibrations. As such, quantum oscillations should not be detectable in the transport of heat," Gałeski sums up more traditional expectations. -- However, several recent experiments have found giant quantum oscillations in the heat conduction of semimetals, questioning the mechanism of heat transport. -- Counterintuitive mechanism, surprising behavior	R02	472
2512-T030	E-Skin Technology: A New Era Of Interaction And Tracking	Researchers at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have created an advanced electronic skin that can detect and track magnetic fields, mimicking the properties of human skin. This e-skin, detailed in Nature Communications, has promising potential for robotics and could enable innovative applications ranging from virtual reality navigation to underwater smartphone usage.	Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine navigating a virtual reality with contact lenses or operating your smartphone under water: This and more could soon be a reality thanks to innovative e-skins. A research team led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has developed an electronic skin that detects and precisely tracks magnetic fields with a single global sensor. This artificial skin is not only light, transparent and permeable, but also mimics the interactions of real skin and the brain, as the team reports in the journal Nature Communications. -- Originally developed for robotics, e-skins imitate the properties of real skin. -- They can give robots a sense of touch or replace lost senses in humans. -- Some can even detect chemical substances or magnetic fields. -- But the technology also has its limits. Highly functional e-skins are often impractical because they rely on extensive electronics and large batteries. -- "Previous technologies have used numerous individual sensors and transistors to localize sources of a magnetic field, similar to touch sensors in a smartphone display. Our idea was to develop a more energy-efficient system that is more akin to our soft human skin and thus better suited for humans," says Denys Makarov from the Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research at HZDR. -- Lighter, more flexible, smarter -- The researchers therefore replaced rigid, bulky substrates that usually host electronics with a thin, light, and flexible membrane that is just a few micrometers thick. -- The entire membrane is optically transparent and perforated, making the artificial skin permeable to air and moisture, allowing the real skin underneath to breathe. -- However, such an ultra-thin membrane can accommodate a limited amount of electronic components.	R02 T01	473
2506-E016	Understanding Harmful Algal Blooms: New Insights From The Pacific Coast Of Chile	Researchers from Hiroshima University have explored the interactions of harmful algal species in the Pacific, uncovering critical insights into the factors driving harmful algal blooms. Their study highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of these blooms due to climate change and aims to inform strategies to mitigate their impact on industries like aquaculture, vital for local economies.	Hiroshima University	Marine Pollution Bulletin	Press Rel	PubMed	Harmful algal blooms, sometimes called HABs, occur when algae grow out of control. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that mostly live in water and rely on the sunlight for energy. Because of climate change, the frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms are increasing globally. Researchers at Hiroshima University have uncovered new insights into how algae species interact with each other and their environment in coastal waters. -- The research was published in Marine Pollution Bulletin on 15 December. -- "This study aimed to understand how harmful algal species interact with other phytoplankton and environmental factors like temperature and salinity. This understanding is crucial because harmful algal blooms have been increasing in frequency and intensity in Chile, causing substantial damage to the aquaculture industry, particularly salmon farming, which is vital to Chile's economy as the world's second-largest salmon producer," said So Fujiyoshi, an assistant professor at Hiroshima University's The IDEC Institute in Hiroshima, Japan. -- The study analyzed these algal-algal species interactions through a statistical tool called empirical dynamic modeling, which can map relationships within a system using long-term data. -- This study used phytoplankton monitoring data that had been collected for 28 years to find out if temperature, salinity, or other phytoplankton species had an impact on the growth of Pseudo-nitzschia, one of the most common algal species groups found in harmful algal blooms. -- This species group is known to produce a neurotoxin called domoic acid. -- It contaminates shellfish and fish and can cause a rare illness called amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP) if eaten. -- The symptoms of ASP include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, headache, confusion, short-term memory loss, seizures, and, in rare cases, death. -- "We discovered that Pseudo-nitzschia has complex interactions with other algal species. Our findings also suggest that salinity might have a more significant influence than temperature, which was previously thought to be a key factor. This discovery could improve our ability to predict harmful algal blooms," said Fujiyoshi. -- The researchers emphasized that the empirical dynamic modeling method is only the start to understanding the interactions between Pseudo-nitzschia groups and other algal species.	H02 C01 N01	474
2501-T006	Cerium Oxide Thermal Switches Revolutionize Heat Control Technology	A research team led by Professor Hiromichi Ohta has achieved a breakthrough in thermal management technology by developing cerium oxide-based thermal switches that enhance performance. These switches, which control heat transfer electrically, represent a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that have had limitations. Their findings, published in Science Advances, could significantly impact various industries, including electronics and energy recovery.	Hokkaido University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Groundbreaking cerium oxide-based thermal switches achieve remarkable performance, transforming heat flow control with sustainable and efficient technology. -- Thermal switches, which electrically control heat transfer, are essential for the advancement of sophisticated thermal management systems. -- Historically, electrochemical thermal switches have been constrained by suboptimal performance, which impedes their extensive utilization in the electronics, energy, and waste heat recovery sectors. -- A research team led by Professor Hiromichi Ohta of the Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University employed a novel approach of using cerium oxide (CeO2) thin films as the active material in thermal switches, providing a highly efficient and sustainable alternative. -- Their findings have been published in Science Advances. -- The research team showed that CeO2-based thermal switch performance can exceed prior benchmarks. -- "The novel device features an on/off thermal conductivity ratio of 5.8 and a thermal conductivity (κ)-switching width of 10.3 W/m·K, establishing a new benchmark for electrochemical thermal switches," Ohta explains. -- "The thermal conductivity in its minimal state (off-state) is 2.2 W/m·K, but in the oxidized state (on-state), it significantly rises to 12.5 W/m·K. These performance metrics remain consistent after 100 cycles of reduction and oxidation, demonstrating remarkable durability and reliability for extended usage in practical applications." -- A notable benefit of this technology is the utilization of cerium oxide, a substance abundant in the earth, recognized for its economic viability and ecological sustainability. -- In contrast to conventional thermal switches that depend on scarce and costly materials, CeO2 offers a sustainable and readily available alternative, reducing expenses and the ecological footprint of thermal management solutions.	C01 T01	475
2503-E026	Dolphins Have Specialized Taste Receptors For Fatty Acids In Mother's Milk	New findings reveal that juvenile bottlenose dolphins have unique receptors on their tongues that allow them to detect fatty acids in their mother’s milk. This discovery, published in Marine Mammal Science, provides valuable insights into their feeding and growth patterns, challenging earlier beliefs about cetacean sensory systems. Given their limited sense of smell in aquatic environments, understanding these receptors sheds light on how dolphins communicate and thrive in their natural habitat.	Hokkaido University	Marine Mammal Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Juvenile dolphins were found to have specialized receptors for fatty acids on their tongues, offering new insights into their growth and feeding habits. -- Scientists have discovered that juvenile bottlenose dolphins have specialized receptors for detecting the fatty acids in their mother's milk. -- These findings, published in the journal Marine Mammal Science, offer important insights into how these marine mammals grow, feed, and communicate. -- The new findings challenge previous assumptions about cetacean sensory systems. -- Unlike land mammals, dolphins and other marine mammals have limited olfactory capabilities - their sense of smell is largely nonfunctional in aquatic environments. -- Researchers have therefore speculated that dolphins had other ways of sensing their surroundings and detecting food. -- Fat plays an essential role in providing energy and supporting brain development in dolphin calves, which are entirely dependent on their mother's milk during their early stages of life. -- "We looked at the tongue of a young Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin and confirmed special structures that may help it detect fat," says the study's first author Hinako Katsushima of the Graduate School of Environmental Science at Japan's Hokkaido University. -- "At the back of the tongue, there's a V-shaped row of taste receptors that are specifically tuned to pick up fatty acids. These receptors also have enzymes that help break down the fat, making it easier for the dolphin to sense and process it." -- In a second experiment, the team gave young dolphins a choice between two liquids: one containing milk and the other a cloudy solution.	H01 R02 N01	476
2503-E035	New Computational Tool Enhances Genetic Data Analysis For Evolutionary Studies	Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed PsiPartition, a new computational tool that enhances the analysis of genetic data. This innovative tool allows evolutionary biologists to more efficiently reconstruct species' evolutionary histories and visualize relationships, streamlining the study of phylogenetics in diverse biological research.	Hokkaido University	Journal of Molecular Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	A new computational tool improves the analysis of genetic data, making it easier and faster to study the evolutionary relationships between species. -- Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new computational tool to help evolutionary biologists analyze complex genetic data to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species and the relationships between them. -- The tool, called PsiPartition, improves both the computational efficiency of the data analysis and the accuracy of the phylogenetic trees that visualize these relationships. -- The novel method was published in the Journal of Molecular Evolution. -- By analyzing genetic differences between species, evolutionary biologists can infer how closely related they are and map out their evolutionary history. -- The result of this analysis is a phylogenetic tree, which illustrates the branching patterns of evolution, showing common ancestors and the paths of divergence that led to the diversity of life we see today. -- Modern sequencing technologies produce huge amounts of genomic data for phylogenetic analysis, but different regions of the genome evolve at different rates. -- Some genes evolve more rapidly than others, and specific parts of the genome display unique evolutionary patterns. -- This phenomenon, known as site heterogeneity, makes it challenging to model evolution accurately using existing approaches, which can be either too slow or imprecise. -- "PsiPartition is a useful tool that simplifies the analysis of DNA data by dividing it into groups, or partitions, to account for differences in how fast various parts of the DNA evolve," explains the study's first author, Shijie Xu of the Graduate School of Environmental Science at Hokkaido University.	N02	477
2505-E056	Daily Glacier Flow Rates Influenced By Temperature, Rainfall, And Tidal Changes	A detailed examination of a Greenland glacier has revealed that its flow rate is highly responsive to air temperature, rainfall, and tidal changes. This research, conducted over six summers, highlights the importance of short-term variations in glacier movement, contributing to our understanding of glacial dynamics and mass loss. Findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring of these systems, particularly as they relate to future sea-level rise and environmental changes.	Hokkaido University	The Cryosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	A biomaterial that can mimic certain behaviors within biological tissues could advance regenerative medicine, disease modeling, soft robotics and more, according to researchers at Penn State. -- Materials created up to this point to mimic tissues and extracellular matrices (ECMs) -- the body's biological scaffolding of proteins and molecules that surrounds and supports tissues and cells -- have all had limitations that hamper their practical applications, according to the team. -- To overcome some of those limitations, the researchers developed a bio-based, "living" material that encompasses self-healing properties and mimics the biological response of ECMs to mechanical stress. -- They published their results in Materials Horizons, where the research was also featured on the cover of the journal. -- "We developed a cell-free -- or acellular -- material that dynamically mimics the behavior of ECMs, which are key building blocks of mammalian tissues that are crucial for tissue structure and cell functions," said corresponding author Amir Sheikhi, associate professor of chemical engineering and the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair in Biomaterials and Regenerative Engineering. -- According to the researchers, previous iterations of their material -- a hydrogel, or water-rich polymer network -- were synthetic and lacked the desired combination of mechanical responsiveness and biological mimicry of ECMs. -- "Specifically, these materials need to replicate nonlinear strain-stiffening, which is when ECM networks stiffen under strain caused by physical forces exerted by cells or external stimuli," Sheikhi said, explaining nonlinear strain-stiffening is important for providing structural support and facilitating cell signaling. -- "The materials also need to replicate the self-healing properties necessary for tissue structure and survival. Prior synthetic hydrogels had difficulties in balancing material complexity, biocompatibility and mechanical mimicry of ECMs." -- The team addressed these limitations by developing acellular nanocomposite living hydrogels (LivGels) made from "hairy" nanoparticles. -- The nanoparticles are composed of nanocrystals, or "nLinkers," with disordered cellulose chains, or "hairs," at the ends.	C01 T01	478
2506-E010	Discovery Of New Ultra-Small Bacteria Offers Insights Into Uncultivated Microbial Life	Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in cultivating ultra-small bacteria that parasitize archaea, classifying it as a new species, Minisyncoccus archaeiphilus. This discovery enhances our understanding of these often-overlooked microorganisms, their ecological roles, and their potential applications in wastewater treatment systems, laying the groundwork for further research into the candidate phyla radiation (CPR) and its significance in microbial life.	Hokkaido University	International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	AIST researchers, in collaboration with JAMSTEC, Hokkaido University and Tohoku University, have succeeded in cultivating an ultrasmall bacterial strain parasitizing archaea and classified the strain PMX.108T as new species and genus of Minisyncoccus archaeiphilus. -- We have discovered, for the first time in the world, bacteria that parasitize the methanogenic archaea, which play a central role in anaerobic wastewater treatment systems. -- The ultrasmall bacterium inhibits the growth of the host methanogenic archaeon Methanospirillum hungatei. This study represents the first successful cultivation of ultrasmall bacteria that parasitize archaea, which evolutionarily diverged approximately 4 billion years ago and exhibit significant biological differences in cell membrane lipids, genetic information, and other biochemical characteristics. -- The bacterium was observed to have limited host range and to attach only host archaeon-specific sites. -- Furthermore, we have proposed a new phylum Minisyncoccota formerly known as candidate phyla radiation (CPR). The phylogenetically classification and deposition of the CPR bacterium to a public culture collection will advance research on the CPR bacteria, and is expected to advance our understanding of the physiology and ecological role of the bacteria, which have remained a mystery until now. -- Background -- Candidate phyla radiation (CPR), a large bacterial phylogenetic group that includes various uncultivated lineages, are ubiquitous in natural and artificial environments, but their ecophysiology in ecosystems remains largely unknown due to the difficulty of cultivating them. The CPR bacteria have been predicted to adopt a parasitic or predatory lifestyles on the host organisms because of their small cell and genome size and lack of biosynthetic pathways for their growth. Although some CPR bacteria that demonstrate intra-domain interactions have been successfully cultured, there are no cases where cultured strains have been made publicly available through culture collections, which is hindering the progress in the research field.	T01	479
2512-E017	Southeast Asia's Small-Scale Fisheries Thrive Despite Overfishing Concerns	A new study by Professor Matsuishi Takashi Fritz reveals that Southeast Asia's capture fisheries have remained resilient despite global overfishing concerns. This research identifies the factors contributing to the region's ecological health and biodiversity, providing insights that could inform sustainable fisheries management worldwide.	Hokkaido University	Fisheries Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite decades of warnings about overfishing, Southeast Asia's capture fisheries have proven remarkably robust. -- For decades, there have been dire warnings about overfishing and the loss of biomass and biodiversity in the world's fisheries. -- Yet one region's capture fisheries have largely maintained their biodiversity and ecological health while still meeting the food needs of the area's growing population. -- In a study published in the journal Fisheries Science, Professor Matsuishi Takashi Fritz (Prof. -- Fritz) at the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University, examined the status of Southeast Asia's capture fisheries to understand why this particular region is swimming against the global tide of overfishing and declining production, and what lessons can be learned for other capture fisheries around the world. -- Southeast Asian fisheries have seen a steady increase in production over the past 30 years, which amounts to the greatest among world regions. -- Though that growth has plateaued since 2018, the region still outperforms many others. -- At the same time, the fisheries' productivity -- defined as production divided by the number of fisheries -- is the second lowest in the world. -- That's because many more people are actively engaged in fishing in Southeast Asia than in many other regions; the percentage of people fishing in Southeast Asia is 3.4 times higher than the global average. -- Many of these are small-scale and artisanal fishers, who only catch enough for the local community or their own families, as Southeast Asia also has the greatest dependence on aquatic foods for protein.	H01 N01	480
2513-T021	New Gene Clusters Discovered In Bacteria Could Revolutionize Hydrogen Production	A genomic analysis of hydrogen-producing Vibrionaceae bacteria has unveiled new gene clusters that can generate substantial hydrogen volumes. This family of marine bacteria, traditionally overlooked in biofuel production due to their association with pathogens, showcases the ability to produce hydrogen gas via fermentation. Researchers, led by Professor Tomoo Sawabe, utilized genome sequencing to understand this process better, potentially offering a green energy solution, as detailed in Current Microbiology.	Hokkaido University	Current Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A genomic study of hydrogen-producing bacteria has revealed entirely new gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen. -- Vibrionaceae are a family of marine bacteria famous for their bioluminescence, but also notorious for including the cholera pathogen among their number. -- Vibrionaceae have not been attractive subjects in biofuel production, but another unique feature of the family -- their ability to generate large volumes of hydrogen gas by breaking down a substance called formate into carbon dioxide and hydrogen through fermentation -- has now emerged as a potential solution for green energy. -- Now, a team including Professor Tomoo Sawabe at the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University; Ramesh Kumar Natarajan at the National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, India; and Fabiano Thompson at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have used genome sequencing to investigate the mechanism behind this biochemical feat. -- Their findings were published in the journal Current Microbiology. -- The researchers examined all 16 known species of Vibrionaceae, which are often found in symbiotic relationships with deep-sea animals. -- They focused on the sequence and structure of the Hyf-type formate hydrogenlyase (FHL) gene cluster. -- The hydrogenase enzyme from this gene cluster catalyzes the breakdown of formate into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. -- This complex is also found in Escherichia coli, another bacteria which can generate hydrogen through fermentation, though in much smaller amounts than Vibrionaceae. -- "These analyses reveal unexpected diversity of FHL gene clusters and relationships between gene clusters and function in hydrogen production ability," Sawabe explains.	C01 N01	481
2502-T020	Quantum Simulation Breakthrough: Exploring The Non-Hermitian Skin Effect	A research team from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has made significant strides in quantum physics by simulating the non-Hermitian skin effect using ultracold fermions. This simulation provides valuable insights into open quantum systems, enhancing our understanding of particle dynamics and offering potential applications in quantum information processing and advanced material science.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has achieved a groundbreaking quantum simulation of the non-Hermitian skin effect in two dimensions using ultracold fermions, marking a significant advance in quantum physics research. -- Quantum mechanics, which typically considers a well-isolated system from its environment, describes ubiquitous phenomena ranging from electron behavior in solids to information processing in quantum devices. -- This description typically requires a real-valued observable -- specifically, a Hermitian model (Hamiltonian). -- The Hermiticity of the model, which guarantees conserved energy with real eigenvalues, breaks down when a quantum system exchanges particles and energy with its environment. -- Such an open quantum system can be effectively described by a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian, providing crucial insights into quantum information processing, curved space, non-trivial topological phases, and even black holes. -- Nevertheless, many questions about non-Hermitian quantum dynamics remain unanswered, especially in higher dimensions. -- In collaboration with Peking University (PKU), physicists from the two universities have simulated one such intriguing phenomenon -- the non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE) -- which involves the accumulation of eigenstates at the boundary of an open system. -- This successful demonstration marks a crucial advancement, as previous experimental realizations of the non-Hermitian skin effect were limited to lower dimensions or classical systems rather than quantum systems. -- This finding is published in Nature on January 8, 2025. -- The research created a two-dimensional non-Hermitian topological band for ultracold fermions in spin-orbit-coupled optical lattices with tunable dissipation, unveiling the non-Hermitian skin effect, says Prof.	T01	482
2503-E046	Insights Into Carbon Dioxide Reactions In Supercritical Water Uncovered	Researchers at HKUST have unveiled complex reaction mechanisms of carbon dioxide in supercritical water, which are crucial for CO2 mineralization and sequestration. Their findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveal the stability of pyrocarbonate as an intermediate in confined environments, providing new insights into the deep carbon cycle and advancing future carbon sequestration technologies. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding these chemical processes to mitigate climate change effectively.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Associate Professor Ding PAN from the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with Prof. Yuan Yao from the Department of Mathematics, has made significant discoveries regarding the complex reaction mechanisms of carbon dioxide (CO2) in supercritical water. These findings are crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of CO2 mineralization and sequestration in nature and engineering, as well as the deep carbon cycle within the Earth's interior. This understanding will help pave the way for new directions in future carbon sequestration technologies. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)*. -- The dissolution of CO₂ in water and its subsequent hydrolysis reactions are key processes for effective carbon capture and mineralization storage, playing a significant role in carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming. -- Prof. Pan's team developed and applied first-principles Markov models to reveal the reaction mechanisms of CO₂ with supercritical water in both bulk and nanoconfined environments. -- They discovered that pyrocarbonate (C₂O₅²⁻) is a stable and important reaction intermediate in nanoconfined environments, which had been previously overlooked because pyrocarbonate is highly unstable and decomposes rapidly in aqueous solutions. -- The unexpected appearance of pyrocarbonate is related to the superionic behavior of the confined solutions. -- Additionally, they found that carbonation reactions involve collective proton transfer along transient water chains, which exhibits concerted behavior in bulk solutions but proceeds stepwise under nanoconfinement. -- This study demonstrates the great potential of first-principles Markov models in elucidating complex reaction kinetics in aqueous solutions. -- "Our innovative approach has enabled us to discover a new pathway for CO2 dissolution involving pyrocarbonate ions," said Prof. -- Chu LI, Research Assistant Professor from the Department of Physics. -- "Our efficient computational method does not rely on prior knowledge and can automatically identify reaction pathways without human bias, revealing unknown reaction mechanisms based on the first principles of physics."	C01	483
2505-051	Genetic Analysis Reveals Protective Factors Against Alzheimer’s Disease In Diverse Populations	An international research effort has unveiled critical genetic factors that offer protective benefits against Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in East Asian populations. By analyzing genetic data from diverse groups, including Chinese and Japanese individuals, researchers identified a specific variant linked to improved cognitive function. These findings underscore the importance of genetic diversity in understanding disease mechanisms and highlight potential pathways for future therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer's.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Understanding where Earth's essential elements came from -- and why some are missing -- has long puzzled scientists. Now, a new study reveals a surprising twist in the story of our planet's formation. -- A new study led by Arizona State University's Assistant Professor Damanveer Grewal from the School of Molecular Sciences and School of Earth and Space Exploration, in collaboration with researchers from Caltech, Rice University, and MIT, challenges traditional theories about why Earth and Mars are depleted in moderately volatile elements (MVEs). MVEs like copper and zinc play a crucial role in planetary chemistry, often accompanying life-essential elements such as water, carbon, and nitrogen. -- Understanding their origin provides vital clues about why Earth became a habitable world. -- Earth and Mars contain significantly fewer MVEs than primitive meteorites (chondrites), raising fundamental questions about planetary formation. -- Published in Science Advances, the study takes a fresh approach by analyzing iron meteorites -- remnants of the metallic cores of the earliest planetary building blocks -- to uncover new insights. -- "We found conclusive evidence that first-generation planetesimals in the inner solar system were unexpectedly rich in these elements," said Grewal. -- "This discovery reshapes our understanding of how planets acquired their ingredients." -- Until now, scientists believed that MVEs were lost either because they never fully condensed in the early solar system or escaped during planetesimal differentiation. -- However, this study reveals a different story: many of the first planetesimals held onto their MVEs, suggesting that the building blocks of Earth and Mars lost theirs later -- during a period of violent cosmic collisions that shaped their formation. -- Surprisingly, the team found that many inner solar system planetesimals retained chondrite-like MVE abundances, showing that they accreted and preserved MVEs despite undergoing differentiation.	R02	484
2505-067	Groundwater Sulfate Levels Pose Public Health Risks For Millions At Risk Of Illness	A recent study highlights a critical public health issue, revealing that approximately 17 million people face gastrointestinal risks due to high sulfate levels in groundwater. This groundbreaking research produced a detailed global groundwater sulfate distribution map, emphasizing the need for monitoring. The study underscores the importance of addressing this overlooked health concern to prevent severe health consequences, particularly among vulnerable populations.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Running out of gas in a remote area far from a gas station is every driver's worst nightmare. A similar stressor, known as "range anxiety," exists for owners of electric vehicles who worry about how far their EV's can drive without running out of battery. -- As EVs become more common on roadways -- annual EV sales are estimated to reach 7.2 million by 2030 -- innovative new methods are being developed to more easily charge them. -- One of these methods, a new mechanism that could charge vehicles while they are in motion, is the focus of a new University of Texas at El Paso-led study published in the journal IEEE Access. -- The UTEP research group is part of a National Science Foundation and Department of Energy-funded coalition of engineers focused on an EV in-motion charging technology known as a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) roadway. -- A DWPT roadway would embed transmitter pads within road surfaces, thereby allowing EVs to charge while driving without needing to be hooked up to a power outlet, said Paras Mandal, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering at UTEP and the study's principal investigator. -- "The field of electrified transportation is evolving, and modeling the load demand on our electrical grid is a very significant part of the work," said Mandal. -- "Our research will allow for a comprehensive understanding of new EV charging methods to ensure sustainable use of our transportation infrastructure coupled with power utilities." -- Currently, most EVs are charged at public charging stations or through electrical outlets in households. -- However, Mandal explained that residential charging technology is often slow and drains electricity, while public charging stations are currently not widely available. -- These limitations may lead to "range anxiety" and may inhibit the widespread adoption of EVs, Mandal said, which could reduce petroleum fuel consumption, emissions from vehicle transportation, and noise pollution and contribute to improved air quality.	Z01	485
2510-T005	Researchers Discover Nitrogen's Key Role In Atmospheric Organic Aerosols	A collaborative study has introduced a nitrogen-centric framework to explain how organic aerosols absorb sunlight, emphasizing the significance of nitrogen compounds in climate models. This research marks a step forward in understanding the environmental impact of aerosols, paving the way for more effective climate mitigation strategies.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaborative research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), and the National Center for Applied Mathematics Shenzhen (NCAMS) has introduced a nitrogen-centric framework that explains the light-absorbing effects of atmospheric organic aerosols. Published in Science, this groundbreaking study reveals that nitrogen-containing compounds play a dominant role in the absorption of sunlight by atmospheric organic aerosols worldwide. This discovery signifies a major step towards improving climate models and developing more targeted strategies to mitigate climate impact of airborne particles. -- Atmospheric organic aerosols influence climate by absorbing and scattering sunlight, particularly within the near-ultraviolet to visible range. -- Due to their complex composition and continuous chemical transformation in the atmosphere, accurately assessing their climate effects has remained a challenge. -- The study was jointly led by and Prof. FU Tzung-May, Professor of the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at SUSTech and NCAMS, and Prof. -- YU Jianzhen, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and the Division of Environment and Sustainability at HKUST. -- "Traditional models adopt a carbon-centric approach, merely considering the chemical modification of organic aerosols through a uniform treatment of the bulk carbon element. This methodology lacks efficacy in capturing the relationship between the sources, evolution, and light-absorbing properties of atmospheric organic matter. For the first time, we have quantified the global abundance of light-absorbing nitrogen-containing components in organic aerosols -- termed brown nitrogen (BrN) -- and revealed how BrN's optical properties vary with chemical composition," explained Prof. -- Fu. -- "Our research shows that the global average direct radiative effect of BrN is 0.034 watts per square meter. BrN contributes to about 70% of the global light-absorbing effects by organic aerosols, and its chemical evolution is the primary driver of spatiotemporal variations in organic aerosol light absorption," added Dr. LI Yumin, the first author of the study and a PhD graduate in Environmental Science, Policy and Management from the HKUST-SUSTech joint PhD program. -- The findings underscore the necessity of incorporating nitrogen-containing compounds into future climate and air quality models. -- With wildfires projected to become more frequent in a future warming climate, emissions of more highly light-absorbing BrN aerosols are expected to increase, further exacerbating climate warming.	C01	486
2512-E053	Groundbreaking Method Reveals Tropical Clouds Amplify Global Warming More Than Previously Believed	Researchers from HKUST have developed a groundbreaking method to improve predictions related to tropical marine low clouds, which critically influence climate regulation. Their findings reveal that these clouds may amplify the greenhouse effect more than previously understood, highlighting the need for improved climate models to address uncertainties surrounding cloud dynamics and global warming.	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Tropical marine low clouds play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. However, whether they mitigate or exacerbate global warming has long remained a mystery. Now, researchers from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed a groundbreaking method that significantly improves accuracy in climate predictions. This led to a major discovery -- that tropical cloud feedback may have amplified the greenhouse effect by a staggering 71% more than previously known to scientists. -- The effects of tropical low clouds are difficult to investigate because they are influenced by a variety of factors. -- Commonly used low cloud controlling factors often struggle to separate the influence of local sea surface temperatures (SSTs) from that of temperatures in the free troposphere -- the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere, casting uncertainty in projections. -- Adding to the complexity are the substantial differences in cloud dynamics between two main stratocumulus regions on Earth, namely the tropical Pacific and Atlantic, based on observations. -- A research team led by Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Global STEM Professor at HKUST, has developed a new method to untangle the matrix. -- To overcome the limitations in existing literature, the research team evaluated the performance of 28 state-of-the-art climate models. -- Instead of assigning arbitrary weightings to the Pacific and the Atlantic, they developed a Pareto optimization approach to conduct this assessment. -- This was achieved by down-weighting models that perform poorly in both regions while retaining those that are Pareto-optimal. -- "Our new Pareto optimization approach provides a more robust and universally applicable framework for evaluating models against multiple observational constraints," said Prof. -- Su, corresponding author of this study.	C01	487
2503-080	New Therapeutic Target Identified: Protein Apex1 May Halt Autoimmune Diseases And Allergies	A team at Houston Methodist has identified the protein Apex1 as a promising target for treating autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting or removing this protein, the researchers propose a new strategy to prevent the immune system from mistakenly attacking the body, offering new hope for those suffering from allergies and autoimmune disorders.	Houston Methodist	Journal of Clinical Investigation	Press Rel	PubMed	Houston Methodist researchers have identified a key protein as a potential therapeutic target for stopping the body's immune system from mistakenly attacking itself, offering new hope for treating autoimmune diseases and allergies. -- The paper titled "Apex1 safeguards genomic stability to ensure a cytopathic T cell fate in autoimmune disease models," appeared recently in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. -- Xian C. Li, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Immunobiology & Transplant Science Center in the Houston Methodist Research Institute, is co-corresponding author on the paper with Zhiqiang Zhang, Ph.D., associate professor of transplant immunology in surgery. -- In this study, the researchers discovered that a protein called Apex1 protects the DNA of multiplying immune cells so they can become "killer" T cells. -- They have the potential to attack the body by mistake, which is what happens in autoimmune diseases and allergies. -- By demonstrating how indispensable this Apex1 protein is to the destructive autoimmune process, the researchers proved if they therapeutically target the protein with chemical inhibitors to either turn it off or remove it completely, then this could be a highly effective way to block immune-mediated diseases. -- When the absence of Apex1 is achieved, it would render T cells incapable of causing the damage typically seen in autoimmune diseases and allergic reactions. -- "We were surprised by the potency of suppressing multiple autoimmune diseases -- not only in prevention, but also in treatment once the diseases were already established -- upon blocking that single Apex1 molecule," Li said. -- "Another unexpected finding was the extensive death of harmful T cells upon Apex1 inhibition." -- The research team studied various disease models but found the lupus and multiple sclerosis models to be efficacious.	N02	488
2505-031	National Study Identifies Two Inhibitor Drugs For Treating Deadly Metaplastic Breast Cancer	Research conducted by Houston Methodist and collaborators has identified two inhibitor drugs that may effectively disrupt the progression of metaplastic breast cancer. By comparing metaplastic to non-metaplastic triple-negative breast cancer, researchers found unique signaling pathways that can be targeted with a combination of specific inhibitors. This discovery is significant given the aggressive nature of metaplastic breast cancer, which often doesn't respond well to standard treatments, providing hope for improved therapeutic outcomes.	Houston Methodist	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Fish is a high-quality source of protein, containing omega-3 fatty acids and many other beneficial nutrients. However, the accumulation of toxic mercury also makes fish consumption a concern, of which tuna is particularly susceptible. Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have come up with a novel approach to packaging canned tuna infused in the water-based solution of amino acid cysteine. It was shown to remove up to 35 percent of the accumulated mercury in canned tuna, significantly reducing human exposure to mercury via food. -- Fish and other seafood, provide people with a broad variety of essential nutrients in their diet However, the consumption of some fish also exposes people to the most hazardous form of mercury, methylmercury. -- This accumulates in fish (especially those species higher up the food chain, such as tuna) as it binds to proteins in the tissues. -- Packaging solution draws out the mercury -- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mercury is one of the ten most harmful chemicals for humans. -- Exposure can damage the central nervous system, with foetuses and young children being particularly sensitive to the effects. -- That is why dietary recommendations for pregnant women advise caution with tuna consumption. -- "Our study shows that there are alternative approaches to addressing mercury contamination in tuna, rather than just limiting consumption. Our goal is to improve food safety and contribute to enhanced human health, as well as to better utilise food that is currently under certain restrictions," says Mehdi Abdollahi, Associate Professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers and coordinator of a project called Detoxpak. -- The concept of so-called active packaging is to develop materials, for example a liquid inside a can, that interact with food during storage − for instance, to increase the shelf life. -- However, this concept has never previously been used to improve food safety.	H01 R01	489
2506-015	New Research Links Muscle Signal Pathways To Learning And Memory In The Brain	New research suggests that structures in muscle cells play a similar role in brain signaling as they do in muscle contraction, hinting at a deeper connection between muscle and brain function. This study indicates that the same cellular mechanisms are involved in both systems, potentially reshaping our understanding of how learning and memory occur in the brain.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Our biceps and our brain cells may have more in common than previously thought. -- New research led by the Lippincott-Schwartz Lab shows that a network of subcellular structures similar to those responsible for propagating molecular signals that make muscles contract are also responsible for transmitting signals in the brain that may facilitate learning and memory. -- "Einstein said that when he uses his brain, it is like he is using a muscle, and in that respect, there is some parallel here," says Janelia Senior Group Leader Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz. -- "The same machinery is operating in both cases but with different readouts." -- The first clue about the possible connection between brain and muscle cells came when Janelia scientists noticed something strange about the endoplasmic reticulum, or ER -- the membranous sheets and folds inside cells that are crucial for many cellular functions. -- Lorena Benedetti, a research scientist in the Lippincott-Schwartz Lab, was tracking molecules at high resolution along the surface of the ER in mammalian neurons when she saw that the molecules were tracing a repeating, ladder-like pattern along the entire length of the dendrites -- the branch-like extensions on brain cells that receive incoming signals. -- Around the same time, Senior Group Leader Stephan Saalfeld alerted Lippincott-Schwartz to high-resolution 3D electron microscopy images of neurons in the fly brain where the ER was also forming regularly spaced, transversal structures. -- The ER normally appears like a huge, dynamic net, so as soon as Lippincott-Schwartz saw the structures, she knew her lab needed to figure out what they were for. -- "In science, structure is function," says Lippincott-Schwartz, who also heads Janelia's 4D Cellular Physiology research area. -- "This is an unusual, beautiful structure that we are seeing throughout the whole dendrite, so we just had this feeling that it must have some important function."	H02 R02	490
2506-028	Light Microscopy Probe Provides Insight Into Cell’s Extracellular Matrix	The development of Rhobo6, a pioneering light microscopy probe, offers scientists an unprecedented view of the extracellular matrix, enhancing our understanding of the complex structures surrounding cells. This innovative tool, crafted by physicist Antonio Fiore and his team at Janelia, represents a significant advancement in optical instrumentation aimed at addressing critical biological questions.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Nature Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Before arriving at Janelia three years ago, Postdoctoral Scientist Antonio Fiore was designing and building optical instruments like microscopes and spectrometers. -- Fiore, a physicist by training, came to the Pedram Lab to try something new. -- "I focused on the physics rather than investing in the biological applications of the optics I was developing," Fiore says. -- "I came to the Pedram Lab in search of a different kind of impact, joining a team that explores areas of biology that need new tools, while keeping a connection to light microscopy." -- So far, Fiore's new direction is paying off. -- Fiore and Janelia Group Leader Kayvon Pedram, along with a team of researchers, have developed Rhobo6, a light microscopy probe that gives scientists an unprecedented look at the extracellular matrix -- the collection of organized molecular structures that fills the spaces between cells in our bodies. -- The extracellular matrix supports and gives structure to our cells and tissues: It provides a scaffold for cells to grow in, dictates the mechanical properties of tissues, and supplies pathways for cells to travel. -- "If our bodies are a community of cells, we can think of the extracellular matrix as the infrastructure that the community builds," Pedram says. -- "So, trying to understand tissue biology without considering the extracellular matrix is like trying to understand a city while ignoring all the buildings, roads, and trains. You'll miss a lot." -- Looking between cells	A01 T01	491
2506-076	How Our Brains Create Cognitive Maps: New Insights From Researchers	Cognitive Maps in the Brain: Researchers at Janelia Research Campus have detailed how the brain forms cognitive maps in the hippocampus, essential for navigation and memory. By tracking neuron activity over time, they discovered how distinct representations develop for different environments, shedding light on the mechanisms behind learning and memory formation in the brain.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Our brains build maps of the environment that help us understand the world around us, allowing us to think, recall, and plan. These maps not only help us to, say, find our room on the correct floor of a hotel, but they also help us figure out if we've gotten off the elevator on the wrong floor. -- Neuroscientists know a lot about the activity of neurons that make up these maps -- like which cells fire when we're in a particular location. But how the brain creates these maps as we learn remains a mystery. -- Now, by tracking the activity of thousands of neurons over days and weeks as an animal learns, researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus have systematically detailed, step by step, how these cognitive maps form in the brain's hippocampus -- a region responsible for learning and memory. -- The team, led by the Spruston Lab, found that as an animal learns to collect rewards from two subtly different linear tracks -- like the different floors of a hotel -- neurons in the hippocampus start to respond in disparate ways. Eventually, the brain produces entirely distinct representations of these visually similar tracks that include information enabling the animal to differentiate between the two options. -- The researchers also identified the type of mathematical model that best reproduces this learning process, shedding light on computations the brain might be using to create these mental maps and providing insight into memory and intelligence. -- "We are mapping out the step-by-step process of cognitive map formation, which is such an important concept," says Weinan Sun, an assistant professor at Cornell University who co-led the research as a research scientist in the Spruston Lab. "But there is also a second contribution: The result of watching that process gives us a hint about the underlying computations and we get a little bit closer to understanding what the brain is doing in making these maps." -- Understanding how the brain implements these computations could help researchers develop better treatments for memory disorders like Alzheimer's and create artificial intelligence systems that reason more like biological brains. -- "Neuroscience and AI can learn a lot from each other," says Johan Winnubst, lead scientist of neuroanatomy at E11 Bio, who co-led the research as a research scientist in the Spruston Lab. "What large language models are able to do is very impressive, but they also fail in a lot of very obvious ways and some of that has to do with reasoning and long-term planning. So maybe you introduce some of the lessons that we have learned from the hippocampus to these models." -- Observing map formation -- To see how these cognitive maps form, the researchers used a Janelia-designed, high-resolution microscope with a large field of view to image neural activity in thousands of neurons in the hippocampus of a mouse learning how to navigate two different virtual corridors: one with a reward at a near location, and one with a reward at a far location.	H02 R02 N01 T01	492
2507-E008	New Cellpose Version Accurately Detects Cell Boundaries In Imperfect Microscopy Images	The latest version of Cellpose simplifies the identification of cellular boundaries in distorted microscopy images. This advancement enables researchers to accurately segment individual cells in noisy or blurry images with ease, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of cellular analysis in various scientific applications.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	Picking out individual cells in distorted microscopy images is now as easy as clicking a button. -- A new version of Cellpose -- the popular tool that maps the boundaries of diverse cells in microscopy images -- now works on less-than-perfect pictures that are noisy, blurry, or undersampled. -- Many general methods used for segmenting individual cells in microscopy images, including previous versions of Cellpose, have a hard time recognizing cellular boundaries that have been distorted by noise, blurring, or undersampling. -- Janelia Group Leaders Carsen Stringer and Marius Pachitariu set out to address this issue with the development of Cellpose3. -- Unlike previous approaches, which train models to improve the quality of distorted images, Cellpose3 was instead trained to improve the segmentation of distorted images. -- The Cellpose3 restoration algorithm, when applied to distorted images, produces crisp restored images which can then be easily segmented by the original Cellpose segmentation algorithm. -- Cellpose3 is also trained on a large, varied collection of images, enabling users to easily use the new method, which is available as a "one-click" button in the Cellpose application, on their own data.	Z01	493
2507-E052	Predator Robots Help Scientists Study Learning Mechanics In Larval Zebrafish	A new robotic system designed to chase larval zebrafish in an arena is providing valuable insights into their learning processes. Researchers have found that traditional lab methods may fall short in mimicking real-world conditions, so simulating predator encounters allows scientists to explore how these small fish quickly adapt and learn to recognize threats, thereby enhancing our understanding of brain function and behavior in developing vertebrates.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	A novel system developed by Janelia researchers that chases larval zebrafish around an arena with predator robots is enabling scientists to understand how these days-old fish quickly learn in the real world. -- Larval zebrafish are an invaluable tool for neuroscientists, who use the tiny, transparent fish to probe how the brain controls behavior, but it's been difficult for scientists to study learning in these developing vertebrates -- an important part of understanding how the brain works. -- Previous research found young zebrafish can learn simple associations. But this type of learning happens slowly and often unreliably, and it was still unclear whether days-old zebrafish can learn fast enough to use their memory in natural situations, like recognizing and avoiding new predators. -- Janelia researchers led by Postdoctoral Scientist Dhruv Zocchi and Senior Group Leader Misha Ahrens thought that traditional ways of testing learning in larval zebrafish in the lab -- where the conditions were far from what the fish would encounter in the wild -- might not be effective for uncovering how the fish learn. -- Instead, the team decided to simulate a real-life experience: being chased by something that does not initially look like a predator. To model this, the researchers used small robotic cylinders, with some programmed to show predator-like characteristics. -- Using this novel system, the researchers made the unexpected discovery that not only could larval zebrafish learn robustly and extremely quickly in a more natural context, but they could also do so just five days after beginning their lives as single cells. The researchers showed that the larval zebrafish rapidly learned to recognize non-predator and predator robots and learned to avoid the latter. -- "It was an open question: how smart larval zebrafish were in terms of being able to learn rapidly," Ahrens says. "Dhruv had the right intuition for how to do it and the right audacity to try something very different." -- Simulating real-life learning -- In the wild, a zebrafish's predators aren't always the same: they can vary from generation to generation as zebrafish and predators migrate. In these situations, the fish need to quickly learn who in their environment to avoid, so the team thought this would be an ideal context for testing the learning capabilities of larval zebrafish. -- To simulate this experience, the researchers first placed a robot in an arena with a freely swimming zebrafish. While the robot was stationary, the fish would explore the entire arena, including the area around the robot.	H02 R02 N01 T01	494
2509-032	Striatum's Role In Movement Selection Challenged By New Research Findings	A novel study from Janelia Research Campus challenges long-standing beliefs about the striatum's role in action selection, revealing that both the striatum and motor cortex collaborate in determining the specifics of movement. This research provides fresh insights into how our brains coordinate actions, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of established neural function paradigms.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	When you are weighing two possible actions, your brain needs to decide what to do and how to do it. -- For example, if a book and a cup sit side-by-side on a table, your brain must decide whether you want to read the novel or drink coffee -- selecting the action to take. -- Your brain also needs to figure out if you need to reach 20 degrees one way for the book or 20 degrees the other way for the cup -- specifying the action. -- For decades, most neuroscientists thought that one area of the brain, the basal ganglia, was responsible for action selection and another area, the motor cortex, for action specification. -- Now, using a novel system developed at Janelia, researchers led by the Dudman Lab found that a part of the basal ganglia called the striatum is not involved in action selection as previously thought. -- Instead, the striatum and the motor cortex work together to specify the movement parameters to get the action done. -- The new work sheds light on the role of striatum in motor control, information that could help researchers better understand movement disorders, like Parkinson's and Huntington's. -- "Now we can start thinking: how is the striatum controlling the speed of movement, how do we bring that back online, how do we improve that," says Janelia Senior Group Leader Josh Dudman. -- "A more accurate, conceptual model for how the striatum is working is ultimately going to be helpful for us to think more clearly about how to restore function." -- Design, build, test	R02	495
2510-057	New DNA Barcode Technique Tracks RNA And Proteins In Single Cells	Researchers from the Liu Lab have developed an innovative DNA barcode system that enables the tracking of numerous RNA and protein molecules in single cells within thick biological samples. Facing limitations in existing imaging techniques, the team aimed to understand the 3D organization of the genome and gene expression within tissues. This new method allows a comprehensive analysis of cellular organization, providing crucial insights into developmental processes.	Howard Hughes Medical Institute	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	For the Liu Lab, necessity is truly the mother of invention. -- The researchers were examining how the 3D organization of the genome controls development and needed to image hundreds of RNA molecules in a thick tissue sample to understand where and how genes were being expressed in cells. -- There was just one problem: There weren't any tools that were up to the task. -- One technique could image lots of RNA molecules, but only in a thin layer of cells. -- Another method could image in deep tissue but could only detect three or four molecules in a single sample. -- So, the team at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus decided to build their own tool. -- The result is an innovative new technique that uses a novel DNA barcode system to track hundreds of RNA and protein molecules in single cells within thick biological samples, providing researchers with a full picture of how these structures are organized inside tissues. -- RNA molecules carry instructions from DNA for making proteins that carry out much of the work of living cells. -- Knowing where these molecules are located in complex tissues is a critical part of understanding where and how genes are being expressed across different regions and cell types. -- This information enables researchers to decipher how genes function in different parts of an organism, how they enable development, and how they might be altered in diseases.	A01 T01	496
2501-036	Zebrafish Protein Promotes Heart Regeneration In Mice, Offering Hope For Therapies.	Researchers have successfully utilized a protein from zebrafish to repair damaged mouse hearts, revealing its potential in heart regeneration. This study marks a significant advancement toward developing therapies that could prevent heart failure by activating dormant repair mechanisms without adverse side effects.	Hubrecht Institute	Nat Cardiovasc Res	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Bakkers group at the Hubrecht Institute have successfully repaired damaged mouse hearts using a protein from zebrafish. They discovered that the protein Hmga1 plays a key role in heart regeneration in zebrafish. In mice, this protein was able to restore the heart by activating dormant repair genes without causing side effects, such as heart enlargement. This study, supported by the Dutch Heart Foundation and Hartekind Foundation, marks an important step toward regenerative therapies to prevent heart failure. The findings were published in Nature Cardiovascular Research on January 2, 2025. -- After a heart attack, the human heart loses millions of muscle cells that cannot regrow. -- This often leads to heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. -- Unlike humans, zebrafish grow new heart muscle cells: they have a regenerative capacity. -- When a zebrafish heart is damaged, it can fully restore its function within 60 days. -- "We don't understand why some species can regenerate their hearts after injury while others cannot," explains Jeroen Bakkers, the study's leader. -- "By studying zebrafish and comparing them to other species, we can uncover the mechanisms of heart regeneration. This could eventually lead to therapies to prevent heart failure in humans." -- A protein that repairs damage -- The research team identified a protein that enables heart repair in zebrafish. -- "We compared the zebrafish heart to the mouse heart, which, like the human heart, cannot regenerate," says Dennis de Bakker, the study's first author.	R01 N01	497
2505-003	New Microscopy Technique Reveals Ribosome Teamwork In Protein Production	A breakthrough microscopy technique developed by researchers allows for real-time observation of ribosomes translating mRNA into proteins, revealing their cooperative behavior when faced with translation challenges. This discovery, termed "ribosome cooperativity," sheds light on the intricate processes of protein synthesis and provides a valuable tool for further research in mRNA translation. By monitoring ribosomal activity, scientists gain insights into the dynamics of protein production, enhancing our understanding of cellular function and genetics.	Hubrecht Institute	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients with suspected tuberculosis (TB) require special precautions in healthcare facilities, and cases of TB have been rising in the US over the past several years. These precautions include isolating persons with suspected TB in patient rooms with specialized air handling known as airborne infection isolation rooms. -- To improve our ability to assess patients for potential TB infections, we developed a TB risk scoring tool by reviewing past patient data. This tool was then integrated into the electronic health record with the label "TB or Not TB." -- The tool helps clinicians assess, once their TB workup is complete and apparently negative, whether infection control precautions can be discontinued, ensuring accurate decisions for TB isolation, alleviating workload and improving patient experience. -- The tool has been validated and is now in use at all MGB sites. -- Background: -- Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs are tasked with implementing the appropriate isolation of patients with suspected or confirmed communicable diseases to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections to patients and mitigate occupational risks to healthcare personnel. -- However, patient isolation can negatively impact clinical workflows, access to care, and hospital capacity, highlighting the critical importance of safe and efficient deisolation protocols. System-based solutions for isolation and deisolation, including clinical decision support tools, are increasingly needed to: -- Support patient and healthcare personnel safety -- Reduce cognitive and administrative burden on clinicians -- Enhance clinician well-being	A01 T01	498
2508-029	Gut Cells Respond To Toxins By Regulating Electrolyte And Water Balance	Scientists at the Hubrecht Institute have discovered that specific gut cells, BEST4/CA7+ cells, play a crucial role in regulating water and electrolyte balance during bacterial infections that cause diarrhea. Their findings suggest these cells increase in number when exposed to certain cytokines, providing a promising target for future therapeutic strategies.	Hubrecht Institute	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Organoid group at the Hubrecht Institute have found that specific gut cells, BEST4/CA7+ cells, regulate electrolyte and water balance in response to bacterial toxins that cause diarrhea. Their findings, published in Cell Stem Cell, show that these cells greatly increase in number when exposed to the cytokine interferon-γ (IFNγ), presenting a promising target for therapeutic strategies. -- In the gut, a variety of cell types collaborate to keep a balance of electrolyte and water. -- Bacterial infections can disrupt this balance, leading to diarrhea. -- Yet, it was unclear which cells were mainly affected by these toxins. -- "In this study, we looked at the recently identified BEST4/CA7+ cells, a specific type of cell in the intestinal lining that highly expresses CFTR, an important ion channel for electrolyte balance," says Daisong Wang, lead author of the study. -- Understanding how BEST4/CA7+ cells develop -- While researchers previously identified the presence of BEST4/CA7+ cells, their development and function are not well understood due to the lack of study models. -- Wang and his colleagues overcame this by creating human intestinal organoids, mini organ-like structures cultured in a dish. -- They used these organoids to experimentally assess the response of BEST4/CA7+ cells to various specific signals. -- "Using cell-type specific reporter organoids and CRISPR-mediated genetic modifications, we found that the Notch signaling pathway and a master regulator named SPIB are crucial for these cells' development," Wang notes.	H01 R01	499
2506-058	Effective Treatment: Shorter High-Dose Radiation For Endometrial Cancer Patients	A new clinical trial has revealed that higher-dose vaginal cuff brachytherapy for endometrial cancer is just as effective as the traditional lower-dose treatments, but requires fewer sessions. Conducted by researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute, this study aims to enhance patient treatment experiences while ensuring effective disease control. The findings could reshape treatment protocols for endometrial cancer patients.	Huntsman Cancer Institute	JCO Oncology Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	In a randomized clinical trial, researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah (the U) have found that short-course, higher dose vaginal brachytherapy for endometrial cancer had similar effectiveness to more frequent, lower dose sessions. -- Gita Suneja, MD, MS, physician-scientist at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of radiation oncology at the U, is the first author of the SAVE trial report -- which stands for, Short-Course Adjuvant Vaginal Cuff Brachytherapy in Early Endometrial Cancer Compared with Standard of Care. -- "There isn't high quality-data on optimal dose and schedule for brachytherapy treatments. Because of this, practice patterns really vary," says Suneja. -- "The SAVE trial sought to try to lower the number of treatments that patients were receiving but maintain short-term quality of life and disease control." -- Endometrial cancer is a disease that begins in the lining of the uterus. -- The primary treatment for endometrial cancer is surgery, including the removal of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina. -- Brachytherapy, a form of internal radiation, is used as a secondary treatment to prevent the cancer's return. -- Patients receiving vaginal cuff brachytherapy are treated with internal radiation by way of an applicator in the vaginal cavity. -- The SAVE trial compared two groups who received different treatment doses over a varying number of sessions. -- The control group received the standard treatment -- between three to five appointments with lower doses.	H01 R01	500
2510-006	New Insights Into How Neurons Create Memories And Drive Human Intelligence	A groundbreaking study reveals how human neurons uniquely store memories, independent of context, enabling higher cognitive functioning. This research changes our understanding of memory storage in humans compared to animals, suggesting that individual neurons can represent concepts universally, which may explain the advanced intelligence seen in humans.	IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by Dr. Rodrigo Quian Quiroga, group leader of the Neural Mechanisms of Perception and Memory Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, has allowed scientists to observe for the first time how neurons in the human brain store memories independent of context in which they are acquired. Published in Cell Reports, the study confirms that neurons can distinguish objects or people regardless of their context, enabling the formation of higher and more abstract relationships, which constitutes the basis of human intelligence. -- This is the first study to observe this neuronal behavior in humans. -- Until now, research conducted on animals had shown significant differences in the coding of concepts (such as a specific place, object, etc.) when the context changed. -- For example, neurons responded very differently if a rat found an object in one location versus another. -- As a result, it was believed that such memories were stored in different groups of neurons. -- The study led by Dr. Quian Quiroga has yielded "surprising responses" that contradict previous findings, as neuronal responses to a specific concept remain the same when the context changes, such as remembering having seen a person in different locations. -- "The basic principle of neuronal coding in humans is the opposite of what has been observed in other species, which has significant implications," notes Quian Quiroga. -- Single Neuron Data -- The study involved data from nine patients in Argentina and the United Kingdom with treatment for refractory epilepsy, who had electrodes implanted to monitor the activity of specific groups of neurons individually. -- This allowed researchers to obtain precise recordings of their responses, unlike previous human studies based on fMRI recording, which cannot differentiate individual neurons.	H02 R02 N01 N02	501
2511-021	Immunoglobulin A's Role In Vaccine Response: New Findings Unveiled	A study highlights the critical role of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in responding to pneumonia vaccines. Researchers found that IgA deficiency can lead to gut microbiota imbalances, undermining immune responses, thereby explaining why certain individuals struggle to respond effectively to vaccines against pneumonia.	IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Gut microbiota may be the key factor explaining why certain individuals do not respond well to the pneumococcal vaccine-a bacterium that can cause various diseases, such as pneumonia. This conclusion is drawn from a recent study led by the B Cell Biology Research Group at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, published in Science Advances. -- Researchers analyzed vaccine responses using genetically modified mouse models to study two types of pneumococcal vaccines-one commonly used in children and another in adults. -- Although these vaccines function through different mechanisms, both provide broad coverage. -- However, in individuals with a specific type of immunodeficiency, immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, the immune system does not always mount an adequate response, leaving them vulnerable to respiratory infections that can lead to severe complications. -- The reason: poor regulation of gut microbiota. -- Immunoglobulin A plays a crucial role in controlling gut microbiota. -- It regulates its function and ensures that its presence remains beneficial to the body. -- However, in the absence of IgA, the bacteria that make up the microbiota can overgrow and spread beyond the intestines. -- This overgrowth triggers an immune system response to keep the bacteria in check, but this response remains persistently active over time, leading to immune cell exhaustion. -- According to Dr. Andrea Cerutti, a researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute and ICREA, "The vaccine may be less effective in the absence of immunoglobulin A because bacterial molecules originating from the gut overstimulate the immune system, leaving it exhausted. This phenomenon leads to the production of an excessive amount of another antibody, immunoglobulin G (IgG).	H01 R01	502
2513-007	New Findings Reveal Drug Access Points In Cell Membrane Proteins	A study led by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute has identified previously unknown access points in cell membrane proteins, which could revolutionize drug development. Utilizing advanced computer simulations, researchers observed how membrane proteins interact with lipids, uncovering new pathways to modify cellular behavior. These findings could facilitate the creation of targeted therapies for various diseases, enhancing our understanding of cellular functions at a molecular level.	IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Cell membrane proteins hide secret gateways that can be used to modify cell behavior. This has been demonstrated in a study led by the Hospital del Mar Research Institute and published in Nature Communications, with participation from research centers in Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, China, and the United States. The findings may facilitate the creation of new medications or improve the mechanisms of existing ones. -- The study's findings are based on computer simulations that achieved an unprecedented level of detail. -- Researchers were able to observe, at atomic scale and in real time, how membrane lipids interact with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in their natural environment. -- These interactions reveal new ways to modulate cellular functions that would otherwise remain invisible. -- "We have discovered new gateways for drugs to modulate proteins that regulate cellular activity," explains Dr. Jana Selent, coordinator of the GPCR Drug Discovery Research Group within the Biomedical Informatics Research Program (GRIB) at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute, a joint group with Pompeu Fabra University. -- GPCRs are important because a significant portion of existing drugs target them to act on cells. -- In fact, 34% of FDA-approved drugs are based on these receptors. -- "Having detailed information about the specific site where these drugs act within the cell will accelerate the development of targeted therapies," adds Dr. Selent. -- Work in Progress -- Although the study published is based on data from 190 experiments covering 60% of known GPCRs, the work continues to uncover the mechanisms used by these proteins to regulate cell function.	H01 T01	503
2508-017	Machine Learning Identifies Tumor Markers For Predicting Immunotherapy Responses	Researchers have identified important genetic interactions that contribute to congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect, revealing the potential for digenic inheritance. This study, published in The American Journal of Human Genetics, enhances our understanding of CHD's genetic basis, paving the way for improved diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.	IMIM (Hospital del Mar R01 Institute)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	What factors influence the success or failure of immunotherapy treatment in patients with advanced bladder cancer? Why do only 20% of advanced bladder cancer cases respond to immunotherapy? These are the questions addressed by a recent study led by the Biomedical Informatics Research Programme (GRIB) and the Cancer Programme at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute and with the collaboration of Pompeu Fabra University. The study, published in Nature Communications, was coordinated by Mar Albà, Júlia Perera, and Joaquim Bellmunt. Robert Castelo, from the Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS) at UPF, has also participated. The authors analyzed public data from over 700 individuals with this type of cancer across six different cohorts to determine what distinguishes responders from non-responders to the treatment. The results of this study, the largest conducted to date on this cancer type, could also be applied to other cancers. -- The findings indicate that among the five tumor subtypes in this cancer, the rarest one, the neuronal subtype, responds best to this therapeutic approach. -- The other subtypes exhibit lower response rates. As GRIB researcher Lilian Marie Boll explains, "We found that in a subset of patients with advanced bladder cancer, the markers identified so far work well to predict treatment response. For the others, we believe response depends on other biological factors, a field that requires further investigation." -- Key Types of Markers -- The study developed a machine-learning algorithm to predict treatment response in patients with various tumor subtypes. -- The most reliable markers for predicting treatment success include the tumor mutational burden (the number of mutations in the tumor), mutations introduced by APOBEC enzymes, wich are associated with tumor heterogeneity, and the abundance of proinflamatory macrophages. -- Additionally, the researchers identified markers in the tumor microenvironment that hinder treatment efficacy. -- Beyond these known markers, the large sample size enabled the identification of rare mutations that might present new protein fragments on the tumor surface, making them visible to the immune system. -- "As we already knew, immune cell infiltration in the tumor is important. But it is not the only indicator of treatment response, nor does it apply to all patients," notes Dr. Júlia Perera Bel, also a GRIB researcher. -- In fact, the researchers observed that dividing patients into those with and without immune infiltration made the algorithm more precise, prioritizing different markers for each group.	H01 R01	504
2501-092	Climate Change Impacts HIV Care And Prevention, Revealing Complex Pathways.	Researchers have developed AI techniques to enhance the identification of optimal follicle sizes for successful IVF treatments. By analyzing data from over 19,000 IVF patients, the study suggests that timing hormone injections based on follicle size can improve egg retrieval rates and increase the likelihood of successful pregnancies, offering a more precise approach to fertility treatment.	Imperial College London	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	During IVF treatment, doctors use ultrasound scans to monitor the size of follicles -- small sacs in the ovaries containing eggs -- to decide when to give a hormone injection known as the 'trigger' to prepare the eggs for collection and ensure that they are ready to be fertilised with sperm to create embryos. The timing of the trigger is a key decision, as it works less effectively if the follicles are too small or too large at the time of administration. After the eggs are collected and fertilised by sperm, an embryo is then selected and implanted into the womb to hopefully lead to pregnancy. -- Researchers used 'Explainable AI' techniques -- a type of AI that allows humans to understand how it works -- to analyse retrospective data on more than 19,000 patients who had completed IVF treatment. They explored which follicle sizes were associated with improved rates of retrieving mature eggs to result in babies being born. -- They found that delivering the hormone injection when a greater proportion of follicles were sized between 13-18mm was linked to higher rates of mature eggs being retrieved and improved rates of babies being born. -- Currently, clinicians use ultrasound scans to measure the size of the lead (largest) follicles and generally give the trigger injection when a threshold of either two or three lead follicles greater than 17 or 18mm has been reached. -- Their findings suggest that maximising the proportion of intermediately sized follicles could optimise the number of mature eggs retrieved and improve the rates of babies being born. -- The team believe that the findings from the study highlight the potential of AI to aid in the personalisation of IVF treatment to improve clinical outcomes for patients and maximise their chance of taking home a baby. The team plan to create an AI tool that will utilise findings from their research to personalise IVF treatment and support clinicians' decision making at each step of the IVF process. They will apply for funding to take this tool into clinical trials. -- The research, published in Nature Communications, is led by researchers at Imperial College London, University of Glasgow, University of St Andrews, and clinicians at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. It is funded by UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Imperial Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). -- Dr Ali Abbara, NIHR Clinician Scientist at Imperial College London and Consultant in Reproductive Endocrinology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and co-senior author of the study said: -- "IVF provides help and hope for many patients who are unable to conceive but it's an invasive, expensive, and time-consuming treatment. It can be heartbreaking when it fails, so it's important to ensure that this treatment is as effective as possible. -- "AI can offer a new paradigm in how we deliver IVF treatment and could lead to better outcomes for patients.	H01 R01 C01 N02 T01	505
2501-E053	Fossils 'Punk' And 'Emo' Challenge Our Views On Ancient Mollusc Adaptability.	A recent discovery of ancient mollusc fossils named Punk and Emo reveals their greater complexity and adaptability than previously understood. The 430-million-year-old fossils challenge the notion of early molluscs as primitive, shedding light on their sophisticated evolutionary history and environmental interactions.	Imperial College London	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have unearthed two fossils, named Punk and Emo, revealing that ancient molluscs were more complex and adaptable than previously known. -- Molluscs are one of life's most diverse animal groups and analysis of the rare 430 million year old fossils is challenging long-held views on their early origins. -- The fossils dating from the Silurian period were retrieved from Herefordshire and shed light on the molluscs' complex evolutionary history and how they moved. -- The discovery challenges the longstanding view that early molluscs from the group known as Aculifera -- which include chitons and worm-like molluscs -- were basic and primitive. -- Instead, the 'rebellious' fossils -- whose scientific names are Punk ferox and Emo vorticaudum -- show that early molluscs possessed some unique features and were, in fact, quite complex and adaptable in their forms and habitats. -- Researchers drew these conclusions by recreating the fossils in 3D using advanced imaging techniques, including X-ray scanning. -- They found that Emo and Punk displayed a wider variety of forms and movement strategies than researchers knew existed in this group of early molluscs. -- Fossils were exceptionally preserved -- The study, published in Nature, was led by Dr Mark Sutton, from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, working with collaborators at the University of Leicester, the University of Oxford, the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, and Yale University. -- Dr Sutton said:	A01 C01 N01	506
2508-022	AI Model Identifies Female Patients At Risk Of Heart Disease From ECGs	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI algorithm that identifies female patients at heightened risk for heart disease through electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis. Designed specifically for women, this innovative tool could facilitate earlier detection and intervention, ultimately improving patient care. The study, which included over a million ECGs, highlights the potential of AI in enhancing cardiovascular health diagnostics.	Imperial College London	The Lancet Digital Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A new AI model can flag female patients who are at higher risk of heart disease based on an electrocardiogram (ECG). -- The researchers say the algorithm, designed specifically for female patients, could enable doctors to identify high-risk women earlier, enabling better treatment and care. -- Details are published today in Lancet Digital Health. -- An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and is one of the most common medical tests in the world. -- In their study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, the researchers used artificial intelligence to analyse over one million ECGs from 180,000 patients, of whom 98,000 were female. -- In the latest study, the researchers developed a score that measures how closely an individual's ECG matches 'typical' patterns of ECGs for men and women, and which showed a range of risk for each sex. -- Women whose ECGs more closely matched the typical 'male' pattern -- such as having an increased size of the electrical signal -- tended to have larger heart chambers and more muscle mass. -- Crucially, these women were also found to have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease, future heart failure, and heart attacks, compared to women with ECGs more closely matching the 'typical female' ECG. -- Previous evidence has shown that men tend to be at higher risk of heart disease -- more accurately called cardiovascular disease -- which may be due to differences in hormone profiles and lifestyle factors. -- Because of this, healthcare professionals and the public believe that women's risk of cardiovascular disease is low.	H01 R01 T01	507
2504-T021	Enhanced Microgrid Management Model Improves Energy Efficiency And Reliability	Researchers at Incheon National University have developed a novel optimization model for enhancing microgrid operations amidst fluctuating energy supply and demand. This model addresses the challenges of power outages and varying energy needs, ensuring stable and efficient energy systems, particularly in areas with unreliable power grids. By innovating traditional optimization methods, the team aims to improve the reliability and sustainability of microgrids, which are critical for the future of renewable energy sources and localized energy solutions.	Incheon National University	Applied Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Incheon National University have developed a new optimization model to improve microgrid operation. This model adapts to unexpected changes in power supply and demand, ensuring stable and efficient energy systems. By addressing challenges like power outages and varying energy needs, this approach enhances the reliability and sustainability of microgrids, making it suitable for real-world use in areas with unstable power grids. -- Microgrids are localized energy systems that provide stable power supply, especially in remote or disaster-prone areas. As the world transitions to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, microgrids are becoming more essential. However, managing these systems is challenging due to the uncertainties in energy supply and demand, such as power outages or fluctuations in energy usage, and stochastic islanding -- situations where parts of the power grid unexpectedly become isolated, disrupting the power supply. -- To address these challenges, a team of researchers from Incheon National University, Korea, led by Assistant Professor Jongheon Lee, has developed a new optimization model to improve the operation of microgrids under uncertain conditions. These models not only boost the efficiency and reliability of microgrids but also offer scalable solutions for the real world. Their findings were made available online on August 2, 2024 and was published in Volume 374 of Applied Energy on November 15, 2024. -- Traditional methods for optimizing microgrid operations, such as multistage models, are computationally expensive and impractical for real-world use. These models consider different scenarios over time, but the complexity increases exponentially, making their application difficult at a large scale. The researchers have simplified these models while maintaining their effectiveness, by reducing the number of possible scenarios and introducing a process called replanning, where the optimization model adapts over time as new information emerges. This new approach significantly reduced the computational burden, enabling them to be more efficient in real-world settings. -- "Our goal was to create a method that makes microgrid operation more adaptable and cost-effective, especially in regions with unreliable grids or frequent disruptions," says Dr. Lee. "By simplifying the models and using replanning, we can achieve effective operation plan without the heavy computational cost." -- Microgrids act as essential backup energy source in remote and rural areas where stable grid access is unreliable, ensuring continuous power during outages or natural disasters. With the new models, these microgrids can operate more efficiently, minimizing energy waste and overproduction. Dr. Lee explains, "As renewable energy sources like solar and wind are often unpredictable, balancing these fluctuations is crucial. Our models help manage these uncertainties, ensuring a more stable energy supply." -- Additionally, these solutions are beneficial to cities as well, where the energy demand is rising, and grids are under strain. Scalable optimization models can improve the overall energy management. Adapting to changes in supply and demand in real time helps boost grid resilience, supporting the transition to sustainable energy. Moreover, these models are flexible, making them suitable for both small and large systems. -- "These optimization methods will be vital for improving energy security, particularly in areas with unreliable power. They also support global sustainability goals by promoting renewable energy," highlights Dr. Lee. -- In conclusion, this study represents a step forward in creating smarter and more sustainable energy systems, ensuring stable and efficient power for communities around the world.	A01 C01	508
2506-T008	Enhancing Smart Homes: AIoT Framework Improves Human Activity Recognition	In a pioneering study, researchers have introduced MSF-Net, a new framework combining AI and IoT technologies to accurately recognize human activities using WiFi signals. This development addresses challenges such as environmental interference, making it valuable for applications in smart homes and healthcare. By enabling real-time data processing, this framework enhances user experience and energy efficiency, reflecting the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) in various sectors.	Incheon National University	IEEE Internet of Things Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), which combines the advantages of both Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things technologies, has become widely popular in recent years. In contrast to typical IoT setups, wherein devices collect and transfer data for processing at some other location, AIoT devices acquire data locally and in real-time, enabling them to make smart decisions. This technology has found extensive applications in intelligent manufacturing, smart home security, and healthcare monitoring. -- In smart home AIoT technology, accurate human activity recognition is crucial. -- It helps smart devices identify various tasks, such as cooking and exercising. -- Based on this information, the AIoT system can tweak lighting or switch music automatically, thus improving user experience while also ensuring energy efficiency. -- In this context, WiFi-based motion recognition is quite promising: WiFi devices are ubiquitous, ensure privacy, and tend to be cost-effective. -- Recently, in a novel research article, a team of researchers, led by Professor Gwanggil Jeon from the College of Information Technology at Incheon National University, South Korea, has come up with a new AIoT framework called multiple spectrogram fusion network (MSF-Net) for WiFi-based human activity recognition. -- Their findings were made available online on 13 May 2024 and published in Volume 11, Issue 24 of the IEEE Internet of Things Journalon 15 December 2024. -- Prof. Jeon explains the motivation behind their research. "As a typical AIoT application, WiFi-based human activity recognition is becoming increasingly popular in smart homes. However, WiFi-based recognition often has unstable performance due to environmental interference. Our goal was to overcome this problem." -- In this view, the researchers developed the robust deep learning framework MSF-Net, which achieves coarse as well as fine activity recognition via channel state information (CSI). MSF-Net has three main components: a dual-stream structure comprising short-time Fourier transform along with discrete wavelet transform, a transformer, and an attention-based fusion branch. -- While the dual-stream structure pinpoints abnormal information in CSI, the transformer extracts high-level features from the data efficiently.	T01	509
2507-T017	Revolutionizing Wireless Charging: New Rectifier Boosts Efficiency And Reduces Power Loss	Scientists have created a resonant auto-adjusting rectifier aimed at improving the efficiency of wireless power transfer systems. This innovation dynamically adapts to changing frequencies in resonant circuits, addressing power loss issues while minimizing electromagnetic interference. By enabling more stable power delivery, this technology could enhance the performance of wireless charging systems, making them more efficient and practical for a wide range of applications.	Incheon National University	Incheon National University	Press Rel	PubMed	Wireless power transfer (WPT) enables device charging without direct physical or wired connections. Resonant circuits are key components of WPT systems that optimize energy transfer from the transmitter to the receiver. In parallel compensated receivers, capacitors balance the inductance of the receiver coil to achieve resonance, reducing circuit impedance, thereby enhancing power transfer. -- The electromagnetic fields generated by such receivers can interfere with other electronic devices. -- Controlling this interference requires modulating the system's operating frequency. -- However, this modulation creates a mismatch between the modulated and resonant frequencies, severely degrading power output and system efficiency. -- Current strategies to correct this mismatch rely on additional hardware or complex circuitry, leading to energy loss, complex control settings, and bulkier designs. -- In an attempt to find an innovative solution to overcome these challenges, a group of scientists led by Professor Dukju Ahn at Incheon National University, Korea, proposed a resonant tuning rectifier (RTR) for parallel resonant receiver systems. -- The novel RTR features a minimalist design that synchronizes its operation with the natural rhythm of the system's primary current. -- "Our RTR does not require extra power components or complex feedback circuitry, rendering it more practical for real-world use," says Prof. -- Ahn. The study was made available online on May 14, 2024 and was published in Volume 71, Issue 12 of IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics on December 01, 2024. -- The RTR automatically adjusts effective capacitance to tune the resonant frequency by syncing control signals with the system's current, compensating for differences between intrinsic resonance and modulation periods.	T01	510
2504-045	Elevated Uric Acid Levels Linked To Severe Malaria Outcomes In Children	Research from Indiana University has uncovered a troubling link between elevated uric acid levels and severe malaria outcomes in children, identifying hyperuricemia as a potential contributor to increased mortality and neurodevelopmental complications. This insight may guide future treatment strategies aimed at improving the prognosis for affected children, highlighting the need to address metabolic factors in managing malaria, a leading cause of death in African pediatric populations.	Indiana University	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Indiana University School of Medicine researchers and their collaborators in Uganda at the Makerere University School of Medicine have uncovered a significant connection between elevated uric acid levels and life-threatening outcomes in children with severe malaria. -- Published in Nature Medicine, the study identified hyperuricemia -- high uric acid levels -- as a potential contributor to increased mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental challenges in children with severe malaria. -- These findings open the door to future research that could improve treatment strategies for children affected by severe malaria, a disease caused by mosquito-transmitted parasites and a leading cause of death in African children. -- "Our findings show that hyperuricemia is strongly associated with death in the hospital and after discharge and with long-term cognitive impairment in children with severe malaria," said Chandy C. John, MD, the Ryan White Professor of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine, who co-led the study. -- "We also showed several mechanisms by which hyperuricemia may lead to these outcomes, suggesting that hyperuricemia is not just associated with bad outcomes but may contribute to them." -- The researchers analyzed data from two independent groups of children with severe malaria in Uganda and found that 25% had hyperuricemia. -- This condition is caused by excess uric acid, which is a harmful body waste substance found in blood. -- The primary drivers of hyperuricemia in study participants were broken-down infected red blood cells and kidney injury, which reduces the body's ability to get rid of the extra uric acid. -- In the study, hyperuricemia was linked to four negative outcomes in children with severe malaria: serious health complications like coma and anemia, a higher risk of death during hospitalization, a higher risk of death after discharge from the hospital, and long-term cognitive impairment in survivors. -- The study also revealed that children with hyperuricemia had more harmful gut bacteria, which can cross the injured gut lining and cause sepsis.	A01 H01 R01 C01	511
2512-001	Innovative Chemical Process Promises Faster Development Of Essential Pharmaceutical Compounds	Researchers from Indiana University and Wuhan University have developed a revolutionary chemical process for synthesizing pharmaceutical compounds more efficiently. Their novel light-driven reaction produces tetrahydroisoquinolines, crucial for treating various diseases, overcoming the limitations of traditional synthesis methods, and potentially transforming the field of medicinal chemistry.	Indiana University	Chem	Press Rel	PubMed	Traditionally, chemists have relied on well-established but limiting methods to synthesize these molecules. The new research, co-authored by Kevin Brown, the James F. Jackson Professor of Chemistry in the College, and Professors Xiaotian Qi, Wang Wang, and Bodi Zhao of Wuhan University, presents a fundamentally different approach. -- Researchers at Indiana University and Wuhan University in China have unveiled a groundbreaking chemical process that could streamline the development of pharmaceutical compounds, chemical building blocks that influence how drugs interact with the body. Their study, published in Chem, describes a novel light-driven reaction that efficiently produces tetrahydroisoquinolines, a group of chemicals that play a crucial role in medicinal chemistry. -- Tetrahydroisoquinolines serve as the foundation for treatments targeting Parkinson's disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. These compounds are commonly found in medications such as painkillers and drugs for high blood pressure, as well as in natural sources like certain plants and marine organisms. -- Traditionally, chemists have relied on well-established but limiting methods to synthesize these molecules. The new research, co-authored by Kevin Brown, the James F. Jackson Professor of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington, and Professors Xiaotian Qi, Wang Wang, and Bodi Zhao of Wuhan University, presents a fundamentally different approach. -- How It Works: Light as a Chemical Tool -- Instead of using traditional chemical reactions, scientists harness light to trigger a process called photoinduced energy transfer, wherein light initiates a controlled reaction between sulfonylimines (a type of chemical compound) and alkenes (another type of compound), leading to the creation of tetrahydroisoquinolines -- a type of complex molecule. This method allows for the development of new structural patterns in the molecules, which were previously difficult or impossible to create using other methods, offering a more efficient way to make complex molecules. -- "The key innovation in this study is the use of a light-activated catalyst, a special molecule that speeds up the reaction without being used up itself," said Professor Brown. "Traditional methods require high temperatures or strong acids -- like trying to cook food with a blowtorch instead of a stove. These harsh conditions can sometimes create unwanted side reactions, or make the process less useful for certain chemicals. The new process, however, uses molecules that respond to light, and can bypass heating by access new energy states. This makes the reaction cleaner, more efficient, and less likely to create unwanted byproducts." -- Brown and colleagues also found that tiny changes in the location of electrons within the starting materials had a huge impact on how the reaction played out -- akin to if these electrons were puzzle pieces that needed to fit together just right. By tweaking the shapes of these pieces, the scientists made sure that only the desired product was formed, making the process highly selective. This is crucial for making medicines, where even a small mistake in a molecule's structure can turn a helpful drug into something useless or even harmful. -- Implications for Medicine and Other Industries -- "The ability to create a wider range of tetrahydroisoquinoline-based molecules means that medicinal chemists can now explore new drug candidates for treating diseases like Parkinson's, certain types of cancer, and heart conditions," noted Professor Qi. "Right now, some diseases have very few effective treatment options, and this method could help scientists discover new and better drugs more quickly."	H01 R01 R02 N02 T01	512
2506-071	Mpox Virus Evolves: Researchers Study Tecovirimat Resistance In New Variants	Mpox Virus Research: The mpox virus, originally animal-borne, is now affecting humans and causing significant outbreaks outside its endemic regions. Despite Tecovirimat being a commonly used treatment, it shows reduced effectiveness against certain viral variants. Ongoing research aims to understand these resistance mechanisms better and develop new antiviral therapies to tackle this public health challenge.	Institut Pasteur	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A virus originally found in animals, mpox -- which causes the disease of the same name -- is now circulating in humans. Since 2022, it has been the cause of major epidemics spreading outside endemic areas in Central and West Africa. Two hundred and fifteen cases of mpox infection were reported to Santé publique France in 2024. Tecovirimat is the drug most commonly used to treat patients infected with the mpox virus. Unfortunately, it is sometimes ineffective against certain variants of the virus that have mutations in an enzyme. Scientists at the Institut Pasteur have been studying this resistance, and have been able to describe more precisely how this enzyme interacts with tecovirimat. This research will make it possible to develop novel antiviral therapeutic approaches. The study was published on February 12, 2025 in Nature Microbiology. -- In view of the surge in mpox virus infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo and several neighboring countries over the last few months, and the emergence of a new, possibly more contagious viral strain, in mid-August 2024 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern for the second time since 2022. -- In France, the National Authority for Health has updated its vaccination recommendations for those most at risk. -- Mpox presents like a mild form of smallpox, with fewer symptoms and a lower case fatality rate (the number of deaths as a proportion of the number of people infected). The disease begins with a fever (myalgia, headaches, fatigue, etc.) followed by rashes over the entire body. -- Two hundred and fifteen cases of mpox infection were reported to Santé publique France in 2024. -- So far this year, since January 1, 2025, 10 cases of mpox have been reported. -- Tecovirimat, which is used as a first-line treatment, has the advantage of being well tolerated. -- It blocks the spread of viral particles in the body, although its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. -- Moreover, this drug is sometimes ineffective against certain strains of the virus which acquire a resistance mutation. -- This resistance is emerging regardless of the virus clade. In the United States in 2022, around 1% of patients treated with tecovirimat developed drug resistance.	R01 N01	513
2505-066	Scientists Uncover How The Hippocampus Coordinates Memory Processing Using Advanced Imaging	A team of researchers has uncovered how the hippocampus coordinates memory processes, including encoding, formation, and retrieval. Through advanced fMRI techniques, they demonstrated the brain's intricate mechanisms in managing memories. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding how the hippocampus integrates diverse information, offering insights into memory disorders and enhancing our knowledge of cognitive functions.	Institute for Basic Science	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Women who go on to develop postpartum depression (PPD) may have characteristic levels of neuroactive steroids, molecules derived from the hormone progesterone, in their blood during the third trimester of pregnancy, according to a new study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine and the University of Virginia. These molecules influence the brain's stress response and emotional regulation. -- The findings, recently published in Neuropsychopharmacology, suggest that this may provide a way to identify women at risk of PPD before symptoms start, allowing doctors to intervene earlier. -- Postpartum depression, severe depression that happens after giving birth, affects 10-15% of new mothers, causing emotional struggles that can impact both the parent and child for years. -- Symptoms include difficulty bonding with the baby, feelings of hopelessness and sadness, fatigue, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, to name a few. -- "Postpartum is the only time in people's lifespans when we know there is a biological trigger which guarantees that a certain percentage of people will become ill," said Dr. Lauren Osborne, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology and of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, who co-led the study. -- "If we can untangle this biology and find predictors for it, not only will we be helping women, but it may give us a step up in trying to find predictors for other psychiatric illnesses also." -- Co-lead on this research, Dr. Jennifer Payne, professor and vice chair of research in psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences at the University of Virginia, has also spent years searching for the biological basis that leads to major clinical depression. -- "Studying postpartum depression gives us a way to identify biological changes that occur before someone becomes depressed because the timing of postpartum depression is predictable," she added. -- Neuroactive Steroid Levels May Provide a Warning Sign -- "Many papers have compared averages of neuroactive steroid levels with averages of mood across time, which just tells us there is some biological correlation but doesn't help us clinically," said Dr. Osborne.	A01 H02 R02 T01	514
2505-E084	Climate Models Simulate Potential Effects Of Asteroid Strike On Ecosystems	Researchers at the IBS Center for Climate Physics in South Korea present a new climate model scenario that predicts the consequences of a medium-sized asteroid impact on Earth. The study explores how such a collision could drastically alter climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global ecosystems, forecasting severe repercussions for photosynthesis and food security, based on simulations of dust injection into the atmosphere.	Institute for Basic Science	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Typical breakfast pancakes are soft, fluffy and delicious but, sadly, not terribly healthy. -- Food scientists at Washington State University are working to change that by boosting the popular morning favorite's nutritional value while enhancing its taste and texture. -- "Generally, pancakes are made with refined flours, contributing to empty calories," said Girish Ganjyal, a professor and food processing specialist in WSU's School of Food Science. -- "We wanted to see if it's possible to make tasty pancakes with whole grains that add some fiber and protein." -- Ganjyal and his study co-authors replaced refined flour with whole-grain buckwheat, quinoa, millet, and whole-wheat flours in a variety of percentages ranging from 25% up to 100% apiece. -- The encouraging results were published in the journal Cereal Chemistry. -- The team found that buckwheat, quinoa, and whole-wheat flours can be mixed into pancake recipes without significant changes to the taste or texture. -- The millet flour had to be slightly pre-cooked before it could be added seamlessly. -- "We started with a small level of replacement flours, then kept increasing them until it wasn't practical," Ganjyal said. -- "With millet flour, for example, we found that it basically just crumbles; there was no binding."	H01 C01 T01	515
2506-E040	Study Shows Climate Change Will Intensify Wildfires Through Vegetation and Humidity Changes	Climate scientists have developed a sophisticated supercomputer simulation that captures the complex interplay between fire, vegetation, smoke, and the atmosphere. This study projects an increase in global lightning frequency due to rising greenhouse gas emissions, which could intensify wildfire occurrences, particularly in specific hotspots around the world. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective wildfire management strategies.	Institute for Basic Science	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Extreme fire seasons in recent years highlight the urgent need to better understand wildfires within the broader context of climate change. Under climate change, many drivers of wildfires are expected to change, such as the amount of carbon stored in vegetation, rainfall, and lightning strikes. Quantifying the relative importance of these processes in recent and future wildfire trends has remained challenging, because previous climate computer model simulations did not capture the full coupling between climate change, lightning, wildfires, smoke and corresponding shifts in solar radiation and heat. -- A new study published in the journal Science Advances by an international team of climate scientists presents the first realistic supercomputer simulation that resolves the complex interactions between fire, vegetation, smoke and the atmosphere. -- The authors find that increasing greenhouse gas emissions will likely increase the global lightning frequency by about 1.6% per degree Celsius global warming, with regional hotspots in the eastern United States, Kenya, Uganda and Argentina. -- Locally this could intensify wildfire occurrences. However, the dominant drivers for the growing area burned by fires each year remain shifts in global humidity and a more rapid growth of vegetation, which can serve as wildfire fuel. -- The study further identifies regions, where the intensification of fires caused by global warming will be most pronounced. -- Among the regions exhibiting the strongest anthropogenic trends in biomass burning are southern and central equatorial Africa, Madagascar, Australia, parts of the Mediterranean and western North-America. -- "Our results show that with every degree global warming the global mean area burned by fires each year will increase by 14%. This can have substantial effects on ecosystems, infrastructure and human health and livelihoods." says Dr. Vincent VERJANS, former postdoctoral research fellow at the IBS Center for Climate Physics (now at Barcelona Supercomputing Center) and lead author of the study. -- Moreover, the researchers also highlight that with more fires on a global scale, also the levels of fire smoke will increase. -- Smoke plumes emerging from wildfires will have an effect on air pollution and also lead to reduced penetration of sunlight. -- The latter changes the heat and infrared radiation in the atmosphere.	C01 T01	516
2506-E050	Weather Plays A Key Role In The Spread Of Dengue Fever	A study led by Professor KIM Jae Kyoung explores how weather impacts the spread of dengue fever, identifying temperature and rainfall as key factors. With dengue cases on the rise—more than doubling from 2023 to 2024—understanding these climatic influences is crucial. The research offers practical strategies for reducing the disease's impact, highlighting the urgent need for action in public health to combat this mosquito-borne illness.	Institute for Basic Science	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The research team led by KIM Jae Kyoung, Professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at KAIST and Chief Investigator of the Biomedical Mathematics Group at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), has unveiled new insights into how weather influences the spread of dengue fever. Their study identifies temperature and rainfall as critical factors driving the global surge in dengue cases and offers actionable strategies for mitigating the disease's impact. -- Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne disease, poses an increasingly alarming public health challenge. -- According to the World Health Organization, reported dengue cases surged from 4.1 million in 2023 to over 10.6 million in 2024 in North and South America alone. -- This number represents the highest global count ever reported. -- While climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall are known to drive this trend, their complex relationship with dengue dynamics remains poorly understood. -- Previous studies have struggled to reconcile conflicting findings -- some suggest rainfall accelerates dengue transmission, while others indicate it suppresses it. -- The IBS research team hypothesized that these inconsistencies stem from the limitations of traditional methods that focus on linear relationships or independent effects. -- To address this, the researchers utilized GOBI (General ODE-Based Inference), a novel causal inference framework that the IBS group developed in 2023. -- This method captures both nonlinear and combined effects of climatic factors, enabling a more nuanced analysis of the relationship between weather and dengue incidence. -- The study focused on 16 regions of the Philippines, selected for their diverse climatic conditions, to examine how temperature and rainfall jointly affect dengue dynamics.	C01	517
2509-064	Discover How Our Brain Distinguishes Between Pain And Itch Sensations	Recent research by a team led by KAANG Bong-Kiun and KO Hyoung-Gon has unearthed the distinct neural mechanisms within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that differentiate pain and itch sensations. This groundbreaking study reveals how specific neuron populations respond selectively to these experiences, offering new insights into the brain’s sensory processing capabilities and potentially enhancing our understanding of how these often-confused sensations are uniquely recognized.	Institute for Basic Science	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by KAANG Bong-Kiun, director of the Center for Cognition and Sociality within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), and KO Hyoung-Gon, professor at Kyung Hee University College of Dentistry, have uncovered the neural mechanisms underlying the processing of pain and itch in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This study provides new insights into how the brain distinguishes between these two distinct sensory experiences. -- Pain and itch are both unpleasant sensations, but they trigger different responses -- pain often prompts withdrawal, while itching leads to scratching. Until now, scientists have struggled to understand how the brain processes these sensations separately, as they share overlapping neural pathways from the spinal cord to the brain. -- Both stimuli are transmitted from the spinal cord to the thalamus and brainstem, eventually reaching the ACC. The ACC is a key brain region involved in various functions, ranging from basic sensory processing to higher-order cognition. However, a comprehensive understanding of how a limited number of neurons within the ACC execute such diverse functions has been lacking. This study provides fundamental insights into how ACC neurons selectively process pain and itch information. -- By analyzing neuronal response patterns in the ACC to pain and itch stimuli, the research team identified two distinct neuronal populations: -- 1. Non-selective neurons, which respond to both pain and itch stimuli indiscriminately. -- 2. Stimulus-specific neurons, which were selectively activated by either pain or itch stimuli. -- Furthermore, using the dual-eGRASP technique -- an advanced synaptic analysis method developed by Kaang's research team (Science, 2018) -- the researchers discovered that stimulus-specific neurons in the ACC receive distinct synaptic inputs from the mediodorsal thalamus (MD). This finding indicates that pain and itch are processed by independent neuronal populations within the ACC, which receive differentiated synaptic inputs, providing fundamental insights into the neural mechanisms of pain and itch processing. -- To further confirm the role of these neurons, the team used chemogenetic techniques to selectively deactivate either pain-specific or itch-specific neurons. The results showed suppressing pain neurons reduced pain perception without affecting itch, and vice versa. This discovery suggests that these neurons play a direct role in shaping how we experience pain and itch. -- This study presents a groundbreaking discovery that the role of ACC neurons in processing pain or itch is predetermined. Importantly, the study demonstrates that pain- and itch-specific neurons in the ACC are synaptically paired with corresponding stimulus-specific neurons in the MD, establishing independent neural circuits for pain and itch processing. These findings challenge the conventional assumption that pain and itch signals follow overlapping pathways and instead highlight distinct neural mechanisms for each sensation. -- Given that the ACC is known to mediate the affective aspects of pain and itch, this study suggests that separate neuronal populations are responsible for encoding the subjective experience of pain and itch. Building upon these findings, the research team aims to further investigate the brain's complex sensory processing mechanisms.	R02 C01	518
2510-035	New Insights Into How Our Brains Process Others' Pain	A groundbreaking study has unveiled how the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in the brain processes others' pain through specific neural responses. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques, researchers found that observing distress triggers similar brain activities as experiencing pain firsthand, offering new insights into the neural mechanisms of empathy and social interactions.	Institute for Basic Science	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Empathy -- the ability to share and understand the emotions of others -- is a cornerstone of human social interactions. When we witness someone in pain, we often experience a mirrored emotional response, a phenomenon known as affect sharing. While this ability is essential for social bonding and survival, the precise neural mechanisms behind empathy remain largely unknown. -- A research team led by Dr. KEUM Sehoon at the Center for Cognition and Sociality (CCS) within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea has uncovered key insights into how the brain processes others' distress. -- Using miniature endoscopic calcium imaging, the researchers identified specific neural ensembles in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) that encode empathic freezing, a behavioral response in which an observer reacts with fear when witnessing distress in others. -- To investigate this phenomenon, the team conducted a series of real-time brain imaging experiments in mice, tracking individual neurons as they observed another mouse experiencing mild foot shocks. -- The results showed that specific ACC neurons were activated both when the observer experienced pain firsthand and when they witnessed another in pain, reinforcing the idea that observing distress triggers a neural response similar to direct pain experience. -- The study further revealed that ACC population activity during empathic freezing closely resembles the neural representation of affective -- rather than sensory -- aspects of direct pain experiences. -- This suggests that witnessing another's pain triggers activation in the ACC as if the observer were experiencing pain themselves, highlighting the ACC's specialized role in processing the emotional aspects of pain. -- Further analysis revealed that ACC neurons projecting to the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a brain region involved in fear and pain regulation, selectively conveyed emotional pain information. -- The researchers used optogenetics, a technique that enables precise control of neural activity with light, to manipulate this pathway. -- When they inhibited the ACC-to-PAG circuit, empathic freezing, and pain avoidance behaviors were significantly reduced.	A01 H02 R02 T01	519
2512-061	Movement Changes Brain Processing: How We Integrate Sound And Sight Differently	A recent study at the Institute for Basic Science reveals that the brain alters its processing of visual and auditory signals based on movement. This research offers new insights into sensory decision-making and emphasizes how our movement status influences the prioritization of sensory information, enhancing understanding of brain function in dynamic environments.	Institute for Basic Science	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has uncovered a fundamental principle of how the brain prioritizes vision and hearing differently depending on whether we are still or in motion. The study, led by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee, Associate Director of the IBS Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions and Associate Professor at KAIST, provides new insights into how movement alters the brain's sensory decision-making process. -- In daily life, we constantly process visual (sight) and auditory (sound) information to navigate the world. -- For instance, when watching a movie, our brain seamlessly integrates images and sounds to create a complete experience. -- However, when moving -- such as when walking on a busy street -- our brain may prioritize visual information over sound. -- Until now, it was unclear how the brain decides which sense to prioritize in different situations. -- This is particularly relevant for individuals with sensory processing disorders such as autism or schizophrenia, where the brain may struggle to integrate sensory information correctly. -- Understanding how the brain naturally shifts between sensory inputs could lead to better treatments for these conditions. -- To investigate this phenomenon, the research team conducted behavioral experiments on mice while tracking real-time brain activity using miniature microscopes and optogenetics (a method that uses light to control neurons). The mice were trained to respond to both visual and auditory cues while running on a treadmill. -- The researchers found that when the mice were stationary, their brains relied more on sound to make decisions. -- However, when they were moving, their brains shifted to prioritize vision.	R02	520
2513-E026	Key Mechanism Revealed That Regulates mRNA Vaccine Efficiency	A recent study has identified cellular mechanisms that regulate the delivery and stability of mRNA vaccines, offering insights to improve mRNA therapeutics. By exploring how mRNA is processed and degraded in cells, researchers have unveiled key factors that could enhance vaccine efficacy, paving the way for better treatments for various diseases, including cancer.	Institute for Basic Science	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers led by Dr. KIM V. Narry, director of the Center for RNA Research at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), has uncovered a key cellular mechanism that affects the function of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Their study, recently published in Science, provides the first comprehensive understanding of how mRNA vaccines are delivered, processed, and degraded within cells -- a breakthrough that could pave the way for more effective vaccines and RNA-based treatments. -- Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the genetic blueprint that tells cells how to produce proteins. It plays a vital role in mRNA vaccines, such as those used for COVID-19, and is also a promising tool for treating diseases like cancer and genetic disorders. When foreign mRNA, such as those in mRNA vaccines enters cells, it must evade the body's natural defense mechanisms to be effective. However, the detailed mechanisms by which mRNA is regulated inside cells have remained largely unknown. -- The research team employed CRISPR-based knockout screening to identify the cellular factors involved in the delivery of mRNA into cells. This approach, using a CRISPR library targeting 19,114 genes, revealed three key factors that facilitate the cellular uptake or surveillance of exogenous mRNAs. -- - First, the team discovered that heparan sulfate (HSPG), a sulfated glycoprotein on the cell surface, plays a crucial role in attracting LNPs and facilitating mRNA entry into the cell. -- - Second, they identified V-ATPase, a proton pump at the endosome, which acidifies the vesicle and causes LNPs to become positively charged, enabling them to temporarily disrupt the endosomal membrane and release the mRNA into the cytoplasm to be expressed. -- - Lastly, the study uncovered the role of TRIM25, a protein involved in the cellular defense mechanism. TRIM25 binds to and induces the rapid degradation of exogenous mRNAs, preventing their function. -- So how do the mRNA vaccines evade this cellular defense? A key finding of the study was that mRNA molecules containing a special modification called N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ) -- which was awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine -- can evade TRIM25 detection. This modification prevents TRIM25 from binding to mRNA, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines. This discovery not only explains how mRNA vaccines evade cellular surveillance mechanisms but also emphasizes the importance of this modification in enhancing the therapeutic potential of mRNA-based treatments. -- Additionally, the research highlighted the critical role of proton ions in this process. When the LNPs rupture the endosomal membrane, proton ions are released into the cytoplasm, which activates TRIM25. These proton ions act as a signal that alerts the cell to the invading foreign RNA, which in turn triggers a defense response. This is the first study to demonstrate that proton ions serve as immune signaling molecules, providing new insights into how cells protect themselves from foreign RNA. -- Dr. KIM V. Narry emphasized the importance of understanding these processes, stating, "Understanding how cells respond to mRNA vaccines is key to improving mRNA therapeutics. To develop effective RNA treatments, we need to find ways to bypass the cellular defense mechanisms and harness the endosomal system effectively." -- This research, published in Science on April 3rd, not only paves the way for more efficient mRNA vaccine delivery but also offers a framework for future development of RNA-based therapies. The findings underscore the critical importance of early intervention and provide new directions for developing more effective treatments for a variety of diseases.	R01	521
2507-003	New Study Reveals How Mitochondrial Proteins Influence Autophagy And Health	A new study from IRB Barcelona investigates the relationship between mitofusins, crucial mitochondrial proteins, and autophagy. By employing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, researchers observed how these proteins affect cellular recycling processes. The findings pave the way for potential therapies targeting metabolic diseases and healthy aging, emphasizing the importance of autophagy in maintaining cellular balance.	Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)	Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)	Press Rel	PubMed	Autophagy is the process by which cells digest and renew their internal structures, recycling damaged or malfunctioning proteins and organelles. By reusing these basic molecules, the cell gains the energy and resources needed to maintain balance. However, when autophagy is disrupted, it can lead to conditions associated with ageing, muscle loss (sarcopenia), and various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In this context, the restoration of proper autophagy function could be a promising approach to improving health. -- A team led by Drs. Antonio Zorzano and Saska Ivanova at IRB Barcelona has published a new study in the journal Autophagy that sheds light on the connections between the MFN1 and MFN2 proteins and autophagy. The study reveals details about how the cells recycle their components to maintain optimal metabolism and provides insights into potential strategies to tackle cell ageing and diseases related to metabolic disorders. -- "The fact that these mitochondrial proteins regulate such crucial recycling processes helps us understand why their modification can lead to sarcopenia and other age-related issues," explains Dr. Zorzano, who is also a Full Professor at the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona and a member of CIBERDEM. "If we could design molecules that regulate these interactions, we would be able to prevent or reverse cell alterations related to the ageing process and metabolic disorders." -- CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing -- One innovative aspect of this study is the methodology used: the team employed CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to label the MFN1 and MFN2 proteins within the cell, without resorting to artificial overexpression. This approach allowed them to study mitofusins under conditions very similar to their natural state. "We labelled these proteins without altering them or overproducing them, which enabled us to better understand their true role in cellular recycling," says Dr. Isabel Gordaliza-Alaguero, first author of the study. -- This approach allowed the researchers to collect more precise data about how MFN1 and MFN2 interactions change in response to different nutritional conditions, including extreme nutrient deprivation. Their findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate cellular energy balance -- a key pillar of healthy metabolism. -- Implications and future lines of research -- In addition to deepening our understanding of cellular metabolism, these findings pave the way for potential therapeutic applications. Regulating autophagy through specific drugs or compounds could have implications for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which are linked to imbalances in lipid and protein production and degradation. Furthermore, improving autophagy function has the potential to slow cellular ageing by preserving organelle quality and preventing sarcopenia and other age-related conditions. -- "The next step will be to determine the specific regions of the mitofusins that are essential for these new interactions, with the aim to design molecules that imitate or block them when necessary," adds Dr. Ivanova. Using animal models, the team also plans to study how autophagy regulation influences long-term cellular energy balance. -- This study was performed in collaboration with the labs headed by Dr. Maria Macias (IRB Barcelona and ICREA) and Dr. Manuel Palacín (IRB Barcelona, UB and CIBERER) and was supported by funding from the ERDF, the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, the BBVA Foundation, the Fundación Marató de TV3 and 'la Caixa' Foundation.	A01 H01 R01 N01 T01	522
2508-028	New Technique Sheds Light On Leukemia Variants From Blood Stem Cells	A novel study has demonstrated that the previous state of blood stem cells influences the subtype of leukemia that develops. Through a technique called STRACK, researchers identified key differences in cell types, revealing how these variations affect disease progression, leading to distinct responses to treatment in leukemia patients.	Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Myeloid leukaemias are among the most aggressive blood cancers and have low survival rates. Today, leukaemia patients undergo genetic analysis to identify mutations and select the most appropriate treatment. However, even among patients with the same mutation, disease progression and response to therapy can vary significantly. -- A study led by ICREA researcher Dr. Alejo Rodríguez-Fraticelli at IRB Barcelona, and funded by Fundación CRIS contra el cáncer, has now revealed these differences can be explained by the fact that not all blood stem cells respond in the same way when they acquire a mutation, and the previous "state" of the cell influences the development of cancer. -- In this regard, the researchers have identified two cell types -- one "stronger" and the other more "sensitive" to inflammatory stimuli. -- This previous feature affects how the disease develops after acquisition of oncogenic mutations. -- "By gaining the mutations, both cell states can give rise to leukaemia, but with distinct biological properties that respond in a different way to treatment," explains Dr. Rodríguez-Fraticelli. -- Published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, the findings represent a step forward in understanding the vast diversity of these types of cancers and highlight the importance of analysing the cellular "state" prior to mutation. -- STRACK: high-precision tracking -- To perform this study, the researchers developed the STRACK technique (Simultaneous Tracking of Recombinase Activation and Clonal Kinetics). STRACK uses genetic bar codes to track each cell and monitor its behaviour before and after acquisition of the mutation. -- "This approach has allowed us for the first time to link the initial state of each cell with later cancerous features," say Drs. -- Indranil Singh and Daniel Fernández Pérez, first authors of the study.	H01 R01	523
2511-E038	Wingless Pathway Influences Intestinal Development In Drosophila Flies	A study led by researchers at IRB Barcelona elucidates how the Wingless signaling pathway influences the embryonic development of the Drosophila fly's intestine. By activating a mechanism for calcium transport, this pathway facilitates the creation of distinct intestinal chambers during development. The findings redefine our understanding of calcium's role in organ formation, highlighting the underlying processes that contribute to the organization of tissues in developing organisms.	Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)	EMBO Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	During embryonic development, the intestine of the Drosophila fly divides into distinct chambers thanks to the formation of constrictions at specific points of the tissue. The Wingless (Wg) signalling pathway is known to be responsible for one of these constrictions but until now the underlying mechanism regulating this was not known. -- A study led by Dr. Delia Ricolo and Dr. Jordi Casanova at IRB Barcelona, published in the journal EMBO reports, has unveiled that Wingless triggers calcium entry, which leads to a change in cell polarity, reorganizing the cytoskeleton and allowing contraction of the tissue. -- As a result, the intestine becomes divided into distinct specialized regions. -- A new mechanism for embryonic development -- "We knew that Wingless participates in the development of the intestine, but the underlying mechanism remained unclear. We now know that calcium plays a key role in this process," explains Dr. Ricolo, first author of the work. -- The research demonstrates that the activation of Wingless triggers cellular reorganization that allows contraction of the tissue and the formation of the constrictions that lead to the final shape of the fly intestine. -- This finding not only contributes to our understanding of embryonic development in insects but also expands the effects of the Wingless signalling pathway, which has been highly conserved throughout evolution. This study sheds light on how biochemical signals can transform cellular architecture during embryonic development. A greater understanding of these mechanisms could give insights into diseases related to morphogenesis and organ development in distinct organisms.	A01 H02 N01	524
2507-043	Breakthrough Method Tracks Diet Using Stool Samples Without Asking Questions	A groundbreaking method called MEDI, developed by scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology, utilizes stool metagenomic data to accurately track dietary intake. This innovative approach analyzes food-derived DNA in fecal samples, providing a more objective alternative to traditional food diaries and questionnaires, which suffer from inaccuracies. This advancement in nutrition research could improve compliance and accuracy in dietary assessments, according to lead author Dr. Christian Diener.	Institute for Systems Biology	Institute for Systems Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to track diet using stool metagenomic data. -- Developed by researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), the new method, called MEDI (Metagenomic Estimation of Dietary Intake), detects food-derived DNA in stool samples to estimate dietary intake. -- MEDI leverages stool metagenomics, which refers to sequencing all the DNA present in fecal samples (including microbial, human, and food-derived DNA). This non-invasive, data-driven approach offers an objective alternative to traditional food diaries and questionnaires, which are still the gold standard in dietary assessment but can suffer from misreporting and compliance issues. -- "For decades, nutrition research has depended on self-reported diaries and questionnaires -- approaches that require a high degree of effort and compliance from research participants. How many strawberries did I eat two days ago? Did I have one glass of orange juice with breakfast, or two?" said Dr. Christian Diener, lead author of the study. -- "MEDI provides a solution by analyzing food-derived DNA in gut metagenomic samples, offering a convenient alternative that shows good agreement with known dietary and nutritional intake patterns." -- Key Findings: -- An Alternative to Questionnaire-Based Diet Tracking: Leveraging a database of more than 400 food items and over 300 billion base pairs of genomic information, MEDI accurately detected food intake patterns in infants and adults, and across two controlled feeding studies. MEDI -- Connecting Dietary Intake to Nutrition: MEDI converts the relative abundance profile of specific food items into nutrient profiles, assuming a 100 gram portion. These nutrient profiles show good agreement with data from controlled feeding studies. -- Identified Diet-Related Health Risks: Without food logs, MEDI pinpointed dietary features linked to metabolic syndrome in a large clinical cohort. -- "Our study represents a major leap forward in how we track diet and its impacts on human health," said ISB Associate Professor Dr. Sean Gibbons, senior author of the study.	A01 H01 R01	525
2511-097	Melanoma Cells Reveal Stealth Tactics To Evade Targeted Therapy	Researchers have unveiled a non-genetic survival strategy employed by melanoma cells to evade targeted therapy. This study identifies an early reversible adaptation mechanism that allows melanoma to resist treatment, suggesting a new combination therapy approach that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments for this aggressive cancer.	Institute for Systems Biology	Cell Systems	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have uncovered a stealth survival strategy that melanoma cells use to evade targeted therapy, offering a promising new approach to improving treatment outcomes. -- The study, published in Cell Systems and conducted by researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) identifies a non-genetic, reversible adaptation mechanism that allows melanoma cells to survive treatment with BRAF inhibitors. By identifying and blocking this early response, researchers proposed a combination therapy that could delay resistance and enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. -- Cracking the Code of Melanoma's Drug Escape -- Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is often driven by mutations in the BRAF gene, which fuels uncontrolled tumor growth. While BRAF inhibitors (such as vemurafenib) initially halt tumor growth, many tumors quickly adapt and survive treatment, leading to therapy failure. -- Unlike traditional resistance driven by genetic mutations, this study uncovers an early, dynamic adaptation process that occurs within hours to days of drug treatment -- long before genetic resistance takes hold. Surprisingly, this process does not rely on reactivating the BRAF-ERK pathway, which is the usual resistance mechanism. -- Using cutting-edge mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics and deep transcriptomics analyses, researchers mapped the molecular shifts in melanoma cells over minutes, hours, and days of BRAF inhibitor treatment. -- "We found that while the BRAF-ERK signaling pathway was quickly and durably suppressed, cancer cells did not rely on reactivating ERK to survive. Instead, they triggered an alternative SRC family kinase (SFK) signaling pathway, which promoted cell survival and eventual recovery," said Chunmei Liu, PhD, a bioinformatics scientist at ISB and co-first author of the paper. -- Turning a Weakness Into a Target -- A key discovery in this study came when researchers linked SFK activation to reactive oxygen species (ROS), a cellular stress response that builds up under BRAF inhibition. As ROS levels surged, SFK activity spiked, helping melanoma cells withstand treatment. However, this adaptation was reversible -- when treatment was removed, cells returned to their original state. -- Recognizing this Achilles' heel, the team tested a combination approach: pairing BRAF inhibitors with the SFK inhibitor dasatinib.	H01 H02 R01	526
2501-T030	Glassy Liquids: Understanding Molecular Dynamics Through Computer Simulations	A study from the University of Tokyo has utilized computer simulations to uncover the mechanisms governing molecular dynamics in glassy supercooled liquids. This research could lead to improved glass production techniques, enhancing benefits for various industrial applications and contributing to materials science advancements.	Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Glass might seem to be an ordinary material we encounter every day, but the physics at play inside are actually quite complex and still not completely understood by scientists. Some panes of glass, such as the stained-glass windows in many Medieval buildings, have remained rigid for centuries, as their constituent molecules are perpetually frozen in a state of disorder. Similarly, supercooled liquids are not quite solid, in the sense that their fundamental particles do not stick to a lattice pattern with long-range order, but they are also not ordinary liquids, because the particles also lack the energy to move freely. More research is required to reveal the physics of these complex systems. -- Now, in a study published in Nature Materials, researchers from Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo used advanced computer simulations to model the behavior of fundamental particles in a glassy supercooled liquid. -- Their approach was based on the concept of the Arrhenius activation energy, which is the energy barrier a process must overcome to proceed. -- One example is the energy required to rearrange individual particles in a disordered material. -- "Arrhenius behavior" means that a process needs to rely on random thermal fluctuations, and the rate exponentially decreases as the energy barrier gets larger. -- However, situations that require cooperative rearrangement of particles may be even more rare, especially at low temperatures. -- These are sometimes called super-Arrhenius relationships. -- The new study was the first to demonstrate the relationship between the structural order and dynamic behavior of liquids at a microscopic level. -- "Using numerical analysis within a computer model of glass-forming liquids, we showed how fundamental particle rearrangements can influence the structural order and dynamic behavior," the lead author of the study Seiichiro Ishino says. -- The team demonstrated that a process they call "T1," which maintains the order formed within the liquid, is the key to understanding cooperative dynamics.	T01	527
2513-T002	New Interference Patterns Revolutionize Understanding Of Twisted Tungsten Ditelluride Lattices	In a significant discovery, researchers have identified new interference patterns in twisted two-dimensional tungsten ditelluride lattices. These moiré patterns can be manipulated by adjusting the twist angle, affecting the material's physical properties and opening new avenues for exploration in nanotechnology and materials science, as reported in an article published in ACS Nano.	Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo	ACS Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	One of the simplest and most beautiful naturally occurring patterns can be observed when light is shined through a pair of slightly misaligned periodic structures. This phenomenon, known as the moiré effect, is not only pretty to look at, but also has important consequences for the properties of materials. -- In an article published in ACS Nano, a team led by researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, announced the discovery of a previously unseen moiré pattern: a series of periodic one-dimensional bands in tungsten ditelluride bilayers. -- In nanomaterials, moiré patterns depend on the relative angle between two layers of atoms; by adjusting the angle between the lattices, different patterns can be realized. -- Typically, this twist angle is small -- only a few degrees -- since the characteristic size of the pattern decreases with increasing twist angle. -- However, when the researchers experimented with larger twist angles, something unexpected happened. -- "The resulting pattern is a series of parallel stripes," says Yijin Zhang, one of the corresponding authors of the study. -- "Typical interference patterns look like two-dimensional arrays of bright spots. These one-dimensional bands are completely distinct from all previously known patterns." -- This phenomenon can partly be explained by the choice of material. -- Tungsten ditelluride has a very unconventional crystal structure, consisting of distorted quadrilaterals rather than an ordered honeycomb-like lattice. -- "A more disordered lattice means fewer constraints on the twist angle," explains Tomoki Machida, senior author.	Z01	528
2502-E062	Extreme Droughts Forecasted To Increase: A 40-Year Climate Change Study	A comprehensive study warns that extreme droughts, increasingly prevalent since 1980, will worsen due to climate change, impacting ecosystems and water resources globally. The analysis from the Swiss Federal Institute highlights the urgent need for policy interventions to address the environmental crises stemming from persistent drought patterns observed over the last four decades.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Increasingly common since 1980, persistent multi-year droughts will continue to advance with the warming climate, warns a study from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL), with Professor Francesca Pellicciotti from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) participating. This publicly available forty-year global quantitative inventory, now published in Science, seeks to inform policy regarding the environmental impact of human-induced climate change. It also detected previously 'overlooked' events. -- Fifteen years of a persistent, devastating megadrought -- the longest lasting in a thousand years -- have nearly dried out Chile's water reserves, even affecting the country's vital mining output. This is but one blatant example of how the warming climate is causing multi-year droughts and acute water crises in vulnerable regions around the globe. However, droughts tend only to be noticed when they damage agriculture or visibly affect forests. Thus, some pressing questions arise: Can we consistently identify extreme multi-year droughts and examine their impacts on ecosystems? And what can we learn from the drought patterns of the past forty years? -- To answer these questions, researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) have analyzed global meteorological data and modeled droughts between 1980 and 2018. They demonstrated a worrying increase in multi-year droughts that became longer, more frequent, and more extreme, covering more land. "Each year since 1980, drought-stricken areas have spread by an additional fifty thousand square kilometers on average -- that's roughly the area of Slovakia, or the US states of Vermont and New Hampshire put together -- , causing enormous damage to ecosystems, agriculture, and energy production," says ISTA Professor Francesca Pellicciotti, the Principal Investigator of the WSL-funded EMERGE Project, under which the present study was conducted. The team aims to unveil the possible long-lasting effects of persistent droughts around the globe and help inform policy preparing for more frequent and severe future megadroughts. -- Unveiling extreme droughts that flew under the radar -- The international team used the CHELSA climate data prepared by WSL Senior Researcher and study author Dirk Karger, which goes back to 1979. They calculated anomalies in rainfall and evapotranspiration -- water evaporation from soil and plants -- and their impact on natural ecosystems worldwide. This allowed them to determine the occurrence of multi-year droughts both in well-studied and less accessible regions of the planet, especially in areas like tropical forests and the Andes, where little observational data is available. "Our method not only mapped well-documented droughts but also shed light on extreme droughts that flew under the radar, such as the one that affected the Congo rainforest from 2010 to 2018," says Karger. This discrepancy is likely due to how forests in various climate regions respond to drought episodes. "While temperate grasslands have been most affected in the past forty years, boreal and tropical forests appeared to withstand drought more effectively and even displayed paradoxical effects during the onset of drought." But how long can these forests resist the harsh blow of climate change? -- Contrasting impacts on ecosystems -- The persistently rising temperatures, extended droughts, and higher evapotranspiration ultimately lead to dryer and browner ecosystems, despite also causing heavier precipitation episodes. Thus, scientists can use satellite images to monitor the effect of drought by tracking changes in vegetation greenness over time. While this analysis works well for temperate grasslands, the changes in greenness cannot be tracked as easily over dense tropical forest canopies, leading to underestimated effects of drought in such areas. Thus, to ensure consistent results worldwide, the team developed a multistep analysis that better resolves the changes in high-leaf regions and ranked the droughts by their severity since 1980. Unsurprisingly, they showed that megadroughts had the highest immediate impact on temperate grasslands. 'Hotspot' regions included the western USA, central and eastern Mongolia, and particularly southeastern Australia, where the data overlapped with two well-documented multi-year ecological droughts. On the other hand, the team shed additional light on the paradoxical effects observed in the tropical and boreal forests. While tropical forests can offset the expected effects of drought as long as they have enough water reserves to buffer the decrease in rainfall, boreal forests and tundra react in their distinct way. It turns out that the warming climate extends the boreal growth season since vegetation growth in these regions is limited by lower temperatures rather than water availability. -- Droughts evolve in time and space -- The results show that the trend of intensifying megadroughts is clear: The team generated the first global -- and globally consistent -- picture of megadroughts and their impact on vegetation at high resolution. However, the long-term effects on the planet and its ecosystems remain largely unknown. Meanwhile, the data already agrees with the observed widely greening pan-Arctic. "But in the event of long-term extreme water shortages, trees in tropical and boreal regions can die, leading to long-lasting damage to these ecosystems. Especially, the boreal vegetation will likely take the longest to recover from such a climate disaster," says Karger. Pellicciotti hopes the team's result will help change our perception of droughts and how to prepare for them: "Currently, mitigation strategies largely consider droughts as yearly or seasonal events, which stands in stark contrast to the longer and more severe megadroughts we will face in the future," she says. "We hope that the publicly available inventory of droughts we are putting out will help orient policymakers toward more realistic preparation and prevention measures." As a glaciologist, Pellicciotti also seeks to examine the effects of megadroughts in the mountains and how glaciers can buffer them. She leads a collaborative project titled "MegaWat -- Megadroughts in the Water Towers of Europe -- From Process Understanding to Strategies for Management and Adaptation." -- Project and funding information The present study was conducted within the scope of the EMERGE Project of the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow, and Landscape Research (WSL) with Professor Francesca Pellicciotti from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) serving as its Principal Investigator. The research was supported by funding from the Extreme Program of the WSL for the EMERGE project.	R02 N02	529
2503-E042	Exploring Multiple Optimal Pathways In Fruit Fly Embryonic Evolution	Researchers have developed a mathematical model predicting the ideal body plan of a fruit fly's early embryo, suggesting that evolution might have many optimal outcomes. This theoretical framework offers insights into the efficiency of evolutionary processes and the underlying principles driving the development of complex organisms.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Is there only one optimal configuration an organism can reach during evolution? Is there a single formula that describes the trajectory towards the optimum? And can we 'derive' it in a purely theoretical fashion? A team of researchers, including from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), has answers. Their mathematical model forecasts the ideal body plan of a fruit fly's early embryo, suggesting that evolution might had many optimal options at its disposal. -- It is hypothesized that optimization is the secret sauce for many of nature's fascinating phenomena, suggesting the world is driven toward a state of minimal energy, the most efficient output, or the highest fitness. Whether it is pods of whales or collectives of tiny cells, life's building blocks have been selected to self-organize close to peak efficiency. -- The development of an animal embryo, from a small cluster of cells to a multicellular organism, might also have been optimized and fine-tuned to an almost perfect system. However, a precise mathematical formula predicting the optimal structure has been elusive until now. -- Physicists from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies, and Princeton University now present exactly that: A theoretical model of the fruit fly's early embryonic development, nearly two decades in the making. With their detailed model, they could theoretically derive and thus predict the optimal 'wiring' of the gene-regulation network that controls the early developmental processes. The results are published in PNAS. -- Evolution = Optimization -- Evolution is the driving force for every organism. Given its environment, an organism adapts, survives, and withstands selective pressure. "Adaptation can be seen as an optimization process, or at least as a process that requires optimization of certain traits and functions," explains Thomas Sokolowski, first author of the study. -- Compared to physical systems, where optimization typically leads to a final state with the lowest energy, biological systems seem to have multiple optimal solutions for the same problem. For instance, eyes evolved independently in various animals, yet their overall structure is remarkably similar across species. -- "Eyes were optimized for the same well-defined objective function, which is maximal uptake of light and its encoding into neural spikes. They are therefore strongly dictated by laws of physics. Nuanced differences between animals may be explained by differences in the side circumstances under which they evolved," Sokolowski continues. -- Also for the development of various embryos, many diverse strategies have evolved. They all share the same outcome: a highly precise and reproducible body plan. While these strategies were likely shaped and improved by evolution to serve specific purposes, it is quite difficult to pinpoint which purpose dominated the optimization process. -- "It is increasingly clear how an embryo develops, but it is not clear which mathematical function guides the system to come together," Sokolowski says. "It's like finding a mathematical needle in the biological haystack."	N01	530
2505-E043	New Insights Reveal Painted Lady Butterflies Migration Secrets Beyond Genetic Factors	A recent interdisciplinary study reveals that environmental conditions, rather than genetic factors, dictate the migration strategies of painted lady butterflies. These butterflies undertake remarkable journeys from Africa to Europe, and researchers found that their travel distances are shaped by climatic conditions. The study involved capturing butterflies in the Catalan mountains, offering insights into their migration patterns and the adaptability of these resilient insects to changing environments, contributing to our understanding of their ecological roles.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	PNAS NEXUS	Press Rel	PubMed	From early ocean dips to ice-cold polar plunges, cold-water immersion is increasingly popular among athletes and wellness warriors. But how much of the hype is backed by science? -- In the most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind, University of South Australia researchers have taken a deep dive into the effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing. -- Analysing data from 11 studies with 3177 participants, researchers found that cold-water immersion may lower stress, improve sleep quality, and boost quality of life. -- UniSA researcher Tara Cain says the study reveals time-dependant and nuanced effects on health and wellbeing measures. -- "Cold-water immersion has been extensively researched and used in sporting contexts to help athletes recover, but despite its growing popularity among health and wellbeing circles, little is known about its effects on the general population," Cain says. -- "In this study, we noted a range of time-dependant results. Firstly, we found that cold-water immersion could reduce stress levels, but for only about 12 hours post exposure. -- "We also noted that participants who took 20, 60, or 90 second cold showers reported slightly higher quality of life scores. But again, after three months these effects had faded. -- "Benefits may be gained from cold showers as well, with one study reporting that participants who took regular cold showers experiencing a 29% reduction in sickness absence. -- "We also found some links to cold-water immersion and better sleep outcomes, but the data was restricted to males, so its broader application is limited. -- "And while there have been many claims that cold-water immersion experiences can boost your immunity and mood, we found very little evidence to support these claims."	A01 C01	531
2506-007	How Does Our Brain Keep Vision Clear During Movement? Researchers Discover Insight	ISTA researchers have identified how the brain maintains visual clarity during movement, revealing mechanisms that correct distortions in visual perception. Conducted on mice, the study highlights a universal function across vertebrate visual systems, including humans. These insights could improve our understanding of visual processing and inspire advancements in camera technology that mimic human vision capabilities.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	Why do our mental images stay sharp even when we are moving fast? A team of neuroscientists led by Professor Maximilian Jösch at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has identified a mechanism that corrects visual distortions caused by movement in animals. The study, conducted in mice, identifies a core function that can be generalized across the vertebrate visual system, including primates such as humans. The findings are published in Nature Neuroscience. -- Despite its rapid development in recent decades, the video camera industry is still catching up with the capabilities of the human eye. -- In particular, action cams are designed to capture footage while immersed in the action. -- As we judge footage quality and the need for fancy equipment and optimization software based on the abilities of the human eye, a question arises: How do our eyes do it so well? -- Researchers led by Professor Maximilian Jösch at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) have now answered this question with a technical tour de force. -- The three scientists and co-first authors Tomas Vega-Zuniga, Anton Sumser, and Olga Symonova combined a range of state-of-the-art techniques to identify a brain region in the mouse that can predict and minimize how movements distort the visual signal. -- This brain region, residing deep in the brain, literally copies the brain's motor commands to suppress movement-induced distortions. -- "We show that the image correction happens very early during visual processing -- before the information is transmitted to other areas of the brain that are known to represent more complex visual features," says Jösch. -- "Thus, we demonstrate that the mammalian brain devises strategies to compensate for movement efficiently by predicting its effects on vision." -- Formula 1 footage without postproduction	R02 N01	532
2506-T016	Advances In Quantum Computing: Superconducting Qubits Achieve Optical Readout Breakthrough	Physicists have achieved a significant breakthrough by developing a fully optical readout method for superconducting qubits, which are essential for quantum computing. This advancement, published in Nature Physics, addresses challenges in scaling these qubits and could accelerate the development of large-scale quantum computers capable of outperforming classical systems in complex calculations.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Qubits -- the fundamental units of quantum information -- drive entire tech sectors. Among them, superconducting qubits could be instrumental in building a large-scale quantum computer, but they rely on electrical signals and are difficult to scale. In a breakthrough, a team of physicists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has achieved a fully optical readout of superconducting qubits, pushing the technology beyond its current limitations. Their findings were now published in Nature Physics. -- Following a year-long rally, quantum computing stocks were brought to a standstill barely a few days into the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. -- The reason for this sudden setback was Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote at the CES 2025 tech trade show, where he predicted that "very useful quantum computers" were still two decades down the road. -- Aside from stock markets and tech trade shows, the race continues fiercely toward scalable quantum computers that could perform some calculations exponentially faster than 'classical' computers. -- While this promising 'quantum advantage' resulted in the rapid development of quantum hardware, many technical hurdles must still be overcome before quantum computers become 'useful'. -- Now, a team of physicists from Professor Johannes Fink's group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) has managed to overcome an important limitation, which could help scale up quantum computers. -- By ensuring the qubits understand the language of fiber optics, the team considerably reduced the amount of cryogenic hardware needed to measure them. -- "This new approach might allow us to increase the number of qubits so they become useful for computation. It also lays the foundation for building a network of superconducting quantum computers connected via optical fibers at room temperature," says co-first author Georg Arnold, a former PhD student in the Fink group at ISTA. -- The challenges of applying fiberoptics to superconducting quantum hardware -- While fiberoptics have revolutionized the telecom industry with their multiple advantages over electrical transmission and enabled high-speed communication, applying optics to quantum hardware is no easy task.	T01	533
2507-T033	Sustainable 3D Printed Thermoelectric Materials Reduce Production Costs	Researchers have fabricated high-performance thermoelectric materials using an innovative 3D printing technique that significantly reduces production costs. This advancement in heat management technology has the potential to revolutionize applications ranging from electronics to medical treatments, addressing the limitations of traditional thermoelectric production methods and enhancing efficiency.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Press Rel	PubMed	Rapid, localized heat management is essential for electronic devices and could have applications ranging from wearable materials to burn treatment. While so-called thermoelectric materials convert temperature differences to electrical voltage and vice versa, their efficiency is often limited, and their production is costly and wasteful. In a new paper published in Science, researchers from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) used a 3D printing technique to fabricate high-performance thermoelectric materials, reducing production costs significantly. -- Thermoelectric coolers, also called solid-state refrigerators, can induce localized cooling by using an electric current to transfer heat from one side of the device to another. -- Their long lifetimes, invulnerability to leaks, size and shape tunability, and the lack of moving parts (such as circulating liquids) make these devices ideal for diverse cooling applications, such as electronics. -- However, manufacturing them out of ingots is associated with high costs and generates lots of material waste. -- In addition, the devices' performance remains limited. -- Now, a team at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), led by Verbund Professor for Energy Sciences and Head of the Werner Siemens Thermoelectric Laboratory Maria Ibáñez, with first author and ISTA postdoc Shengduo Xu, developed high-performance thermoelectric materials out of the 3D printer and used them to build a thermoelectric cooler. -- "Our innovative integration of 3D printing into thermoelectric cooler fabrication greatly improves manufacturing efficiency and reduces costs," says Xu. Also, in contrast to previous attempts at 3D printing thermoelectric materials, the present method yields materials with considerably higher performance. -- ISTA Professor Ibáñez adds, "With commercial-level performance, our work has the potential to extend beyond academia, holding practical relevance and attracting interest from industries seeking real-world applications." -- Pushing the boundaries of thermoelectric technologies -- While all materials demonstrate some thermoelectric effect, it is often too negligible to be useful.	T01	534
2513-063	New Organoid Model Offers Insight Into Nervous System Response To Viral Infections	Scientists at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) have developed a new organoid model to study the developing nervous system's response to viral infections like Rubella. This innovative model incorporates microglia, brain cells that play a critical role in immune response, which could enhance drug safety testing, particularly for pharmaceutical developments impacting pregnant women.	Institute of Science and Technology Austria	Journal of Neuroinflammation	Press Rel	PubMed	Organoids have revolutionized science and medicine, providing platforms for disease modeling, drug testing, and understanding developmental processes. While not exact replicas of human organs, they offer significant insights. The Siegert group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) presents a new organoid model that reveals details of the developing nervous system's response to viral infections, such as Rubella. This model could influence pharmaceutical testing, particularly benefiting drug safety for pregnant women. -- Microglia are special cells in the human brain. Like a diligent ranger overseeing a forest and dealing with infestations and wildfires, microglia scan the brain environment for germs and initiate an anti-inflammatory response to remove them. -- They also monitor the quantity of neurons (nerve cells) and their connections to ensure optimal brain function in adulthood. -- Sandra Siegert and her research group at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) focus on these microglia and their interplay with neurons during embryonic development. -- In their latest publication, the Siegert group introduces a new brain organoid model that, for the first time, incorporates microglia to mimic inflammatory reactions and their treatment. -- The results are published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation. -- Rubella -- the "German Measles" -- Little itchy red dots that spread from the face across the body are a common experience for parents with children suffering from Rubella. -- For kids and adults alike, the infection is mild; however, if contracted when pregnant, it can have serious implications. -- Rubella is classified into the so-called "TORCH-infections" (toxoplasmosis, others, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex), which can be transmitted from a pregnant person to the developing fetus, causing malformations of the fetal brain and thus increasing the risk of schizophrenia in adulthood.	H01 R01 R02 N02	535
2502-002	Novel Organoid Library Reveals Drug Targets For Chemo-Resistant Tongue Cancer Cells	A groundbreaking study using patient-derived organoids has unveiled critical drug targets for tongue cancer, particularly focusing on pathways related to autophagy and cholesterol synthesis. By analyzing chemo-sensitive and resistant cells, researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo aim to enhance treatment strategies for tongue cancer, a condition that remains a significant global health challenge.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Developmental Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Tongue cancer (TC) cells can enter a chemo-resistant state by activating pathways related to autophagy and cholesterol synthesis, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo. Using a large-scale library of TC organoids they developed, the researchers performed comprehensive comparative analyses of chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant cells. Their efforts shed light on promising avenues toward new treatments for tongue cancer. -- Oral cancer is an increasingly prevalent disease worldwide, with over 300,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Among oral cancers, tongue cancer (TC) is the most common type and often carries a poor prognosis. Surgery combined with chemoradiotherapy is one of the main lines of treatment for high-risk cases of TC. However, recurrence rates are high since the tumors can reestablish themselves from only a few surviving cells. A few surviving cells are referred to as minimal residual disease (MRD). -- Understanding the mechanisms behind MRD formation is paramount to improving treatment outcomes in TC and many other forms of cancer. To study it, scientists often rely on cancer cell lines as preclinical models, which serve as a convenient tool to test drugs and analyze the roles of genes and proteins. However, cancer cell lines are quite difficult to establish from primary cancer tissues and do not accurately reflect cancer characteristics. This makes comparisons of tumor characteristics between patients challenging. -- Against this backdrop, a research team led by Professor Toshiaki Ohteki from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, adopted a different approach to shed light on MRD in TC. Instead of trying to establish cancer cell lines, they built a large-scale library of tongue cancer organoids (TCOs) from surgery samples of 28 patients. Organoids are three-dimensional tissue models that mimic organs. As explained in their paper, which was published in Developmental Cell on November 5, 2024, the team sought to have this library accurately represent the diversity that exists in TC from patient to patient and use it to identify promising treatment avenues. -- Organoids allow scientists to replicate the biology of cancer in a controlled lab setting. The team built the TCO library by obtaining tissue samples from 28 untreated patients with TC of different ages and stages of the disease. They used these organoids to conduct comprehensive and comparative analyses, such as functional, genetic/epigenetic, histopathologic characterization, and drug-sensitivity tests. -- Their experiments revealed new insights into the mechanisms of chemoresistance, namely MRD formation. By treating the TCOs with cisplatin, a key drug in chemotherapy, the researchers found that chemo-resistant TCOs showed a dormant-like state that resembled embryonic diapause -- a temporary pause that sometimes occurs during embryo development. -- Taking a deeper look, the research team found that chemo-resistant TCOs rely on the activation of autophagy (or 'internal recycling') and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways to survive. "Inhibiting these pathways with specific inhibitors converted the chemo-resistant TCOs into chemo-sensitive TCOs. Conversely, autophagy activation with appropriate inhibitors conferred chemo-resistance on the chemo-sensitive TCOs," highlights Ohteki, "Given that a comparative analysis of our unique TCO library provided insights into the molecular basis of MRD formation, this library may offer an important resource for discovering effective drug targets and biomarkers for chemo-resistant TC cells, thereby helping in the development of personalized medicine," concludes Ohteki.	H01 R01	536
2503-E036	The Dual Role Of Polyploidy: Slowing Evolution While Accelerating Innovation	A recent theoretical model explores the dual role of polyploidy in evolution, revealing how carrying extra genome copies can stabilize populations in predictable environments while simultaneously fostering evolutionary innovation in extreme conditions. This study provides valuable insights into the complexities of evolutionary mechanisms affecting various fields.	Institute of Science Tokyo	PRX Life	Press Rel	PubMed	Evolution is the basis of biological diversity, driven by mechanisms that allow organisms to adapt and survive. One such mechanism is polyploidy, where organisms carry extra copies of their genomes. While polyploidy provides genetic redundancy by allowing mutations without affecting survival, it can also slow evolutionary progress by diluting beneficial mutations. This paradox has intrigued scientists for many years now, and a recent study from Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at Institute of Science Tokyo offers new insights into polyploidy's role in evolution. Led by ELSI's Specially Appointed Associate Professor Tetsuhiro Hatakeyama, with contributions from the co-author, Associate Professor of Tokyo Metropolitan University Ryudo Ohbayashi, the study combines theoretical models and biological observations to explore how polyploidy affects genetic variance and evolution. The team's findings suggest that polyploidy can be both, a barrier and a driver of evolutionary change, depending on how innovative evolution is required to adapt to the environment. -- Hatakeyama's interest in polyploidy traces back to his early work in molecular biology during his master's course, where he studied cyanobacteria experimentally. -- At the time, he wondered why these organisms had multiple copies of their genome. -- Though he couldn't resolve the mystery, his later work in theoretical physics led him and Ohbayashi to propose an answer after over 15 years. -- Hatakeyama explains, "We constructed a theoretical model in the simplest form we could imagine, and through this model, we found that polyploidy slows evolution in stable environments, where gradual evolution is required, but drives evolutionary innovation required to adapt to extreme conditions." -- The study distinguishes between smooth fitness landscapes, where organisms' phenotype changes gradually, and rugged landscapes, where organisms must undergo significant phenotypic shifts to survive. -- Polyploid organisms evolve more slowly in the smooth fitness landscapes due to reduced genetic variance, making it harder for beneficial mutations to take hold. -- Ohbayashi adds, "However, in rugged landscapes, polyploidy accelerates the development of novel traits by increasing the probability of significant genetic shifts." -- The researchers suggest that two major evolutionary theories -- Fisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection and Susumu Ohno's neofunctionalisation by gene duplication -- are not mutually exclusive. -- Instead, both theories play critical roles depending on whether rare evolutionary events are required for survival.	C01 N01	537
2504-E011	New Iron Catalyst Outperforms Century-Old Counterparts In Ammonia Synthesis	Researchers have introduced an innovative iron-based catalyst for ammonia synthesis, outperforming conventional methods that have been in use for over a century. This novel catalyst features an inverse structure, enhancing the ammonia production rate per catalyst volume, which could revolutionize the agricultural and chemical industries. The findings highlight the importance of developing more efficient solutions for ammonia synthesis in addressing global food production needs.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	NH3 is one of the most important chemicals in today's world, as it is used in the production of fertilizers to boost agricultural yields and sustain the ever-growing global population. For over 100 years, NH3 production has relied on the Haber-Bosch (HB) process, which combines nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. Interestingly, an iron-based catalyst developed a century ago (called 'Promoted-Fe') still remains at the forefront of mass NH3 production, despite countless efforts to find more energy-efficient alternatives. -- In the HB process, where NH3 is produced by a catalyst-filled reactor with a limited volume, the NH3 productivity in the reactor depends on the NH3 production rate, not per catalyst weight but per catalyst volume. -- While the former looks like the latter at a glance, these two are completely different. -- No catalyst has ever been able to surpass Promoted-Fe in NH3 production rate/catalyst volume over the whole temperature and pressure ranges. -- For this reason, most academic researchers have chosen to ignore the fact and have compared the NH3 production rates/catalyst weight of "new catalysts" in academic journals; this competition would not lead to a significant improvement in the HB process. -- Against this backdrop, a research team from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, has taken a bold step forward with an innovative approach towards catalyst design. -- As reported in their latest paper, which was published in the journal Advanced Science on January 23, 2025, Professor Michikazu Hara and colleagues took the design principles of established iron-based catalysts and essentially turned them into an innovative tool, achieving remarkable results. -- Supported metal catalysts used for NH3 production typically consist of transition metal particles deposited on a support material with a large specific surface area and low density, which ideally increases the active surface area and enhances NH3 production rate/catalyst weight. -- However, this design results in a small NH3 production rate/catalyst volume because of the low density. -- To tackle this issue, the research team from Science Tokyo designed and tested metal catalysts with an inverse structure.	H01 T01	538
2505-E023	New Insights Into Atomic Behavior Unlocked Through Muon Spin Rotation	A research team led by Shigekazu Ito has employed muon spin rotation spectroscopy to study the 12-phosphatetraphene 1 molecule, revealing important insights into the structure and behavior of muoniated radicals. The findings advance our understanding of highly reactive species and showcase the capabilities of this technique in exploring the atomic-level behavior of materials, particularly those involving phosphorus reactivity.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Managers at every company -- especially big corporations -- face a similar conundrum: What's the ideal way to organize employees to generate the best ideas? -- Is it better to work in large groups? Smaller ones? With other people who are similar or different? -- New research from Binghamton University, State University of New York offers insight into these questions -- and some of the results are not what you'd expect. -- For nearly 20 years, Professor Shelley D. Dionne -- now dean of Binghamton's School of Management -- and Distinguished Professor Hiroki Sayama have studied complex group dynamics and how they affect organizational performance. -- In a recently published paper in the journal npj Complexity, they look at how various clusters of people tackle creative tasks. -- Also contributing to the research are Yiding Cao, MA '16, PhD '23; Yingjun Dong, MA '16, PhD '22; Minjun Kim, PhD '24; Neil G. MacLaren, MBA '18, PhD '21; Sriniwas Pandey, PhD '23; and Distinguished Professor Emeritus Francis J. Yammarino. -- The experiments -- conducted from 2018 to 2020 -- involved 617 Binghamton University students who collaborated anonymously using a Twitter-like online interface on one of two tasks: Develop a catchy marketing slogan for a new laptop computer or write a fictional story. -- As part of groups with 20 to 25 people, they would log in daily for 10 working days for about 15 minutes each day to submit ideas and comment on or like their collaborators' ideas. -- Language analysis of self-introduction essays submitted before the experiments determined whether students shared similar views or backgrounds when grouping them together. -- Some participants could communicate with their entire group, while others were able to communicate only with their "neighbors" on a ring-shaped organizational chart.	C01	539
2507-072	New Catalyst Development Promises Sustainable Approaches For Ammonia Production	A recent study has introduced Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride as a transition metal-free catalyst for ammonia synthesis, promising a more sustainable approach than traditional methods. This innovative catalyst, developed through low-temperature synthesis, shows enhanced efficiency and lower energy requirements, potentially revolutionizing ammonia production while addressing environmental issues associated with conventional techniques.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Institute of Science Tokyo	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study explores Ba-Si orthosilicate oxynitride-hydride (Ba3SiO5−xNyHz) as a sustainable catalyst for ammonia synthesis, offering a potential alternative to traditional transition metal-based systems. Synthesized through low-temperature solid-state reactions and enhanced with ruthenium nanoparticles, these compounds demonstrated improved catalytic performance under milder conditions, providing a more energy-efficient route to ammonia production. This approach also addresses the environmental challenges associated with conventional methods, signaling a shift toward greener industrial practices in ammonia production. -- As the world moves toward sustainability, the demand for efficient alternatives across industries continues to grow. Ammonia, a key chemical used in fertilizers, explosives, and various other products, is primarily synthesized through the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. This process requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, contributing to global carbon dioxide emissions. Conventional catalysts, such as iron and ruthenium, rely on these harsh conditions to drive the reaction. However, a recent study by researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, the National Institute for Materials Science, and Tohoku University, Japan, led by Professor Masaaki Kitano, explores Ba3SiO5−xNyHz catalyst as a sustainable alternative to traditional catalysts, potentially revolutionizing ammonia synthesis. -- Vacancies, especially anion vacancies within the three-dimensional structure of catalysts, function as active sites. These active sites are energetically involved in the process of catalysis. However, anion vacancies alone are not effective without the presence of transition metal sites. This limitation inspired researchers to develop a transition metal-free catalyst. -- Published online in Nature Chemistry on 17 February 2025, the study aims to develop more efficient, sustainable ammonia synthesis methods. Kitano explains, "We have focused on tribarium silicate (Ba3SiO5) for the synthesis of our novel catalyst due to its unique crystal structure and chemical properties, offering the potential to lower energy requirements and reduce operating conditions," describing the initial step in their research. To address the environmental and energy challenges posed by conventional synthesis methods, the research team developed and tested various mixed-anion materials. -- The study progressed through several stages. First, the researchers synthesized a novel Ba-Si oxynitride-hydride, Ba3SiO5−xNyHz, through a low-temperature (400-700 °C) solid-state reaction of barium amide with silicon dioxide. The resulting chemical composition was determined to be Ba3SiO2.87N0.80H1.86. This synthesis temperature is much lower than the synthesis temperatures (1100-1400 °C) of conventional silicate materials such as Ba3SiO5, Ba3Si6O9N4, and BaSi2O2N2. The synthesized Ba3SiO5−xNyHz demonstrated exceptional stability as a catalyst for ammonia synthesis even in the absence of any transition metal sites. It showed higher activity and lower activation energy than the conventional ruthenium-loaded MgO catalyst. On the other hand, Ba3SiO5, Ba3Si6O9N4, and BaSi2O2N2 exhibited no catalytic activity. The Ba3SiO5−xNyHz catalyst's ammonia synthesis activity was tested under varying temperatures and pressures, and structural properties were analyzed using advanced instrumentation techniques. -- To further improve performance, ruthenium nanoparticles were introduced. The researchers found that Ba3SiO5−xNyHz showed the highest catalytic activity with ruthenium nanoparticles. "The addition of ruthenium nanoparticles significantly boosted catalytic performance, enabling more efficient ammonia synthesis under milder conditions. However, the main active site is not ruthenium nanoparticles but the anion vacancy sites on Ba3SiO5−xNyHz, which reduces the apparent energy requirement for ammonia synthesis than conventional catalysts. We also discovered that the anion vacancy-mediated mechanism played a key role in facilitating nitrogen activation, without relying on transition metals," says Kitano. These findings suggest a more sustainable and energy-efficient path for ammonia synthesis. -- The study highlights key benefits: reduced temperature and pressure enhance efficiency, while the transition metal-free pathway cuts emissions and resource dependence, supporting sustainability. Furthermore, the scalable synthesis and robust performance of Ba3SiO5−xNyHz catalysts position them as promising candidates for industrial adoption, offering a more sustainable approach to ammonia production at scale. These findings also open avenues for further research in transition metal-free catalysis for other critical processes. -- This study represents a significant step toward sustainable ammonia synthesis, addressing a major challenge in industrial chemistry. By demonstrating the potential of the Ba3SiO5−xNyHz catalyst, the researchers have laid the foundation for a greener and more efficient approach to producing ammonia, an essential chemical. As the global demand for ammonia continues to rise, innovations like this will be instrumental in driving a more sustainable future.	T01	540
2507-T036	Advanced Dynamic Facial Projection Mapping Achieves Unmatched Speed And Accuracy	Dynamic facial projection mapping (DFPM) technology has achieved new breakthroughs in speed and precision, enhancing its application in augmented reality. A hybrid detection method enables rapid facial landmark tracking, while innovative projection techniques aim to eliminate misalignment errors, pushing the limits of immersive experiences in entertainment, fashion, and makeup industries.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Institute of Science Tokyo	Press Rel	PubMed	Augmented reality (AR) has become a hot topic in the entertainment, fashion, and makeup industries. Though a few different technologies exist in these fields, dynamic facial projection mapping (DFPM) is among the most sophisticated and visually stunning ones. Briefly put, DFPM consists of projecting dynamic visuals onto a person's face in real-time, using advanced facial tracking to ensure projections adapt seamlessly to movements and expressions. -- While imagination should ideally be the only thing limiting what's possible with DFPM in AR, this approach is held back by technical challenges. -- Projecting visuals onto a moving face implies that the DFPM system can detect the user's facial features, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth, within less than a millisecond. -- Even slight delays in processing or minuscule misalignments between the camera's and projector's image coordinates can result in projection errors -- or "misalignment artifacts" -- that viewers can notice, ruining the immersion. -- Against this backdrop, a research team from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan set out to find solutions to existing challenges in DFPM. -- Led by Associate Professor Yoshihiro Watanabe, also including graduate student Mr. Hao-Lun Peng, the team introduced a series of innovative strategies and techniques and combined them into a state-of-the-art high-speed DFPM system. -- Their findings were published in IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics on January 17, 2025. -- First, the researchers developed a hybrid technique called the "high-speed face tracking method" that combines two different approaches in parallel to detect facial landmarks in real-time. -- On the one hand, they employed a method called Ensemble of Regression Trees (ERT) to realize fast detection. -- They also implemented a way to efficiently crop incoming pictures down to the user's face to detect landmarks faster; they achieved this by leveraging temporal information from previous frames to limit the "search area." To help ERT-based detection recover from errors or challenging situations, they combined it with a slower auxiliary method, which provides high accuracy at a lower speed.	A01 N02 T01	541
2508-T004	Rare Rubidium Conductor Promises Advances In Clean Energy Technologies	Researchers have discovered a highly conductive rubidium-containing oxide-ion conductor, which could play a pivotal role in advancing solid oxide fuel cell technologies. Identified through a combination of computational analysis and experimental validation, this new material demonstrates impressive stability and performance characteristics. The findings may facilitate cleaner energy solutions by improving the efficiency of fuel cells, which can utilize an array of fuels.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Chemistry of Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Rubidium could be the next key player in oxide-ion conductors. Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered a rare rubidium (Rb)-containing oxide-ion conductor, Rb₅BiMo₄O₁₆, with exceptionally high conductivity. Identified through computational screening and experiments, its superior performance stems from low activation energy and structural features like large free volume and tetrahedral motion. Its stability under various conditions offers a promising direction for solid oxide fuel cells and clean energy technologies. -- Oxide-ion conductors enable oxide ions (O²⁻) to transport in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), which can run on diverse fuels beyond hydrogen, including natural gas, and biogas, and even certain liquid hydrocarbons. -- This flexibility makes them particularly valuable during the transition to a hydrogen economy. -- While SOFCs hold transformative potential from an energy sustainability perspective, their widespread adoption is still challenged by their cost, durability, and operating temperature range. -- Overcoming these hurdles requires the development of better oxide-ion conductors, and researchers in the world are constantly trying out new materials with different chemical compositions. -- Could rubidium (Rb) be the key to high-performance oxide-ion conductors? -- A research team from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, led by Professor Masatomo Yashima at the Department of Chemistry, School of Science, set out to answer this question. -- They explored the untapped potential of Rb as the next major advancement in next major advance in oxide-ion conductor technology through a systematic and comprehensive approach. -- Their findings were published online in Chemistry of Materials on February 2, 2025. -- Since Rb+ is one of the largest cations (second only to the cesium ion), crystalline Rb-containing oxides are expected to have a larger lattice and free volumes, potentially leading to lower activation energy for oxide-ion conductivity.	C01	542
2509-E036	Breakthrough Iron Catalyst Achieves Unprecedented Efficiency For Sustainable Hydrogen Production	Researchers have developed an iron-based catalyst that achieves nearly perfect efficiency in water oxidation, a critical step for sustainable hydrogen production. This innovative polymer-based catalyst offers a cost-effective and stable alternative to precious metal catalysts, which could greatly enhance energy storage and hydrogen generation technologies, representing a significant advancement in renewable energy applications.	Institute of Science Tokyo	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A newly developed pentanuclear iron complex (Fe5-PCz(ClO₄)₃) can offer an efficient, stable, and cost-effective solution for water oxidation. By electrochemically polymerizing the complex, researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo obtained a polymer-based catalyst, poly-Fe5-PCz, and achieved water oxidation with up to 99% Faradaic efficiency and exceptional stability, even under rigorous conditions. This breakthrough offers a scalable alternative to rare metal catalysts, advancing hydrogen production and energy storage for renewable energy. -- Water oxidation plays a vital role in renewable energy technologies, especially in hydrogen production and artificial photosynthesis. By splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen, it provides a clean, sustainable energy source. However, replicating the efficiency and stability of natural photosynthetic systems in artificial catalytic setups -- especially in aqueous environments -- remains a significant challenge. Catalysts based on rare and expensive metals like ruthenium have shown high activity for water oxidation but are not practical for large-scale use due to their cost and limited availability. -- To address this, a team of researchers led by Professor Mio Kondo from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan,developed a more sustainable and cost-effective catalytic system using abundant metals. Their findings were published in Nature Communications on [Date]. -- The study introduces a novel pentanuclear iron complex, Fe5-PCz(ClO₄)₃, which possesses a multinuclear-complex-based catalytically active site and precursor moieties for charge transfer sites. Kondo explains, "By electrochemically polymerizing this multinuclear iron complex, we create a polymer-based material that enhances electrocatalytic activity and long-term stability. This approach combines the benefits of natural systems with the flexibility of artificial catalysts, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions." -- The researchers synthesized the Fe5-PCz(ClO₄)₃ complex using organic reactions like bromination, nucleophilic substitution, Suzuki coupling reactions, and subsequent complexation reactions. The synthesized complex was characterized by mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray structural analysis. The researchers then modified glassy carbon and indium tin oxide electrodes by polymerizing Fe5-PCz using cyclic voltammetry and controlled potential electrolysis to afford a polymer-based catalyst, poly-Fe5-PCz. The charge transfer ability and electrocatalytic performance of poly-Fe5-PCz were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) experiments with oxygen production quantified by gas chromatography, respectively. -- The results were highly promising. Kondo explains, "Poly-Fe5-PCz achieved up to 99% Faradaic efficiency in aqueous media, meaning nearly all the applied current contributed to the OER. The system also exhibited superior robustness and a reaction rate under rigorous testing conditions compared to relevant systems. Additionally, poly-Fe5-PCz demonstrated enhanced energy storage potential and improved electrode compatibility, making it suitable for a wide range of renewable energy applications." Its high stability was further confirmed by long-term controlled potential experiments, a key advantage for hydrogen production and energy storage technologies. -- The study's findings have significant implications for sustainable energy. The use of iron -- an abundant, non-toxic metal -- ensures the system is both eco-friendly and cost-effective, offering a viable alternative to precious metal-based catalysts. Its stability under operational conditions addresses a major challenge in artificial catalytic systems, where long-term catalyst degradation often limits performance. Moreover, the system's performance in aqueous environments makes it suitable for applications in water splitting. -- "Optimizing poly-Fe5-PCz synthesis and scalability could further enhance its performance, paving the way for industrial-scale hydrogen production and energy storage. Our study opens new possibilities for integrating the system into broader energy technologies, paving the way to a more sustainable future," concludes Kondo.	C01 T01	543
2504-T024	Specialized Radio Telescope System Rapidly Detects Fast Radio Bursts And Cosmic Phenomena	CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, along with engineers and astronomers, has developed a specialized system for their ASKAP radio telescope that rapidly detects fast radio bursts and other astronomical phenomena. This new technology improves the identification of these mysterious signals, with successful trials resulting in the detection of multiple fast radio bursts and enhanced location data for pulsars. The ability to process vast amounts of data efficiently positions this system as a vital tool for advancing radio astronomy research.	International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research	Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia	Press Rel	PubMed	The first trial of an Australian-developed technology has detected mysterious objects by sifting through signals from space like sand on a beach. -- Astronomers and engineers at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, developed the specialised system, CRACO, for their ASKAP radio telescope to rapidly detect mysterious fast radio bursts and other space phenomena. -- The new technology has now been put to the test by researchers led by the Curtin University node of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy (ICRAR) in Western Australia. -- Results published today in Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia present the discovery of two fast radio bursts and two sporadically-emitting neutron stars, and improved location data of four pulsars, enabled by the new technology. -- They have since gone on to find more than twenty fast radio bursts. -- Dr Andy Wang from ICRAR, who led the research group and tested CRACO, said the team had found more astronomical objects than expected. -- "We were focused on finding fast radio bursts, a mysterious phenomenon that has opened up a new field of research in astronomy. -- "CRACO is enabling us to find these bursts better than ever before. We have been searching for bursts 100 times per second and in the future we expect this will increase to 1,000 times per second," Dr Wang said. -- CSIRO astronomer and engineer Dr Keith Bannister who, along with his team, developed the instrument, says the scale of observation enabled by the new technology is enormous. -- "CRACO taps into ASKAP's 'live' view of the sky in search of fast radio bursts.	Z01	544
2505-081	Central Role Of Gender Equality In Climate Adaptation Strategies Revealed By New Study	A study from IIASA emphasizes the critical role of gender equality in addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. It highlights how societies lacking equal access to decision-making, education, and financial resources are ill-equipped to implement effective solutions, stressing the need for gender considerations in climate policies to enhance resilience and foster social progress.	International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis	Nature Climate Change	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) at UCL have unveiled the precise brain mechanisms that enable animals to overcome instinctive fears. Published today in Science, the study in mice could have implications for developing therapeutics for fear-related disorders such as phobias, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). -- The research team, led by Dr Sara Mederos and Professor Sonja Hofer, mapped out how the brain learns to suppress responses to perceived threats that prove harmless over time. -- "Humans are born with instinctive fear reactions, such as responses to loud noises or fast-approaching objects," explains Dr Mederos, Research Fellow in the Hofer Lab at SWC. -- "However, we can override these instinctive responses through experience -- like children learning to enjoy fireworks rather than fear their loud bangs. We wanted to understand the brain mechanisms that underlie such forms of learning." -- Using an innovative experimental approach, the team studied mice presented with an overhead expanding shadow that mimicked an approaching aerial predator. -- Initially, the mice sought shelter when encountering this visual threat. -- However, with repeated exposure and no actual danger, the mice learned to remain calm instead of escaping, providing researchers with a model to study the suppression of fear responses. -- Based on previous work in the Hofer Lab, the team knew that an area of the brain called the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) could suppress fear reactions when active and was able to track knowledge of previous experience of threat. -- The vLGN also receives strong input from visual areas in the cerebral cortex, and so the researchers explored whether this neural pathway had a role in learning not to fear a visual threat. -- The study revealed two key components in this learning process: (1) specific regions of the visual cortex proved essential for the learning process, and (2) a brain structure called the ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (vLGN) stores these learning-induced memories.	H02 C01	545
2505-E077	Combining Policies Can Effectively Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions In Energy Use	In an important study from IIASA, scientists demonstrate that a combination of policy interventions, including technology and behavioral shifts, can substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions in buildings and transportation. These sectors are responsible for over 20% of global emissions, and the research indicates that demand-centric strategies could achieve emissions reductions of 51-85% and 37-91%, respectively, while also enhancing energy security and improving air quality.	International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis	Nature Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	For the last 10 years, the only effective treatment for hypophosphatasia (HPP) has been an enzyme replacement therapy that must be delivered by injection three-to-six times each week. -- "It's been a tremendous success and has proven to be a lifesaving treatment," said José Luis Millán, PhD, professor in the Human Genetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. "Many children who have been treated otherwise would have died shortly after birth, and they are now able to look forward to long lives. -- "It is, however, a very invasive treatment. Some patients have reactions from frequent injections and discontinue treatment. That has motivated us to find the next step in treating this disease." -- HPP -- also known as soft bone disease -- is a rare inherited disorder that causes abnormal development of bones and premature loss of teeth. HPP ranges in severity. Milder cases put affected adults at greater risk of breaking bones. Severe forms of the condition cause life-threatening disease in approximately one per 100,000 live births. -- Currently, patients are treated with injections of asfotase alfa, a mineral-targeted form of the missing enzyme called tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). This FDA-approved therapy is based on Millán's decades of research on the TNAP enzyme and his laboratory's studies demonstrating preclinical safety and efficacy. -- "We believe the next evolution in treating HPP will be a gene therapy in which a single injected dose will provide a lifelong treatment for patients," said Millán. -- In a paper published January 12, 2025, in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Millán's team and collaborators added additional weight to prior preclinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of a gene therapy for HPP. -- The new study focused on AAV8-TNAP-D10, a virus engineered to not cause disease but rather to deliver a gene capable of producing the missing TNAP enzyme and reversing the malformation of bones and teeth. While previous research in the Millán lab had demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this approach, the new investigation is intended to inform future clinical trials by including different dosages of the gene therapy, tests in male and female mice, and examinations in early- and late-onset forms of HPP. -- "We have essentially titrated the viral vector to show which dose achieves efficacy without causing side effects such as accumulations of bony crystals in soft organs called ectopic calcifications," said Millán. "Our data provide a clear starting point for clinical trials." -- The research team also noted one unexpected finding. In mice modeled to develop late-onset HPP as adults rather than infants, the gene therapy was more effective on female mice, and in females the improvements in bone and teeth were achieved with a lower dose of the treatment.	H01 C01	546
2509-019	Surgical Stem Cell Treatment Shows Promise For Advanced Wet AMD	A recent study suggests a surgical approach for advanced wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involving the removal of abnormal blood vessels followed by stem cell transplants. Conducted by researchers in China, the study shows improved retinal structure and vision stability in patients, providing a potential new treatment option for those with limited responses to conventional therapies.	International Society for Stem Cell Research	Stem Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Age-related macular (AMD) degeneration is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in the elderly population. In so-called wet AMD, new, abnormal blood vessels grow in the central part of the retina called macula, which is required for high-acuity central vision, leading to fluid and blood leakage and macular damage or dysfunction. Although wet AMD accounts for a minority of AMD cases, 90% of AMD-related cases of blindness are due to wet AMD. -- Wet AMD in its early stages can be treated with drugs to reduce the formation of new blood vessels, but this treatment is inefficient in cases where blood vessel formation is already in its advanced stages. -- A new, alternative treatment for those patients may be surgical removal of the abnormal blood vessels followed by the transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal cells, according to a recent study led by Yong Liu and colleagues from Third Military Medical University Southwest Hospital, China, published in the journal Stem Cell Reports. -- In their clinical study, involving 10 patients with wet AMD, the researchers first developed a method for safely removing the newly formed blood vessels followed by the transplantation of stem cell-derived retinal cells to replace the patients' damaged or lost retinal cells. The retinal structure improved in those patients where blood vessel patches were completely removed during surgery, suggesting that the transplanted cells survived and repaired the damaged retina. Further, visual acuity remained stable or improved in those patients during the 12-months follow-up, with limited side effects. In contrast, patients where the blood vessel patches could only partially be removed experienced persistent bleeding and inflammation in the eye and an incomplete regeneration of the retina, and vision did not improve in those patients. The researchers concluded that complete and safe removal of the blood vessel patches prevents inflammation and generates a milieu favorable for transplant survival and integration. Follow up studies with larger groups of patients are required to confirm the clinical efficacy and favorable safety profile of this type of treatment.	H01 N02	547
2501-T027	Ice Deformation Research Offers Better Predictions For Glacier Flow And Sea-Level Rise	New research has examined the deformation of glacier ice at pressure-melting temperatures, providing insights into temperate glacier dynamics. Understanding these processes enhances predictions of glacier flow and sea-level rise, contributing to the broader field of climate science and glaciology.	Iowa State University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Neal Iverson started with two lessons in ice physics when asked to describe a research paper about glacier ice flow that has just been published by the journal Science. -- First, said the distinguished professor emeritus of Iowa State University's Department of the Earth, Atmosphere, and Climate, there are different types of ice within glaciers. Parts of glaciers are at their pressure-melting temperature and are soft and watery. -- That temperate ice is like an ice cube left on a kitchen counter, with meltwater pooling between the ice and the countertop, he said. Temperate ice has been difficult to study and characterize. -- Second, other parts of glaciers have cold, hard ice, like an ice cube still in the freezer. This is the kind of ice that has typically been studied and used as the basis of glacier flow models and forecasts. -- The new research paper, "Linear-viscous flow of temperate ice," deals with the former, said Iverson, a paper co-author and project supervisor. -- The paper describes lab experiments and the resulting data that suggest a standard value within the "empirical foundation of glacier flow modeling" -- an equation known as Glen's flow law, named after the late John W. Glen, a British ice physicist -- should be changed for temperate ice. -- The new value when used in the flow law "will tend to predict increases in flow velocity that are much smaller in response to increased stresses caused by ice sheet shrinkage as the climate warms," Iverson said. That would mean models will show less glacier flow into oceans and project less sea-level rise. -- An acute need to account for warm glacier ice -- Open the walk-in freezer in Iverson's campus lab and you're looking at a 9-foot-tall ring-shear device that's been simulating glacial forces and movement since 2009. It was built with a $530,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The current study was also supported by NSF grants. -- At the center of the device is a ring of ice about 3 feet across and 7 inches thick. Below the ring is a hydraulic press that can put as much as 100 tons of force on the ice and simulate the weight of a glacier 800 feet thick. The ice ring is surrounded by a tub of circulating fluid that regulates the ice temperature to the nearest hundredth of a degree. Electric motors attached to a plate with grippers above the ice ring can rotate the ice at speeds of 1 to 10,000 feet per year.	H02 C01 T01	548
2502-E052	Crop Rotation Benefits Include Nitrogen Supply But Not Carbon Sequestration, New Study Finds	A new study led by Iowa State University researchers challenges the notion that longer and diverse crop rotations fertilized with livestock manure significantly enhance carbon sequestration. Published in Nature Sustainability, the research indicates that while such practices provide various environmental benefits, they do not result in increased carbon storage in the soil over a two-decade period. This finding has important implications for agricultural practices aimed at climate change mitigation.	Iowa State University	Nature Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	Longer, more diverse rotations of crops fertilized with livestock manure have many environmental benefits, but carbon sequestration isn't one of them, according to a new study led by Iowa State University researchers. -- The findings, published this month in Nature Sustainability, counter long-standing assumptions and could have implications for various carbon-market initiatives designed to help mitigate climate change, said Wenjuan Huang, assistant professor of ecology, evolution and organismal biology. -- "In a diversified cropping system, there's more carbon input. So we have figured there would be more carbon stored in the soil. But actually, carbon levels in the soil didn't change over 20 years, though these regenerative management practices are still valuable in other ways," said Huang, one of the study's lead co-authors. -- The study is based on data collected from the ongoing field trial at Iowa State's Marsden Farm just east of Boone, which since 2001 has compared a traditional two-year corn-soybean rotation to three- and four-year systems that mix in a year or two of alfalfa, clover or oats and replace most of the synthetic nitrogen fertilizer for corn with cattle manure. -- A greater variety of roots and the addition of manure increase carbon input in the three- and four-year rotations. -- But putting more organic matter in the soil also stimulates microbial activity, which boosts decomposition and causes an uptick in carbon dioxide emissions that can counteract the increased carbon input. -- Samples of both topsoil and cores a little more than 3 feet deep had similar soil organic carbon levels in all three types of test plots, while the soil cores from diversified cropping systems produced more carbon dioxide when incubated in the lab for a little more than a year. -- By analyzing stable carbon isotopes in the soil core emissions, researchers found the intensified decay in longer rotations wasn't just using up the additional carbon inputs. -- All samples gave off similar levels of carbon dioxide from corn-plant residue, even though corn was grown more frequently in the standard two-year rotation. -- That shows the amped-up decomposition in diversified cropping systems feeds in part on older organic matter from previous corn plants, Huang said.	A01 C01 N02	549
2505-E079	InsectNet Identifies Over 2,500 Insect Species With High Accuracy	InsectNet, an innovative web-based application, utilizes a database of 12 million insect images to identify over 2,500 insect species with more than 96% accuracy. Farmers can simply upload photos of unfamiliar insects and receive real-time information about their ecological roles. This tool, developed by Iowa State University researchers, aids in pest management and promotes agricultural efficiency by enhancing knowledge of insect populations.	Iowa State University	PNAS Nexus	Press Rel	PubMed	Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) present a revolutionary leap in renewable energy technology with their high efficiency, lightweight, and flexible nature. But their commercial applications are often hindered by their sensitivity to environmental factors like heat and humidity. -- To address this, a team of researchers led by Professor Takashi Minemoto, a Ritsumeikan Advanced Research Academy Fellow from the College of Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, Japan, along with Dr. Abdurashid Mavlonov from the Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, and Dr. Akinobu Hayakawa from Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd., recently conducted pioneering research to investigate the durability of these PSC modules in harsh environmental conditions. This study was made available online on December 17, 2024, and was published in Volume 286 of Solar Energy on January 15, 2025. -- Explaining the motivation behind this study, Prof. Minemoto says, "Perovskite solar cells stand out as particularly promising due to their low-temperature wet-coating process and compatibility with flexible substrates, offering unique opportunities for the solar industry. However, the stability of perovskite is weak compared with conventional material, which can be improved by fabrication processes such as encapsulation with barrier films." -- To analyze the durability of flexible PSC modules, the research team utilized PSC modules made of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃), which were encapsulated with polyethylene terephthalate substrate having barrier films of varying water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). The PSC modules were subjected to a damp heat test, which utilized exposure of the modules to 85 °C temperature and 85% relative humidity. The conditions were thus set to simulate real-world outdoor conditions over extended periods. -- After 2,000 hours of exposure, the photovoltaic (PV) performance of the modules was recorded, and the degradation of the modules was confirmed through characteristics of current voltage, spectral reflectance, and electroluminescence. -- The researchers found that high humidity led to the decomposition of the MAPbI₃ layer into lead iodide, blocking the charge transport across layers. This degradation led to a significant reduction in the efficiency of the PSC modules highlighting the detrimental impact of moisture on the PSC performance. -- In addition, the findings revealed that the quality of the barrier film played a critical role in the module's stability. Notably, the module with the lowest WVTR barrier of 5.0 × 10⁻³ g/m²/day retained 84% of its power conversion efficiency. However, the modules with higher WVTR experienced rapid degradation, ceasing to function after just 1,000 hours. -- "Our study is the first to report the durability of encapsulated flexible MAPbI3-based PSC modules. When considering solar energy applications for walls and rooftops with weight limits or for mobile platforms, flexible PSCs are a great alternative to the traditional silicon panels. Insights from our study could help industries optimize these modules for highly stable and durable constructs," explains Prof. Minemoto. -- This study highlights the importance of barrier films in maintaining the long-term durability of flexible PSC modules, revolutionizing the PV industry. Additionally, by offering energy generation at multiple locations, these innovations can help reduce strain on power grids. Furthermore, improving the durability of PSC modules could also expand the use of renewable energy since it would allow the deployment of PSC modules in diverse environments, thus accelerating the global shift towards cleaner energy and a sustainable future.	T01	550
2509-E031	Rising Nitrogen Fertilizer Needs Impact Corn Production Profitability	Research from Iowa State University indicates that the nitrogen fertilizer required to maximize corn production profitability in the Midwest has been increasing by about 1.2% annually over the last 30 years. This trend is attributed to heightened nutrient demands and increased loss during wetter springs, challenging previous assumptions about the static nature of optimal nitrogen rates.	Iowa State University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed to maximize the profitability of corn production in the Midwest has been increasing by about 1.2% per year for the past three decades, according to new Iowa State University research. -- The study, published last month in Nature Communications, analyzed data from prior long- and short-term studies by Iowa State and the University of Illinois to calculate the Corn Belt's steadily rising optimum nitrogen rates, which researchers had thought were static over time despite year-to-year fluctuations. -- Authors of the study primarily attributed the increase in optimum nitrogen rates from 1991 to 2021 to increased loss during wetter springs and the nutrient demands of higher yields, which also rose about 1.2% per year over the same time span. -- "As much of a surprise as it was to us, it really wasn't a surprise when you sat down and thought about it," said study co-author Michael Castellano, agronomy professor and the William T. Frankenberger Professor in Soil Science. -- "It's like a bank account. If you pull money out, you need to deposit more money to keep the account going." -- The analysis tracks with surveys of Iowa farmers, whose self-reported rates of applying nitrogen fertilizer on corn also have increased in recent decades. -- "Seeing this study come out, I'm sure some of them will say, 'I knew it!'," said study co-author Sotirios Archontoulis, Pioneer Hi-Bred Agronomy Professor. -- Efficiency improving -- Data-based confirmation of corn's climbing nitrogen needs reiterates the importance of continuously improving the efficiency of fertilizer use, which is essential to limit the impact on water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. -- Knowing the science is more in synch with farmers' experiences may help build confidence in expert recommendations for effectively applying nitrogen fertilizer, said professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and Brent and Cindy Hart Professor Matthew Helmers, director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, the study's primary funder.	Z01	551
2507-033	Landmark Atlas Unveils Aging Breast Tissue's Role In Cancer Risk	Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory have created a comprehensive atlas of healthy breast tissue aging, revealing critical cellular and genetic changes that may influence breast cancer risk. This pioneering work provides valuable insights into the biological processes of aging, which could inform future cancer prevention strategies.	Jackson Laboratory	Jackson Laboratory	Press Rel	PubMed	Aging is a privilege, but it also brings risks -- including an increased likelihood of developing age-related diseases including cancer. Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) have created a landmark atlas of how healthy breast tissue ages, revealing key cellular, molecular, and genetic changes that may tip the balance toward breast cancer development. Their findings, published recently in Nature Aging, provide a valuable open-access resource for the scientific community to explore aging and its role in increased cancer risk. -- Rewriting the molecular story of aging cells -- Using cutting-edge single-cell and spatial transcriptomics technologies, the researchers compared young virgin female mice to older mice and mapped how mammary gland cellular landscape changes over time. -- The team, co-led by Olga Anczukόw, Ph.D., an associate professor at JAX and co-program leader of the National Cancer Institute-designated JAX Cancer Center found that epithelial, immune, and stromal cells -- which are essential for maintaining healthy breast tissue -- undergo shifts not just in their numbers but also in their molecular identity. -- Epithelial cells, the ones lining milk ducts and from which most breast cancers arise, lose their job descriptions, becoming more capable of dealing with change but also more prone to malignancy. -- Stromal cells, which provide structural support to breast tissue, lose their specialized identity, creating a chaotic microenvironment that could promote tumor growth. -- Immune cells infiltrate the aging tissue, but instead of protecting against cancer, these cells are prone to inflammation and exhaustion, potentially fueling tumor development. -- But there's more. -- Anczukόw and her team, for the first time, established a direct link between aging-related gene expression changes and chromatin accessibility in the mammary gland, which refers to how tightly or loosely DNA is packed within the nucleus. -- This affects which genes can be turned on or off. Changes in chromatin structure, for example, might lead to dysregulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, DNA repair, and immune response -- mechanisms known to contribute to tumor growth.	A01 R01	552
2507-059	Genetic Influences On Retinal Aging Uncovered In New Study With Mice	Research at The Jackson Laboratory has revealed that genetics significantly influence how the eye ages, paving the way for new diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases. By studying nine genetically diverse mouse strains, the researchers identified variations in retinal aging processes, offering insights into age-related eye diseases. This work emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity in understanding eye health and could lead to more personalized approaches in diagnostics and treatment.	Jackson Laboratory	Jackson Laboratory	Press Rel	PubMed	Vision changes are an inevitable part of aging, but why are some more susceptible to age-related eye diseases and why do some individuals experience more severe decline than others? New research from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) reveals that genetics play a key role in how the eye ages, with different genetic backgrounds influencing retinal aging in distinct ways. -- The study, published in Molecular Neurodegeneration, examined age-related changes in genes and proteins of the retinas of nine strains of mice, mimicking the genetic variability found in humans. -- While all mice exhibited expected signs of aging, the severity and nature of these changes varied significantly between the nine strains. -- A more accurate approach to model eye aging -- Traditionally, studies of retinal aging and disease have relied on a single strain of genetically identical mice, limiting researchers' ability to understand the role of genetic variation. -- "The challenge in studying age-related eye diseases is that aging is heterogeneous," said Gareth Howell, professor and Diana Davis Spencer Foundation Chair for Glaucoma Research at JAX, who led the research. -- "Observing how aging occurs in one strain of mice might not be relevant to all mice -- or humans. To overcome the limitations of previous studies, we wanted to know how genetic context drives aging of the retina." -- In his work, Howell and his team leveraged nine strains of mice with different genetic backgrounds designed to better reflect human variability, generating data on age-related genetic and molecular changes in young and old mice. -- With their dataset now publicly available, Howell and his team hope their findings will help other scientists studying aging and vision loss -- work that may also improve the utility of the eye as a window to the brain to predict neurological decline. -- Genetic and protein analyses predict eye diseases	A01 R02	553
2511-003	Reactivating Cancer's Kill Switch: A New Approach In RNA-Based Therapy	An innovative study has uncovered how cancer cells inhibit 'poison exons,' which are crucial to regulating protein production, in the TRA2β gene, leading to tumor growth. By using antisense oligonucleotides to reactivate these exons, researchers from The Jackson Laboratory and UConn Health propose a new precision therapy for aggressive cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer, potentially transforming treatment approaches for hard-to-treat tumors.	Jackson Laboratory	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Alternative RNA splicing is like a movie editor cutting and rearranging scenes from the same footage to create different versions of a film. By selecting which scenes to keep and which to leave out, the editor can produce a drama, a comedy, or even a thriller -- all from the same raw material. Similarly, cells splice RNA in different ways to produce a variety of proteins from a single gene, fine-tuning their function based on need. However, when cancer rewrites the script, this process goes awry, fueling tumor growth and survival. -- In a recent study reported in the Feb. 15 issue of Nature Communications, scientists from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) and UConn Health not only show how cancer hijacks this tightly regulated splicing and rearranging of RNA but also introduce a potential therapeutic strategy that could slow or even shrink aggressive and hard-to-treat tumors. This discovery could transform how we treat aggressive cancers, such as triple-negative breast cancer and certain brain tumors, where current treatment options are limited. -- At the heart of this work, led by Olga Anczuków, an associate professor at JAX and co-program leader at the NCI-designated JAX Cancer Center, are tiny genetic elements called poison exons, nature's own "off switch" for protein production. When these exons are included in an RNA message, they trigger its destruction before a protein can be made -- preventing harmful cellular activity. In healthy cells, poison exons regulate the levels of key proteins, keeping the genetic machinery in check. But in cancer, this safety mechanism often fails. -- Anczuków and her team, including Nathan Leclair, an MD/PhD graduate student at UConn Health and The Jackson Laboratory who spearheaded the research, and Mattia Brugiolo, a staff researcher who contributed his expertise, discovered that cancer cells suppress poison exon activity in a critical gene called TRA2β. As such, levels of TRA2β protein increase inside cancer cells, causing tumor proliferation. -- Furthermore, the team found a correlation between levels of poison exons and patient outcomes. "We've shown for the first time that low levels of poison exon inclusion in the TRA2β gene are associated with poor outcomes in many different cancer types, and especially in aggressive and difficult-to-treat cancers," said Anczuków. These include breast cancer, brain tumors, ovarian cancers, skin cancers, leukemias, and colorectal cancers, Anczuków explained. -- Anczuków, Leclair, and Brugiolo then went on to see if they could increase the inclusion of the poison exon in the TRA2β gene and reactivate the kill switch. They found their answer in antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) -- synthetic RNA fragments that can be designed to increase poison exon inclusion in specific ways. When introduced into cancer cells, ASOs effectively flipped the genetic switch, restoring the body's natural ability to degrade excess TRA2β RNA and inhibit tumor progression. -- "We found that ASOs can rapidly boost poison exon inclusion, essentially tricking the cancer cell into turning off its own growth signals," said Leclair. "These poison exons work like a rheostat, quickly adjusting protein levels -- and that could make ASOs a highly precise and effective therapy for aggressive cancers." -- Interestingly, when researchers completely removed TRA2β proteins using CRISPR gene editing, tumors continued to grow -- suggesting that targeting the RNA rather than the protein could be a more effective approach. "This tells us that poison-exon-containing RNA doesn't just silence TRA2β," explained Anczuków. "It likely sequesters other RNA-binding proteins, creating an even more toxic environment for cancer cells." -- Further studies will refine ASO-based therapies and explore their delivery to tumors. However, preliminary data suggest that ASOs are highly specific and do not interfere with normal cellular function, making them promising candidates for future cancer treatments. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the NCI-designated JAX Cancer Center.	H01 R01 R02	554
2509-E009	Uncovering Energy Losses In Water Splitting For Efficient Hydrogen Production	A recent study has identified factors limiting the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production, revealing significant insights into material design. By using advanced spectroscopy techniques, researchers analyzed charge carrier dynamics in titanium dioxide photoanodes. The findings highlight distinct recombination mechanisms that contribute to energy loss, underscoring the need for improved materials to enhance hydrogen production efficiency and advance clean energy technologies.	Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Hydrogen fuel is emerging as a clean energy source that could replace fossil fuels. One way to produce hydrogen sustainably is through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, where photoanode such as a titanium dioxide (TiO?) absorbs sunlight and facilitates the oxygen generation, while hydrogen is produced at the cathode. However, the process in photoanode suffers from inefficiencies due to electrons and holes recombining before they can complete the reaction. Understanding these losses is essential to improving the technology. -- A recent study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society on 22 February 2025, offers new insights into this challenge. In this study, Dr. Yohei Cho at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) and Prof. Fumiaki Amano at Tokyo Metropolitan University, in collaboration with researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, Imperial College London, and Swansea University, used an advanced technique to track electron movement in real-time. -- By combining intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) with distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis, the researchers identified charge transport behaviors that were previously inseparable. Unlike traditional methods, this approach does not rely on predefined circuit models, allowing for clearer and more direct analysis. -- "Our methodology enables us to see electron movement in detail, revealing previously inseparable processes. This not only improves our fundamental understanding of charge transport but also offers direct pathways for enhancing material performance," says Dr. Cho. -- Until now, energy losses in PEC water splitting were thought to could not be quantitatively differentiated. This study revealed that recombination occurs through three distinct mechanisms. At higher voltages, inefficiency arises when light penetrates too deeply into the material, leading to over-penetration induced recombination (OPR). At medium voltages, an excessive build-up of photogenerated holes causes a second type of recombination, named as excess hole induced recombination (EHR). At lower voltages, back electron-hole recombination (BER) occurs when holes recombine with returning electrons before they can contribute to reaction. The study also showed that these recombination effects shift depending on light intensity, revealing that material performance is highly dependent on external conditions. -- One of the most exciting discoveries of the study was the detection of a previously unknown slow reaction, which the researchers call the "satellite peak." "The discovery of the satellite peak is crucial because it helps us pinpoint the rate-limiting step in water splitting. By addressing this, we can significantly enhance the efficiency of PEC systems," highlights Dr. Cho. -- Beyond hydrogen production, this breakthrough has broader applications, from carbon dioxide reduction and wastewater treatment to self-cleaning and antibacterial surfaces. "Our approach is widely applicable across various photocatalytic systems. By understanding and mitigating recombination losses, we can optimize materials for a range of clean energy and environmental applications," comments Prof. Amano. -- Looking ahead, this research could help pave the way for major advances in clean energy over the next five to ten years. By providing a precise tool for diagnosing and reducing energy losses, scientists could develop new materials that significantly increase hydrogen production efficiency. This would make solar-powered hydrogen a more viable and affordable energy source, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to a greener world. -- "While further research is necessary to fully assess the long-term impacts, this work lays a solid foundation for potential advancements in semiconductor technology," Dr. Cho believes.	C01	555
2510-T006	Precision Cancer Treatment Using Magnet-Activated Nanoparticles	Innovative magnetic nanoparticles have been developed to target and destroy cancer cells using a laser after being guided to tumors. This technique presents a promising alternative to traditional treatments, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and potentially revolutionizing cancer therapy approaches.	Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology	Small Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Traditionally, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery have been the most common ways to remove and destroy malignant cells. However, because these treatments can also damage healthy cells, they often have significant side effects. Today, more precise and targeted therapies are emerging, designed to attack cancer cells while sparing normal tissues. -- Professor Eijiro Miyako and his research team at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST) are pioneering such innovative approaches to cancer treatment. -- Previously, his team developed tumor-targeting bacteria that trigger the immune system to attack tumor cells. -- In a study published in the journal Small Science on March 3, 2025, Prof. -- Miyako and his team have developed nanoparticles that can be magnetically directed to tumor cells and then heated up with a laser to destroy tumor cells. -- This treatment is based on photothermal therapy, which involves attaching photothermal nanoparticles -- particles that absorb light and convert it into heat -- to selectively destroy cancer cells. -- When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) laser light, the nanoparticles generate heat, destroying the tumor. -- The team used biocompatible carbon nanohorns (CNHs) as the photothermal agents. -- CNHs are spherical graphene-based nanostructures that have been previously employed for drug delivery and bioimaging. -- However, a key challenge in using CNHs is ensuring that the nanoparticles accumulate effectively in tumors.	H01 R01 C01	556
2510-T026	Researchers Prove Original Solution To Dudeney's Dissection Problem Is Optimal	In a groundbreaking study, researchers have proven that the original solution to Dudeney's famous dissection problem is indeed the optimal one, demonstrating that a triangle can be transformed into a square using only four pieces. This proof, utilizing new techniques, not only addresses a historical mathematical puzzle but also contributes to the broader field of dissection problems, which have applications in diverse areas such as textile design and engineering.	Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	In 1907, the English author and mathematician Henry Ernest Dudeney posed a puzzle: Can any equilateral triangle be cut into as few pieces as possible that will fit together to form a perfect square? Four weeks later, he presented an elegant solution, showing that only four pieces were needed. This process of transforming one shape into another by cutting the first shape into pieces and rearranging them is called dissection. A key challenge in dissections is minimizing the number of pieces required to transform one polygonal shape into another, a problem that has intrigued mathematicians, puzzle makers, and solvers for centuries. -- Dudeney's puzzle remains one of the most famous dissection problems. -- Dissection problems not only interest mathematicians but also have practical applications in fields such as textile design, engineering, and manufacturing. -- Since Dudeney first posed his solution over 120 years ago, a lingering question has remained: Is there a better solution that requires cutting the triangle into fewer than four pieces? -- In a groundbreaking study, Professor Ryuhei Uehara and Assistant Professor Tonan Kamata, from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), along with Professor Erik D. Demaine from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have finally answered this question. -- They proved that Dudeney's original solution was optimal. "Over a century later, we have finally solved Dudeney's puzzle by proving that the equilateral triangle and square have no common dissection with three or fewer polygonal pieces," says Prof. -- Uehara. "We achieved this using a novel proof technique that utilizes matching diagrams." Their study was published on the open-access repository arXiv on December 05, 2024, and presented at the 23rd LA/EATCS-Japan Workshop on Theoretical Computer Science in January 2025. -- In their study, the researchers proved a key theorem: There is no dissection between an equilateral triangle and a square with three or fewer pieces, when the pieces are forbidden to be flipped. -- Dudeney's original solution also did not involve flipping. To establish this, the researchers first ruled out the possibility of two-piece dissection by analyzing the geometrical constraints of the problem. -- Next, they systematically explored the possibility of a three-piece dissection.	T01	557
2510-T007	Exploring Quantum Effects And Gravity In Atomic Clocks	Researchers are exploring the dynamics between gravity and quantum interactions in optical atomic clocks, shedding light on quantum entanglement's impact on timekeeping. This research aims to bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity, enhancing our understanding of fundamental physical laws and their implications for precision measurement.	JILA	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For over a century, physicists have grappled with one of the most profound questions in science: How do the rules of quantum mechanics, which govern the smallest particles, fit with the laws of general relativity, which describe the universe on the largest scales? -- The optical lattice clock, one of the most precise timekeeping devices, is becoming a powerful tool used to tackle this great challenge. -- Within an optical lattice clock, atoms are trapped in a "lattice" potential formed by laser beams and are manipulated with precise control of quantum coherence and interactions governed by quantum mechanics. -- Simultaneously, according to Einstein's laws of general relativity, time moves slower in stronger gravitational fields. -- This effect, known as gravitational redshift, leads to a tiny shift of atoms' internal energy levels depending on their position in gravitational fields, causing their "ticking" -- the oscillations that define time in optical lattice clocks -- to change. -- By measuring the tiny shifts of oscillation frequency in these ultra precise clocks, researchers are able to explore the influences of Einstein's theory of relativity on quantum systems. -- While relativistic effects are well-understood for individual atoms, their role in many-body quantum systems, where atoms can interact and become entangled, remains largely unexplored. -- Making a step forward in this direction, researchers led by JILA and NIST Fellows and University of Colorado Boulder physics professors Jun Ye and Ana Maria Rey -- in collaboration with scientists at the Leibnitz University in Hanover, the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and the University of Innsbruck -- proposed practical protocols to explore the effects of relativity, such as the gravitational redshift, on quantum entanglement and interactions in an optical atomic clock. -- Their work revealed that the interplay between gravitational effects and quantum interactions can lead to unexpected phenomena, such as atomic synchronization and quantum entanglement among particles. -- The results of this study were published in Physical Review Letters.	T01	558
2511-T029	Advancing Precision Timekeeping: The Race Towards Nuclear Clocks	Researchers at the JILA institute are pioneering the development of a nuclear clock that may surpass the precision of current atomic clocks. This innovative device, leveraging a low-energy transition within thorium-229 nuclei, promises enhanced stability and could facilitate tests of fundamental physics beyond the Standard Model. Building on previous experiments, the team is now focusing on characterizing how environmental conditions affect the nuclear transition, a key step towards creating an advanced timekeeping reference.	JILA	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For decades, atomic clocks have been the pinnacle of precision timekeeping, enabling GPS navigation, cutting-edge physics research, and tests of fundamental theories. But researchers at JILA, led by JILA and NIST Fellow and University of Colorado Boulder physics professor Jun Ye, in collaboration with the Technical University of Vienna, are pushing beyond atomic transitions to something potentially even more stable: a nuclear clock. This clock could revolutionize timekeeping by using a uniquely low-energy transition within the nucleus of a thorium-229 atom. This transition is less sensitive to environmental disturbances than modern atomic clocks and has been proposed for tests of fundamental physics beyond the Standard Model. -- This idea isn't new in Ye's laboratory. In fact, work in the lab on nuclear clocks began with a landmark experiment, the results of which were published as the cover article of Nature last year, where the team made the first frequency-based, quantum-state-resolved measurement of the thorium-229 nuclear transition in a thorium-doped host crystal. -- This achievement confirmed that thorium's nuclear transition could be measured with enough precision to be used as a timekeeping reference. -- However, to build a precise clock, researchers must fully characterize how the transition responds to external conditions, including temperature. -- That's where this new investigation -- an "Editor's Choice" paper published in Physical Review Letters -- comes in, as the team studied the energy shifts in the thorium nuclei as the crystal containing the atoms was heated to different temperatures. -- "This is the first step toward characterizing the systematics of the nuclear clock," says JILA postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jacob Higgins, the study's first author. -- "We have found a transition that's relatively insensitive to temperature, which is exactly what we want for a precision timekeeping device." -- "A solid-state nuclear clock has a great potential to become a robust and portable timing device that is highly precise," notes Jun Ye. "We are searching for the parameter space for a compact nuclear clock to maintain 10-18 fractional frequency stability for continuous operation." -- The Precision of Nuclear Clocks -- Because the nucleus of an atom is less affected by environmental disturbances than its electrons, a nuclear clock could retain accuracy under conditions where atomic clocks would falter, as the clock is more resistant to noise.	C01	559
2501-E054	Discovering How Isotopes Reveal Fossil Reptile Diets Through Modern Reference Data	A team has developed a reference dataset using calcium and strontium isotopes in modern reptiles' bones and teeth to reconstruct feeding habits of extinct species. This framework offers essential insights into herbivorous and carnivorous diets, aiding paleontologists in understanding the dietary evolution of reptiles over time.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Evolution has resulted in the development of both herbivores and carnivores -- but how? What type of food did extinct vertebrates eat? And how can we gain insight into the diets of these creatures? In living animals, we can simply observe what they feed on today. In the case of extinct species, however, researchers rely on morphological or chemical information supplied by fossils. A team led by Professor Thomas Tütken of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has now compiled a reference framework of isotope compositions indicating the type of diet for extant reptiles that represents a useful reference dataset to reconstruct the diet of fossil reptiles. "This reptile reference framework is a convenient toolbox that will enable us to better reconstruct the diet of extinct animals, such as dinosaurs," explained Tütken. "A set of comparable data of this kind has not previously been available." The corresponding research paper was published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. -- Reptiles have very different nutritional habits -- Today's reptiles show a wide variety of dietary preferences, ranging from plant- to animal-feeding. And there are also species that specialize in the consumption of a particular food: the marine iguana of the Galapagos lives on algae, for examples, chameleons eat only insects, Gila monsters are fond of eggs, and apex predators like the saltwater crocodile and the Komodo dragon rely entirely on meat. "This diversity makes it difficult to reconstruct the nutritional habits of extinct animals," said paleontologist Tütken of the JGU Institute of Geosciences. -- The oldest known ancestors of our modern reptiles existed more than 300 million years ago. The earliest known reptile, Hylonomus, was lizard-like and lived about 315 million years ago in what is now Canada. These early reptiles often shared characteristics in the morphology of their skulls, jaws, and teeth that indicate a tendency towards an insectivorous diet. The exact time in the geologic past when reptiles underwent a dietary shift from insectivores to carnivores and herbivores is yet unclear. -- Geochemical reference frame based on the data of 28 reptile species -- The reference framework put together in Mainz can be used to determine the nutritional habits of living as well as extinct vertebrates. Tütken's team collected data from 28 living reptile species by analyzing the calcium and strontium isotopes present in their bones and teeth. These isotopes differ systematically depending on diet. "To obtain a wide spectrum for comparison, we selected reptiles with pronounced herbivorous or carnivorous behavior, and we also included those with specialized dietary preferences," added Tütken. Animals studied include alligators, monitor lizards, iguanas, chameleons, and many more. With regard to calcium, the researchers paid particular attention to the isotope ratio of calcium-44 and calcium-42. It turned out that with every step in the food chain, the concentrations of calcium-44 and calcium-42 declined. "Overall, the values are highest in insectivorous reptiles, clearly differentiating these from animals with other feeding behaviors," emphasized the lead author of the paper, Dr. Michael Weber. The isotope ratios are lower in herbivores and even lower in carnivores. The researchers were even able to detect evidence for special eating habits of marine iguanas and egg-devouring reptiles. -- The isotope ratios of stabile strontium-88 to strontium-86 are comparable in the same species, but they provide even more detailed information on nutrition. "We set up the first extensive reference system of stable strontium isotopes as a dietary proxy. The results for strontium are largely consistent with those for calcium isotopes in respect of the various nutritional forms," clarified Dr. Katrin Weber, co-author of the paper and former doctoral candidate in the research group of Professor Thomas Tütken. "In contrast to calcium, only small traces of strontium are present in teeth and bones, and these are prone to alteration processes in the ground holding those fossils. Since the use of strontium can be problematic with respect to extinct species, calcium isotopes offer better prospects here." -- Using the existing reference frame for mammals for comparison, the analysis also showed that the calcium isotope ratio in reptiles is larger than in mammals -- even when nutritional behavior is the same. The researchers tend to attribute this fact to various physiological factors. However, this also demonstrates that the data for mammals cannot be directly used for assessing the feeding habits of prehistoric reptiles, such as dinosaurs. -- Mechanical wear patterns on teeth supply additional information on dietary tendencies -- In addition to the chemical traces of ingested food, the research team also analyzed mechanical tooth wear caused by the diet as complementary approach for dietary reconstruction. Based on tiny scratches on the surface of teeth, researchers can determine whether an animal consumed hard or soft foods, thus providing further information on the diet of extinct species. The data was collected by studying the teeth of the same modern reptiles in collaboration with Dr. Daniela Winkler, now at Kiel University, and has now been combined with the new isotopic data. The combination of these two sets of data allows the researchers to distinguish between faunivores that would have ingested larger quantities of abrasive hard tissue, such as shells or bones, and animals whose diet consisted of mainly soft food.	H01 R01 N01 N02	560
2505-E025	Understanding Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity Through Spintronic Techniques	Researchers at Mainz University have confirmed the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect using advanced spintronic techniques. This phenomenon highlights how chiral molecules can influence electron spin, which plays a vital role in improving data storage technologies. The successful verification of this effect paves the way for future advancements in the field of spintronics, potentially enhancing the performance and efficiency of electronic devices.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Sheep have been intertwined with human livelihoods for over 11,000 years. As well as meat, their domestication led to humans being nourished by their protein-rich milk and clothed by warm, water-resistant fabrics made from their wool. -- Now, an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers led by geneticists from Trinity College Dublin and zooarchaeologists from LMU Munich and the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History (SNSB) has deciphered the prehistoric cultural trajectory of this species by analysing 118 genomes recovered from archaeological bones dating across 12 millennia and stretching from Mongolia to Ireland. -- The earliest sheep-herding village in the sample, Aşıklı Höyük in central Türkiye, has genomes that seem ancestral to later populations in the wider region, confirming an origin in captures of wild mouflon over 11,000 years ago in the western part of the northern Fertile Crescent. -- By 8,000 years ago, in the earliest European sheep populations, the team found evidence that farmers were deliberately selecting their flocks -- in particular for the genes coding for coat colour. Along with a similar signal in goats, this is the earliest evidence for human moulding of another animal's biology and shows that early herders, like today's farmers, were interested in the beautiful and unusual in their animals. -- Specifically, the main gene the team found evidence of selection near was one known as "KIT," which is associated with white coat colour in a range of livestock. -- Also by that time, the earliest domestic sheep genomes from Europe and further east in Iran and Central Asia had diverged from each other. However, this separation did not last as people translocated sheep from eastern populations to the west. -- First, in parallel with human cultural influences spreading out from the early cities of Mesopotamia we see sheep genomes moving west within the Fertile Crescent around 7,000 years ago. -- Second, the rise of pastoralist peoples in the Eurasian steppes and their westward spread some 5,000 years ago profoundly transformed ancestral European human populations and their culture. This process changed the makeup of human populations, for example, altering the ancestry of British peoples by around 90%, and introduced the Indo-European language ancestor of the tongues spoken across the continent today. -- From the dataset used in this study it now seems that this massive migration was fuelled by sheep herding and exploitation of lifetime products, including milk and probably cheese, as it is around the same time that sheep ancestries are also changed. Consequently, by the Bronze Age, herds had about half their ancestry from a source in the Eurasian steppe. -- Dr Kevin Daly, Ad Astra Assistant Professor at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology, is the first author on the research article that has just been published in leading international journal Science. He said: "One of our most striking discoveries was a major prehistoric sheep migration from the Eurasian steppes into Europe during the Bronze Age. This parallels what we know about human migrations during the same period, suggesting that when people moved, they brought their flocks with them."	R01 T01	561
2505-T004	Real-Time Simulation Of Skyrmion Dynamics Opens New Possibilities For Data Storage	Collaborative efforts at Mainz University have led to breakthroughs in simulating skyrmion dynamics on relevant experimental timescales, enhancing our understanding of these magnetic structures. Skyrmions exhibit particle-like behaviors and are promising for next-generation data storage and computing. The collaboration between theoretical and experimental physicists aims to create efficient simulations that can bridge the gap between computational modeling and real-time experimentation, providing valuable insights into optimizing skyrmion-based technologies.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released by microbial decomposition of soil organic carbon on a global scale is approximately five times greater than the amount of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Thus, it is essential to clarify the impact of climate change on soil CO2 release dynamics. -- A collaborative research group consisting of Dr. Hirohiko Nagano and Ms. Yuri Suzuki of Niigata University with researchers of Kyushu University and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency conducted incubation experiments on forest and pastureland soils at 10 locations across Japan. -- The research group revealed that the amount of CO2 released from soil increases significantly due to repeated drying and rewetting cycles (DWCs) expected to be caused by changes in precipitation patterns due to global warming. -- Here, the CO2 release under DWCs were 1.3- to 3.7-fold greater than under continuous constant moisture conditions. -- They also observed a significant decrease in microbial biomass under DWCs, suggesting that the newly supplied organic carbon resulting from the destruction of microbial cells by repeated DWCs contributed to the increase in CO2 release. -- In addition, it was found that the increased rate of CO2 release due to repeated DWCs was greater in soils with a higher abundance of reactive metal-organic matter complex. -- This suggests that the reactive metal-organic matter complex, considered important as a stable accumulation mechanism for soil organic carbon, may become more readily available to microorganisms through repeated DWCs. -- Thus, organic carbon that has previously avoided decomposition may become a new source of CO2 release under DWCs. -- Dr. Nagano pointed out that extreme weather phenomena are becoming more evident due to global warming. Furthermore, he says that the results of this research will lead to a detailed elucidation of the impact of extreme weather phenomena on soil CO2 emissions, contributing to improving the accuracy of prediction models for the future of the global environment. In the future, they plan to conduct impact assessments and mechanism verification in outdoor environments in addition to further detailed research of mechanisms for the DWCs-induced increase in CO2 releases among various soils all over the world.	R01 T01	562
2510-E059	New Self-Optimizing Catalysts Advance Eco-Friendly Hydrogen Production	Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have created low-cost, efficient water-splitting catalysts that improve performance over time, revolutionizing hydrogen production. This advancement uses readily available materials and offers a promising alternative to precious metal catalysts, potentially reducing costs and enhancing sustainability in energy production.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Hydrogen is a much-debated option in terms of CO2-neutral energy production. Electrolyzer units that split water into its constituent oxygen and storable hydrogen are supplied with electricity from renewable resources, mainly generated by wind and solar energy. However, catalysts are necessary to facilitate this process. To date, noble metal oxides such as ruthenium dioxide and iridium dioxide are being used as benchmark catalysts. These metals, however, are expensive, rare, and unstable in both acidic and alkaline environments. -- Dr. Dandan Gao, a junior group leader at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and holder of a Walter Benjamin Fellowship sponsored by the German Research Foundation, and her team have managed to devise an alternative form of catalyst using cobalt and tungsten, elements that are readily available at low cost. -- "What's so unique about our catalyst is that it actually enhances its performance over time, while conventional catalysts either maintain their performance at a consistent rate or even lose some of their performance because they are insufficiently durable," stated Dr. Dandan Gao. -- "After the process of optimization, activity is even higher than that of benchmark catalysts." The results of Gao and her team have recently been published in the international edition of the journal Angewandte Chemie. -- What causes the self-optimization process? -- The researchers undertook experimental and theoretical investigations to find an explanation for the extraordinary self-optimization of their catalyst. -- They were able to determine that the chemical nature of the catalyzing cobalt-tungsten oxide changes during the process of water-splitting. -- While the cobalt is initially largely present in the form of Co2+, it is increasingly converted to Co3+. At the same time, the proportion of the original tungsten W5+ ion to the W6+ ion shifts in favor of the latter. -- "There are two reactions during the splitting of water. The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which produces hydrogen gas, and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which produces oxygen gas. The OER represents the bottleneck for the whole reaction," explained Gao. -- "That's why we are so committed to developing a catalyst that can promote the OER half reaction."	A01 C01 T01	563
2511-E008	Environmental Temperature Influences Brain Connectivity In Fruit Flies	Research from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has demonstrated that lower environmental temperatures during the pupal stage of fruit flies can lead to an increased number of synapses and postsynaptic partners in their brains. By focusing on the olfactory circuit, the study reveals how temperature influences brain development and behavior in Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting the broader implications of environmental factors on neural wiring and sensory processing.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The rate of development of poikilothermic animals, such as insects, fish, and reptiles, is determined by environmental temperature. A research team at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has recently demonstrated how temperature can affect brain development in fruit flies. "In the area of the brain we examined, neurons formed more synapses and connected to more synaptic partners at lower temperatures," stated Dr. Carlotta Martelli, head of the team at the Institute of Developmental Biology and Neurobiology of JGU. In their study, the scientists focused on the olfactory circuit of Drosophila melanogaster, because the sense of smell determines important behavioral patterns in these flies and is essential for their survival. They found that the temperature to which the insects are exposed to during the pupal stage has an effect not only on brain development but also on odor-driven behavior. -- Metabolic theory for brain wiring at different temperatures -- Temperature is the environmental factor with the most extensive impact on the biology of living organisms, as it determines the rates of all biophysical reactions. -- On the one hand, development is more rapid at higher temperatures while, at the same time, temperature can also have effects on animal behavior. -- In bees, for example, even small variations in environmental temperature can affect key areas of the brain responsible for learning. -- A deeper knowledge of the correlations between temperature and development is important to be able to predict the consequences of changes in temperature on the behavior of wild animals, but also to better understand the processes underlying the development of poikilothermic animals, i.e., those with variable body temperatures. -- In the case of Drosophila, it was discovered some years ago that the number of synapses between neurons in the visual system increased when the temperature during their development was lower. -- Dr. Carlotta Martelli's team now decided to study the insects' olfactory circuit and determine the effect of different temperatures. -- For this purpose, flies were developed at either 18 degrees Celsius or 25 degrees Celsius during the pupal stage, i.e., between larval stage and emerged adult insect, which is when brain wiring happens. -- Martelli and her team used genetic techniques to detect the synaptic partners of a specific type of neuron in the adult fly brain.	C01 N01	564
2511-E051	Unusual Structures Found In Desert Rocks Could Be Microbial Life Forms	Research conducted in Namibia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia has unearthed unusual structures within rocks, likely formed by previously unknown microbiological organisms. Small tubular burrows found in marble and limestone suggest biological activity rather than geological processes. This discovery raises questions about the origin and identity of these microorganisms, indicating a need for further investigation into their potential existence and ecological significance in these desert environments.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Geomicrobiology Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	In the desert areas of Namibia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, research work has revealed unusual structures that are probably due to the activity of an unknown microbiological life form. Unusually small burrows, i.e., tiny tubes that run through the rock in a parallel arrangement from top to bottom, were discovered in marble and limestone of these desert regions. "We were surprised because these tubes are clearly not the result of a geological process," said Professor Cees Passchier from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), who first came across the phenomenon during geological field work in Namibia. During subsequent sample investigations, evidence of biological material was found. Evidently, microorganisms had perforated the rock. "We don't currently know whether this is a life form that has become extinct or is still alive somewhere," added Passchier. -- Puzzling discovery in Namibia -- Geologist Cees Passchier has been working in Namibia for 25 years, among other places. -- His research focuses on the geological reconstruction of Precambrian terranes. -- "We look at the structure of the rocks to find out how continents came together to form the supercontinent Gondwana 500 to 600 million years ago," explained Passchier. -- At that time, carbonate deposits formed in the ancient oceans and turned into marble due to pressure and heat. -- "We noticed strange structures in this marble that were not the result of geological events." Instead of smooth erosion surfaces, tubes could be seen that were about half a millimeter wide and up to three centimeters long, lined up parallel to one another and forming bands up to ten meters long. -- Some calcrete crusts had formed on the edges. -- The first observations of this kind in the Namibian desert were made 15 years ago. -- In the meantime, Professor Cees Passchier, together with colleagues from the Institute of Geosciences at Mainz University, and Dr. Trudy Wassenaar, head of the consulting company Molecular Microbiology and Genomics Consultants, have continued to investigate the phenomenon.	N01	565
2512-003	Relationship Decline Signals Breakup: Two-Year Warning Before Romantic Separation	New psychological research indicates that romantic relationships often experience a gradual decline in satisfaction before eventual separation, typically one to two years prior to a breakup. This study, led by Professors Janina Bühler and Ulrich Orth, highlights the importance of recognizing relationship dynamics over time, providing insights into how relationship satisfaction evolves and leads to potential dissolution.	Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz	Journal of Personality and Social Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	The end of a romantic relationship usually does not come out of the blue but is indicated one or two years before the breakup. As the results of a psychological study have demonstrated, the terminal stage of a relationship consists of two phases. First, there is a gradual decline in relationship satisfaction, reaching a transition point one to two years before the dissolution of the relationship. "From this transition point onwards, there is a rapid deterioration in relationship satisfaction. Couples in question then move towards separation," said Professor Janina Bühler from the Institute of Psychology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). She conducted the corresponding investigation in collaboration with Professor Ulrich Orth of the University of Bern. Their paper was recently published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. -- Analysis built on national studies from Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands -- It is a common fact that satisfaction in a romantic relationship declines over time. -- This reduction in satisfaction is particularly marked in the first years of a relationship, and a distinctive low point is often reached after a period of ten years. -- Instead of considering the processes that occur in the time-since-beginning of a romantic relationship, Janina Bühler and Ulrich Orth decided to look at the time-to-separation of relationships for the purposes of their research. -- With this in view, they used data from four representative studies conducted in Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. -- All these countries are WEIRD, i.e., Western, Educated, Industrialized, Educated, Rich, Democratic, and their individuals are free -- by law -- to decide about their relationship status. -- For each of the four data sets covering a total of 11,295 individuals there was a control group roughly the same size consisting of couples that had not separated. -- The surveys in the four countries were conducted over different periods of time, ranging from 12 to 21 years. -- In the case of Germany, the researchers employed the data of the Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (pairfam), a multidisciplinary longitudinal study.	R01	566
2502-E035	New Discoveries Show How Plant Roots Attract Beneficial Microbes For Healthier Growth	Researchers from the John Innes Centre have discovered a biological mechanism that enhances plant root interactions with beneficial soil microbes. This finding could lead to more sustainable farming practices by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, promoting the use of natural plant-microbe relationships to improve nutrient uptake and crop health.	John Innes Centre	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered a biological mechanism that makes plant roots more welcoming to beneficial soil microbes. -- This discovery by John Innes Centre researchers paves the way for more environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially allowing farmers to use less fertiliser. -- Production of most major crops relies on nitrate and phosphate fertilisers, but excessive fertiliser use harms the environment. -- If we could use mutually beneficial relationships between plant roots and soil microbes to enhance nutrient uptake, then we could potentially reduce use of inorganic fertilisers. -- Researchers in the group of Dr Myriam Charpentier discovered a mutation in a gene in the legume Medicago truncatula that reprogrammes the signaling capacity of the plant so that it enhances partnerships with nitrogen fixing bacteria called rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) which supply roots with phosphorus. -- This type of partnership, known as endosymbiosis, where one organism exists within another, enables legume plants to scavenge nutrients from the soil via microbes, in exchange for sugars. -- A barrier to the widespread use of endosymbiotic partnerships in agriculture is that they preferentially occur in nutrient-poor soils, conflicting with the conditions of intensive farming. -- In this study which appears in Nature, experiments showed that the gene mutation in a calcium signalling pathway enhances endosymbiosis in farming conditions. -- Excitingly, the team used genetic approaches to show that the same gene mutation in wheat enhances colonization by nitrogen fixing bacteria and AMF in field conditions too. -- The findings represent an exciting breakthrough in the long-held ambition to use enhanced endosymbiotic partnerships as natural alternatives to inorganic-fertilizer across major crops, including cereals and legumes.	C01 N02	567
2503-054	Global Research Team Discovers Genetic Mechanisms Behind Bacteria's Antibiotic Resistance	An international research initiative has made significant strides in understanding how bacteria develop antibiotic resistance. By investigating plasmids—small DNA structures in bacteria—researchers aim to delineate their roles in resistance mechanisms, paving the way for developing new treatments tailored to combat drug-resistant infections effectively.	John Innes Centre	Nat Microbiol	Press Rel	PubMed	An international collaboration has achieved an important breakthrough in understanding the genetic mechanisms that allow bacteria to build resistance to drugs. -- Bacteria have multiple defence mechanisms they can use to build resistance to antibiotics, one of the major problems facing public health globally. -- One of these mechanisms involves plasmids, small DNA molecules in bacterial cells, which have their own independent genome and carry antibiotic resistance. -- If we can work out the roles plasmids play inside bacteria, then we can use the information to develop a new generation of therapeutics that can target drug resistant infections. -- John Innes Centre researchers and partners used a model plasmid called RK2 that is used globally to study clinically relevant plasmids that transmit antimicrobial resistance. -- Their initial focus was a molecule called KorB which is essential for plasmids to survive within their bacterial hosts. -- This DNA-binding protein was previously known to have played a role in controlling gene expression but how this happens was unclear. -- To figure this out they teamed up with leading experts from Madrid, New York and Birmingham, UK.. -- Using advanced microscopy and protein crystallography techniques, the research team discovered that KorB interacts with another molecule called KorA. -- This KorB-KorA regulatory system shuts down bacterial gene expression, KorB acting as a DNA sliding clamp and KorA as a lock which holds KorB in place.	H01	568
2507-111	Small Amounts Of Exercise May Help Prevent Dementia In Frail Older Adults	A new study suggests that even frail older adults may significantly reduce their risk of dementia with minimal physical activity. Engaging in just 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise weekly is associated with a notable decrease in dementia risk, emphasizing the importance of physical activity across all age groups and highlighting the potential for improved health outcomes even in vulnerable populations.	Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health	Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A little movement could help prevent dementia, even for frail older adults, suggests a new study led by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. -- The researchers found that engaging in as little as 35 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, compared to zero minutes per week, was associated with a 41% lower risk of developing dementia over an average four-year follow-up period. Even for frail older adults -- those at elevated risk of adverse health outcomes -- greater activity was associated with lower dementia risks. -- The researchers found dementia risk decreased with higher amounts of physical activity. Dementia risks were 60% lower in participants in the 35 to 69.9 minutes of physical activity/week category; 63% lower in the 70 to 139.9 minutes/week category; and 69% lower in the 140 and over minutes/week category. -- For their analysis, the researchers analyzed a dataset covering nearly 90,000 adults living in the U.K. who wore smart-watch-type activity trackers. -- The study was published online January 15 in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. -- "Our findings suggest that increasing physical activity, even as little as five minutes per day, can reduce dementia risk in older adults," says study lead author Amal Wanigatunga, PhD, MPH, assistant professor in the Bloomberg School's Department of Epidemiology. Wanigatunga is also a core faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health and has a joint appointment at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "This adds to a growing body of evidence that some exercise is better than nothing, especially with regard to an aging-related disorder that affects the brain that currently has no cure." -- Dementia, usually from Alzheimer's disease, is one of the most common conditions of old age. It is estimated to affect about seven million people in the U.S., including about a third of those who are 85 years or older. Although the risk of dementia rises with age, studies in recent years have suggested that dementia is somewhat preventable, within a normal lifespan, by lifestyle changes that include better control of cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and being more active. -- The minimum amount of activity needed to reduce dementia risk meaningfully isn't yet clear. For many older individuals, especially frail ones, the high amounts of exercise recommended in official guidelines are unattainable and may discourage any exercise at all. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.K. National Health System recommendthat adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, an average of 20 minutes per day. -- For their study, Wanigatunga analyzed data on British adults generated as part of the UK Biobank project, a long-running, ongoing study of approximately 500,000 individuals. The dataset for the new study covered 89,667 adults, mostly in their 50s and older, who used wrist-worn accelerometers to track their physical activity for a week during the period from February 2013 to December 2015. Follow-up of their health status extended for an average of 4.4 years, through November 2021, during which 735 of the participants were diagnosed with dementia. -- The analysis compared individuals whose trackers showed some weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity to those whose trackers showed none and accounted for age and other medical conditions. The associations between higher activity and lower dementia risk were striking. Participants in the lowest activity category, ranging from one to 34.9 minutes per week, had an apparent risk reduction of about 41%.	A01 H01 R02	569
2502-055	Mouse Protein Disrupts Cancer Changes: A New Hope For Colorectal Cancer Treatments	A new study from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center reveals that the mouse protein STELLA disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes in genes related to colorectal cancer, offering potential therapeutic avenues for solid tumors. The research identified key amino acids responsible for this effect, leading to promising drug strategies aimed at targeting epigenetic changes associated with cancer progression.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A little-known mouse protein disrupts cancer-causing chemical changes to genes associated with human colorectal cancer cells and potentially could be used to treat solid tumors, according to a new study from researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. -- In the study, published Jan. 8 in the journal Nature Communications, the mouse version of the protein, called STELLA, disrupted a key epigenetic factor and impaired tumor growth better than the protein's human version. By pinpointing the amino acids (building blocks of a protein) responsible for the difference in activity, the research team developed and tested a drug strategy using those amino acids to treat colorectal cancer in cell lines and in a mouse model of cancer. Epigenetics refers to chemical alterations to genes that promote cancer growth and spread without mutating the DNA. -- "For solid tumors -- the major killers in cancer -- there is a tremendous unmet need to develop new approaches to therapeutically block DNA methylation abnormalities," says corresponding co-author Stephen Baylin, M.D., the Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Oncology and Medicine at Johns Hopkins and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Genetics and Epigenetics Program. "This is a novel approach to take the emerging need for epigenetic therapy in cancer forward in a very palpable way," adds corresponding co-author Xiangqian Kong, a principal investigator at the Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences. -- The new drug strategy is the culmination of an intensive investigation into ways to target and block proteins that facilitate cancer-specific epigenetic changes in cells. Epigenetics ("on top of" genetics) refers to chemical modifications to the genome that don't change the DNA sequence. If DNA is a cell's hardware, the epigenome is the software. Epigenetic changes to DNA, which include attachment or removal of methyl groups, dictate when and where certain genes are turned on or off, and to what degree. -- Just as abnormalities in DNA can drive cancer, so can abnormalities in the epigenome. During the past decade, scientists have developed numerous therapies that block abnormal DNA methylation to help prevent cancer progression and metastasis. Currently, epigenetic therapies are approved for blood cancers, such as leukemia, but not solid tumors. -- A prominent epigenetic target is UHRF1, a protein that is highly expressed in many solid tumors. UHRF1 acts as a guide that recruits another protein to add methyl groups to the DNA of tumor suppressor genes. If researchers are able to intercept that guide, they might prevent or even undo cancer-causing changes to the genome, Baylin and Kong say. -- Mounting evidence since 2014 suggests that STELLA, a protein involved in the development of mouse embryos, grabs UHRF1 and sequesters it away. With that knowledge, Baylin, Kong and colleagues set out to investigate how and why STELLA inhibits UHRF1. -- They quickly identified a difference in the activity of the protein's mouse version and its human counterpart: mouse STELLA (mSTELLA), but not human STELLA (hSTELLA), binds tightly to UHRF1. Comparing the two proteins, they found that mSTELLA and hSTELLA are only 31% identical at the amino acid level. -- Next, the team performed structural studies and identified a small peptide region that accounted for the difference in activity between mSTELLA and hSTELLA. But would the mouse peptide work as well in human cancer cells? Putting it to the test, the researchers found that the mSTELLA peptide was required to effectively block UHRF1 and activate tumor suppressor genes in human colorectal cancer cells. -- Based on those results, the team moved immediately to develop a drug strategy using mSTELLA to treat cancer. They designed a lipid nanoparticle therapy -- an ultratiny drug delivery vehicle made of fatty molecules -- to deliver the mSTELLA peptide as mRNA to cells (similarly to how most COVID-19 vaccines work). The therapy performed well in mice, activating tumor suppressor genes and impairing tumor growth.	H01 R01	570
2503-059	New Biomarker Algorithm Enables Noninvasive Detection Of Esophageal Cancer And Barrett’s Esophagus	Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a biomarker algorithm for noninvasively identifying esophageal cancer and precancerous conditions like Barrett's esophagus. This innovative approach aims to replace invasive endoscopy with a less invasive method for diagnosis, significantly improving early detection and potentially enhancing patient management strategies.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	American Journal of Gastroenterology	Press Rel	PubMed	By studying biomarkers known to be involved in gastrointestinal cancers, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have developed a biomarker algorithm that, when combined with a noninvasive method to collect esophageal cells for study, could give clinicians insight into which patients have esophageal cancer or precancerous conditions such as Barrett's esophagus (BE) or high-grade dysplasia. Typically, such determinations are made by endoscopy, an invasive procedure performed with patients under anesthesia. -- The method, if validated in further study, potentially could be used as a reflex test to indicate which patients should have endoscopy for a definitive diagnosis. A description of the work was published Jan. 17 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. -- "Our study used a methodically rigorous process to identify biomarkers, and we believe this represents the first study to select biomarkers for Barrett's esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma and high-grade dysplasia in this fashion," says senior study author Stephen Meltzer, M.D., professor of medicine and oncology and the Harry and Betty Myerberg/Thomas R. Hendrix Professor in Gastroenterology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is also an American Cancer Society clinical research professor. "Our algorithm included methylation of the genes USP44, TBC1D30 and NELL1, which have been well studied as diagnostic markers in cancers and in cancer biology." -- Methylation is a chemical process that can impact gene expression and may play a role in cancer development. USP44 was previously demonstrated to be a marker of prostate, liver and colorectal cancers. TBC1D30 also has been shown to be highly methylated in colorectal cancer. NELL1 has been shown to be a diagnostic marker of both Barrett's esophagus and colorectal cancer, and hypermethylation of NELL1 has been implicated in the genesis of gastric, kidney and lung cancers. -- During the study, investigators queried six datasets within the Gene Expression Omnibus database for biomarkers that were at least 30% methylated in BE but less than 5% methylated in normal tissues. They identified 30 candidate biomarkers for further study. Subsequent laboratory testing using methylation-based polymerase chain reaction selected 12 of these biomarkers as demonstrating significantly higher methylation levels in BE than in normal tissues. -- Next, the researchers chose seven of these 12 biomarkers (GRAMD1B, USP44, HOXB13, A1BG, SPX, TBC1D30 and eg00720137), plus an additional five biomarkers (CDH13, FLT3, NELL1, TAC1 and SSTI) identified in their previous studies, for more analyses. First, they evaluated the biomarkers in 21 archived normal-Barrett's tissue pairs from patients with BE. Then, they assessed the biomarkers in 234 nonendoscopic esophageal sponge samples collected from patients with BE as well as control (other) patients having endoscopy at Johns Hopkins, the Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh or Erasmus University in the Netherlands. This cohort included 78 people with a normal esophagus, 77 with BE, 12 with high-grade dysplasia, five with low-grade dysplasia, one with indeterminate dysplasia and 61 with esophageal adenocarcinoma. -- To obtain these samples, participants were asked to swallow a small sponge compressed in a gelatin capsule that has a string attached to it. After the capsule makes its way to the bottom of the esophagus, its gelatin coating dissolves, allowing the sponge to expand. Then, a clinician pulls gently on the string to retrieve the sponge, which collects cells from the esophagus on the way back up. -- Samples were taken immediately before endoscopy or during outpatient follow-up within three months after endoscopy. All participants had a confirmed diagnosis of esophageal cancer, BE or high-grade dysplasia, or a biopsy showing absence of these conditions. The median age of participants was 65. Most were male (66%) and from the United States (82%). -- Investigators split the samples collected from the sponges into a training set of 199 samples and a test set of 35 samples. All 12 biomarkers were tested in the 199 samples. Based on the training set results, investigators designed a three-biomarker algorithm using USP44, TBCD1D30, NELL1, age and sex. This algorithm yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of nearly 0.97 in identifying healthy tissue versus esophageal cancer and high-grade dysplasia, meaning that it performed very well. Extending the ability to identify healthy control patients versus patients with Barrett's esophagus and high-grade dysplasia or esophageal cancer combined, the AUC was 0.86, which Meltzer says is also good. -- "The goal with this sponge-biomarker test is not to provide a definitive diagnosis," says Meltzer, who directs the GI Early Detection Biomarkers Laboratory at Johns Hopkins "Rather, it's to inform them that they may need an endoscopy, because their methylation test results were abnormal."	R01	571
2505-028	New Computer Model Identifies Cancer-Fighting Immune Cells For Lung Cancer Immunotherapy	A groundbreaking computer model developed by researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center aims to enhance the identification of tumor-fighting immune cells in lung cancer patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. By leveraging a three-gene "MANAscore," the model not only pinpoints the immune cells targeted by treatments but also facilitates the understanding of patient responses to immunotherapy. This innovation paves the way for improved biomarkers and strategies for combination cancer therapies.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has identified key genetic factors that confer protective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a comprehensive genetic analysis of East Asian populations, including Chinese and Japanese, as well as European populations. This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on how these genetic factors can exert protective effects, unveiling the biological mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis. -- At a glance: -- Discovery: An Alzheimer's disease (AD)-protective genetic variant, Hap_A of SORL1, was identified. Its prevalence in East Asians, including Chinese and Japanese, is 168 times that of Europeans. -- Evidence: Hap_A was proven to be associated with better cognitive performance and is linked to increased human tissue expression of SORL1, an important receptor in AD. -- Significance: This study showcased how genetic studies in different populations could help unravel the effects of genetic factors on AD. A specific coding variant of a novel SORL1 protein isoform was discovered and could be a promising target for further mechanistic studies of the disease. -- Affecting over 50 million people worldwide, AD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. -- However, effective treatments remain limited due to the complex mechanisms of the disease and the few effective targets for drug development. -- In the past decade, research into the SORL1 gene (Sortilin-Related Receptor 1) has gained attention in the field of AD, as the protein it encodes, SORL1, plays a crucial role in regulating the production and clearance of amyloid-beta, a toxic protein that contributes to the pathology of AD. Studies conducted in individuals of European descent have suggested that certain SORL1 genetic variants exert protective effects against AD, making it a potential target for disease intervention. -- However, most genetic studies have mainly focused on the European population, leaving gaps in understanding how SORL1 variants affect other ethnic groups. -- Therefore, investigating SORL1 genetic variants in the East Asian population will provide new insights into how these variants may exert protection against AD. This highlights the importance of comprehensive research that includes diverse ethnic groups to enhance our understanding of how ancestral backgrounds influence the genetic mechanisms underlying the disease.	A01 H01 R01 T01	572
2506-017	Immune Cells May Drive Aggressive Brain Tumors, New Research Reveals	Research from Johns Hopkins reveals that a specific group of immune cells supports the growth of aggressive glioblastomas. By identifying the close relationship between myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor stem cells, the study sheds light on the immune environment of brain cancer, potentially paving the way for targeted immunotherapy strategies.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A type of aggressive, treatment-resistant brain tumor has a distinct population of immune cells that support its growth, according to new research led by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- Searching for subtypes of immune cells seen only in the most serious, grade 4 brain tumors, called glioblastomas, and using a recently developed technology called spatial genomics, the researchers found that glioblastoma stem cells were co-localized with a type of immunosuppressive cell called myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC), and that these two cells symbiotically feed off of each other to promote tumor growth and aggressiveness. -- A description of the work was published Jan. 17 in the journal Science. "Tumor stem cells represent only 5% to 10% of the tumor, but they're the critical cells that are renewing and generating the rest of the tumor and are essentially responsible for the aggressiveness of the tumor," says senior study author Drew Pardoll, M.D., Ph.D., the Martin D. Abeloff Professor of Cancer Research , co-director of the Mark Foundation Center for Advanced Genomics and Imaging, and director of the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. -- "We found that the myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor stem cells literally were in the same place -- a region described by pathologists in the 1980s as the pseudopalisading region. There was a very intimate connection." -- To better characterize the cellular components of brain cancer, investigators performed single-cell RNA sequencing on tissue samples from 33 types of brain tumors spanning from low to high grade, finding two populations of MDSCs in IDH-WT glioblastoma. -- Then, using a technique called spatial transcriptomics to look at patterns of gene expression of over 750,000 immune cells and more than 350,000 tumor and associated cells in these samples, they found MDSCs were co-located with the tumor stem cells. -- "Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive brain tumor with remarkable ability to evade the immune system, which has made immune-based therapies largely ineffective to this point," said first and co-corresponding author, Christina Jackson, M.D., an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who was at Johns Hopkins at the time the research was conducted. -- "Our study revealed a distinct subset of immune cells, known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells that promote glioblastoma growth, providing new insights into how the tumor interacts with the immune system. By identifying these cells and their role, we hope to uncover new therapeutic targets andlay the groundwork for more effective treatments." -- In their studies, investigators discovered that the two types of cells were feeding each other in the brain tumors. -- Tumor stem cells were producing chemical signals called chemokines that attracted the MDSCs, and making growth factors and activation factors for the MDSCs.	A01 H01 R01 R02 T01	573
2508-006	Viral Infection Worsens Deadly Condition In Premature Infants, Study Finds	A study has discovered that cytomegalovirus infection exacerbates necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in a mouse model, a severe complication of premature birth. Conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center, this study provides critical insights into NEC, identifying the virus as a potential triggering factor, which may pave the way for improved preventive measures and treatments for affected premature infants.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers say they found that infection with a common virus that can be transmitted from mother to fetus before birth significantly worsens an often-fatal complication of premature birth called necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in experiments with mice. -- The research team, led by Johns Hopkins Children's Center investigators and funded by the National Institutes of Health, says the new findings advance the search for better treatments for NEC -- a relatively rare condition, but still the most common emergency intestinal complication in preemies. -- A report on the study published Feb. 13 in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology. -- "NEC is the most important disease that most people have probably never heard of. The impact of this disease on premature infants and their families is great, and is made worse by the fact that people often hear about NEC for the first time only after their loved one is diagnosed with it. Surprisingly, we often don't actually know what causes NEC in the first place. By identifying its connection with cytomegalovirus infection, we have now identified an important trigger for NEC, which could save the lives of premature infants who develop this condition," says David Hackam, M.D., Ph.D., Garrett Family Professor of Pediatric Surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and surgeon-in-chief and co-director of Johns Hopkins Children's Center. -- Up to nearly 10% of premature infants develop NEC, a disease characterized by severe inflammation of the intestinal lining that ultimately kills this tissue. -- About a third of babies with NEC ultimately die from it, and survival rates have remained unchanged over the past three decades. -- Recent research in animals, Hackam says, has shown that NEC's trademark inflammation is at least partly due to a persistent uptick in an immune protein called toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), which becomes activated by the abnormal accumulation of specific intestinal bacteria that tend to overgrow in the digestive tract of premature infants. -- But why NEC is more severe in some babies and tends to be spreadable has been a mystery. -- That led to CMV as a suspect, Hackam says. -- An estimated 40% to 80% of people worldwide are chronically infected with cytomegalovirus, a virus in the herpes family that doesn't usually cause symptoms in healthy people but is a common cause of hearing loss and other organ-damaging birth defects when transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy.	A01 H01 R01 N01	574
2509-006	Caution Advised When Using Corticosteroids For Lupus Pericarditis Treatment	A significant study involving over 2,900 patients has determined that minimizing corticosteroid use may be optimal for treating lupus pericarditis, a common heart complication in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the research indicates that while corticosteroids can alleviate symptoms, they also pose a risk for recurring inflammation, signaling a need for careful medication management.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study of more than 2,900 patients provides evidence that it's likely best to use as little corticosteroid medicine as possible when treating people who have lupus pericarditis, a common heart complication of the autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). -- This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and led by Johns Hopkins Medicine cardiologists and rheumatologists who led the study say their analysis of data affirms that using steroids to curb heart inflammation and other painful symptoms for lupus patients is also a risk factor for recurring pericarditis, a potentially dangerous inflammation of the sac-like membrane that encases and protects the heart. -- Results of this study were published in the February 25th edition of JAMA Network Open. -- According to the American Heart Association, pericarditis is defined as inflammation of the pericardium, a sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue that surround the heart to hold it in place and help protect it. Pericarditis typically presents as chest pain that can be exacerbated by lying flat and improved by leaning forward. -- This pain can last anywhere from a few days to several months. -- Treatment options for pericarditis include use of colchicine -- an anti-inflammatory medication that prevents the recurrence of pericarditis -- and corticosteroids. -- Pericarditis occurs in 15% to 30% of patients with SLE, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes the body's immune system to attack its own tissues. -- "It is well known that, in the general population, one fifth of patients who experience pericarditis end up experiencing one or more recurrences. Surprisingly, even though pericarditis is the most common cardiac complication of Lupus, we could not find any information on recurrent of pericarditis in this patient population," says Dr. Luigi Adamo, M.D., P.H.D., director of Cardiac Immunology at Johns Hopkins University and co-senior author of this study. -- Researchers set out to address this gap in knowledge and examine the risk factors contributing to the recurrence. -- For the new analysis, researchers used data gathered among the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, a large ongoing study group that includes information on 2,931 patients diagnosed with SLE between 1988 to 2023 and the investigators focused on data from 590 patients also diagnosed with pericarditis.	R01	575
2510-040	Chronic Pain Linked To Alarming Rates Of Depression And Anxiety	A comprehensive analysis of over 375 studies highlights a staggering link between chronic pain and elevated rates of depression and anxiety, affecting 40% of those suffering from chronic pain. This research emphasizes the urgent need for better mental health support and innovative treatments for individuals dealing with both chronic pain and mental health challenges.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A novel analysis of more than 375 published studies concluded that the association between chronic pain and rates of depression and anxiety is staggering. The study, led by investigators at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that 40% of adults with chronic pain experienced "clinically significant depression and anxiety." Among those most at risk, the analysis showed, were women, younger adults and people with fibromyalgia. -- For decades, research has provided evidence of clear links between pain and mood, but the new study's leaders say the co-occurrence levels they identified pose a significant public health concern that should require routine screening in clinical settings, better access to specialty care and development of innovative therapies. -- Historically, studies show that people with chronic pain and both depression and anxiety lack consistent access to specialized pain clinics focused on acute pain, and are routinely excluded from clinical trials for pain management. -- Chronic pain, described as pain that persists for greater than three months, can be a debilitating condition. -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 20.9% of U.S. adults (51.6 million people) experienced chronic pain in 2021. -- Patients who have chronic pain exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety. -- In fact, studies show that 20-40% of adults with chronic pain have co-occurring depression and anxiety. -- "Right now, we have effective psychological treatments for depression and anxiety, and effective psychological treatments for chronic pain, but these treatments are often siloed. In fact, many studies exclude people who with chronic pain who have depression or anxiety from clinical trials. We need integrated treatments that address chronic pain and mental health together," says Rachel Aaron, Ph.D., first author of the study and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- For the new study, researchers analyzed data published in 376 studies with a focus on estimating the prevalence of depression and anxiety in people with chronic pain around the world. -- Their findings, which compared rates of depression and anxiety in people with and without chronic pain, were based on clinical symptoms in medical records; criteria for anxiety and depression found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5); and consideration and adjustment of factors such as geographic location, clinical versus community settings for data gathering, age, gender and pain duration.	H02	576
2511-052	Drier Air From Climate Change Poses Respiratory Risks: New Research Findings	Climate change-induced drier air poses significant risks to respiratory health, as recent research indicates it can lead to dehydration and inflammation in human airways. Such conditions may exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma and chronic cough, underscoring the urgent need to address environmental impacts on health.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	In a recent, cross-institutional study partially funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers report that healthy human airways are at higher risk for dehydration and inflammation when exposed to dry air, an occurrence expected to increase due to global warming. Inflammation in human airways is associated with such conditions as asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic cough. -- Researchers say that as the Earth's atmosphere heats up, with relative humidity staying mostly the same, a property of the atmosphere called vapor pressure deficit (VPD) increases at a rapid rate. -- VPD is a measure of how "thirsty" for water air can be. The higher VPD becomes, the greater the evaporation rate of water, thus dehydrating planetary ecosystems. -- Based on mathematical predications and experiments, researchers now explain that higher VPD can dehydrate upper airways and trigger the body's inflammatory and immune response. -- In the full report, published March 17 in Communications Earth & Environment, they also say that such dehydration and inflammation can be exacerbated by mouth breathing (rates of which are also increasing) and more exposure to air-conditioned and heated indoor air. -- "Air dryness is as critical to air quality as air dirtiness, and managing the hydration of our airways is as essential as managing their cleanliness," says lead author David Edwards, adjunct professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- "Our findings suggest that all mucosa exposed to the atmosphere, including ocular mucosa, are at risk in dehydrating atmospheres." -- Edwards and the team first looked at whether transpiration, a water loss process that occurs in plants, occurs in mucus of upper airways exposed to dry air environments. -- High rates of transpiration have proven to cause damaging compression to cells within the leaves of plants, threatening plant survival. -- The team also sought to see if such compression occurred in upper airway cells.	A01 C01 N02	577
2512-E011	Bacteria Create Their Own Vaccines By Using Dormant Viral Genetic Material	Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have uncovered how bacteria protect themselves from phage infections by 'vaccinating' against weakened viral invaders. By capturing genetic material from dormant phages, bacteria develop a biological memory that enhances their resistance to future attacks, offering new insights into bacterial immunity and potential therapeutic applications.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	Like people, bacteria get invaded by viruses. In bacteria, the viral invaders are called bacteriophages, derived from the Greek word for bacteria-eaters, or in shortened form, "phages." Scientists have sought to learn how the single-cell organisms survive phage infection in a bid to further understand human immunity and develop ways to combat diseases. -- Now, Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have shed new light on how bacteria protect themselves from certain phage invaders -- by seizing genetic material from weakened, dormant phages and using it to "vaccinate" themselves to elicit an immune response. -- In their experiments, the scientists say Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria (which cause strep throat) take advantage of a class of phages known as temperate phages, which can either kill cells or become dormant. -- The bacteria steal genetic material from temperate phages during this dormant period and form a biological "memory" of the invader that their offspring inherit as the bacteria multiply. -- Equipped with these memories, the new population can recognize these viruses and fight them off. -- A report on the experiments, supported in part by the National Institutes of Health, was published March 12 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. The findings help scientists better understand how bacterial cells that cause serious diseases, including Staph and E. coli infections and cholera, become toxic to humans -- a process that involves toxic genes expressed by otherwise dormant phages that reside within the bacterial cell, says corresponding author Joshua Modell, Ph.D., associate professor of molecular biology and genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- "We essentially wanted to answer the question: If bacterial cells don't have any memory, or survival skills, to combat a new temperate phage that shows up, how do they buy themselves enough time to establish a new memory, before they succumb to that initial infection?" says Modell. -- The Johns Hopkins investigators say bacteria have long been known to use CRISPR-Cas systems to chop up phage DNA, break it down and get rid of it. Crucially, CRISPR systems can only destroy DNA that matches a "memory" captured from a prior infection and stored within the bacteria's own genome, say the researchers. -- In this way, the CRISPR system acts as a recording device that documents the long list of foreign invaders encountered by a particular bacterial strain. -- To conduct their research, the scientists say they infected populations of bacteria with naturally occurring phages that go dormant or genetically engineered non-dormant phages in separate flasks that contained millions of bacterial cells.	H02 R01 T01	578
2513-005	New Study Reveals Brain Channels That Enhance Learning And Thinking	Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have captured groundbreaking insights into how brain cells communicate through specialized signaling channels. By utilizing advanced microscopy techniques, they observed the role of glutamate in neuron signaling, revealing how it triggers the influx of charged particles. This critical understanding paves the way for developing new drugs that could treat various neurological disorders, including epilepsy and certain intellectual disabilities.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In an effort to understand how brain cells exchange chemical messages, scientists say they have successfully used a highly specialized microscope to capture more precise details of how one of the most common signaling molecules, glutamate, opens a channel and allows a flood of charged particles to enter. The finding, which resulted from a study led by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, could advance the development of new drugs that block or open such signaling channels to treat conditions as varied as epilepsy and some intellectual disorders. -- A report on the experiments, funded by the National Institutes of Health and in collaboration with scientists at UTHealth Houston, was published March 26 in the journal Nature. -- "Neurons are the cellular foundation of the brain, and the ability to experience our environment and learn depends on [chemical] communications between neurons," says Edward Twomey, Ph.D., assistant professor of biophysics and biophysical chemistry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- Scientists have long known that a major molecule responsible for neuron-to-neuron communications is the neurotransmitter glutamate, a molecule abundant in the spaces between neurons. -- Its landing place on neurons is a channel called an AMPA receptor, which interacts with glutamate, and then acts like a pore that takes in charged particles. -- The ebb and flow of charged particles creates electrical signals that form communications between neurons. -- To figure out details of the miniscule movements of AMPA receptors (at the level of single atoms), researchers used a very high-powered microscope to image these channels during specific steps in the communications processes. -- For the study, the scientists used a cryo-electron microscope (cryo-EM) in a facility at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. -- Typically, scientists find it easier to study cell samples that are chilled, a state that provides a stable environment. -- But at normal body temperature, Twomey's team found that the AMPA receptors and glutamate activity increased, providing more opportunities to capture this process in cryoEM images.	H01 R02	579
2513-085	Pancreatic Cells Retain Epigenetic Memory Of Precancerous Signs Without Genetic Changes	Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a pattern of epigenetic marks in a transitional state between normal and pancreatic cancer cells in mice. These findings suggest that normal cells could retain a temporary memory of cancer-linked marks, providing insights into the mechanisms of cancer development and potentially guiding future research into inflammation's role in this process.	Johns Hopkins Medicine	Genome Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have found a pattern of so-called epigenetic "marks" in a transition state between normal and pancreatic cancer cells in mice, and that the normal cells may keep at least a temporary "memory" of those cancer-linked marks. -- Epigenetic marks are chemical modifications that help regulate genetic expression without directly altering DNA sequence in the makeup of genes. While the genetic code is like a computer's hardware, epigenetics involves chemical marks on top of the genetic code that act as software programing in a computer. -- The new research, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published online March 28 in the journal Genome Medicine, supports efforts to better understand how normal cells morph into cancer, along with the roles of inflammation and cellular damage in that process. -- "Epigenetic changes have long been a focus of research seeking to explain how cells transition from normal to cancer," says Andrew Feinberg, M.D., Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in the Johns Hopkins University schools of medicine, engineering and public health. -- "The transition begins when cells acquire an altered or hybrid identity, because of inflammation or damage, that can potentially predispose them to a cancerous state, even without cancer-driving mutations," he says. -- Scientists have known that, when the pancreas becomes inflamed, acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes, begin to transform into ductal cells, which transport digestive juices in the pancreas. This transformation helps acinar cells protect themselves from damage caused by the inflammation. -- Because the epigenome decides which genes are turned on and off to give cells their identity, its role in the transformation of acinar cells warranted study, Feinberg says. -- Feinberg, who co-led the new study with Patrick Cahan, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins, therefore took a closer look at the transforming or hybrid pancreatic cells in mice, which the scientists say, have characteristics similar to human pancreatic cells. -- The scientists, including first author Emily Lo, who was co-mentored by Cahan and Feinberg, did so by sequencing the whole genome of mouse pancreatic cells transitioning between acinar and ductal cells, in a process called acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. They found epigenetic marks, but no mutations (alterations in the DNA sequence itself), on genes linked with pancreatic cancer, including two groups called PI3K and R/R/C GTPase. They had earlier shown the same type of epigenetic changes in these genes in human pancreatic precancers termed PanINs, which are caused by a mutation in a gene called KRAS, even though there was no such mutation in the mouse cells. This suggested that the transitioning cells took on epigenetic characteristics of precancerous cells without requiring a mutation, and inch closer to becoming cancer, says Feinberg. -- When the transitioning cells returned to their original identity as acinar cells, the scientists found that some of the epigenetic marks on pancreatic cancer-linked genes remained for at least seven more days, forming a "memory" of the epigenetic signature.	H02 R01 T01	580
2503-068	New EEG Tool Could Reduce Epilepsy Misdiagnoses By Nearly 70% For Patients	A new tool developed by Johns Hopkins University may reduce epilepsy misdiagnoses by up to 70% by identifying hidden signatures in normal EEG tests. This innovation could significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, facilitating timely and appropriate treatment for patients while minimizing the consequences of misdiagnosis.	Johns Hopkins University	Annals of Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Doctors could soon reduce epilepsy misdiagnoses by up to 70% using a new tool that turns routine electroencephalogram, or EEG, tests that appear normal into highly accurate epilepsy predictors, a Johns Hopkins University study has found. -- By uncovering hidden epilepsy signatures in seemingly normal EEGs, the tool could significantly reduce false positives -- seen in around 30% of cases globally -- and spare patients from medication side effects, driving restrictions, and other quality-of-life challenges linked to misdiagnoses. -- "Even when EEGs appear completely normal, our tool provides insights that make them actionable," said Sridevi V. Sarma, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering professor who led the work. "We can get to the right diagnosis three times faster because patients often need multiple EEGs before abnormalities are detected, even if they have epilepsy. Accurate early diagnosis means a quicker path to effective treatment." -- A report of the work is newly published in Annals of Neurology. -- Epilepsy causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures triggered by bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Standard care involves scalp EEG recordings during initial evaluations. These tests track brainwave patterns using small electrodes placed on the scalp. -- Clinicians partly rely on EEGs to diagnose epilepsy and decide whether patients need anti-seizure medications. However, EEGs can be challenging to interpret because they capture noisy signals and because seizures rarely occur during the typical 20-40 minutes of an EEG recording. These characteristics makes diagnosing epilepsy subjective and prone to error, even for specialists, Sarma explained. -- To improve reliability, Sarma's team studied what happens in the brains of patients when they are not experiencing seizures. Their tool, called EpiScalp, uses algorithms trained on dynamic network models to map brainwave patterns and identify hidden signs of epilepsy from a single routine EEG. -- "If you have epilepsy, why don't you have seizures all the time? We hypothesized that some brain regions act as natural inhibitors, suppressing seizures. It's like the brain's immune response to the disease," Sarma said. -- The new study analyzed 198 epilepsy patients from five major medical centers: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Out of these 198 patients in the study, 91 patients had epilepsy while the rest had non-epileptic conditions mimicking epilepsy. -- When Sarma's team reanalyzed the initial EEGs using EpiScalp, the tool ruled out 96% of those false positives, cutting potential misdiagnoses among these cases from 54% to 17%.	H01 R02	581
2506-T019	Jumping Workouts May Protect Astronauts From Cartilage Damage During Space Missions	A new study suggests that jumping workouts might help astronauts prevent cartilage damage during long space missions. Researchers found that mice engaging in such exercises maintained healthier cartilage compared to those with restricted movement. This research highlights the importance of physical activity in space, proposing that similar training could be vital for astronaut health on future journeys to Mars and the Moon.	Johns Hopkins University	npj Microgravity	Press Rel	PubMed	Jumping workouts could help astronauts prevent the type of cartilage damage they are likely to endure during lengthy missions to Mars and the Moon, a new Johns Hopkins University study suggests. -- The research adds to ongoing efforts by space agencies to protect astronauts against deconditioning/getting out of shape due to low gravity, a crucial aspect of their ability to perform spacewalks, handle equipment and repairs, and carry out other physically demanding tasks. -- The study, which shows knee cartilage in mice grew healthier following jumping exercises, appears in the journal npj Microgravity. -- "Since the next step in human exploration of space is going to Mars and spending long periods of time in permanent bases on the moon, cartilage damage is a really major issue that space agencies need to address despite how very poorly understood it is," said study author Marco Chiaberge, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and the European Space Agency. -- "The positive effect we saw in these mice is huge, and the magnitude of it was unexpected. They can basically make their cartilage thicker if they jump. Maybe astronauts could use similar training before their flight as a preventive measure." -- Healthy cartilage is essential for pain-free movement, as it cushions joints and decreases bone friction. -- But cartilage heals slowly and does not regenerate as fast as other tissue. -- Prolonged periods of inactivity -- whether from bed rest, injury, or space travel -- can accelerate cartilage breakdown. -- Space radiation can also accelerate this effect, and European Space Agency experiments have shown evidence of cartilage degradation in astronauts who spend several months aboard the International Space Station. -- "Think about sending somebody on a trip to Mars, they get there and they can't walk because they developed osteoarthritis of the knees or the hips and their joints don't function," Chiaberge said.	A01 H01	582
2509-074	Revolutionary Prosthetic Hand Mimics Human Grip To Handle Everyday Objects With Care	Engineers at Johns Hopkins University have created an innovative prosthetic hand capable of delicately gripping various everyday objects, mimicking human touch. This hybrid design uniquely combines rigid and soft materials, enabling it to handle items without causing damage, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with hand loss. The device, which includes advanced tactile sensors, reflects the ambition to offer a more natural prosthetic experience.	Johns Hopkins University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Johns Hopkins University engineers have developed a pioneering prosthetic hand that can grip plush toys, water bottles, and other everyday objects like a human, carefully conforming and adjusting its grasp to avoid damaging or mishandling whatever it holds. -- The system's hybrid design is a first for robotic hands, which have typically been too rigid or too soft to replicate a human's touch when handling objects of varying textures and materials. The innovation offers a promising solution for people with hand loss and could improve how robotic arms interact with their environment. -- Details about the device appear today in Science Advances. -- "The goal from the beginning has been to create a prosthetic hand that we model based on the human hand's physical and sensing capabilities -- a more natural prosthetic that functions and feels like a lost limb," said Sriramana Sankar, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineer who led the work. "We want to give people with upper-limb loss the ability to safely and freely interact with their environment, to feel and hold their loved ones without concern of hurting them." -- The device, developed by the same Neuroengineering and Biomedical Instrumentations Lab that in 2018 created the world's first electronic "skin" with a humanlike sense of pain, features a multifinger system with rubberlike polymers and a rigid 3D-printed internal skeleton. Its three layers of tactile sensors, inspired by the layers of human skin, allow it to grasp and distinguish objects of various shapes and surface textures, rather than just detect touch. Each of its soft air-filled finger joints can be controlled with the forearm's muscles, and machine learning algorithms focus the signals from the artificial touch receptors to create a realistic sense of touch, Sankar said. "The sensory information from its fingers is translated into the language of nerves to provide naturalistic sensory feedback through electrical nerve stimulation." -- In the lab, the hand identified and manipulated 15 everyday objects, including delicate stuffed toys, dish sponges, and cardboard boxes, as well as pineapples, metal water bottles, and other sturdier items. In the experiments, the device achieved the best performance compared with the alternatives, successfully handling objects with 99.69% accuracy and adjusting its grip as needed to prevent mishaps. The best example was when it nimbly picked up a thin, fragile plastic cup filled with water, using only three fingers without denting it. -- "We're combining the strengths of both rigid and soft robotics to mimic the human hand," Sankar said. "The human hand isn't completely rigid or purely soft -- it's a hybrid system, with bones, soft joints, and tissue working together. That's what we want our prosthetic hand to achieve. This is new territory for robotics and prosthetics, which haven't fully embraced this hybrid technology before. It's being able to give a firm handshake or pick up a soft object without fear of crushing it." -- To help amputees regain the ability to feel objects while grasping, prostheses will need three key components: sensors to detect the environment, a system to translate that data into nerve-like signals, and a way to stimulate nerves so the person can feel the sensation, said Nitish Thakor, a Johns Hopkins biomedical engineering professor who directed the work. -- The bioinspired technology allows the hand to function this way, using muscle signals from the forearm, like most hand prostheses. These signals bridge the brain and nerves, allowing the hand to flex, release, or react based on its sense of touch. The result is a robotic hand that intuitively "knows" what it's touching, much like the nervous system does, Thakor said. -- "If you're holding a cup of coffee, how do you know you're about to drop it? Your palm and fingertips send signals to your brain that the cup is slipping," Thakor said. "Our system is neurally inspired -- it models the hand's touch receptors to produce nervelike messages so the prosthetics' 'brain,' or its computer, understands if something is hot or cold, soft or hard, or slipping from the grip."	A01 R02 T01	583
2510-E011	Researchers Identify Genes For Growing Bigger, Tastier Tomatoes And Eggplants	Scientists have identified key genes that govern the growth of tomatoes and eggplants, potentially leading to larger and tastier varieties. This research could revolutionize agriculture, especially in regions struggling with small local produce, demonstrating the potential benefits of genetic editing in enhancing food security.	Johns Hopkins University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Bigger, tastier tomatoes and eggplants could soon grace our dinner plates thanks to Johns Hopkins scientists who have discovered genes that control how large the fruits will grow. -- The research -- led by teams at Johns Hopkins University and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory -- could lead to the development of new varieties of heirloom tomatoes and eggplants, including those that help support agriculture in areas around the world where local varieties are currently too small for large-scale production. -- Findings were published in the journal Nature. -- "Once you've done the gene editing, all it takes is one seed to start a revolution," said co-lead author Michael Schatz, a geneticist at Johns Hopkins University who worked on the Telomere-to-Telomere human genome project. -- "With the right approvals, we could mail an engineered seed to Africa or anywhere it's needed and open up entirely new agricultural markets. There's huge potential to translate these advances into real-world impact." -- The research is part of a larger effort to map the complete genomes of 22 crops in the nightshade genus, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. -- Using computational analysis, the researchers compared the genome maps and traced how the genes evolved over time: more than half, the researchers found, had been duplicated at some point in the past. -- "Over tens of millions of years, there's this constant churn of DNA sequences being added and lost," Schatz said. -- "The same process can occur for gene sequences, where entire genes duplicate or disappear. When we started looking, we noticed these changes were very widespread, but we didn't yet know what those changes meant for the plants." -- To find out, collaborators at the Boyce Thomson Institute used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to tweak one or both duplicates of a gene, and collaborators at Cold Spring Harbor grew the engineered plants to see how the tweaks changed the mature plants.	H01 N02	584
2511-E035	Brain Activity Reveals Insights Into Learning Mistakes In Mice	For the first time, researchers have utilized brain activity data to understand why mice make mistakes, providing new insights into the neuroscience of learning. By monitoring individual neuron activity, they confirmed that mice learn quickly and test their knowledge boundaries. This groundbreaking study, published in Nature, suggests that the mechanisms identified may also apply to other species, including humans, as it challenges existing assumptions about learning speed and cognitive processes.	Johns Hopkins University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	By revealing for the first time what happens in the brain when an animal makes a mistake, Johns Hopkins University researchers are shedding light on the holy grail of neuroscience: the mechanics of how we learn. -- The team pinpointed the exact moment mice learned a new skill by observing the activity of individual neurons, confirming earlier work that suggested animals are fast learners that purposely test the boundaries of new knowledge. -- The federally funded work, which upends assumptions about the speed of learning and the role of the sensory cortex, and which the researchers believe will hold true across animal species including humans, is newly published in Nature. -- "Looking at a tiny part of the brain in a mouse, we can understand how the brain learns, and we can makes predictions about how the human brain might work," said Kishore Kuchibhotla, a Johns Hopkins neuroscientist who studies learning in humans and animals. -- "The field of neuroscience has made great progress decoding motor activity and how the brain processes sight and sound. But a holy grail of this type of research is thought -- what comes between the hearing and the doing -- we're all still trying to understand the patterns of brain activity that underly higher-order cognitive processes. These findings are a step in that direction." -- Although the ability to learn quickly would benefit any animal in the wild, animals studied in labs seem to learn slowly and methodically. -- It typically takes mice, for instance, thousands of tries to learn a task, several hundred at best. -- Kuchibhotla's lab previously found that animals' performance doesn't necessarily sync with their knowledge -- or that animals might know a lot more than they demonstrate in tests. -- The lab also found that animals that seem to be slow learners might be testing their new knowledge. -- But by merely watching animals struggle at tasks, they couldn't tell a slow learner from a strategic tester of boundaries.	R02 N01	585
2511-T030	James Webb Telescope Captures Groundbreaking Images Of Exoplanet Carbon Dioxide	The James Webb Space Telescope has made significant strides in exoplanet studies by capturing direct images of carbon dioxide in the HR 8799 planetary system, providing insights into the formation of giant planets. These observations suggest that the system's planets likely formed similarly to Jupiter and Saturn, supporting theories of core accretion. This capability highlights Webb's potential to analyze exoplanet atmospheres directly, advancing our understanding of planetary chemistry and formation processes.	Johns Hopkins University	The Astronomical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	The James Webb Space Telescope has captured its first direct images of carbon dioxide in a planet outside the solar system in HR 8799, a multiplanet system 130 light-years away that has long been a key target for planet formation studies. -- The observations provide strong evidence that the system's four giant planets formed in much the same way as Jupiter and Saturn, by slowly building solid cores. They also confirm Webb can do more than infer atmospheric composition from starlight measurements -- it can directly analyze the chemistry of exoplanet atmospheres. -- "By spotting these strong carbon dioxide features, we have shown there is a sizable fraction of heavier elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, in these planets' atmospheres. Given what we know about the star they orbit, that likely indicates they formed via core accretion, which for planets that we can directly see is an exciting conclusion," said William Balmer, a Johns Hopkins University astrophysicist who led the work. -- An analysis of the observations, which also included a system 96 light-years away called 51 Eridani, appears in The Astrophysical Journal. -- HR 8799 is a young system about 30 million years old, a fraction of our solar system's 4.6 billion years. Still hot from their violent formation, HR 8799 planets emit large amounts of infrared light that give scientists valuable data on how their formation compares to that of stars or brown dwarfs. -- Giant planets can take shape in two ways: by slowly building solid cores that attract gas, like our solar system, or by rapidly collapsing from a young star's cooling disk into massive objects. Knowing which model is more common can give scientists clues to distinguish between the types of planets they find in other systems. -- "Our hope with this kind of research is to understand our own solar system, life, and ourselves in comparison to other exoplanetary systems, so we can contextualize our existence," Balmer said. "We want to take pictures of other solar systems and see how they're similar or different when compared to ours. From there, we can try to get a sense of how weird our solar system really is -- or how normal." -- Very few exoplanets have been directly imaged, as distant planets are many thousands of times fainter than their stars. By capturing direct images at specific wavelengths only accessible with Webb, the team is paving the way for more detailed observations to determine whether the objects they see orbiting other stars are truly giant planets or objects such as brown dwarfs, which form like stars but don't accumulate enough mass to ignite nuclear fusion. -- "We have other lines of evidence that hint at these four HR 8799 planets forming using this bottom-up approach" said Laurent Pueyo, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute who co-led the work. "How common is this for long period planets we can directly image? We don't know yet, but we're proposing more Webb observations, inspired by our carbon dioxide diagnostics, to answer that question." -- The achievement was made possible by Webb's coronagraphs, which block light from bright stars as happens in a solar eclipse to reveal otherwise hidden worlds. This allowed the team to look for infrared light in wavelengths that reveal specific gases and other atmospheric details.	C01 T01	586
2513-066	Alcohol Use Can Lead To Long-Term Impairment In Decision-Making Abilities	New research has demonstrated that heavy alcohol use can lead to long-lasting decision-making impairments in rats, even after a withdrawal period. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that alcohol affects critical brain circuits, providing insights into the cognitive deficits experienced by humans with alcohol use disorder and emphasizing the need for effective treatment strategies.	Johns Hopkins University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time researchers demonstrate in an animal how heavy alcohol use leads to long-term behavioral issues by damaging brain circuits critical for decision-making. -- Rats exposed to high amounts of alcohol exhibited poor decision-making during a complex task even after a months-long withdrawal period. -- Key areas of their brains had undergone dramatic functional changes compared to healthy rats. -- The findings, published today in Science Advances, provide a new explanation of alcohol's long-term effects on cognition. -- "We now have a new model for the unfortunate cognitive changes that humans with alcohol use disorder show," said author Patricia Janak, a Johns Hopkins University neuroscientist who studies the biology of addiction. -- "We know that humans who are addicted to alcohol can show deficits in learning and decision-making that may contribute to their poor decisions related to alcohol use. We needed an animal model to better understand how chronic alcohol abuse affects the brain. Knowing what is happening in the brain of an animal when they are having these decision-making difficulties will tell us what is happening in humans." -- In experiments led by first author Yifeng Cheng, a research scientist in Janak's lab who studies alcohol's effects on the brain, rats recieved very high alcohol exposure for a month. -- Then after a withdrawal period of nearly three months, the rats were given a reward-based decision-making test along with a control group of rats that had not been exposed to alcohol. -- To get a reward, rats were given a choice of two levers. Pressing one lever led to a higher likelihood of reward than pressing the other lever. -- Rats easily learn which lever results in the most reward, so the researchers complicated things by every few minutes switching which lever had the highest reward likelihood.	A01 R02 N01	587
2501-021	Public-Private Partnerships Helped Save Lives And Reduce Hospitalizations During COVID-19 Pandemic.	A study from Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory reveals that public-private partnerships in creating and distributing COVID-19 diagnostic tests saved about 1.4 million lives and averted 7 million hospitalizations in the U.S. during the pandemic. This research emphasizes the critical need for effective testing in managing public health crises.	Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory	The Lancet Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how crucial testing is for disease preparedness and response, and new research from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and a team of collaborators underscores that principle. -- Published in the Jan. 2 edition of The Lancet Public Health, the research included simulation and analysis that suggests public-private partnerships to develop, produce and distribute COVID-19 diagnostic tests saved an estimated 1.4 million lives and prevented about 7 million patient hospitalizations in the United States during the pandemic. -- APL, based in Laurel, Maryland, teamed with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and consultants from MITRE Corporation on the study. -- "The analysis found that the early development, manufacturing and distribution of tests significantly reduced severe COVID-19 outcomes," said Gary Lin, a computational epidemiologist at APL and a study co-author. -- "Through modeling and simulation, we've shown how national coordination can effectively leverage resources and capabilities." -- APL researchers developed a digital twin prototype -- a virtual simulation environment -- to model the testing and diagnostic supply chain. -- The tool was used to simulate baseline scenarios and assess the effects of potential pandemic interventions. -- "The digital twin helps us quantitatively understand the impact and consequences of disruptions and changing infection levels on test availability," said Elizabeth Currier, the APL digital twin project manager. -- "It can also evaluate the impact of policies and investments and be used in planning and evaluating supply needs, aiding in response and ensuring a secure supply chain for future medical crises." -- The prototype model integrated diverse data sources, including manufacturing, retail and government stockpile information as well as wastewater and inpatient data, which enabled the team to assess complex scenarios.	A01 H01 R01	588
2510-T014	AI Enhancements Improve Titanium Alloy Manufacturing Speed And Strength	A Johns Hopkins-led team is harnessing artificial intelligence to streamline the production of high-performance titanium alloy parts, drastically improving manufacturing speed and material strength. This advance is particularly relevant for industries like aerospace and medicine, where precision and rapid production capabilities are essential, addressing urgent demands for efficient manufacturing processes.	Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory	Additive Manufacturing	Press Rel	PubMed	Producing high-performance titanium alloy parts -- whether for spacecraft, submarines or medical devices -- has long been a slow, resource-intensive process. Even with advanced metal 3D-printing techniques, finding the right manufacturing conditions has required extensive testing and fine-tuning. -- What if these parts could be built more quickly, stronger and with near-perfect precision? -- A team comprising experts from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, and the Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering is leveraging artificial intelligence to make that a reality. They've identified processing techniques that improve both the speed of production and the strength of these advanced materials -- an advance with implications from the deep sea to outer space. -- "The nation faces an urgent need to accelerate manufacturing to meet the demands of current and future conflicts," said Morgan Trexler, program manager for Science of Extreme and Multifunctional Materials in APL's Research and Exploratory Development Mission Area. "At APL, we are advancing research in laser-based additive manufacturing to rapidly develop mission-ready materials, ensuring that production keeps pace with evolving operational challenges." -- The findings, recently published in the journal Additive Manufacturing, focus on Ti-6Al-4V, a widely used titanium alloy known for its high strength and low weight. The team leveraged AI-driven models to map out previously unexplored manufacturing conditions for laser powder bed fusion, a method of 3D-printing metal. The results challenge long-held assumptions about process limits, revealing a broader processing window for producing dense, high-quality titanium with customizable mechanical properties. -- The discovery provides a new way to think about materials processing, said co-author Brendan Croom. -- "For years, we assumed that certain processing parameters were 'off-limits' for all materials because they would result in poor-quality end product," said Croom, a senior materials scientist at APL. "But by using AI to explore the full range of possibilities, we discovered new processing regions that allow for faster printing while maintaining -- or even improving -- material strength and ductility, the ability to stretch or deform without breaking. Now, engineers can select the optimal processing settings based on their specific needs." -- These findings hold promise for industries that rely on high-performance titanium parts. The ability to manufacture stronger, lighter components at greater speeds could improve efficiency in shipbuilding, aviation and medical devices. It also contributes to a broader effort to advance additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense. -- Researchers at the Whiting School of Engineering, including Somnath Ghosh, are integrating AI-driven simulations to better predict how additively manufactured materials will perform in extreme environments. Ghosh co-leads one of two NASA Space Technology Research Institutes (STRIs), a collaboration between Johns Hopkins and Carnegie Mellon focused on developing advanced computational models to accelerate material qualification and certification. The goal is to reduce the time required to design, test and validate new materials for space applications -- a challenge that closely aligns with APL's efforts to refine and accelerate titanium manufacturing. -- A Major Leap Forward	A01 T01	589
2513-016	Common Cancer Drugs Show Promise For Treating PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome	Researchers have identified that inhibitors of the PI3K pathway—commonly used as anticancer drugs—can effectively treat PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) in animal models. This finding suggests that repurposing these drugs may provide new hope for managing vascular malformations and associated pain in PHTS patients, particularly in younger individuals. The study highlights the significance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of this complex genetic disorder.	Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	During development, cells grow, expand, and migrate to generate tissues and organs in a highly controlled manner. Many intracellular pathways -- series of signalling cascades within a cell -- regulate these actions to avoid non-programmed growth that could lead to malformations or cancer. One of these pathways is the PTEN / PI3K axis, a complex series of perfectly balanced chemical reactions. -- Mutations in the PTEN gene usually result in the overactivation of PI3K and the imbalance of the system. -- This may trigger the onset of different types of cancer, like breast and prostate, and when present in the germline cause several disorders. -- From the clinical perspective, these disorders are grouped under the umbrella of the PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS), producing a highly heterogenic spectrum of effects on patients yet to be addressed, mainly due to the poor understanding of the disease. -- Precisely, the limited understanding of the origin of PHTS-related phenotypes has impeded the development of preclinical models and the implementation of molecular therapies. -- What scientists do know is that PI3K mutations affecting endothelial cells, the ones lining the inner layer of blood vessels, lead to vascular malformations. -- Not surprisingly, up to one in two PHTS patients also develop vascular malformations during early childhood. -- These lesions are associated with severe pain and swelling, with surgery and embolization -- the deliberate blocking of the affected vessels -- as the main therapeutic strategies. -- However, depending on the localization and extension, these strategies might not be possible, leaving patients without any other therapeutical option. -- The Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenvironment group at the Josep Carreras Institute, led by Dr. Mariona Graupera together with Dr. Sandra Castillo, former lab member and currently researcher at SDJ Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona, and Dr. Eulàlia Baselga, head of the paediatric dermatology unit at Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, have investigated the genetic cause of PHTS-related vascular malformations.	A01 H01 R01 N01	590
2501-005	Deep Learning Algorithms Revolutionize Tumor Detection In Medical Image Analysis.	A recent international competition, AutoPET, demonstrated that deep learning algorithms significantly enhance the detection of tumors in medical imaging. The findings, published in Nature Machine Intelligence, emphasize the potential of automated analysis, which can save time and improve accuracy in identifying tumor lesions, thus aiding in effective cancer treatment planning.	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve the analysis of medical image data. For example, algorithms based on deep learning can determine the location and size of tumors. This is the result of AutoPET, an international competition in medical image analysis, where researchers of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) were ranked fifth. The seven best autoPET teams report in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence on how algorithms can detect tumor lesions in positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT). -- Imaging techniques play a key role in the diagnosis of cancer. Precisely determining the location, size, and type of tumors is essential for choosing the right therapy. The most important imaging techniques include positron emission tomography (PET) and computer tomography (CT). PET uses radionuclides to visualize metabolic processes in the body. The metabolic rate of malign tumors is considerably higher than that of benign tissues. Radioactively labeled glucose, usually fluorine-18-deoxyglucose (FDG), is used for this purpose. In CT, the body is scanned layer by layer in an X-ray tube to visualize the anatomy and localize tumors. -- Automation Can Save Time and Improve Evaluation -- Cancer patients sometimes have hundreds of lesions, i.e. pathological changes caused by the growth of tumors. To obtain a uniform picture, it is necessary to capture all lesions. Doctors determine the size of the tumor lesions by manually marking 2D slice images -- an extremely time-consuming task. "Automated evaluation using an algorithm would save an enormous amount of time and improve the results," explains Professor Rainer Stiefelhagen, Head of the Computer Vision for Human-Computer Interaction Lab (cv:hci) at KIT. -- Rainer Stiefelhagen and Zdravko Marinov, a doctoral student at cv:hci, took part in the international autoPET competition in 2022 and came in fifth out of 27 teams involving 359 participants from all over the world. The Karlsruhe researchers formed a team with Professor Jens Kleesiek and Lars Heiliger from the Essen-based IKIM -- Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. Organized by the Tübingen University Hospital and the LMU Hospital Munich, autoPET combined imaging and machine learning. The task was to automatically segment metabolically active tumor lesions visualized on a whole-body PET/CT. For the algorithm training, the participating teams had access to a large annotated PET/CT dataset. All algorithms submitted for the final phase of the competition are based on deep learning methods. This is a variant of machine learning that uses multi-layered artificial neural networks to recognize complex patterns and correlations in large amounts of data. The seven best teams from the autoPET competition have now reported on the possibilities of automated analysis of medical image data in the Nature Machine Intelligence journal. -- Algorithm Ensemble Excels in the Detection Tumor Lesions -- As the researchers explain in their publication, an ensemble of the top-rated algorithms proved to be superior to individual algorithms. The ensemble of algorithms is able to detect tumor lesions efficiently and precisely. "While the performance of the algorithms in image data evaluation partly depends indeed on the quantity and quality of the data, the algorithm design is another crucial factor, for example with regard to the decisions made in the post-processing of the predicted segmentation," explains Stiefelhagen. Further research is needed to improve the algorithms and make them more resistant to external influences so that they can be used in everyday clinical practice. The aim is to fully automate the analysis of medical PET and CT image data in the near future.	A01 H01 R01 T01	591
2501-T001	Nanotubes In Water Treatment Effectively Capture Harmful Steroid Hormones	Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have investigated how steroid hormones, prevalent aquatic micropollutants, are degraded in an electrochemical membrane reactor using carbon nanotubes. Their findings indicate that the adsorption of these hormones on the nanotubes does not hinder their degradation, which is crucial for developing effective water purification technologies. This research contributes to addressing the environmental impacts of micropollutants in aquatic ecosystems.	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Steroid hormones are among the most widespread aquatic micropollutants. They are harmful to human health, and they cause ecological imbalances in aquatic environments. At the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), researchers have investigated how steroid hormones are degraded in an electrochemical membrane reactor with carbon nanotube membranes. They found that adsorption of steroid hormones on the carbon nanotubes did not limit the hormones' subsequent degradation. A report on their work has been published in Nature Communications. -- Supplying clean water to people around the world is one of the great challenges of today and tomorrow. -- Various micropollutants (organic and inorganic substances) are present in low concentrations in wastewater but can still be harmful to humans and the environment. -- Considerable risks are posed by endocrine-disrupting substances, such as steroid hormones, which can affect the hormonal system. -- Such substances are present in pharmaceuticals, contraceptives and other products. -- Though difficult to detect in water, they can seriously harm human health and disrupt the ecological equilibrium of aquatic environments. -- Oxidation Facilitates Micropollutant Degradation -- Steroid hormones can be neither detected nor removed with conventional water treatment methods. -- Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is gaining recognition as a promising approach for their removal; EO systems consist of an anode and a cathode connected to an external power source. -- The electrical energy at the electrodes is varied (modulated), leading to the oxidation and degradation of pollutants at the anode's surface.	C01	592
2503-E032	AI And Innovative Molecules Boost Efficiency Of Perovskite Solar Cells	Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have combined AI with high-throughput synthesis to enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Their innovative approach identifies new organic molecules quickly, showcasing potential applications not only in solar energy but also in developing advanced materials for various technologies.	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Perovskite solar cells are a flexible and sustainable alternative to conventional silicon-based solar cells. Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are part of an international team that was able to find -- within only a few weeks -- new organic molecules that increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The team used a clever combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated high-throughput synthesis. Their strategy can also be applied to other areas of materials research, such as the search for new battery materials. -- In order to find out which of a million different molecules would conduct positive charges and make perovskite solar cells particularly efficient, one would need to synthesize and test all of them -- or do as the researchers headed by Tenure-track Professor Pascal Friederich, who specializes in the applications of AI in materials science at KIT's Institute of Nanotechnology, and Professor Christoph Brabec from the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg (HI ERN). "With only 150 targeted experiments, we were able to achieve a breakthrough that would otherwise have required hundreds of thousands of tests. The workflow we have developed will open up new ways to quickly and economically discover high-performance materials for a wide range of applications," Brabec said. With one of the discovered materials, they increased the efficiency of a reference solar cell by approximately two percentage points to 26.2 percent. "Our success shows that enormous amounts of time and resources can be saved by applying skillful strategies for the discovery of new energy materials," Friedrich said. -- The starting point at HI ERN was a database with structural formulae for approximately one million virtual molecules that could be synthesized from commercially available substances. From these virtual molecules, 13,000 were selected at random. The KIT researchers used established quantum mechanical methods to determine their energy levels, polarity, geometry and other properties. -- Training AI with Data from Just 101 Molecules -- From the 13,000 molecules, the scientists chose 101 with the greatest differences in their properties, synthesized them with robotic systems at HI ERN, used them to produce otherwise identical solar cells, and then measured the efficiency of the solar cells. "Being able to produce truly comparable samples thanks to our highly automated synthesis platform, and thus being able to determine reliable efficiency values, was crucial to our strategy's success," said Brabec, who headed the work at HI ERN. -- The researchers at KIT used the achieved efficiencies and the properties of the associated molecules to train an AI model, which suggested 48 other molecules to synthesize. Its suggestions were based on two criteria: high expected efficiency and unforeseeable properties. "When the machine learning model is uncertain about the predicted efficiency, it's worthwhile to synthesize the molecule and take a closer look at it," Friederich said, explaining the second criterion. "It might surprise us with a high efficiency level." -- Using the molecules suggested by the AI, it was indeed possible to build solar cells with above-average efficiency, including some exceeding the capabilities of the most advanced materials currently used. "We can't be sure we've really found the best one of a million molecules, but we're certainly close to the optimum," Friederich said. -- AI Versus Chemical Intuition -- Since the researchers used an AI that indicates which of the virtual molecules' properties its suggestions were based on, they were able to gain some insight into the molecules it suggested. For example, they determined that the AI-suggestions are based in part on the presence of certain chemical groups, such as amines, that chemists had previously neglected. -- Brabec and Friederich believe that their strategy holds promise for other applications in materials science or can be extended to the optimization of entire components.	H01 C01 T01	593
2507-T012	Five-Atom Bismuth Ring: A Breakthrough In Material Science	Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have synthesized a Bi5-ring, a novel molecule composed of five bismuth atoms, which opens avenues for new materials and processes in various fields such as catalysis and electronics. Their breakthrough fills a significant gap in chemical knowledge and holds promise for future applications.	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have synthesized a Bi5--ring, a molecule with five bismuth atoms, and stabilized it in a metal complex. Their discovery fills a gap in chemical knowledge and enables future applications in materials research, catalysis, and electronics. Their findings have been published in Nature Chemistry. -- "By synthesizing the Bi5--ring, we've answered a long-standing question of basic research. In the future, this molecule could play an important role in the development of new materials and chemical processes," said Professor Stefanie Dehnen from KIT's Institute for Inorganic Chemistry, where she heads the cluster-based materials research group. -- According to Dehnen, it is of particular interest that the Bi5⁻-ring has a structure similar to that of the cyclopentadienyl molecule (C5H5)⁻, which has a wide range of industrial applications. -- However, the Bi5⁻-ring differs with its greater mass and unique electronic properties. -- Chemical Puzzle Solved after Decades -- For decades, researchers have sought heavy analogues of the cyclopentadienyl ring, i.e. molecules in which the original carbon and hydrogen atoms are replaced by atoms of heavier elements. -- Such molecules have potentially interesting and attractive properties for catalyzing chemical reactions or for use in materials for electronic components. -- The analogue with atoms of bismuth (a heavy but non-toxic metallic element) had not been produced previously although the ring was predicted to have aromatic properties, such as a stable distribution of electrons, similar to those of (C5H5)⁻. The successful isolation of the ring shows that even the heaviest variants can be integrated in stable compounds and used in chemical reactions. -- High-precision analytical methods, applied in collaboration with groups headed by Professor Florian Weigend from the Institute for Quantum Materials and Technologies (IQMT) and Professor Wolfgang Wernsdorfer from the Physikalisches Institut at KIT, provided detailed insights into the special electronic and magnetic characteristics of the product [{IMesCo}2Bi5]. As expected, the results demonstrated that this molecule is particularly promising for applications in catalysis and electronics. -- Dehnen and her team achieved the synthesis with a combination of experience, intuition and modern synthesis techniques.	C01 T01	594
2513-T025	Advanced Metamaterials Created To Store And Release Significant Energy Efforts	An international research team has created innovative mechanical metamaterials featuring high stiffness and elastic energy density through the clever arrangement of twisted rods. These metamaterials can absorb and release significant amounts of elastic energy, making them valuable for various applications, including energy storage and robotics. Peter Gumbsch from KIT emphasizes the challenge of balancing stiffness and recoverable strain, showcasing the team's success in enhancing material properties.	Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Be it springs for absorbing energy, buffers for mechanical energy storage, or flexible structures in robotics or energy-efficient machines: Storage of mechanical energy is required for many technologies. Kinetic energy, i.e. motion energy or the corresponding mechanical work, is converted into elastic energy in such a way that it can be fully released again when required. The key characteristic here is enthalpy -- the energy density that can be stored in and recovered from an element of the material. Peter Gumbsch, Professor for mechanics of materials at KIT's Institute for Applied Materials (IAM), explains that achieving the highest possible enthalpy is challenging: "The difficulty is to combine conflicting properties: high stiffness, high strength and large recoverable strain." -- Clever Arrangement of Helically Deformed Rods in Metamaterials -- Metamaterials are artificially designed materials that do not occur in nature. -- They are assembled from individually defined units so that their effective material properties can be enhanced. -- Peter Gumbsch, who also heads the Fraunhofer Institute for Mechanics of Materials IWM in Freiburg, and his international research team with members from China and the USA now succeeded in developing mechanical metamaterials with a high recoverable elastic energy density. -- "At first, we detected a mechanism for storing a high amount of energy in a simple round rod without breaking it or deforming it permanently," says Gumbsch. -- "By defining a clever arrangement of the rods, we then integrated this mechanism into a metamaterial." -- The scientists compare this mechanism to a classic bending spring, whose maximum deformation is limited by high tensile and compressive stresses that occur at its top and bottom surfaces and lead to breaking or permanent plastic deformation. -- In such a bending spring, the stresses on the entire inner volume are very low. -- However, if a rod is twisted instead its entire surface is also exposed to high stresses but the interior volume at low stresses is considerably smaller.	H02 T01	595
2501-035	AI Outperforms Experts In Ovarian Cancer Detection Using Ultrasound Images.	An international study led by Karolinska Institutet demonstrates that AI models outperform human experts in identifying ovarian cancer in ultrasound images. The findings highlight the potential of AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy in regions with a shortage of skilled ultrasound professionals, paving the way for better patient outcomes.	Karolinska Institutet	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	A new international study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden shows that AI-based models can outperform human experts at identifying ovarian cancer in ultrasound images. The study is published in Nature Medicine. -- "Ovarian tumours are common and are often detected by chance," says Professor Elisabeth Epstein at the Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset (Stockholm South General Hospital), at Karolinska Institutet and senior consultant at the hospital's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. "There is a serious shortage of ultrasound experts in many parts of the world, which has raised concerns of unnecessary interventions and delayed cancer diagnoses. We therefor wanted to find out if AI can complement human experts." -- AI outperforms experts -- The researchers have developed and validated neural network models able to differentiate between benign and malignant ovarian lesions, having trained and tested the AI on over 17,000 ultrasound images from 3,652 patients across 20 hospitals in eight countries. They then compared the models' diagnostic capacity with a large group of experts and less experienced ultrasound examiners. -- The results showed that the AI models outperformed both expert and non-expert examiners at identifying ovarian cancer, achieving an accuracy rate of 86.3 per cent, compared to 82.6 per cent and 77.7 per cent for the expert and non-expert examiners respectively. -- "This suggests that neural network models can offer valuable support in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, especially in difficult-to-diagnose cases and in settings where there's a shortage of ultrasound experts," says Professor Epstein. -- Reducing the need for expert referrals -- The AI models can also reduce the need for expert referrals. In a simulated triage situation, the AI support cut the number of referrals by 63 per cent and the misdiagnosis rate by 18 per cent. This can lead to faster and more cost-effective care for patients with ovarian lesions. -- Despite the promising results, the researchers stress that further studies are needed before the full potential of the neural network models and their clinical limitations are fully understood. -- "With continued research and development, AI-based tools can be an integral part of tomorrow's healthcare, relieving experts and optimising hospital resources, but we need to make sure that they can be adapted to different clinical environments and patient groups," says Filip Christiansen, doctoral student in Professor Epstein's research group at Karolinska Institutet and joint first author with Emir Konuk at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology.	H02 R01 T01	596
2503-021	Lasting Effects: Weight-Loss Treatment In Childhood Can Reduce Adult Health Risks	A study from Karolinska Institutet highlights that children with obesity who undergo effective weight-loss treatment are less likely to face serious health issues or premature death as young adults. This treatment, which involves behavioral lifestyle therapy focusing on diet, exercise, and sleep, shows promising long-term benefits, though concerns about the persistent risk of depression and anxiety remain. The findings contrast earlier research indicating higher mortality rates linked to obesity in early adulthood, emphasizing the importance of effective childhood interventions.	Karolinska Institutet	JAMA Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	When children with obesity undergo weight-loss treatment, the effects have repercussions later in life and the risk of serious health problems and premature death is lower as they reach young adulthood. However, this is not the case for depression and anxiety, a study from Karolinska Institutet published in JAMA Pediatrics reports. -- The study shows that children and adolescents who respond well to obesity treatment are less likely to develop obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia (abnormally high levels of fat in the blood) as young adults. -- The treatment studied involved support for children with obesity and their families designed to motivate healthy diets, exercise and sleep habits -- what is known as "behavioural lifestyle therapy." -- "The results are very good news," says Emilia Hagman, docent at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology. "Whether or not the treatment of obesity in childhood has long-term health benefits have been debated, since weight-loss is hard to maintain." -- The study shows that children with obesity who respond to treatment also run a lower risk of premature death. A previous study, published in PLOS Medicine by the same research group, has shown that children with obesity have a much higher mortality risk in early adulthood, and were much more likely to die from suicide and somatic conditions. Just over a quarter of deaths were obesity-related. -- "This emphasises the importance of providing early treatment, as we know that timely intervention increases the likelihood of success and helps mitigate the long-term health risks associated with obesity" says Dr Hagman. -- However, the risk of depression and anxiety was not affected by the treatment outcomes in childhood, the JAMA Pediatrics paper shows. No matter the outcome of obesity treatment in childhood, the risk of anxiety and depression was unchanged in young adulthood. -- "It has been believed that weight loss could decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, but we can now show that it's not the case," says Dr Hagman. "Even though there's a link between the two comorbidities, they must be treated in parallel." -- The study included over 6,700 individuals who had received treatment for obesity during childhood identified via the BORIS register (the Swedish Childhood Obesity Treatment Register) and who were then followed up as young adults in the Swedish Patient Register, the Prescribed Drugs Register and the Cause of Death Register. A control group from the general population was also used, matched by age, sex and place of residence. -- GLP1 analogues, which have become popular obesity drugs in recent years, were not part of the study as they were yet approved when the study participants were being treated for obesity. As Dr Hagman points out, it is still uncommon for this type of drug to be administered to children.	H01 H02 R01	597
2503-026	Tailored Treatments: Children’s Unique Immune Responses To Cancer Explored	A groundbreaking study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that children's immune responses to cancer differ significantly from those in adults. Focusing on 191 children with various solid tumors, researchers aim to understand the factors influencing immune activation, which is crucial for developing more effective cancer treatments tailored specifically for pediatric patients. This research has the potential to enhance precision medicine approaches in treating childhood cancers, improving outcomes for young patients.	Karolinska Institutet	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital in Sweden have determined how children's immune systems react to different kinds of cancer depending on their age. The study, which is published in the journal Cell, reveals significant differences between the immune response of children and adults, and has the potential to lead to new tailored treatments for children with cancer. -- "The activation of the immune system is crucial to our ability to fight cancer, but differs between children and adults," says Petter Brodin, professor of paediatric immunology at the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and paediatrician at the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital. -- "If we're to properly treat childhood cancer, we need to find out how the child's immune system is activated and regulated in children with cancer and what factors affect their immune responses." -- New dimension of precision medicine -- The study comprised 191 children between the ages of 0 to 18 who were diagnosed with different types of solid tumours at the Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital between 2018 and 2024. -- The researchers analysed tumour tissue and blood samples to determine the genetic mutations in the tumours and ascertain which genes are and are not active in the immune system. -- "Precision medicine in cancer has mostly focused on the tumour properties," explains Professor Brodin. -- "By characterising the immune system, we're introducing an entirely new dimension that will be instrumental in shaping the future of childhood cancer therapy." -- Difference between children and adults -- The results show that the immune system of children and adults do not react the same to cancer, and that different tumours activate the immune response to varying degrees.	H01 R01	598
2504-002	Pain Management Lacking For Preterm Babies Despite Intensive Care Needs	A comprehensive survey examining pain management in neonatal care has highlighted a significant gap in pain relief for premature infants. Conducted over 4.5 years, the study tracked pain occurrences in 3,686 babies born between 22 and 31 weeks of gestation in Sweden. Findings indicated that extremely preterm infants frequently experience painful procedures, yet healthcare professionals only reported pain in 45% of cases, raising concerns about the adequacy of pain management strategies in neonatal intensive care.	Karolinska Institutet	A nationwide cohort study.	Press Rel	PubMed	A large proportion of babies born very early need intensive care, which can be painful. But the healthcare system fails to provide pain relief to the full extent. This is shown by the largest survey to date of pain in neonatal care, now published in the journal Pain. -- Every day for 4.5 years, neonatal care staff have recorded the occurrence of pain, the causes of pain, and how pain is assessed and treated in premature babies in Sweden. The study covers 3,686 babies born between 22 and 31 weeks of gestation from 2020 to 2024. The total observation time was just over 185,000 days of care. Data were collected in the Swedish Neonatal Quality register. -- In the evaluation of the register data, the researchers found that babies born extremely early, in weeks 22 to 23, had the highest proportion of painful medical conditions and almost daily painful intensive care procedures throughout the first month after birth. However, this is not surprising. -- "There is a strong correlation between acute morbidity and being born very early. The earlier a baby is born, the more intensive care it needs. Intensive care involves procedures that can be painful, such as ventilator treatment, tube feeding, insertion of catheters into blood vessels and surgical procedures. It also requires various tests and investigations that may involve pain," says Mikael Norman, professor of paediatrics at the Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, and lead researcher of the study. -- 90 percent of the most extremely preterm infants had to undergo painful procedures. Despite this, healthcare professionals reported that only 45 percent of babies experienced pain -- which may be because pain was largely prevented or treated. However, a check of the drugs administered suggests other explanations may exist. -- "Somewhat surprisingly, the smallest babies who were most exposed to pain had the lowest proportion of treatment with morphine. This may be a case of undertreatment," says Mikael Norman. -- One limitation is that the study could not determine the duration or severity of pain for each day reported. -- "The caregivers only answered yes or no to the question of whether the infant had experienced any pain in the last 24 hours. This could range from short-term, so-called procedural pain from for example a needle prick during a test to more continuous pain due to various medical conditions. -- "Much is done to alleviate pain in babies. No child in neonatal care is left with severe pain untreated," he continues. -- However, it is a problem and a challenge that healthcare professionals are not always able to determine whether children are in pain.	H01	599
2506-018	Sisters Of Women With Pregnancy Complications Face Higher Cardiovascular Disease Risks	A recent study finds that women with a history of pregnancy complications and their sisters are both at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, even in the absence of complications. This highlights the potential influence of genetic and environmental factors on cardiovascular health, suggesting the need for further investigation into familial patterns of risk.	Karolinska Institutet	European Heart Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Women who have experienced pregnancy complications have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Now, a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the European Heart Journal shows that sisters of women with complicated pregnancies are also at higher risk, even if they had uncomplicated pregnancies. The findings suggest that genes and shared environmental factors may influence the association between pregnancy complications and cardiovascular disease risk. -- It is well known that complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and premature labour, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. -- However, it is unknown whether this association can be explained by familial factors. -- Researchers have investigated this through a registry study of Swedish women who gave birth to their first child between 1992 and 2019. -- The researchers identified women who had experienced pregnancy complications and their sisters who had given birth during the same period but had not experienced a pregnancy complication. -- They compared the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for the women with complicated pregnancies, their sisters with uncomplicated pregnancies and an unrelated control group. -- The study showed that the sisters also had an almost 40 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to the women in the control group. -- "Our results show that the risk of cardiovascular disease after a pregnancy complication does not depend solely on the pregnancy itself, but can be influenced by genes and environmental factors," says lead author Ängla Mantel, docent at the Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet. -- The findings suggest that women with pregnancy complications, and their sisters, may benefit from cardiovascular disease prevention interventions. -- "It may be important to identify these women early to offer preventive treatment for pregnancy complications as well as lifestyle counselling and follow-up for cardiovascular disease risk," says Ängla Mantel.	H01 R01	600
2507-127	Breathing Patterns Influence Pupil Size And Potentially Our Vision	Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a novel connection between breathing and pupil size, revealing a fundamental mechanism that may influence our vision. Their study, published in The Journal of Physiology, indicates that pupils constrict during inhalation and dilate during exhalation, highlighting an unexpected factor affecting visual perception alongside light levels and cognitive emotions.	Karolinska Institutet	Karolinska Institutet	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a fundamental mechanism that affects the size of the pupil, namely our breathing. The study, published in The Journal of Physiology, shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation -- something that could affect our vision. -- Like the aperture in a camera, the pupil controls how much light reaches the eye. -- It is therefore fundamental to our vision and how we perceive our surroundings. -- Three mechanisms that can change the size of the pupil have been known for over a century: the amount of light, focus distance and cognitive factors such as emotion or mental effort. -- Now scientists have discovered a fourth: breathing. The pupil is smallest around inhalation onset and largest during exhalation. -- "This mechanism is unique in that it is cyclical, ever-present and requires no external stimulus," explains Artin Arshamian, associate professor at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, who led the research. -- "Since breathing affects brain activity and cognitive functions, the discovery may contribute to a better understanding of how our vision and attention are regulated." -- The researchers conducted five experiments with over 200 participants, examining how breathing affects pupil size under different conditions. -- The results showed that the effect persisted whether participants breathed quickly or slowly, through their nose or mouth, if lighting conditions or fixation distance varied, if they were resting or performing visual tasks. -- The difference in pupil size between inhalation and exhalation was large enough to theoretically affect vision.	R02	601
2509-014	Certain Antidepressants May Accelerate Cognitive Decline In Dementia Patients	Recent research indicates that certain antidepressants might exacerbate cognitive decline in dementia patients, offering insights into more effective treatment strategies. By analyzing data from the Swedish Dementia Registry, the study suggests that healthcare providers should consider prescribing less harmful medications, as some antidepressants can accelerate the progression of cognitive impairment in affected individuals.	Karolinska Institutet	BMC Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	New research suggests that antidepressants can accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia. At the same time, some drugs appear to be less harmful than others, which can help doctors make better treatment decisions, according to the study published in BMC Medicine. -- Antidepressants are often used to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and sleep disturbances in dementia sufferers. -- However, a new observational study based on data from the Swedish Dementia Registry (SveDem) shows that patients with dementia who are treated with antidepressants experience an increased cognitive decline compared to patients who do not receive this medication. -- The study is based on a comprehensive analysis of registry data from 18,740 patients, of whom approximately 23 percent were treated with antidepressants. During the course of the study, a total of 11,912 prescriptions of antidepressants were registered, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) accounting for 65 percent. -- "Depressive symptoms can both worsen cognitive decline and impair quality of life, so it is important to treat them. Our results can help doctors and other healthcare professionals choose antidepressants that are better adapted for patients with dementia," says Sara Garcia Ptacek, researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, and the study's last author. -- The researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg have followed the patients' cognitive development over time and compared both medicated and non-medicated groups as well as different types of antidepressants. -- Although it is not currently possible to determine whether the cognitive impairment is due to the drugs or to the depressive symptoms themselves, the researchers were able to see that antidepressants were associated with increased cognitive decline. -- Differences between drugs -- The study also points to differences between different drugs. The SSRI escitalopram was associated with the fastest cognitive decline, followed by the SSRIs citalopram and sertraline. -- Mirtazapine, which has a different mechanism of action, had less negative cognitive impact than escitalopram.	H01 H02 R02	602
2510-033	Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies Linked To Increased Risk Of Multiple Sclerosis	New research from Sweden and Stanford reveals that a combination of viral antibodies and genetic predispositions significantly increases the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study highlights the role of the Epstein-Barr virus, common in many adults, in triggering an immune response that can erroneously target brain proteins, suggesting novel preventive strategies for MS.	Karolinska Institutet	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	In multiple sclerosis (MS), antibodies to the common Epstein-Barr virus can accidentally attack a protein in the brain and spinal cord. New research shows that the combination of certain viral antibodies and genetic risk factors can be linked to a greatly increased risk of MS. The study has been published in the journal PNAS and led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and Stanford University School of Medicine, USA. -- An estimated 90 to 95 percent of adults are carriers of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and have formed antibodies against it. Many become infected as children with few or no symptoms, but in young adults, the virus can cause glandular fever. -- After infection, the virus remains in the body in a dormant (latent) phase without active virus production. -- Attacking a protein in the brain -- Everyone affected by the neurological disease MS, where the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, is a carrier of EBV. -- However, the mechanisms behind the association are not fully understood. -- Now, researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Stanford Medicine have confirmed that antibodies to an EBV protein called EBNA1 can inadvertently react with a similar protein in the brain called GlialCAM, which probably contributes to the development of MS. The new study also shows how different combinations of antibodies and genetic risk factors for MS contribute to the risk increase. -- "A better understanding of these mechanisms may ultimately lead to better diagnostic tools and treatments for MS," says Tomas Olsson, professor of neurology at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, who led the research there with professor Ingrid Kockum and assistant professor Olivia Thomas. -- The researchers analysed blood samples from 650 MS patients and 661 healthy people. -- They compared the levels of antibodies directed against the viral protein EBNA1 and the levels of misdirected antibodies against GlialCAM and two other proteins in the brain, ANO2 and CRYAB, which are also similar to EBNA1.	H01 R01 R02	603
2511-087	Importance Of Continued Medication For Heart Failure Patients Highlighted	A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that heart failure patients who improve their pump function are still at heightened risk for heart-related deaths or hospitalizations if they discontinue their medications. Researchers stress the importance of maintaining treatment, even when symptoms improve, as evidenced by data from over 8,700 patients analyzed through the Swedish Heart Failure Registry.	Karolinska Institutet	Circulation	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients who have been treated for heart failure and experience an improvement of their pump function, are still at higher risk of heart-related death or hospitalisation if they stop taking heart failure medications. This is according to a new study from Karolinska Institutet published in the journal Circulation. -- "Our finding raises awareness about the importance of implementing and not withdrawing medical treatments in daily clinical practice even if patients with heart failure experience an improvement in symptoms and pump function," says the study's last author Gianluigi Savarese, docent and senior lecturer at the Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet and senior cardiologist at Södersjukhuset. -- Using data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry, RiksSvikt, the researchers have analysed more than 8,700 patients with heart failure whose heart pump function, the ejection fraction, was initially impaired (below 40 percent) but later improved to 40 percent or more. -- By linking RiksSvikt with other national registers, the researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Linköping University, Sweden, and the University of Naples, Italy, among others, were able to track hospitalisations and deaths in patients who stopped or continued various heart failure treatments. -- Increased morbidity and mortality -- The observational study shows that patients who stopped taking medication of the type RASi (renin-angiotensin system inhibitors), ARNi (angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors) or MRA (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) had between 36 and 38 percent higher risk of heart-related death or hospitalisation within one year of medication discontinuation. -- However, stopping beta-blocker medication was only associated with a higher risk in patients whose heart function had only moderately improved. -- "Our results show that heart failure medications continue to provide important benefits even when heart function has improved," says Gianluigi Savarese. "This supports the current recommendation to continue with RASi/ARNi and MRA treatment, but also opens up the possibility of reconsidering whether beta-blockers can be discontinued in certain patients whose heart function has recovered well." -- More tailored treatment strategies -- Since it was an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about causality. It cannot be ruled out that the results were influenced by residual confounding. The researchers are now planning further studies to confirm the results.	H01 H02 R01	604
2512-040	Fatty Liver Disease Associated With Higher Mortality Risks From Various Conditions	Fatty Liver Disease Associated With Higher Mortality Risks From Various Conditions	Karolinska Institutet	Journal of Hepatology	Press Rel	PubMed	A comprehensive study from Karolinska Institutet shows that people with fatty liver disease have almost twice the mortality rate of the general population. They have an increased risk of dying from both liver diseases and common diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to the study published in The Journal of Hepatology. -- It is estimated that one in five people in Sweden has fatty liver disease known as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), and globally it may be as many as one in four. -- The disease is caused by overweight or obesity and is characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, which can lead to severe liver damage and liver cancer. -- Hidden health condition -- "Many people are not aware that they have fatty liver disease because it rarely causes any symptoms in the earlier stages," says Axel Wester, assistant professor at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet and physician at Karolinska University Hospital. -- "Our study shows that people diagnosed with MASLD have an increased risk of dying from many different diseases, not just liver disease." -- The researchers identified all patients diagnosed with MASLD in Sweden between 2002 and 2020, more than 13,000 patients in total, and analysed their risk of death from different causes compared to the general population. -- The overall mortality rate for people with MASLD was almost twice as high. -- The risk was elevated for nearly all causes of death studied, but especially for death from liver disease (27 times higher mortality) and liver cancer (35 times higher mortality). However, the most common causes of death were cardiovascular disease and non-liver cancer, with mortality rates 54 and 47 per cent higher, respectively. -- A holistic approach	R01	605
2513-030	Predicting Dementia Ten Years Early Through Blood Biomarkers In Older Adults	In an insightful study published in Nature Medicine, researchers from the Karolinska Institutet have identified specific blood biomarkers that can predict dementia, including Alzheimer's, up to a decade before clinical diagnosis. This groundbreaking work involved analyzing over 2,100 cognitively healthy older adults, emphasizing the importance of community-based studies in understanding dementia's early indicators compared to previous research focused on individuals with cognitive concerns.	Karolinska Institutet	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have demonstrated how specific biomarkers in the blood can predict the development of dementia up to ten years before diagnosis, among older adults living independently in the community. -- A new study, published in Nature Medicine, has investigated the potential of specific biomarkers such as tau217, Neurofilament Light (NfL), and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) to predict the occurrence of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, up to ten years before an actual diagnosis in cognitively healthy older adults living in the community. -- Previous research has suggested that these biomarkers could be useful in early dementia diagnostics, but most studies involved individuals who have already sought medical care for cognitive issues, due to cognitive concerns or cognitive symptoms, such as memory difficulties. -- A larger, community-based study, was necessary to determine the predictive value of biomarkers in the general population. -- Led by researchers from the Aging Research Center of Karolinska Institutet in collaboration with SciLifeLab and KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, the study analysed blood biomarkers in more than 2,100 adults aged 60+, who were followed over time to determine if they developed dementia. -- At a follow-up ten years later, 17 percent of participants had developed dementia. The accuracy of the biomarkers used in the study was found to be up to 83 percent. -- "This is an encouraging result, especially considering the 10-year predictive window between testing and diagnosis. It shows that it is possible to reliably identify individuals who develop dementia and those who will remain healthy," says Giulia Grande, assistant professor at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, and first author of the study. -- "Our findings imply that if an individual has low levels of these biomarkers, their risk of developing dementia over the next decade is minimal," explains Davide Vetrano, associate professor at the same department and the study's senior author. "This information could offer reassurance to individuals worried about their cognitive health, as it potentially rules out the future development of dementia." -- However, the researchers also observed that these biomarkers had low positive predictive values, meaning elevated biomarker levels alone could not reliably identify individuals who would surely develop dementia within the next ten years. Therefore, the study authors advise against widespread use of these biomarkers as screening tools in the population at this stage. -- "These biomarkers are promising, but they are currently not suitable as standalone screening tests to identify dementia risk in the general population," says Davide Vetrano.	A01 H01 H02 R02 C01	606
2513-093	Genetic Barcoding Offers Insight Into Embryonic Development Of The Nervous System	Karolinska Institutet researchers have developed a method to trace the formation of the nervous system and sensory organs in embryos, using a genetic 'barcode' to track stem cells. This groundbreaking study provides insights into inner ear development in mice, offering potential implications for understanding and treating hearing loss in humans.	Karolinska Institutet	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method that shows how the nervous system and sensory organs are formed in an embryo. By labelling stem cells with a genetic 'barcode', they have been able to follow the cells' developmental journey and discover how the inner ear is formed in mice. The discovery, published in Science, could provide important insights for future treatment of hearing loss. -- "Our study shows how different cell types arise from stem cells in the embryo and how they are organised to create important structures in the brain," explains Emma Andersson, docent at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. -- "You could say that we have created a family tree for the cells of the nervous system and the inner ear." -- Replacing damaged cells -- The researchers used a technique where they injected a virus into mouse stem cells at an early stage of development. -- The virus contained a genetic 'barcode' that was integrated into the DNA of the stem cells and then inherited as the cells divided. -- By following this code, the researchers could track how the cells developed into different types of neurons and cells in the inner ear. -- The results showed that cells in the inner ear, which are crucial for hearing, develop from two main types of stem cells. -- This knowledge could lead to new treatments for hearing loss. -- "Tracing the origin and development of cells gives us a unique opportunity to understand the basic mechanisms behind hearing loss," says Emma Andersson.	R01 R02	607
2502-T014	The Plastic Waste Crisis: Challenges In Recycling	The rise in plastic use poses significant environmental challenges, with EU statistics revealing alarming levels of plastic packaging waste. In 2021, the average individual in the EU generated 36 kg of plastic waste, with inadequate recycling efforts compounding the microplastic crisis. Proper waste management strategies are crucial to address the ecological consequences of plastic pollution and safeguard human health.	Kaunas University of Technology	Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	"Microplastic particles are currently found almost everywhere -- in water, food, fish, and even breast milk," says Artūras Torkelis, a PhD student at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). He emphasises that proper waste management is essential for reducing these risks. -- The use of plastic in Europe has skyrocketed over the past decade. -- Recent statistics reveal that in 2021, each person in the European Union (EU) generated an average of 36 kg of plastic packaging waste. -- Of the more than 16 million tonnes of plastic packaging generated that year, only 6.5 million tonnes were recycled. -- Plastic recycling remains a serious problem. Inadequate recycling not only increases the amount of waste left in landfills, incineration plants and nature but also contributes to the formation of microplastics, which threaten both ecosystems and human health. -- According to Torkelis, to improve the situation, the waste management process cannot be addressed from only one side. -- It is a multidimensional problem, and therefore, the approach to it must be broad and systemic. -- "Focusing solely on improving recycling technologies or finding new methods without considering economic, environment and legal aspects would be a mistake. This approach won't just fail to solve the problem, it could also lead to shortfalls when considering other aspects," says Torkelis. -- To better understand how external factors influence plastic packaging recycling, KTU researchers conducted a macro-environmental analysis that examined six key areas: political, economical, social, technological, ecological, and legal factors. -- Challenge #1: Outdated waste management regulations	A01 H01 N01 N02	608
2505-E014	Energy Sector's Role In Climate Change: A Dual Challenge And Opportunity	The energy sector plays a dual role in climate change, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while also being central to mitigation strategies. Lithuania’s ongoing energy transformation aims to align with sustainable development goals, showcasing how even small nations can drive meaningful change. By focusing on reducing emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, the country exemplifies the potential for localized efforts to contribute to global climate goals.	Kaunas University of Technology	Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	The hormone insulin plays a central role in the metabolism of many living organisms. When food is plentiful, insulin promotes the absorption and storage of energy. In times of hunger, however, insulin secretion is reduced; the body conserves energy or searches for alternative energy sources. It is crucial for survival that this system is finely tuned. If it gets out of balance, there is a risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. -- Humans produce insulin in their pancreas. In the fruit fly Drosophila, however, the hormone is produced by nerve cells located on the brain. -- These cells release the insulin directly into the haemolymph -- the fluid that fulfils the functions of blood in insects. -- Apart from this, however, the insulin system of the fly is very similar to that of humans. -- Scientists at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) in Bavaria, Germany, have now taken a closer look at the insulin-producing cells of the fruit fly. -- They aimed to unravel how these cells in the fly's brain work together with other neurons to produce a concerted response to metabolic demands and internal state changes. -- The results have been published in the scientific journal eLife. Dr Jan Ache, head of an Emmy Noether group at the Department of Neurobiology and Genetics at the JMU Biocentre, is responsible for the study. -- Tracking the Activity of Individual Cells -- How do insulin-producing cells (IPC) in living insects react to changes in energy balance? -- Little is known about this so far. To close this knowledge gap, Jan Ache's team used an approach that allows recording the activity of individual IPCs in living fruit flies under different conditions.	C01	609
2505-E032	Dynamic Capabilities Essential For Greener Business Practices, Study On Manufacturing Companies Finds	Research from Kaunas University of Technology emphasizes the importance of dynamic capabilities within organizations for advancing greener business practices. By analyzing data from 139 manufacturing companies, the study finds that financial and technological expertise, combined with adaptability to regulations and consumer demands, are crucial for achieving a successful green transition. The research highlights the systemic challenges companies face and suggests that integrating sustainability into standard operational practices requires innovative collaboration and resource mobilization among various stakeholders.	Kaunas University of Technology	Business Strategy and the Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Tanenbaum group at the Hubrecht Institute have developed a new microscopy technique to observe how ribosomes function in cells. With this method, they can monitor individual ribosomes as they convert mRNA into proteins. The researchers discovered that ribosomes help each other when encountering difficulties, a process they refer to as 'ribosome cooperativity'. This technique and the findings, published in Cell, provide insights into how proteins are made and offer other researchers a tool to better study mRNA translation. -- Our DNA contains genetic information essential for our body's functions. Before our body can use this information, it is copied to mRNA, a type of messenger molecule. The mRNA carries this information to the ribosomes in the cell, which then read it and produce proteins. Proteins are crucial for various processes in the body. The transfer of genetic information to proteins is known as mRNA translation. -- Watching ribosomes in action -- "Sometimes, the mRNA contains sections that are challenging to translate into protein. We still don't fully understand how ribosomes manage these sections," says Maximilian Madern, one of the study's lead authors. "That's why we wanted to engineer a new imaging technology to gain a better understanding of how ribosomes carry out their jobs." This new technique enables researchers to monitor an individual ribosome over time during mRNA translation. -- Using their technique, the team already gained new insights into how ribosomes function. "We observed that individual ribosomes move at slightly different speeds and sometimes pause for extended periods," explains Sora Yang, the study's second lead author. Due to their differences in speed ribosomes might collide, slowing down protein production. "Detecting these speed differences was challenging," Yang continues. "So, we teamed up with Marianne Bauer's group of computational scientists at TU Delft's Department of Bionanoscience. With their expertise, we could demonstrate that ribosomes indeed operate at different speeds." -- Ribosomes getting stuck -- The team also made an important discovery about ribosome collisions -- where one ribosome runs into another due to a tricky RNA segment or differences in speed for example. "We found that brief collisions do not immediately trigger the cell's quality control mechanisms," states Madern. "Normally, these mechanisms would remove collided ribosomes, but they kick in only if the collision lasts several minutes." -- Collisions not so bad after all -- To their surprise, the researchers found that these temporary collisions could be beneficial, contrary to previous beliefs. Ribosomes appear to 'help' each other in navigating difficult-to-translate RNA sections, a phenomenon they call 'ribosome cooperativity'. "This allows ribosomes to endure short collisions on problematic RNA sections, thereby promoting continuous protein production," Madern explains. -- Application	A01	610
2510-E029	Advanced Forest Monitoring Needed To Keep Up With Rapid Environmental Changes	Experts from Kaunas University of Technology propose new technological solutions to enhance forest monitoring amid rapid environmental changes. Traditional methods fall short in detecting irreversible damage caused by climate change, pests, and human activities, prompting the need for innovative systems to monitor forest health in real time.	Kaunas University of Technology	Forests	Press Rel	PubMed	"Forests are among the most important ecosystems in nature, constantly evolving, yet their monitoring is often delayed," says Rytis Maskeliūnas, a professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Climate change, pests, and human activity are transforming forests faster than we can track them -- some changes become apparent only when the damage is already irreversible. -- KTU researchers are proposing innovative technological solutions: an innovative forest regeneration model and a sound analysis system that can predict forest conditions and detect environmental changes in real time. -- Forest management today is increasingly challenged by environmental changes that have intensified in recent years. -- "Forests, especially in regions like Lithuania, are highly sensitive to rising winter temperatures. A combination of factors is causing trees to weaken, making them more vulnerable to pests," says Maskeliūnas. -- According to the scientist, traditional monitoring methods such as foresters' visual inspections or trap-based monitoring are no longer sufficient. -- "We will never have enough people to continuously observe what is happening in forests," he explains. -- To improve forest protection, KTU researchers have employed artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis. -- These technologies enable not only real-time forest monitoring but also predictive analysis, allowing early intervention in response to environmental changes. -- Spruce trees are particularly affected by climate change -- One key solution is the forest regeneration dynamics model, which forecasts how forests will grow and change over time.	C01 N02 T01	611
2513-T015	Using Soil As Thermal Energy Storage Offers Innovative Solutions For Energy Needs	Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology are exploring soil as an efficient thermal energy storage solution, aiming to harness waste heat for later use. By investigating ground-based heat accumulators, they seek to utilize natural resources more effectively, turning excess heat into a valuable energy source during peak demand periods.	Kaunas University of Technology	Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	When spring arrives and the heating season comes to an end, keeping warm becomes less of an issue. However, scientists remind us that it is not just a seasonal necessity -- heat is also a valuable energy resource that can be stored and used when needed most. Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) have discovered an innovative solution beneath our feet: using soil as an efficient thermal energy storage system. -- KTU professor Dr Tadas Ždankus and his team have been investigating how the ground can serve not only for construction purposes but also as a medium for heat storage. -- At the core of their research is a ground-based heat accumulator that would store excess energy underground and make it available when demand peaks. -- "Our goal was to convert heat, which would normally dissipate into the ground as waste, into a useful energy source," explains Dr Ždankus. -- Underground heat storage potential -- At the beginning of their research, Prof. Ždankus and the team explored how wind energy could be used to produce heat instead of electricity. -- Instead of a conventional generator, they employed a hydraulic system. -- The researchers found that so-called hydraulic losses, typically seen as inefficiencies, were actually generating usable heat. -- "The hydraulic losses we were trying so hard to eliminate turned out to be nothing less than heat generation," says a KTU professor. -- However, a portion of this heat was lost before reaching the buildings it was meant to warm during colder seasons.	A01 C01	612
2502-E007	Mammalian Outer Ear Evolutionary Origin Linked To Ancient Fish And Marine Invertebrates	Researchers have discovered that the mammalian outer ear may have evolved from the gills of ancient fish, revealing a surprising connection in their development. This study illuminates the transformative nature of evolutionary biology, showcasing how structures can adapt over time to serve new functions in different contexts, particularly in the unique anatomy of mammals.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The outer ear is unique to mammals, but its evolutionary origin has remained a mystery. According to a new study published in Nature from the USC Stem Cell lab of Gage Crump, this intricate coil of cartilage has a surprisingly ancient origin in the gills of fishes and marine invertebrates. -- "When we started the project, the evolutionary origin of the outer ear was a complete black box," said corresponding author Crump, professor of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. -- "We had been studying the development and regeneration of the jawbones of fishes, and an inspiration for us was Stephen Jay Gould's famous essay 'An earful of jaw,' which laid out how fish jawbones transformed into the middle ear bones of mammals. This made us wonder whether the cartilaginous outer ear may also have arisen from some ancestral fish structure." -- The first clue toward cracking this mystery was the team's discovery that gills and outer ears are both composed of a relatively rare tissue type: elastic cartilage. -- "When we started the study, there was very little out there about whether elastic cartilage existed outside of mammals," said Crump. -- "So it wasn't really known if fish had elastic cartilage or not. It turns out that they do." -- Gills and outer ears look and function quite differently from one another. -- They also do not mineralize, which means they are rarely recovered in the fossil record. -- Therefore, a new type of approach was needed to determine if they were evolutionarily related. -- The study's first author Mathi Thiruppathy, a PhD student in the Crump lab, focused on gene control elements called enhancers.	R01 N01	613
2509-076	New Approach Offers Hope Against Toxic Protein Linked To Alzheimer's Disease	Scientists have identified a new method to counteract the neurodegenerative effects of glutamate, a neurotransmitter linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Their research utilized lab mice and human brain organoids to investigate the toxic buildup of tau proteins and discovered that suppressing a specific gene, KCTD20, mitigates this toxicity. This approach could pave the way for novel therapies aimed at reducing the risks associated with glutamate-induced neurodegeneration.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	The neurotransmitter glutamate is essential for regulating everything from mood to memory, but it can also encourage a toxic buildup of the notorious tau protein, which can contribute to Alzheimer's and related diseases. In a USC Stem Cell-led study published in Neuron, scientists describe a new approach for counteracting these devastating and often fatal neurodegenerative effects. -- In the study, supported by the National Institutes of Health, first authors Joshua Berlind and Jesse Lai made their discovery by studying lab mice as well as human brain "organoids," which are rudimentary brain-like structures grown in the lab. The scientists produced these organoids from stem cells derived from healthy people as well as from patients with neurodegenerative diseases related to tau toxicity. -- When exposed to glutamate, the organoids -- particularly the ones derived from patients with neurodegenerative diseases -- exhibited a toxic buildup of tau protein as well as neurodegeneration and nerve cell death. Mice with a mutation in tau, which causes a common form of dementia, displayed similar pathologies. -- "Many potential drugs have been developed to mitigate the neurodegenerative effects of glutamate toxicity, but they've had mixed results in clinical trials," said corresponding author Justin Ichida, who is the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, a New York Stem Cell Foundation-Robertson Investigator, and a USC Merkin Scholar. "One challenge is that directly limiting the activity of glutamate, a key neurotransmitter, can have negative consequences, such as motor or memory deficits or even reduced consciousness." -- Taking a different approach, the scientists screened for genes that respond to glutamate and identified a gene called KCTD20. When the scientists suppressed the activity of this gene in the organoids and in the mice, glutamate did not produce the same ill effects in terms of either tau buildup or neurodegeneration. -- Through additional experiments, the team discovered that suppressing this gene activated cellular compartments called lysosomes, which enveloped the toxic tau proteins and expelled them from the organoids' cells. -- "Our study points towards enhancing tau protein clearance as an important therapeutic strategy, rather than aiming to limit glutamate activity," said Lai, who completed his postdoctoral training in the Ichida Lab and Amgen and now works at Dewpoint Therapeutics. -- Berlind, a postdoc in the Ichida Lab, added: "This is a promising new direction for developing targeted treatments for patients with tau-related neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease." -- Additional co-authors include Cecilia Lie, Jokabeth Vicente, Kelsey Lam, Sheron Guo, and Jonathan Chang from USC; and Violeta Yu from Dewpoint Therapeutics. -- This work was supported by federal funding from the National Institutes of Health (grants NINDS/NIA F31NS117075 and NINDS 1R01NS097850-01) and the Department of Defense (grant 12907280). Additional support came from an Amgen postdoctoral fellowship, the New York Stem Cell Foundation, the Tau Consortium, the Harrington Discovery Institute, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia, and the John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation.	H01 H02 R02 T01	614
2509-077	Stress During Pregnancy Linked To Higher Blood Pressure In New Mothers	Research from Keck School of Medicine indicates that psychosocial stress during pregnancy correlates with elevated blood pressure in the first year postpartum. The study illustrates that women who report higher stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy are likely to experience greater blood pressure issues after giving birth, thus contributing to the understanding of maternal health and the potential long-term effects of stress on women.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	Hypertension	Press Rel	PubMed	Psychosocial stress during pregnancy could lead to higher blood pressure during the first year postpartum according to research from Keck School of Medicine of USC. -- The study, published in Hypertension and supported by the National Institutes of Health, investigated whether mothers who reported higher perceived stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy, developed higher blood pressure in the four-year period after birth. -- The findings showed higher stress and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated with greater blood pressure during the first year postpartum, but associations diminished thereafter. -- "Pregnancy is a complex time where women experience different physiological changes," says Noelle Pardo, the lead author of the study and third year doctoral student in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at Keck School of Medicine. -- "This study is building on maternal health research to understand how stressors impact women's lives and their health after pregnancy." -- The study included data from 225 mothers from the MADRES pregnancy cohort which primarily consists of Hispanic women, and low-income participants living in Los Angeles. -- Hispanic women have a high burden of cardiovascular risk, and there is growing evidence linking psychosocial stressors to poor cardiovascular health, which is a leading cause of death among women in the US. -- In addition to prenatal psychosocial stress, Pardo explored whether prenatal neighborhood social cohesion was a protective factor for postpartum hypertension risk -- a first investigation of its kind. -- This refers to the sense of connection and trust a pregnant woman experiences in her community. -- According to her findings, social structures that promoted cohesion may have had a positive influence throughout pregnancy into the postpartum period and were associated with lower blood pressure.	H02	615
2511-007	Inflammation's Impact On Bone Health: New Research Reveals Key Connections	A study from Keck School of Medicine at USC has linked inflammation-related proteins to changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. This pioneering research suggests potential biomarkers for predicting future bone health issues, paving the way for preventive strategies against osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	Journal of Bone and Mineral Research	Press Rel	PubMed	In one of the first studies of its kind, a team of researchers from Keck School of Medicine of USC has found that proteins and pathways involved in inflammation are associated with changes in bone mineral density (BMD) over time. Findings from the study were published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. -- The research, which was supported by the National Institutes of Health, could potentially lead to the identification of biomarkers that would serve as early indicators of a person's risk for bone health issues later in life. -- Bone mineral density is a measure of bone strength quantified by the amount of minerals in bone tissue. -- It peaks during young adulthood and slowly declines over the rest of the life cycle. -- BMD serves as an important marker for bone health and is commonly used to predict the risk of osteoporosis and other bone health conditions. -- "Proteins are also substantial in the formation and maintenance of bone, and recently more studies have been trying to identify individual proteins associated with bone health," says Emily Beglarian, the lead author and an epidemiology doctoral candidate in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine. -- The study followed 304 obese/overweight Latino adolescents between the ages of 8 to 13 at baseline from the Study of Latino Adolescents at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes over an average period of three years. -- The researchers examined associations between over 650 proteins and annual measures of BMD, making this one of the first studies to evaluate these associations over years of follow-up. The proteins found to be associated with BMD were then inputted into a protein pathway database. -- "The software determined what pathways the proteins were involved in within the human body. Our primary findings were that many of the proteins associated with BMD were involved in inflammatory and immune pathways in adolescent populations. There are other studies that found some of these same pathways were associated in older adult populations," says Beglarian. -- Existing studies suggest chronic inflammation can disrupt normal bone metabolism leading to lower BMD.	A01 R01	616
2511-067	Mid-Pregnancy Blood Pressure Variation: A Hidden Hypertension Risk	New findings indicate that women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy but lacking a mid-pregnancy drop are at increased risk for hypertension post-birth. Although current guidelines do not classify them as high-risk, this research can help identify individuals needing early intervention, enhancing maternal health outcomes. The longitudinal study tracked blood pressure changes in a diverse group of women over five years.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	JACC: Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Women with blood pressure levels in a range considered clinically normal during pregnancy but no mid-pregnancy drop in blood pressure face an increased risk of developing hypertension in the five years after giving birth. These women -- about 12% of the population studied -- would not be flagged as high-risk by current medical guidelines, but the new findings could help identify them as candidates for early intervention. The findings were just published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Advances. -- Funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, researchers collected data on blood pressure and other health factors from 854 women during pregnancy and up to five years postpartum. -- That longitudinal approach allowed them to map the trajectory of women's blood pressure throughout pregnancy and to spot a link between specific blood pressure patterns and hypertension several years later. -- For most women in the study (80.2%), systolic blood pressure remained low throughout pregnancy. -- In 7.4% of women, blood pressure started out high, dropped during the second trimester, then increased again. -- A third group of women (12.4%) had slightly elevated systolic blood pressure that remained at a healthy level throughout pregnancy, but did not drop during the second trimester. -- Compared to the first group, these women faced a 4.91 times higher risk of hypertension in the five years after giving birth. -- "This group of women would not be identified as having higher long-term hypertension risk by any of the current clinical criteria, since their blood pressure remained below diagnostic thresholds and most did not have other traditional risk factors," said Shohreh Farzan, PhD, associate professor of population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the study's senior author. -- The findings suggest that tracking blood pressure patterns during pregnancy could help identify this underrecognized group and plan interventions that may prevent cardiovascular disease, said the study's first author, Zhongzheng (Jason) Niu, PhD, a Presidential Sustainability Solutions Fellow at USC and an assistant professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo. -- An unexpected risk	Z01	617
2513-075	Shared Genes Could Unlock Potential For Hearing And Vision Regeneration	A recent study uncovers the potential for regenerating cells in the ear and eye by analyzing the Hippo pathway, a group of genes that inhibit cell growth. By understanding how this pathway functions in embryonic development and its impact on adult sensory receptors, researchers hope to pave the way for advancements in restoring hearing and vision in humans.	Keck School of Medicine of USC	PNAS	Press Rel	PubMed	The same genes could hold the key to regenerating cells in the ear and eye, according to a new mouse study from the USC Stem Cell laboratory of Ksenia Gnedeva, PhD, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). -- "The proliferation of progenitor cells in response to injury is a crucial step in the regeneration of sensory receptors, but this process is blocked in the mammalian inner ear and retina. By understanding the genes that enforce this block, we can advance efforts to restore hearing and vision in patients," said Gnedeva, an assistant professor in the USC Tina and Rick Caruso Department of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, and the Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. -- In the study, first authors Eva Jahanshir and Juan Llamas from the Gnedeva lab focused on a group of interacting genes called the Hippo pathway, which serve as a "stop growing" signal that the lab has shown to inhibit cell proliferation in the ear during embryonic development. -- In their experiments, the scientists demonstrated that the Hippo pathway also suppresses the regeneration of damaged sensory receptors in the ear and eye of adult mice. -- The scientists used an experimental compound that the lab earlier developed to inhibit a key protein in the Hippo pathway: Lats1/2. When exposed to this drug-like compound in a Petri dish, the progenitor cells known as supporting cells responded by proliferating in the utricle, which is a sensory organ in the inner ear that helps with balance. -- However, the same cells did not respond in the organ of Corti, which is the hearing sensory organ. -- The scientists next identified what was blocking this important step towards sensory cell regeneration in the organ of Corti -- a gene encoding a protein called p27Kip1 -- and showed that this inhibitory protein was also high in the retina. -- They created a transgenic mouse in which the level of p27Kip1 could be reduced in the inner ear and the retina to see how that would impact the proliferation of progenitor cells in response in both organs. -- In these mice, inhibiting the Hippo pathway effectively caused supporting cells proliferation in the organ of Corti, an important step towards the regeneration of the ear's sensory cells. -- In the retina, inhibiting the Hippo pathway induced the proliferation of progenitor cells known as Müller glia.	Z01	618
2504-035	One-Minute Video Game Accurately Identifies Autism In Children With High Success Rate	A collaborative effort has resulted in the development of a one-minute video game, the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI), which can effectively distinguish children with autism from those with ADHD or neurotypical development. This innovative tool utilizes motion-tracking technology to assess motor imitation skills, marking a promising advance in autism identification methods.	Kennedy Krieger Institute	Submitted to PsyArXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	A new one-minute video game is able to accurately and efficiently identify children with autism from those who have ADHD or are neurotypical. -- Developed by researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Nottingham Trent University, the tool, called the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI), uses motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills. -- In the study, 183 children, ages 7-13, were asked to copy the dance-like movements of a video avatar for one minute, while their imitation performance was measured using CAMI. -- The video game tool was able to correctly distinguish children with autism vs. neurotypical children with a 80% success rate. -- CAMI also differentiated autism from ADHD with 70% accuracy. -- Researchers say that this is a particular challenge because ADHD and autism often co-occur, and it can be hard to identify the diagnoses, even by expert clinicians. -- Dr. Stewart Mostofsky, a pediatric neurologist and director of the Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research at Kennedy Krieger Institute and co-author of the study, says this tool is a step forward in how we diagnose autism. -- "Diagnosing autism can be challenging, especially when children have overlapping traits with other conditions like ADHD. If the condition is misdiagnosed, it can impact support and resources for the child." said Dr. Mostofsky. -- It is often time-consuming to diagnose autism, requiring highly trained clinicians and costing families an estimated $1,500 to $3,000 annually, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. -- Dr. Bahar Tunçgenç, senior author and social development expert at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Autism is traditionally seen as a social-communication disorder, but we now know sensory-motor difficulties, like motor imitation, play a key role in shaping social and communication skills. CAMI identifies autism by tapping into these challenges, which are distinct from ADHD." She added, "What makes CAMI exciting is its simplicity. Video games are fun for kids, fast for clinicians, and provide clear results."	A01 H01 T01	619
2502-E002	Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Young Adults Linked To Structural Brain Differences	A study from King's College London reveals that over half of 23-year-olds exhibit restrictive or uncontrolled eating behaviors, with structural brain differences potentially influencing these habits. By examining the interplay between genetics, brain structure, and disordered eating, researchers aim to better understand the development of such behaviors and their long-term impact on mental health.	King's College London	Nature Mental Health	Press Rel	PubMed	More than half of 23-year-olds in a European study show restrictive, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviours, according to new research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London. Structural brain differences appear to play a role in the development of these eating habits. -- The study, published in Nature Mental Health, investigates the links between genetics, brain structure and disordered eating behaviours in young people. Researchers found that the process of 'brain maturation', whereby the volume and thickness of the cortex (the outer layer of the brain) decreases during adolescence, is a factor in whether teenagers develop restrictive or emotional/uncontrolled eating behaviours in young adulthood. -- Restrictive eating behaviors, such as dieting and purging, involve the deliberate limitation of food intake to control body weight and shape. In contrast, emotional or uncontrolled eating behaviors, like binge-eating, are characterised by episodes of consuming food in response to negative emotions or compulsive urges. -- The researchers analysed data from 996 adolescents in the IMAGEN longitudinal cohort in England, Ireland, France and Germany. Participants provided genetic data, completed questionnaires about their wellbeing and eating behaviours, and had an MRI scan at ages 14 and 23. At age 23, participants were categorised into three types of eating behaviours: healthy eaters (42 per cent), restrictive eaters (33 per cent) and emotional or uncontrolled eaters (25 per cent). -- The study found that the three groups had different patterns of mental health and behaviour over time. -- Young people with unhealthy eating behaviours (restrictive and emotional/uncontrolled) at age 23 had higher levels of both internalising problems (for example, anxiety or depression) and externalising problems (for example, hyperactivity, inattention or conduct problems) at age 14, compared to healthy eaters. Internalising problems significantly increased with age between 14 to 23 among unhealthy eaters. Although externalising problems decreased with age in all groups, overall levels were higher among those with emotional or uncontrolled eating. -- Restrictive eaters dieted more throughout adolescence compared to healthy eaters. Emotional/uncontrolled eaters increased their dieting between ages 14 to 16 and binge eating between ages 14 to 19, compared to healthy eaters. Unhealthy eating behaviours were linked with obesity and increased genetic risk for high BMI. -- Researchers analysed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data at 14 and 23 years to investigate brain maturation over time and how much the volume and thickness of the cortex had decreased. Results indicated that brain maturation was delayed and less pronounced in unhealthy eaters. It played a role in the link between mental health problems at age 14 and development of unhealthy eating behaviours at age 23 and this connection was unrelated to BMI. Reduced brain maturation also helped explain how genetic risk for high BMI influences unhealthy eating behaviours at age 23. -- In particular, reduced maturation of the cerebellum -- a brain region that controls appetite -- helped explain the link between genetic risk for high BMI and restrictive eating behaviours at age 23. -- The research, which received funding from the Medical Research Foundation, Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, highlights how brain maturation, genetics and mental health difficulties interact to contribute to eating disorder symptoms.	A01 H01 H02 T01	620
2504-058	Calorie Labels On Menus May Worsen Eating Disorders Among Affected Individuals	A new study finds that calorie labels on restaurant menus can adversely affect individuals with eating disorders, prompting behavioral changes that reinforce disordered eating patterns. The review suggests that these labels may trigger negative thoughts and behaviors, highlighting the need for careful consideration of nutritional labeling policies, especially regarding vulnerable populations struggling with eating disorders.	King's College London	BMJ Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Calorie labels on restaurant menus are negatively impacting people with eating disorders, according to a new study published today in the BMJ Public Health. -- The review, which is the first of its kind, is led by researchers at King's College London. It found that individuals who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder changed their behaviours if presented with a menu featuring calorie labels. -- This included avoiding restaurants, triggering eating disorder thoughts and paying more attention to calorie labels as identified by eye tracking research. -- The research found that some people with eating disorders reported that seeing menu labels reinforced their eating disorder beliefs. -- The study evaluated existing research to help build a picture of how nutritional labels on menus impact people with a lived experience of eating disorders or disordered eating. It reviewed 16 studies from the UK, US, Canada and Saudi Arabia which included 8,074 participants in total. -- The study highlights that people with eating disorders can feel that eating disorders are perceived as less important in the light of obesity prevention policies. -- However, physical health cannot be measured by a single indicator such as weight. Some argue that calorie labels can be seen as a blunt instrument to fix a complicated problem and that people with eating disorders could be losing out. -- Food labelling came into force in England in 2022. Restaurants, take-aways and cafes with 250 employees or more must display the calories of the food and drink they sell on menus, online menus and take-away platforms. The measure was an attempt to curb rising obesity levels. The United States and Canada have also made calorie displays mandatory, however, few policies targeting obesity have considered the potential impact on eating disorders. -- The eating disorder charity Beat estimates that at least 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder. The number of people admitted to hospital with an eating disorder has risen approximately 7% each year since 2005 -- 2006. -- Senior author Dr Tom Jewell, Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at King's College London, said: "Our study highlights that people with lived experience of eating disorders are frustrated at being left out of the conversation around calorie labels.	H01	621
2505-004	Global Experts Unite To Establish Digital Health Curriculum Framework	A consortium of 211 experts has created the DECODE framework to enhance digital health curricula in medical education globally. This framework aims to equip future physicians with essential competencies to navigate digital advancements in healthcare. Already being adopted in various countries, including the UK, it seeks to standardize educational outcomes, ensuring medical graduates are prepared for the evolving landscape of technology in medicine and improving their ability to leverage digital resources.	King's College London	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new study, IIASA scientists show that a mix of policy measures, including both technological solutions and behavioral changes, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use in buildings and transport. -- Energy use in buildings and transport is a significant source of GHG emissions, accounting for over 20% of those globally. -- In a recent study, IIASA scientists and their colleagues from other institutions highlight that a set of comprehensive demand-focused strategies could reduce CO2 emissions from buildings and transport by 51-85% and 37-91% respectively, compared to a scenario based on current policies. -- "Reducing energy demand also has major benefits beyond greenhouse gas emissions reduction," says Bas van Ruijven, IIASA Sustainable Service Systems Research Group Leader and a coauthor of the study. -- "The demand-side measures explored in this study lead to higher energy security, better air quality, more food security, and several other Sustainable Development Goals." -- The study outlines a mix of promising policy measures, which could help to maximize the benefits. -- In buildings, measures such as electrifying energy use through heat pumps, improving insulation, and reducing energy demand through behavioral shifts can significantly lower emissions. -- Similarly, in transport, electrifying vehicles, enhancing efficiency, and promoting the behavioral shift to popularize the use of public transport and cycling can drastically reduce emissions. -- Moreover, the study shows that many of the identified measures can interact synergistically with minimal trade-offs, further accelerating decarbonization. -- "Demand-side strategies are essential for achieving both rapid and significant emission cuts," says Alessio Mastrucci, senior research scholar in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program and coauthor of the study.	R01 T01	622
2505-035	Breakthrough Model Sheds Light On Protein Aging: Future Anti-Aging Treatments On The Horizon	A new study led by researchers at King's College London indicates that chromatin, the structure that organizes DNA, may be more resilient to aging than previously believed. This revelation could inform future anti-aging treatments by revealing how the body copes with biological wear and tear. By examining the biochemical processes associated with chromatin, scientists aim to uncover vulnerabilities that could be targeted to combat age-related diseases and improve health outcomes.	King's College London	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	When exercising in gyms, women face barriers across various domains, including physical appearance and body image, gym attire, the physical gym environment, and interactions with others, according to a study published January 29, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One by Emma Cowley from the SHE Research Centre, TUS, Ireland, and Jekaterina Schneider from the University of the West of England, U.K. -- Exercise significantly improves physical, mental, and psychosocial health. Recent research indicates that women who engage in regular exercise experience greater health benefits than men, including lower incidence of all-cause mortality and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Despite an increase in gym memberships, women are less active than men and little is known about the barriers women face when navigating gym spaces. -- To fill this knowledge gap, Cowley and Schneider explored women's body image and experiences exercising in gyms. Two-hundred and seventy-nine women (84% current gym-goers; 68.1% White) completed an online survey. The results showed that women often feel judged for their appearance and performance, leading to a persistent sense of inadequacy, as well as having to fight for space in the gym and to be taken seriously, while navigating harassment and unsolicited comments from men. Despite this, women showed signs of resistance toward gendered and appearance ideals permeating gym environments, and some experienced empowerment through skill acquisition, breaking gender norms, and exercising in supportive environments. -- One key finding was women's perceptions of gym attire as both a barrier and facilitator to exercise. Aligning with previous literature, women often chose attire based on comfort and functionality. However, their choices were also influenced by comparisons with others or fear of judgement for wearing non-branded attire or looking too put together. Many women also chose gym attire to hide perceived problem areas or avoid appearance concerns, including visible sweat stains. -- According to the authors, the findings should be considered in light of several limitations. For example, most participants were White, heterosexual, identified as "normal" weight and able-bodied, were current gym-goers, and lived in western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic countries; this may limit the generalizability of these findings and further research should endeavor to diversify the sample population. Despite these caveats, the researchers propose a multi-level approach to support women in accessing and feeling comfortable in gym spaces, to increase physical activity and reduce exercise disengagement among this population. -- The authors add: "In the gym, just like in other areas of life, women often feel stuck between being seen as 'too much' and 'not enough', dealing with judgement about how they look, how they perform, and even how much space they take up. Even though the pressure to be super thin is decreasing, the growing focus on being muscular and athletic is creating new challenges. It is pushing unrealistic standards that can negatively affect women's body image and overall well-being."	A01 R01 T01	623
2505-059	Global Heating Threatens Human Survival In Vast Areas If Temperatures Rise Further	A new assessment reveals alarming projections regarding global warming's impact on human health. If temperatures rise by 2°C, vast areas of land may become too hot for even healthy individuals to maintain safe body temperatures, with particularly severe effects on those over 60. This research warns of the dire consequences of climate change, emphasizing the urgency for action to mitigate its impact on human survival and public health.	King's College London	Nature Reviews Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Our brain is remarkably flexible in producing different reactions to supposedly comparable situations. The same sensory information can lead to different decisions depending on the behavioral context. One example of this is a penalty kick in soccer: a player can either choose the empty corner of the goal as the target or aim directly at the goalkeeper in the hope that he will jump aside. Both decisions are based on the same perception of the goalkeeper's position, but lead to completely different actions. -- Neuroscientists at the German Primate Center (DPZ) -- Leibniz Institute for Primate Research in Göttingen have investigated how the brain implements this type of flexibility. -- Their results show that, depending on the requirements, our brain either reuses known neural pathways or develops new patterns to select movements depending on the context. -- Thus, goal-directed behavior and cognitive flexibility can be achieved in different ways, depending on the circumstance that made the flexible adaptation of behavior necessary. -- The findings help to understand why it is more difficult to adapt to some new situations than to others -- whether in social interactions or motor tasks (Nature Communications). -- The researchers trained rhesus monkeys to plan arm movements and recorded the activity of neurons in the brain that are involved in planning these movements. -- The monkeys performed the task in two different contexts. In the first context, they had to use a learned rule to decide whether they should point at the target displayed on the screen ("goalkeeper") or choose the opposite side of the screen ("empty corner"). In the second context, the monkeys had to adapt to an altered sensory environment by performing the tasks under mirror-inverted viewing conditions. -- Here, too, a target shown on one side was linked to a movement to the opposite side. -- The study showed that the brain works in different ways in the two situations. -- In the first context, which is based on learned rules, the brain drew on existing neural patterns.	A01 H02 C01	624
2505-101	Key Enzyme Discovered That Supports Heart Health Through Protein Recycling	A new study has identified an enzyme called ubiquitin-specific peptidase 5 (USP5) that is crucial for breaking down unwanted proteins in heart cells. Low levels of USP5 lead to a buildup of proteins, contributing to dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition in animal models. Conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research and King's College London, this research emphasizes the importance of USP5 in maintaining heart health and offers valuable insights into potential therapeutic targets.	King's College London	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The bacteria in your mouth and on your tongue may be linked to changes in brain function as you age, new research suggested. -- The study, led by the University of Exeter, found that certain bacteria were associated with better memory and attention, while others were linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. -- The researchers identified two possible ways these bacteria may impact brain health. -- This includes harmful bacteria directly entering the bloodstream, potentially causing damage to the brain. -- Alternatively, an imbalance between beneficial and harmful bacteria can reduce the conversion of nitrate (abundant in vegetable-rich diets) to nitric oxide -- a chemical crucial for brain communication and memory formation. -- Individuals who had large numbers of the bacteria groups Neisseria and Haemophilus had better memory, attention and ability to do complex tasks. -- These people also had higher levels of nitrite in their mouths. -- On the other hand, greater levels of the bacteria, Porphyromonas, was more common in individuals with memory problems. -- Whereas the bacterial group Prevotella, was linked to low nitrite, which the researchers predict could in turn could mean poorer brain health and was more common in people who carry the Alzheimer's Disease risk gene, APOE4. -- The study was supported by Wellcome and part funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Exeter Biomedical Research Centre.	R01	625
2507-025	Novel Gene Interaction Discovered That Increases Alopecia Risk	Scientists at King's College London have identified genetic interactions that increase the risk of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), a distressing hair loss condition. The study emphasizes the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors in the development of this disorder, contributing to the growing understanding of alopecia.	King's College London	King's College London	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have discovered an interaction between genes that increases the risk of developing a type of alopecia. -- In a new JAMA Dermatology study, scientists at King's College London found that changes in two parts of the genome work together to influence alopecia risk. -- Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a highly distressing dermatological disorder which is associated with inflammation, scarring and irreversible hair loss. -- The disease affects an increasing number of patients worldwide and is caused by genetic and environmental factors. -- The study authors conducted a meta-analysis of four cohorts of women with FFA across the UK and Europe. -- When looking into a cluster of immune genes known as the major histocompatibility complex, which help immune systems recognise foreign substances, they identified specific genetic differences that interact with ERAP1 and increase the risk of developing FFA. -- This gene-gene interaction is a rare phenomenon in human genetics, known as "epistasis." This means that the risk associated with one gene is modified by another gene. -- Different versions of the two genes involved in this interaction have been observed in some other autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. -- Previous research has identified that genetic variants in the ERAP1 and ERAP2 genes were associated with survival of the Black Death, a bubonic plague which swept through Europe in the mid-1300s. -- Such genetic variants, which are associated with protection from infection, may also make people more prone to certain immune conditions.	H02	626
2508-008	AI Tool Detects Brain Abnormalities In Epileptic Children That Radiologists Miss	A revolutionary AI tool, MELD Graph, has been developed to identify brain abnormalities associated with epilepsy, detecting 64% of cases overlooked by human radiologists. This advancement could transform care for epilepsy patients by expediting diagnosis and treatment, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs in the UK and worldwide.	King's College London	JAMA Neurol	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have developed an AI-powered tool that detects 64% of brain abnormalities linked to epilepsy that human radiologists miss. -- MELD Graph is an AI tool that could drastically change the care for 30,000 patients in the UK and 4 million worldwide with one cause of epilepsy, researchers say. -- The study, published today in JAMA Neurology by a team at King's College London and University College London (UCL), shows how the tool significantly improves the detection of focal cortical dysplasia's (FCDs) which is a leading cause of epilepsy. -- Researchers say the tool will speed up diagnosis times, get patients the surgical treatment they need quicker, and reduce costs to the NHS by up to £55,000 per patient. -- In the UK, 1 in 100 people are affected by epilepsy. 1 in 5 people with epilepsy have seizures caused by a structural abnormality ("lesion") in the brain. FCDs are a common structural cause of epilepsy and in people with this type of epilepsy, seizures are usually not able to be controlled with medications. Surgery to remove the lesion can be an effective and safe way to stop the seizures. However, the challenge is that FCDs can be subtle and difficult to see with the human eye and up to half of these lesions are missed by radiologists. Delays to diagnosis and surgery mean more seizures, more visits to A&E, and more disruption to school, work and home life. -- In the study, the researchers pooled MRI data from 1185 participants -- including 703 people with FCD and 482 controls -- from 23 epilepsy centres around the world in the Multicentre Epilepsy Lesion Detection project (MELD). Half of the dataset is from children. They then trained the artificial intelligence tool, MELD Graph, on the scans to detect these subtle brain abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected. -- Project lead-author, Dr Konrad Wagstyl, from King's College London, said: "Radiologists are currently inundated with images they have to review. Using an AI-powered tool like MELD Graph can support them with their decisions, making the NHS more efficient, speeding time to treatment for patients and relieving them of unnecessary and costly tests and procedures." -- Co-author Dr Luca Palma, from Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Italy, said: "MELD Graph identified a subtle lesion missed by many radiologists in a 12-year-old boy who had daily seizures and had tried nine anti-seizure medications with no improvement to his condition. This tool could identify patients with surgically operable epilepsy and help with surgical planning -- reducing risks, saving money, improving outcomes." -- While the tool is not yet clinically available, the research team have released the AI-tool as an open-source software. They are running workshops to train clinicians and researchers around the world, including Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic, in how to use it. -- First author, Dr Mathilde Ripart from UCL, said "One of the highlights for me is hearing from doctors around the world, including the UK, Chile, India and France have been able to use our tools to help their own patients."	H01 R02 T01	627
2511-029	Revolutionary Antibody Slows Tumor Growth In Treatment-Resistant Cancers	New findings indicate that a novel antibody designed to stimulate the immune system can effectively slow tumor growth in cancer patients. This immunotherapy approach aims to target cancer cells specifically, reducing side effects associated with traditional treatments like chemotherapy. Researchers are exploring a different type of antibody, IgE, which operates distinctly from the commonly used IgG, offering new hope for treating certain types of cancer.	King's College London	Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibody treatment which activates the patient's own immune system against cancer, known as immunotherapy, is increasingly being investigated as an alternative for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is because it specifically targets the cancer cells, which reduces the side effects seen with more conventional therapies. -- Tumours, such as some breast and ovarian cancers, can express the marker HER2. -- HER2 is responsible for cancer growth and is the target of existing therapies, such as the most commonly used type of antibodies, IgG. -- However, this treatment is not always effective in some patients. -- Now scientists have investigated a different antibody type, IgE, which activates the patient's immune system in different ways to IgG. -- As they act on different immune cells to IgG, IgE antibodies uniquely stimulate otherwise inactive immune cells in the 'microenvironment' surrounding the tumour to directly target the cancer cells. -- In the study, led by Dr Heather Bax at King's College London, the team engineered IgE versions of existing IgG therapies, and tested their ability to activate immune cells against HER2-expressing cancer cells. -- IgE was shown to direct immune cells against HER2-expressing cancer cells, and slowed tumour growth in mice. -- The tumours grown in mice are known to be resistant to conventional treatments, suggesting this new treatment could be an option for patients who don't respond to existing therapy. -- Further investigation revealed that IgE antibodies stimulated and reprogrammed the 'immune microenvironment' around the tumours themselves -- shifting from an immunosuppressive to an immunostimulatory response.	H01 R01	628
2511-051	New Bacterial Protein Found: Paving The Way For Targeted Cancer Drug Delivery	A newly discovered bacterial protein, named BeeR, has the potential to revolutionize drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Researchers have characterized its unique structure to design protein nanoparticles that effectively target tumor sites, paving the way for more precise and effective anticancer therapies.	King's College London	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A previously unknown protein in a family of bacteria found in soil and the human gut microbiome has been discovered -- which could help drug delivery in cancer treatment. -- In a paper published in PNAS, researchers at King's College London and the University of Washington describe the unique 3D structure of this protein, which is now being used to develop cancer drug delivery systems that can target drugs to tumour sites. -- The bacterial protein identified by the team, which they have named BeeR, has a similar function to actin -- the most abundant protein in the majority of human cells. -- In the presence of a chemical called ATP, actin molecules can join together into long spiral chains known as filaments. -- The filaments sit in the outer membrane of cells and have many important functions, including helping cells to maintain their shape, divide and move. -- Actin can also break down ATP, which triggers the filaments to disassemble. -- Bacteria have similar proteins to actin that form filaments in the presence of ATP and help to control cell shape and division. -- But when studying BeeR, the researchers discovered one striking difference to other actin-like bacterial proteins -- its structure. -- Dr Julien Bergeron, Senior Lecturer in the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics at King's College London, who led the research, said: "We used metagenomics data -- extensive sequencing of bacterial genomes from the environment -- to identify a previously unknown actin-like protein in a family of bacteria known as Verrucomicrobiota. -- "Using the most advanced cryo-electron microscopes, we were able to determine the atomic structure of this protein, demonstrating that instead of a filament, it forms a rigid tube, with a hollow cavity at its centre. This is strikingly different from actin, or any of its other bacterial counterparts."	H01 R01	629
2511-066	Gender Disparities In Teenage Depression: London Versus Tokyo	A study tracking depressive symptoms in 7,100 adolescents from Tokyo and London reveals higher rates of depression in girls, particularly in London, where the increase is four times steeper. This cross-cultural research aims to highlight trends in adolescent mental health, showing that gender disparities in depressive symptoms emerge at earlier ages in London compared to Tokyo, underscoring the need for targeted mental health interventions.	King's College London	The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, the study aimed to provide robust insights into adolescent mental health trajectories in two different cultural contexts by comparing large samples of 11 to 16 years olds in London and Tokyo over time. The two studies are the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) and the Resilience Ethnicity and AdolesCent Mental Health (REACH) cohorts from South London. Both groups collected data in the period 2014 to 2020 and at three different time points as the teenagers grew older. -- Researchers used the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ) to measure depressive symptoms. -- In both groups there was a difference between teenage boys and girls in the average level of depressive symptoms and this difference widened year-on-year. -- In the London sample the gender difference started slightly earlier (evident by 11-12 years) than in the Tokyo sample where it emerged between 11 and 14 years, and the average rate of change in depressive symptoms per year in London girls was around four times greater than among girls in Tokyo. -- By the age of 16 the difference in depressive symptoms between boys and girls in London was around twice as large as in Tokyo. -- The average level of depressive symptoms in teenage boys in Tokyo declined between ages of 11 and 16, whereas for boys in London it increased slightly over time, following a similar trajectory to that of teenage girls in Tokyo. -- First author, Dr Gemma Knowles, Lecturer in Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at IoPPN, King's College London said " Our study suggests that from around early adolescence onwards girls have higher levels of depression than boys in both Tokyo and London, but the disparity is larger, starts a bit earlier, and increases at a faster rate in London. The trajectory for boys in London closely mirrors the trajectory for girls in Tokyo. These findings suggest we need to rethink and challenge popular narratives around gender differences in mental health -- for example, the idea that girls are naturally or inevitably more likely to struggle with their emotional health -- and to understand the contexts and conditions that enable teenage girls and young people to thrive." -- Currently the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI) -- an index designed to measure gender equality -- ranks UK 15th out of 149 countries while Japan is ranked 125th. -- However, insights from young co-researchers from both cities suggests there are social influences at play which are not captured in these indexes. -- For example, teenage girls may assume adult roles and responsibilities at a younger age in London and there are lower levels of violence and crime in Tokyo.	A01 H01	630
2511-076	Scientists Uncover Protein That Helps Bacteria Survive Extreme Conditions	Researchers have uncovered a protein that helps certain bacteria form spores for survival under extreme conditions, providing insights into their resilience. This discovery could inform future strategies for combating bacterial infections and understanding why some pathogens thrive in challenging environments, such as in hospitals or extreme habitats, thus contributing to the development of new antimicrobial therapies.	King's College London	Genes & Development	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have discovered a protein that enables bacteria to shut down into dormant spores under extreme conditions. The process, which enables the bacteria to become practically indestructible, explains why bacteria can survive in uninhabitable places such as under the permafrost, in the depths of the ocean or in outer space. -- This ability to sporulate, known as sporulation, also enables superbugs to evade hospital cleaning and then come back to life in the guts of compromised patients. -- By discovering a new protein involved in sporulation in a group of bacteria, scientists hope it could deepen our understanding of bacteria's ability to survive against the odds, and even open up new avenues for antimicrobial therapies. -- The study, covered in two separate papers published in Genes and Development today, looks at Bacillus -- a group of bacteria including cereus, which is responsible for food poisoning, and anthrax. -- The research team included scientists from the Department of Chemistry, King's College London, the University of California San Diego, the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens in Berlin, and Mount Holyoke College in the USA. -- Professor Rivka Isaacson, co-author of the papers, said: "We have known for a long time that bacteria are able to perform metabolic shut-down in unfavourable environments, transforming into long-lived, indestructible dormant spores which can survive for thousands of years." -- "This happens through asymmetrical cell division, where the bigger part -- the 'mother cell' -- engulfs the smaller part, the 'forespore', providing it with nutrients and a protective outer layer. It continues to build up protective layers around its genetic materials until it is ready to be released as a spore." -- Whilst this process is well understood, the mechanisms behind shutting down metabolism have remained a mystery until the scientists discovered a previously uncharacterised protein called MdfA was behind it. -- Professor Isaacson explained: "Every cell has a 'recycling centre' called a protease, responsible for breaking down old or damaged proteins. We discovered that MdfA -- a protein we didn't know the function of previously, acts as an adaptor that recruits the proteins for recycling. -- "In the case of sporulation, this protein instructs the cell to get rid of its metabolic enzymes responsible for active growth, by destruction through the protease, thereby effecting the metabolic shutdown part of sporulation."	H01 R01	631
2512-090	Kynurenine Pathway Imbalance Linked To Higher Depression Rates In Teenage Girls	Research indicates that the kynurenine pathway, a biological mechanism associated with depression, is imbalanced in adolescents, particularly girls. This study sheds light on the underlying biological processes driving depression during adolescence, representing a significant step forward in understanding gender differences in mental health conditions.	King's College London	Biological Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Depression is a mental health condition that affects 280 million people worldwide. It is twice as common in women than men and this pattern starts to develop during adolescence. Researchers have studied the biological processes that drive depression in adults and shown a potential role for the kynurenine pathway, but this is the first time it has been investigated in adolescents in relation to biological sex. -- The study was published in Biological Psychiatry and funded by MQ Mental Health Research and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). -- The 'kynurenine pathway' is a series of chemical reactions that processes tryptophan, an amino acid found in foods. -- When tryptophan is broken down, it can take two routes in the brain: one that produces neuroprotective (brain-protecting) chemicals and another that produces neurotoxic (brain-damaging) chemicals. -- This process involves several byproducts including kynurenic acid (neuroprotective) and quinolinic acid (neurotoxic). -- Senior author Professor Valeria Mondelli, Clinical Professor of Psychoneuroimmunology at King's IoPPN and theme lead for Mood Disorders and Psychosis at NIHR Maudsley BRC said: "Adolescence is a time when many changes occur in the brain and body but we still know very little about the possible biological drivers for depression and how this might affect the difference between teenage boys and girls. Our study indicates the 'kynurenine pathway' plays a role in development of depression during the teenage years which may help us to understand why there is a higher incidence amongst girls. During adolescence there are a wide range of social and individual factors that influence mental health and by identifying the biological pathways involved we hope we can help build a clearer picture of how we can help teenagers manage depression." -- Using blood tests, the study assessed the levels of kynurenic and quinolinic acids in a group of 150 teenagers from Brazil aged between 14 and 16. The teenagers belonged to one of three groups -- those with low risk of depression, those with high risk of depression and those who had been diagnosed with depression. -- Risk was assessed using a measure that had been developed as part of the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence (IDEA) project and considers a range of factors1. There were 50 adolescents in each group and they were evenly divided by biological sex to explore differences between male and female adolescents. -- The adolescents were tracked over three years to assess if their depression symptoms persisted or improved. -- King's College London researchers found that adolescents with a higher risk for depression or who have a current diagnosis of depression had lower levels of kynurenic acid, the neuroprotective compound.	A01 H01 R02 C01	632
2513-031	Elite Athletes Wonder If Pregnancy Ends Their Sports Careers	A new qualitative study highlights the concerns of elite female athletes regarding their sports careers post-pregnancy. Involving eleven athletes, the research sheds light on the lack of proper guidance for nutrition and training during this transitional phase. First author Cat Caro advocates for changing outdated norms and creating supportive policies that enable women to successfully balance motherhood and high-level athletic competition, especially around significant events like the Olympics.	King's College London	Sports Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Elite athletes have shared their worries about their sports career after pregnancy. -- Eleven female athletes took part in the qualitative study, published recently in the journal Sports Medicine, and described their experiences in the UK as they navigated pregnancy to researchers at King's College London. -- They also raised issues about the lack of guidance for nutrition and training that complimented their athletic ambition. -- First author Cat Caro from King's College London said: "Sport is a powerful platform for empowering female athletes. As an increasing number of women are balancing elite competition with pregnancy, we must continue to challenge outdated norms, bridge policy gaps, and champion a culture where motherhood and athletic excellence can coexist." -- Participants of the study said pregnancy or family planning was often reliant on timing around key competitions such as the Olympics. -- One female athlete said she was focused on trying to make the Olympics and when the competition was delayed, her pregnancy plans were also delayed. -- They were worried their career was over when they got pregnant and were reluctant to disclose their pregnancy to coaches, support staff and teammates in fear they would be cut from the team and risk their financial position. -- Athletes also raised concerns about their ability to conceive due to menstrual cycle irregularities and hormonal imbalances. -- They reported uncertainty about the impact of training on the health of their pregnancy and child development, which typically lead to a reduction in their training intensity, volume and duration. -- They said they felt they were not taken seriously when discussing a return to sport and there was varied structural support during pregnancy.	H01	633
2503-E034	Unraveling The Purpose Behind A Plant's Unique Structure For Reproduction	After 130 years, a researcher has uncovered the function of a unique structure on the fungus-eating orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus, revealing a delayed self-pollination mechanism that ensures reproductive success. This discovery not only enhances understanding of this orchid's ecology but also may apply to other species with similar traits.	Kobe University	PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET	Press Rel	PubMed	130 years after a fungus-eating plant received its name, a Kobe University researcher has uncovered the purpose of the structure that inspired its name -- revealing a novel mechanism by which plants ensure reproduction. -- Makino Tomitaro, a towering figure in Japanese botany, named around 1,000 species and discovered about 600 new plants between 1887 and 1957. Among his notable discoveries was the diminutive orchid Stigmatodactylus sikokianus, first identified in 1889. After Makino's discovery, the plant was named for the unique, tiny finger-like appendage (the "dactylus" part) on its stigma, the flower's female organ that receives pollen. Despite its fame as one of Japan's iconic orchids, the function of this structure has remained a mystery -- until now. -- The Kobe University botanist Suetsugu Kenji specializes in orchids that feed on soil fungi rather than sunlight, and Stigmatodactylus is one such plant. He describes himself saying, "I'm particularly interested in their pollination mechanisms, employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates taxonomy, ecology, and evolutionary biology." This curiosity led him to ask: "What is the significance of the finger-like appendage that inspired the genus name, and what is its ecological role?" To address these questions, Suetsugu carefully observed whether insects visited the plants and the conditions under which the plants could produce seeds. He also analyzed the flowers' morphology at various stages throughout their development to understand how pollination and fertilization occur. -- His findings, published in Plants, People, Planet, reveal that the plants predominantly self-pollinate, that is, they don't rely on insects to transfer pollen from other plants, and that they so about three days after the flowers open. This delay in self-pollination carries important ecological implications. Growing in the dark understories of forests, often among leaf litter, and offering no nectar rewards, these plants are rarely visited by potential pollinators. Suetsugu explains: "While self-pollination likely guarantees reproductive success, relying solely on this method risks inbreeding. This may drive the evolution of mechanisms that combine the benefits of self-pollination and outcrossing. Delayed self-pollination, postponed until opportunities for outcrossing are exhausted, is likely one such adaptation -- a failsafe mechanism." -- Microscopy analysis provided insights into the role of the finger-like appendage in this self-pollination. By the third day after the flower opens, its stigma collapses and, with the finger-like appendage, comes into contact with the pollen-carrying anther. This enables the pollen to extend their tubes through the appendage into the stigma and subsequently into the ovary, thereby fertilizing the plant. Suetsugu writes: "The movement of the stigma appendage represents, to the best of our knowledge, a novel self-pollination mechanism in orchids." He adds: "The most exciting aspect of this study was revealing this previously unknown mechanism, highlighting the intricate evolutionary paths plants can take to ensure survival." With Stigmatodactylus comprising 28 species, many of which share this structure, this mechanism may be present in other species as well. -- The Kobe University botanist concludes: "The significance of this discovery lies in its ability to bridge historical botanical research and contemporary scientific inquiry. It underscores the value of integrating meticulous taxonomic analysis with ecological and evolutionary studies to gain novel insights. In an era where research is increasingly specialized, taxonomy and ecology are often conducted separately. However, this study demonstrates that traditional natural history research, unifying taxonomy, evolution and ecology, still has the power to uncover new phenomena today." -- This research was funded by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (grant JPMJPR21D6).	N02	634
2505-E040	Controlled Burning In Abandoned Grasslands Boosts Biodiversity And Endangered Plant Species	Controlled burning is being considered as a practical method for maintaining grasslands, especially in the face of abandonment due to declining rural populations. Research from Kobe University suggests that this technique can enhance biodiversity and increase the presence of endangered plant species, influenced by the soil's characteristics. By studying various soil types on Mount Fuji, the team found that younger lava flow soils support a richer variety of species. This highlights the vital role of prescribed burning in preserving grassland ecosystems and protecting plant diversity.	Kobe University	PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET	Press Rel	PubMed	People's ability to interpret emotions or focus on performing a task is reduced by short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution, potentially making everyday activities, such as the weekly supermarket shop, more challenging, a new study reveals. -- Scientists discovered that even brief exposure to high concentrations of PM may impair a person's ability to focus on tasks, avoid distractions, and behave in a socially acceptable manner. -- Researchers exposed study participants to either high levels of air pollution -- using candle smoke -- or clean air, testing cognitive abilities before and four hours after exposure. -- The tests measured working memory, selective attention, emotion recognition, psychomotor speed, and sustained attention. -- Publishing their findings today (6 Feb) in Nature Communications, researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester reveal that selective attention and emotion recognition were negatively affected by air pollution -- regardless of whether subjects breathed normally or only through their mouths. -- The experts suggest that inflammation caused by pollution may be responsible for these deficits noting that while selective attention and emotion recognition were affected, working memory was not. -- This indicates that some brain functions are more resilient to short-term pollution exposure. -- Co-author Dr Thomas Faherty, from the University of Birmingham, commented: "Our study provides compelling evidence that even short-term exposure to particulate matter can have immediate negative effects on brain functions essential for daily activities, such as doing the weekly supermarket shop." -- Co-author Professor Francis Pope, from the University of Birmingham, commented: "Poor air quality undermines intellectual development and worker productivity, with significant societal and economic implications in a high-tech world reliant on cognitive excellence. -- "Reduced productivity impacts economic growth, further highlighting the urgent need for stricter air quality regulations and public health measures to combat the harmful effects of pollution on brain health, particularly in highly polluted urban areas."	Z01	635
2507-E044	Parasitic Orchids Thrive By Feeding On Fungi, Driven By Opportunity	Researchers have discovered that some orchids have transitioned from photosynthesis to parasitism on fungi, driven more by opportunity than necessity. This transition raises intriguing questions about plant evolution and adaptation, particularly concerning the partial parasitic species Oreorchis patens, which still retains some ability to produce its own food.	Kobe University	Kobe University	Press Rel	PubMed	Why have some orchids stopped photosynthesis and become parasites feeding on fungi? Kobe University researchers found that in at least one species the transition may be driven by the opportunity -- more than by the need -- to do so. -- Most orchids live in a symbiotic relationship with fungi in their roots: The plants provide sugar they produce through photosynthesis and in return receive water and minerals from the fungi. -- However, some orchids have stopped producing their own food and completely feed on fungi. -- The Kobe University botanist SUETSUGU Kenji says: "I've always been intrigued by how orchids turn parasitic. Why would a plant give up its reliance on photosynthesis and instead 'steal' from fungi?" -- The orchid Oreorchis patens offers a prime opportunity to study this question, as it is a partial parasite, meaning that it can produce its own food but also takes up to half of its budget from fungi. -- The key question in the field was whether the orchids do so to top up what they can't get enough of through photosynthesis, or whether they actually derive an additional benefit from their parasitism. -- Suetsugu explains: "I noticed that Oreorchis patens sometimes grows unusual coral-shaped rootstalks, a trait reminiscent of orchids fully relying on fungi. I thought that this would allow me to compare plants with these organs to those with normal roots, quantify how much extra nutrients they might be gaining, and determine whether that extra translates into enhanced growth or reproductive success." -- In a paper now published in The Plant Journal, the Kobe University team shows that when the orchid happens to grow close to rotten wood, it shifts its fungal symbionts to those that decompose the wood and significantly increases the amount of nutrients it takes from them -- without ceasing to employ photosynthesis. -- As a result, the plants are bigger and produce more flowers. -- "In short, these orchids aren't merely substituting for diminished photosynthesis, they're boosting their overall nutrient budget. This clear, adaptive link between fungal parasitism and improved plant vigor is, to me, the most thrilling aspect of our discovery, as it provides a concrete ecological explanation for why a photosynthetic plant might choose this path," says Suetsugu.	H01 N02	636
2508-044	Cellular Attachment Mechanism Resembles Grease Droplet Behavior In Soup	A Kobe University research team has discovered that cells organize themselves similarly to grease drops in soup for proper attachment. This finding enhances our understanding of cellular adhesion mechanisms, shedding light on how disturbances in these processes could impact organ development and overall organism viability.	Kobe University	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Cells attach to each other through carefully arranged molecules. A Kobe University research team has now found that the way they organize to find their proper places is similar to how grease drops self-organize in soup. -- Cells that form the surface of organs stick together tightly. -- To do so, they connect with their neighbors on all sides through a range of different but precisely arranged adhesion molecules. -- If the arrangement of these structures is disturbed, organs cannot form properly and the organism dies during development. -- "While the role of individual adhesion molecules has been well studied, little is known about how these molecules move to the correct locations within the cell and organize themselves," says Kobe University cell biologist TOGASHI Hideru. -- Tipped off by other research, Togashi and his colleague KUNO Shuhei focused on a molecule called afadin. -- The team systematically tested how this molecule interacts with others and whether different parts of it are relevant for the adhesion structures to locate to their proper positions. -- About their approach, Kuno says, "We believe that advancing our research without being constrained by established frameworks and avoiding preconceived notions leads to new discoveries." This is why the Kobe University team also tested whether a mode of self-organization plays a role that hasn't been considered for this molecule so far: the way grease drops form in soup. -- In the journal Cell Reports, the team now published their findings that afadin is a hub molecule. -- Hub molecules bind to many other molecules and structures to ensure that they come together in the right place.	Z01	637
2509-040	Gut Microbes Thrive On Sugar, Producing Compounds Essential For Our Health	Researchers from Kobe University have discovered that gut microbes, traditionally thought to only consume dietary fiber, can also metabolize sugars to produce essential short-chain fatty acids. This finding highlights a symbiotic relationship between gut bacteria and human health, paving the way for potential therapeutic developments to enhance gut microbiome balance.	Kobe University	Communications Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Gut microbes that were thought to feed exclusively on dietary fiber also get fed sugar from our guts, from which they produce short-chain fatty acids that are crucial to many body functions. The Kobe University discovery of this symbiotic relationship also points the way to developing novel therapeutics. -- Gut microbes produce many substances that our body needs but cannot produce itself. -- Among them are short-chain fatty acids that are the primary energy source for the cells lining our guts but have other important roles, too, and that are thought to be produced by bacteria who feed on undigested fiber. -- However, in a previous study, the Kobe University endocrinologist OGAWA Wataru found that people who take the diabetes drug metformin excrete the sugar glucose to the inside of their guts. -- He says: "If glucose is indeed excreted into the gut, it is conceivable that this could affect the symbiotic relationship between the gut microbiome and the host." -- Ogawa and his team set out to learn more about the details of the glucose excretion and its relationship with the gut microbiota. -- "We had to develop unprecedented bioimaging methods and establish novel analytical techniques for the products of the gut microbial metabolism," he says. -- They used their new methods to not only see where and how much glucose enters the guts, but also used mouse experiments to find out how the sugar is transformed after that. -- In addition, they also checked how the diabetes drug metformin influences these results both in humans and in mice. -- The Kobe University team now published their results in the journal Communications Medicine. They found that, first, glucose is excreted in the "jejunum," a part of the small intestine, and is transported from there inside the gut to the large intestine and the rectum.	A01 H01 R01	638
2511-E018	Restored Grasslands Require Long-Term Management For Pollinator Recovery	A study highlights that recovering grasslands require over 75 years of continuous management to fully restore biodiversity, primarily due to the slow return of specialized pollinators. This research emphasizes the importance of conserving existing grasslands, even those repurposed for activities like skiing, as vital reservoirs of biodiversity.	Kobe University	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Recovered grasslands need more than 75 years of continuous management to regain their biodiversity because specialized pollinators are slow to return. Kobe University's finding underscores the importance of preserving old grasslands as reservoirs of biodiversity, even if it is just as ski slopes. -- Grasslands worldwide are rapidly disappearing due to land-use conversion and abandonment, leading to a well-documented loss of grassland biodiversity. -- Restoring abandoned grasslands by removing woody vegetation and resuming traditional land management practices has positive effects on biodiversity. -- However, it is also known that this diversity lags behind that of old grasslands that have been under continued management for up to several millennia. -- The Kobe University ecologist USHIMARU Atushi says, "The reasons for this are not really clear and satisfying solutions have not been proposed." -- Tipped off by a recent study that showed that insect-pollinated plant species take longer to recover compared to wind-pollinated ones, Ushimaru and his doctoral student HIRAYAMA Gaku decided to turn their attention towards the pollinators themselves. -- Looking at which insects pollinate plants and with what success on grasslands of different age, from very recently recovered to continuously managed for at least 300 years, they turned to ski slopes in Nagano Prefecture as their study site. -- "There is no place better suited to survey restored grasslands with very different management durations within a relatively small area than ski slopes," Hirayama explains the choice. -- Their results published in the Journal of Applied Ecology paint a consistent picture. -- It takes 75 years of continuous management for the plant diversity in recovered grasslands to finally reach levels comparable to ancient grasslands.	H01	639
2511-E047	Integrating Animal Data To Address Marine Environmental Challenges	A review emphasizes the importance of collecting and integrating data from various sources to monitor and mitigate human impacts on marine life. The concept of an "Internet of Animals" advocates for open-access data sharing and standardization to enhance marine conservation efforts. By employing sensors on animals to track environmental changes, researchers aim to develop effective policies that address the threats faced by marine ecosystems in the context of human activities.	Kobe University	Water Biology and Security	Press Rel	PubMed	Sensors attached to animals gather valuable data to track and mitigate the human influence on marine life. The Kobe University review paper emphasizes the importance of integrating data from various sources and advocates for an "Internet of Animals" based on open access and shared standards. -- Humanity influences marine life through a broad range of activities, spanning from fishing and pollution to noise from boats, construction and mining. -- To enable a sustainable life together, we need to monitor the influence of our activities on marine life and use this data to establish effective policies. -- Kobe University animal ecologist IWATA Takashi says: "There is a wealth of oceanographic data from research vessels, drifting buoys and satellites. But due to technological and economic constraints, there are many observation gaps and some areas are inaccessible to humans, such as under sea ice or during harsh weather." In addition, it is often difficult to understand the influence different factors have on individual animals, thus making the development of targeted policies difficult. -- But if we want to know about the effects humans have on animals, who better to ask than the animals themselves? -- "Biologging," which refers to attaching sensors, cameras or other small devices to wild animals, has traditionally been used to learn about their behavior and distribution, but more recently it has also become useful for studying the environmental conditions the animals encounter. -- Iwata explains, "We try to minimize the impact this has on the animals by keeping the overall weight of the devices to less than 3% of the animal's body weight, or even less than 1% for larger animals, and many researchers keep developing smaller and smaller devices." -- In the journal Water Biology and Security, Iwata's team now published a review summarizing the current state of biologging, describing what insights such data has provided so far. -- So have typhoon forecasts become more accurate, the difference in how turtle species react to plastic waste become evident, illegal fishing been exposed and offshore wind farms become more bird friendly. -- Iwata says: "This review showed that while biologging alone is insufficient, it can fill in the gaps in existing knowledge. It provides a new type of data that differs from the wide-area environmental information obtained from earth observation satellites and other sources to tackle a broad range of environmental issues."	H01 N02	640
2511-E057	AI Technology Revolutionizes Analysis Of Cellular Structures With Unmatched Precision	A research team at Kumamoto University has pioneered an AI-powered method for analyzing the cytoskeleton, the structural framework within cells, with unprecedented accuracy. This innovation promises to enhance the study of cell functions across various organisms. By automating the analysis process, this deep learning-based approach overcomes limitations of traditional microscopy, potentially transforming research in cellular biology and improving our understanding of cellular mechanics and behavior.	Kumamoto University	Protoplasma	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at Kumamoto University has developed a groundbreaking deep learning-based method for analyzing the cytoskeleton -- the structural framework inside cells -- more accurately and efficiently than ever before. This advancement, recently published in Protoplasma, could transform how scientists study cell functions in plants and other organisms. -- Breakthrough in Cytoskeleton Analysis -- The cytoskeleton is a network of protein filaments that supports cell shape, division, and response to environmental changes. -- Traditional methods for analyzing these structures often rely on manual observation under a microscope, which is time-consuming and prone to error. -- While digital microscopy has enabled some automation, accurately measuring cytoskeleton density has remained a challenge. -- To address this, the research team, led by Professor Takumi Higaki from Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology of Kumamoto University, developed an AI-driven segmentation technique that significantly improves the precision of cytoskeleton density measurements. -- By training a deep learning model with hundreds of confocal microscopy images, the team achieved a system capable of distinguishing cytoskeletal structures with high accuracy. -- Key Findings and Applications -- Comparing their AI-based approach with conventional methods, the researchers found that while traditional techniques could effectively measure the angles and alignment of cytoskeleton filaments, they struggled with density quantification. -- The deep learning model, however, excelled in this area, enabling more reliable measurements.	A01 H02 N02 T01	641
2506-025	Examining Links Between Bodily Responses And Emotions In Japanese Macaques	Research on Japanese macaques has explored the links between self-scratching behaviors, typically associated with negative emotions, and pessimistic judgment bias. By analyzing their responses to reward-based tasks, the study discusses how bodily reactions can influence cognitive perceptions, positing that self-scratching not only indicates emotional states but may also predict a monkey's tendency toward pessimism.	Kyoto University	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	"We feel sorry because we cry," wrote philosopher and psychologist William James, "angry because we strike, afraid because we tremble," suggesting that emotional bodily responses like crying cause cognitive changes, such as feelings of sorrow. -- In reality, research has shown that human bodily responses and cognitive shifts affect each other in both directions. We feel sorry because we cry, but also cry when feeling sorry. So how then for our primate cousins? To date, their connections have remained largely unexplored. -- Now a team of researchers at Kyoto University has led a study on six Japanese macaques living in KyotoU's Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, in Aichi prefecture. The researchers focused on self-scratching -- a bodily response linked to negative emotions like anxiety and fear -- and its relationship to pessimistic judgment bias, which is the tendency to expect a negative outcome when faced with ambiguous information. -- By presenting the monkeys with a white rewarding button and a black non-rewarding button, together with a gray ambiguous button, the researchers were able to estimate each monkey's degree of pessimism. They also videoed the monkeys to identify the timing of self-scratching, analyzing the relationship between self-scratching and pessimism. -- "Bodily responses associated with negative emotions can predict subsequent cognitive pessimism," says corresponding author Sakumi Iki, "but not the other way around." -- In other words, the monkeys were more likely to make pessimistic judgments -- avoiding the gray button -- immediately after self-scratching, yet making a pessimistic judgment did not necessarily lead to self-scratching. This stands in contrast to humans, for whom evidence suggests a pessimistic way of thinking can cause bodily responses. That this influence did not appear in the macaques suggests that their emotional bodily responses may precede cognitive changes. -- From an evolutionary standpoint, the coping strategy of first addressing immediate needs through bodily responses and then engaging in cognitive information processing is probably adaptive for dealing with challenges in natural habitats. Thus, this mechanism might have existed long before humans and macaques diverged, pointing to an evolutionarily conserved system. -- "In humans, the relationship between mind and body may have evolved in a distinctive way, influenced by our use of language and advanced introspection," adds Iki. -- "But it might be observable in monkeys if different bodily reactions or cognitive processes are examined." -- Future research involving a wider range of primates and other animals could shed more light on the evolutionary origins of human emotions, and deepen our understanding of the connection between the mind and the body.	A01 H02 N01	642
2507-076	Ryugu Asteroid Samples Provide Clues About Salty Water In The Solar System	Research from Kyoto University has uncovered salt minerals in samples from the asteroid Ryugu, suggesting the past existence of liquid saline water. This finding enhances our understanding of the conditions that may have facilitated life's precursors in the Solar System, emphasizing the significance of asteroids for astrobiological studies and the search for life's origins.	Kyoto University	Kyoto University	Press Rel	PubMed	Asteroids that orbit close to the Earth inevitably cause us some anxiety due to the even remote possibility of a collision. But their proximity also offers ample opportunities to learn more about the universe. Ryugu, a 900-meter diameter asteroid in the Apollo belt, has recently proven useful in our search for signs of life's precursors elsewhere in our Solar System. -- A team of researchers at Kyoto University have found evidence of salt minerals in samples recovered from Ryugu during the initial phase of Japan's Hayabusa2 mission. -- The discovery of these deposits, containing sodium carbonate, halite, and sodium sulfates, suggest that liquid saline water once existed within a parent body of Ryugu. -- Before examining the samples, the team expected that sample grains returned from the asteroid might contain substances not generally found in meteorites. -- They anticipated that these could be highly water-soluble materials, which readily react with moisture in Earth's atmosphere and are difficult to detect unless examined in their pristine state as preserved in the vacuum of space. -- "Careful handling allowed us to identify the delicate salt minerals, providing a unique glimpse into Ryugu's chemical history," says corresponding researcher Toru Matsumoto. -- Experts believe the asteroid was once part of a larger parent body that existed about 4.5 billion years ago, shortly after the formation of the solar system. -- This parent body would have been heated by radioactive decay, creating an environment of hot water below 100°C. While Ryugu and its grains did not contain any moisture, questions remain about how the liquid water was lost. -- "These crystals tell us how liquid water disappeared from Ryugu's parent body," says Matsumoto. -- The salt crystals dissolve easily in water, suggesting that they could only have precipitated within highly saline water and in conditions with a limited amount of liquid.	H02 C01	643
2509-033	Two-Hit Stress: How Traumatic Experiences Alter Brain And Behavior In Mice	Researchers are exploring how two-hit stress—an infection during pregnancy followed by postpartum social stress—affects brain function and behavior in mice. Their investigation aims to understand the links between this chronic stress and mental disorders, particularly focusing on how it may lead to anxiety and depressive behaviors, providing insight into the neural mechanisms involved.	Kyoto University	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Having one traumatic experience is bad enough. If you've constantly experienced stress since before birth, you may be in for an especially tough time. Our emotions may be influenced by infections experienced in the mother's womb. This can result from two-hit stress, where an infection during pregnancy is followed by social stress during postpartum development. -- A team of researchers at Kyoto University recently set out to understand the mechanisms behind which two-hit stress contributes to brain dysfunction and mental disorders. -- They conducted a comprehensive investigation of the social and cognitive behaviors of mice that have been exposed to such stress, paying particular attention to anxiety-like behaviors. -- Previously, this team demonstrated that acute inflammation in the cerebellum caused by a bacterial infection induces neural plasticity, which in turn may lead to hyper-excitability in the brain and the onset of depressive and autism-like symptoms. -- Yet exactly how two-hit stress contributes to changes in the brain had remained unclear. -- Subject mice in the current investigation were allowed to freely explore, revealing extensive behavioral differences in two-hit mice, correlating with abnormalities in the cerebellum. -- In particular, the researchers observed a significant increase in the number and turnover of microglia, the primary immune cells found in the central nervous system. -- The study also revealed neuronal loss in the cerebellum, a reduction in the action potential firing of remaining cerebellar neurons, and a decrease in brain-wide functional connectivity. -- "These results indicate cerebellar cognitive dysfunctions in animals exposed to two-hit stress," says team member Momoka Hikosaka. -- The exposure to such stress altered the microglial reactivity in the cerebella of both male and female mice, leading to cerebellar dysfunction and behaviors resembling psychiatric disorders.	H02 R02 N01	644
2510-089	Researchers Explore Children's Color Perception Through Innovative Methodology	A team from Kyoto University has developed a method to assess children's subjective experiences of color through a touch panel interface. This innovative approach allows young children, even as young as three, to express their perceptions, bridging the gap between neuroscience and psychology in understanding how children experience and articulate their understanding of color.	Kyoto University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	As a child, did it ever occur to you that your perception of color differed from that of others? It's quite common to have this thought, but it turns out that the human color experience may be more universal than we previously believed. -- In psychology and neuroscience, the relationship between subjective experience, such as how we perceive color, and physical brain activity has remained an unresolved problem. -- Furthermore, due to their limited language abilities, studying conscious experiences in children has posed a particular challenge. -- This inspired a team of researchers at Kyoto University to establish a methodology for evaluating conscious experiences, or qualia, in young children. -- Focusing on their experience with color, the team developed a touch panel interface that requires only minimal language skills, making it accessible for children as young as 3 years old. -- "We were motivated by fundamental questions about how children perceive and experience the world," says corresponding author Yusuke Moriguchi. -- He points out that there was no established methodology to evaluate these experiences in young children who cannot fully articulate their perceptions. -- Using their newly-developed interface, the researchers chose nine distinct colors and asked participants to rate color similarities on a four-point scale from "very similar" to "very dissimilar" Participants included Japanese children aged 3-12 and Chinese children aged 6-8, along with Japanese adults. -- They also conducted the tests in different environments, both online and in-person, and utilized either a computer or a touch screen for each test. -- The results revealed that young children experience colors in nearly the same way as adults, and that the structure of how children experience colors remains remarkably consistent across age groups and cultures.	H01 R02 T01	645
2511-061	Exploring Dopamine Signals In Primate Brains: Understanding Reward Mechanisms	A research team has developed a novel method to monitor dopamine signals related to reward-predictive stimuli in primates. Using a fluorescent dopamine sensor, they provide insights into the mechanisms of Pavlovian conditioning, enhancing our understanding of the brain's motivational processes and potential implications for behavioral studies.	Kyoto University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	We're all familiar with Pavlovian conditioning, in which a reward-anticipatory behavior follows a reward-predicting stimulus. Perhaps you experience it yourself when passing a café or restaurant and catching a whiff of something delectable. -- Behind this mechanism is dopamine released within the striatum, the largest structure of the subcortical basal ganglia, which links motor movements and motivation. -- Yet it has remained unclear exactly what kind of dopamine signal is transmitted to the striatum to cause this behavior in primates. -- In order to understand this dopamine signal, a team of researchers from Kyoto University and Cambridge University developed a new method of monitoring dopamine, utilizing a fluorescent dopamine sensor. -- "We found that the fluorescence monitoring technique is widely suitable for identifying the physiological functions of dopamine and other substances in the brain," says corresponding author Hidetoshi Amita. -- The team observed rhesus macaques living in KyotoU's Center for the Evolutionary Origins of Human Behavior, in Aichi prefecture. -- First they engaged the monkeys in a Pavlovian probabilistic reward task, involving fractal objects presented on a screen paired with reward delivery. -- After training the monkeys for two months, they applied a dopamine monitoring technique with a fluorescent sensor, after which they analyzed the monkeys' licking and gazing behaviors while performing the same reward task. -- The team's fluorescent methods proved effective. -- "Our study demonstrates that this technique is useful in capturing the dopamine transients in brain structures of the task-performing monkeys," continues Amita.	R01 R02	646
2502-T002	Microwave Innovation: Efficiently Converting Biomass Into Simple Sugars	Kyushu University researchers have developed an innovative process for hydrolyzing polysaccharides into simple sugars using microwave flow reactions and recyclable solid catalysts. This continuous-flow system allows for the efficient conversion of complex carbohydrates, such as cellobiose, into glucose. Their findings, published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, represent a significant advancement in biomass conversion, with promising applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis.	Kyushu University	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a device that combines a catalyst and microwave flow reaction to efficiently convert complex polysaccharides into simple monosaccharides. The device utilizes a continuous-flow hydrolysis process, where cellobiose -- a disaccharide made from two glucose molecules -- is passed through a sulfonated carbon catalyst that is heated using microwaves. The subsequent chemical reaction breaks down cellobiose into glucose. Their results were published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. -- Converting biomass into useful resources has been a topic of scientific research for decades. Biomass polysaccharides, long-chain complex sugars which are ubiquitous in nature, are considered to be one of the more promising substances for efficient conversion since they can be converted into simple sugars that, in turn, can be used in food, pharmaceuticals, and chemical synthesis. -- Hydrolysis is one of the more efficient chemical reactions that convert long chain sugars into simple sugars, usually using acids as catalysts. While many acid catalysts are in gas or liquid form, solid acid catalysts -- which, as the word describes, is an acid in solid form -- are known to be more recyclable and thus have been a point of focus for researchers. -- However, solid acid catalysts require high temperatures for them to react efficiently. To overcome this, Associate Professor Shuntaro Tsubaki from Kyushu University's Faculty of Agriculture and his team investigated applying microwave flow reactions to heat the solid catalysts during the reaction process. -- "Microwaves form a localized high-temperature reaction field on the solid catalyst, which can lead to higher catalytic activity while keeping the overall reaction system at a lower temperature," explains Tsubaki. "In addition, we can have the substrate flow continuously through the reaction vessel where microwaves are applied to the catalyst, resulting in higher yields of the desired product." -- The device the researchers developed utilized a solid acid catalyst composed of sulfonated carbon. Cellobiose, a disaccharide, was used as a model sugar substrate to test the system. In their device, a solution of cellobiose would be passed through the sulfonated carbon catalyst that was heated to up to 100-140℃ using microwaves. The catalyst would then break apart the cellobiose through hydrolysis and produce the monosaccharide glucose. -- One of the keys for the system's efficiency is thanks to the ability to separate the microwave's electric and magnetic fields. -- "Microwaves produce both electric and magnetic fields. The electric field causes the heating of dipolar materials like water. This is what heats up your food. The magnetic field, on the other hand, induces heating of conductive materials like metals and carbon," says Tsubaki. "In our device we were able to increase catalytic activity by separating the two fields, then using the electric field to heat the liquid solution of cellobiose and at the same time use the magnetic field to heat up the catalyst." -- Microwave-accelerated catalytic reactions have been applied for a variety of chemical reactions, including organic synthesis, plastics recycling, and biomass conversion. The team hopes that as renewable energy sources continue to surge, electricity-driven chemical production such as theirs will help move the industry toward a greener future. -- "We expect our system will help in the development of more sustainable chemical synthesis. We would also like to explore the utility of our methodology on the hydrolysis of other polysaccharides as well as in proteins for the production of amino acids and peptides," concludes Tsubaki.	H01 C01 T01	647
2507-T035	Star Formation Insights Gleaned From Observing The Small Magellanic Cloud	Observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud using the ALMA telescope have provided new insights into star formation processes in environments resembling the early universe. Researchers found a mix of filamentary and 'fluffy' molecular clouds, suggesting diverse pathways for star formation that may have existed during the universe's infancy, enhancing our understanding of cosmic evolution.	Kyushu University	Kyushu University	Press Rel	PubMed	How are stars born, and has it always been this way? -- Stars form in regions of space known as stellar nurseries, where high concentrations of gas and dust coalesce to form a baby star. -- Also called molecular clouds, these regions of space can be massive, spanning hundreds of light-years and forming thousands of stars. -- And while we know much about the life cycle of a star thanks to advances in technology and observational tools, precise details remain obscure. -- For example, did stars form this way in the early universe? -- Publishing in The Astrophysical Journal, researchers from Kyushu University, in collaboration with Osaka Metropolitan University, have found that in the early universe, some stars may have formed in "fluffy" molecular clouds. -- The results were obtained from observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud and may provide a new perspective on star formation throughout the history of the universe. -- In our Milky Way galaxy, the molecular clouds that facilitate star formation have an elongated "filamentary" structure about 0.3 light-years wide. -- Astronomers believe that our Solar System was formed in the same way, where a large filamentary molecular cloud broke apart to form a stellar egg, also called a molecular cloud core. -- Over hundreds of thousands of years, gravity would attract gases and matter into the cores to create a star.	C01	648
2512-027	Children And Adults Interpret Ambiguity Differently, Study Shows	Children And Adults Interpret Ambiguity Differently, Study Shows	Kyushu University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	"Did you see that?" -- It is a simple phrase we hear every day, but how do we know what "that" refers to? -- A new study from Kyushu University, published on February 13, 2025 (JST) in PLOS One, reveals that children and adults use different strategies to interpret such verbal uncertainties, offering fresh insights into the development of human language comprehension. -- Imagine watching a quiet night sky. When a shooting star streaks across the sky and someone asks, "Did you see that?," we naturally understand they are referring to the shooting star, not the twinkling stars in the background. -- "In a shared conversational environment, a shooting star is a striking event that draws attention, making listeners easily associate 'that' with this moment," explains Research Fellow Reiki Kishimoto and Professor Kazuhide Hashiyafrom Kyushu University's Faculty of Human-Environment Studies. -- Our daily conversations are full of ambiguity. Yet, communication usually flows smoothly because listeners can identify key cues from countless possibilities and interpret the speaker's intent. -- These cues often include attention-grabbing events or things that just happened. -- To study how these interpretation skills develop, researchers at Kyushu University conducted psychological experiments with Japanese children (ages 7-10) and adults. -- Participants were shown a series of animations featuring nine monsters that appeared one by one from left to right. -- While eight of the monsters performed the same action -- such as playing the guitar -- one monster did something different, like eating.	H01	649
2503-030	T Cells Transform And Travel To Fight Infections In The Gut	A research team from the La Jolla Institute, UC San Diego, and the Allen Institute has revealed that tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells undergo a transformation within the small intestine to combat infections. These immune cells strategically reposition themselves to prevent pathogens from infiltrating deeper tissues, demonstrating a well-coordinated immune response critical for gut health. This study highlights the sophisticated ways the immune system protects the gut while managing nutrient absorption.	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Your gut is a battleground. The cells that line your small intestine have to balance two seemingly contradictory jobs: absorbing nutrients from food, while keeping a wary eye out for pathogens trying to invade your body. -- "This is a surface where pathogens can sneak in," says La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) Assistant Professor Miguel Reina-Campos, Ph.D. "That's a massive challenge for the immune system." -- So how do immune cells keep the gut safe? New research led by scientists at LJI, UC San Diego, and the Allen Institute for Immunology shows that pathogen-fighting immune cells called tissue-resident memory CD8 T cells (TRM cells) go through a surprising transformation -- and relocation -- as they fight infections in the small intestine. -- In fact, these cells literally rise up higher in the tissue to fight infections before pathogens can spread to deeper, more vulnerable areas. -- "The tissue in the gut has evolved to provide signals to immune cell infiltrates -- to put immune cells in specific places so they have a better ability to stop pathogens," says Reina-Campos, who served as first author of the new Nature study alongside co-first author Alexander Monell of UC San Diego and co-senior authors Maximilian Heeg, M.D., and Ananda W. Goldrath, Ph.D., of the Allen Institute for Immunology and UC San Diego. -- The new findings add to the growing body of evidence that immune cells adapt to protect specific tissues. Reina-Campos thinks these "tissue-resident" immune cells may be key players in future cancer immunotherapies that target tumors in specific organs. -- T cells on the move -- Reina-Campos and his colleagues investigated the formation of TRM cells in the small intestine. The team harnessed a cutting-edge technology called spatial transcriptomics to track these cells in both human and mouse tissue samples. -- Their work showed that the small intestine holds two types of TRM cells. These cells are split between the tiny, finger-like "villi" structures that line the small intestine or the "crypts" between the protruding villi. -- The researchers found that progenitor-like TRM cells live closer to the crypts between the villi. On the other hand, differentiated TRM occupy more exposed regions at the top of the villi. "Differentiated immune cells are more exposed at the top of the villi, and that's where they have a better ability to protect you from infections," says Reina-Campos.	A01 H01 H02 R01	650
2507-119	Innovative Therapeutic Cocktails May Revolutionize Treatment For Asthma Patients	Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology are pioneering new therapeutic cocktails to provide long-lasting relief for treatment-resistant asthma. These innovative therapies target immune cells' responses to allergens, potentially offering alternative strategies to control asthma symptoms and reduce inflammation, thereby improving patient outcomes for those who do not respond well to existing treatments.	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Current asthma treatments don't work in all patients, and they don't provide long-term relief from potentially deadly asthma attacks. -- Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) are advancing a new kind of therapy. -- According to a recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, their approach holds promise for providing long-lasting relief for people with asthma -- and it may be useful for dampening immune inflammation in general. -- The researchers have developed two therapeutic "cocktails" to stop immune cells from overreacting to allergens. -- The cocktails inhibit key molecules (called ICOSL, OX40L, and CD30L) that they found allow specialized tissue-resident memory T cells to stay active and maintained in high numbers in tissues. -- Without these molecules, the T cells can't trigger asthma attacks and do not persist to trigger future asthma exacerbations. -- Even better, there are two effective versions of these cocktails. -- The researchers demonstrated that they could treat a mouse model of severe allergic asthma using either a combination of an ICOSL and OX40L inhibitor -- or an ICOSL and CD30L inhibitor. -- The researchers are hopeful that these two cocktails may one day give doctors the flexibility to help patients with different forms of allergic asthma. -- "If we can target these molecules in human patients, they might be able to develop long-lasting tolerance to allergens," says study first author LJI Instructor Gurupreet Sethi, Ph.D., who led the study with support from LJI's Tullie and Rickey Families SPARK Awards for Innovations in Immunology.	H01 H02	651
2508-034	Protective T Cells Found In Children With Multiple Dengue Virus Infections	A study led by La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that children who have had multiple dengue virus infections develop robust T cell responses, conferring immunity against subsequent infections. These findings emphasize the importance of T cells in managing dengue virus impacts and could inform future vaccine strategies in expanding regions.	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	JCI Insight	Press Rel	PubMed	Children who experience multiple cases of dengue virus develop an army of dengue-fighting T cells, according to a new study led by scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI). -- The findings, published recently in JCI Insights, suggest that these T cells are key to dengue virus immunity. -- In fact, most children who experienced two or more dengue infections showed very minor symptoms -- or no symptoms at all -- when they caught the virus again. -- "We saw a significant T cell response in children who had been infected more than once before," says study leader and LJI Assistant Professor Daniela Weiskopf, Ph.D. -- Dengue virus infects up to 400 million people each year, and there are few vaccines and no approved therapies available for any of the four species, or "serotypes," of the virus. -- The researchers hope their findings can inform the development of a dengue virus vaccine that prompts a similarly strong T cell response. -- This research comes as dengue-carrying mosquitos expand their territory into new regions, including Southern California. -- Health officials in California reported the state's first-ever case of locally acquired dengue virus in 2023. -- Since then, Los Angeles County has reported 12 additional cases of locally acquired dengue virus, and San Diego County has confirmed two locally acquired cases. -- "Dengue virus is expanding into areas where the majority of people have never seen the virus," says Weiskopf, who is a member of LJI's Center for Vaccine Innovation.	A01 H01 R01	652
2512-E026	Zika Virus Research Reveals How It Evades Immune Defenses	Zika Virus Research Reveals How It Evades Immune Defenses	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Zika virus and dengue virus are very close relatives. Both are mosquito-borne flaviviruses, and both specialize in infecting a host's dendritic cells. -- But a new Nature Communications study, led by scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) and UC San Diego shows that these two viruses have vastly different ways of making us sick. -- Zika virus uses stealth. Zika virus slips into dendritic cells and blocks the dendritic cells from alerting nearby T cells to danger. -- It's the classic horror movie cliche -- the creeper is already in the house, and the phone lines have been cut. -- Dengue virus prefers shock-and-awe. Dengue virus pushes dendritic cells to churn out molecules called pro-inflammatory cytokines, which send the immune system into overdrive. -- The virus spreads to new host cells as the body grapples with this overwhelming immune response. -- Understanding these different infection strategies is key for developing life-saving vaccines, says LJI Professor Sujan Shresta, Ph.D. Her team is working to develop vaccines that harness virus-fighting T cells to combat Zika virus, dengue virus, and other flaviviruses with pandemic potential. -- "Our ultimate goal is to develop vaccines against these very difficult viruses," says Shresta, who co-led the new study with UC San Diego Professor Aaron Carlin, M.D., Ph.D. "Understanding how these viruses manipulate the immune response can help guide the development of the best vaccine approach." -- Why Zika-infected dendritic cells can't call for help -- This new collaboration is the first to show exactly how Zika virus accomplishes its sneak attack.	R01	653
2513-E001	Meet OGT: The Enzyme Protecting Us From Genetic Instability	Researchers have uncovered a vital protective mechanism that helps cells manage potentially harmful transposable elements (TEs) within the genome's "dark side." This study highlights the significance of heterochromatin in maintaining cellular health, revealing how a specialized protein network represses TE activity, which has implications for understanding aging, cancer, and autoimmune diseases linked to genomic instability.	La Jolla Institute for Immunology	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	You may have heard of the fantastic-sounding "dark side of the genome." This poorly studied fraction of DNA, known as heterochromatin, makes up around half of your genetic material, and scientists are now starting to unravel its role in your cells. -- For more than 50 years, scientists have puzzled over the genetic material contained in this "dark DNA." But there's a growing body of evidence showing that its proper functioning is critical for maintaining cells in a healthy state. -- Heterochromatin contains tens of thousands of units of dangerous DNA, known as "transposable elements" (or TEs). TEs remain silently "buried" in heterochromatin in normal cells -- but under many pathological conditions they can "wake up" and occasionally even "jump" into our regular genetic code. -- And if that change benefits a cell? How wonderful! Transposable elements have been co-opted for new purposes through evolutionary history -- for instance the RAG genes in immune cells and the genes required for driving the development of the placenta and mammalian evolution have been derived from TEs. -- But TEs may also wreak havoc on our health. In just the last few years, scientists have linked heterochromatin weakening to aging, premalignancy, cancer, and autoimmune disease. -- "You can think of heterochromatin as a prison for transposable elements" says La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) Professor Anjana Rao, Ph.D., the lead author of a new Nature Structural & Molecular Biology study, with key collaborators Professor Geoffrey J. Faulkner, Ph.D. of the University of Queensland, Robert Crawford, Ph.D., of biomodal (formerly Cambridge EpiGenetix), and Samuel Myers, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at LJI. -- "When heterochromatin loses its normal suppressive function, TEs escape and in parallel, the health of cells declines." -- The new study reveals a remarkable way that cells keep us safe from TEs gone wild. -- The researchers found that cells have taken advantage of an entire protein network to repress TE activity and keep themselves healthy. -- "Reactivated transposable elements can create a lot of genomic instability," says Hugo Sepulveda, Ph.D., a Pew Latin American Postdoctoral Fellow, former Instructor at LJI, and one of the two co-first authors of the new study with LJI Instructor Xiang Li, Ph.D.	A01 R01	654
2501-100	COVID Impact: Treatment Delays For Children With Brain Tumors Are Heartbreaking.	Research focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on children with brain tumors highlights disruptions in timely diagnosis and treatment. The study, involving interviews with impacted families and healthcare professionals, reveals significant delays in care that could lead to adverse outcomes in pediatric brain tumor cases.	Lancaster University	BMJ Open	Press Rel	PubMed	The first ever investigation into the impact of the Covid pandemic on children and young people with brain tumours has revealed how investigations or treatments were frequently postponed as key people or resources were not available. -- The study in the British Medical Journal Open was led by Lancaster University and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with Manchester University, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. -- Paediatric brain tumours are the second most common childhood cancers, with around 500 children and young people diagnosed each year in the UK. Delays in diagnosis can make treatment more complex and increase the likelihood of death or disability. -- However, diagnosis is often difficult, as symptoms and signs can be non-specific -- often picked up in optometry, primary care, nurseries and schools, all of which were also disrupted during the pandemic. -- The study, funded by Action Medical Research for Children, involved interviewing parents and caregivers, children and young people, clinical staff and charities throughout the UK between January 2022 and June 2023. -- Dr Liz Brewster of Lancaster University said: "In this research, families shared such heartbreaking stories of their children undergoing treatment during the pandemic." -- The principal investigators were Mr Ibrahim Jalloh, an Addenbrooke's consultant neurosurgeon and Professor Rachel Isba, from Lancaster Medical School and Alder Hey Children's Hospital where she is a consultant in Paediatric Public Health Medicine. -- Professor Isba said: "Overall, this study not only sheds light on the challenges faced by families during the pandemic but also provides suggestions for improving healthcare services to ensure a more comprehensive and effective response in times of crisis." -- Lockdown meant that seeing a GP face-to-face was more difficult and remote consultations relied on clear caregiver reporting to ensure that 'red flags' were noted. -- One caregiver said: "A lot of them were telephone consultations. They wouldn't actually see us because of COVID. … If you explain stuff over the phone, they're just agreeing with you. They're just taking your point of view."	H01 R01 R02	655
2502-060	Hearing Impairment Linked To Increased Risk Of Developing Parkinson's Disease	New research from Lancaster University suggests a possible link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This study is one of the first to explore how sensory impairments might serve as early warning signs for Parkinson's, emphasizing the importance of understanding these connections in the context of neurological health.	Lancaster University	Parkinsonism & Related Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	There may be a link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's according to research led by Lancaster University. -- This is one of the first studies to examine whether sensory impairments, such as hearing loss, might increase the risk for Parkinson's or serve as an early warning sign. -- Parkinson's UK reports that an estimated 153,000 people in the UK currently live with Parkinson's, which is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. -- It is estimated that 1 in 37 people in the UK will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime. -- The study entitled "Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with increased risk of Parkinson's: A UK Biobank Analysis" is published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. -- Researchers analysed data from the UK Biobank, a biomedical database containing data from half a million participants across the UK. They looked at data from 159,395 individuals who had previously undergone a hearing test measuring their ability to detect speech in noisy environments and had no history of Parkinson's at the time of the assessment. -- Over an average follow-up period of 14.24 years, 810 participants were subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. -- The analysis revealed a 57% increased risk of Parkinson's for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing impairment. -- Dr Megan Readman, ESRC Post Doctoral Research Fellow from Lancaster University's Department of Psychology, led the study. -- She said: "These findings are incredibly important; first, this is one of the first studies to look at how hearing impairments may increase risk for Parkinson's or be an early warning sign of Parkinson's.	R01	656
2502-E039	Climate Change Transforms Fish Communities In The Great Barrier Reef	New research unveils significant changes in fish communities on the Great Barrier Reef due to climate change and human impact. A study conducted by international marine scientists demonstrates how the composition of reef fish has transformed since the 1990s, raising concerns about the ecological balance and future sustainability of this vital marine ecosystem.	Lancaster University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Life on the Great Barrier Reef is undergoing big changes in the face of climate change and other human-caused pressures, a new study reveals. -- From food security to controlling seaweed and even making sand for beaches, reef fish are a hugely important part of marine ecosystems providing a range of benefits to humans and coral reef ecosystems. -- New research from an international team of marine scientists from the UK and Australia and led by researchers at Lancaster University, published today in the journal Nature Communications, reveals significant transformations in fish communities on the Great Barrier Reef, the World's largest coral reef ecosystem. -- Their findings show Great Barrier Reef fish communities differ substantially from those of the 1990s, and the pace of change has increased. -- The findings raise questions around how long-known patterns of how life is spread across the Earth seem to be shifting. -- And importantly, researchers discovered that coral diversity rather than the amount of coral on a reef plays the most crucial role in driving the diversity of fish that depend upon it. -- The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem faces many pressures with some, such as coral bleaching and cyclones, becoming more intense and frequent in recent decades. -- Extreme heat stress resulted in six mass coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef from 1998 to 2022, and another recently in 2024 after this study was completed. -- This is compounded by other pressures, such as tropical storms, water pollution and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish. -- These pressures have huge effects on the coral reefs -- impacting the amount of coral, the composition of coral assemblages and the diversity of fish that live on coral reefs.	H01 H02 N01	657
2505-071	Brain Oxygenation Dynamics Impact Neurodegeneration In Alzheimer’s Disease, New Research Revealed	Research from Lancaster University has uncovered critical insights into how Alzheimer’s disease affects brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function, contributing to neurodegeneration. The study found the average respiration rate for Alzheimer's patients to be higher than that of the control group, suggesting impaired blood nourishment to the brain. This work enhances understanding of the neurovascular unit's role in energy supply to the brain and highlights the need for more research into vascular contributions to Alzheimer's pathology.	Lancaster University	Brain Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Most animals, including other primates, give birth alone, but humans require assistance during childbirth due to the physiological complexities of the process. -- A new Dartmouth-led study finds that pregnant individuals who were unable to have their desired emotional support persons present during childbirth were more likely to have higher levels of perceived childbirth stress than those who were not missing their support people. -- The researchers found that the higher level of perceived childbirth stress was comparable to the increase in stress associated with a Cesarean section delivery. -- The findings are published in Evolution, Medicine, & Public Health. -- "For most of our history, humans have been supported in childbirth by people, usually women, whom they knew and trusted," says Zaneta Thayer '08, an associate professor of anthropology at Dartmouth. -- "Our study highlights the stress that results when people do not have access to that type of support." -- Research has shown the benefits of emotional support during childbirth, including shorter labor, less use of medication during labor, and better outcomes such as lower C-section rates. -- "Some of these benefits may stem from lower stress hormones and increased oxytocin levels when people feel emotionally supported in labor," says Thayer. -- Oxytocin, a hormone that stimulates contractions, can also have calming and pain-relieving effects. -- It also plays an important role in breastfeeding and helping parents bond with their infants after birth.	R01 R02	658
2507-T001	New Supernova Data Could Transform Our Understanding Of The Universe's Expansion	A groundbreaking dataset of Type Ia Supernovae, published by the Zwicky Transient Facility, is set to transform cosmological measurements of the universe's expansion. This comprehensive collection of 3,628 supernovae will enable astronomers to refine distance calculations and enhance our understanding of cosmic phenomena, marking a significant advancement in astrophysics.	Lancaster University	Lancaster University	Press Rel	PubMed	A unique dataset of Type Ia Supernovae being released today could change how cosmologists measure the expansion history of the Universe. -- Dr Mathew Smith and Dr Georgios Dimitriadis from Lancaster University are both members of the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF), a wide-field sky astronomical survey using a new camera attached to the Samuel Oschin Telescope at Palomar Observatory in California. -- Type Ia Supernovae are the dramatic explosions of white dwarf stars at the ends of their lives. -- Cosmologists use them to probe distances across the universe by comparing their fluxes, as further objects appear dimmer. -- The ZTF cosmology science working group is today publishing twenty-one articles studying these 3628 Type Ia Supernovae, forming a Special Issue in Astronomy & Astrophysics. -- Lancaster astrophysicist Dr Mathew Smith, co-leader of the ZTF SN Ia DR2 release, said: "This release provides a game-changing dataset for supernova cosmology. It opens the door to new discoveries about both the expansion of the universe and the fundamental physics of supernovae." -- This is the first time that astrophysicists have access to such a large and homogeneous dataset. -- Type Ia supernovae are rare, occurring approximately once per thousand years in a typical galaxy, but ZTF's depth and survey strategy enable researchers to detect nearly four per night. -- In only two and a half years, ZTF has doubled the number available Type Ia Supernovae for cosmology acquired for the last 30 years to almost three thousand. -- Head of the ZTF Cosmology Science working group Dr Mickael Rigault from the Institut des deux Infinis de Lyon (CNRS / Claude Bernard University) said: ""For the past five years, a group of thirty experts from around the world have collected, compiled, assembled, and analysed these data.	Z01	659
2507-T006	Achieving Negative Refraction Using Atomic Arrays: A Breakthrough In Optics	Researchers have achieved negative refraction using atomic arrays, bringing potential advancements in optics without relying on traditional metamaterials. This innovative approach, demonstrated by a team from Lancaster University, paves the way for developing new technologies like superlenses, which could revolutionize how we manipulate light.	Lancaster University	Lancaster University	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that negative refraction can be achieved using atomic arrays -- without the need for artificially manufactured metamaterials. -- Scientists have long sought to control light in ways that appear to defy the laws of Nature. -- Negative refraction -- a phenomenon where light bends in the opposite direction to its usual behaviour -- has captivated researchers for its potential to revolutionise optics, enabling transformative technologies such as superlenses and cloaking devices. -- Now, carefully arranged arrays of atoms have brought these possibilities a step closer, achieving negative refraction without the need for artificially manufactured metamaterials. -- In research published in Nature Communications, Lancaster University Physics Professor Janne Ruostekoski and Dr Kyle Ballantine, with Dr Lewis Ruks from NTT Basic Research Laboratories in Japan, demonstrated a novel way of controlling interactions between atoms and light. -- Natural materials interact with light through atomic transitions, where electrons jump between different energy levels. -- However, this interaction process has significant limitations. -- For instance, light primarily interacts with its electric field component, leaving the magnetic field component largely unused. -- These inherent constraints in the optical properties of natural materials have driven the development of artificially engineered metamaterials which rely on the phenomenon of negative refraction. -- Refraction occurs when light changes direction as it passes, e.g., from air into water or glass.	T01	660
2512-078	Smartwatches May Boost Exercise Adherence For Type 2 Diabetes Management In New Study	A recent study indicates that wearable health technology can enhance exercise adherence in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). By evaluating behavior during a home-based physical activity program in Canada and the UK, researchers found that participants using smartwatches showed greater commitment to exercise, leading to improved health outcomes after a year.	Lancaster University	BMJ Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Wearable mobile health technology could help people with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) to stick to exercise regimes that help them to keep the condition under control, a new study reveals. -- An international team including Lancaster University studied the behaviour of recently-diagnosed T2D patients in Canada and the UK as they followed a home-based physical activity programme, with some participants wearing a smartwatch paired with a health app on their smartphone. -- The 'Mobile Health Biometrics to Enhance Exercise and Physical Activity Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes (MOTIVATE-T2D) feasibility trial recruited participants aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with T2D within the previous 5-24 months and managing their condition through lifestyle modification alone or Metformin. -- They discovered that MOTIVATE-T2D participants were more likely to start and maintain purposeful exercise at if they had the support of wearable technology. The study successfully recruited 125 participants with an 82% retention rate after 12 months. -- Publishing their findings in BMJ Open, researchers reveal a range of potential clinical benefits among participants including improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. -- Professor Céu Mateus, Professor of Health Economics at Lancaster University, led the economic evaluation of this intervention in terms of its costs and benefits in comparison with the alternative. -- She said: "The results of this study can contribute to change the lives of many people around the world. There are millions of people suffering from Diabetes type 2 without access to non-pharmacological interventions with sustained results in the long term. Our study shows that independently of the place where you live, your age, your ethnicity, your gender, or your income, there is an exercise programme that suits you. -- "In a time where savings to health services budgets are of paramount importance, non-pharmacological interventions contributing to improve equity in access by patients are very valuable for society." -- Co-author Dr Katie Hesketh, from the University of Birmingham, said: "We found that using biometrics from wearable technologies offered great promise for encouraging people with newly diagnosed T2D to maintain a home-delivered, personalised exercise programme with all the associated health benefits." -- Researchers found that, as well as the encouraging data for blood sugar and systolic blood pressure, the programme could help to lower cholesterol and improve quality of life.	A01 H01 R01	661
2513-072	Older Adults Experience Lower Muscle Soreness After Exercise Compared To Younger Adults	Recent research challenges the belief that older adults experience more muscle soreness after exercise, revealing instead that they experience significantly less soreness compared to younger adults. The study finds that older individuals demonstrated reduced muscle damage indicators and soreness, suggesting that age does not correlate with decreased muscle resilience, thus providing a fresh perspective on physical activity in aging populations.	Lancaster University	Journal of Aging and Physical Activity	Press Rel	PubMed	Older adults experience less muscle soreness following exercise according to research which overturns the widespread belief that ageing muscles are less resilient. -- The study entitled "Advancing age is not associated with greater exercise-induced muscle damage" is published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity (JAPA). -- Younger adults were categorised as between 18 to 25 and older adults more than 35 years old. -- The research co-authored by Lancaster University provides a comprehensive analysis of how ageing affects muscle function, soreness, and biochemical markers of muscle damage after exercise. -- By pooling data from 36 studies, researchers found that older adults do not experience greater muscle function loss after exercise compared with younger individuals. -- One striking discovery was that muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared with younger individuals. -- Creatine kinase levels, an indicator of muscle damage, were approximately 28% lower in older adults at 24 hours post-exercise. -- The findings suggest that, despite physiological changes with age, muscle resilience remains relatively stable, allowing older individuals to continue engaging in regular physical activity without increased concern for prolonged weakness or loss of function. -- Interestingly, sex appeared to play a role in muscle function recovery, with males showing slightly greater decreases in muscle function after exercise than females. -- There was no observed impact of upper- or lower-body or exercise type (resistance training or endurance training) on muscle damage markers	A01 H01	662
2502-T012	Wind Turbines: A Barrier For Bats Seeking Water Sources	A study by the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research reveals that wind turbines pose a significant threat to bat populations by limiting their access to crucial water sources during hot, dry summers. Many bat species avoid areas near turbines, which could hinder their survival during critical reproductive periods, highlighting the need for careful wind turbine placement to protect wildlife habitats.	Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)	Biological Conservation	Press Rel	PubMed	Bats depend on open bodies of water such as small ponds and lakes for foraging and drinking. Access to water is particularly important for survival in the increasingly hot and dry summers caused by climate change, the time when female bats are pregnant and rear their young. A scientific team from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) has now shown that access to drinking sites is hampered by wind turbines in agricultural landscapes: Many bat species avoid the turbines and water bodies located close to the turbines for several kilometres. These results have been published in the scientific journal Biological Conservation. -- In order to counteract climate change, many countries are investing in the expansion of wind energy production in order to reduce greenhouse gases such as CO2 through renewable electricity. However, the expansion of wind power production may also have negative consequences for wildlife and their habitats. This can potentially lead to some wildlife species being less able to cope with global warming. Prof Dr Christian Voigt and Dr Carolin Scholz from the Leibniz-IZW and Hannah Klein from the University of Potsdam showed in a scientific investigation of the acoustic activity of bats in agricultural landscapes that many bat species are displaced by wind turbines near smaller bodies of water. They analysed the spatial behaviour of bats belonging to the three functional guilds of open space foraging bats (that hunt above fields or the canopy of forests), narrow space foraging bats (that hunt in dense vegetations, for example below the forest canopy) and edge space foraging bats (that are specialised in foraging in transition zones such as forest edges). "We were able to clearly recognise that those bats which specialized to forage in the open space and in dense vegetation avoided water bodies when wind turbines were located near them," says Voigt. "Only species of the guild of edge space foraging bats are apparently not driven away from the water sites by the wind turbines." -- The scientists placed acoustic detectors at a total of 59 small ponds that are permanently filled with water at distances of around 50 to 5,000 metres from wind turbines in northern Brandenburg, a federal state in Eastern Germany. Owing to its glacial history, the study area has more than a thousand of these small ponds, called kettle holes, kettle lakes or pothole lakes, which fulfil important ecological functions even in the intensively used agricultural landscape. "During the reproductive season in July, we measured the acoustic activity of bats at bodies of water at different distances from wind turbines. We paid attention to compare the data for similar conditions, such as a lack of rain and moderate winds," explains Scholz. "In July, the lactation period of female bats slowly comes to an end and the young are weaned from the nursery roosts, which is an energetically strenuous phase for female bats. In addition, many waterholes dry up in midsummer, which is why the bats may be more dependent on small bodies of water that contain water all year round." -- The team identified a total of almost 8,400 calls of different bat species in the three bat guilds of open space hunters, narrow space hunters and edge spacer foragers. "With increasing proximity to wind turbines, the activity of open space foraging bats at water bodies decreased by 53 percent and the activity of bat species adapted to hunting in narrow vegetation decreased by 63 percent," the authors summarise. The same picture was revealed when analysing the foraging behaviour that can be identified by the acoustic detectors: It decreased by 87 and 76 percent respectively as the distance to a wind turbine decreased from 5 kilometres to virtually zero. -- "There is a certain tragedy in these results, because a measure to mitigate climate change has the unfortunate side effect that certain bats are less able to cope with hot and dry summers if they are displaced from their habitats by wind turbines," says Voigt. "This emphasises once again how important it is to carefully consider the siting of wind turbines so as not to play off different objectives against each other. Habitats that are very important for species conservation should be given low priority or entirely excluded as sites for wind energy production." -- The bat species studied include the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), the soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) and the western barbastelle (Barbastella barbastellus) as representatives of edge space foraging bats, species of the genera noctule bats (Nyctalus), house bats (Eptesicus) and vesper bats (Vespertilio) as representatives of open space foraging bats, and species of the genus mouse-eared bats (Myotis) and long-eared bats (Plecotus) as representatives of narrow space foraging bats. -- Bats are protected species under German nature conservation law and EU law and should also be specially protected as migratory species. This protection is conflicting with the expansion of wind energy production, because there are a significant number of direct fatalities at the turbines and the habitats of bats are impaired in many ways. Voigt's team at the IZW has been conducting research into this "'green-green conflict" between wind power expansion and bat conservation for many years.	A01 N01 N02 T01	663
2506-E027	Bats As Natural Pest Controllers: Protecting Rice Crops From High-Flying Insects	Research has demonstrated that Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats are capable of hunting at altitudes of up to 1,600 meters, where they play a crucial role in controlling populations of high-flying planthoppers, pests that threaten rice crops. Scientists from Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research emphasize the importance of this species in maintaining food security in South and East Asia, as conventional pest control methods fail at such heights, highlighting the need for bat conservation.	Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)	Oecologia	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) and the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand have demonstrated that Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats not only travels great distances, but also hunt at impressive altitudes of up to 1,600 metres above ground -- the altitude at which many planthoppers fly, which are dreaded insect pests of rice plants. Conventional methods of pest control such as insecticides do not work at these altitudes. By restricting the spread of high-flying planthoppers, Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats make an important contribution to pest control and thus also to food security in South and East Asia. The article published in the scientific journal "Oecologia" therefore emphasises how important and valuable it is to protect this bat species. -- Rice is the staple food for more than half of the world's population and Southeast Asia, South and East Asia together are the most important regions for its production. -- Planthoppers cause massive damage to the rice fields there, leading to crop losses and thus considerable financial losses for farmers and even entire economies. -- The insects are very mobile during their dispersal phase and use winds at altitudes between 300 and 1,000 metres to travel long distances. -- A scientific team led by Prof Dr Christian Voigt, Head of the Department of Evolutionary Ecology at the Leibniz-IZW, has now shown that the Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bat (Mops plicatus) is able to use these heights as hunting grounds. -- The results are an outcome of a multi-year research project on the flight and hunting behaviour of this bat. -- "Mops plicatus bat is a skilful hunter that specialises in catching insects in the open air, i.e. above the vegetation," says Voigt. -- "Until now, their hunting behaviour during peak planthopper activity was still largely unexplored. We therefore investigated the hunting behaviour of Wrinkle-lipped free-tailed bats in the entire airspace using miniaturised GPS loggers during this time." -- This bat is a tropical bat species, common in Southeast Asia and known to roost in large caves in colonies of hundreds of thousands to millions of individuals. -- Earlier studies showed that Mops plicatus feeds on planthoppers, including the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) and the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera). When planthoppers appear in large numbers, they travel at high altitudes to raid rice fields in other regions and reproduce there.	A01 H01 N01 N02	664
2501-E056	Key Proteins Play Vital Role In Chromosome Division: How They Dock At Centromeres	An international research team has investigated the crucial docking of proteins KNL2 and CENP-C at the centromere in the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Their work sheds light on the fundamental processes governing cell division, emphasizing the importance of these proteins in ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis and meiosis.	Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research	Nucleic Acids Research	Press Rel	PubMed	The centromere of chromosomes plays a crucial role in cell division. Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, an international team of researchers led by the Leibniz Institute IPK has investigated how two crucial proteins -- KNL2 and CENP-C -- dock to the centromere -- components which play a central role in this process. The results were published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. -- During mitotic and meiotic cell division, the spindle fibres bind the chromosomes via a special region, the so-called centromere, and pull the sister chromatids apart so that each daughter cell receives the same genetic material. -- The centromere consists of centromeric DNA and a multiprotein complex, the kinetochore. -- The kinetochore ensures the correct distribution of chromosomes between the two daughter cells and, thus, the stability of the genome, as well as the proper function of genes in eukaryotic organisms. -- The two proteins, KNL2 and CENP-C, are crucial for correctly separating chromosomes during cell division. -- They dock precisely onto the centromeric DNA, analogous to the "lock and key principle." However, already-known sections of the two proteins, so-called CENPC-k/CENPC motifs, are insufficient to establish a connection to the centromere. -- In a first step, they can only recognise the centromere. "Using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, we have now been able to show that in addition, so-called DNA-binding regions, located next to the already known motifs of the proteins, are needed," explains Dr. Inna Lermontova, head of IPK's research group "Kinetochore Biology." "These binding regions are essential for a connection with the centromere and thus for the interaction of the proteins with the centromeric DNA," says Surya Prakash Yalagapati, first author of the study. -- "These results deepen our understanding of centromere architecture and open up new possibilities in synthetic biology and chromosome engineering," says Dr. Inna Lermontova. Fragments with CENPC/CENPC-k motifs and DNA-binding regions can precisely target proteins that alter centromere chromatin structure to centromeres. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of centromere formation and the function of the kinetochore complex. "In the long term, this approach could advance plant breeding by optimising the production of double-haploid lines and thus accelerating the breeding process," the IPK researcher says.	N02	665
2504-079	Genetic Factors Influence How Bitter Coffee Tastes To Different People	Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have uncovered why coffee bitterness varies among individuals. They identified new bitter compounds in roasted Arabica coffee and demonstrated that genetic predisposition influences taste perception of these compounds. The study, which emphasizes that bitterness is not solely due to caffeine, highlights the complexity of flavor profiles in coffee, revealing previously unknown contributors to its taste.	Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München	Food Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Why does coffee taste more bitter to some people than it does to others? Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich have now come closer to answering this question. They have identified a new group of bitter compounds in roasted Arabica coffee and have investigated how they influence its bitter taste. In addition, they demonstrated for the first time that individual genetic predisposition also plays a role in determining how bitter these roasting substances taste. -- Although caffeine has been known as a bitter tasting substance for a long time, even decaffeinated coffee tastes bitter. -- This shows that other substances also contribute to the bitter taste of roasted coffee. -- Coline Bichlmaier, a doctoral student at the Leibniz Institute, explains: "Indeed, previous studies have identified various compound classes that are formed during roasting and contribute to bitterness. During my doctoral thesis, I have now identified and thoroughly analyzed another class of previously unknown roasting substances." -- The starting point of her research was the mozambioside contained in Arabica beans. -- It tastes about ten times more bitter than caffeine and activates two of the approximately 25 bitter taste receptor types found in the human body, namely the TAS2R43 and TAS2R46 receptors. -- "However, our investigations showed that the concentration of mozambioside decreases significantly during roasting, so that it only makes a small contribution to the bitterness of coffee," says principal investigator Roman Lang, and continues: "This prompted us to test whether roasting produces breakdown products of mozambioside are also bitter and could affect coffee's taste." -- Combination effect and genetic predisposition are important -- As the research team shows, seven different degradation products of mozambioside are formed during roasting. -- These compounds are found in roasted coffee in varying concentrations, depending on roasting temperature and duration, and almost completely pass into the beverage during brewing.	H01	666
2507-E002	Study Validates On-Column Injection As The Best Method For Odorant Analysis	A new comparative study from the Leibniz-Institute highlights the impact of injection methods on gas chromatographic odorant analysis. The findings confirm that on-column injection is the gold standard for minimizing artifacts in odor analysis, ensuring more accurate results for food and raw material evaluations.	Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München	Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München	Press Rel	PubMed	When analyzing odorants in food or their raw materials, the formation of artifacts can significantly distort the results. In a new comparative study, two researchers from the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich have shown that the injection method in gas chromatographic odorant analysis has a decisive influence on the formation of artifacts. On-column injection proved to be the gold standard, while solvent-free methods performed significantly worse. -- Odorants are volatile compounds that contribute significantly to the sensory perception of food and therefore have a decisive influence on consumers' purchasing decisions. -- However, analyzing them is a challenging task. In science and research, gas chromatography-olfactometry has established itself as an indispensable method for identifying odor-active compounds and distinguishing them from the majority of odorless volatile substances. -- In this method, researchers separate the individual volatile substances, previously isolated from the food as gently as possible, by using a gas chromatograph and sniff the effluent to determine which compounds smell and which do not. -- Two sources of artifacts -- In general, artifacts can arise during both the isolation and the analysis of volatile compounds. -- "The formation of artifacts during sample preparation has been well studied and can now be minimized to a large extent. Automated Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation, in whose development our research group played a major role, has proven to be very effective," explains principal investigator Martin Steinhaus: "However, the formation of artifacts during sample injection has been largely underestimated, partly due to the lack of meaningful comparative data." -- Julian Reinhardt, first author of the study, therefore examined ten different injection methods using 14 test compounds. -- As the doctoral student's research shows, high injection temperatures in particular led to odor-active artifacts and thus have the potential to significantly distort odorant analyses. -- Gold standard on-column injection	H01	667
2504-028	Research Connects Individual Cells To Organic Electronics For Advanced Treatment Applications	Researchers at Linköping University have successfully integrated individual cells with organic electronics, opening the door for precise treatments of neurological diseases. This study provides a foundation for exploring how targeted electrical stimulation can enhance cell health and functionality, potentially leading to significant advancements in medical technology and treatment methods.	Linköping University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Linköping University have succeeded in creating a close connection between individual cells and organic electronics. The study, published in Science Advances, lays the foundation for future treatment of neurological and other diseases with very high precision. -- "We could target individual cells and explore how this affected their ability to stay healthy and functional," says Chiara Musumeci, researcher at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics, LOE, at Linköping University. -- The brain is controlled by electrical signals that are converted into chemical substances in the communication between the brain cells. -- It has long been known that different parts of the brain can be stimulated with the help of electricity. -- But methods are often imprecise and affect large parts of the brain. -- Sometimes, metal electrodes are needed to hit the right part of the brain, which entails a risk that the hard electrode instead damages the brain tissue, causing inflammation or scarring. -- A solution for treating specific parts of the brain could involve conductive plastics, also known as polymers. -- "The goal is to combine biological systems with electrodes, specifically using organic conductive polymers. As polymers are soft and conformable and can transport both electricity and ions, they are preferable to conventional electrodes," says Chiara Musumeci. -- Together with researchers at Karolinska Institutet, the research team at Campus Norrköping has succeeded in anchoring the conductive plastic to individual living cell membranes. -- This opens up for future precise treatments of neurological diseases.	R02 T01	668
2505-T006	Noble Gases Could Make Digital Memories Smaller And More Efficient In The Future	A study from Linköping University reveals that incorporating xenon gas during the manufacturing of digital memory chips can significantly enhance their efficiency by enabling more uniform material coatings within tiny cavities. This advancement is crucial for creating more compact and effective electronic devices, as seen in the dramatic increase in memory capacities over the years. As researchers continue to innovate in memory technology, this technique may lead to even smaller and more powerful electronic components in the future.	Linköping University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	While many studies have reported a link between a mother's health condition during pregnancy and her child's risk of autism, a new study shows that nearly all of these "associations" can otherwise be explained by factors such as genetics, exposure to pollution, and access to healthcare. -- Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the study revealed that, of the few conditions truly associated with autism, all were actually complications with the fetus -- leading the authors to believe that those symptoms were early signs of autism in the child and not the cause of it. -- "Our study shows that there is no convincing evidence that any of these other diagnoses in the mother can cause autism," said study senior author Magdalena Janecka, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and in the Department of Population Health, at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- Publishing in the journal Nature Medicine online Jan. 31, the new study included an analysis of the medical histories of more than 1.1 million pregnancies (among 600,000 mothers) from a national registry in Denmark. Unlike medical records in the United States, which are often scattered among many different medical providers an individual sees during their lifetime, in Denmark all of an individual's health records are consolidated under a single government-issued number, which enabled researchers to check each woman for more than 1,700 distinct diagnoses as defined by international standards, known as ICD-10 codes. From these, researchers focused their analysis on those diagnosed in at least 0.1% of pregnancies (236 diagnoses). -- "We believe our study is the first to comprehensively examine the entire medical history of the mother and explore a wide range of possible associations, controlling for multiple concurrent conditions and confounding factors," said study lead author Vahe Khachadourian, MD, PhD, MPH, a research assistant professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- Denmark has strict safeguards in place to prevent misuse of the registry data, says Janecka, since it contains personal information. But because of the individual-specific information, the researchers were able to cross-check every diagnosis a woman had had with her children's risk of autism. -- For the study, the researchers corrected for factors that could confound, or offer an alternative explanation for, the link between the diagnosis a woman received and a child's autism diagnosis. These factors include sociodemographic status and the mother's age during pregnancy, since children of older mothers are more likely to be diagnosed with autism, and their mothers are also more likely to receive certain diagnoses, such as hypertension, than their younger counterparts. -- After accounting for these confounding factors, as well as for concurrent diagnoses, 30 were still statistically associated with autism in the child. To determine if these happened to occur alongside rather than cause autism, the researchers then included the siblings of autistic children in the analysis. If a mother was diagnosed with the same condition during pregnancies of children with and without autism, then it would suggest that factors other than her diagnosis were influencing the link with autism. This step disentangled the conditions that could be attributable to familial factors, such as genetics and environmental exposure to pollution, from those that may be causing autism. -- Genetics is a strong familial confounder (plausible explanation) for autism, the researchers say. Certain genes that increase the risk of someone having depression are also more closely tied to them having autism. If a woman suffers a bout of depression during pregnancy and her child is autistic, it is much more likely that mother and child share genes that cause both conditions, rather than that the chemical effects of depression somehow affected the fetus to cause autism during development. -- Researchers also analyzed fathers' medical histories. Any association between a paternal diagnosis and autism would most likely be caused by familial factors, since the father's direct effects on a fetus postconception are likely very limited. In fact, the researchers observed that a lot of paternal diagnoses are just as related to child autism as the maternal diagnoses.	H02 T01	669
2506-E056	Fully Recyclable Solar Cells: Advancing Sustainability Without Hazardous Solvents	A breakthrough study from Linköping University reveals a method to recycle solar cells made of perovskite without harmful solvents, achieving the same efficiency as the original cells. As global electricity demands rise, this sustainable approach to solar technology addresses the end-of-life challenges of first-generation solar panels, offering a promising solution for a cleaner energy future without contributing to climate change.	Linköping University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In a study published in Nature, researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to recycle all parts of a solar cell repeatedly without environmentally hazardous solvents. The recycled solar cell has the same efficiency as the original one. The solar cell is made of perovskite and the main solvent is water. -- Electricity use is expected to increase drastically in the coming years with the development of AI and the transition to electrified transport, among other things. -- In order for the change to not drive climate change, different sustainable energy sources need to work together. -- Solar energy has long been considered to have great potential and solar panels based on silicon have been on the market for over 30 years. -- But first-generation silicon solar panels are at the end of their life cycle, which has created an unexpected problem. -- "There is currently no efficient technology to deal with the waste of silicon panels. That's why old solar panels end up in the landfill. Huge mountains of electronic waste that you can't do anything with," says Xun Xiao, postdoc at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) at Linköping University (LiU). -- Feng Gao, professor of optoelectronics at the same department, adds: -- "We need to take recycling into consideration when developing emerging solar cell technologies. If we don't know how to recycle them, maybe we shouldn't put them on the market at all." -- One of the most promising technologies for next-generation solar cells involves perovskite. -- They are not only relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture but also lightweight, flexible and transparent.	C01 T01	670
2510-E068	Next-Gen LEDs: Sustainable And Cost-Effective Perovskite Light Emitting Diodes	Researchers at Linköping University are advancing perovskite LED technology, highlighting its potential for cost-effectiveness, performance, and environmental sustainability. Their studies demonstrate that perovskite LEDs could replace traditional lighting solutions, paving the way for a new generation of energy-efficient devices that meet societal demands for sustainable innovations.	Linköping University	Nature Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	Cost, technical performance and environmental impact -- these are the three most important aspects for a new type of LED technology to have a broad commercial impact on society. This has been demonstrated by researchers at Linköping University in a study published in Nature Sustainability. -- "Perovskite LEDs are cheaper and easier to manufacture than traditional LEDs, and they can also produce vibrant and intense colours if used in screens. I'd say that this is the next generation of LED technology," says Feng Gao, professor of optoelectronics at Linköping University. -- However, for a technological shift to take place, where today's LEDs are replaced with those based on the material perovskite, more than just technical performance is required. -- That is why Feng Gao's research group has collaborated with Professor Olof Hjelm and John Laurence Esguerra, assistant professor at LiU. -- They specialise in how innovations contributing to environmental sustainability can be introduced to the market. -- Together, they have investigated the environmental impact and cost of 18 different perovskite LEDs, knowledge that is currently incomplete. -- The study was conducted using so-called life cycle assessment and techno-economic assessment. -- Such analyses require a clear system definition -- that is, what is included and not in terms of cost and environmental impact. -- Within this framework, what happens from the product being created until it can no longer be used is investigated. -- The life cycle of the product, from cradle to grave, can be divided into five different phases: raw material production, manufacturing, distribution, use and decommissioning.	T01	671
2504-067	Zika Virus Uses Human Skin To Attract Mosquitoes For Further Spread	A recent study reveals that the Zika virus manipulates human skin to emit chemical signals that attract mosquitoes, thereby enhancing its transmission. Conducted by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, this research highlights how Zika alters skin metabolism, turning it from a barrier into a lure for vectors, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Zika spread amidst rising climate change and urbanization impacts.	Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Zika virus hijacks the skin of its human host to send out chemical signals that lure more mosquitoes to infect and spread the disease further, new research shows. -- Zika transmission has been reported more than 90 countries as the spread of the Aedes aegypti mosquito that carries the virus, as well as dengue and chikungunya, has increased over recent years as an effect of climate change and urbanisation. -- Yet surprisingly little is known about the factors that drive Zika transmission success. -- A new study led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and published in Communications Biology shows that Zika causes metabolic changes in human skin that essentially transforms it from a protective barrier to a magnet for mosquitoes. -- Their research shows that the Zika virus alters gene and protein expression in dermal fibroblasts, the cell type responsible for maintaining structural integrity in the skin. -- These metabolic changes increase the production of certain chemicals emitted through the skin, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), that are attractive to mosquitoes and encourage them to bite. -- Their findings are supported by an extensive meta-proteome analysis, a technique that examines the overall effect of the interaction of different types of gene and protein within an organism. -- Dr Noushin Emami, Reader at LSTM and co-lead author on the paper, said: "Our findings show that Zika virus isn't just passively transmitted, but it actively manipulates human biology to ensure its survival. -- "As Zika cases rise and Aedes mosquitoes expand their range, understanding the mechanisms by which they gain a transmission advantage could unlock new strategies for combating arboviruses. This could include developing genetic interventions that disrupt the signal transmitted through the skin which seems to be so attractive to mosquitoes. The possibilities are as intriguing as they are urgent." -- Zika	R01 C01	672
2504-011	Climate Change Expected To Cause More Heat-Related Deaths In Europe	A modeling study warns that climate change is likely to cause a dramatic increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, outpacing any reductions in cold-related fatalities. Researchers estimate that without immediate action to cut carbon emissions, over 2.3 million additional temperature-related deaths could occur by 2099. The findings highlight the importance of implementing aggressive climate policies and adapting urban areas to mitigate health risks associated with extreme heat.	London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change will likely result in a significant rise in deaths from heat across Europe, substantially surpassing any decrease in cold-related deaths. This trend persists across climate change scenarios and even under high adaptation to heat, reinforcing the need for aggressive mitigation policies. -- A modelling study, led by researchers from the Environment & Health Modelling (EHM) Lab at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and published in Nature Medicine, estimates that changes to the climate could directly result in over 2.3 million additional temperature-related deaths in 854 European cities by 2099 if urgent action is not taken to cut carbon emissions. -- However, up to 70% of these deaths could be prevented if rapid action is taken. -- The study suggests that even if enormous efforts were made to adapt cities to changing temperatures this would not be enough to balance increased health risks due to exposure to heat, especially in the most vulnerable areas such as the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and the Balkans. -- Only swift cuts to carbon emissions that keep temperatures down were shown to reduce the number of extreme heat deaths. -- Dr Pierre Masselot, lead author at the EHM-Lab at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said: "Our results stress the urgent need to aggressively pursue both climate change mitigation and adaptation to increased heat. This is especially critical in the Mediterranean area where, if nothing is done, consequences could be dire. But, by following a more sustainable pathway, we could avoid millions of deaths before the end of the century." -- According to the modelling study, the ten European cities projected to see the highest temperature-related death tolls by the end of the century are: -- Barcelona (Spain) 246,082 -- Rome (Italy) 147,738 -- Naples (Italy) 147,248	H02 C01	673
2505-017	AI Enhances Personalized Medicine For Cancer Treatment And Patient Care	A new AI-driven approach aims to enhance personalized medicine by integrating diverse patient data to better understand complex diseases like cancer. Researchers from various institutions have developed a model that utilizes a wide array of clinical information, moving beyond traditional parameters. By leveraging AI technologies, the study seeks to facilitate tailored treatment strategies that account for individual patient differences, ultimately improving cancer care and outcomes.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Lockdowns. Social distancing. Shuttered schools and businesses. The COVID-19 pandemic and its sweeping disruptions set off a stampede of "what it's doing to us" research, focused largely on schoolchildren. How were students' academics affected? Their mental health? Their social development? -- Left unexamined was whether the pandemic impacted the social cognition of preschool children -- kids younger than 6 -- whose social norms were upended by day care closures and families sheltered at home. -- That changed when a UC Merced research team, looking at data it had started to gather before the pandemic, discovered children ages 3½ to 5½ tested before and after COVID lockdowns revealed a significant gap in a key cognitive skill, particularly for children from homes with low financial resources and adults with less education. -- "It was remarkable to see the drop in kids' performance," said developmental psychology Professor Rose Scott , the lead author of the study published in Scientific Reports . "On one of the tasks in my lab, children tested before the pandemic could pass at 2 and a half years old. Right after the lockdowns, we were seeing 5-year-olds not passing it." -- The UC Merced team -- including graduate students Gabriel Nguyentran and James Sullivan, who co-authored the study -- tested the children for a social cognition skill called false-belief understanding -- the ability to recognize other people can be wrong As a crucial step in distinguishing the mind from reality, false-belief understanding can play a vital role in developing social cooperation, communication and learning. -- There were 94 children in the first group tested. Each was given three false-belief tasks. -- In one task, the child watched as a puppet named Piggy put a toy in one of two containers and leave the stage. -- A second puppet appeared and moved the toy to the other container. -- Piggy returned. The child was asked where Piggy would look for the toy. -- If the child's false-belief skills were in place, they would say Piggy would choose the first container, though the child knew the toy wasn't there.	A01 R01 T01	674
2507-E038	New Class Of Epigenetic Inhibitors Shows Promise As Antimalarial Strategy	A recent study identifies a novel epigenetic inhibitor that effectively targets the malaria pathogen, opening new therapeutic avenues for combating the disease. This research highlights the urgent need for innovative strategies to address malaria, which remains a significant global health threat, with millions of infections and deaths annually.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Press Rel	PubMed	Epigenetic inhibitors as a promising new antimalarial intervention strategy? A new study identifies an inhibitor of gene regulation that specifically kills the malaria pathogen. -- A multinational research team led by Professor Markus Meißner (LMU Munich) and Professor Gernot Längst (University of Regensburg) has gained important insights into the gene regulation of Plasmodium falciparum, the main cause of malaria. -- Published in the journal Nature, the findings open up new opportunities for the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. -- Malaria remains one of the greatest global health threats. In 2022, there were an estimated 247 million infections and over 600,000 deaths, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. -- Innovative research approaches are therefore urgently needed to achieve long-term progress in prevention and treatment. -- Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. -- Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest of the malaria species, has a highly complex life cycle controlled by precise gene regulation. -- Understanding these regulatory processes is crucial in order to specifically combat the pathogen at different stages of development. -- The team identified the chromatin remodeler PfSnf2L (a protein complex that regulates the accessibility of DNA for transcription) as a key regulator of genes that play an important role in various stages of the pathogen's development. -- "Our research shows that PfSnf2L is essential for P. falciparum to dynamically adjust gene expression," explains Maria Theresia Watzlowik, lead author of the study.	H01	675
2508-038	Protein Design Flexibility Enables Unexpected Structures In Biophysics	Researchers have discovered that some artificially designed proteins can exhibit unexpected structures due to flexible components within their design. This study sheds light on why certain proteins deviate from predicted models and opens new avenues for creating customized proteins with desirable properties, potentially benefiting various scientific fields.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificially designed proteins are usually based on building blocks that obey strict rules of symmetry. As such, their structure can generally be predicted using computer simulations. But there are exceptions: Some proteins designed on computers exhibit surprising new structures or properties that could be useful. An international team led by Professor Alena Khmelinskaia from the Department of Chemistry at LMU and Professor Neil King from the University of Washington has now discovered why this is the case: Some proteins contain flexible components and can take on more than one structure. These findings could open up new avenues for the development of customized proteins. -- In their study, the researchers analyzed three designer proteins which exhibited significantly different structures in experiments than predicted. -- These proteins are synthetized as follows: First, two or three of the starting materials react with each other and form so-called dimers or trimers. -- By means of self-assembly, these dimers and trimers are then supposed to produce highly symmetrical structures such as icosahedra or octahedra. -- However, this did not always occur: In addition to the pre-calculated structures, the researchers also found quite a number of particles that were substantially larger or had even formed completely different architectures. -- Deviating proteins investigated in detail -- "To understand the cause of these deviations, we characterized these three reactions in detail," says Khmelinskaia. -- With various investigation methods such as cryo-electron microscopy and mass spectrometry as well as mathematical, AI-supported computing methods and simulations, the researchers uncovered the principal cause of their observation. -- As the scientists demonstrate, there are small local areas in the investigated proteins that are structurally flexible and do not behave in a completely rigid manner. -- "Remarkably, this flexibility produces not just an undefined polymorphism of structures, but only a small defined number of possible structures -- that is to say, oligomorphism," explains Khmelinskaia.	T01	676
2511-020	Pathogens Adapt Cell Surfaces To Avoid Immune Detection	Research from LMU and Helmholtz Munich explores how pathogens alter their cell surface to evade detection by the immune system. This study reveals the mechanism of antigenic variation, where pathogens change their surface markers, complicating the immune response and informing new strategies for targeted therapies.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by LMU and Helmholtz Munich shows how pathogens control changes in their cell surface to evade the immune system. -- The immune system responds to an infection by producing antibodies that recognize and bind to the cell surface of the pathogen, thus marking it as an intruder and triggering an immune response. -- For this to work, the antibodies produced must exactly fit the membrane molecules of the pathogen, like a key fitting a lock. -- Many pathogens evade the host's immune response by periodically changing their surface antigens so that existing antibodies no longer recognize them. -- "This strategy is known as antigenic variation," explains physicist Maria Colomé-Tatché, who is Professor of Functional Genomics and Cell Biology at LMU's Biomedical Center and leader of the Computational Epigenomics research group at Helmholtz Munich. -- "Antigenic variation is evident in a wide range of evolutionarily distant pathogens," adds Professor Nicolai Siegel, biochemist and leader of the Molecular Parasitology research group (Chair of Experimental Parasitology, Department of Veterinary Sciences) at the Biomedical Center. -- In a study published recently in the journal Nature, Colomé-Tatché and Siegel investigated the gene expression of the model parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which is transmitted via tsetse flies and causes African sleeping sickness in humans and nagana pest in animals. -- "Trypanosomes are masters at hiding from the immune system through antigenic variation," says Siegel. -- "Their cells are enshrouded by a dense, homogeneous coat of surface glycoproteins, which they switch in periodic, non-random patterns." -- Until now, little was known about the mechanisms behind these changes in antigen expression.	H02 N01 T01	677
2512-T009	Chemists Uncover Mechanisms For Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer To Enhance Energy Conversion	Chemists have developed a novel method to differentiate reaction mechanisms in proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), critical for advancing energy conversion and redox catalysis. This breakthrough allows for a deeper understanding of how redox reactions function, which is essential for both natural processes and technological applications.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Redox reactions form the basis of many fundamental processes of life. Without them, neither cellular respiration nor photosynthesis could take place. Redox reactions also play a crucial role in applications in the domains of chemistry, biochemistry, and the use of light for energy generation. Understanding the fundamental principles of these reactions is therefore important for driving forward new technologies. Using an innovative method based on high pressures, a team led by LMU chemist Professor Ivana Ivanović-Burmazović, member of the "e-conversion" Cluster of Excellence, and Professor Dirk Guldi from FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg has managed for the first time to differentiate two related reaction mechanisms. -- Balance between electrons and protons -- In redox reactions, electrons are transferred between molecules. -- Because electrons have a negative charge, this can cause the charge of the reactants to change, which is energetically demanding. -- Nature has found an elegant solution to prevent this: Often, the transfer of electrons is coupled with the transfer of positively charged protons. -- This proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET), as it is known, does not produce any change in charge -- the most efficient way for a redox reaction to occur. -- There are two possible mechanisms here: Either electrons and protons are transferred simultaneously ("concerted"), or the transfer occurs in stepwise fashion -- that is to say, with electrons and protons transferred separately. -- "To be able to optimize these processes, we need to know the exact mechanisms," says Ivanović-Burmazović. "Before now, however, there has been no direct method for differentiating the two alternatives with certainty. Our work set out to remedy this." -- Pressure yields the answer -- For their study, the researchers investigated the influence of pressure on the very rapid (within nanoseconds) light-induced reaction of a photosensitive molecule in solution.	Z01	678
2512-T020	Cultural Respect For Robots: Japan vs. Western Societies	A study from LMU highlights cultural differences in how people perceive robots and AI, with Japanese individuals showing greater respect towards these technologies compared to Western societies. This research underscores the importance of understanding societal attitudes as automation and AI become increasingly integrated into everyday life, affecting interactions on roads and beyond.	Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A new LMU study shows that people in Japan treat robots and AI agents more respectfully than people in Western societies. -- Imagine an automated delivery vehicle rushing to complete a grocery drop-off while you are hurrying to meet friends for a long-awaited dinner. -- At a busy intersection, you both arrive at the same time. Do you slow down to give it space as it maneuvers around a corner? -- Or do you expect it to stop and let you pass, even if normal traffic etiquette suggests it should go first? -- "As self-driving technology becomes a reality, these everyday encounters will define how we share the road with intelligent machines," says Dr. Jurgis Karpus from the Chair of Philosophy of Mind at LMU. -- He explains that the arrival of fully automated self-driving cars signals a shift from us merely using intelligent machines -- like Google Translate or ChatGPT -- to actively interacting with them. -- The key difference? In busy traffic, our interests will not always align with those of the self-driving cars we encounter. -- We have to interact with them, even if we ourselves are not using them. -- In a study published recently in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from LMU Munich and Waseda University in Tokyo found that people are far more likely to take advantage of cooperative artificial agents than of similarly cooperative fellow humans. -- "After all, cutting off a robot in traffic doesn't hurt its feelings," observes Karpus, lead author of the study.	R01 T01	679
2506-063	AI Outperforms Humans In Analyzing Long-Term ECG Recordings For Heart Conditions	A large international study has tested an AI model designed to analyze long-term ECG recordings for diagnosing atrial fibrillation, achieving a 14-fold reduction in missed diagnoses compared to human analysis. Led by researchers from Lund University and McMaster University, this significant advancement could streamline the detection of heart rhythm abnormalities, enhancing patient care with improved diagnostic accuracy.	Lund University	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Linda Johnson, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Epidemiology at Lund University in Sweden, led the study alongside Jeff Healey, senior scientist at the Population Health Research Institute, a joint institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences in Canada. The findings are published in Nature Medicine. -- The human heart beats 80,000-120,000 times a day. Long-term ECGs record every heartbeat, and the recording is then scrutinized for abnormalities -- arrhythmias -- which is a time-consuming process. -- The current study included 14,606 individual patients who had recorded an average of 14 days of ECG; in total of over 200,000 days of ECG data. -- These data were reviewed by ECG technicians using standard clinical methodology. -- The same data were then re-analyzed using an AI algorithm -- "DeepRhythmAI" -- specifically developed for the task by MEDICALgorithmics, Poland. -- "We then randomly selected over 5,000 episodes of arrhythmias for intensive, beat-by-beat analysis by 17 panels of expert physicians (mainly cardiologists and electrophysiologists) from all over the world, which provided an extremely high-quality gold standard diagnoses against which we then compared the ECG and AI algorithm interpretation," says Johnson. -- The researchers found that analysis by the AI led to 14 times fewer missed diagnoses of severe arrhythmias (including complete heart block, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation). Severe arrhythmias were missed in 0.3 percent of patients by the AI, compared with 4.4 percent for the technicians. -- The researchers' intention was not to prove that AI is as good as or better than cardiologists for the diagnosis of specific arrhythmias. -- Rather, the study sought to determine what would happen if the technicians were replaced, and physicians received reports directly from the AI. If successful, such an approach would be a major innovation that could address the worldwide shortage of trained staff capable of interpreting long-term ECG monitoring. -- "There is a shortage of around 15 million health workers worldwide. Ambulatory ECGs need to be analyzed by specially trained staff, often called ECG technicians. Lack of staff leads to a huge bottleneck in healthcare worldwide, and at the same time, patients would benefit if we did more and longer ambulatory ECG recordings, not shorter. We believed that AI could solve this problem. That's why we wanted to study what happens if you skip the ECG technicians altogether and let an AI algorithm do the job of detecting the arrhythmias, that cardiologists then review" says Johnson.	R01 T01	680
2506-070	Brain Trauma Linked To Early Alzheimer’s Through Amyloid Beta Accumulation	Traumatic Brain Injury Research: A study suggests that traumatic brain injury may lead to vascular dysfunction in the brain, contributing to amyloid beta accumulation, a marker of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers at Lund University are exploring how brain trauma affects vascular health to better understand the link between head injuries and neurodegenerative disorders, aiming to pave the way for more effective treatments.	Lund University	Acta Neuropathologica	Press Rel	PubMed	An increased risk of dementia among individuals exposed to brain trauma, traumatic brain injury, has been known for almost a century. Still, we know very little about the molecular causes behind this, which makes it difficult to find effective treatments to prevent dementia development among those affected with traumatic brain injury. However, a research team at the strategic research area MultiPark, Lund University argues that the blood vessels in the brain hold the keys to future therapies. -- Brain trauma usually impairs cerebral blood flow, possibly through pathological changes in the vascular smooth muscle cells in the vascular wall. -- These blood flow impairments can lead to secondary brain injuries, worsening the damage to the brain, although it remains unknown exactly how this occurs. -- To bridge this gap, Niklas Marklund, professor at Lund University and neurosurgical consultant at Skåne University hospital, decided to take a deeper look into the molecular details together with the experimental scientist Ilknur Özen. -- In collaboration with Uppsala University, they investigated brain tissue from 15 patients, surgically removed due to bleeding and swelling within a week following their traumatic brain injuries. -- They found that the changes in the vascular smooth muscle cells coincided with increased aggregation of amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. -- "We were surprised to see that even young patients displayed this accumulation of amyloid beta together with the vascular alterations caused by the brain trauma," says Ilknur Özen, first author of the study. -- She continues: "Our findings suggest that vascular changes may be more important for neurodegeneration than previously thought." -- Niklas Marklund adds: "This challenges the existing paradigm in neurodegeneration-related diseases by indicating that vascular dysfunction could be an early event that triggers the progression of amyloid-related diseases rather than being caused by neuronal damage." -- While ageing leads to functional changes in the vasculature, brain trauma may exacerbate and accelerate these processes even in younger patients.	R02	681
2513-E022	Urban Hedgehogs Found To Be Exposed To Numerous Environmental Pollutants	Researchers at Lund University discovered high levels of various environmental pollutants, including heavy metals and plastic additives, in urban hedgehogs. This unexpected finding emphasizes the extent of pollution in urban areas and raises awareness about the impact of environmental toxins on wildlife, highlighting the need for further investigations into urban ecosystems and their inhabitants.	Lund University	Environmental Pollution	Press Rel	PubMed	Lead, pesticides, brominated flame retardants, plastic additives, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals. This is what researchers at Lund University in Sweden found when they collected dead hedgehogs to investigate the environmental pollutants found in urban environments. -- Previous research has investigated the presence of heavy metals in hedgehogs from other urban areas in Europe and found similarly elevated levels of heavy metals. -- However, the team weren't expecting so many other pollutants. -- "What surprised us was that there were so many different environmental pollutants in the animals, such as PCBs and several different phthalates, and that there were very high concentrations of certain heavy metals, especially lead," says Maria Hansson, ecotoxicologist at Lund University and the person who initiated the study. -- The Lund researchers are, to their knowledge, the first to find evidence of hedgehog exposure to PAHs, phthalates and pesticides through analyses of liver tissue. -- Environmental fingerprint -- Urban green spaces attract many species of wildlife but also contain a range of unsustainable synthetic materials and chemicals. -- Because hedgehogs travel long distances -- in and out of parks and gardens every night -- and eat insects and other invertebrates, they are particularly exposed to high concentrations of environmental pollutants. -- When researchers in Lund wanted to learn more about the chemicals and pollutants found in urban areas, using the hedgehog as a study subject was therefore a natural choice. -- The objective was to understand what risk factors the different pollutants pose to animals in urban environments, and also to ourselves.	R01 N01	682
2513-E031	Migrating Roach Fish Exhibit Enhanced Eyesight To Thrive In Murky Waters	A comprehensive study from Lund University reveals that migratory roach fish possess larger pupils and enhanced eyesight compared to their stationary counterparts. This adaptation aids in food finding within murky waters, underscoring the significance of visual acuity in survival and behavior among aquatic species, which is crucial for their ecological roles.	Lund University	Journal of Animal Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Roach fish that migrate between different lakes and water courses have larger pupils and better eyesight than roach that stay in one place. -- The adaptation makes it easier for the red-eyed freshwater migrants to find food in murky waters. -- This is shown in a large study from Lund University in Sweden. -- Animals’ eyes, just like those of humans, are a kind of window to the world. -- Eyesight controls important behaviour such as searching for food and avoiding predators. -- To investigate how migration-related challenges can affect the form and function of the eye, a research team, led from Lund University, chose to study roach. -- Roach, a common freshwater species in Europe, engage in partial migration. -- This means that only part of the population migrates from lakes to connected water courses during the winter. -- Other individuals remain in the same environment throughout the year. -- “We started by taking photos of the fishes’ eyes and then followed the migration patterns of 2,000 individual roaches over several years and in two different lakes by using implanted electronic transponders. It was shown that roach that migrated had larger pupils relative to individuals that chose to stay in the lake throughout the year,” says Kaj Hulthén, biology researcher at Lund University, who led the study.	H01 C01 N01 N02	683
2503-E043	Milestone Achieved: Completion Of Final Chromosome In Synthetic Yeast Genome	Scientists have completed the final chromosome of the world's first synthetic yeast genome, marking a significant milestone in synthetic biology. This achievement not only showcases advances in genetic engineering but also opens new avenues for creating resilient organisms that could enhance food and medicine production in the face of global challenges.	Macquarie University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Macquarie University researchers have worked with an international team of scientists to achieve a major milestone in synthetic biology by completing the creation of the final chromosome in the world's first synthetic yeast genome. -- This achievement represents the completion of the global Sc2.0 project to create the world's first synthetic eukaryotic genome from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) and a new-to-nature tRNA neochromosome. -- Using cutting-edge genome-editing techniques, including the CRISPR D-BUGS protocol, the team identified and corrected genetic errors that impacted yeast growth. These changes restored the strain's ability to grow on glycerol, a key carbon source, under elevated temperatures. -- The breakthrough, published this week in Nature Communications, demonstrates how engineered chromosomes can be designed, built and debugged to create more resilient organisms that could help secure supply chains for food and medicine production in the face of climate change and future pandemics. -- "This is a landmark moment in synthetic biology," says Professor Sakkie Pretorius, Co-Chief Investigator and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) of Macquarie University. -- "It is the final piece of a puzzle that has occupied synthetic biology researchers for many years now." -- Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen, Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, who co-led the project, says: "By successfully constructing and debugging the final synthetic chromosome, we've helped complete a powerful platform for engineering biology that could revolutionise how we produce medicines, sustainable materials and other vital resources." -- The research team used specialised gene editing tools to identify and fix problems in the synthetic chromosome affecting how well the yeast could reproduce and grow under challenging conditions. -- They discovered that the placement of genetic markers near uncertain gene regions accidentally interfered with how essential genes were turned on and off, particularly affecting crucial processes like copper metabolism and how cells divide their genetic material. -- "One of our key findings was how the positioning of genetic markers could disrupt the expression of essential genes," says co-lead author Dr Hugh Goold, research scientist at The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Honorary Postdoctoral Research Fellow from Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences.	H01 C01	684
2506-E051	Engineered Fish And Flies Offer New Solutions To Combat Mercury Pollution	Researchers have successfully engineered fish and flies to break down toxic methylmercury using bacterial genes, transforming it into a less harmful gas. This innovative approach, developed by an Australian team, aims to address the serious environmental and health threats posed by methylmercury accumulation from industrial activities. The study demonstrates the potential of synthetic biology in creating solutions to mitigate one of the world's most dangerous pollutants.	Macquarie University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Australian scientists have found an effective new way to clean up methylmercury, one of the world's most dangerous pollutants, which often builds up in our food and environment because of industrial activities such as illegal gold mining and burning coal. The discovery, published in Nature Communications on 12 February 2025, could lead to new ways of engineering animals to protect both wildlife and human health. -- The research team from Macquarie University's Applied BioSciences, CSIRO, Macquarie Medical School, and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, has successfully genetically modified fruit flies and zebrafish to transform methylmercury into a far less harmful gas that disperses in air. -- "It still seems like magic to me that we can use synthetic biology to convert the most environmentally harmful form of mercury and evaporate it out of an animal," says synthetic biologist Dr Kate Tepper from Macquarie University, lead author on the paper. -- Methylmercury causes environmental harm due to its high bioavailability and poor excretion: it can easily cross the digestive tract, the blood-brain barrier, and the placenta and becomes increasingly concentrated as it moves up through food webs to levels that can cause harm to neural and reproductive health. -- The team modified the DNA of fruit flies and zebrafish by inserting variants of genes from bacteria to make two enzymes that together can convert methylmercury to elemental mercury which evaporates from the animals as a gas. -- "When we tested the modified animals, we found that not only did they have less than half as much mercury in their bodies, but the majority of the mercury was in a much less bioavailable form than methylmercury," says Dr Tepper. -- "The research is still in the early stages, and extensive testing is needed to make sure it's effective and completely safe," says Associate Professor Maselko. -- The researchers included safety measures to ensure the modified organisms cannot spread uncontrollably in nature, and they also highlight the need for regulatory control for any real-world use.	H01 R02 N01	685
2508-E034	Siamese Fighting Fish Need More Space: Rethinking Pet Shop Practices	A study reveals that Siamese fighting fish are often kept in inadequately small tanks, challenging industry standards for their welfare. By comparing various tank sizes, researchers found that larger tanks significantly enhance the fish's activity levels. This research highlights the need for clearer guidelines on tank sizes to prioritize the health and behavior of these popular aquarium fish.	Macquarie University	Animal Welfare	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have found Siamese fighting fish are typically kept in containers just one-quarter the size they need to thrive, challenging decades of retail practice in the ornamental fish industry worldwide. -- A new study published in Animal Welfare examined how tank size and furnishings impact the behaviour of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), one of the world's most popular aquarium fish. -- The research team studied 13 male Siamese fighting fish across five different housing conditions ranging from 1.5-litre jars to 19.3-litre aquaria, both with and without environmental enrichment. -- "Current guidelines for appropriate tank size for Betta fish are vague and more concerned with water quality than other fish welfare concerns," says Australian-based lead author Professor Culum Brown from Macquarie University. -- Fish in larger tanks were significantly more active, swimming on average 92 seconds more during observation periods compared to those in jars. -- They also displayed more natural behaviours like foraging. -- Tank complexity proved equally important. When given furnished tanks with gravel, plants and hiding spots, the fish spent nearly half their resting time using these features rather than remaining suspended in open water. -- The team recommends a minimum tank size of 5.6 litres for displaying and selling Siamese fighting fish, with larger tanks for pets. -- All tanks should contain gravel, plants and refuges. -- "These animals are sentient, and we need to improve their lives," says Professor Brown.	A01 N01 N02	686
2513-E036	Modern Rocks Reveal Earth's Ancient Secrets, Challenging Current Geological Theories	A groundbreaking study challenges existing theories on Earth's geological history by revealing that modern continental rocks carry ancient chemical signatures dating back to the planet's formation. This suggests that the characteristics of continental crust were established very early in Earth's history, reshaping our understanding of plate tectonics and continental development.	Macquarie University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have made a new discovery that changes our understanding of Earth's early geological history, challenging beliefs about how our continents formed and when plate tectonics began. -- A study published in Nature on 2 April reveals that Earth's first crust, formed about 4.5 billion years ago, probably had chemical features remarkably like today's continental crust. -- This suggests the distinctive chemical signature of our continents was established at the very beginning of Earth's history. -- Professor Emeritus Simon Turner from the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Macquarie University led the study, which included researchers from elsewhere in Australia, the UK and France. -- "This discovery has major implications for how we think about Earth's earliest history," says Professor Turner. -- "Scientists have long thought that tectonic plates needed to dive beneath each other to create the chemical fingerprint we see in continents. -- "Our research shows this fingerprint existed in Earth's very first crust, the protocrust -- meaning those theories need to be reconsidered," says Professor Turner. -- Rethinking early Earth formation -- For decades, scientists have tried to identify when plate tectonics first began, marking the earliest evolution of life. -- The chemical signature of rocks formed in subduction zones (where one plate has slipped beneath another) is distinctive in its low quantity of the element Niobium.	C01	687
2508-E007	Hybrid Microscope Offers Full 3D Imaging Of Molecules In Cells	A groundbreaking hybrid microscope developed at the Marine Biological Laboratory enables scientists to simultaneously visualize the 3D orientation and position of molecules, such as proteins within cells. By integrating polarized fluorescence technology with dual-view light sheet microscopy, this innovative device allows researchers to gain deeper insights into molecular behaviors, potentially transforming our understanding of cellular interactions in various biological contexts.	Marine Biological Laboratory	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Two heads are better than one, as the saying goes, and sometimes two instruments, ingeniously recombined, can accomplish feats that neither could have done on its own. -- Such is the case with a hybrid microscope, born at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), that for the first time allows scientists to simultaneously image the full 3D orientation and position of an ensemble of molecules, such as labeled proteins inside cells. -- The research is published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- The microscope combines polarized fluorescence technology, a valuable tool for measuring the orientation of molecules, with a dual-view light sheet microscope (diSPIM), which excels at imaging along the depth (axial) axis of a sample. -- This scope can have powerful applications. For example, proteins change their 3D orientation, typically in response to their environment, which allows them to interact with other molecules to carry out their functions. -- "Using this instrument, 3D protein orientation changes can be recorded," said first author Talon Chandler of CZ Biohub San Francisco, a former University of Chicago graduate student who conducted this research partly at MBL. -- "There's real biology that might be hidden to you from just a position change of a molecule alone," he said. -- Imaging the molecules in the spindle of a dividing cell -- a longstanding challenge at MBL and elsewhere -- is another example. -- "With traditional microscopy, including polarized light, you can study the spindle quite nicely if it's in the plane perpendicular to the viewing direction. As soon as the plane is tilted, the readout becomes ambiguous," said co-author Rudolf Oldenbourg, a senior scientist at MBL. -- This new instrument allows one to "correct" for tilt and still capture the 3D orientation and position of the spindle molecules (microtubules).	A01 T01	688
2513-E006	Study Reveals Cooperative Cell Behavior As A Catalyst For Multicellular Life Evolution	A new study explores the cooperative feeding behavior of Stentor, a unicellular organism, shedding light on the evolutionary transition to multicellularity. By analyzing the fluid dynamics of their feeding strategies, researchers provide insights into how physical forces may have driven cellular cooperation long before organisms became fixed in colonies, challenging traditional views on the origins of multicellular life.	Marine Biological Laboratory	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Humans like to think that being multicellular (and bigger) is a definite advantage, even though 80 percent of life on Earth consists of single-celled organisms -- some thriving in conditions lethal to any beast. -- In fact, why and how multicellular life evolved has long puzzled biologists. The first known instance of multicellularity was about 2.5 billion years ago, when marine cells (cyanobacteria) hooked up to form filamentous colonies. How this transition occurred and the benefits it accrued to the cells, though, is less than clear. -- This week, a study originating from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) presents a striking example of cooperative organization among cells as a potential force in the evolution of multicellular life. Based on the fluid dynamics of cooperative feeding by Stentor, a relatively giant unicellular organism, the report is published in Nature Physics. -- "We took a step back in evolution, to when organisms were independent. Why did they even come together in a colony before they ever became fixed in position relative to each other?" says John Costello of Providence College, senior author on the study and an MBL Whitman Center scientist along with co-author Sean Colin of Roger Williams University. -- "So much work on the origin of multicellular life focuses on chemistry. We wanted to investigate the role of physical forces in the process," says lead author Shashank Shekhar, Assistant Professor of Physics at Emory University and a former Whitman Center Early Career Awardee at MBL. -- Many mouths are better than one -- Stentor is a trumpet-shaped, single-celled organism that can grow up to 2 mm long. In its native habitat of ponds or lakes, Stentor attaches its slender end (called the holdfast) to leaves or twigs while the trumpet end sways freely, creating a vortex of water to suck in food, such as bacteria, with its cilia-lined mouth. -- In the lab, the scientists noted, when Stentors are dropped into a dish of pond water, they quickly form a dynamic colony where the cells don't actually attach to one other, but their holdfasts touch together on the glass. By quantifying fluid flows, the team showed that two neighboring Stentors in a colony can double the flow rate of water into their mouths, as compared to their individual capacity. This allows them to suck in more prey and faster-swimming prey, by creating stronger vortexes that sweep in water from a greater distance. -- "She loves me, she loves me not" -- However, the feeding benefits accrued by two neighboring Stentor aren't equal, the team found. The weaker Stentor gains more from teaming up than the stronger one does. And, curiously, they display what Shekhar calls "she loves me, she loves me not" behavior. When paired Stentors sway their trumpet ends together, their fluid flows increase, but then they invariably oscillate, pulling their mouths apart again. Why?	H01 C01 T01	689
2511-E011	Novel Approach Reduces Tissue Damage From Flesh-Eating Bacteria	A groundbreaking study has unveiled a new approach to reducing tissue damage from the flesh-eating bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes by disrupting its metabolism. Researchers discovered that by inhibiting specific metabolic pathways, they could enhance the body's ability to cope with the infection, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies alongside traditional antibiotics.	Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a novel approach to mitigating tissue damage caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, the flesh-eating bacterium responsible for severe infections such as necrotizing fasciitis. The research highlights how disrupting bacterial metabolism can help the body better tolerate infection and heal more effectively. -- The study was led by Wei Xu, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and colleagues at Washington University School of Medicine and Central China Normal University. -- The team discovered that S. pyogenes manipulates the body's immune response through its aerobic mixed-acid fermentation process, which produces metabolic byproducts -- such as acetate and formate -- that impair immune cell function, delay bacterial clearance and slow wound healing. -- By inhibiting this bacterial metabolic pathway with a pyruvate dehydrogenase inhibitor, the team successfully reduced tissue damage in a mouse model of necrotizing skin infection. -- These findings suggest that reprogramming bacterial metabolism could serve as a novel therapeutic approach, not only to improve host tolerance but also as a potential adjuvant therapy alongside antibiotics. -- This strategy could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments, particularly in severe infections where antibiotic resistance or excessive inflammation worsens patient outcomes. -- "This study sheds light on how bacterial metabolism influences the immune system," Xu said. -- "By understanding these interactions, we can develop new treatment strategies that protect tissues, enhance antibiotic efficacy and improve patient outcomes." -- The research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (R56 AI070759, R21 AI163825, and R01 AI132653) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21472062 and 21907035).	N02	690
2503-E023	Unique Bird Skull Fossil Rediscovered In Germany After Decades Of Misclassification	An international research team has rediscovered a well-preserved skull of the ancient flightless bird Diatryma, shedding light on its evolutionary history. Initially misclassified, the fossil, found in Germany, offers vital insights into the Eocene Epoch and the unique biodiversity of the time. This discovery highlights the significance of fossil collections in understanding the evolution of species and their habitats over millions of years.	Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg	Palaeontologia Electronica	Press Rel	PubMed	Around 45 million years ago, a 4.6 feet-tall (1.40 metres) flightless bird called Diatryma roamed the Geiseltal region in southern Saxony-Anhalt. An international team of researchers led by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt report on the bird's fully preserved skull in the scientific journal Palaeontologia Electronica. The fossil was unearthed in the 1950s in a former lignite mining area in the Geiseltal in Germany. It was initially misclassified and thus led a shadowy existence until its rediscovery. The only other place that a similar skull fossil has been found is the USA. -- The Geiseltal Saxony-Anhalt is located south-west of Halle and was a lignite mining area until 1993. -- Numerous exceptionally well-preserved animal fossils have been unearthed here. -- The Geiseltal Collection at MLU comprises 50,000 fossils and is considered a national heritage asset. -- These fossils offer unique insights into the evolution of animals and the Eocene Epoch around 45 million years ago. -- At that time, the Geiseltal was a warm, tropical swamp. Ancient horses, early tapirs, large land crocodiles as well as giant tortoises, lizards and numerous birds lived here. -- Some of the latter were flightless and the largest of these was Diatryma, a herbivore with a gigantic beak which stood around 4.6 feet high. -- For many years no one knew that an almost completely preserved skull of Diatryma was part of the collection. -- "The find was initially misidentified as a crocodile skull," says Michael Stache, a geological preparator at MLU's Central Repository of Natural Science Collections. -- Stache came across the fossil again by chance several years ago.	C01 N01	691
2506-E003	Survey Finds Most People Prefer Cheaper, Plant-Based Meat Alternatives Over Traditional Meat	A recent survey indicates that only a small fraction of U.S. consumers fundamentally oppose plant-based meat alternatives, with price being the most significant factor influencing acceptance. Interestingly, when priced similarly to animal products, respondents showed a preference for meat, highlighting the ongoing challenges in promoting plant-based alternatives amidst traditional meat consumption habits in a country with high meat intake.	Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Only a few people fundamentally oppose eating plant-based meat alternatives, a recent survey of 2,100 customers in the US shows. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) was conducted by marketing researchers from the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), Humboldt University Berlin and Georg August University Göttingen. According to the results, the price of meat alternatives is the most decisive factor for their acceptance, while similarity to meat did not matter that much. Although, when both options were priced the same, respondents often favoured the animal product. -- The high level of global meat consumption, particularly in affluent countries, is a controversial topic. -- "Even though the supply of plant-based alternatives has been growing for years, the demand for meat persists. Unfortunately, there is very little reliable data on the general acceptance of meat alternatives, what conditions are required to make them more attractive, and whether or not they are just a fad," says economist Steffen Jahn, interim professor at the Chair of Marketing & Innovation at MLU. -- The researcher teamed up with scientists from Humboldt University Berlin and Georg August University Göttingen to study consumer preferences relating to meat and meat substitutes. -- Around 2,100 US-Americans were surveyed online. "The United States is a country with one of the highest rates of meat consumption in the world. For example, around 25 kilograms of beef was consumed per capita alone in 2023," says Jahn. -- In the first part of the study, participants were asked to choose one of four burger alternatives. -- These were accompanied by pictures and written descriptions: a real beef burger, a plant-based burger that imitated meat (analogue), a vegetarian burger that only imitated the appearance but not the taste or texture of meat (semi-analogue), and a falafel burger (non-analogue). Unsurprisingly, three quarters of the respondents chose the meat burger. -- "However, we did not expect to find that the falafel burger was the most popular meat alternative, while the analogue burger came in last place. This contradicts the widespread assumption that meat substitutes are only competitive if they are as close as possible to the original," explains Jahn. -- The data also show that the majority of consumers would opt for a meat alternative if no meat burger was on offer. -- Only a third would refuse to eat plant-based alternatives altogether.	N01 N02	692
2506-E005	Human Breeding Practices Have Dramatically Altered Pig Skull Shapes In Just 100 Years	A study reveals that human breeding practices have significantly altered the skull shapes of German domestic pigs over the past century, leading to shorter snouts and flatter profiles. This research, which analyzed 3D scans of various pig skulls, underscores the impact of selective breeding on animal morphology and raises questions about the long-term effects of these changes on livestock health and adaptability.	Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg	Royal Society Open Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Short snouts and a flat profile -- within a span of 100 years, humans have significantly changed the shape of the skulls of German domestic pigs. According to a team from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), this is likely down to new breeding practices introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. Their findings have been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science. The researchers analysed 3D scans of 135 skulls of wild boars and domestic pigs from the early 20th and 21st centuries. Surprisingly, the same effects can even be observed in species that were kept separately. -- Humans have been keeping pigs as livestock for several centuries. -- During this time, the animals have changed considerably. For example, they have become larger and have lost their black and brown bristles and darker skin tone. -- "The demand for pork in Germany increased significantly at the beginning of the 20th century and breeders were encouraged to optimise their animals. They needed them to grow quickly, provide good meat, and be fertile," explains Dr Renate Schafberg, Head of the Domestic Animal Collection at MLU. -- For the current study, she and Dr Ashleigh Haruda from Oxford University analysed 135 skulls from three different breeds: Deutsches Edelschwein, Deutsches Landschwein -- and wild boars, who acted as a control group. -- The skulls were either from the early 20th century or were only a few years old. -- The two domestic pig breeds exhibited significant changes: the animals' snouts became significantly shorter and flatter, while the skulls of the more contemporary animals no longer had a slightly outwardly curved forehead. -- "We didn't expect such pronounced differences to appear within a span of only 100 years," says Schafberg. -- Remarkably, both breeds of domestic pig underwent the same changes, despite being kept separately. -- "These changes occurred even though breeders did not select the animals specifically for their skull shape, as this trait was not important for breeding. Instead, the changes appear to be an unintended by-product of selecting the desired traits," says Schafberg.	N01	693
2511-E054	RNA Agents Offer New Hope Against Cucumber Mosaic Virus In Plants	Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed RNA-based agents that effectively protect plants against the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), a significant threat in agriculture. In laboratory tests, the active ingredients demonstrated remarkable efficacy, with survival rates of 80 to 100% in infected plants. This breakthrough, now under practical development, offers a promising solution for addressing viral infections in a wide range of agricultural crops affected by CMV.	Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg	Nucleic Acids Research	Press Rel	PubMed	New RNA-based active agents reliably protect plants against the Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), the most common virus in agriculture and horticulture. They were developed by researchers at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU). The active ingredients have a broad spectrum effect; a series of RNA molecules support the plant's immune system in combating the virus. In laboratory experiments, 80 to 100 per cent of the treated plants survived an infection with a high viral load, as the team reports in Nucleic Acids Research. Their paper has been selected as a "breakthrough article" by the journal. The researchers are now working on transferring the idea from the laboratory into practice. -- Cucumber mosaic virus is a particularly devastating virus for crops. -- About 90 species of aphids transmit the virus, which affects more than 1,200 plant species. -- These include numerous agricultural crops such as squash, cucumbers, cereals and medicinal and aromatic plants. -- Infected plants are easily identified by a characteristic mosaic pattern on their leaves. -- Once infected, the plants fail to thrive and their fruits cannot be sold. -- To date, there exist no approved agents against CMV. However, the new work by researchers at MLU could provide a long-term solution. -- The basic idea is to fight the virus by directing the plant's natural defences in the right direction. -- When a virus infects a plant, it uses the plant's cells as a host. -- The virus multiplies via its genetic material in the form of ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules in the plant cells.	C01 N01 T01	694
2510-E013	Melting Glaciers Are Impacting Arctic Algae And Ecosystems	Climate change-driven glacial melt is affecting brown algae in Arctic fjords, increasing their heavy metal content and altering their microbiomes. This research highlights the potential ecological and economic ramifications of these changes, emphasizing the vital role of algae in the marine food web and the need for further investigation.	MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers found that climate change induced glacial melt increases the heavy metal content and changes the microbiome of habitat-forming brown algae in Arctic fjords. As algae are at the basis of the food web, this will likely have cascading ecological and economic consequences. -- In an interdisciplinary cooperation project of the EU-projects FACE-IT, ECOTIP, and SEA-Quester, the scientists investigated consequences of climate change in the Arctic. -- They focused on a group of organisms that form the very basis of Arctic coastal ecosystems -- brown macroalgae, known as kelps, which form dense and extensive underwater forests along rocky coastlines. -- The ecological role of kelps can be compared to trees on land: They provide food, habitat, and a nursery ground for a variety of organisms and thereby maintain complex ecosystems. -- The researchers focused on the effects of climate change on kelps in order to draw conclusions about the ecological and socio-economic consequences. -- Their new findings in Arctic coastal ecology have now been published in the international journal Scientific Reports by Sarina Niedzwiedz and Kai Bischof from the University of Bremen and MARUM -- Center for Marine Environmental Sciences and their team of co-authors. -- Warming Increases Run-off Intensities -- And Influences Element Concentrations -- The Arctic region is warming at a rate that is far above the global average. -- Consequently, snow, glaciers, and permafrost are melting -- all of which are contributing to coastal run-off plumes. -- The run-off plumes changes water parameters drastically as large volumes of fresh water reduce the salinity, washed-in sediments reduce the light availability, and, depending on the lithogenic and organic material in the run-off, the elemental composition is changing.	H01 C01 N02 T01	695
2510-E026	Climate Records Reveal How Giant Eruptions Affected Life Before Dinosaur Extinction	An international team of scientists has synchronized climate records from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans to better understand events before the dinosaurs' extinction. This research identifies the impact of ancient volcanic activity on climate dynamics, offering insights into how geological events shaped Earth's climate history during critical transitional periods.	MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	On ten thousand to million years time scales, climate dynamics on the Earth's surface are driven by both external and internal processes. Earth`s interior provides heat from radioactive decay and chemical compounds by volcanic degassing, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Quasiperiodic changes in Earth's orbit around the sun regulate the amount of incoming solar radiation on the planet's surface as well as its distribution across latitudes, affecting the length and intensity of the seasons. The interplay of both processes through complex geochemical interactions on the surface of our planet shape and regulate the climate we live in. -- "Just like a metronome, we used the rhythmic changes in solar insolation imprinted in geological data to synchronize geological climate archives from the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific. These key records span the last million years of the Cretaceous and are synchronized down to 5,000 years or less, geologically a blink of an eye 66 million years ago," says lead author Thomas Westerhold from MARUM -- Center for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen. -- To unravel causality arguments in Earth climate history across regions, this kind of synchronization is essential. -- "So, we had the geological records perfectly lined up in time, and observed that two major changes in climate and biota occurred at the same time in both oceans. But we had to find a way to test if these changes are caused by large scale volcanic eruptions related to the Deccan Traps in India," says Westerhold. -- The up to two kilometers thick basaltic rocks of the Deccan Traps cover a large part of western India. -- This large-scale volcanism flooding entire landscapes is referred to as Large Igneous Province by geoscientists. -- Several times in Earth's history these caused mass extinction events of life on the surface of the planet. -- Particularly the release of volcanic gases like carbon and sulfur dioxide during the formation of the flood basalts may have played a key role. -- "The formation of the flood basalts and its subsequent weathering will leave a geochemical fingerprint in the ocean. Therefore, we measured the Osmium isotope composition of the South Atlantic and the Northwest Pacific deposits. They should show the same fingerprint at the same time," says co-author Junichiro Kuroda (University Tokyo, Japan), who conducted the geochemical analyses. -- "To our surprise we found two steps in the Osmium isotope composition in both oceans contemporaneous with major eruption phases of the Deccan Traps in the latest Cretaceous. And even more surprising those steps had different impacts on the environment as recorded by fossil remains in the drill cores," says Thomas Westerhold.	C01	696
2509-066	Groundbreaking Stem Cell Treatment Restores Vision By Healing Cornea Injuries	A promising phase 1/2 clinical trial has demonstrated that a novel stem cell treatment for corneal injuries, known as CALEC, has achieved over 90% success in restoring corneal surfaces and improving vision in 14 patients over 18 months. This innovative approach, involving the transplantation of expanded stem cells from healthy eyes, aims to aid individuals suffering from severe eye injuries, and researchers advocate for further trials based on these encouraging results.	Mass Eye and Ear	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	An expanded clinical trial that tested a groundbreaking, experimental stem cell treatment for blinding cornea injuries found the treatment was feasible and safe in 14 patients who were treated and followed for 18 months, and there was a high proportion of complete or partial success. The results of this new phase 1/2 trial published March 4, 2025 in Nature Communications. -- The treatment, called cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cells (CALEC), was developed at Mass Eye and Ear, a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. The innovative procedure consists of removing stem cells from a healthy eye with a biopsy, expanding them into a cellular tissue graft in a novel manufacturing process that takes two to three weeks, and then surgically transplanting the graft into the eye with a damaged cornea. -- "Our first trial in four patients showed that CALEC was safe and the treatment was possible," said principal investigator Ula Jurkunas, MD, associate director of the Cornea Service at Mass Eye and Ear and professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. "Now we have this new data supporting that CALEC is more than 90% effective at restoring the cornea's surface, which makes a meaningful difference in individuals with cornea damage that was considered untreatable." -- Researchersshowed CALEC completely restored the cornea in 50% of participants at their 3-month visit and that rate of complete success increased to 79% and 77% at their 12- and 18-month visits, respectively. -- With two participants meeting the definition of partial success at 12 and 18 months, the overall success of CALEC was 93% and 92% at 12 and 18 months. Three participants received a second CALEC transplant, one of whom reached complete success by the study end visit. An additional analysis of CALEC's impact on vision showed varying levels of improvement of visual acuity in all 14 CALEC patients. -- CALEC displayed a high safety profile, with no serious events occurring in either the donor or recipient eyes. One adverse event, a bacterial infection, occurred in one participant, eight months after the transplant due to chronic contact lens use. Other adverse events were minor and resolved quickly following the procedures. -- CALEC remains an experimental procedure and is currently not offered at Mass Eye and Ear or any U.S. hospital, and additional studies will be needed before the treatment is submitted for federal approval. -- The CALEC trial is the first human study of a stem cell therapy to be funded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and was the first stem cell therapy in the eye in the U.S. Other research collaborators include Jia Yin, MD, PhD and Reza Dana, MD at Mass Eye and Ear, Jerome Ritz, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Connell and O'Reilly Families Cell Manipulation Core Facility, where the manufacturing of the stem cell graft takes place; and Myriam Armant, PhD, of Boston Children's Hospital; and the JAEB Center for Health Research. -- The cornea is the clear, outermost layer of the eye. It's outer border, the limbus, contains a large volume of healthy stem cells called limbal epithelial cells, which maintain the eye's smooth surface. When a person suffers a cornea injury, such as a chemical burn, infection or other trauma, it can deplete the limbal epithelial cells, which can never regenerate. The resulting limbal stem cell deficiency renders the eye with a permanently damaged surface where it can't undergo a corneal transplant, the current standard of care for vision rehabilitation. People with these injuries often experience persistent pain and visual difficulties. -- This need led Jurkunas as a junior scientist and Dana, director of the Cornea Service at Mass Eye and Ear, to explore a new approach for regenerating limbal epithelial cells. Nearly two decades later, following preclinical studies and collaborations with researchers at Dana-Farber and Boston Children's, it was possible to consistently manufacture CALEC grafts that met stringent quality criteria needed for human transplantation. The clinical trial was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the first patient was treated in 2018 at Mass Eye and Ear. Successful completion of the trial was accomplished through close coordination between Jurkunas' surgical team and the cell manufacturing facility at Dana-Farber.	A01 H01 R01 N02	697
2501-025	Glucarpidase Proven Effective In Reducing Kidney Toxicity After Chemotherapy Treatment.	A study reveals that glucarpidase, an FDA-approved medication, can effectively counteract kidney toxicity from the chemotherapy drug methotrexate in cancer patients. Conducted across 28 major U.S. cancer centers, the research highlights the significant recovery benefits of glucarpidase for patients experiencing acute kidney injury.	Mass General Brigham	Blood Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	An FDA-approved medication called glucarpidase could serve as an antidote to kidney toxicity in patients receiving the chemotherapy drug methotrexate (MTX), according to a new study by investigators at Mass General Brigham. Using data from 28 major U.S. cancer centers*, the researchers examined the association between glucarpidase treatment -- which rapidly clears MTX from the blood -- and outcomes of patients with MTX-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). They found that patients who received glucarpidase had significantly higher chances of kidney recovery compared to those who did not get this treatment. Results are published in Blood. -- "Glucarpidase is unique because it's one of the very few potential antidotes available to counteract the high rates of toxicity caused by chemotherapy," said first author Shruti Gupta, MD, an associate physician in the Division of Renal Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- Gupta is also the director of Onconephrology at BWH and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. -- "Even though glucarpidase was approved by the FDA in 2012, our study is the first to provide a comprehensive assessment of its potential clinical benefits." -- Due to its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, MTX is one of the most common chemotherapeutic agents used worldwide for cancers involving the central nervous system. -- However, high doses of MTX (defined as doses ≥ 500 g/m2) often cause severe complications such as AKI, liver toxicity, and neutropenia (i.e., low white blood cell count). Glucarpidase converts MTX in the blood into inactive metabolites within 15 minutes of its administration. -- Despite its potent biochemical effects, no study has examined whether these effects translate into clinical benefit. -- Due to this evidence gap, there is widespread variation in the use of glucarpidase. -- The study, funded by BTG International Inc., a SERB Pharmaceuticals Company, addresses this knowledge gap. -- The researchers used detailed data from multiple cancer centers to mimic the conditions of a randomized clinical trial -- a research method known as a target trial emulation.	H01 R01 R02	698
2501-050	Novel Immunotherapy Activates Adaptive Immune System To Prevent Skin Cancer.	A recent study demonstrates how a combination of topical calcipotriol and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) can activate the adaptive immune system to prevent skin cancer. This innovative immunotherapy approach shows promise in eliminating precancerous lesions and may provide insights into similar strategies for treating other cancers.	Mass General Brigham	Journal of Clinical Investigation	Press Rel	PubMed	Clinical trial results detail how topical calcipotriol plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) leverages the adaptive immune system to eliminate precancerous lesions and prevent skin cancer. -- A new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham uncovers how a novel immunotherapy prevents squamous cell carcinoma, with benefits lasting five years after treatment. -- This therapy is the first to activate specific components of the adaptive immune system, particularly CD4+ T helper cells, which are not known to be involved in traditional cancer treatments. -- This work highlights the potential for similar immunotherapies to prevent other cancers throughout the body. -- Results are published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. -- "One of the unique challenges with squamous cell carcinoma is that individuals who develop it are at an increased risk of developing multiple new lesions over time. This makes prevention an essential part of care," said corresponding author Shawn Demehri, MD, PhD, of the Department of Dermatology and the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "We found that this drug combination prevents cancer through a mechanism distinct from those used by current immunotherapies, suggesting that these drugs may treat and prevent cancer via distinct mechanisms." -- Cancer research is a foundational pillar in the care provided to patients at Mass General Brigham. -- Research, along with the power of the system's strengths in innovation, education, and community engagement, will allow Mass General Brigham Cancer to deliver integrated cancer care for all, putting health equity at the center of that support. -- The vision is to provide a comprehensive, integrated and research-informed approach to cancer care, helping patients navigate their entire journey of care, from prevention and early detection to treatment and survivorship.	H01 R01	699
2502-091	Xenon Gas Inhalation: A Novel Approach To Alzheimer's Disease Protection	A study reveals that inhaling xenon gas can provide neuroprotective effects in models of Alzheimer's disease, suppressing inflammation and reducing brain atrophy. This novel approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments that struggle to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, with a phase 1 clinical trial set to begin in 2025, as detailed in Science Translational Medicine.	Mass General Brigham	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Most treatments being pursued today to protect against Alzheimer's disease focus on amyloid plaques and tau tangles that accumulate in the brain, but new research from Mass General Brigham and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis points to a novel -- and noble -- approach: using Xenon gas. The study found that Xenon gas inhalation suppressed neuroinflammation, reduced brain atrophy, and increased protective neuronal states in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease. Results are published in Science Translational Medicine, and a phase 1 clinical trial of the treatment in healthy volunteers will begin in early 2025. -- "It is a very novel discovery showing that simply inhaling an inert gas can have such a profound neuroprotective effect," said senior and co-corresponding author Oleg Butovsky, PhD, of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "One of the main limitations in the field of Alzheimer's disease research and treatment is that it is extremely difficult to design medications that can pass the blood-brain barrier -- but Xenon gas does. We look forward to seeing this novel approach tested in humans." -- "It is exciting that in both animal models that model different aspects of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid pathology in one model and tau pathology in another model, that Xenon had protective effects in both situations," said senior and co-corresponding author David M. Holtzman, MD, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. -- The causes of Alzheimer's disease are not fully understood; there is currently no cure, and more effective treatments are desperately needed. -- Characterized by protein buildups in the brain, including tau and amyloid, Alzheimer's disease disrupts nerve cell communication and causes progressive brain abnormalities that lead to neuronal damage and ultimately to death. -- Microglia, the brain's primary and most prominent immune cells, act as 'first responders' when something goes awry in the brain, and they play a key role in regulating brain function in all phases of development. -- Microglial dysregulation is a key component of Alzheimer's disease. -- Butovsky's lab previously designed a way to study how microglia respond to neurodegeneration and confirmed that a specific phenotype of microglia can be modulated in a way that is protective in Alzheimer's disease. -- In this study, mouse models of Alzheimer's disease were treated with Xenon gas that has been used in human medicine as an anesthetic and as a neuroprotectant for treating brain injuries.	C01 N01	700
2503-057	New Anticoagulant Drug Shows Significant Reduction In Bleeding For Atrial Fibrillation Patients	A recent clinical trial examined a novel class of anticoagulants, Factor XI inhibitors, for patients with atrial fibrillation, yielding promising results. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 Study, conducted by Mass General Brigham researchers, revealed that the experimental drug abelacimab significantly reduced bleeding risks compared to standard anticoagulants, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for this prevalent condition.	Mass General Brigham	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients with atrial fibrillation are typically prescribed an anticoagulant, or blood thinner, to reduce the risk of stroke, but many may discontinue them or never receive a prescription due to concerns of increased risk of bleeding complications. Researchers from Mass General Brigham evaluated a drug that represents a new class of anticoagulants known as Factor XI inhibitors for treating patients with atrial fibrillation as part of the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Study. The trial was stopped early by the recommendation of the Data Monitoring Committee due to an overwhelming reduction in bleeding compared to standard-of-care treatment. The researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicinethat abelacimab, a Factor XI inhibitor, significantly reduced bleeding compared to a standard-of-care anticoagulant, rivaroxaban. -- "It should be enormously satisfying to the cardiovascular field, patients and providers that Factor XI inhibitors live up to their promise of superior safety," said Christian Ruff, MD, MPH, director of General Cardiology within the Cardiovascular Division at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, senior investigator in the TIMI Study Group and principal investigator of the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Study. -- "Atrial fibrillation is a common medical condition, and bleeding with currently available anticoagulants resulting in significant undertreatment is still one of the greatest shortcomings in cardiovascular disease." -- About 1-in-3 people will develop atrial fibrillation, making it one of the most common cardiovascular conditions in the world. -- The risk of stroke increases significantly in patients with atrial fibrillation because blood clots form in the heart chambers and can be pumped to the brain, causing a stroke. -- The AZALEA-TIMI 71 Study is the largest and longest trial examining a Factor XI inhibitor compared to standard of care direct oral anticoagulants to date. -- The team enrolled 1,287 participants in 95 study sites across the globe. -- Participants were randomized and administered monthly injections of 150 mg abelacimab, 90 mg abelacimab, or standard dosing of rivaroxaban (20 mg or 15 mg in dose reduced patients). The team found that the 150 mg dose of abelacimab reduced bleeding that required hospitalization or medical attention by 62%, compared with rivaroxaban. -- The 90 mg dose of abelacimab reduced the same types of bleeding by 69%. In addition, the team found that both doses of abelacimab almost eliminated gastrointestinal bleeding compared to rivaroxaban, which is the most common type of bleeding that occurs in patients on currently available anticoagulants. -- The team notes that in the AZALEA-TIMI 71 Study, the rates of stroke were low and there were not any significant differences between patients in the abelacimab groups compared to those taking rivaroxaban, although the trial was not powered for ischemic events.	R01	701
2505-025	New TB Risk Tool Improves Patient Assessment And Isolation Decisions	To enhance the assessment of tuberculosis (TB) risk in healthcare settings, researchers developed a scoring tool that integrates into electronic health records. This tool, labeled 'TB or Not TB,' assists clinicians in making informed decisions about discontinuing isolation precautions after TB evaluations. With rising TB cases in the U.S., this innovation aims to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes, ensuring effective management of suspected tuberculosis infections.	Mass General Brigham	Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology	Press Rel	PubMed	The future of medicine may very well lie in the personalization of health care -- knowing exactly what an individual needs and then delivering just the right mix of nutrients, metabolites, and medications, if necessary, to stabilize and improve their condition. To make this possible, physicians first need a way to continuously measure and monitor certain biomarkers of health. -- To that end, a team of Caltech engineers has developed a technique for inkjet printing arrays of special nanoparticles that enables the mass production of long-lasting wearable sweat sensors. -- These sensors could be used to monitor a variety of biomarkers, such as vitamins, hormones, metabolites, and medications, in real time, providing patients and their physicians with the ability to continually follow changes in the levels of those molecules. -- Wearable biosensors that incorporate the new nanoparticles have been successfully used to monitor metabolites in patients suffering from long COVID and the levels of chemotherapy drugs in cancer patients at City of Hope in Duarte, California. -- "These are just two examples of what is possible," says Wei Gao, a professor of medical engineering in the Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering at Caltech. -- "There are many chronic conditions and their biomarkers that these sensors now give us the possibility to monitor continuously and noninvasively," says Gao, who is the corresponding author on a paper in the journal Nature Materials describing the new technique. -- Gao and his team describe the nanoparticles as core-shell cubic nanoparticles. -- The cubes are formed in a solution that includes the molecule that the researchers want to track -- for example, vitamin C. As the monomers spontaneously assemble to form a polymer, the target molecule -- vitamin C -- is trapped inside the cubic nanoparticles. -- Next, a solvent is used to specifically remove the vitamin C molecules, leaving behind a molecularly imprinted polymer shell dotted with holes that have shapes exactly matching that of the vitamin C molecules -- akin to artificial antibodies that selectively recognize the shapes of only particular molecules. -- Importantly, in the new study, the researchers combine those specially formed polymers with a nanoparticle core made of nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF). This material can be oxidized or reduced under an applied electrical voltage when in contact with human sweat or other bodily fluids.	Z01	702
2505-120	New Mechanism Discovered Driving Tissue Damage In Autoimmune Diseases	Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified a new mechanism by which granzyme K activates the complement system, leading to tissue damage and inflammation. This finding reshapes our understanding of the complement system and presents a potential target for therapies aimed at autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, preserving its protective functions while inhibiting harmful pathways.	Mass General Brigham	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A systematic literature review found no evidence to support that physical exertion without rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) or heat injury can cause sudden death for individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT), nor is there any high-level evidence that SCT causes acute pain crises. These results were published today in the American Society of Hematology's flagship journal, Blood, and informed the Society's updated position statement on SCT. -- "SCT has long been misunderstood, fueling widespread misinformation and medically inaccurate claims that it can lead to sudden death. This misconception has been especially prominent in cases of Black men with SCT," said Belinda Avalos, MD, ASH president. -- "In light of the pervasive, widely publicized, and harmful nature of this myth, the Society aims to further promote accurate information to protect and empower affected communities." -- Individuals with SCT have one copy of the gene associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a blood disorder characterized by misshapen blood cells that can cause blockages, leading to infections and episodes of severe pain, often referred to as acute pain crises. -- Unlike SCD, SCT -- which affects over 100 million people worldwide, including 8 to 10% of Black Americans -- is not a disease. -- Individuals with SCT do not go on to develop SCD and generally do not experience any related health complications. -- "To date, this is the most authoritative and definitive systematic review on this subject," said study author Michael R. DeBaun, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics and medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and founder and director of the Vanderbilt-Meharry Sickle Cell Disease Center of Excellence. -- "This review shows that any primary, secondary, or tertiary cause of death attributable to SCT is not a diagnosis substantiated by the medical evidence." -- ASH convened an expert panel of hematologists and forensic pathologists to systematically review all existing available research to answer two primary questions: 1) Do uncomplicated acute pain crises occur in people with SCT? -- and 2) Can physical activity above baseline result in sudden death among those individuals?	A01 R01	703
2506-E030	Yogurt Consumption Linked To Lower Colorectal Cancer Rates And Healthier Gut Bacteria	A new study led by researchers from Mass General Brigham links long-term yogurt consumption with lower rates of colorectal cancer through changes in gut microbiota. Analyzing data from decades of health studies, the researchers found that individuals consuming two or more servings of yogurt weekly showed a reduced incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive colorectal cancer. These findings support the potential protective benefits of yogurt and highlight the importance of dietary influences on health.	Mass General Brigham	Gut Microbes	Press Rel	PubMed	Yogurt, which contains live strains of bacteria, is thought to protect against many types of diseases, with some reports indicating it could reduce risk of colorectal cancer. A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham finds that yogurt consumption over time may protect against colorectal cancer through changes in the gut microbiome. Using data from studies that have followed participants for decades, researchers found that long-term consumption of two or more servings per week of yogurt was tied to lower rates of proximal colorectal cancer positive for Bifidobacterium, a bacterial species found in yogurt. The study showed that the bacterial species was quite common: about 30 percent of patients with colorectal cancer had detectable Bifidobacterium in their tumor tissue. Their results are published in Gut Microbes. -- "Our study provides unique evidence about the potential benefit of yogurt," said corresponding author Shuji Ogino, MD, PhD, the chief of the Program in Molecular Pathological Epidemiology in the Department of Pathology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. Ogino is also an American Cancer Society Professor, a Professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and an Affiliate Member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. "My lab's approach is to try to link long-term diets and other exposures to a possible key difference in tissue, such as the presence or absence of a particular species of bacteria. This kind of detective work can increase the strength of evidence connecting diet to health outcomes." -- Ogino and colleagues -- team OPTISTIMISTICC -- are funded by Cancer Research UK through Cancer Grand Challenges, a research initiative co-founded by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute in the United States. OPTIMISTICC aims to transform the understanding of how the microbiome contributes to disease development, progression and response to treatment. As part of this, Ogino's team aims to define the risk factors and environmental exposures that individuals encounter through life which are behind the rise of early-onset colorectal cancer and ultimately develop strategies to reduce the burden of this type of cancer. -- To conduct their study, the researchers used data from two U.S.-wide prospective cohort studies known as the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). The studies have followed more than 100,000 female registered nurses and 51,000 male health professionals, respectively. Participants have been followed since 1976 for the NHS and 1986 for HFPS, answering repeated questionnaires about lifestyle factors and disease outcomes, including questions about average daily intake of plain and flavored yogurt, as well as other dairy products. The researchers also assessed tissue samples for participants with confirmed cases of colorectal cancer, measuring the amount of Bifidobacterium DNA in tumor tissue. -- The researchers found 3,079 documented cases of colorectal cancer in the two study populations. Information on Bifidobacterium content was available in 1,121 colorectal cancer cases. Among those, 346 cases (31%) were Bifidobacterium-positive, and 775 cases (69%) were Bifidobacterium-negative. The researchers did not observe a significant association between long-term yogurt intake and overall colorectal cancer incidence, but they did see an association in Bifidobacterium-positive tumors, with a 20 percent lower rate of incidence for participants who consumed two or more servings of yogurt a week. This lower rate was driven by lower incidence of Bifidobacterium-positive proximal colon cancer -- a type of colorectal cancer that occurs in the right side of the colon. Studies have found that patients with proximal colon cancer have worse survival outcomes than patients with distal cancers. -- "It has long been believed that yogurt and other fermented milk products are beneficial for gastrointestinal health," said co-senior author Tomotaka Ugai, MD, PhD, of the Department of Pathology at the Brigham and the Department of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. "Our new findings suggest that this protective effect may be specific for Bifidobacterium-positive tumors." -- The researchers hypothesize that long-term yogurt intake may reduce risk of proximal colon cancer by changing the gut microbiome, including Bifidobacterium, but they note that further research that brings together both basic science and population health studies is needed to draw a definitive conclusion. -- "This paper adds to the growing evidence that illustrates the connection between diet, the gut microbiome, and risk of colorectal cancer," said co-author Andrew T Chan, MD, chief of the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system and co-lead for Cancer Grand Challenges team PROSPECT addressing causes of cancer in young adults. "It provides an additional avenue for us to investigate the specific role of these factors in the risk of colorectal cancer among young people."	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2508-009	Telemedicine Could Help Cut Down On Unnecessary Health Tests	Research from Mass General Brigham indicates that telemedicine may effectively reduce the use of low-value medical tests, contributing to more efficient healthcare spending. By analyzing data from millions of patients, the study explores how telehealth can reshape traditional testing practices, offering insights into care quality and expenditure in the post-pandemic era.	Mass General Brigham	JAMA Internal Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Low-value care -- medical tests and procedures that provide little to no benefit to patients -- contributes to excess medical spending and both direct and cascading harms to patients. A research team from Mass General Brigham and their collaborators have found that telemedicine may help to reduce the use of low-value tests. The work is published in JAMA Internal Medicine. -- "In theory, widespread adoption of telemedicine post-pandemic may influence low-value testing -- such as Pap smears and prostate cancer screenings in older adults, and imaging scans for straightforward cases of low back pain," said lead author Ishani Ganguli, MD, MPH, of the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham, and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. -- "But there was very limited evidence on this. We wanted to look at this question at a national level because there is active policy debate about whether and how Medicare should continue telemedicine coverage, hinging in large part on how telemedicine impacts care quality and spending." -- Using a quasi-experimental study design, Ganguli and her colleagues analyzed 2019-2022 fee-for-service Medicare claims data from more than 2 million beneficiaries who received their care in health systems across the United States that either did or did not adopt telemedicine at high rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. -- This timeframe encompassed the time before and after telemedicine use skyrocketed with the pandemic. -- Compared to patients in low-telemedicine systems, patients in high-telemedicine systems had slightly higher rates of total visits (including virtual or in-person) and lower use of 7 of 20 low-value tests: cervical cancer screening, screening electrocardiograms, screening metabolic panels, preoperative complete blood cell counts, preoperative metabolic panels, total or free triiodothyronine level testing for hypothyroidism, and imaging for uncomplicated low back pain. -- There were no significant differences in other tests. Those in high-telemedicine systems had lower spending on visits per beneficiary and on 2 of 20 low-value tests, but no differences in low-value spending overall. -- The findings suggest that while virtual options may reduce barriers to care, telemedicine may also deter clinicians and patients from completing some low-value tests, especially tests like electrocardiograms and blood counts that would be done on-site during or just after an office visit. -- "These findings offer further reassurance to policymakers that extending telemedicine coverage may carry benefits like lower use and spending on a number of low-value tests," said Ganguli.	A01 H01 R01 T01	705
2508-039	Genetic Risk Score Identifies Individuals At Higher Risk For Coronary Artery Disease	Researchers from Mass General Brigham have developed a polygenic risk score that helps identify individuals at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) by examining genes related to endothelial cell function. This innovative approach aims to tailor prevention strategies and enhance treatment effectiveness based on individual genetic predispositions.	Mass General Brigham	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Coronary artery disease (CAD), or the narrowing of the coronary arteries, is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, develops when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) enters the blood vessel walls through dysfunctional endothelial cells (EC), leading to the formation of plaques. Researchers from Mass General Brigham developed a polygenic risk score that examines genes associated with EC function to identify individuals with higher CAD risk. Their results are published in Nature Medicine. -- "We have been trying to understand why two patients with similarly high cholesterol can have very different degrees of CAD. Our work suggests that intact endothelial function may provide protection in some, while in other patients, EC dysfunction may increase their sensitivity to LDL-C concentrations and amplify their risk of cardiovascular events. As a result, patients who are LDL-C sensitive have a much greater benefit from aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapies, creating an opportunity for personalized prevention plans," said lead author Nicholas Marston, MD, MPH, from the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- The research team identified 35 single nucleotide polymorphisms -- single "letter" genetic changes -- that were connected to EC function and CAD, to create a risk score that they then used to make predictions while following participants in three separate study populations. -- They found that individuals with high EC risk benefited greatly from LDL-C lowering therapies, and that the score could be used to predict CAD risk. -- One of the main limitations of the risk score that the team developed is that it does not directly measure endothelial cell function. In the future, the researchers would like to assess phenotypes and serum biomarkers, as well as analyze environmental factors like smoking that can adversely affect endothelial cells.	R01	706
2508-058	16 New Susceptibility Genes Identified For Alzheimer’s Disease	A multi-ancestry whole genome study on Alzheimer’s disease has identified 16 new susceptibility genes, broadening the understanding of the disease in underrepresented populations. Led by researchers from Mass General Brigham, this groundbreaking research emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity in Alzheimer's studies and reveals novel genetic signals that could enhance early detection and treatment strategies for affected individuals.	Mass General Brigham	Alzheimer’s & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Investigators from Mass General Brigham have conducted a multi-ancestry, whole genome sequencing association study of Alzheimer's disease and found evidence for 16 new susceptibility genes, expanding the study of Alzheimer's disease in underrepresented groups. Their results are published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. -- For the study, co-led by Julian Daniel Sunday Willett, MD, PhD, and Mohammad Waqas, of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit and McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham, researchers used whole-genome sequencing and a cohort of 49,149 individuals. -- The study included 12,074 participants who were clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and 37,075 diagnosed due to their family history. -- Participants were from multiple public databases and nearly half were of non-European ancestry. -- Researchers found 16 novel Alzheimer's disease-associated genetic signals, highlighting the importance of studying diverse populations. -- Next, according to co-senior author Dmitry Prokopenko, PhD, the team plans to analyze additional sets of whole genome sequencing data, with a double increase of the sample size, including a gene-based rare variant analysis. -- They also plan to combine the signals of rare variants within genes. -- "We were pleasantly surprised to have made this discovery by expanding genetic analyses beyond populations of European ancestry to more diverse populations," said co-senior author Rudolph Tanzi, PhD, director of the Genetics and Aging Research Unit, the McCance Center for Brain Health, and co-director of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease at Massachusetts General Hospital. "We hope this will lead to more accurate predictions of Alzheimer's disease risk and to new pharmacological and biological targets for treatment and prevention in populations with various ancestries."	A01 R02	707
2509-017	Promising Nasal Spray Could Treat Traumatic Brain Injuries	A promising approach for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves a nasal spray that targets neuroinflammation, potentially mitigating long-term damage. Conducted at Mass General Brigham, the research demonstrated that the nasal anti-CD3 could lessen CNS damage and behavioral issues in a mouse model, suggesting a novel therapeutic avenue for TBI management.	Mass General Brigham	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers at Mass General Brigham suggests a nasal spray developed to target neuroinflammation could one day be an effective treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI). By studying the effects of the nasal anti-CD3 in a mouse model of TBI, researchers found the spray could reduce damage to the central nervous system and behavioral deficits, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for TBI and other acute forms of brain injury. The results are published in Nature Neuroscience. -- "Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability -- including cognitive decline -- and chronic inflammation is one of the key reasons," said lead author Saef Izzy, MD, FNCS, FAAN, a neurologist and head of the Immunology of Brain Injury Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "Currently, there is no treatment to prevent the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury." -- The study examines the monoclonal antibody Foralumab, made by Tiziana, which has been tested in clinical trials for patients with multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and other conditions. -- "This opens up a whole new area of research and treatment in traumatic brain injury, something that's almost impossible to treat," said senior author Howard Weiner, MD, co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at BWH. -- "It also means this could work in intracerebral hemorrhage and other stroke patients with brain injury." -- Multiple experiments were done in mouse models with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury to explore the communication between regulatory cells induced by the nasal treatment and the microglial immune cells in the brain. -- Over time, researchers were able to identify how they modulate immune response. -- "Modulating the neuroinflammatory response correlated with improved neurological outcomes, including less anxiety, cognitive decline, and improved motor skills," Izzy said. -- In addition to assessing the effects of the treatment, the research team was able to learn about immune response over time and compare the immune responses and effects of TBI in the mice.	H02 R02	708
2510-030	Firefighters' Tumors Show Mutational Links To Chemical Exposure From Their Work	A study by Mass General Brigham has uncovered a genetic mutational signature in glioma tumors linked to firefighters' exposure to haloalkenes found in various firefighting chemicals. This research emphasizes the importance of identifying occupational hazards, as pinpointing specific risks may help in developing targeted interventions to protect firefighters from unique health threats like gliomas.	Mass General Brigham	Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Occupational and environmental exposures can put specific groups of people at higher risk of cancer, including firefighters. A new study by investigators at Mass General Brigham examines a cancer rarely studied in firefighters: gliomas -- a type of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. Using glioma tumor samples from the University of California, San Francisco Adult Glioma Study, researchers looked for genetic mutational signatures, finding one that has been previously associated with exposure to haloalkene, a substance found in flame retardants, fire extinguishers, and pesticides. Results are published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. -- "Identifying a mutation signature like this one is important because this can inform public health intervention strategies," said senior author Elizabeth B. Claus, MD, PhD, of the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- Claus also holds an appointment at Yale School of Public Health. -- "Some occupational hazards may be avoidable and pinpointing them could help to prevent gliomas." -- Claus and colleagues compared genetic samples from tumors from 17 firefighters with tumors to 18 people who had never been firefighters. -- They found mutations tied to a known "mutational signature" -- a unique pattern of genetic mutations -- in many of the firefighter samples, especially in those who had spent more years firefighting. -- Among the non-firefighters, the highest signal of the signature was seen among people who had possibly been exposed to haloalkenes through other occupations, such as painting or being a mechanic. -- "In this pilot study, we confirm our earlier findings of an association between exposure to haloalkanes and glioma risk-we hope to further examine this in larger samples that include both firefighters and other persons exposed to haloalkanes," said Claus. -- "Our efforts to do so continues via development of our online glioma registry, an effort to study risks factors and treatments for persons with glioma." -- Disclosures: Elizabeth B. Claus reports advisory board fees from Servier Pharmaceuticals outside the submitted work. Additional author disclosures can be found in the paper.	R01 R02	709
2510-E014	Study Finds Plant-Based Oils May Improve Overall Health Compared To Butter	A comprehensive study of over 200,000 individuals reveals that higher consumption of plant-based oils correlates with lower mortality rates from cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers advocate for replacing butter with oils like soybean and olive to potentially reduce health risks, emphasizing the significant benefits of dietary choices.	Mass General Brigham	JAMA Internal Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	People who consume plant-based oil instead of butter may experience beneficial health effects and even have a lower risk of premature death, according to a new study by investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The researchers examined diet and health data from 200,000 people followed for more than 30 years and found that higher intake of plant-based oils, especially soybean, canola, and olive oil, was associated with lower total, cancer, and cardiovascular disease mortality, whereas butter intake was associated with increased risk of total and cancer mortality. The results are published in JAMA Internal Medicineand presented simultaneously at the American Heart Association EPI/Lifestyle Scientific Sessions. -- "What's surprising is the magnitude of the association that we found -- we saw a 17% lower risk of death when we modeled swapping butter with plant-based oils in daily diet. That is a pretty huge effect on health," said study lead author Yu Zhang, MBBS, research assistant at the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- Zhang is also a student in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School. -- A key difference between butter and oil is the types of fatty acids contained in them. -- Butter is rich in saturated fatty acids, while plant-based oils have more unsaturated fatty acids. -- While there have been many studies on dietary fatty acids, fewer studies have focused on their primary food sources, including butter and oils. -- Many previous studies have looked at a person's diet at a point in time and have been done in a small population, limiting their applicability to public health. -- The new study analyzed dietary data from 221,054 participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII), and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS). Every four years, they answered questions about how often they consumed certain types of food. -- The researchers used the data to estimate how much butter and plant oils they ate. -- Total butter intake included butter from butter and margarine blend, spreadable butter added to food and bread, and butter used in baking and frying at home.	H01 R01 N02	710
2512-036	At-Home Smell Test Shows Potential For Early Alzheimer's Detection	At-Home Smell Test Shows Potential For Early Alzheimer's Detection	Mass General Brigham	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to early detection of cognitive impairment, a new study suggests that the nose knows. Researchers from Mass General Brigham developed olfactory tests -- in which participants sniff odor labels that have been placed on a card -- to assess people's ability to discriminate, identify and remember odors. They found that participants could successfully take the test at home and that older adults with cognitive impairment scored lower on the test than cognitively normal adults. Results are published in Scientific Reports. -- "Early detection of cognitive impairment could help us identify people who are at risk of Alzheimer's disease and intervene years before memory symptoms begin," said senior author Mark Albers, MD, PhD, of the Laboratory of Olfactory Neurotranslation, the McCance Center for Brain Health, and Department of Neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "Our goal has been to develop and validate a cost-effective, non-invasive test that can be performed at home, helping to set the stage for advancing research and treatment for Alzheimer's." -- Albers and colleagues are interested in whether olfactory dysfunction -- the sometimes-subtle loss of sense of smell -- can serve as an early warning sign for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and traumatic brain injury. -- Albers helped found a company that makes the Aromha Brain Health Test, which is the test used by the research team to conduct the current study. -- To evaluate the olfactory test, the team recruited English and Spanish speaking participants with subjective cognitive complaints (those with self-reported concerns about memory) and participants with mild cognitive impairment. -- They compared these participants' test results with those who had no sense of smell and with cognitively normal individuals. -- The research team found that odor identification, memory, and discrimination declined with age. -- They also found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment had lower scores for odor discrimination and identification compared with older adults who were cognitively normal. -- Overall, the researchers found that test results were similar across English and Spanish speakers, and participants performed the test equally successfully regardless of whether they were observed by a research assistant.	A01 H01 H02 R02	711
2512-038	New Tiny Needle Contraceptive Implant Minimizes Discomfort In Patients	New Tiny Needle Contraceptive Implant Minimizes Discomfort In Patients	Mass General Brigham	Nature Chemical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Mass General Brigham and MIT investigators have developed a long-acting contraceptive implant that can be delivered through tiny needles to minimize patient discomfort and increase the likelihood of medication use. -- Their findings in preclinical models provide the technological basis to develop self-administrable contraceptive shots that could mimic the long-term drug release of surgically implanted devices. -- The new approach, which would reduce how often patients need to inject themselves and prove valuable for patients with less access to hospitals and other medical care providers, is described in Nature Chemical Engineering. -- "Needle size and liquid viscosity are crucial considerations for commercial translation of injectables," said senior author Giovanni Traverso, MB, PhD, MBBCH, of the Division of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "Our engineering challenge was finding a way to maximize comfort for patients by using smaller needles, which cause less bruising or bleeding, and to make the viscosity low enough for easy application with the syringe by hand." -- Traditional contraceptive implants are small, flexible rods that are surgically inserted under the skin to slowly deliver drugs over time, removing the hassle of remembering to take a pill. -- But the surgery required for implants makes them less accessible to some patients. -- Traverso's team developed a new approach to deliver the contraceptive drug levonorgestrel (LNG) through Self-assembling Long-acting Injectable Microcrystals (SLIM). SLIM act like tiny puzzle pieces that, once injected inside the body, undergo solvent exchange to assemble into a single solid implant that slowly releases the drug as the surface erodes. -- Unlike similar self-administering technologies, the solvent exchange assembly enables delivery by much smaller needles. -- The researchers will continue their work to optimize the dosing, duration, and injectability of the SLIM system, including understanding how it performs in the human body.	H01 R01 N02 T01	712
2513-001	Researchers Uncover Mutations That Cause Chemotherapy Resistance In Certain Cancers	Researchers at Mass General Brigham have made a significant discovery regarding how certain cancers develop resistance to chemotherapy. By examining a pathway that utilizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce cancer cell death, they found that mutations in VPS35 can hinder this process. Their findings, published in Nature, could lead to targeted treatments for chemotherapy-resistant tumors, emphasizing the need for further understanding of ROS's role in cancer biology.	Mass General Brigham	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Investigators at Mass General Brigham have uncovered how resistance to chemotherapies may occur in some cancers. Researchers focused on a pathway that harnesses reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill cancer cells. The study found that mutations to VPS35, a key player in this pathway, can prevent chemotherapy-induced cell death. These results, published in Nature, could help pinpoint treatment-resistant tumors. -- "ROS play an important role in healthy and diseased cells, but pathways that sense and control cellular ROS levels are not well understood," said corresponding author Liron Bar-Peled, PhD, of the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research at Mass General Cancer Center (MGCC), a member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- "A clearer understanding of ROS could help us understand why chemoresistance occurs in some cases." -- Low concentrations of ROS are required for normal cell signaling, but higher levels of ROS can damage cells and contribute to diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. -- Researchers know that mitochondria play an important role in ROS production, but it has been unclear if ROS-sensing proteins influence the mitochondria. -- If they do, this could impact responses to some anti-cancer treatments. -- To investigate, co-first authors Junbing Zhang, PhD, Yousuf Ali, PhD, and Harrison Chong, of the Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, and colleagues screened cancer cells for ROS-sensing proteins that might contribute to chemoresistance. -- The screen identified mutations that increased treatment resistance, and the team traced two of them to a protein called VPS35. -- Through further studies, they found that these mutations led to lowered ROS levels within the cell. -- In addition, the investigators analyzed VPS35 expression levels in 24 patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC), who received treatment at MGCC. They noted that higher tumoral VPS35 levels were associated with improved treatment responses and with overall survival rates.	H01 R01	713
2513-025	Automated Method Reveals Fourfold Increase In High Blood Pressure Diagnoses	A study from Mass General Brigham reveals that electronic health records can help uncover undiagnosed hypertension. By applying natural language processing, researchers found that physicians, when alerted to signs of heart muscle thickening, were significantly more likely to diagnose hypertension and initiate treatment. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential of leveraging existing health data to enhance patient care for heart-related conditions.	Mass General Brigham	JAMA Cardiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from investigators at Mass General Brigham shows that clues about hypertension may be buried in electronic health records (EHR). Using natural language processing, a form of artificial intelligence, researchers identified patients who had a heart ultrasound indicating thickening of the heart muscle, a condition frequently caused by hypertension. When physicians were notified of these results, they were almost four times as likely to diagnose hypertension and prescribe medications to control high blood pressure. This study highlights the potential for innovative, automated approaches that can use preexisting electronic health data to enhance treatment for patients with heart conditions. The results are published in JAMA Cardiology and were simultaneously presented at the 2025 American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session & Expo. -- "Hypertension is known as the silent killer because people can have blood pressure that's too high without having any symptoms from it," said senior author Jason H. Wasfy, MD, MPhil, of the Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- Wasfy is also a physician investigator at the Mongan Institute at MGH. -- "If they're not getting checked for it enough, then high blood pressure can damage the heart and the vessels over time in a way that would have been preventable had the blood pressure been detected early." -- In the United States, nearly half of individuals with hypertension are unaware of or untreated for the disease. -- "There is so much information that's generated through routine clinical care, such as when you see your doctor or undergo a test. And there are often subtle clues in this information that may indicate a patient has hypertension. But it's impossible for clinicians to master the entire medical record. The premise of our trial was that the data are likely hiding in plain sight, and we wanted to validate methods of bringing it to light to improve the care of our patients," said lead author Adam Berman, MD, MPH, who conducted the study while in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- At the time, Berman was the David F. Torchiana Fellow in Health Policy and Management at the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization. -- Berman is now an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- The research team created and then used natural language processing that could sift through data from echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds) to identify cases of left ventricular hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle often caused by hypertension. -- The algorithm identified 648 patients at Mass General Brigham who were not previously known to have any heart muscle problems and were not being treated for hypertension.	A01 R01 C01 T01	714
2513-037	Lung Cancer Screening Rates Are Alarmingly Low Despite Recommendations	Lung cancer screening has proven effective in catching the disease early, yet only 18% of eligible individuals in the U.S. participate in such screenings. Contrary to prior assumptions that this reluctance stems from resistance to preventive care, a new study reveals that many eligible individuals actively seek other preventive health services. This discrepancy suggests that unidentified factors may influence low screening rates, emphasizing the need for targeted outreach and education efforts.	Mass General Brigham	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	Lung cancer screening has the potential to catch lung cancer early and save lives -- but only if people get screened. Although lung cancer screening is recommended in the U.S. for certain individuals with a history of smoking, only 18% of eligible individuals in the U.S. get screened. One suggested explanation has been that those eligible are resistant to receiving preventive healthcare, but a new study published in JAMAand led by researchers at Mass General Brigham indicates otherwise. -- Researchers from Mass General Brigham sought to investigate use of other preventive healthcare services among individuals eligible for lung cancer screening. -- Using the 2022 U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System dataset, the researchers analyzed data from 28,483 individuals aged 50 to 79 who were eligible for lung cancer screening. -- They found that while only 17-18% of eligible individuals received lung cancer screening, 65% of those eligible received breast and colorectal cancer screening -- a nearly 4-fold higher rate. -- "Our findings show that many individuals eligible for lung cancer screenings are open to receiving preventive care services. The data suggest that these individuals aren't necessarily resistant to receiving cancer screenings -- other factors are likely driving low rates of lung cancer screening," said first author Alexandra Potter, a researcher in the Division of Thoracic Surgery at MGH. -- "These other factors may include difficulty assessing eligibility for lung cancer screening. In contrast to breast and colorectal cancer screening eligibility criteria, which are based on age alone, lung cancer screening eligibility criteria are more complex and include both age and multiple smoking history requirements. Challenges accessing lung cancer screening clinics are also likely an important factor driving low rates." -- The researchers concluded that many individuals eligible for lung cancer screening are already engaged in preventive care. -- They emphasized that their findings underscore the need for interventions to increase awareness of lung cancer screening and reduce barriers that prevent high-risk individuals from undergoing lung cancer screening. -- "As a community, we need to work together to improve lung cancer screening awareness and address the notable barriers that currently make it challenging for high-risk individuals to get lung cancer screening," said senior author Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, MD, of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.	R01	715
2513-051	New Hydrogel Enhances Drug Delivery For Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis Treatment	Researchers at Mass General Brigham are innovating treatments for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) with a new hydrogel designed for effective drug delivery. Current treatments primarily alleviate symptoms without halting disease progression. The hydrogel showed promise in preclinical studies, indicating it may be capable of sustained drug release even under the mechanical stress of physical activity, potentially benefiting patients engaging in active lifestyles.	Mass General Brigham	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a condition that affects joints after an injury. Current treatments focus on relieving symptoms but do not prevent or stop the progression of the condition. Although emerging therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, a major obstacle is delivering these therapies effectively into the joint, a highly dynamic environment subjected to constant mechanical stress. Researchers at Mass General Brigham have created a new hydrogel to improve drug delivery for treating PTOA. The hydrogel, which is designed to offer sustained drug release even during continuous joint movement, showed promising results in preclinical studies that mimicked the joint stress of running, highlighting the hydrogel's potential for treating PTOA in physically active patients. Results are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "Disease-modifying drugs could slow, halt, or reverse PTOA, but rapid drug clearance from joints limits their effectiveness. Hydrogels can extend drug release, but can break down under mechanical stress, such as from exercise," said lead and co-senior author Nitin Joshi, PhD, associate bioengineer in the Department of Anesthesiology, Peripoperative and Pain Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- Joshi is also an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School. -- "We recognized these limitations and designed a hydrogel that continuously releases medication without being affected by mechanical stress" said co-senior author Jeffrey Karp, PhD, distinguished chair of anesthesiology at BWH. -- Karp is also a professor of anesthesia at HMS. -- For the study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health, researchers used triglycerol monostearate (TG-18), a common food additive, to create a hydrogel that rapidly repairs itself after mechanical stress. -- In a mouse model, they found that the hydrogel was self-healing, meaning it liquefied under mechanical stress and then instantly reformed. -- This self-healing property ensured long-lasting, stable and sustained release of a disease-modifying drug -- even during continuous joint movement -- and significantly reduced cartilage damage. -- Interestingly, the hydrogel also improved joint lubrication. -- "Our hydrogel technology could transform the treatment of PTOA by reducing the need for frequent injections, slowing disease progression, and potentially delaying or preventing surgery," said co-senior author Joerg Ermann, MD, an attending rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity at BWH and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "This is particularly important for athletes, military personnel, and young adults recovering from joint injuries who need effective therapies that allow them to maintain active lifestyles."	A01 H01 H02 R01	716
2513-062	Modifiable Risk Factors Linked To Stroke, Dementia, And Late-Life Depression Identified	A systematic review from Mass General Brigham identifies 17 modifiable risk factors that can reduce the likelihood of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Researchers highlight how changes in lifestyle can positively influence brain health, leading to the development of tools like the Brain Care Score to help individuals take proactive steps in mitigating their risk for these debilitating conditions.	Mass General Brigham	Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Age-related brain diseases such as stroke, dementia, and late-life depression are a debilitating part of growing older, but people can lower their risk of these diseases through behavioral and lifestyle changes. In a new extensive systematic review, Mass General Brigham researchers identified 17 modifiable risk factors that are shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Modifying any one of them can reduce your risk of all three conditions. The findings, which provide evidence to inform novel tools, such as the Brain Care Score, are published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. -- "Our study identified 17 modifiable risk factors shared between stroke, dementia, and/or late-life depression, emphasizing that there are many different steps individuals can take to lower their risks for these age-related brain diseases," said senior author Sanjula Singh, MD, PhD, MSc (Oxon), principal investigator at the Brain Care Labs at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system. -- The researchers systematically searched the scientific literature for previously published meta-analyses of risk factors associated with stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Then, they combined these data to identify modifiable risk factors (i.e., those that can be altered through behavioral change) shared amongst at least two out of the three diseases. They also estimated the relative impact of each risk factor on measures of quality of life and early death. -- Altogether, the researchers identified 17 risk factors shared by at least two of the diseases, including blood pressure, kidney disease, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, alcohol use, diet, hearing loss, pain, physical activity, purpose in life, sleep, smoking, social engagement, and stress. Of these, high blood pressure and severe kidney disease had the biggest impact on the incidence and burden of stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. In contrast, physical activity and engagement in leisure activities with a cognitive aspect (e.g., puzzles) were associated with a lower risk of disease, though the researchers suspect that these associations may be symptomatic rather than causal, since individuals with brain disease may be less capable of engaging in physical and cognitive leisure activities. -- "Dementia, stroke, and late-life depression are connected and intertwined, so if you develop one of them, there's a substantial chance you may develop another one in the future," said first author Jasper Senff, MD, post-doctoral fellow at the Singh Lab at the Brain Care Labs at MGH. "And because they share these overlapping risk factors, preventive efforts could lead to a reduction in the incidence of more than one of these diseases, which provides an opportunity to simultaneously reduce the burden of age-related brain diseases." -- Mass General Brigham researchers developed and validated the Brain Care Score to measure efforts to protect brain health and offer guidance on how to improve it. The researchers have updated the Brain Care Score to reflect the latest scientific updates. They emphasize the need for more studies on modifiable risk factors of late-life depression and call for a randomized controlled trial to test an intervention using the Brain Care Score. -- "Healthcare is increasingly complex. But these findings remind us that preventing disease can be very simple. Why? Because many of the most common diseases share the same risk factors," said Jonathan Rosand MD MSc, Founder of the Global Brain Care Coalition and the JP Kistler Endowed Chair in Neurology at MGH.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02	717
2501-E023	New Formula Predicts Species Success In Ecosystem Invasions	Physicists at MIT have created a predictive formula based on bacterial communities, which could apply to various ecosystems, including the human gut. This formula aims to determine the likelihood of a newly introduced species thriving or failing in a given environment. The researchers analyzed numerous soil bacteria scenarios and now plan to test their findings on larger ecosystems, potentially aiding in healthcare applications like probiotics.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	When a new species is introduced into an ecosystem, it may succeed in establishing itself, or it may fail to gain a foothold and die out. Physicists at MIT have now devised a formula that can predict which of those outcomes is most likely. -- The researchers created their formula based on analysis of hundreds of different scenarios that they modeled using populations of soil bacteria grown in their laboratory. -- They now plan to test their formula in larger-scale ecosystems, including forests. -- This approach could also be helpful in predicting whether probiotics or fecal microbiota treatments (FMT) would successfully combat infections of the human GI tract. -- "People eat a lot of probiotics, but many of them can never invade our gut microbiome at all, because if you introduce it, it does not necessarily mean that it can grow and colonize and benefit your health," says Jiliang Hu SM '19, PhD '24, the lead author of the study. -- MIT professor of physics Jeff Gore is the senior author of the paper, which appears in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution. Matthieu Barbier, a researcher at the Plant Health Institute Montpellier, and Guy Bunin, a professor of physics at Technion, are also authors of the paper. -- Population fluctuations -- Gore's lab specializes in using microbes to analyze interspecies interactions in a controlled way, in hopes of learning more about how natural ecosystems behave. -- In previous work, the team has used bacterial populations to demonstrate how changing the environment in which the microbes live affects the stability of the communities they form. -- In this study, the researchers wanted to study what determines whether an invasion by a new species will succeed or fail.	R01 N02	718
2501-T007	Astronomers Trace Fast Radio Burst Origins To Distant Neutron Stars	Astronomers at MIT have identified the source of a fast radio burst (FRB) as originating from a neutron star's magnetosphere, offering new insights into these cosmic phenomena. Utilizing a novel technique to analyze the burst's scintillation, the research team pinpointed its location and provided evidence against prior models. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanisms behind FRBs and their connection to dense astronomical objects.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Fast radio bursts are brief and brilliant explosions of radio waves emitted by extremely compact objects such as neutron stars and possibly black holes. These fleeting fireworks last for just a thousandth of a second and can carry an enormous amount of energy -- enough to briefly outshine entire galaxies. -- Since the first fast radio burst (FRB) was discovered in 2007, astronomers have detected thousands of FRBs, whose locations range from within our own galaxy to as far as 8 billion light-years away. Exactly how these cosmic radio flares are launched is a highly contested unknown. -- Now, astronomers at MIT have pinned down the origins of at least one fast radio burst using a novel technique that could do the same for other FRBs. In their new study, appearing in the journal Nature, the team focused on FRB 20221022A -- a previously discovered fast radio burst that was detected from a galaxy about 200 million light-years away. -- The team zeroed in further to determine the precise location of the radio signal by analyzing its "scintillation," similar to how stars twinkle in the night sky. The scientists studied changes in the FRB's brightness and determined that the burst must have originated from the immediate vicinity of its source, rather than much further out, as some models have predicted. -- The team estimates that FRB 20221022A exploded from a region that is extremely close to a rotating neutron star, 10,000 kilometers away at most. That's less than the distance between New York and Singapore. At such close range, the burst likely emerged from the neutron star's magnetosphere -- a highly magnetic region immediately surrounding the ultracompact star. -- The team's findings provide the first conclusive evidence that a fast radio burst can originate from the magnetosphere, the highly magnetic environment immediately surrounding an extremely compact object. -- "In these environments of neutron stars, the magnetic fields are really at the limits of what the universe can produce," says lead author Kenzie Nimmo, a postdoc in MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. "There's been a lot of debate about whether this bright radio emission could even escape from that extreme plasma." -- "Around these highly magnetic neutron stars, also known as magnetars, atoms can't exist -- they would just get torn apart by the magnetic fields," says Kiyoshi Masui, associate professor of physics at MIT. "The exciting thing here is, we find that the energy stored in those magnetic fields, close to the source, is twisting and reconfiguring such that it can be released as radio waves that we can see halfway across the universe." -- The study's MIT co-authors include Adam Lanman, Shion Andrew, Daniele Michilli, and Kaitlyn Shin, along with collaborators from multiple institutions. -- Burst size	Z01	719
2501-T034	Nanofiltration Technology Enhances Aluminum Production While Reducing Waste	MIT engineers have developed a nanofiltration process to reduce hazardous waste generated in aluminum production. This technology captures aluminum ions from waste streams, facilitating their reuse and promoting a sustainable approach in the aluminum industry while addressing environmental concerns related to production.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Used in everything from soda cans and foil wrap to circuit boards and rocket boosters, aluminum is the second-most-produced metal in the world after steel. By the end of this decade, demand is projected to drive up aluminum production by 40 percent worldwide. This steep rise will magnify aluminum's environmental impacts, including any pollutants that are released with its manufacturing waste. -- MIT engineers have developed a new nanofiltration process to curb the hazardous waste generated from aluminum production. Nanofiltration could potentially be used to process the waste from an aluminum plant and retrieve any aluminum ions that would otherwise have escaped in the effluent stream. The captured aluminum could then be upcycled and added to the bulk of the produced aluminum, increasing yield while simultaneously reducing waste. -- The researchers demonstrated the membrane's performance in lab-scale experiments using a novel membrane to filter various solutions that were similar in content to the waste streams produced by aluminum plants. They found that the membrane selectively captured more than 99 percent of aluminum ions in these solutions. -- If scaled up and implemented in existing production facilities, the membrane technology could reduce the amount of wasted aluminum and improve the environmental quality of the waste that plants generate. -- "This membrane technology not only cuts down on hazardous waste but also enables a circular economy for aluminum by reducing the need for new mining," says John Lienhard, the Abdul Latif Jameel Professor of Water in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and director of the Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) at MIT. "This offers a promising solution to address environmental concerns while meeting the growing demand for aluminum." -- Lienhard and his colleagues report their results in a study appearing in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. The study's co-authors include MIT mechanical engineering undergraduates Trent Lee and VinnNguyen, and Zi Hao Foo SM '21, PhD '24, who is a postdoc at the University of California at Berkeley. -- A recycling niche -- Lienhard's group at MIT develops membrane and filtration technologies for desalinating seawater and remediating various sources of wastewater. In looking for new areas to apply their work, the team found an unexplored opportunity in aluminum and, in particular, the wastewater generated from the metal's production. -- As part of aluminum's production, metal-rich ore, called bauxite, is first mined from open pits, then put through a series of chemical reactions to separate the aluminum from the rest of the mined rock. These reactions ultimately produce aluminum oxide, in a powdery form called alumina. Much of this alumina is then shipped to refineries, where the powder is poured into electrolysis vats containing a molten mineral called cryolite. When a strong electric current is applied, cryolite breaks alumina's chemical bonds, separating aluminum and oxygen atoms. The pure aluminum then settles in liquid form to the bottom of the vat, where it can be collected and cast into various forms. -- Cryolite electrolyte acts as a solvent, facilitating the separation of alumina during the molten salt electrolysis process. Over time, the cryolite accumulates impurities such as sodium, lithium, and potassium ions -- gradually reducing its effectiveness in dissolving alumina. At a certain point, the concentration of these impurities reaches a critical level, at which the electrolyte must be replaced with fresh cryolite to main process efficiency. The spent cryolite, a viscous sludge containing residual aluminum ions and impurities, is then transported away for disposal.	H01 N02	720
2502-053	Neurons For Navigation Also Play Key Role In Storing Our Memories	Researchers from MIT have developed a computational model explaining how place cells in the hippocampus can encode episodic memories, even without spatial components. This model suggests that these cells work in conjunction with grid cells to form a framework for memory storage, potentially advancing our understanding of memory retrieval and its underlying mechanisms in the human brain.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Nearly 50 years ago, neuroscientists discovered cells within the brain's hippocampus that store memories of specific locations. These cells also play an important role in storing memories of events, known as episodic memories. While the mechanism of how place cells encode spatial memory has been well-characterized, it has remained a puzzle how they encode episodic memories. -- A new model developed by MIT researchers explains how those place cells can be recruited to form episodic memories, even when there's no spatial component. -- According to this model, place cells, along with grid cells found in the entorhinal cortex, act as a scaffold that can be used to anchor memories as a linked series. -- "This model is a first-draft model of the entorhinal-hippocampal episodic memory circuit. It's a foundation to build on to understand the nature of episodic memory. That's the thing I'm really excited about," says Ila Fiete, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at MIT, a member of MIT's McGovern Institute for Brain Research, and the senior author of the new study. -- The model accurately replicates several features of biological memory systems, including the large storage capacity, gradual degradation of older memories, and the ability of people who compete in memory competitions to store enormous amounts of information in "memory palaces." -- MIT Research Scientist Sarthak Chandra and Sugandha Sharma PhD '24 are the lead authors of the study, which appears today in Nature. Rishidev Chaudhuri, an assistant professor at the University of California at Davis, is also an author of the paper. -- An index of memories -- To encode spatial memory, place cells in the hippocampus work closely with grid cells -- a special type of neuron that fires at many different locations, arranged geometrically in a regular pattern of repeating triangles. -- Together, a population of grid cells forms a lattice of triangles representing a physical space. -- In addition to helping us recall places where we've been, these hippocampal-entorhinal circuits also help us navigate new locations.	A01 H02	721
2502-E060	Energy Coaching And Smart Tech Help People Escape Energy Poverty, New Study Shows	A groundbreaking experiment in Amsterdam has shown that providing households with improved energy usage data and coaching can significantly alleviate energy poverty. Researchers found that this intervention led to substantial reductions in energy costs, effectively moving a majority of participating households out of energy poverty. This study highlights the potential for targeted information and support to empower individuals and optimize energy consumption while addressing broader socioeconomic challenges.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people around the globe are living in energy poverty, meaning they spend at least 8 percent of their annual household income on energy. Addressing this problem is not simple, but an experiment by MIT researchers shows that giving people better data about their energy use, plus some coaching on the subject, can lead them to substantially reduce their consumption and costs. -- The experiment, based in Amsterdam, resulted in households cutting their energy expenses in half, on aggregate -- a savings big enough to move three-quarters of them out of energy poverty. -- "Our energy coaching project as a whole showed a 75 percent success rate at alleviating energy poverty," says Joseph Llewellyn, a researcher with MIT's Senseable City Lab and co-author of a newly published paper detailing the experiment's results. -- "Energy poverty afflicts families all over the world. With empirical evidence on which policies work, governments could focus their efforts more effectively," says Fábio Duarte, associate director of MIT's Senseable City Lab, and another co-author of the paper. -- The paper, "Assessing the impact of energy coaching with smart technology interventions to alleviate energy poverty," appears today in Nature Scientific Reports. -- The authors are Llewellyn, who is also a researcher at the Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm; Titus Venverloo, a research fellow at the MIT Senseable City Lab and AMS; Fábio Duarte, who is also a principal researcher MIT's Senseable City Lab; Carlo Ratti, director of the Senseable City Lab; Cecilia Katzeff; Fredrik Johansson; and Daniel Pargmanof the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. -- The researchers developed the study after engaging with city officials in Amsterdam. In the Netherlands, about 550,000 households, or 7 percent of the population, are considered to be in energy poverty; in the European Union, that figure is about 50 million. In the U.S., separate research has shown that about three in 10 households report trouble paying energy bills. -- To conduct the experiment, the researchers ran two versions of an energy coaching intervention. In one version, 67 households received one report on their energy usage, along with coaching about how to increase energy efficiency. In the other version, 50 households received those things as well as a smart device giving them real-time updates on their energy consumption. (All households also received some modest energy-savings improvements at the outset, such as additional insulation.) -- Across the two groups, homes typically reduced monthly consumption of electricity by 33 percent and gas by 42 percent. They lowered their bills by 53 percent, on aggregate, and the percentage of income they spent on energy dropped from 10.1 percent to 5.3 percent. -- What were these households doing differently? Some of the biggest behavioral changes included things such as only heating rooms that were in use and unplugging devices not being used. Both of those changes save energy, but their benefits were not always understood by residents before they received energy coaching.	A01 C01 T01	722
2502-T024	Mysterious X-Ray Flashes: Clues From A Nearby Supermassive Black Hole	Astronomers have observed unusual X-ray emissions from the supermassive black hole 1ES 1927+654, suggesting that the core of a dead star may be in a precarious orbit around it. This discovery adds to our understanding of black hole behavior, as the increasing frequency of X-ray flashes raises intriguing questions about the dynamics of stellar remnants near black holes.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	One supermassive black hole has kept astronomers glued to their scopes for the last several years. First came a surprise disappearance, and now, a precarious spinning act. -- The black hole in question is 1ES 1927+654, which is about as massive as a million suns and sits in a galaxy that is 100 million light-years away. In 2018, astronomers at MIT and elsewhere observed that the black hole's corona -- a cloud of whirling, white-hot plasma -- suddenly disappeared, before reassembling months later. The brief though dramatic shut-off was a first in black hole astronomy. -- Members of the MIT team have now caught the same black hole exhibiting more unprecedented behavior. -- The astronomers have detected flashes of X-rays coming from the black hole at a steadily increasing clip. Over a period of two years, the flashes, at millihertz oscillations, increased in frequency from every 18 minutes to every seven minutes. This dramatic speed-up in X-rays has not been seen from a black hole until now. -- The researchers explored a number of scenarios for what might explain the flashes. They believe the most likely culprit is a spinning white dwarf -- an extremely compact core of a dead star that is orbiting around the black hole and getting precariously closer to its event horizon, the boundary beyond which nothing can escape the black hole's gravitational pull. If this is the case, the white dwarf must be pulling off an impressive balancing act, as it could be coming right up to the black hole's edge without actually falling in. -- "This would be the closest thing that we know of around any black hole," says Megan Masterson, a graduate student in physics at MIT, who co-led the discovery. "This tells us that objects like white dwarfs may be able to live very close to an event horizon for a relatively extended period of time." -- The researchers present their findings today at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in National Harbor, Maryland. -- If a white dwarf is at the root of the black hole's mysterious flashing, it would also give off gravitational waves, in a range that would be detectable by next-generation observatories such as NASA's Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). -- "These new detectors are designed to detect oscillations on the scale of minutes, so this black hole system is in that sweet spot," says co-author Erin Kara, associate professor of physics at MIT. -- The study's other co-authors include MIT Kavli members Christos Panagiotou, Joheen Chakraborty, Kevin Burdge, Riccardo Arcodia, Ronald Remillard, and Jingyi Wang, along with collaborators from multiple other institutions.	C01	723
2502-T026	New Microrobots Fly Over 100 Times Longer, Open Doors For Pollination Applications	MIT researchers have made significant advancements in microrobotics, creating insect-sized bots that can fly over 100 times longer than earlier prototypes. These agile and efficient robots are designed for potential applications in pollination, enabling agricultural practices that could improve crop yields while reducing environmental impacts. The innovative design draws inspiration from nature, allowing these robotic insects to execute complex maneuvers and extend their operational duration significantly.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Science Robotics	Press Rel	PubMed	With a more efficient method for artificial pollination, farmers in the future could grow fruits and vegetables inside multilevel warehouses, boosting yields while mitigating some of agriculture's harmful impacts on the environment. -- To help make this idea a reality, MIT researchers are developing robotic insects that could someday swarm out of mechanical hives to rapidly perform precise pollination. However, even the best bug-sized robots are no match for natural pollinators like bees when it comes to endurance, speed, and maneuverability. -- Now, inspired by the anatomy of these natural pollinators, the researchers have overhauled their design to produce tiny, aerial robots that are far more agile and durable than prior versions. -- The new bots can hover for about 1,000 seconds, which is more than 100 times longer than previously demonstrated. The robotic insect, which weighs less than a paperclip, can fly significantly faster than similar bots while completing acrobatic maneuvers like double aerial flips. -- The revamped robot is designed to boost flight precision and agility while minimizing the mechanical stress on its artificial wing flexures, which enables faster maneuvers, increased endurance, and a longer lifespan. -- The new design also has enough free space that the robot could carry tiny batteries or sensors, which could enable it to fly on its own outside the lab. -- "The amount of flight we demonstrated in this paper is probably longer than the entire amount of flight our field has been able to accumulate with these robotic insects. With the improved lifespan and precision of this robot, we are getting closer to some very exciting applications, like assisted pollination," says Kevin Chen, an associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), head of the Soft and Micro Robotics Laboratory within the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE), and the senior author of an open-access paper on the new design. -- Chen is joined on the paper by co-lead authors Suhan Kim and Yi-Hsuan Hsiao, who are EECS graduate students; as well as EECS graduate student Zhijian Ren and summer visiting student Jiashu Huang. The research appears today in Science Robotics. -- Boosting performance -- Prior versions of the robotic insect were composed of four identical units, each with two wings, combined into a rectangular device about the size of a microcassette.	H02 R01 C01 T01	724
2505-042	Generative AI Revolutionizes 3D Genome Structure Analysis: Speeding Up Discovery	MIT chemists have developed a groundbreaking method using generative AI to rapidly determine the three-dimensional structures of genomes, predicting thousands of structures in mere minutes. This innovative technique leverages the same genetic sequence found in all cells, which express different genes based on their unique three-dimensional organization. By enabling researchers to investigate how genome structure influences gene expression and cellular functions more efficiently, the study opens up new avenues for understanding genetic mechanisms, as highlighted by lead author Bin Zhang.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The UK's peatlands face an uncertain future amid the escalating impacts of climate change. -- Peatlands are critical ecosystems for carbon storage and biodiversity, containing more carbon than all the world's forests despite covering just 3% of the global land surface. -- But new research reveals that vast areas of the UK's peatlands, including the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, are likely to be unsuitable for peat accumulation by 2061-80 due to climate change. -- The researchers urge for a shift in conservation strategies, with the findings highlighting significant regional differences. -- Western Scotland emerges as a stronghold for peatlands, making it an urgent priority area for conservation efforts. -- Using advanced bioclimatic models, the study projects substantial reductions in areas suitable for peat accumulation across the UK, with the Flow Country, Dartmoor, and the Peak District particularly at risk. -- Even under moderate emissions reductions, many of these landscapes may no longer sustain the conditions necessary for peat formation. -- However, western Scotland is projected to retain areas that remain suitable for peatlands, underscoring its importance in future conservation and restoration efforts. -- Lead researcher Professor Dan Bebber, from the University of Exeter, said: "Our findings reveal a stark north-south divide. -- "While western Scotland is likely to remain suitable for peatland, much of England's peatlands, including Dartmoor and the Peak District, are projected to lose their viability."	R02 T01	725
2505-087	Study Reveals Different Math Skills Students Use At Work Compared To School	A study by economists reveals a significant disparity in mathematical skills between children working in retail and those in school in India. While market-working kids excel at practical math, they struggle with academic concepts, whereas school-enrolled children perform well on classroom problems but falter in real-world applications, indicating a need for tailored educational approaches.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Rice University researchers have revealed novel sequence-structure-property relationships for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs), enabling more precise control over their structure and how they respond to deformation forces like stretching or compression. -- The study, published in a special issue of ACS Synthetic Biology, focuses on altering protein matrices, which are the networks of proteins that provide structure to ELMs. By introducing small genetic changes, the team discovered they could make a substantial difference in how these materials behaved. These findings could open doors for advancements in tissue engineering, drug delivery and even 3D printing of living devices. -- "We are engineering cells to create customizable materials with unique properties," said Caroline Ajo-Franklin, professor of biosciences and the study's corresponding author. "While synthetic biology has given us tools to tweak these properties, the connection between genetic sequence, material structure and behavior has been largely unexplored until now." -- Using synthetic biology techniques, the team worked with a bacterium called Caulobacter crescentus. Previous members of the lab engineered the bacteria to produce a protein called BUD (short for "bottom-up de novo"), which helps cells stick together and form a supportive matrix. This allowed the bacteria to grow into centimeter-sized structures, which the group calls BUD-ELMs. -- Adopting this engineering approach, the researchers varied the length of specific protein segments called elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and created new materials. The team characterized the original midlength BUD-ELM and two new variants and discovered each exhibited different properties. The first material, termed BUD40, had the shortest ELPs and formed thicker fibers that resulted in a stiffer bulk material. The second type, BUD60, had midlength ELPs and created a combination of globules and fibers, producing the strongest material under deformation oscillation stress. Lastly, BUD80, which had the longest ELPs, generated thinner fibers, resulting in a less stiff material that breaks easily under deformation stress. -- Advanced imaging and mechanical tests showed that these differences weren't just cosmetic -- they also affected how the materials handled stress and flowed under pressure. BUD60, for example, could withstand more force and adapt better to changes in its environment, making it ideal for applications like 3D printing or drug delivery. -- All three materials had two things in common: They exhibited shear-thinning behavior and held a lot of water -- about 93% of their weight -- which makes them well suited for biomedical uses such as scaffolds to support cell growth in tissue engineering or systems for delivering medications in a controlled way. -- "This study is one of the first to focus on building living materials from the ground up with tailored mechanical properties rather than just adding biological functions," said Esther Jimenez, a graduate student in biosciences and first author of the study. "By making small tweaks to protein sequences, we've gained valuable insights into how to design materials with specific mechanical properties." -- The potential uses extend beyond the biomedical field; these self-assembling materials could be adapted for environmental cleanup or renewable energy applications like building biodegradable structures or harnessing natural processes to generate energy. -- "This work emphasizes the importance of understanding sequence-structure-property relationships," said senior Carlson Nguyen, a biosciences major and second author of the study. "By identifying how specific genetic modifications affect material properties, we're building a foundation for designing next-generation living materials."	H01	726
2505-T002	New Method Ensures Safety For Drones, Robots, And Self-Driving Cars In Crowded Areas	A team of MIT engineers has unveiled a new training method for multiagent systems, promising greater safety for drone shows and autonomous vehicles. This approach allows for the safe operation of numerous drones in crowded environments, ensuring that any errors made by drones do not jeopardize spectators' safety. Following successful testing with a small number of drones, the researchers demonstrated that the training could be effectively scaled to manage thousands of agents, paving the way for safer applications across various industries.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	IEEE Transactions on Robotics	Press Rel	PubMed	Polyisocyanides are polymers distinguished by their helical structures, where the helix's winding direction (right- or left-handed) can be controlled through catalysts designed for synthesizing chiral molecules. This feature allows the exhibiting of optical properties such as circular dichroism and optical rotation in polyisocyanides, making them stable, optically active polymers. -- The research team synthesized optically active conducting polymers from non-optically active monomers through physical rather than chemical methods using a liquid crystal reaction field as an external environment. -- For the first time, they achieved asymmetric (chiral) living polymerization of optically active polyisocyanides using liquid crystals with a chiral (mirror-image isomer) structures as a solvents. -- Circular dichroism measurements of the resulting polyisocyanides confirmed their optical activity, which can be attributed to their helical structures. -- Additionally, the liquid crystal used in the reaction exhibited properties of the twisted-bend nematic phase -- a recently discovered phase that has been attracting considerable attention in liquid crystal research. -- The identification of a twisted-bend nematic liquid crystal within a polymer is a notable finding in liquid crystal science. -- This reaction is analogous to the enzymatic growth of amino acids with chiral structures in vivo, which leads to the synthesis of proteins with helical structures. -- As such, it holds promise as a biomimetic technology -- a field that mimics and leverages the functional principles of living organisms. -- This work was supported by JSPS Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research, Grant Number 20K05626 (H. Goto).	T01	727
2505-T018	Physicists Investigate Superconductivity In 'Magic-Angle' Graphene Through Electron Flow	A team of physicists from MIT and Harvard has made significant progress in understanding the superconducting properties of 'magic-angle' graphene by measuring its superfluid stiffness, which pertains to how easily electron pairs can flow through it. This advancement could lead to a better grasp of superconductivity, with implications for future quantum computing technologies, as 'magic-angle' graphene holds exceptional promise for innovative electronic applications.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	QUT synthetic biologists have developed a prototype for an innovative biosensor that can detect rare earth elements and be modified for a range of other applications. -- Lanthanides (Lns) are elements used in electronics, electric motors, and batteries. -- The problem is that we can't extract enough of them to meet the growing demand and current extraction methods are expensive and environmentally damaging. -- Professor Kirill Alexandrov and colleagues, from the QUT Centre of Agriculture and Bioeconomy and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, engineered proteins to create molecular nanomachines that generate easily detectable signals when they selectively bind to Lns. -- Along with Professor Alexandrov, the international research team involved QUT researchers Dr Zhong Guo, Patricia Walden and Dr Zhenling Cui, in collaboration with researchers from CSIRO Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform and Clarkson University (USA). -- Publishing their findings in Angewandte Chemie International, the team describe engineering a hybrid protein, or "chimera," by combining a lanthanide-binding protein, LanM, with an antibiotic degrading enzyme called beta-lactamase. -- This hybrid acts like a "switch" that becomes active only when lanthanides are present. -- It can be used to detect and quantify Lns in liquids, producing a visible colour change or an electrical signal. -- Impressively, bacteria modified with these chimeras were able to survive in the presence of antibiotics that otherwise would kill them -- but only when lanthanides were present. -- This highlights how precisely the proteins respond to these rare metals.	T01	728
2506-E031	New Evaluation Method Enhances Accuracy Of Spatial Predictions For Better Forecasting	Researchers at MIT have developed a new evaluation method for spatial predictions, significantly improving accuracy over traditional validation techniques. This innovation could enhance predictions in various fields, including weather forecasting and public health. By addressing the shortcomings of existing methods, the new approach promises to provide more reliable forecasts, crucial for effective planning and response in disciplines reliant on accurate spatial data.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	Should you grab your umbrella before you walk out the door? Checking the weather forecast beforehand will only be helpful if that forecast is accurate. -- Spatial prediction problems, like weather forecasting or air pollution estimation, involve predicting the value of a variable in a new location based on known values at other locations. -- Scientists typically use tried-and-true validation methods to determine how much to trust these predictions. -- But MIT researchers have shown that these popular validation methods can fail quite badly for spatial prediction tasks. -- This might lead someone to believe that a forecast is accurate or that a new prediction method is effective, when in reality that is not the case. -- The researchers developed a technique to assess prediction-validation methods and used it to prove that two classical methods can be substantively wrong on spatial problems. -- They then determined why these methods can fail and created a new method designed to handle the types of data used for spatial predictions. -- In experiments with real and simulated data, their new method provided more accurate validations than the two most common techniques. -- The researchers evaluated each method using realistic spatial problems, including predicting the wind speed at the Chicago O-Hare Airport and forecasting the air temperature at five U.S. metro locations. -- Their validation method could be applied to a range of problems, from helping climate scientists predict sea surface temperatures to aiding epidemiologists in estimating the effects of air pollution on certain diseases.	C01	729
2507-078	First 3D-Printed Electrospray Engine Promises Cost-Effective Propulsion For Tiny Satellites	MIT engineers have successfully demonstrated the first fully 3D-printed electrospray engine, a cost-effective propulsion system for small satellites known as CubeSats. This innovative engine utilizes electric fields to generate propellant jets, offering a more efficient alternative for precise maneuvers in space, thereby promoting advancements in small-scale space research and exploration.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	An electrospray engine applies an electric field to a conductive liquid, generating a high-speed jet of tiny droplets that can propel a spacecraft. These miniature engines are ideal for small satellites called CubeSats that are often used in academic research. -- Since electrospray engines utilize propellant more efficiently than the powerful, chemical rockets used on the launchpad, they are better suited for precise, in-orbit maneuvers. -- The thrust generated by an electrospray emitter is tiny, so electrospray engines typically use an array of emitters that are uniformly operated in parallel. -- However, these multiplexed electrospray thrusters are typically made via expensive and time-consuming semiconductor cleanroom fabrication, which limits who can manufacture them and how the devices can be applied. -- To help break down barriers to space research, MIT engineers have demonstrated the first fully 3D-printed, droplet-emitting electrospray engine. -- Their device, which can be produced rapidly and for a fraction of the cost of traditional thrusters, uses commercially accessible 3D printing materials and techniques. -- The devices could even be fully made in orbit, as 3D printing is compatible with in-space manufacturing. -- By developing a modular process that combines two 3D printing methods, the researchers overcame the challenges involved in fabricating a complex device comprised of macroscale and microscale components that must work together seamlessly. -- Their proof-of-concept thruster comprises 32 electrospray emitters that operate together, generating a stable and uniform flow of propellant. -- The 3D-printed device generated as much or more thrust than existing droplet-emitting electrospray engines.	T01	730
2507-139	New Proteins Discovered That Regulate RNA Splicing In Human Genes	MIT biologists have discovered a novel regulatory mechanism that influences RNA splicing, a crucial process for gene expression and protein coding. Their findings suggest that this regulation impacts about half of human genes, highlighting the intricate layers of control within cellular functions and the evolutionary significance of splicing processes across various organisms.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	RNA splicing is a cellular process that is critical for gene expression. After genes are copied from DNA into messenger RNA, portions of the RNA that don't code for proteins, called introns, are cut out and the coding portions are spliced back together. -- This process is controlled by a large protein-RNA complex called the spliceosome. -- MIT biologists have now discovered a new layer of regulation that helps to determine which sites on the messenger RNA molecule the spliceosome will target. -- The research team discovered that this type of regulation, which appears to influence the expression of about half of all human genes, is found throughout the animal kingdom, as well as in plants. -- The findings suggest that the control of RNA splicing, a process that is fundamental to gene expression, is more complex than previously known. -- "Splicing in more complex organisms, like humans, is more complicated than it is in some model organisms like yeast, even though it's a very conserved molecular process. There are bells and whistles on the human spliceosome that allow it to process specific introns more efficiently. One of the advantages of a system like this may be that it allows more complex types of gene regulation," says Connor Kenny, an MIT graduate student and the lead author of the study. -- Christopher Burge, the Uncas and Helen Whitaker Professor of Biology at MIT, is the senior author of the study, which appears today in Nature Communications. -- Building proteins -- RNA splicing, a process discovered in the late 1970s, allows cells to precisely control the content of the mRNA transcripts that carry the instructions for building proteins. -- Each mRNA transcript contains coding regions, known as exons, and noncoding regions, known as introns.	N01 N02	731
2507-E051	New Local Electricity Market Proposal Could Enhance Grid Resilience	Engineers are proposing a decentralized 'local electricity market' leveraging homeowners' grid-edge devices, such as solar panels and batteries, to enhance resilience against outages caused by cyberattacks or natural disasters. This innovative approach enables homeowners to contribute energy back to the grid, creating a more reliable power supply while allowing for compensation based on their participation and the trustworthiness of their devices.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	There's a lot of untapped potential in our homes and vehicles that could be harnessed to reinforce local power grids and make them more resilient to unforeseen outages, a new study shows. -- In response to a cyber attack or natural disaster, a backup network of decentralized devices -- such as residential solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and water heaters -- could restore electricity or relieve stress on the grid, MIT engineers say. -- Such devices are "grid-edge" resources found close to the consumer rather than near central power plants, substations, or transmission lines. Grid-edge devices can independently generate, store, or tune their consumption of power. In their study, the research team shows how such devices could one day be called upon to either pump power into the grid, or rebalance it by dialing down or delaying their power use. -- In a paper appearing this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the engineers present a blueprint for how grid-edge devices could reinforce the power grid through a "local electricity market." Owners of grid-edge devices could subscribe to a regional market and essentially loan out their device to be part of a microgrid or a local network of on-call energy resources. -- In the event that the main power grid is compromised, an algorithm developed by the researchers would kick in for each local electricity market, to quickly determine which devices in the network are trustworthy. The algorithm would then identify the combination of trustworthy devices that would most effectively mitigate the power failure, by either pumping power into the grid or reducing the power they draw from it, by an amount that the algorithm would calculate and communicate to the relevant subscribers. The subscribers could then be compensated through the market, depending on their participation. -- The team illustrated this new framework through a number of grid attack scenarios, in which they considered failures at different levels of a power grid, from various sources such as a cyber attack or a natural disaster. Applying their algorithm, they showed that various networks of grid-edge devices were able to dissolve the various attacks. -- The results demonstrate that grid-edge devices such as rooftop solar panels, EV chargers, batteries, and smart thermostats (for HVAC devices or heat pumps) could be tapped to stabilize the power grid in the event of an attack. -- "All these small devices can do their little bit in terms of adjusting their consumption," says study co-author Anu Annaswamy, a research scientist in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering. "If we can harness our smart dishwashers, rooftop panels, and EVs, and put our combined shoulders to the wheel, we can really have a resilient grid." -- The study's MIT co-authors include lead author Vineet Nair and John Williams, along with collaborators from multiple institutions including the Indian Institute of Technology, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and elsewhere. -- Power boost	A01 H02 C01 N02 T01	732
2507-T005	Phoenix Cluster Reveals Active Starburst Amidst Cooling Processes	A study of the Phoenix cluster using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered the mechanisms behind its unexpected starburst activity. Researchers found that the cluster is actively cooling and generating stellar fuel, offering explanations for its high rate of star formation and challenging existing theories about older galaxies.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	The core of a massive cluster of galaxies appears to be pumping out far more stars than it should. Now researchers at MIT and elsewhere have discovered a key ingredient within the cluster that explains the core's prolific starburst. -- In a new study published in Nature, the scientists report using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe the Phoenix cluster -- a sprawling collection of gravitationally bound galaxies that circle a central massive galaxy some 5.8 billion light years from Earth. The cluster is the largest of its kind that scientists have so far observed. For its size and estimated age, the Phoenix should be what astronomers call "red and dead" -- long done with any star formation that is characteristic of younger galaxies. -- But astronomers previously discovered that the core of the Phoenix cluster appeared surprisingly bright, and the central galaxy seemed to be churning out stars at an extremely vigorous rate. The observations raised a mystery: How was the Phoenix fueling such rapid star formation? -- In younger galaxies, the "fuel" for forging stars is in the form of extremely cold and dense clouds of interstellar gas. For the much older Phoenix cluster, it was unclear whether the central galaxy could undergo the extreme cooling of gas that would be required to explain its stellar production, or whether cold gas migrated in from other, younger galaxies. -- Now, the MIT team has gained a much clearer view of the cluster's core, using JWST's far-reaching, infrared-measuring capabilities. For the first time, they have been able to map regions within the core where there are pockets of "warm" gas. Astronomers have previously seen hints of both very hot gas, and very cold gas, but nothing in between. -- The detection of warm gas confirms that the Phoenix cluster is actively cooling and able to generate a huge amount of stellar fuel on its own. -- "For the first time we have a complete picture of the hot-to-warm-to-cold phase in star formation, which has really never been observed in any galaxy," says study lead author Michael Reefe, a physics graduate student in MIT's Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. "There is a halo of this intermediate gas everywhere that we can see." -- "The question now is, why this system?" adds co-author Michael McDonald, associate professor of physics at MIT. "This huge starburst could be something every cluster goes through at some point, but we're only seeing it happen currently in one cluster. The other possibility is that there's something divergent about this system, and the Phoenix went down a path that other systems don't go. That would be interesting to explore." -- Hot and cold -- The Phoenix cluster was first spotted in 2010 by astronomers using the South Pole Telescope in Antarctica. The cluster comprises about 1,000 galaxies and lies in the constellation Phoenix, after which it is named. Two years later, McDonald led an effort to focus in on Phoenix using multiple telescopes, and discovered that the cluster's central galaxy was extremely bright. The unexpected luminosity was due to a firehose of star formation. He and his colleagues estimated that this central galaxy was turning out stars at a staggering rate of about 1,000 per year.	A01 T01	733
2508-067	Tardigrade Protein May Help Cancer Patients Endure Radiation Therapy	Researchers inspired by tardigrades have devised a novel method to shield cancer patients from radiation therapy's adverse effects. By leveraging a protein from these resilient organisms, the team found that injecting messenger RNA into mice could protect their DNA from radiation damage. With approximately 60% of U.S. cancer patients undergoing radiation, this approach promises significant benefits if applied to human patients, potentially alleviating severe side effects experienced during treatment.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature Biomedical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	About 60 percent of all cancer patients in the United States receive radiation therapy as part of their treatment. However, this radiation can have severe side effects that often end up being too difficult for patients to tolerate. -- Drawing inspiration from a tiny organism that can withstand huge amounts of radiation, researchers at MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the University of Iowa have developed a new strategy that may protect patients from this kind of damage. -- Their approach makes use of a protein from tardigrades, often also called "water bears," which are usually less than a millimeter in length. -- When the researchers injected messenger RNA encoding this protein into mice, they found that it generated enough protein to protect cells' DNA from radiation-induced damage. -- If developed for use in humans, this approach could benefit many cancer patients, the researchers say. -- "Radiation can be very helpful for many tumors, but we also recognize that the side effects can be limiting. There's an unmet need with respect to helping patients mitigate the risk of damaging adjacent tissue," says Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT and a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital. -- Traverso and James Byrne, an assistant professor of radiation oncology at the University of Iowa, are the senior authors of the study, which appears today in Nature Biomedical Engineering. The paper's lead authors are Ameya Kirtane, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and a visiting scientist at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and Jianling Bi, a research scientist at the University of Iowa. -- Extreme survival -- Radiation is often used to treat cancers of the head and neck, where it can damage the mouth or throat, making it very painful to eat or drink. -- It is also commonly used for gastrointestinal cancers, which can lead to rectal bleeding.	A01 H01 R01	734
2509-022	Planning Tool Helps Entities Decide When To Collaborate On Joint Infrastructure Projects	Engineers at MIT and ETH Zurich have created a planning tool designed to assist rail system operators in determining when to collaborate on infrastructure projects. This innovative framework allows planners to assess the optimal investment amount, collaboration timing, and profit-sharing methods, addressing the complexities of multiregional networks where competition and cooperation coexist rather than adopting an all-or-nothing approach.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	One large metropolis might have several different train systems, from local intercity lines to commuter trains to longer regional lines. -- When designing a system of train tracks, stations, and schedules in this network, should rail operators assume each entity operates independently, seeking only to maximize its own revenue? -- Or that they fully cooperate all the time with a joint plan, putting their own interest aside? -- In the real world, neither assumption is very realistic. -- Researchers from MIT and ETH Zurich have developed a new planning tool that mixes competition and cooperation to help operators in a complex, multiregional network strategically determine when and how they should work together. -- Their framework is unusual because it incorporates co-investment and payoff-sharing mechanisms that identify which joint infrastructure projects a stakeholder should invest in with other operators to maximize collective benefits. -- The tool can help mobility stakeholders, such as governments, transport agencies, and firms, determine the right time to collaborate, how much they should invest in cooperative projects, how the profits should be distributed, and what would happen if they withdrew from the negotiations. -- "It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes you want to invest in your opponent so that, at some point, this investment will come back to you. Thanks to game theory, one can formalize this intuition to give rise to an interesting class of problems," says Gioele Zardini, the Rudge and Nancy Allen Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT, a principal investigator in the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), an affiliate faculty with the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), and senior author of a paper on this planning framework. -- Numerical analysis shows that, by investing a portion of their budget into some shared infrastructure projects, independent operators can earn more revenue than if they operated completely noncooperatively. -- In the example of the rail operators, the researchers demonstrate that co-investment also benefits users by improving regional train service.	A01	735
2510-034	Correcting Robot Mistakes Just Got Easier With Simple User Interactions	MIT researchers have developed an innovative framework that allows users to provide real-time corrections to robotic behaviors through simple interactions. This method enhances human-robot collaboration by enabling intuitive feedback, thus improving the robot’s ability to understand and fulfill user intentions without the need for retraining or extensive data collection.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine that a robot is helping you clean the dishes. You ask it to grab a soapy bowl out of the sink, but its gripper slightly misses the mark. -- Using a new framework developed by MIT and NVIDIA researchers, you could correct that robot's behavior with simple interactions. -- The method would allow you to point to the bowl or trace a trajectory to it on a screen, or simply give the robot's arm a nudge in the right direction. -- Unlike other methods for correcting robot behavior, this technique does not require users to collect new data and retrain the machine-learning model that powers the robot's brain. -- It enables a robot to use intuitive, real-time human feedback to choose a feasible action sequence that gets as close as possible to satisfying the user's intent. -- When the researchers tested their framework, its success rate was 21 percent higher than an alternative method that did not leverage human interventions. -- In the long run, this framework could enable a user to more easily guide a factory-trained robot to perform a wide variety of household tasks even though the robot has never seen their home or the objects in it. -- "We can't expect laypeople to perform data collection and fine-tune a neural network model. The consumer will expect the robot to work right out of the box, and if it doesn't, they would want an intuitive mechanism to customize it. That is the challenge we tackled in this work," says Felix Yanwei Wang, an electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) graduate student and lead author of a paper on this method. -- His co-authors include Lirui Wang PhD '24 and Yilun Du PhD '24; senior author Julie Shah, an MIT professor of aeronautics and astronautics and the director of the Interactive Robotics Group in the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL); as well as Balakumar Sundaralingam, Xuning Yang, Yu-Wei Chao, Claudia Perez-D'Arpino PhD '19, and Dieter Fox of NVIDIA. -- The research will be presented at the International Conference on Robots and Automation.	H01 T01	736
2510-037	Identifying Essential Genes In Tuberculosis Could Help Stop Infection Spread	MIT researchers identified essential genes in the tuberculosis bacterium that play a critical role in its survival when exposed to air. These findings open new avenues for developing therapies that target these genes, potentially halting the infection's spread while offering insights into how tuberculosis sustains itself in challenging environments.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Tuberculosis lives and thrives in the lungs. When the bacteria that cause the disease are coughed into the air, they are thrust into a comparatively hostile environment, with drastic changes to their surrounding pH and chemistry. How these bacteria survive their airborne journey is key to their persistence, but very little is known about how they protect themselves as they waft from one host to the next. -- Now MIT researchers and their collaborators have discovered a family of genes that becomes essential for survival specifically when the pathogen is exposed to the air, likely protecting the bacterium during its flight. -- Many of these genes were previously considered to be nonessential, as they didn't seem to have any effect on the bacteria's role in causing disease when injected into a host. -- The new work suggests that these genes are indeed essential, though for transmission rather than proliferation. -- "There is a blind spot that we have toward airborne transmission, in terms of how a pathogen can survive these sudden changes as it circulates in the air," says Lydia Bourouiba, who is the head of the Fluid Dynamics of Disease Transmission Laboratory, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering, and a core faculty member in the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science at MIT. -- "Now we have a sense, through these genes, of what tools tuberculosis uses to protect itself." -- The team's results, appearing this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could provide new targets for tuberculosis therapies that simultaneously treat infection and prevent transmission. -- "If a drug were to target the product of these same genes, it could effectively treat an individual, and even before that person is cured, it could keep the infection from spreading to others," says Carl Nathan, chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and R.A. Rees Pritchett Professor of Microbiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Nathan and Bourouiba are co-senior authors of the study, which includes MIT co-authors and mentees of Bourouiba in the Fluids and Health Network: co-lead author postdoc Xiaoyi Hu, postdoc Eric Shen, and student mentees Robin Jahn and Luc Geurts. -- The study also includes collaborators from Weill Cornell Medicine, the University of California at San Diego, Rockefeller University, Hackensack Meridian Health, and the University of Washington.	R01	737
2510-E010	Positive News: Antarctic Ozone Layer Is Healing	A recent MIT-led study presents strong evidence that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing due to global efforts to reduce harmful substances. This research underscores the importance of international cooperation in environmental protection, revealing that concerted actions can lead to significant improvements in atmospheric health.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A new MIT-led study confirms that the Antarctic ozone layer is healing, as a direct result of global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. -- Scientists including the MIT team have observed signs of ozone recovery in the past. But the new study is the first to show, with high statistical confidence, that this recovery is due primarily to the reduction of ozone-depleting substances, versus other influences such as natural weather variability or increased greenhouse gas emissions to the stratosphere. -- "There's been a lot of qualitative evidence showing that the Antarctic ozone hole is getting better. This is really the first study that has quantified confidence in the recovery of the ozone hole," says study author Susan Solomon, the Lee and Geraldine Martin Professor of Environmental Studies and Chemistry. "The conclusion is, with 95 percent confidence, it is recovering. Which is awesome. And it shows we can actually solve environmental problems." -- The new study will appear in the journal Nature. Graduate student Peidong Wang from the Solomon group in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences (EAPS) is the lead author. His co-authors include Solomon and EAPS Research Scientist Kane Stone, along with collaborators from multiple other institutions. -- Roots of ozone recovery -- Within the Earth's stratosphere, ozone is a naturally occurring gas that acts as a sort of sunscreen, protecting the planet from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation. In 1985, scientists discovered a "hole" in the ozone layer over Antarctica that opened up during the austral spring, between September and December. This seasonal ozone depletion was suddenly allowing UV rays to filter down to the surface, leading to skin cancer and other adverse health effects. -- In 1986, Solomon, who was then working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), led expeditions to the Antarctic, where she and her colleagues gathered evidence that quickly confirmed the ozone hole's cause: chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs -- chemicals that were then used in refrigeration, air conditioning, insulation, and aerosol propellants. When CFCs drift up into the stratosphere, they can break down ozone under certain seasonal conditions. -- The following year, those relevations led to the drafting of the Montreal Protocol -- an international treaty that aimed to phase out the production of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances, in hopes of healing the ozone hole. -- In 2016, Solomon led a study reporting key signs of ozone recovery. The ozone hole seemed to be shrinking with each year, especially in September, the time of year when it opens up. Still, these observations were qualitative. The study showed large uncertainties regarding how much of this recovery was due to concerted efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances, or if the shrinking ozone hole was a result of other "forcings," such as year-to-year weather variability from El Niño, La Niña, and the polar vortex. -- "While detecting a statistically significant increase in ozone is relatively straightforward, attributing these changes to specific forcings is more challenging," says Wang.	R01 C01 T01	738
2510-E025	Greenhouse Gas Emissions Threaten Satellite Operations In Near-Earth Space	A study by MIT aerospace engineers indicates that increasing greenhouse gas emissions will negatively affect the operational capacity of satellites in near-Earth space. The research suggests that changes in the upper atmosphere due to these emissions could prolong the lifespan of space debris, raising concerns about future satellite safety and orbital congestion.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	MIT aerospace engineers have found that greenhouse gas emissions are changing the environment of near-Earth space in ways that, over time, will reduce the number of satellites that can sustainably operate there. -- In a study that will appear in Nature Sustainability, the researchers report that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases can cause the upper atmosphere to shrink. An atmospheric layer of special interest is the thermosphere, where the International Space Station and most satellites orbit today. When the thermosphere contracts, the decreasing density reduces atmospheric drag -- a force that pulls old satellites and other debris down to altitudes where they will encounter air molecules and burn up. -- Less drag therefore means extended lifetimes for space junk, which will litter sought-after regions for decades and increase the potential for collisions in orbit. -- The team carried out simulations of how carbon emissions affect the upper atmosphere and orbital dynamics, in order to estimate the "satellite carrying capacity" of low-Earth orbit. These simulations predict that by the year 2100, the carrying capacity of the most popular regions could be reduced by 50-66 percent due to the effects of greenhouse gases. -- "Our behavior with greenhouse gases here on Earth over the past 100 years is having an effect on how we operate satellites over the next 100 years," says study author Richard Linares, associate professor in MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro). -- "The upper atmosphere is in a fragile state as climate change disrupts the status quo," adds lead author William Parker, a graduate student in AeroAstro. "At the same time, there's been a massive increase in the number of satellites launched, especially for delivering broadband internet from space. If we don't manage this activity carefully and work to reduce our emissions, space could become too crowded, leading to more collisions and debris." -- The study includes co-author Matthew Brown of the University of Birmingham. -- Sky fall -- The thermosphere naturally contracts and expands every 11 years in response to the sun's regular activity cycle. When the sun's activity is low, the Earth receives less radiation, and its outermost atmosphere temporarily cools and contracts before expanding again during solar maximum. -- In the 1990s, scientists wondered what response the thermosphere might have to greenhouse gases. Their preliminary modeling showed that, while the gases trap heat in the lower atmosphere, where we experience global warming and weather, the same gases radiate heat at much higher altitudes, effectively cooling the thermosphere. With this cooling, the researchers predicted that the thermosphere should shrink, reducing atmospheric density at high altitudes.	R01 C01	739
2511-025	Engineers Create Method To Convert Skin Cells Directly Into Neurons	Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to convert skin cells directly into neurons, bypassing the traditional stem cell stage. This efficient process could generate motor neurons for potential therapies addressing spinal cord injuries and diseases like ALS, marking a significant advancement in regenerative medicine.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Cell Systems	Press Rel	PubMed	Converting one type of cell to another -- for example, a skin cell to a neuron -- can be done through a process that requires the skin cell to be induced into a "pluripotent" stem cell, then differentiated into a neuron. Researchers at MIT have now devised a simplified process that bypasses the stem cell stage, converting a skin cell directly into a neuron. -- Working with mouse cells, the researchers developed a conversion method that is highly efficient and can produce more than 10 neurons from a single skin cell. -- If replicated in human cells, this approach could enable the generation of large quantities of motor neurons, which could potentially be used to treat patients with spinal cord injuries or diseases that impair mobility. -- "We were able to get to yields where we could ask questions about whether these cells can be viable candidates for the cell replacement therapies, which we hope they could be. That's where these types of reprogramming technologies can take us," says Katie Galloway, the W. M. Keck Career Development Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering. -- As a first step toward developing these cells as a therapy, the researchers showed that they could generate motor neurons and engraft them into the brains of mice, where they integrated with host tissue. -- Galloway is the senior author of two papers describing the new method, which appear today in Cell Systems. MIT graduate student Nathan Wang is the lead author of both papers. -- From skin to neurons -- Nearly 20 years ago, scientists in Japan showed that by delivering four transcription factors to skin cells, they could coax them to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Similar to embryonic stem cells, iPSCs can be differentiated into many other cell types. -- This technique works well, but it takes several weeks, and many of the cells don't end up fully transitioning to mature cell types. -- "Oftentimes, one of the challenges in reprogramming is that cells can get stuck in intermediate states," Galloway says.	H01 R02	740
2511-037	Boost Your Career: Debate Training Enhances Assertiveness And Communication Skills	New research indicates that debate training can significantly enhance assertiveness and communication skills, leading to greater leadership opportunities in U.S. organizations. Conducted by a team from MIT, the study provides evidence that learning debate fundamentals not only promotes career advancement but also fills a gap in understanding effective leadership development methods.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Journal of Applied Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	For those looking to climb the corporate ladder in the U.S., here's an idea you might not have considered: debate training. -- According to a new research paper, people who learn the basics of debate are more likely to advance to leadership roles in U.S. organizations, compared to those who do not receive this training. One key reason is that being equipped with debate skills makes people more assertive in the workplace. -- "Debate training can promote leadership emergence and advancement by fostering individuals' assertiveness, which is a key, valued leadership characteristic in U.S. organizations," says MIT Associate Professor Jackson Lu, one of the scholars who conducted the study. -- The research is based on two experiments and provides empirical insights into leadership development, a subject more often discussed anecdotally than studied systematically. -- "Leadership development is a multi-billion-dollar industry, where people spend a lot of money trying to help individuals emerge as leaders," Lu says. "But the public doesn't actually know what would be effective, because there hasn't been a lot of causal evidence. That's exactly what we provide." -- The paper, "Breaking Ceilings: Debate Training Promotes Leadership Emergence by Increasing Assertiveness," was published Monday in the Journal of Applied Psychology. The authors are Lu, an associate professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management; Michelle X. Zhao, an undergraduate student at the Olin Business School of Washington University in St. Louis; Hui Liao, a professor and assistant dean at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business; and Lu Doris Zhang, a doctoral student at MIT Sloan. -- Assertiveness in the attention economy -- The researchers conducted two experiments. In the first, 471 employees in a Fortune 100 firm were randomly assigned to receive either nine weeks of debate training or no training. Examined 18 months later, those receiving debate training were more likely to have advanced to leadership roles, by about 12 percentage points. This effect was statistically explained by increased assertiveness among those with debate training. -- The second experiment, conducted with 975 university participants, further tested the causal effects of debate training in a controlled setting. Participants were randomly assigned to receive debate training, an alternative non-debate training, or no training. Consistent with the first experiment, participants receiving the debate training were more likely to emerge as leaders in subsequent group activities, an effect statistically explained by their increased assertiveness. -- "The inclusion of a non-debate training condition allowed us to causally claim that debate training, rather than just any training, improved assertiveness and increased leadership emergence," Zhang says.	Z01	741
2511-046	Language Abilities May Date Back 135,000 Years: When Did We Start Speaking?	Genomic evidence suggests that humans’ unique language capacity may date back at least 135,000 years, with social language use emerging about 100,000 years ago. This study provides insights into the origins of human language, positing that regional group movements contributed to language development, thus reshaping our understanding of linguistic evolution.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Frontiers in Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	It is a deep question, from deep in our history: When did human language as we know it emerge? A new survey of genomic evidence suggests our unique language capacity was present at least 135,000 years ago. Subsequently, language might have entered social use 100,000 years ago. -- Our species, Homo sapiens, is about 230,000 years old. -- Estimates of when language originated vary widely, based on different forms of evidence, from fossils to cultural artifacts. -- The authors of the new analysis took a different approach. They reasoned that since all human languages likely have a common origin -- as the researchers strongly think -- the key question is how far back in time regional groups began spreading around the world. -- "The logic is very simple," says Shigeru Miyagawa, an MIT professor and co-author of a new paper summarizing the results. -- "Every population branching across the globe has human language, and all languages are related." Based on what the genomics data indicate about the geographic divergence of early human populations, he adds, "I think we can say with a fair amount of certainty that the first split occurred about 135,000 years ago, so human language capacity must have been present by then, or before." -- The paper, "Linguistic capacity was present in the Homo sapiens population 135 thousand years ago," appears in Frontiers in Psychology. The co-authors are Miyagawa, who is a professor emeritus of linguistics and the Kochi-Manjiro Professor of Japanese Language and Culture at MIT; Rob DeSalle, a principal investigator at the American Museum of Natural History's Institute for Comparative Genomics; Vitor Augusto Nóbrega, a faculty member in linguistics at the University of São Paolo; Remo Nitschke, of the University of Zurich, who worked on the project while at the University of Arizona linguistics department; Mercedes Okumura of the Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology at the University of São Paulo; and Ian Tattersall, curator emeritus of human origins at the American Museum of Natural History. -- The new paper examines 15 genetic studies of different varieties, published over the past 18 years: Three used data about the inherited Y chromosome, three examined mitochondrial DNA, and nine were whole-genome studies. -- All told, the data from these studies suggest an initial regional branching of humans about 135,000 years ago. -- That is, after the emergence of Homo sapiens, groups of people subsequently moved apart geographically, and some resulting genetic variations have developed, over time, among the different regional subpopulations.	Z01	742
2511-T032	Groundbreaking Method Grows Artificial Muscle Tissue For Advanced Robotics	Engineers at MIT have developed a novel method for growing artificial muscle tissues that mimic the coordinated movements of natural muscles. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of biohybrid robots powered by these tissues, enabling versatile motion in environments where traditional machines struggle. By using a stamping technique to organize muscle cells, researchers successfully demonstrated an artificial structure capable of multi-directional movement, marking a significant advancement in soft robotics.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Biomaterials Science	Press Rel	PubMed	We move thanks to coordination among many skeletal muscle fibers, all twitching and pulling in sync. While some muscles align in one direction, others form intricate patterns, helping parts of the body move in multiple ways. -- In recent years, scientists and engineers have looked to muscles as potential actuators for "biohybrid" robots -- machines powered by soft, artificially grown muscle fibers. Such bio-bots could squirm and wiggle through spaces where traditional machines cannot. For the most part, however, researchers have only been able to fabricate artificial muscle that pulls in one direction, limiting any robot's range of motion. -- Now MIT engineers have developed a method to grow artificial muscle tissue that twitches and flexes in multiple coordinated directions. As a demonstration, they grew an artificial, muscle-powered structure that pulls both concentrically and radially, much like how the iris in the human eye acts to dilate and constrict the pupil. -- The researchers fabricated the artificial iris using a new "stamping" approach they developed. First, they 3D-printed a small, handheld stamp patterned with microscopic grooves, each as small as a single cell. Then they pressed the stamp into a soft hydrogel and seeded the resulting grooves with real muscle cells. The cells grew along these grooves within the hydrogel, forming fibers. When the researchers stimulated the fibers, the muscle contracted in multiple directions, following the fibers' orientation. -- "With the iris design, we believe we have demonstrated the first skeletal muscle-powered robot that generates force in more than one direction. That was uniquely enabled by this stamp approach," says Ritu Raman, the Eugene Bell Career Development Professor of Tissue Engineering in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering. -- The team says the stamp can be printed using tabletop 3D printers and fitted with different patterns of microscopic grooves. The stamp can be used to grow complex patterns of muscle -- and potentially other types of biological tissues, such as neurons and heart cells -- that look and act like their natural counterparts. -- "We want to make tissues that replicate the architectural complexity of real tissues," Raman says. "To do that, you really need this kind of precision in your fabrication." -- She and her colleagues published their open-access results in the journal Biomaterials Science. Her MIT co-authors include first author Tamara Rossy, Laura Schwendeman, Sonika Kohli, Maheera Bawa, and Pavankumar Umashankar, along with Roi Habba, Oren Tchaicheeyan, and Ayelet Lesman of Tel Aviv University in Israel. -- Training space -- Raman's lab at MIT aims to engineer biological materials that mimic the sensing, activity, and responsiveness of real tissues in the body. Broadly, her group seeks to apply these bioengineered materials in areas from medicine to machines. For instance, she is looking to fabricate artificial tissue that can restore function to people with neuromuscular injury. She is also exploring artificial muscles for use in soft robotics, such as muscle-powered swimmers that move through the water with fish-like flexibility.	Z01	743
2512-021	Analytics Investment Boosts Performance Beyond Sports, New Study Finds	Analytics Investment Boosts Performance Beyond Sports, New Study Finds	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Journal of Sports Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	If you filled out a March Madness bracket this month, you probably faced the same question with each college match-up: What gives one team an edge over another? Is it a team's record through the regular season? Or the chemistry among its players? Maybe it's the experience of its coaching staff or the buzz around a top scorer. -- All of these factors play some role in a team's chance to advance. -- But according to a new study by MIT researchers, there's one member who consistently boosts their team's performance: the data analyst. -- The new study, which was published this month in the Journal of Sports Economics, quantifies the influence of basketball analytics investment on team performance. -- The study's authors looked in particular at professional basketball and compared the investment in data analytics on each NBA team with the team's record of wins over 12 seasons. -- They found that indeed, teams that hired more analytics staff, and invested more in data analysis in general, tended to win more games. -- Analytics department headcount had a positive and statistically significant effect on team wins even when accounting for other factors such as a team's roster salary, the experience and chemistry among its players, the consistency of its coaching staff, and player injuries through each season. -- Even with all of these influences, the researchers found that the depth of a team's data analytics bench, so to speak, was a consistent predictor of the team's wins. -- What's more, they were able to quantify basketball analytics' value, based on their impact on team wins. -- They found that for every four-fifths of one data analyst, a team gains one additional win in a season.	Z01	744
2512-034	Mathematical Insights Can Enhance Pedestrian Path Design For Safety And Efficiency	Mathematical Insights Can Enhance Pedestrian Path Design For Safety And Efficiency	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	PNAS	Press Rel	PubMed	Next time you cross a crowded plaza, crosswalk, or airport concourse, take note of the pedestrian flow. Are people walking in orderly lanes, single-file, to their respective destinations? Or is it a haphazard tangle of personal trajectories, as people dodge and weave through the crowd? -- MIT instructor Karol Bacik and his colleagues studied the flow of human crowds and developed a first-of-its-kind way to predict when pedestrian paths will transition from orderly to entangled. Their findings may help inform the design of public spaces that promote safe and efficient thoroughfares. -- In a paper appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers consider a common scenario in which pedestrians navigate a busy crosswalk. The team analyzed the scenario through mathematical analysis and simulations, considering the many angles at which individuals may cross and the dodging maneuvers they may make as they attempt to reach their destinations while avoiding bumping into other pedestrians along the way. -- The researchers also carried out controlled crowd experiments and studied how real participants walked through a crowd to reach certain locations. Through their mathematical and experimental work, the team identified a key measure that determines whether pedestrian traffic is ordered, such that clear lanes form in the flow, or disordered, in which there are no discernible paths through the crowd. Called "angular spread," this parameter describes the number of people walking in different directions. -- If a crowd has a relatively small angular spread, this means that most pedestrians walk in opposite directions and meet the oncoming traffic head-on, such as in a crosswalk. In this case, more orderly, lane-like traffic is likely. If, however, a crowd has a larger angular spread, such as in a concourse, it means there are many more directions that pedestrians can take to cross, with more chance for disorder. -- In fact, the researchers calculated the point at which a moving crowd can transition from order to disorder. That point, they found, was an angular spread of around 13 degrees, meaning that if pedestrians don't walk straight across, but instead an average pedestrian veers off at an angle larger than 13 degrees, this can tip a crowd into disordered flow. -- "This all is very commonsense," says Bacik, who is a instructor of applied mathematics at MIT. "The question is whether we can tackle it precisely and mathematically, and where the transition is. Now we have a way to quantify when to expect lanes -- this spontaneous, organized, safe flow -- versus disordered, less efficient, potentially more dangerous flow." -- The study's co-authors include Grzegorz Sobota and Bogdan Bacik of the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland, and Tim Rogers at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. -- Right, left, center -- Bacik, who is trained in fluid dynamics and granular flow, came to study pedestrian flow during 2021, when he and his collaborators looked into the impacts of social distancing, and ways in which people might walk among each other while maintaining safe distances. That work inspired them to look more generally into the dynamics of crowd flow.	C01	745
2512-E057	Innovative Technology Ensures Pesticides Stick To Plants, Reducing Environmental Runoff	Researchers from MIT have developed a novel technology that enhances the effectiveness of agricultural sprays, potentially reducing the reliance on pesticides and fertilizers. By ensuring that sprayed droplets adhere better to plant leaves, this innovation promises to lower environmental runoff and costs for farmers, offering a sustainable solution to agricultural practices.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Soft Matter	Press Rel	PubMed	Reducing the amount of agricultural sprays used by farmers -- including fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides -- could cut down the amount of polluting runoff that ends up in the environment while at the same time reducing farmers' costs and perhaps even enhancing their productivity. A classic win-win-win. -- A team of researchers at MIT and a spinoff company they launched has developed a system to do just that. -- Their technology adds a thin coating around droplets as they are being sprayed onto a field, greatly reducing their tendency to bounce off leaves and end up wasted on the ground. -- Instead, the coated droplets stick to the leaves as intended. -- The research is described in the journal Soft Matter, in a paper by recent MIT alumni Vishnu Jayaprakash PhD '22 and Sreedath Panat PhD '23, graduate student Simon Rufer, and MIT professor of mechanical engineering Kripa Varanasi. -- A recent study found that if farmers didn't use pesticides, they would lose 78 percent of fruit, 54 percent of vegetable, and 32 percent of cereal production. -- Despite their importance, a lack of technology that monitors and optimizes sprays has forced farmers to rely on personal experience and rules of thumb to decide how to apply these chemicals. -- As a result, these chemicals tend to be over-sprayed, leading to runoff and chemicals ending up in waterways or building up in the soil. -- Pesticides take a significant toll on global health and the environment, the researchers point out. -- A recent study found that 31 percent of agricultural soils around the world were at high risk from pesticide pollution.	C01 N02	746
2512-T003	Hybrid AI Model Generates High-Quality Images Faster And More Efficiently	Researchers from MIT and NVIDIA have developed a hybrid AI model that generates high-quality images faster and with fewer resources than traditional methods. By combining autoregressive and diffusion techniques, this tool enables the rapid creation of realistic visuals for training self-driving cars, enhancing safety and reliability.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	The ability to generate high-quality images quickly is crucial for producing realistic simulated environments that can be used to train self-driving cars to avoid unpredictable hazards, making them safer on real streets. -- But the generative AI techniques increasingly being used to produce such images have drawbacks. -- One popular type of model, called a diffusion model, can create stunningly realistic images but is too slow and computationally intensive for many applications. -- On the other hand, the autoregressive models that power LLMs like ChatGPT are much faster, but they produce poorer-quality images that are often riddled with errors. -- Researchers from MIT and NVIDIA developed a new approach that brings together the best of both methods. -- Their hybrid image-generation tool uses an autoregressive model to quickly capture the big picture and then a small diffusion model to refine the details of the image. -- Their tool, known as HART (short for Hybrid Autoregressive Transformer) can generate images that match or exceed the quality of state-of-the-art diffusion models, but do so about nine times faster. -- The generation process consumes fewer computational resources than typical diffusion models, enabling HART to run locally on a commercial laptop or smartphone. -- A user only needs to enter one natural language prompt into the HART interface to generate an image. -- HART could have a wide range of applications, such as helping researchers train robots to complete complex real-world tasks and aiding designers in producing striking scenes for video games.	T01	747
2512-T006	New Drug Delivery Method Uses Crystals For Long-Term Contraceptive And HIV Treatment	MIT engineers have developed a novel drug delivery method using suspended crystals that create a long-lasting drug depot under the skin, minimizing the need for frequent injections. This approach could enhance the administration of contraceptives and other medications, improving patient comfort and compliance with treatment regimens.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature Chemical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	MIT engineers have devised a new way to deliver certain drugs in higher doses with less pain, by injecting them as a suspension of tiny crystals. Once under the skin, the crystals assemble into a drug "depot" that could last for months or years, eliminating the need for frequent drug injections. -- This approach could prove useful for delivering long-lasting contraceptives or other drugs that need to be given for extended periods of time. -- Because the drugs are dispersed in a suspension before injection, they can be administered through a narrow needle that is easier for patients to tolerate. -- "We showed that we can have very controlled, sustained delivery, likely for multiple months and even years through a small needle," says Giovanni Traverso, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), an associate member of the Broad Institute, and the senior author of the study. -- The lead authors of the paper, which appears today in Nature Chemical Engineering, are former MIT and BWH postdoc Vivian Feig, who is now an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University; MIT graduate student Sanghyun Park; and Pier Rivano, a former visiting research scholar in Traverso's lab. -- Easier injections -- This project began as part of an effort funded by the Gates Foundation to expand contraceptive options, particularly in developing nations. -- "The overarching goal is to give women access to a lot of different formats for contraception that are easy to administer, compatible with being used in the developing world, and have a range of different timeframes of durations of action," Feig says. -- "In our particular project, we were interested in trying to combine the benefits of long-acting implants with the ease of self-administrable injectables." -- There are marketed injectable suspensions available in the United States and other countries, but these drugs are dispersed throughout the tissue after injection, so they only work for about three months.	H01 R01 N02	748
2512-T007	Light-Controlled Starfish Cells Open New Possibilities For Wound Healing And Drug Delivery	Researchers at MIT have utilized light to manipulate the motion of starfish egg cells, providing insights into cell development. This innovative optical technique could lead to the design of synthetic, light-activated cells for therapeutic applications, such as wound healing or targeted drug delivery, by controlling cell behaviors.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Life takes shape with the motion of a single cell. In response to signals from certain proteins and enzymes, a cell can start to move and shake, leading to contractions that cause it to squeeze, pinch, and eventually divide. As daughter cells follow suit down the generational line, they grow, differentiate, and ultimately arrange themselves into a fully formed organism. -- Now MIT scientists have used light to control how a single cell jiggles and moves during its earliest stage of development. The team studied the motion of egg cells produced by starfish -- an organism that scientists have long used as a classic model for understanding cell growth and development. -- The researchers focused on a key enzyme that triggers a cascade of motion within a starfish egg cell. They genetically designed a light-sensitive version of the same enzyme, which they injected into egg cells, and then stimulated the cells with different patterns of light. -- They found that the light successfully triggered the enzyme, which in turn prompted the cells to jiggle and move in predictable patterns. For instance, the scientists could stimulate cells to exhibit small pinches or sweeping contractions, depending on the pattern of light they induced. They could even shine light at specific points around a cell to stretch its shape from a circle to a square. -- Their results, which will appear in the journal Nature Physics, provide scientists with a new optical tool for controlling cell shape in its earliest developmental stages. Such a tool, they envision, could guide the design of synthetic cells, such as therapeutic "patch" cells that contract in response to light signals to help close wounds, or drug-delivering "carrier" cells that release their contents only when illuminated at specific locations in the body. Overall, the researchers see their findings as a new way to probe how life takes shape from a single cell. -- "By revealing how a light-activated switch can reshape cells in real time, we're uncovering basic design principles for how living systems self-organize and evolve shape," says the study's senior author, Nikta Fakhri, associate professor of physics at MIT. "The power of these tools is that they are guiding us to decode all these processes of growth and development, to help us understand how nature does it." -- The study's MIT authors include first author Jinghui Liu, Yu-Chen Chao, and Tzer Han Tan; along with Tom Burkart, Alexander Ziepke, and Erwin Frey of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich; John Reinhard of Saarland University; and S. Zachary Swartz of the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. -- Cell circuitry -- Fakhri's group at MIT studies the physical dynamics that drive cell growth and development. She is particularly interested in symmetry, and the processes that govern how cells follow or break symmetry as they grow and divide. The five-limbed starfish, she says, is an ideal organism for exploring such questions of growth, symmetry, and early development. -- "A starfish is a fascinating system because it starts with a symmetrical cell and becomes a bilaterally symmetric larvae at early stages, and then develops into pentameral adult symmetry," Fakhri says. "So there's all these signaling processes that happen along the way to tell the cell how it needs to organize."	R01 N01	749
2513-090	New Technique Enables Rapid Production Of Drug-Delivering Nanoparticles For Cancer Treatment	MIT researchers have developed a manufacturing technique that allows for the rapid production of polymer-coated nanoparticles, which have shown great promise for targeted cancer treatment. These nanoparticles can deliver drugs directly to tumors while minimizing side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, moving closer to potential human applications following successful animal studies.	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Polymer-coated nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic drugs show significant promise for cancer treatment, including ovarian cancer. These particles can be targeted directly to tumors, where they release their payload while avoiding many of the side effects of traditional chemotherapy. -- Over the past decade, MIT Institute Professor Paula Hammond and her students have created a variety of these particles using a technique known as layer-by-layer assembly. -- They've shown that the particles can effectively combat cancer in mouse studies. -- To help move these nanoparticles closer to human use, the researchers have now come up with a manufacturing technique that allows them to generate larger quantities of the particles, in a fraction of the time. -- "There's a lot of promise with the nanoparticle systems we've been developing, and we've been really excited more recently with the successes that we've been seeing in animal models for our treatments for ovarian cancer in particular," says Hammond, who is also MIT's vice provost for faculty and a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. -- "Ultimately, we need to be able to bring this to a scale where a company is able to manufacture these on a large level." -- Hammond and Darrell Irvine, a professor of immunology and microbiology at the Scripps Research Institute, are the senior authors of the new study, which appears today in Advanced Functional Materials. Ivan Pires PhD '24, now a postdoc at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a visiting scientist at the Koch Institute, and Ezra Gordon '24 are the lead authors of paper. -- Heikyung Suh, an MIT research technician, is also an author. -- A streamlined process -- More than a decade ago, Hammond's lab developed a novel technique for building nanoparticles with highly controlled architectures.	H01 R01 N01	750
2506-078	Understanding How Blood Cancer Cells Alter Immune Responses During Spread	Blood Cancer Insights: Researchers report that when blood cancer cells breach bone, they diversify dramatically, impacting the immune response in the affected area. This research provides crucial insights into the progression of multiple myeloma, a difficult-to-treat cancer, and could inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies in combating this complex disease.	Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association	Science Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	When blood cancer cells break through the bone and multiply, tumor cells become dangerously diverse and the immune response in the region changes, researchers from Berlin and Heidelberg report in Science Immunology. The detailed insights into cancer progression could advance diagnostics and treatment. -- The incurable bone marrow cancer "multiple myeloma" often develops unnoticed in the bone marrow over decades. -- In advanced stages, lesions form that can destroy the bone and spread to other parts of the body. -- An interdisciplinary team from the Berlin Institute of Health at Charité (BIH), the Max Delbrück Center, the Queen Mary University of London's Precision Healthcare University Research Institute (PHURI), the Myeloma Center at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), the University of Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), together with other national and international partners, have been investigating what happens in these lesions when myeloma cells first break through the bone. -- The researchers discovered that the tumor cells diversify drastically when exiting the bone marrow, which also affects the immune cells in the cancer lesions. -- The new findings could contribute to more precise diagnostics and therapy, they report in Science Immunology. -- When the tumor cells leave the bone, they find themselves in a completely different environment with different environmental conditions. -- "We suspect that this diversity helps the cancer cells adapt to survival outside the bone, enabling them to spread to other areas of the body," says Dr. Niels Weinhold, head of Translational Myeloma Research at the UKHD's Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology. -- Using innovative single-cell and spatial omics technologies, the team also examined for the first time how the immune system reacts to this "outbreak" of cancer cells from the bone. -- They discovered significant changes in the type and number of immune cells in the microenvironment of the cancerous lesions.	H01 R01	751
2511-055	IL-12 Inflammatory Molecule Linked To Alzheimer’s Disease: Understanding The Mechanism	New insights into the inflammatory signaling molecule IL-12 may lead to breakthrough treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Research demonstrates how IL-12 contributes to disease progression through microglial changes, suggesting that tackling inflammation can be a vital strategy in developing new therapies for this debilitating condition.	Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association	Nature Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Microglia, the brain's immune cells, usually serve as diligent guardians. They eliminate intruders such as microbes and clear away cellular debris -- including the plaques typical of Alzheimer's disease. However, as our brains age, microglia also change. While some continue to function effectively, others gradually lose their protective role and start secreting small amounts of inflammatory messengers. -- One such messenger is interleukin-12 (IL-12). Through meticulous analyses, research teams led by Professor Frank Heppner, Director of the Department of Neuropathology at Charité -- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, and Professor Nikolaus Rajewsky, Director of the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC-BIMSB), along with additional partners, have identified how IL-12 might trigger and accelerate Alzheimer's dementia. -- Their study, published in "Nature Aging," could pave the way for new combination therapies. -- "For decades, Alzheimer's research focused almost exclusively on amyloid-beta and tau deposits, while inflammation was considered a side effect," says Heppner. -- "Only recently have we begun to recognize that inflammatory processes may be a primary driver of disease progression." In 2012, Heppner's lab reported in Nature Medicine that blocking IL-12 and IL-23 significantly reduced Alzheimer's-related brain changes in mice. -- "But we couldn't unravel the underlying mechanism with standard techniques," Heppner explains. -- He reasoned that single cell analyses might provide more decisive clues, so he asked Rajewsky to collaborate. -- Sticky and tangled brain cells -- Throughout life, cells refer to their genetic instructions to respond to external stimuli. -- Researchers use single-cell analyses to observe this process, reconstructing which genes are being read and translated into proteins in thousands of individual cells simultaneously.	A01 R02	752
2511-T003	Detailed 3D Map Of Cosmic Dust In Milky Way Created	Astronomers at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy have produced the first comprehensive 3D map of cosmic dust in the Milky Way using vast data sources, including ESA's Gaia mission. By analyzing 130 million spectra, the map provides insights into how cosmic dust affects the visibility and characteristics of distant astronomical objects. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding cosmic dust's role in observations of the universe.	Max Planck Institute for Astronomy	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Astronomers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy have constructed the first detailed 3D map of the properties of cosmic dust in our home galaxy. For their map, the astronomers used 130 million spectra from ESA's Gaia mission, results from the LAMOST spectral survey, and machine learning. Dust makes distant astronomical objects appear more reddish and dimmer than they really are, so the new map will be an important tool for astronomers to make sense of their observations. The study has also revealed unusual properties of cosmic dust that will lead to further research. -- When we observe distant celestial objects, there is a possible catch: Is that star I am observing really as reddish as it appears? Or does the star merely look reddish, since its light has had to travel through a cloud of cosmic dust to reach our telescope? For accurate observations, astronomers need to know the amount of dust between them and their distant targets. Not only does dust make objects appear reddish ("reddening"), it also makes them appear fainter than they really are ("extinction"). It's like we are looking out into space through a dirty window. Now, two astronomers have published a 3D map that documents the properties of dust all around us in unprecedented detail, helping us make sense of what we observe. -- Behind this is the fact that, fortunately, when looking at stars, there is a way of reconstructing the effect of dust. Cosmic dust particles do not absorb and scatter light evenly across all wavelengths. Instead, they absorb light more strongly at shorter wavelengths (towards the blue end of the spectrum), and less strongly at longer wavelengths (towards the red end). The wavelength-dependence can be plotted as an "extinction curve," and its shape provides information not only about the composition of the dust, but also about its local environment, such as the amount and properties of radiation in the various regions of interstellar space. -- Retrieving dust information from 130 million spectra -- This is the kind of information used by Xiangyu Zhang, a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA), and Gregory Green, an independent research group leader (Sofia Kovalevskaja Group) at MPIA and Zhang's PhD advisor, to construct the most detailed 3D map yet of the properties of dust in the Milky Way galaxy. Zhang and Green turned to data from ESA's Gaia mission, which was a 10.5-year-effort to obtain extremely accurate measurements of positions, motions and additional properties for more than a billion stars in our Milky Way and in our nearest galactic neighbours, the Magellanic Clouds. The third data release (DR3) of the Gaia mission, published in June 2022, provides 220 million spectra, and a quality check told Zhang and Green that about 130 million of those would be suitable for their search for dust. -- The Gaia spectra are low-resolution, that is, the way that they separate light into different wavelength regions is comparatively coarse. The two astronomers found a way around that limitation: For 1% of their chosen stars, there is high-resolution spectroscopy from the LAMOST survey operated by the National Astronomical Observatories of China. This provides reliable information about the basic properties of the stars in question, such as their surface temperatures, which determines what astronomers call a star's "spectral type." -- Reconstructing a 3D map -- Zhang and Green trained a neural network to generate model spectra based on a star's properties and the properties of the intervening dust. They compared the results to 130 million suitable spectra from Gaia, and used statistical ("Bayesian") techniques to deduce the properties of the dust between us and those 130 million stars. -- The results allowed the astronomers to reconstruct the first detailed, three-dimensional map of the extinction curve of dust in the Milky Way. This map was made possible by Zhang and Green's measurement of the extinction curve towards an unprecedented number of stars -- 130 million, compared to previous works, which contained approximately 1 million measurements. -- But dust is not just a nuisance for astronomers. It is important for star formation, which occurs in giant gas clouds shielded by their dust from the surrounding radiation. When stars form, they are surrounded by disks of gas and dust, which are the birthplaces of planets. The dust grains themselves are the building blocks for what will eventually become the solid bodies of planets like our Earth. In fact, within the interstellar medium of our galaxy, most of the elements heavier than hydrogen and helium are locked up in interstellar dust grains.	A01 T01	753
2506-E038	Brain Mechanism Linking Fullness To Sweet Cravings: The Dessert Stomach Explained	New research reveals that the same nerve cells responsible for signaling fullness after meals also trigger cravings for sweets. This phenomenon, known as the "dessert stomach," indicates that even when satiated, the urge for sugary treats persists due to specific brain signaling pathways. The findings provide insights into the complex relationship between satiety and cravings.	Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	To find the cause of the "dessert stomach," the researchers investigated the reaction of mice to sugar and found that completely satiated mice still ate desserts. Investigations of the brain showed that a group of nerve cells, the so-called POMC neurones, are responsible for this. These neurones become active as soon as the mice were given access to sugar which facilitated their appetite. -- When mice are full and eat sugar, these nerve cells not only release signaling molecues that stimulate satiety, but also one of the body's own opiate: ß-endorphin. -- This acts on other nerve cells with opiate receptors and triggers a feeling of reward, that causes the mice to eat sugar even beyond fullness. -- This opioid pathway in the brain was specifically activated when the mice ate additional sugar, but not when they ate normal or fatty food. -- When the researchers blocked this pathway, the mice refrained from eating additional sugar. -- This effect was only observed in full animals. In hungry mice, the inhibition of ß-endorphin release had no effect. -- Interestingly, this mechanism was already activated when the mice perceived the sugar before eating it. In addition, the opiate was also released in the brains of mice that had never eaten sugar before. -- As soon as the first sugar solution entered the mice's mouths, ß-endorphin was released in the "dessert stomach region," which was further strengthened by additional sugar consumption. -- What happens in humans? -- The scientists also carried out brain scans on volunteers who received a sugar solution through a tube.	H01 R02 N01	754
2503-E009	Leaf Beetles And Bacteria: Unraveling The Secrets Of Plant Digestion	Researchers from the Max Planck Institute have explored the evolutionary adaptations of leaf beetles, highlighting their symbiotic relationships with bacteria for efficient plant digestion. The study emphasizes the role of horizontal gene transfer in shaping leaf beetle diets and evolutionary success. By understanding these microbial partnerships, scientists can gain insights into insect evolution and agricultural impacts.	Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena, the Max Planck Institute of Biology in Tübingen, Germany, and a consortium of international scientists explored the evolutionary success of leaf beetles, the most diverse herbivores on Earth. They showed that symbioses with bacteria have evolved repeatedly and independently in different beetle lineages, and contribute significantly to the efficient digestion of plant food. These symbiotic relationships provide clues as to how genetic material was exchanged between bacteria and beetles. Key findings highlight the role of horizontal gene transfer, the incorporation of foreign bacterial genetic material into the beetle genome, which is thought to be the result of earlier symbioses. Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of microbial partnerships and genetic exchange in shaping the dietary adaptations of leaf beetles, which facilitated the evolutionary success of leaf beetles. -- With more than 50,000 described species, the leaf beetle family is distributed worldwide and represents about a quarter of the species diversity of all herbivores. -- Leaf beetles can be found to feed on almost all plant groups. -- They live in the rhizosphere, the canopy and even underwater. -- Many leaf beetles, such as the Colorado potato beetle, are notorious pests. -- Their species richness and global distribution highlight their evolutionary success, which is particularly astonishing given that leaves are a difficult food source to digest and provide unbalanced nutrients. -- Researchers from the Department of Insect Symbiosis at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena and the Mutualisms Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen, Germany, have now asked how leaf beetles have overcome these dietary challenges throughout evolution. -- Do different leaf beetle species use the same strategy, or have they found other ways to achieve their nutritional goal? -- Understanding the role of foreign genetic material -- Almost all leaf beetles have incorporated foreign genetic material into their genome, which is responsible for the production of enzymes necessary to digest plant cell wall components.	H01 C01 N02	755
2508-E027	Trees And Fungi: Uncovering The Hidden Allies In Plant Defense	A recent study reveals that an endophytic fungus from the Cladosporium genus enhances black poplar trees' defense mechanisms against herbivorous insects. By boosting the production of protective substances and generating its own alkaloids, the fungus alters insect community dynamics on these trees. Field observations indicate that this relationship may reduce ant visitation to aphids excreting the fungus's defense compounds, showcasing a complex interplay between fungi, plants, and insects.	Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology	Ecology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new study published in Ecology Letters, researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Kiel, Germany, report on the influence of an endophytic fungus of the genus Cladosporium on the defense of black poplars against herbivorous insects. The fungus, which lives inside the leaves, not only increases the production of defensive substances in the trees, but also produces an alkaloid itself that protects the trees from feeding damage. The research team has also shown in field studies that the presence of the fungus influences the composition of insect communities in young black poplars. For example, aphids living on the trees may excrete the fungus's defense substance in their honeydew and therefore be visited less by ants. -- Endophytes: A plant's friends or foes -- Endophytes are microorganisms that live inside plants. Some of these organisms, mostly bacteria or fungi, make the plants sick, while others have no harmful effect on the plants or are even beneficial. Previous studies of endophytic fungi living inside certain grasses have shown that these fungi provide the grasses with a defense against predators. However, little has been known about whether this is also true for trees. The current study investigated the influence of an endophytic fungus of the genus Cladosporium on the herbivore defense of the black poplar Populus nigra, as well as the effects on the insect communities that live on poplars. -- "We investigated the influence of the endophyte on the chemical defense of black poplars and the consequences for the food preference and fitness of herbivorous insects, as well as the composition of the insect community on young trees in the field. We already knew from previous studies that plant pathogenic rust fungi are beneficial to herbivorous insects. Now we were interested in an endophytic fungus whose role in poplar-insect interactions is still largely unexplored," says first author Christin Walther, explaining the starting point of the study. -- The researchers found that colonization with the fungal endophyte boosted the poplars' natural defenses and those induced by insect damage. In laboratory experiments, the larvae of the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar, a generalist on various trees, preferred uninfected leaves and performed better there. "We were able to show that Cladosporium helps the plant to defend itself against predators. To do this, the fungus alters the plant's chemical defense profile and also supports it with a self-produced defense substance," says Christin Walther. -- Using the state-of-the-art chemical analysis method known as metabolomics, which analyses the metabolic products in the leaves, the scientists were able to show that infection with the fungus changes the poplar metabolome, i.e. the substances produced in the poplar. Specific defense substances such as salicinoids (salicin, nigracin) and phenolic acids (caffeic acid) were produced at higher levels in the presence of the fungus. Together with tannins, salicinoids are the most important natural defense substances produced by poplars to protect themselves. Salicinoids are particularly effective against generalist insects that are not only specialized on poplar, but are also pests of other plants. As well as deterring pests, they also have a negative effect on the fitness of insects that feed on chemically defended leaves. -- Cladosporium defends poplars with its own defense substance -- The analysis revealed that the fungus itself produces an effective defense compound, the alkaloid stachydrine. Tests with stachydrine showed that the endophyte's active substance fended off both generalists, such as the brush moth Orgyia antiqua, and poplar specialists, such as the poplar leaf beetle Chrysomela tremulae. -- "It was particularly exciting for us to see that the fungus can produce an alkaloid that we can detect in the plant matrix and thus use as a marker for the presence of the fungus. We even found this substance in the leaves of old trees in the field," says study leader Sybille Unsicker, who headed the "Plant-Environment Interactions" group at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and has been a professor at Kiel University since 2023. -- Combination of chemical analyses, behavioral experiments and field studies	H01 N02	756
2503-E022	Soot Particle Research Offers New Routes To Renewable Fuel Production	Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry have made significant strides in understanding the chemical processes occurring during the oxidation of soot particles in vehicle exhaust. Their findings may lead to improved synthetic fuel production methods, as they explore how carbon particles can be effectively converted under specific conditions, offering insights into environmental impacts and industrial applications.	Max Planck Institute for Chemistry	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Carbon particles are present in many aspects of our daily lives. Soot, which consists of tiny carbon particles, is generated when energy sources such as oil or wood are not completely burned. Soot particle filters, in turn, remove the nanometer- to micrometer-sized particles from car exhaust fumes with the help of chemical surface reactions. Carbon particles could also be used in industry, because at temperatures above 1000 degrees Celsius, carbon can be converted with carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into precursors of synthetic fuels. In both applications, chemical reactions occurring on the carbon surface are essential, yet the conditions under which specific reaction pathways dominate are not fully understood. -- Carbon particles are degraded by nitrogen dioxide and oxygen -- Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry (MPIC) can now better explain what happens during the oxidation of carbon nanoparticles in the particulate filter. -- They examined what happens to the tiny soot particles under conditions that are typical for vehicle exhaust gases from diesel engines. -- At temperatures ranging from approximately 270 to 450°C, the carbon interacts with the reactive gases nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and oxygen (O2). The gases oxidize the carbon and thus break it down. -- The result: the higher the temperature, the faster the carbon mass vanishes. -- The researchers subsequently entered the experimental data into a kinetic multi-layer model known as KM-GAP-CARBON. -- The modeling unveils what happens chemically: at lower temperatures, carbon decomposition is dominated by nitrogen dioxide, whereas at higher temperatures it is dominated by oxygen. -- This change in dominant reaction pathways is marked by a gradual shift in the activation energy that is necessary for a chemical reaction to take place. -- Chemical model stems from atmospheric aerosol research	C01	757
2505-033	Maternal Age And Multiple Births: How They Influence Stillbirth Rates In Europe	Recent research from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research investigates the relationship between maternal age, multiple births, and stillbirth rates across Europe. While the overall trend shows improvement in stillbirth rates, Germany and Belgium have seen increases since 2010. The study indicates that these maternal factors only partially explain the variations in outcomes, suggesting that further research is needed to uncover the complex reasons behind these trends.	Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research	European Journal of Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotics are indispensable for treating bacterial infections. But why are they sometimes ineffective, even when the bacteria are not resistant? In their latest study published in the journal Nature, researchers from the University of Basel challenge the conventional view that a small subset of particularly resilient bacteria are responsible for the failure of antibiotic therapies. -- In certain infectious diseases caused by bacteria, antibiotics are less effective than expected. -- One example is infections caused by Salmonella bacteria, which can lead to illnesses such as typhoid fever. -- For many years, researchers believed that a small subset of dormant bacteria are the main problem in fighting infections. -- These so-called persisters can survive antibiotic treatment and cause relapses later. -- Researchers worldwide have been working on new therapies aimed at targeting and eliminating these "sleeping" bacteria. -- In a new study, Professor Dirk Bumann's team from the Biozentrum of the University of Basel challenges the prevailing concept that persisters are the cause of antibiotic ineffectiveness. -- "Contrary to widespread belief, antibiotic failure is not caused by a small subset of persisters. In fact, the majority of Salmonella in infected tissues are difficult to kill," explains Bumann. -- "We have been able to demonstrate that standard laboratory tests of antimicrobial clearance produce misleading results, giving a false impression of a small group of particularly resilient persisters." -- Nutrient starvation increases Salmonella resilience	Z01	758
2513-T007	Self-Learning Artificial Neurons Mimic Biological Counterparts In New Neural Network	A team from the Göttingen Campus Institute has created self-learning artificial neurons, modeled more closely on biological neurons. These infomorphic neurons form autonomous neural networks that adaptively learn from their environment, offering promising advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning by mimicking the learning processes of the human brain, as reported in their study published in PNAS.	Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Novel artificial neurons learn independently and are more strongly modeled on their biological counterparts. A team of researchers from the Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks (CIDBN) at the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS) has programmed these infomorphic neurons and constructed artificial neural networks from them. The special feature is that the individual artificial neurons learn in a self-organized way and draw the necessary information from their immediate environment in the network. The results were published in PNAS. -- Both, human brain and modern artificial neural networks are extremely powerful. -- At the lowest level, the neurons work together as rather simple computing units. -- An artificial neural network typically consists of several layers composed of individual neurons. -- An input signal passes through these layers and is processed by artificial neurons in order to extract relevant information. -- However, conventional artificial neurons differ significantly from their biological models in the way they learn. -- While most artificial neural networks depend on overarching coordination outside the network in order to learn, biological neurons only receive and process signals from other neurons in their immediate vicinity in the network. -- Biological neural networks are still far superior to artificial ones in terms of both, flexibility and energy efficiency. -- The new artificial neurons, known as infomorphic neurons, are capable of learning independently and self-organized among their neighboring neurons. -- This means that the smallest unit in the network has to be controlled no longer from the outside, but decides itself which input is relevant and which is not.	R02 T01	759
2502-E032	New Method Accurately Identifies Genetic Relationships In Rhesus Macaque Populations	Researchers from several institutions have developed a novel approach to determine genetic relatedness among animal populations using DNA inherited from common ancestors. Applied to free-ranging rhesus macaques, this method accurately identifies relationships even from low-quality sequencing data, enhancing our understanding of population structures in the wild and informing conservation efforts for various species.	Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Understanding biological relationships is often critical when studying animal populations. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig University, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and the Freie Universität Berlin have now developed a transformative approach that identifies stretches of DNA that two individuals inherited from a common ancestor. The team successfully applied their new tool to a free-ranging population of rhesus macaques. The results show that even for low-quality sequencing data, this method can accurately determine relatedness among pairs of individuals, even without prior knowledge of pedigrees within the population. This breakthrough helps to reveal previously unknown pairs of relatives and provides rich insights into population structure in the wild. -- Quantifying which individuals share genetic material from common ancestors plays a central role in several scientific disciplines, particularly animal behaviour, conservation biology, and genetic evolution. -- While scientists initially relied on family trees (or pedigrees) to delineate these pairwise relationships, their inherent limitations prompted the search for more accurate techniques. -- Recent technological advances have greatly accelerated this journey. -- Genetic testing and analysis of genetic markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which represent individual variations in DNA sequence data, can help researchers directly infer biological relatedness. -- A powerful new genetic tool identifies pairs of relatives -- An international team of researchers has now developed a bioinformatics pipeline that breaks new ground in estimating genetic relatedness in animal populations. -- The software analyzes whole-genome sequencing data and works accurately even with very low-quality data. -- "Our computational tool has opened the door to a more refined understanding of genetic relationships in ecology and evolution. It accurately identifies identical DNA fragments in pairs of individuals that were inherited from a common ancestor. These so-called idendity-by-descent or IBD segments are an exceptionally powerful signal for detecting and quantifying biological relatedness that was previously only accessible in high-quality human data. Now we can do it in animal genomes, too," says one of the senior authors, Harald Ringbauer of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. -- Variation in actual relatedness in a macaque population	N01 N02	760
2502-E067	Ancient Genomes Show Integration Of Diverse Groups In Early Medieval Avar Society	Avar Society Genetic Study: An extensive archeogenetic study of over 700 individuals from two burial sites in Austria revealed surprising genetic diversity within early medieval Avar society. While one site primarily featured East Asian ancestry, the other showed European roots, demonstrating that cultural integration occurred despite significant genetic differences.	Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, together with an international team, carried out an archeogenetic study of human remains from more than 700 individuals from the Early Middle Ages. Two large burial sites, Mödling and Leobersdorf, have been genetically analyzed in their entirety. The surprising result was that the individuals from Leobersdorf were mostly of East Asian origin, while those buried in Mödling mostly had European ancestry. Both communities lived next to each other for at least six generations. -- Research combining expertise of various disciplines found that genes and culture do not have to match. The latest findings from the European Research Council project HistoGenes emerged from a genetic study of burial grounds from the Avar period in the 8th century CE. The Avars had arrived in the 6th century from the East Asian Steppes and settled in East Central Europe among a mixed population. -- Despite their rich archaeological heritage, many questions remained. Were the people buried in these sites descendants of the Avar conquerors or of the previous population that was integrated into the Avar society? Or had these two groups long since mixed, as many expected? The analysis of two large sites south of Vienna, of 500 graves in Mödling and almost 150 in Leobersdorf, brought unexpected results. -- When the researchers looked at the ancient DNA extracted from the human remains from these neighbouring sites, they were very surprised. While the population of Leobersdorf was mostly of East Asian origin, those buried in Mödling had ancestry associated with European populations. "The genetic difference between these groups was very clear and consistent for most individuals at the sites," says Ke Wang, a geneticist and one of the lead authors of the study. -- Before genetic analysis, no large difference between the sites had been observed. The archaeological remains of the two communities and their way of life were very similar. "The cultural integration apparently worked despite major genetic differences, and these people were obviously regarded as Avars," says Walter Pohl from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, a historian and one of the senior authors of the study. -- Peaceful coexistence -- The historical records agree with the evidence from anthropology and archaeology that this was one of the most peaceful times in the history of the Vienna Basin, in spite of the reputation of the Avars as warriors. "We find no battle injuries on the skeletons and there are hardly any signs of deficiencies," explains Doris Pany-Kucera, anthropologist at the Natural History Museum Vienna and one of the lead authors of the study. Also, weapons were only occasionally placed in the graves. -- Thanks to the sampling strategy and highly sensitive genetic analysis, it was possible to discover a high number of relatives among the deceased. "The large number of genetic relationships between the individuals allowed us to reconstruct contemporary six-generation-long pedigrees at each site," says Zuzana Hofmanová from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany and Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, a geneticist and one of the senior lead authors of the study. -- Only exceptionally, the individuals had no biological connection to anybody else at their burial ground. Yet, the researchers found no consanguineous relationships even between distant relatives. Interestingly, they were able to determine that almost none of the mothers had local ancestors: they must therefore have come from other regions and other communities. However, there were hardly any genetic connections between Mödling and Leobersdorf. -- Both communities followed a similar social practice in choosing partners from certain other communities, through which their different ancestry was preserved: the women that became mothers in Leobersdorf apparently came from communities that also descended from East Asia (possibly from the centre of the Avar realm), while in Mödling they were of European descent. Yet they did not differ in status or wealth. "Status symbols such as belt fittings depicting griffins, and their culture and customs were the same. Most likely both considered themselves Avars," says Bendeguz Tobias, an archeologist and one of the lead authors of the study.	C01	761
2508-001	Discovering Genetic Links Between The Mongolian Steppe And Central Europe Under Hun Rule	A recent international study reveals significant genetic connections between the populations in the Mongolian steppe and Central Europe during the Hun Empire, shedding light on the ancestry of individuals from that era. By analyzing DNA from various archaeological sites, researchers found that only a small percentage carried East-Asian lineage, suggesting a diverse ancestry among the newcomers, and contributing to ongoing discussions about population dynamics during Late Antiquity.	Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	TA multidisciplinary and international research project has brought fresh insights into the origins and diversity of the populations that lived under and after the Hun empire between the late 4th and 6th century CE in Central Europe. Combining forefront archaeogenomic analyses with archaeological and historical investigation, the study connects some of the European Hun-period individuals directly to some high-status elite of the earlier Xiongnu Empire -- a powerful nomadic empire centered in the Mongolian steppe centuries before the Huns emerged north and west of the Black Sea. It also shows that only few Hun-period individuals carried East-Asian ancestry, and that the newcomers of the Hun period were of rather mixed origin. Thus, it sheds light on the much-discussed population dynamics that shaped Eurasian history during Late Antiquity. -- he Huns suddenly appeared in Europe in the 370s, establishing one of the most influential although short-lived empires in Europe. Scholars have long debated whether the Huns were descended from the Xiongnu. In fact, the Xiongnu Empire dissolved around 100 CE, leaving a 300-year gap before the Huns appeared in Europe. Can DNA lineages that bridge these three centuries be found? -- To address this question, researchers analyzed the DNA of 370 individuals that lived in historical periods spanning around 800 years, from 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, encompassing sites in the Mongolian steppe, Central Asia, and the Carpathian Basin of Central Europe. In particular, they examined 35 newly sequenced genomes ranging from: a 3rd-4th century site in Kazakhstan and 5th-6th century contexts in the Carpathian Basin, including exceptional Hun-period burials that exhibit Eastern or "steppe" traits often linked to nomadic traditions (i.e. "eastern-type" burials). -- The study was carried out as part of the ERC Synergy Grant project HistoGenes (No. 856453), by a multidisciplinary research team of geneticists, archaeologists and historians, including researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany. The results showed that there was not a large Asian- or steppe-descended community living in the Carpathian Basin after the Huns' arrival. However, they identified a small but distinct set of individuals -- often belonging to the "eastern-type" burials -- who did carry significant East Asian genetic signatures. Advanced comparisons of genealogical connections (the analysis of shared DNA segments known as identical-by-descent, or IBD) led to a remarkable discovery. Co-first author Guido Alberto Gnecchi-Ruscone of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology adds: "It came as a surprise to discover that few of these Hun-period individuals in Europe share IBD links with some of the highest-ranking imperial elite individuals from the late Xiongnu Empire." These connections also include an individual from the largest terrace tomb ever discovered in a Xiongnu context. -- Connections across the steppe and mixed legacy -- This link suggests that some among the Huns in Europe could trace their lineage back to important late Xiongnu burials from the Mongolian steppe. Yet the archaeogenomic picture for most Hun and post-Hun period individuals in the Carpathian Basin is far more varied. Co-first author Zsófia Rácz of the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest adds: "DNA and archaeological evidence reveal a patchwork of ancestries, pointing to a complex process of mobility and interaction rather than a mass migration." While these connections confirm the presence of some direct descendants of Xiongnu elites, the study also shows that the population of the Hun empire in Europe was genetically highly heterogeneous. Another key conclusion of the study is that the 5th century "eastern-type" burials from Central Europe are highly diverse in both their cultural and genetic heritage. -- The findings also underscore that the Huns' arrival in Europe contrasts with that of the Avars two centuries later. Co-corresponding author Walter Pohl of the Austrian Academy of Sciences adds: "The Avars came directly to Europe after their East-Asian empire had been destroyed by the Turks, and many of their descendants still carried considerable East Asian ancestry until the end of their rule in c. 800. The ancestors of Attila's Huns took many generations on their way westward and mixed with populations across Eurasia." -- Implications for European history -- This research illuminates how past societies in the Carpathian Basin adapted and changed in response to new arrivals. Co-corresponding author Zuzana Hofmanová of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology adds: "Although the Huns dramatically reshaped the political landscape, their actual genetic footprint -- outside of certain elite burials -- remains limited." Instead, the population as a whole appears to be predominantly of European origin and have continued local traditions, with some newly arrived steppe influences woven in. -- Co-corresponding author Johannes Krause, director of the Department of Archaeogenetics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthroplogy, adds: "From a broader perspective, the study underscores how cutting-edge genetic research, in combination with careful exploration of the archaeological and historical context, can resolve centuries-old debates about the composition and origin of past populations." While many questions remain, this work offers compelling evidence for direct connections between the Hun period population, the steppe and the Xiongnu Empire, deepening our understanding of the dynamic networks that linked East and West Eurasia in the past.	Z01	762
2513-E018	Ancient Genomes From Green Sahara Reveal Long-Isolated Human Lineage	An international team has sequenced ancient genomes from the Sahara region, revealing a previously isolated North African human lineage. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the African humid period, providing insights into human adaptation and the genetic continuity that has persisted in North Africa, emphasizing the significance of ancient populations in shaping current genetic diversity.	Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The study provides critical new insights into the African Humid Period, a time between 14,500 and 5,000 years ago when the Sahara desert was a green savanna, rich in water bodies that facilitated human habitation and the spread of pastoralism. Later aridification turned this region into the world's largest desert. Due to the extreme aridity of the region today, DNA preservation is poor, making this pioneering ancient DNA study all the more significant. -- Genomic analyses reveal that the ancestry of the Takarkori rock shelter individuals primarily derives from a North African lineage that diverged from sub-Saharan African populations at about the same time as the modern human lineages that spread outside of Africa around 50,000 years ago. -- The newly described lineage remained isolated, revealing deep genetic continuity in North Africa during the late Ice Age. -- While this lineage no longer exists in unadmixed form, this ancestry is still a central genetic component of present-day North African people, highlighting their unique heritage. -- North Africa remained genetically isolated -- Furthermore, these individuals share close genetic ties with 15,000-year-old foragers that lived during the Ice Age in Taforalt Cave, Morocco, associated with the Iberomaurusian lithic industry that predates the African Humid Period. -- Notably, both groups are equally distant from sub-Saharan African lineages, indicating that despite the Sahara's greening, gene flow between sub-Saharan and North African populations remained limited during the African Humid Period, contrary to previous suggestions. -- The study also sheds light on Neandertal ancestry, showing that the Takarkori individuals have ten-fold less Neandertal DNA than people outside Africa, but more than contemporary sub-Saharan Africans. -- "Our findings suggest that while early North African populations were largely isolated, they received traces of Neandertal DNA due to gene flow from outside Africa," said senior author Johannes Krause, director at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. -- The spread of pastoralism in the Green Sahara	Z01	763
2513-E045	Biodiversity Decline Threatens Understanding Of Animal Behavior And Conservation Efforts	Research indicates that understanding animal behavior, particularly tool use, is crucial for deciphering human behavior and cultural evolution. The decline of biodiversity due to human activities threatens our ability to study these behaviors, necessitating urgent conservation measures to protect animal populations. Such efforts not only benefit species survival but also preserve valuable insights into the evolution of behavior and learning across different species.	Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Drastic declines in biodiversity due to human activities present risks to understanding animal behaviors such as tool use, according to researchers from the University of Victoria and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Shrinking animal populations make the study of these behaviors increasingly difficult, underscoring the urgency of targeted conservation efforts and inclusive conservation strategies. Action is needed not only for research, but also to respect our shared cultural heritage with animal species. -- Our environment is changing rapidly, largely as a result of human activities, leading to a significant decline in biodiversity. -- According to researchers from the University of Victoria and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, this decline does not only affect animal life, but also our understanding of their behavior, including tool use. -- "Cultural behaviors range from the songs of whales to the tool use of primates," says Ammie Kalan of the University of Victoria. -- "These adaptations to environmental change not only benefit the animals, but also provide important insights into the origins of behavior and learning across species. However, shrinking global animal populations pose a challenge to what we can still hope to learn." -- Adaptability to challenges depends on the diversity of cultural behaviors, or the range of behaviors that animals can exhibit. -- Tool use, an important aspect of such behavioral adaptations, leaves physical evidence that facilitates scientific study. -- These material cultures, when paired with observed behavior, provide a unique opportunity to better interpret the archaeological record of extinct human species, where only stone tools remain as evidence of past behavior. -- Preserving animals' cultural behaviors -- "Non-human primates share a common evolutionary history with humans, and their study can provide important insights into our origins," says Lydia Luncz of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.	N01	764
2501-091	Framework Developed For Understanding Life's Transformative Decisions And Their Impact.	A new conceptual paper provides a framework for understanding transformative life decisions that significantly alter personal trajectories. The research highlights choices such as emigration, career changes, or reporting trauma, which profoundly influence identity and life paths. This framework aims to facilitate deeper insights into the factors driving these critical decisions and their lasting impacts on individuals.	Max Planck Institute for Human Development	American Psychologist	Press Rel	PubMed	Some decisions in life are so significant that they have a massive impact on the course of a person's future. Whether it's the decision to emigrate, quit a job, end a long-term relationship, or report a sexual assault, these choices are transformative. They shape personal identities and life trajectories in unpredictable and often irreversible ways. A new conceptual paper by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers a framework for understanding and studying these life-changing decisions. -- Imagine leaving a stable career to pursue a new one, moving across the world to start afresh, or making the heartbreaking decision to end a marriage. -- These are not everyday choices; they are transformative life decisions that define who we are and who we might become. -- For some, transformative choices may mean revealing a long-held secret, undergoing life-changing medical treatment, or fleeing a war-torn homeland. -- Each of these decisions has the potential to change the trajectory of a person's life and to result in experiences and feelings that are hard or impossible to predict. -- These kinds of decisions are the focus of a new conceptual paper published in American Psychologist by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development. -- The paper presents a novel framework for understanding and studying transformative life decisions. -- "Understanding life's biggest decisions requires going beyond the oversimplified models often used in the behavioral sciences," says first author Shahar Hechtlinger. -- She is part of a group at the Center for Adaptive Rationality at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development that studies simple heuristics people can use to make good decisions. -- "In research on judgment and decision-making, we often rely on highly simplified, stylized tasks. However, these controlled scenarios are in stark contrast to the consequential decisions that people face in real life across cultures and contexts," Hechtlinger says.	R01	765
2501-T029	Portable Devices Deliver Unmatched Haptic Feedback: Beyond Ordinary Vibrations	Researchers at MPI-IS have developed innovative cutaneous electrohydraulic (CUTE) wearable devices that offer a rich array of tactile sensations, surpassing traditional haptic feedback. These devices enhance user interaction, providing new ways to communicate through touch, revolutionizing experiences in consumer technologies.	Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Human skin can feel a wide variety of sensations, such as a gentle squeeze, quick taps, or the thud-thud of a heartbeat. In contrast, phones, game controllers, and watches often output only vibrations to get the user's attention. Unfortunately, this sudden fast shaking feels different from most everyday touch interactions, and it can quickly become annoying. Researchers at MPI-IS in Stuttgart have developed cutaneous electrohydraulic (CUTE) wearable devices to greatly expand the haptic sensations that can be created by future consumer products. -- CUTE wearable devices are electrically driven and can produce a remarkable range of tactile sensations, including pressing on the skin, slow and calming touch, and vibrations at a wide variety of frequencies, from low to high. -- This new approach to wearable haptic feedback thus offers unprecedented control over the tactile sensations that can be presented to users. -- These CUTE wearable devices have been pioneered by an interdisciplinary team of MPI-IS researchers from the Haptic Intelligence Department, led by Katherine J. Kuchenbecker, and the Robotic Materials Department, led by Christoph Keplinger. -- The team designed novel hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) artificial muscles to create wearable devices with a unique ability to communicate with the user's sense of touch. -- When a voltage is applied, the soft actuator located at the center of the device expands proportionally to the voltage. -- This expansion allows the device to make and break contact with the skin, like a person reaching out to touch the user's wrist. -- Changing the voltage over time allows the haptic feedback to be freely customized to deliver multiple types of touch sensations according to the desired haptic experience. -- CUTE devices are compact, silent, safe, and energy efficient, and they stay cool throughout operation. -- These impressive capabilities are further demonstrated by the team in a video.	R01 T01	766
2509-T040	Machine Learning Revolutionizes Astronomy By Analyzing Neutron Star Mergers In Real-Time	A novel machine learning method has been developed to analyze gravitational waves from binary neutron star mergers in real-time. This advancement significantly speeds up data interpretation, allowing researchers to quickly identify and study electromagnetic signals, which is crucial for maximizing the potential of future observatories.	Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Binary neutron star mergers occur millions of light-years away from Earth. Interpreting the gravitational waves they produce presents a major challenge for traditional data-analysis methods. These signals correspond to minutes of data from current detectors and potentially hours to days of data from future observatories. Analyzing such massive data sets is computationally expensive and time-consuming. -- An international team of scientists has developed a machine learning algorithm, called DINGO-BNS (Deep INference for Gravitational-wave Observations from Binary Neutron Stars) that saves valuable time in interpreting gravitational waves emitted by binary neutron star mergers. -- They trained a neural network to fully characterize systems of merging neutron stars in about a second, compared to about an hour for the fastest traditional methods. -- Their results will be published in Nature on March 5, 2025, under the title "Real-time inference for binary neutron star mergers using machine learning. -- Why is real-time computation important? -- Neutron star mergers emit visible light (in the subsequent kilonova explosion) and other electromagnetic radiation in addition to gravitational waves, as shown in this video. -- "Rapid and accurate analysis of the gravitational-wave data is crucial to localize the source and point telescopes in the right direction as quickly as possible to observe all the accompanying signals," says the first author of the publication, Maximilian Dax, who is a Ph.D. student in the Empirical Inference Department at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS), at ETH Zurich and at the ELLIS Institute Tübingen. -- The real-time method could set a new standard for data analysis of neutron star mergers, giving the broader astronomy community more time to point their telescopes toward the merging neutron stars as soon as the large detectors of the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) collaboration identify them. -- "Current rapid analysis algorithms used by the LVK make approximations that sacrifice accuracy. Our new study addresses these shortcomings," says Jonathan Gair, a group leader in the Astrophysical and Cosmological Relativity Department at the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics in the Potsdam Science Park. -- Indeed, the machine learning framework fully characterizes the neutron star merger (e.g., its masses, spins, and location) in just one second without making such approximations.	C01	767
2510-T002	Biorobotic Arm Designed To Help Patients With Tremors	Engineers have developed a biorobotic arm that mimics the tremors experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease, employing artificial muscles to suppress involuntary movements. This innovation aims to improve the daily lives of tremor patients, paving the way for future soft robotic devices designed to assist in everyday tasks.	Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems	Device	Press Rel	PubMed	It is estimated that around 80 million people worldwide live with a tremor. For example, those who live with Parkinson's disease. The involuntary periodic movements sometimes strongly affect how patients are able to perform daily activities, such as drinking from a glass or writing. Wearable soft robotic devices offer a potential solution to suppress such tremors. However, existing prototypes are not yet sophisticated enough to provide a real remedy. -- Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS), the University of Tübingen, and the University of Stuttgart under the Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS) collaboration want to change this. -- The team equipped a biorobotic arm with two strands of artificial muscles strapped along the forearm. -- As can be seen in this video, the biorobotic arm -- here dubbed the mechanical patient -- simulates a tremor. -- Several real tremors were recorded and projected onto the biorobotic arm which then mirrors how each patient shakes the wrist and hand. -- However, once the tremor suppression is activated, the lightweight artificial muscles, which are made of electro-hydraulic actuators, contract and relax in such a way as to compensate for the back-and-forth movement. -- Now, the tremor can hardly be felt or seen. -- With this arm, the team wants to achieve two goals: First, the team sees their biorobotic arm as a platform for other scientists in the field to test new ideas in assistive exoskeleton technology. -- Together with their biomechanical computer simulations, developers can quickly validate how well their soft artificial muscles perform, thereby avoiding time-consuming and costly clinical testing on real patients -- which in some countries is not even legally possible. -- Furthermore, the arm serves as a test bed for the artificial muscles the Robotic Materials Department at MPI-IS is well known for in the scientific community.	R02 T01	768
2511-E024	Magnetic Microalgae: Tiny Robots Navigating Through Challenges	Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have created a magnetically coated green microalgae that can navigate through narrow and viscous environments, akin to those in the human body. This groundbreaking development illustrates the algae's ability to swim effectively despite the added weight, potentially leading to innovative applications in biomedical engineering and micro-robotics.	Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems	Matter	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS) in Stuttgart developed a biohybrid micro swimmer covered with magnetic material, whose swimming ability is largely unaffected by the coating. The team from the Physical Intelligence Department at MPI-IS published their work in the journal Matter, which covers a wide range of materials science research. -- In nature, the ten-micron small, single-cell microalgae are fantastic swimmers, propelled by their two whip-like flagella at the front. -- However, it wasn't clear what would happen if scientists covered the algae with a thin coating of the natural polymer chitosan (for good adhesion) mixed with magnetic nanoparticles. -- Would the tiny swimmer still be able to find its way through tight spaces and -- if that wasn't challenging enough -- pull through a viscous liquid with a density similar to mucus? -- The scientists found that their green algae-based micro swimmers were barely affected by the extra load. -- With their flagella, which perform a breast-stroke movement, the algae catapulted themselves forward like a speeding bullet. -- Despite the coating, they maintained their swimming speed after magnetization, demonstrating an average swimming speed of 115 micrometers per second (about 12 body lengths per second). By comparison: an Olympic swimmer like Michael Phelps can reach a speed of 1.4 body lengths per second. -- Note that the algae is just a cell without legs and feet. -- Birgül Akolpoglu and Saadet Fatma Baltaci, who co-led the study, are scientists from the Physical Intelligence Department at MPI-IS. A few years ago, they investigated how bacteria-based micro swimmers could be magnetically controlled in fluidic spaces for drug delivery applications. -- Now they have turned their attention to microalgae. Their aim was to functionalize the surface of the unicellular organisms with a magnetic material so that they could be steered in any desired direction -- turning the microalgae into a microrobot.	N01 N02	769
2503-041	Language Influences Sentence Processing Strategies In The Brain	A neuroimaging study by researchers from the Max Planck Institute and Radboud University reveals that speakers of different languages employ distinct strategies when processing sentence structure. Unlike English speakers, who use a 'wait-and-see' method, Dutch speakers predict subsequent words, highlighting the cognitive differences in language processing across linguistic backgrounds and offering insights into grammatical understanding in real time.	Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Do speakers of different languages build sentence structure in the same way? In a neuroimaging study published in PLOS Biology, scientists from the Max Planck institute for Psycholinguistics, Donders Institute and Radboud University in Nijmegen recorded the brain activity of participants listening to Dutch stories. In contrast to English, sentence processing in Dutch was based on a strategy for predicting what comes next rather than a 'wait-and-see' approach, showing that strategies may differ across languages. -- While listening to spoken language, people need to link 'abstract' knowledge of grammar to the words they actually hear. -- Theories on how people build grammatical structure in real time are often based on English. -- In sentences such as 'I have watched a documentary', the noun 'documentary' immediately follows the verb. -- However, in Dutch sentences, the word order may be reversed: 'Ik heb een documentaire gezien' ('I have a documentary watched'). -- "To find out whether speakers of different languages build grammatical structure in the same way, it is important to look at languages that differ from English in such interesting respects," says first author Cas Coopmans. -- "Findings based on English may not generalise to languages that have different grammatical properties, such as Dutch." -- Audiobook stories -- To investigate how people build sentence structure in Dutch, the researchers measured the brain activity of 24 participants who listened to Dutch audiobook stories in a magnetoencephalograophy (MEG) scanner. -- For every word in the audiobook, the researchers determined how much grammatical information could be built.	A01 R02 T01	770
2513-050	Genetic Factors Influence Our Enjoyment Of Music And Musical Ability	Recent research published in Nature Communications has revealed that the enjoyment of music has biological roots. A genetic twin study conducted by an international team, including scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, found that certain genetic factors influence music enjoyment, separate from those affecting general pleasure or musical talent. This inquiry into music's allure could shed light on broader human emotional responses.	Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Music is central to human emotion and culture. Does our ability to enjoy music have a biological basis? A genetic twin study, published in Nature Communications, shows that music enjoyment is partly heritable. An international team led by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, uncovered genetic factors that influence the degree of music enjoyment, which were partly distinct from genes influencing general enjoyment of rewarding experiences or musical ability. -- Music plays an important role in human emotion, social bonding, and cultural expression. -- As Darwin already noted, music "must be ranked amongst the most mysterious with which he is endowed." But why do people enjoy music? -- "The answer to this big question has the potential to open a window into more general aspects of the human mind, such as how experiences become pleasurable," says first author and PhD candidate Giacomo Bignardi. -- "We wanted to understand whether genetic differences between individuals can result in differences in the pleasure that people derive from music and what these differences can tell us about human musicality in general." -- To determine whether genetic factors contribute to music enjoyment or 'music reward sensitivity', the researchers used the twin design, which compares similarities between identical twins and fraternal twins. -- Put simply, if identical twins are more similar than fraternal twins, genetics should play a role. -- In collaboration with the MPI for Empirical Aesthetics in Germany and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, the team was able to use data from more than 9,000 twins, including self-reported music reward and general reward sensitivity, as well as their ability to perceive musical features such as pitch, melody and rhythm. -- The results show that the ability to experience pleasure from music is partly heritable: using the twin design, the researchers were able to estimate that 54% of the variability in the Swedish sample is associated with DNA differences between individuals. -- The team also found genetic influences on music reward sensitivity to be partly independent of general reward sensitivity and music perceptual abilities, and discovered that distinct genetic pathways influenced different facets of music enjoyment, such as emotion regulation, dancing along with a beat or playing music with others.	C01	771
2504-T026	Ceres: Organic Material On Dwarf Planet Likely Delivered By Space Impact	A study led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research has revealed that the organic materials found on the surface of dwarf planet Ceres likely originate from external sources, such as impacting asteroids. Utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft, researchers concluded that the unique cryovolcanic processes of Ceres do not account for these organic deposits. This research sheds light on the potential for habitable conditions in the early Solar System, as organic molecules are essential for life.	Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research	AGU Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The organic material found in a few areas on the surface of dwarf planet Ceres is probably of exogenic origin. Impacting asteroids from the outer asteroid belt may have brought it with them. In the journal AGU Advances, a group of researchers led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Germany presents the most comprehensive analysis to date of this mysterious material and its geological context. To this end, the team for the first time used artificial intelligence to analyse observational data from NASA's Dawn spacecraft. According to the study, the dwarf planet's unique cryovolcanism, in which salty brine rises from the body's interior to the surface, is not responsible for the organic deposits discovered so far. These new findings help to understand where and how habitable conditions could have arisen in the Solar System. -- Organic molecules are among the necessary inventory of life-friendly worlds. -- On Earth, the compounds of carbon, hydrogen and -- in smaller quantities -- other elements form the basic building blocks of all life. -- In recent years, researchers have found such molecules at great distances from the Sun: on trans-Neptunian objects, comets, and far-away asteroids. -- These bodies are thought to be largely unaltered remnants from the early days of the Solar System. -- The building blocks of life may therefore have been part of their "basic configuration" from the very beginning and possibly reached the inner Solar System only later. -- For the current study, the researchers looked for previously unknown deposits of organic material on dwarf planet Ceres. -- With its location in the middle of the asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, the body is neither clearly native to the inner nor the outer Solar System. -- According to earlier studies, this location could even be its birthplace. -- Scientists are therefore interested in the origin of Ceres's organic components.	R01 C01 T01	772
2501-E041	Understanding How Physical Signals Affect Cell Survival And Death In Tissues.	Researchers have revealed how physical signals influence the fate of extruding cells in epithelial tissues. This study highlights the importance of mechanical intercellular forces in determining whether extruded cells survive or die, contributing to our understanding of tissue homeostasis and potential implications for cancer progression.	Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Epithelial tissues are in constant interaction with their environment. Maintaining their functionality requires dynamic balance (homeostasis) and that their cell numbers are tightly regulated. This is achieved by cell extrusion programs, a checkpoint mechanism eliminating unwanted or harmful cells. Researchers at the Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin (MPZPM), Institut Jacques Monod (CNRS, UP Cité, France) and Niels Bohr Institute (Denmark) have now demonstrated how physical signals can have an impact on the fate of extruding cells governing their death or survival. The results recently published in "Nature Physics" may establish novel paths for understanding tissue properties in both normal and pathological conditions. -- Epithelia are dynamic and must constantly deal with cell renewal. Therefore, the removal of cells from a tissue, called apoptotic extrusion, occurs regularly. Its balance is key for epithelia homeostasis. In addition to this role in tissue homeostasis, cell extrusion is a major cause of tissue shape changes and tumor progression. Thereby, extrusion mechanisms determine cell fates as squeezing out cells either dead or live can lead to fundamentally different biological consequences. This is both particularly important for developmental processes during tissue or organ formation, and plays a significant role in the development of diseases such as cancer. Despite the importance of cell extrusion in development and aging, as well as its pathological importance in cancer progression, the cues which determine the fate of an extruded cell were previously poorly understood. -- Mechanical intercellular forces determine the fate of extruding cells -- Cells within epithelial monolayers exert forces on their neighbors, which can trigger cell detachment and subsequent elimination. While the extrusion of dead cells is essential to removing unfit or unwanted cells, the extrusion of live cells both plays a key role in developmental processes and is often linked to pathological responses. The team of Prof. Benoît Ladoux, principal investigator of "Tissue Mechanobiology" at MPZPM, in collaboration with Prof. Amin Doostmohammadi at Niels Bohr Institute and Dr. René-Marc Mège from Institut Jacques Monod, hypothesizes that the physical forces within epithelial cells influence how they are extruded and determine their ultimate fate. -- The scientists were able to demonstrate that the intensity and duration of the force applied determines whether dead or living cells are extruded. These physical signals are determined by the strength of intercellular contacts, the E-cadherin junctions. Moreover, they showed that cells are extruded either apically or basally into the tissue, again depending on mechanical intercellular forces. The researchers also reported that, similarly to cell invasion, cells eliminated while alive could be associated significantly more often with extrusion toward the basal part. -- Ladoux's, Mege's and Doostmohammadi's teams combined the physical modelling of three-dimensional cell assemblies with experiments involving cells expressing varying levels of specific proteins. These proteins connect cells and serve as mechano-sensors (E-cadherin-based) regulating cell-cell interactions. Their joint efforts in collaboration with Dr Philippe Chavrier's team (Curie Institute) were thereby able to show that altered transmission of force via cell-cell junctions (adhesion junctions) alters apoptotic cell death during extrusion. The scientists also demonstrated that the altered force transmission promotes a shift in the extrusion mode from the apical to the basal side, influencing the fate of the extruded cells. -- "Our work demonstrates that different modes of cell extrusion processes are attributed to alterations in the generation, exertion, and transmission of mechanical forces within the tissue leading to genetic and protein level changes," says Ladoux. "Thus, intercellular force transmission regulated by cell-cell communication is crucial in cell extrusion mechanisms with potential implications during morphogenesis and invasion of cancer cells." -- "Our work also shows the importance of force transmission to be regulated by the ability of epithelial tissues to interact with each other through adherens junctions with potential in understanding the role of adherens junctions in different types of cancer tissues," add Dr Lakshmi Balasubramaniam and Dr Siavash Monfared, co-first authors of the paper.	A01 R01	773
2511-E026	Mechanical Cell Competition: The Secret To Tissue Health	Recent research has revealed a new layer of complexity in cellular competition, a crucial process for tissue health, by identifying the mechanical forces cells exert on one another as a determining factor in their success. This finding challenges previous notions about cell competition and offers insights into how cellular interactions maintain the integrity of tissues and organs.	Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Trial of strength at the cellular level: cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have investigated the success factors of superior cells and discovered a previously unknown winning strategy in mechanical cell competition. They identified a variety in the ability of cells to exert mechanical forces onto other cells as the decisive regulator. With their results recently published in Nature Materials, the research team from Germany, France and Denmark challenges the classical interpretation of cell competition. -- Winner and loser cells -- competition as a survival principle -- The formation of all organisms relies on the meticulous arrangement of diverse cell types, each with distinct roles and identities. -- Even minor deviations from the evolutionary blueprint can cause developmental abnormalities, accelerate aging, and contribute to disease. -- To preserve tissue and organ integrity, cell populations employ quality-control mechanisms. -- One such mechanism is a set of surveillance processes known as "cell competition." Cells are able to adapt their properties in relation to their neighbors and compare their so-called fitness level to their neighboring cells. -- The stronger "winner" cells survive, while the weaker "loser" cells are removed from the cell structure and die. -- This mechanism helps to maintain a healthy and efficient cell community. -- Cell competition is therefore a crucial factor to maintain tissue health and is necessary for fighting pathogens. -- If such control mechanisms fail, tumors can develop.	C01 N01	774
2504-T007	Terahertz Light Creates Chirality In Non-Chiral Crystals: A Game Changer In Materials Science	Chirality is an essential characteristic of matter that influences various biological, chemical, and physical processes. Chiral solids, with their unique interactions with polarized light and chiral molecules, hold promise for applications in catalysis and sensing. However, the distinct left- and right-handed enantiomers are fixed once formed, requiring complex processes for conversion. A breakthrough from researchers at the Max Planck Institute and the University of Oxford reveals that terahertz light can induce chirality in non-chiral crystals, enabling the selective emergence of enantiomers, which could facilitate new explorations in non-equilibrium phenomena.	Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Chirality is a fundamental property of matter that determines many biological, chemical and physical phenomena. Chiral solids, for example, offer exciting opportunities for catalysis, sensing and optical devices by enabling unique interactions with chiral molecules and polarized light. These properties are however established when the material is grown, that is, the left- and right-handed enantiomers cannot be converted into one another without melting and recrystallization. -- Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) and the University of Oxford have shown that terahertz light can induce chirality in a non-chiral crystal, allowing either left- or right-handed enantiomers to emerge on demand. -- The finding, reported in Science, opens up exciting possibilities for exploring novel non-equilibrium phenomena in complex materials. -- Chirality refers to objects that cannot be superimposed to their mirror images through any combination of rotations or translations, much like the distinct left and right hands of a human. -- In chiral crystals, the spatial arrangement of atoms confers a specific "handedness," which, for example, influences their optical and electrical properties. -- The Hamburg-Oxford team focused on so-called antiferro-chirals, a type of non-chiral crystals reminiscent of antiferro-magnetic materials, in which magnetic moments anti-align in a staggered pattern leading to a vanishing net magnetization. -- An antiferro-chiral crystal is composed of equivalent amounts of left- and right-handed substructures in a unit cell, rendering it overall non-chiral. -- The research team, led by Andrea Cavalleri, used terahertz light to lift this balance in the non-chiral material boron phosphate (BPO4), in this way inducing finite chirality on an ultrafast time scale. -- "We exploit a mechanism termed nonlinear phononics," says Zhiyang Zeng, lead author of this work. -- "By exciting a specific terahertz frequency vibrational mode, which displaces the crystal lattice along the coordinates of other modes in the material, we created a chiral state that survives for several picoseconds," he added.	T01	775
2513-T027	Innovative Method Reveals Ultrafast Magnetism Control For Advanced Material Studies	Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have pioneered a new technique to study ultrafast magnetism, allowing magnetic fields to be applied in mere picoseconds. This advancement uncovers new magnetization dynamics that emerge under rapidly changing conditions, opening avenues for research into non-equilibrium states of matter. The potential applications in next-generation magnetic memory could enable much faster writing speeds, pushing the boundaries of current technology.	Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter	Nat. Photon	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD) have developed an innovative method to study ultrafast magnetism in materials. They have shown the generation and application of magnetic field steps, in which a magnetic field is turned on in a matter of picoseconds. -- Magnetic fields are fundamental to controlling the magnetization of materials. -- Under static or slowly varying conditions, a material's magnetization aligns with the external field like a compass needle. -- However, entirely new magnetization dynamics emerge when magnetic fields change on ultrafast timescales -- faster than the material's response time. -- These rapid transients are of great interest for fundamental research into non-equilibrium states of matter and for potential applications in next-generation magnetic memory, where faster writing speeds are critical. -- To address this challenge, the research team designed a novel superconducting device capable of producing ultrafast, unipolar magnetic field steps -- sudden magnetic changes with picosecond-scale rise and super-nanosecond decay times. -- "Our goal is to create a universal, ultrafast stimulus that can switch any magnetic sample between stable magnetic states," says lead author Giovanni De Vecchi. -- "This breakthrough could drive advances in both fundamental science and technology." -- Harnessing Superconductors for Ultrafast Magnetic Steps -- The team, led by Andrea Cavalleri, achieved this feat by rapidly quenching supercurrents in a superconducting YBa₂Cu₃O₇ thin disc exposed to an external magnetic field.	H02 T01	776
2501-E058	Bats Use Storm Fronts To Migrate: Unraveling Secrets Of Their Long-Distance Travel	Scientists are utilizing ultra-light sensors to monitor the migration patterns of bats across Europe, unveiling their long-distance travel strategies for the first time. This research enhances our understanding of bat behaviors, revealing that these nocturnal creatures surf storm fronts to conserve energy during their journeys.	Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Birds are the undisputed champions of epic travel -- but they are not the only long-haul fliers. A handful of bats are known to travel thousands of kilometers in continental migrations across North America, Europe, and Africa. The behavior is rare and difficult to observe, which is why long-distance bat migration has remained an enigma. Now, scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB) have studied 71 common noctule bats on their spring migration across the European continent, providing a leap in understanding this mysterious behavior. Ultra-lightweight, intelligent sensors attached to bats uncovered a strategy used by the tiny mammals for travel: they surf the warm fronts of storms to fly further with less energy. The study is published in Science. -- "The sensor data are amazing!" says first author Edward Hurme, a postdoctoral researcher at MPI-AB and the Cluster of Excellence Collective Behaviour at the University of Konstanz. "We don't just see the path that bats took, we also see what they experienced in the environment as they migrated. It's this context that gives us insight into the crucial decisions that bats made during their costly and dangerous journeys." -- Using novel sensor technology, the study examined a portion of the total migration of noctules, which scientists estimate to be around 1600-kilometers. "We are still far from observing the complete yearly cycle of long-distance bat migration," says Hurme. "The behavior is still a black box, but at least we have a tool that has shed some light." -- The study's tracking device was developed by engineers at MPI-AB. Weighing only five percent of the bat's total body mass, the tiny tag includes multiple sensors that recorded activity levels of bats and temperature of the surrounding air. Normally, scientists would need to find tagged animals and be close enough to download such detailed data. But the study's tag compressed the data, totaling 1440 daily sensor measurements, into a 12-byte message that was transmitted via a novel long-range network. "The tags communicate with us from wherever the bats are because they have coverage across Europe much like a cell phone network," says senior author Timm Wild, who led the development of the ICARUS-TinyFoxBatt tag in his Animal-borne Sensor Networks group at MPI-AB. -- The team deployed the tags on common noctules, a bat that is wide-spread in Europe and one of only four bat species known to migrate across the continent. Every spring for three years, the scientists attached tags on common noctules in Switzerland, focusing exclusively on females which are more migratory than males. Females spend summers in northern Europe and winters in a range of southerly locations where they hibernate until spring. -- The tags collected data for up to four weeks as the female noctules migrated back northeast, revealing trajectories far more variable than previously thought. "There is no migration corridor," says senior author Dina Dechmann from MPI-AB. "We had assumed that bats were following a unified path, but we now see they are moving all over the landscape in a general northeast direction." -- The scientists teased apart the data to distinguish hour-long feeding flights from the much longer migratory flights, finding that noctules can migrate almost 400 kilometers in a single night -- breaking the known record for the species. Bats alternated their migratory flights with frequent stops, likely because they needed to feed continuously. "Unlike migratory birds, bats don't gain weight in preparation for migration," says Dechmann. "They need to refuel every night, so their migration has a hopping pattern rather than a straight shot." -- The authors then detected a striking pattern. "On certain nights, we saw an explosion of departures that looked like bat fireworks," says Hurme. "We needed to figure out what all these bats were responding to on those particular nights." -- They found that these migration waves could be explained by changes in weather. Bats left on nights when air pressure dropped and temperature spiked; in other words, the bats left before incoming storms. "They were riding storm fronts, using the support of warm tailwinds," says Hurme. The tag's sensors that measured activity levels further showed that bats used less energy flying on these nights of warm wind, confirming that the tiny mammals were harvesting invisible energy from the environment to power their continental flights. "It was known that birds use wind support during migration, and now we see that bats do too," he adds. -- The implications of these findings go beyond biological insight into this understudied behavior. Migratory bats are threatened by human activity, in particular wind turbines which are the cause of frequent collisions. Knowing where bats will be migrating, and when, could help to prevent deaths.	C01 N01 T01	777
2513-E015	Scientists Uncover How Bats Navigate Group Echolocation Without Colliding In Flight	Every evening, bats emerge from their roosts in astonishing numbers, creating a complex challenge of overlapping echolocation sounds. Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Max Planck Institute discovered that upon emergence, bats strategically increase their distance from the group center and modify their echolocation techniques. This understanding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals how bats successfully navigate through densely populated flight paths without colliding.	Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Every night, bats emerge out of roosts in massive numbers, creating what scientists have called a "cocktail party nightmare" of clashing echolocations. Nobody knew how bats managed this severe sensorial challenge. Now, scientists from Tel Aviv University and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB) have tracked bats within a group of thousands to find out: when bats first emerge from the roost, they increase their distance from the center of the group and adjust their echolocation to maneuver safely in the areas of highest bat density. The study is published March 31 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. -- Aya Goldshtein, Omer Mazar, and Yossi Yovel have spent many evenings standing outside bat caves. -- Even so, seeing thousands of bats erupting out of a cave and flapping into the night, sometimes in densities so high that they appear liquid, astounds the scientists every time. -- But until recently, the bat biologists were even more baffled by what they didn't see. -- "The bats don't run into each other," says Goldshtein from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, "even in colonies of hundreds of thousands of bats all flying out of a small opening." -- A "nightmare" cocktail party -- How bats don't fatally crash into each other every night when they squeeze out of caves to forage was a scientific mystery. -- Many bats perceive their world mostly through echolocation: they emit a call and listen for the reflected echo, which in turn allows them to "see" what is around them. -- But if many bats are echolocating at once -- such as when a whole colony emerges from a cave in the space of a few minutes -- then the calls of others should drown out the important echoic information that bats need. -- Scientists call this loss of acoustic information "jamming" and they expect that bats should collide because of it.	N01	778
2504-E013	Human Activity’s Impact On Brazil Nut Species: A Need For Conservation	A study by researchers from the Max Planck Institutes has highlighted the impact of human activity on the genetic diversity of Brazil Nut trees in the Amazon Basin. By analyzing genomic data, the research unveils the historical effects of colonization, deforestation, and ecological changes on this keystone species. The findings underscore the necessity for conservation strategies that incorporate both ecological and anthropogenic elements to protect biodiversity in rainforest ecosystems.	Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the German Max Planck Institutes of Geoanthropology and Biology Tübingen use genomic data to study the decline in genetic diversity in the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil Nut trees. The research uses genomic data to understand this keystone species' genetic health and adaptability, help reconstruct its demographic history, and assess the long-term impacts of human interaction on forest ecosystems. The findings emphasise the need for conservation strategies to consider both ecological and anthropogenic factors. -- The significant decline in genetic diversity in the Amazon Basin, following historical events such as European colonisation, deforestation and the extinction of megafauna such as the sloth -- the main seed dispersal agents, is of particular concern for the genetic health of Brazil Nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa). As one of the most impacted keystone species in rainforests, Brazil Nut trees are essential for biodiversity and a vital income source for local economies. -- A crucial study led by researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen unveils critical insights into the species' genetic diversity and population dynamics, providing valuable anthropocentric and biological information for this threatened forest ecosystem. -- "This research provides an amazing opportunity to study see how human actions, even in the distant past, have affected genetic makeup in a wild species over short time scales," stated Detlef Weigel, Director of the Department of Molecular Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen. -- Genomic analyses reveal the importance of Indigenous management practices -- Using advanced genomic techniques, the researchers comprehensively analysed total sequence variants of 270 Brazil Nut tree samples with known archaeological evidence at different locations to reveal insights into genetic structure and gene flow. -- The study provides detailed genomic data, including identifying over 126,000 genetic variants in Brazil Nut, providing valuable insights into the genetic health and adaptability of the species in the face of environmental changes. -- The findings indicate that while the genetic diversity of Brazil Nut has drastically declined compared to other species over the last 20,000 years, while areas with a history of Indigenous management show more complex genetic backgrounds. -- This study reveals the connection between the plants and Indigenous land stewardship. -- In particular, younger trees in the protected Tefé National Forest (TEF), estimated to be under 200 years old, exhibit complex genetic backgrounds compared to other studied groups, likely due to natural disturbances and local communities' management.	N02	779
2508-045	Evidence Of Human Rainforest Habitation Dates Back 150,000 Years	New evidence suggests that humans inhabited rainforests in Africa as early as 150,000 years ago, challenging previous beliefs about human adaptation to such environments. This study highlights the diverse ecological contexts of human evolution and suggests that rainforests were not merely barriers but integral to early human life.	Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Rainforests are a major world biome which humans are not thought to have inhabited until relatively recently. New evidence now shows that humans lived in rainforests by at least 150 thousand years ago in Africa, the home of our species. -- Our species originated in Africa around 300 thousand years ago, but the ecological and environmental contexts of our evolution are still little understood. -- In the search for answers, rainforests have often been overlooked, generally thought of as natural barriers to human habitation. -- Now, in a new study published in Nature, an international team of researchers challenge this view with the discovery that humans were living in rainforests within the present-day Côte d'Ivoire much earlier than previously thought. -- The article reveals that human groups were living in rainforests by 150 thousand years ago and argues that human evolution occurred across a variety of regions and habitats. -- The story of this discovery begins in the 1980s, when the site was first investigated by co-author Professor Yodé Guédé of l'Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny on a joint Ivorian-Soviet mission. -- Results from this initial study revealed a deeply stratified site containing stone tools in an area of present-day rainforest. -- But the age of the tools -- and the ecology of the site when they were deposited there -- could not be determined. -- "Several recent climate models suggested the area could have been a rainforest refuge in the past as well, even during dry periods of forest fragmentation," explains Professor Eleanor Scerri, leader of the Human Palaeosystems research group at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology and senior author of the study. -- "We knew the site presented the best possible chance for us to find out how far back into the past rainforest habitation extended."	C01 N02	780
2502-T017	Transforming Dealloying Into Lightweight Alloy Design: A New Approach	Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have creatively merged alloying and dealloying processes to produce lightweight, nanostructured alloys with enhanced properties. This innovative approach utilizes a reactive gas to selectively remove oxygen during dealloying, demonstrating a harmonious synthesis method that opens new pathways for designing high-strength materials while promoting sustainability.	Max-Planck-Gesellschaft	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Alloying, the art of blending metals with other elements, has long been a cornerstone of materials science and metallurgy, creating materials with tailored properties. In contrast, dealloying has been known primarily as a corrosive process that degrades materials over time by selectively removing elements, weakening their structure. Now, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials (MPI-SusMat) have turned these two seemingly counteracting processes into an innovative harmonic synthesis concept. Their study, published in the journal Science Advances, showcases how dealloying and alloying can be harmonized to create lightweight, nanostructured porous martensitic alloys CO2-free and energy saving. -- The microstructure of metallic alloys is defined by the arrangement of atoms within a lattice, with their positions and chemical composition being critical to material properties. Traditional dealloying naturally removes atoms from this lattice, causing degradation. But the MPI-SusMat team asked a game-changing question: What if we could harness dealloying to create beneficial microstructures? -- "We aimed to use the dealloying process to remove oxygen from the lattice structure, modulating porosity via the creation and agglomeration of oxygen vacancies," explains Dr. Shaolou Wei, Humboldt research fellow at MPI-SusMat and first author of the publication. "This method opens new pathways for designing lightweight, high-strength materials." At the heart of their approach is reactive vapor-phase dealloying -- a technique that removes oxygen atoms from the lattice structure using a reactive gas atmosphere. In this process, the atmosphere "attracts" the oxygen, selectively extracting it from the host lattice. Hereby, the atmosphere consists of ammonia, which acts as both a reductant (via its hydrogen content) and a donor of interstitial nitrogen, filling vacant lattice spaces to enhance material properties. "This dual role of ammonia -- removing oxygen and adding nitrogen -- is a key innovation in our approach, since it assigns all atoms from both reaction partners specific roles" says Professor Dierk Raabe, managing director of MPI-SusMat and corresponding author of the study. -- Four crucial metallurgical processes in one step -- The team's breakthrough lies in integrating four crucial metallurgical processes into a single reactor step: -- 1. Oxide dealloying: Removing oxygen from the lattice to create excessive porosity while simultaneously reducing the metal ores with hydrogen. -- 2. Substitutional alloying: Encouraging solid-state interdiffusion between metallic elements upon or after complete oxygen removal. -- 3. Interstitial alloying: Introducing nitrogen from the vapor phase into the host lattice of the gained metals. -- 4. Phase transformation: Activating thermally-induced martensitic transformation, the most viable pathway for nano structuring. -- This synthesis strategy not only simplifies alloy production, but also offers a sustainable approach by utilizing oxides as starting materials and reactive gases such as ammonia or even waste emissions from industrial processes. Through the usage of hydrogen as a reductant agent and energy carrier instead of carbon, the whole dealloying-alloying process is CO2-free and the only byproduct is water. Thermodynamic modelling demonstrates the feasibility of this technique for metals like iron, nickel, cobalt, and copper.	A01 R01	781
2509-005	Neurons Organize Like Columns In Mice: Insights Into Visual Processing	For the first time, researchers have confirmed that neurons in the visual cortex of mice form organized columns similar to those found in larger mammals. This discovery enhances our understanding of the brain's structural organization, specifically how neurons processing similar stimuli cluster together, which could offer insights into visual processing and the underlying mechanics of cognitive functions.	Max-Planck-Gesellschaft	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	For over 50 years, it has been known that in the cerebral cortex of many mammals, neurons with the same function are grouped into columns. Now, for the first time, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence have been able to demonstrate these structures in the visual cortex of mice: here, neurons that process stimuli from the same eye form clusters. This adds to our general understanding of the structural organization of the brain -- and may help to solve the mystery of the columns? function. -- Motion, color, light and shadow: everything we see is the result of complex computations in our brain -- or, more precisely, in the visual cortex. -- This is where stimuli that hit our retina are broken down into their individual components, processed and assembled into what we perceive. -- The neurons responsible for this process can each perform different tasks: for example, some mainly process motion, others lines or colors. -- In the 1960s, David Hubel and Torsten Wiesel famously discovered that in the visual cortex, neurons with the same function are organized spatially in columns. -- This finding, along with their other discoveries about visual processing, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1981. -- These so-called cortical columns have been considered elementary building blocks in the cerebral cortex of many mammals -- including humans. -- However, such structures had not yet been detected in the visual cortex of many smaller animals, such as mice. -- As a result, cortical columns were thought to be reserved for mammals with more complex brains and particularly good eyesight. -- Visual information coming from the same eye	R02 N01	782
2513-054	Brain's Nutritional Needs Influence Our Actions Related To Hunger And Thirst	New research from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence uncovers how the brain interprets nutritional needs, focusing on specific neurons in the amygdala that dictate hunger and thirst. This study sheds light on the complex neural mechanisms guiding our eating and drinking behaviors, which could have implications for understanding eating disorders and addiction, as these neurons influence the emotional connections we have with food.	Max-Planck-Gesellschaft	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	To ensure we get the calories and hydration we need, the brain relies on a complex network of cells, signals, and pathways to guide us when to eat, drink, or stop. Yet, much about how the brain deciphers the body's needs and translates them into action remains unknown. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, in collaboration with the University of Regensburg and Stanford University, have identified specific populations of neurons in the amygdala -- an emotional and motivational center of the brain -- that play a key role in this process. -- These specialized "thirst" and "hunger" neurons operate through distinct circuits, influencing the drive to eat or drink. -- The study, which was carried out in mice, sheds new light on the amygdala's role in regulating our nutritional needs and may offer insights into eating disorders and addiction. -- The amygdala, a brain region often linked to emotions and decision making, also plays a key role in shaping our desire to eat and drink. -- Earlier research led by Rüdiger Klein's group at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence revealed that neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala connect food to feelings -- pairing tasty meals with positive emotions, associating bad food with aversion, and suppressing appetite when nausea sets in. The team also demonstrated that changing the activity of these neurons can alter behavior, prompting mice to eat even when they are full or feeling unwell. -- Building on these findings, the new research has detailed distinct groups of neurons in the same central region of the amygdala that respond specifically to thirst and others that respond to hunger, guided by a complex web of molecular cues. -- "One of these groups of neurons is solely dedicated to regulating the desire to drink, the first 'thirst neuron' that has been identified in the amygdala," explains Federica Fermani, who led the study. -- "When we activated these neurons, the mice drank more, and when we suppressed their activity, the mice drank less. We also identified another group of neurons in the same region of the amygdala that drives thirst but also plays a role in regulating hunger. These findings highlight how some neurons show remarkable specialization for specific behaviors, while others have more general roles in guiding food and drink choices." -- To explore how neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala regulate drinking and eating, the researchers used advanced genetic tools to study brain activity in mice during hunger, thirst, and when they were already full and hydrated. -- One method, called optogenetics, allowed the team to activate specific neurons using light-sensitive proteins and a laser precisely tuned to trigger those cells.	H01 R02	783
2504-T016	Microquasars: Unexpected Particle Accelerators Impacting Gamma Ray Interpretation	For the first time, researchers have provided evidence that microquasars with low-mass stars can serve as efficient particle accelerators, reshaping our understanding of gamma-ray abundance in the universe. This study, revealing how jets from these systems can accelerate particles, highlights the importance of microquasars as sources of cosmic rays. While previously believed that only high-mass microquasars could produce gamma rays, this discovery opens new avenues for exploring the mechanisms behind particle acceleration in astrophysics and the origins of high-energy cosmic phenomena.	Max-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers found for the first time evidence that even microquasars containing a low-mass star are efficient particle accelerators, which leads to a significant impact on the interpretation of the abundance of gamma rays in the universe. -- Our home planet is bombarded with particles from outer space all the time. And while we are mostly familiar with the rocky meteorites originating from within our solar system that create fascinating shooting stars in the night sky, it's the smallest particles that help scientists to understand the nature of the universe. Subatomic particles such as electrons or protons arriving from interstellar space and beyond are one of the fastest particles known in the universe and known as cosmic rays. -- The origins and the acceleration mechanisms of the most energetic of these cosmic particles remains one of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics. Fast-moving matter outflows (or "jets") launched from black holes would be an ideal site for particle acceleration, but the details on how and under which conditions acceleration processes can occur are unclear. The most powerful jets inside our Galaxy occur in microquasars: systems composed by a stellar-mass black hole and a "normal" star. The pair orbit each other, and, once they are close enough, the black hole starts to slowly swallow its companion. As a consequence of this, jets are launched from the region close to the black hole. -- In the past couple of years there has been growing evidence that microquasar jets are efficient particle accelerators. It is however unclear how much they contribute, as a group, to the total amount of cosmic rays in the Galaxy. The answer to this question requires understanding if all microquasars are able to accelerate particles or only a lucky few. -- Microquasars are usually classified depending on the mass of the star in the system into either "low-mass" or "high-mass" systems, with lower-mass systems being much more abundant. However, up until now evidence of particle acceleration was only found for the high-mass systems. For example, the microquasar SS 433, which was recently revealed to be one of the most powerful particle accelerators in the Galaxy, contains a star with mass approximately ten times that of the Sun. Consequently, it was generally believed that low-mass microquasars were not powerful enough to produce gamma-rays. Dr. Laura Olivera-Nieto from the Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik in Heidelberg, Germany (MPIK) and Dr. Guillem Martí-Devesa from the Università di Trieste, Italy have now made a discovery that shakes this paradigm. They used 16 years of data from the Large Area Telescope detector onboard NASA's satellite Fermi to reveal a faint gamma-ray signal consistent with the position of GRS 1915+105, a microquasar with a star smaller than the Sun. The gamma-ray signal is measured to have energies higher than 10 GeV, indicating that the system could accelerate particles to even higher energies. -- The observations favor a scenario in which protons are accelerated in the jets, after which they escape and interact with nearby gas to produce gamma-ray photons. In the paper, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, they also use data from the Nobeyama 45-meter radio telescope in Japan, which indicates that there is enough gas material around the source for this scenario. -- This result shows that even microquasars hosting a low-mass star are capable of particle acceleration. Because this is the most numerous class, this finding has significant implications for the estimated contribution of microquasars as a group to the cosmic ray content of our Galaxy. However, more detections and multi-wavelength studies will be required in order to further narrow down why some systems accelerate particles efficiently but not all.	R01 C01	784
2501-065	BRCA2 Gene Study Enhances Cancer Risk Assessment For Targeted Patient Therapies.	A multi-institutional study led by Mayo Clinic researchers has advanced the understanding of BRCA2 gene alterations, crucial for assessing hereditary cancer risk. By evaluating nearly 7,000 variants, the researchers successfully classified 91% of previously uncertain variants, enhancing the accuracy of genetic testing and allowing for precise risk assessment. This research, published in Nature, offers valuable insights into cancer predisposition and personalized treatment strategies for affected individuals.	Mayo Clinic	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Findings from a multi-institutional, international study led by researchers from the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center have significantly advanced the understanding of genetic alterations in the BRCA2 gene, a key player in hereditary cancer risk. The researchers completed a comprehensive functional assessment of all possible variants within the crucial DNA-binding domain of BRCA2, resulting in the clinical classification of 91% of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in this part of the gene. This finding dramatically improves the accuracy of genetic testing and will allow healthcare professionals to offer more precise risk assessments and personalized treatment plans for people carrying these variants. -- The study, published in Nature, utilized CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to analyze the functional impact of almost 7,000 BRCA2 variants, definitively identifying those that increase cancer risk and those that do not. -- This new information will eliminate much of the uncertainty surrounding VUS, allowing for more informed decisions regarding cancer screening, preventive measures and treatment strategies. -- "This research is a major advancement in understanding the role of many BRCA2 variants in cancer predisposition," says Fergus Couch, Ph.D., the Zbigniew and Anna M. Scheller Professor of Medical Research at Mayo Clinic. -- "Until now, patients who carried VUS often worried if they would develop cancer, but now with the classification of these variants, we can provide a clearer picture of cancer risk and tailor both prevention strategies as well as breast cancer treatment accordingly." -- The findings have immediate implications for genetic testing laboratories and healthcare professionals, aiding them in offering more precise and personalized care to patients with VUS. -- Many people with VUS may be notified about the reclassification of their VUS as the ClinVar BRCA1/2 expert panel and testing laboratories use the new information in testing reports and updates. -- In addition, this new insight will aid in identifying patients with breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer who might benefit from targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors. -- "We now have a catalog of every possible VUS in this part of BRCA2 that can be used to guide clinical care," says Dr. Couch. -- The researchers say that this research lays the groundwork for future studies characterizing and classifying all BRCA2 variants across diverse populations and cancer types, improving risk assessment for everyone.	R01	785
2508-003	New Drug Ataciguat Shows Promise For Managing Aortic Valve Stenosis	Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) poses a major health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic are investigating a new drug, ataciguat, which shows promise in slowing the progression of AVS. With plans for a phase 3 trial, the study aims to establish long-term efficacy and safety, potentially offering a significant improvement in patient outcomes and quality of life for those affected.	Mayo Clinic	Circulation	Press Rel	PubMed	Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a significant health concern affecting over 1.5 million Americans and millions more globally. Researchers at Mayo Clinic are exploring the use of a new drug called ataciguat to manage AVS. Results from preclinical and clinical studies, published in Circulation, show that ataciguat has the potential to significantly slow disease progression. The final step to establish the drug's long-term effectiveness and safety is a phase 3 trial, and efforts to launch that pivotal trial are soon to be underway with an industry partner. -- In AVS, calcium deposits build up and narrow the aortic valve, forcing the heart to work harder to move blood. -- The condition typically progresses over time, with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue affecting people over age 65. The current standard of care -- watchful waiting -- often leads to reduced quality of life before the condition is severe enough for the patient to have a surgical or interventional valve replacement. -- "This research represents a significant advancement in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis," says Jordan Miller, Ph.D., director of the Cardiovascular Disease and Aging Laboratory at Mayo Clinic. -- "Ataciguat has the potential to substantially delay or even prevent the need for valve replacement surgery, significantly improving the lives of millions." -- Dr. Miller notes that the impact extends beyond simply delaying surgery. -- Younger patients with aggressive disease or congenital valve defects may develop symptoms in midlife. -- If a patient requires valve replacement before the age of 55, there is a more than 50% likelihood they will require multiple valve replacement surgeries over their lifetime due to recalcification of the implanted valve. -- Ataciguat, which slowed progression of native aortic valve calcification in the clinical trial, offers the potential for a once-in-a-lifetime procedure if they can reach the age of 65. The older a patient is, the less likely the implanted valve is to calcify. -- Over the past decade, Mayo Clinic's research revealed that ataciguat reactivates a pathway crucial in preventing valvular calcification and stenosis.	A01 R01 N02	786
2511-027	Advancements In Brainwave Monitoring Improve Deep Brain Stimulation Care	Mayo Clinic researchers have innovated a method to accurately monitor brain cell activity during deep brain stimulation, which is used to treat movement disorders like Parkinson's disease. This enhanced precision allows for real-time adjustments to electrode placement, potentially leading to more tailored treatments. Utilizing advanced equipment and algorithms, the study published in the Journal of Neurophysiology highlights a significant advancement in the care of patients undergoing this surgical procedure.	Mayo Clinic	Journal of Neurophysiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Mayo Clinic researchers have found a new way to more precisely detect and monitor brain cell activity during deep brain stimulation, a common treatment for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and tremor. This precision may help doctors adjust electrode placement and stimulation in real time, providing better, more personalized care for patients receiving the surgical procedure. The study is published in the Journal of Neurophysiology. -- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves implanting electrodes in the brain that emit electrical pulses to alleviate symptoms. -- The electrodes remain inside the brain connected to a battery implanted near the collarbone and controlled by a remote control. -- While a neurologist and neurosurgeon monitor the brain waves throughout the surgery, the monitoring typically is limited to a narrow frequency range that provides a rough snapshot of brain activity. -- However, Mayo Clinic researchers used more sensitive, research-grade equipment and custom algorithms to record a broader frequency range of brain cell activity that yielded higher resolution and more precise information on when and where brain cells were firing in patients during DBS surgery. -- "We looked at brain activity in a different way and recorded a type of brain signal called 'broadband' that reflects the combined activity across all frequencies and is related to the firing of all brain cells in that region. We found that the broadband activity signal increased with movement and was more precise in location than the standard, more narrow frequency signal," says lead author Bryan Klassen, M.D., a neurologist. -- Dr. Klassen and colleagues detected the broadband signal in the motor thalamus, a region deep within the brain that controls movement. -- Previous studies have detected it only on the surface of the brain. -- The researchers recorded broadband signals associated with hand movement in 15 patients undergoing awake DBS. -- Each of the patients were instructed to open and close their hands while the researchers recorded brain cell activity in their thalamus.	R02 N02	787
2501-E035	Utilizing Historical Records To Enhance Climate Models In The Global South.	Researchers are utilizing historical records from missionaries in Tanzania to improve climate change models for the Global South. By quantifying anecdotal data, the study integrates the past with current climatic information, addressing scientific neglect in the region and enhancing the accuracy of climate forecasts.	McGill University	Climate of the Past	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team led by McGill University researchers has devised a way to improve the accuracy of climate change models for the Global South by integrating historical records kept by missionaries and other visitors. -- To show how it could be done, a cross-disciplinary team of researchers that included climate scientists, data analysts and a historian integrated data from 19th century missionary archives in Tanzania with current data for the region provided by climate modellers. They devised a way to quantify the historic records, which tended to be anecdotal as opposed to scientifically recorded. The result was to provide a longer record of climate change in the region than had previously been available, which has the capacity to enhance the accuracy of climate change models. Their work was published recently in Climate of the Past. -- "The general scientific neglect of the Global South is only now starting to be gradually corrected by institutions in these regions," explained Philip Gooding, a researcher at McGill's Indian Ocean World Centre and the lead author of the study. "Tanzania is typical of many tropical regions in the Global South, in that evidence of climatic changes before the mid-20th century has yet to be gathered or analyzed." Gooding said. "This is partly because climate change research is often more difficult in such regions. For example, it is difficult to conduct tree ring analysis in tropical regions because many tropical species do not provide annual rings, or they respond differently to climate variability. Meanwhile, analysis of lake sediments suggests multi-decadal trends, rather than annual or seasonal climatic conditions." So, he said, researchers looked to historical documents. -- Missionaries and explorers track changing patterns of rainfall and drought -- The researchers looked at historical climate records for the towns of Ujiji, Tabora and Mpwapwa in central Tanzania between 1856-1890. All are at a similar latitude, with rainy seasons of similar duration and in similar months. -- European "explorers" and early imperialists passed through the region from the late 1850s. They noted their observations about the weather and gathered information about previous seasons and years from local people. Representatives of various missionary societies based in Europe came to stay for longer periods from the 1870s. Their records provide a more consistent and reliable source of information, according to the researchers. -- A record of rainfall patterns over a 30-year period in the 19th century -- Although their letters and diaries varied greatly in terms of what was noted, the Europeans were interested in documenting climate conditions, including variability in rain, periods of drought, floods and harvests, as well as the conditions of pastures and fields. -- The information is sufficient, for the period from 1856 to 1890, to provide a picture of climate trends over the long term, especially when combined and integrated with modelled data. -- Information with a complicated origin and legacy	C01	788
2502-028	AI Model Achieves 85% Accuracy In Detecting Brain Cancer Spread Through MRI Analysis	A new artificial intelligence model, co-led by researchers from McGill University, has achieved impressive accuracy in detecting metastatic brain cancer using MRI scans. This innovative approach allows for non-invasive insights into cancer progression without resorting to aggressive surgeries, offering a promising direction for more effective and less invasive diagnostic methods for patients battling this aggressive form of brain cancer.	McGill University	Neuro-Oncology Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to detect the spread of metastatic brain cancer using MRI scans, offering insights into patients' cancer without aggressive surgery. -- The proof-of-concept study, co-led by McGill University researchers Dr. Matthew Dankner and Dr. Reza Forghani, alongside an international team of clinicians and scientists, demonstrated the AI model can detect the presence of cancer cells in surrounding brain tissue with 85-per-cent accuracy. -- Researchers tested the model using MRI scans from over 130 patients who had surgery to remove brain metastases at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital). They validated the AI's accuracy by comparing its results to what doctors observed in the tumour tissue under a microscope. -- Brain metastases, the most common type of brain cancer, occur when cancer cells from other parts of the body spread to the brain. -- These tumours can be particularly aggressive when invasive cancer cells grow into surrounding healthy brain tissue, making them harder to treat. -- "Our previous research found that invasive brain metastases are linked to shorter survival and a higher risk of tumour regrowth. These findings demonstrate the enormous potential of machine learning to soon improve our understanding of cancer and its treatment," said Dankner, an Internal Medicine Resident at McGill and post-doctoral researcher at the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute. -- AI detects subtle cancer clues -- The AI model detects subtle changes in the surrounding brain tissue that indicate cancer has spread, spotting patterns often too faint for traditional imaging methods that rely on human interpretation. -- It was developed by Forghani's lab during his time at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and the University of Florida College of Medicine. -- Earlier this year, the researchers identified drugs that could potentially treat some brain metastases.	A01 H01 R01 T01	789
2502-065	Undernutrition In Children May Contribute To Measles Outbreaks, Study Finds	A study involving over 600 vaccinated South African children indicates a link between stunted growth and weakened immunity against measles. The findings suggest that undernutrition exacerbates disease vulnerability, highlighting the urgent need to address food insecurity in combating measles outbreaks and improving overall child health outcomes.	McGill University	Vaccine	Press Rel	PubMed	Amid a global surge in measles cases, new research suggests that undernutrition may be exacerbating outbreaks in areas suffering from food insecurity. -- A study involving over 600 fully vaccinated children in South Africa found those who were undernourished had substantially lower levels of antibodies against measles. -- Researchers from McGill University, UC Berkeley School of Public Health and the University of Pretoria tracked the children's growth over time as an indicator of undernutrition and measured their antibody levels through blood tests. -- Children who were stunted around age three had an average of 24-per-cent-lower measles antibody levels by age five compared to their typical-sized peers. -- The findings, published in Vaccine, suggest that undernutrition may affect the duration of vaccine protection. -- This indicates that addressing child hunger could be a key piece of the puzzle in preventing viral outbreaks, said senior author Jonathan Chevrier, an Associate Professor in McGill's Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health and Canada Research Chair in Global Environmental Health and Epidemiology. -- A growing threat worldwide -- Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that causes symptoms such as a rash, fever and cough, and can lead to severe complications, especially in young children. -- The disease is a threat in regions where it was once under control, including Canada, which in 2024 reported its highest number of cases in nearly a decade. -- "Global measles cases declined from 2000 to 2016, but the trend reversed in 2018, driven in part by under-vaccination and the impact of the pandemic. Measles is now making a strong comeback in many parts of the world despite being preventable with vaccination and adequate immunity," said co-author Brian Ward, Professor in McGill's Department of Medicine.	H01 R02	790
2502-E071	Clouds Mitigate Global Warming Effects: A Surprising Climate Discovery	Cloud Changes and Global Warming: Research from McGill University reveals that changes in cloud cover are slightly mitigating global warming by reducing heat retention near the Earth's surface. Despite ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, the study highlights how cloud dynamics can influence temperature rise, offering insights for improving climate models.	McGill University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	McGill University researchers have discovered that changes in clouds are slightly mitigating global warming. While greenhouse gases continue to cause temperatures to rise, a reduction in low-cloud cover over land has brought about a modest reduction of the amount of heat being trapped close to ground level. -- "We started this research to observationally verify the increase of greenhouse effect of the Earth atmosphere," said Yi Huang, Associate Professor in McGill's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences who conceived a recent study published in Nature, "We indeed verified that, although to our surprise we also found an offsetting effect due to changes in clouds." -- "Without these cloud changes, the surface would warm even faster," said Lei Liu, graduate student in McGill's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and the first author of this study. -- "This work offers observational truth about how clouds affect warming, which can be used to improve climate models and guide environmental policies," said Liu. -- To discover this surprising effect, the team used the measurements of a key radiative instrument, the Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI), along with satellite data, climate models and a technique called "optimal spectral fingerprinting" co-designed by Yi Huang and Lei Liu to isolate the effects of clouds from other atmospheric processes. -- The researchers focused on longwave radiation, the heat energy Earth emits back into the atmosphere. -- Usually, clouds trap some of this heat and send it back to the ground. -- But as the climate warms, there are fewer low clouds in some areas, which means less heat is returned to the surface. -- McGill's Atmospheric and Oceanic Department, which operates three AERI instruments in Montreal, looks to continue using their critical data for understanding regional climate dynamics and enhancing climate modelling, the researchers said. -- "Our research emphasizes the value of precise, long-term climate observations," said John Gyakum, co-author and Professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.	Z01	791
2504-009	Study Reveals Brain Mechanism Behind Bipolar Disorder Mood Swings	Researchers have identified a brain mechanism that may explain mood fluctuations in bipolar disorder, focusing on a rhythm that interacts with the body's sleep-wake cycle. This breakthrough study offers a universal model for understanding mood shifts by suggesting that two biological clocks, one governing sleep and the other driven by dopamine, influence the transitions between manic and depressive states. This discovery could lead to innovative treatments for managing bipolar disorder.	McGill University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A brain rhythm working in tandem with the body's natural sleep-wake cycle may explain why bipolar patients alternate between mania and depression, according to new research. -- The McGill University-led study published in Science Advances marks a breakthrough in understanding what drives shifts between the two states, something that, according to lead author Kai-Florian Storch, is considered the "holy grail" of bipolar-disorder research. -- "Our model offers the first universal mechanism for mood switching or cycling, which operates analogously to the sun and the moon driving spring tides at specific, recurring times," said Storch, an Associate Professor in McGill's Department of Psychiatry and a researcher at the Douglas Research Centre. -- The findings suggest that regularly occurring mood switches in bipolar disorder patients are controlled by two "clocks": the biological 24-hour clock, and a second clock that is driven by dopamine-producing neurons that typically influence alertness. -- A manic or depressed state may arise depending on how these two clocks, which run at different speeds, align at a given time. -- Notably, the authors say this second dopamine-based clock probably stays dormant in healthy people. -- To carry out their study, the scientists activated the second clock in mice to create behavioral rhythms similar to the mood swinging in bipolar disorder. -- When they disrupted dopamine-producing neurons in the brain's reward centre, these rhythms ceased, highlighting dopamine as a key factor in the mood swings of bipolar disorder. -- Hope for new treatments: Silencing the clock -- Current treatments for bipolar disorder focus on stabilizing moods but often don't address the root causes of mood swings, the researchers said.	A01 H02 R02	792
2505-084	Surprising Link Between Muscle Communication And Female Fertility Uncovered In Recent Study	A study from McGill University uncovers a novel communication pathway between muscle tissue and the pituitary gland, revealing its potential role in female fertility. Researchers found that a muscle-produced protein influences hormone release from the pituitary, suggesting new avenues for infertility treatments and enhancing our understanding of endocrine interactions in the body.	McGill University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	With bloated bellies and hairy legs, female flies try to look bigger to get food from courting mates. But male flies, in turn, have sharpened their eyesight to call their bluff. A new study by researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Stockholm suggests that this is an ongoing evolution where both sexes try to outsmart each other. -- For the first time, researchers have been able to show that also males can develop traits that help them pass on their genes despite the manipulative adaptations of the opposite sex. In different species of dance flies, there is a clear correlation between how richly decorated the female flies are and how large the eye facets are on the males. The researchers interpret this to mean that the males needed to develop better vision to find the optimal female in the swarm. -- Dead insect as a nuptial gift -- "We almost always see enlarged eye facets in male flies in those species where the female flies have developed hairy legs. Therefore, we dare to assume that there is a connection," says Luc Bussière, evolutionary biologist at the University of Gothenburg. -- There is an intricate interplay that takes place when the dance flies mate. The flies only fly for 1-2 weeks in their life cycle and that is when they have to reproduce by laying eggs that become fly larvae. To increase the chance that their genes will be passed on, male flies look for females that appear to have the most eggs. When mating, the male fly brings a gift, usually a dead insect, which he gives to the female. The female rarely hunts on her own and relies on the protein from the insect to produce eggs. Without an insect for the female, the male is usually not allowed to mate. -- So how does a younger female fly without eggs attract male flies to get food supplies? -- "We see that the females have different characteristics and tricks to imitate being fecund. They swallow air that fills their abdomen, and to look really big when they swarm, they have developed hair on their legs and their wings are bigger and darker," says Axel Wiberg, researcher at Stockholm University. -- The fact that animals imitate, behave and have appearances to fool the opposite sex is nothing new. Previous research on flies has also shown that male flies prefer a plump female fly to a skinny one when mating. But now scientists have discovered that male flies have sharpened their eyesight to avoid being fooled. -- Sexual play evolves the species -- By capturing male flies and measuring their eye facets, the researchers discovered that the facets on the top of the eyes were larger than those on the underside in the males of some species. Since the male fly approaches the female from below during mating, the researchers believe that the eyes have evolved to determine whether the female is truly full of eggs, or just faking it.	R02	793
2507-097	Factors Behind Europe's Slowed Life Expectancy Since 2011	A study finds unexpected similarities in the cognitive pathways of Buddhist jhāna meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues, suggesting both methods can evoke profound states of joy. This research highlights the shared mechanisms of attention, arousal, and release, offering insights into how different spiritual practices achieve transformative states of consciousness.	McGill University	McGill University	Press Rel	PubMed	Two seemingly opposite spiritual practices -- Buddhist jhāna meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues -- have more in common than previously thought, a new study suggests. -- While one is quiet and deeply focused, and the other emotionally charged and expressive, both appear to harness the same cognitive feedback loop to create profound states of joy and surrender. -- The research, co-led by Michael Lifshitz, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at McGill University and Investigator at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, with collaborators from Monash University and the University of Toronto, identified a phenomenon they call the Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral -- a mental cycle that deepens both meditative and energized states. -- Their findings, published in American Journal of Human Biology, offers new insights into how humans can cultivate deep states of focus. -- "If we can understand this process better, we may be able to help more people access deep states of tranquility and bliss for themselves," said Lifshitz. -- "In another sense, our findings may help to promote a sense of commonality and mutual respect between spiritual traditions. Despite differences in beliefs, we are all sharing a human experience." -- A common pathway to bliss -- The researchers found that both jhāna meditators and those speaking in tongues enter a reinforcing cycle: they focus their attention on an object, such as the breath in meditation or God in prayer, which triggers a sense of joy. -- This joy makes attention feel effortless, leading to a feeling of surrender, which deepens the experience. -- "As far as we know, this spiralling dynamic leading to increasingly deep and effortless bliss is a novel idea in the psychological sciences," said Lifshitz.	Z01	794
2510-068	Blood Test May Predict Dementia Risk In Sleep Disorder Patients	New findings from McGill University suggest that a blood test could predict dementia risk in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) years before symptoms manifest. This research reveals significant links between iRBD and a high likelihood of developing Dementia with Lewy Bodies, underscoring the importance of early detection.	McGill University	Brain	Press Rel	PubMed	For people with a certain sleep disorder, a simple blood test could help predict the development of dementia years before symptoms appear, a new study indicates. -- Idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD) causes people to physically act out their dreams while sleeping. -- The disorder is also associated with a very high risk of Parkinson's disease and a related condition called Dementia with Lewy Bodies. -- This is a form of dementia that often causes memory and cognitive loss, as well as vivid visual hallucinations and movement difficulties similar to Parkinson's. -- McGill University researchers have discovered that a blood test, originally developed to detect Alzheimer's disease, could also identify which patients with the iRBD sleep disorder are most likely to develop Dementia with Lewy Bodies. -- The blood test analyzes two proteins in the blood that serve as biomarkers for Alzheimer's. -- "Detecting dementia risk early could have significant implications for how doctors guide patients, helping them plan for the future and potentially allowing for more personalized, effective treatments," said Dr. Ronald Postuma, a Professor in McGill's Department of Neurology and a clinical researcher at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital). -- Researchers followed 150 iRBD patients, testing their blood for the biomarkers and tracking their health annually. -- Remarkably, the blood test, taken four years before, predicted dementia in almost 90 per cent of the patients who later developed the disease. -- Finding links between brain diseases	H02 R02	795
2511-068	Study Reveals Gender Differences In Alzheimer's Drug Effectiveness	Research indicates that lecanemab, an FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug, may be less effective in females, sparking discussions on its prescription. Despite showing promise in male patients, data from its Phase 3 trial suggests minimal benefits for women. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify these findings and ensure equitable treatment approaches for all patients, particularly in light of emerging clinical data.	McGill University	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Since becoming only the second Alzheimer's-modifying drug to gain American Federal Drug Administration approval in 2023, sales of lecanemab, known by its brand name Leqembi, have risen steadily, reaching $87-million USD in the last quarter of 2024. -- In its Phase 3 clinical trial, lecanemab slowed cognitive decline by 27 per cent overall, yet one subset of data suggested little to no benefit in females, though the cause of the difference was not clear. -- An FDA committee voted unanimously that the Phrase 3 trial verified the clinical benefit of lecanemab. -- Even so, several follow-up papers focused on the trial's apparent sex difference result to cast doubt on prescribing lecanemab to females. -- To test whether the lecanemab trial truly showed a sex difference in drug effectiveness, McGill PhD candidate Daniel Andrews, in collaboration with researchers led by neuroscientist Prof. -- Louis Collins, ran simulated trials on openly available Alzheimer's patient data, using the same demographics and constraints as the lecanemab trial. -- They found that indeed lecanemab was probably less effective in females than males in the Phase 3 trial. -- However, there was insufficient evidence to say the drug was totally ineffective in females. -- In some patients, lecanemab causes serious side effects. Andrews' and Collins' findings should better prepare clinicians to decide whether the potential benefits of lecanemab outweigh the potential harms in female patients, and may inform future consideration of the drug's approval in other countries. The findings also suggest ways future drug trials can better account for sex differences.	R02	796
2501-075	Zinc Discovered As Critical Vulnerability In Combatting Drug-Resistant Bacteria.	Researchers at McMaster University have unearthed a significant vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria related to zinc deficiency. Their study highlights how depriving these bacteria of essential nutrients can alter their physiology, making them more susceptible to antibiotics, particularly carbapenems. This research shifts the focus from nutrient-rich environments to nutrient-stressed conditions, revealing new pathways for treating resistant infections.	McMaster University	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a critical vulnerability in drug-resistant bacteria: zinc -- or a lack thereof. -- In a recent study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, researchers found that zinc plays a vital role in how some of the world's most dangerous bacteria resist antibiotics. -- Eric Brown, a professor in McMaster's Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences and lead investigator on the study, says depriving bacteria of certain nutrients can cause important physiological changes, rendering them increasingly vulnerable to antibiotics -- including those they once resisted. -- "For the past hundred years or so, scientists have typically studied bacteria in the richest conditions imaginable," Brown says. "My lab has had a longstanding interest in doing exactly the opposite: studying bacteria under nutrient stress." -- For this particular study, researchers sought to explore how nutrient stress might illuminate new approaches to treating infections that are resistant to a class of important antibiotics called carbapenems. -- "Carbapenems are last-resort antibiotics -- clinically significant drugs that are used when everything else fails," says Megan Tu, a PhD candidate in Brown's lab and first author on the new paper. "Unfortunately, like other antibiotics, their efficacy is being threatened by resistance genes that have no clinically available solutions." -- To explore new vulnerabilities in the bugs that resist these drugs, the researchers studied them in zinc-limited environments. Under these conditions, they found that the bacteria's ability to resist carbapenems through a specific, common mechanism came with a "fitness cost" -- or a trade-off. -- Brown, a member of McMaster's Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, suggests picturing a knight in armor -- a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. -- "That's the bacteria," he says. -- When deprived of critical nutrients, like zinc, Brown says that the knight loses the strength it needs to hold both its sword and its shield, and therefore must lay down its shield so that it can hold its sword in both hands.	H01 H02 C01	797
2504-T029	Wildfire Smoke Carries Toxic Contaminants Over Long Distances, Impacting Urban Areas	A new study reveals that wildfire smoke can transport harmful contaminants over vast distances, posing significant environmental risks. As wildfires become more frequent due to climate change, researchers emphasize the toxic legacy left by smoke, which contains carcinogenic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This pollution could exacerbate health issues in urban areas, illustrating the pressing need for better environmental management in the face of increasing wildfire activity.	McMaster University	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have shown that plumes of wildfire smoke can carry contaminants hundreds of kilometres, leaving a toxic and lingering footprint which has the potential to be re-released into the environment. -- The frequency and severity of wildfires is expected to continue increasing due to climate change. In recent weeks, catastrophic wildfires have devasted Los Angeles, scorching tens of thousands of acres. -- Canada's 2023 wildfire season was the most destructive ever recorded, with an estimated 18.5 million hectares burned. The 2024 season was the second worst on record, with more than 5 million hectares burned according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, which tracks national statistics. -- Wildfire events may become an increasingly dominant and troubling source of pollution in urban areas, say researchers. -- Wildfire smoke features a complex mixture of pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of carcinogenic compounds that can also cause mutations in nature. PAHs are produced whenever incomplete combustion occurs, including when wood burns. -- In the new study, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, researchers at McMaster University report the potential impact of PAHs extends far downwind of wildfires, even hundreds of kilometres. -- "This study was motivated by the large increase in wildfire frequency and severity in Western Canada," explains Iris Chan, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and lead author of the study. "There is a great deal of public awareness and research on air quality related to North American wildfires, but the long-term impact of smoke drifting into cities is virtually unknown." -- Urban landscapes are dominated by impermeable structures and surfaces such as buildings and roads, she explains. Over time, these surfaces accumulate what is known as "urban grime," a buildup of deposited particles and other chemical compounds that can hold and re-release pollutants such as PAHs. -- For this study, researchers enlisted volunteers in Kamloops and Calgary to collect samples in their backyards from August to November 2021. -- They set out specially designed kits containing glass beads, which mimic impervious urban surfaces like windows. The samples were regularly collected and analyzed at McMaster.	C01 N02	798
2505-126	Study Reveals Potential Risks Of THC And CBD During Pregnancy	New findings from McMaster University highlight potential risks associated with using both THC and CBD during pregnancy, including impaired fetal growth. As more pregnant individuals turn to CBD for symptom management, researchers stress the need for further study due to the lack of evidence regarding its safety. This study underscores the importance of understanding cannabis's impact on pregnancy and fetal development as usage becomes more prevalent.	McMaster University	eBioMedicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that manifests itself mainly with skin symptoms (dryness, itching, scaly skin, abnormal patches and plaques). It affects about 2% of the population and is mediated by an altered immune system response that triggers the proliferation of skin cells. Depending on the severity, there are different therapeutic options (topical medications, phototherapy, systemic drugs, etc.), but some conventional treatments can have harmful effects on patients. -- Now, a study led by the University of Barcelona confirms the therapeutic efficiency of a new compound against psoriasis, which could avoid the risks associated with previously known therapies. The study reveals how a molecule activated by blue light -- the compound MRS7787 -- can modulate the activity of the immune system and treat psoriasis in an animal model. This is a major advance in photopharmacology research, a high-precision discipline focused on the action of compounds (photopharmaceuticals) that can be precisely activated or deactivated pharmacologically by light irradiation. -- The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, is led by Francisco Ciruela, professor at the UB's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and member of the Institute of Neurosciences (UBNeuro) and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), and has as first author the expert Marc López-Cano. The paper also highlights the participation of experts Concepció Soler (UB, UBneuro and IDIBELL) and Jordi Hernando (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), as well as the teams of Kenneth Jacobson, from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, and Dirk Trauner, from the University of Pennsylvania (United States). -- A photopharmaceutical drug to treat psoriasis and avoid adverse effects -- The UB team has characterized the new compound MRS7787, a light-activatable molecule that binds to the A3 adenosine receptor -- involved in several intracellular signalling pathways -- and generates an anti-inflammatory effect. The compound MRS7787 has two configurations or two isomers -- molecules with the same chemical formula but different structure and function -- that are rapidly and reversibly switched by light. -- Ciruela notes that "MRS7787 is a photo-switchable molecule. One of the isomers, Z-MRS7787, is inactive, while the E-MRS7787 isomer activates the adenosine receptor." "When irradiated with blue light -- continues the expert -- , the molecule changes from the Z to the E configuration, i.e. the active form. However, green light transforms E into Z and inactivates the compound." "This switching effect is achieved by the covalent binding of a photochrome called diazocine to the A3 adenosine receptor," says the researcher from the UB's Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics. -- "What's special about the diazocine photochrome is that it allows the photopharmaceutical MRS7787 to be in its inactive Z-configuration in the dark so that it can be injected without generating any photopharmacological response, and then selectively activated by photoisomerisation with blue light," says Jordi Hernando, from the Department of Chemistry at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, who led the study of the photochemical properties of the MRS7787 compound. -- The E-MRS7787 isomer can selectively activate the A3 adenosine receptor without affecting the signalling of the other adenosine receptors. "This activation has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune system cells. Therefore, activating this receptor is an effective strategy to treat inflammatory processes in general and, in particular, in the approach to psoriasis," says the expert Marc López-Cano (UB, UBneuro and IDIBELL). -- As part of the study, the animal model was administered the compound MRS7787 and, for eight minutes, a part of the body -- namely the ears -- where an inflammatory process had been induced was irradiated with an LED device: one ear was irradiated with blue light of 1.18 mW/cm2 intensity, and the other ear with green light of 7.64 mW/cm2 intensity. The results indicate that the Z-MRS7787 isomer -- the result of irradiating the molecule with green light -- did not show any anti-psoriatic activity (unlike E-MRS7787), demonstrating that the therapeutic capacity is dependent on the photoswitching of the molecule. -- Combining therapies for patients	A01 H02 R01	799
2507-016	Groundbreaking Discovery Explains Spontaneous Blood Clotting Despite Treatment	Researchers at McMaster University have uncovered a new explanation for spontaneous blood clotting occurring despite full-dose blood thinners. This discovery, suggesting similarities to vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia, could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients experiencing unusual blood clotting disorders.	McMaster University	McMaster University	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at McMaster University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of hematology, providing an explanation for spontaneous and unusual blood-clotting that continues to occur despite treatment with full-dose blood thinners. -- The discovery, published Feb. 12, 2025 in The New England Journal of Medicine, is expected to influence how doctors test for, and treat patients with, unusual or recurrent blood clotting, with the potential to improve patient outcomes. -- Researchers found this new blood clotting disorder to have certain similarities to vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) -- a rare but aggressive clotting disorder that was caused by certain discontinued COVID-19 vaccines. -- The research reveals that certain patients can develop severe blood clotting due to antibodies that closely resemble those that cause VITT, even in the absence of known triggers for such antibodies, such as blood thinners (heparin) or prior vaccination. -- The newly identified disorder has been termed VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS). -- "Our study highlights the importance of recognizing and diagnosing this new blood-clotting disorder," said Theodore (Ted) Warkentin, co-first author and corresponding author of the study and professor emeritus in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine at McMaster University. -- "By understanding how to diagnose VITT-like MGTS, we can develop more effective treatment strategies that go beyond traditional anticoagulation," said Warkentin, a hematologist in the Department of Medicine based at Hamilton Health Sciences' Hamilton General Hospital. -- Specialized testing was conducted at the McMaster Platelet Immunology Laboratory within the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Transfusion Research, the only laboratory in Canada with the full repertoire of testing required to characterize the VITT-like antibodies that target the PF4 protein. -- Researchers performed a detailed analysis of cases exhibiting unusual blood-clotting despite patients being on full-dose blood thinners, focusing on those patients who had unexplained VITT-like antibodies that were detectable for a year or more. -- The analyses identified the presence of M (monoclonal) proteins (which typically indicate plasma cell disorders), and together with the persisting VITT-like reactivities over at least 12 months (which is highly unusual for most anti-PF4 antibodies), thus pointing to an ongoing pathological process rather than a short-term anomaly.	R01	800
2509-056	Blood Molecules Impact Early Childhood Development: A New Look At Growth Factors	McMaster University researchers have identified small blood molecules that influence early childhood development, linking dietary factors and gut health to cognitive milestones. This extensive study underscores the complex interplay between nutrition and development, aiming to inform interventions that support optimal growth in young children.	McMaster University	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	McMaster University researchers have identified small molecules in the blood that may impact early childhood development, showing how dietary exposures, early life experiences, and gut health can influence a child's growth and cognitive milestones. -- A McMaster team collaborated with Brazilian scientists to conduct an untargeted metabolomic analysis of blood samples taken from more than 5,000 children between the ages of six months and five years as part of the Brazilian National Survey of Child Nutrition study. -- The McMaster team found several metabolites -- small molecules that are by-products of human metabolism and microbial fermentation, known as uremic toxins -- were inversely associated with developmental outcomes. -- "Metabolites play important roles in human health especially at early stages of life. Our findings reveal the complex connections between diet, gut health and a child's developmental progress," explains Philip Britz-McKibbin, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology. -- "By identifying specific metabolites related to a child's overall development, we can gain a deeper understanding of how potentially modifiable risk factors might support optimal growth and cognitive development in children." -- Britz-McKibbin and his team applied a high-throughput approach for untargeted metabolite profiling, making large-scale studies faster and more affordable. -- This allowed them to discover unexpected metabolites that are associated with infant and toddler development. -- The results of their analysis were published last month. -- The researchers focused on metabolites in the bloodstream that were correlated to early stages of cognitive development, using a measure called the Developmental Quotient (DQ). The World Health Organization uses the measure to determine whether children are meeting age-appropriate milestones in social and cognitive development. -- This approach led to the identification of several bioactive metabolites most often associated with chronic kidney disease, suggesting that even a modest increase in their concentrations may contribute to inflammation and developmental delays in early childhood.	H01 R01	801
2509-089	Researchers Challenge Myth: Menstrual Cycle Timing Doesn't Enhance Muscle Building In Women	A study by McMaster University challenges the belief that timing resistance training to the menstrual cycle enhances muscle growth. Researchers found no significant impact on muscle protein synthesis regardless of the exercise timing, debunking the cycle syncing theory and emphasizing the need for evidence-based approaches to training.	McMaster University	The Journal of Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from kinesiologists at McMaster University is challenging the internet belief that timing resistance training to specific phases of the menstrual cycle boosts the body's ability to build muscle and strength. -- The researchers have shown that exercising at various points in the cycle had no impact -- positive or negative -- on the synthesis of new muscle proteins, a process essential to building and maintaining muscle. -- The results, published in the print edition of the Journal of Physiology, debunk the popularly touted practice of cycle syncing, or tailoring workouts to align with the way hormones change throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. -- "Our findings conflict with the popular notion that there is some kind of hormonal advantage to performing different exercises in each phase. We saw no differences, regardless of cycle timing," explains Lauren Colenso-Semple, lead author of the study and a former graduate student in the Department of Kinesiology, who conducted the work while at McMaster. -- For the study, researchers monitored the menstrual cycles of participants -- all healthy young women -- for three months to confirm their cycles were normal. -- Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of women -- about 12 per cent -- have a consistent 28-day cycle and ovulate regularly on day 14 or the 'textbook' menstrual cycle. -- Participants then ingested a tracer molecule, a benign substance designed to track and monitor muscle protein levels. -- They performed heavy resistance exercise during two distinct phases of their menstrual cycles: the follicular phase, when estrogen levels are at their peak, and luteal phase, characterized by peak progesterone levels. -- Researchers observed no effect of either menstrual cycle phase on the production of muscle proteins. -- Cycle syncing has been made popular by internet influencers to co-ordinate workouts, certain diets and lifestyle behaviours with the menstrual cycle.	H01	802
2501-085	New Lung Transplant Study Suggests Improved Protocols For Rejection Reactions.	Research published on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in lung transplantation indicates that this innovative treatment could transform standard rejection reaction protocols. The study explores how ECP, previously used for other conditions, can effectively prevent acute and chronic rejection episodes in lung transplant patients, potentially improving transplant outcomes and the longevity of grafts.	Medical University of Vienna	European Respiratory Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Vienna Lung Transplant Program of MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna have published the first prospective, randomized and controlled study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in lung transplantation in the renowned European Respiratory Journal. The findings could significantly change the standard procedure for rejection reactions after lung transplants. -- Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) is a cell therapy based on UV light that was originally developed for the treatment of skin cancer (T-cell lymphomas) and has also been used since the early 1990s to treat chronic rejection following lung transplantation. -- With the current study, the Vienna Lung Transplant Program has pioneered the use of ECP and applied it to the treatment of acute and chronic rejection reactions as well as certain antibody problems. -- Based on the resulting findings, a randomized study with a comparison group was conducted for the first time to examine the extent to which ECP can help prevent rejection reactions after lung transplantation in addition to a standard immunosuppression regimen. -- The aim was to prevent acute rejection episodes and reduce the risk of early chronic rejection. -- Study with approach-changing potential -- The current standard procedure after lung transplantation is for patients to receive triple immunosuppression, sometimes in combination with induction therapy. -- Although this procedure works well for other transplants, the acute rejection rate for lung transplants is 10-50 percent in the first year. -- Treatment of this rejection usually involves high-dose cortisone treatment ("pulse" therapy) or the use of special antibodies, which has serious side effects and increases the risk of chronic rejection. -- Research at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna has shown that the use of ECP leads to a statistically significant reduction in the number and severity of acute rejection episodes.	H01 R01 N02	803
2502-021	Saliva Triggers Rapid Blood Coagulation In Hemophilia A Patients: New Mechanism Discovered	Recent research has provided new insights into blood coagulation mechanisms in individuals with hemophilia A. The discovery of specific vesicles in saliva that can trigger rapid clotting offers a better understanding of the disease and potential avenues for improving treatment methods for hemophilia patients.	Medical University of Vienna	Blood	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study led by MedUni Vienna provides new insights into the mechanisms of coagulation in persons with haemophilia A, the most common form of haemophilia. The research team was able to show that saliva contains special vesicles that trigger rapid coagulation of the blood of haemophilic patients. The results, which were recently published in the scientific journal Blood, contribute significantly to a better understanding of the disease. -- Haemophilia is a hereditary blood disorder characterised by a deficiency of certain coagulation factors, which can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated. -- Why haemophilia A (with factor VIII deficiency) often leads to joint bleeding, but rarely to mucosal bleeding, was previously unclear. -- In search of an explanation, the scientific team led by Johannes Thaler and Cihan Ay (Clinical Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, MedUni Vienna) and Rienk Nieuwland (Amsterdam University Medical Centers) studied research into the importance of the body's own fluids for blood coagulation, which had been forgotten for decades. -- The researchers discovered that the saliva of haemophilia A patients contains extrinsic tenase complexes, which are located on vesicles. -- Extrinsic tenase complexes are protein complexes that consist of two coagulation factors (tissue factor TF and factor VIIa) and initiate the activation of the coagulation cascade when they come into contact with blood. -- Analyses by the study authors confirm that mucosal bleeding in the mouth of these patients is indeed rare and stops quickly. -- Patients without this protein complex in their saliva lack this protective mechanism. -- "They therefore often suffer from oral mucosal bleeding," reports Johannes Thaler. -- Body fluids as activators of blood coagulation	H01 R01 T01	804
2503-046	New Cancer Therapy Shows Promise For Treating Superficial Tumors Like Melanoma And Breast Cancer	A research team led by Maria Sibilia at the Medical University of Vienna has explored a novel combination therapy for treating superficial tumors, particularly melanoma and breast cancer. By combining systemic interferon-I administration with topical Imiquimod application, this approach not only kills tumor cells at the site of treatment but also stimulates the adaptive immune system, potentially improving outcomes for patients with accessible tumors.	Medical University of Vienna	Nat Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at the Medical University of Vienna led by Maria Sibilia has investigated a new combination therapy against cancer. This therapy employs systemic administration of the tissue hormone interferon-I combined with local application of Imiquimod. This combination showed promising results in topically accessible tumors like melanoma and breast cancer models: The therapy led to the death of tumor cells at the treated sites and simultaneously activated the adaptive immune system to fight even distant metastases. The results published in the top journal Nature Cancer could improve the treatment of superficial tumors such as melanoma and breast cancer. -- In recent years, immunotherapies have had significant success in the treatment and cure of a wide range of cancers. However, for some patients, these agents are still not sufficiently effective. As part of a preclinical study, Maria Sibilia, Head of the Center for Cancer Research at the Medical University of Vienna, therefore investigated the effects of a combination immunotherapy consisting of systemic administration of the tissue hormone interferon (IFN)-I and local imiquimod therapy. Imiquimod is an active substance that activates the innate receptors TLR7/8 and used to treat basal cell carcinomas. The researchers employed various preclinical mouse tumor models of melanoma and breast cancer. What both tumors have in common is that they are accessible to local therapy and often form distant metastases. -- Effective for local tumors and distant metastases -- Immunotherapies use the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which are activated by Imiquimod via TLR7/8, play an important role in this process. The study showed that oral imiquimod stimulates pDCs to produce the tissue hormone IFN-I. This sensitized other dendritic cells and macrophages in the tumor environment to topical imiquimod therapy, which inhibited the formation of new blood vessels via the cytokine IL12 leading to the death of tumor cells. The combination immunotherapy not only had an effect on the treated tumors, but also on distant metastases. It reduced the formation of new metastases thus preventing tumor relapses and increasing the sensitivity of melanomas to checkpoint inhibitors. -- "These findings illustrate that the combination of systemic treatment with imiquimod or IFN-I and topical therapy with imiquimod has the potential to expand treatment options for patients and improve therapy outcomes in locally accessible tumors such as melanoma or breast cancer," emphasizes Maria Sibilia. "Topical treatment of the primary tumor with imiquimod is essential for this combination therapy with systemic IFN-I to be effective at the treated site and also to clear distant metastases," adds Philipp Novoszel, MedUni Vienna, one of the first authors of the study. -- The results suggest that this therapeutic strategy has the potential to improve treatment outcomes in superficial and thus locally accessible tumors such as melanoma and breast cancer -- on the one hand through therapy-associated cancer cell death at the locally treated tumors, but also through the induction of a T cell-induced anti-tumor immune response at distant metastases, which is further enhanced by checkpoint inhibitors. -- "Our aim is to continue developing immunotherapeutic strategies in order to improve the long-term prospects for patients who are not yet responding well to these agents," says Maria Sibilia, who is also Deputy Head of the Comprehensive Cancer Center of MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna. -- "As systemic interferon is a well-known cancer therapy and dendritic cells are activated in a similar way to our preclinical models, we believe that the new combination therapy can show an effect in patients," adds Martina Sanlorenzo, dermato-oncologist at MedUni Vienna and co-first author of the study.	H01 R01	805
2503-072	Advances And Ethical Challenges In Brain Implants Research Hold Hope For Neurological Patients	A team of researchers led by Stanisa Raspopovic is exploring advancements in brain implant technology, which shows promise for patients with neurological disorders. Their recent findings emphasize the need for ethical considerations in clinical trials, particularly as animal studies transition to human subjects, highlighting both the hope and challenges in this field.	Medical University of Vienna	The Lancet Digital Health	Press Rel	PubMed	In a paper recently published in the leading journal The Lancet Digital Health, a scientific team led by Stanisa Raspopovic from MedUni Vienna looks at the progress and challenges in the research and development of brain implants. New achievements in the field of this technology are seen as a source of hope for many patients with neurological disorders and have been making headlines recently. As neural implants have an effect not only on a physical but also on a psychological level, researchers are calling for particular ethical and scientific care when conducting clinical trials. -- The research and development of neuroprostheses has entered a phase in which experiments on animal models are being followed by tests on humans. -- Only recently, reports of a paraplegic patient in the USA who was implanted with a brain chip as part of a clinical trial caused a stir. -- With the help of the implant, the man can control his wheelchair, operate the keyboard on his computer and use the cursor in such a way that he can even play chess. -- About a month after the implantation, however, the patient realised that the precision of the cursor control was decreasing and the time between his thoughts and the computer actions was delayed. -- "The problem could be partially, but not completely, resolved -- and illustrates just one of the potential challenges for research into this technology," explains study author Stanisa Raspopovic from MedUni Vienna's Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, who published the paper together with Marcello Ienca (Technical University of Munich) and Giacomo Valle (ETH Zurich). "The questions of who will take care of the technical maintenance after the end of the study and whether the device will still be available to the patient at all after the study has been cancelled or completed are among the many aspects that need to be clarified in advance in neuroprosthesis research and development, which is predominantly industry-led." -- Protection of highly sensitive data -- Neuroprostheses establish a direct connection between the nervous system and external devices and are considered a promising approach in the treatment of neurological impairments such as paraplegia, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. -- The implants can restore mobility, alleviate pain or improve sensory functions. -- However, as they form an interface to the human nervous system, they also have an effect on a psychological level: "They can influence consciousness, cognition and affective states and even free will. This means that conventional approaches to safety and efficacy assessment, such as those used in clinical drug trials, are not suitable for researching these complex systems. New models are needed to comprehensively evaluate the subjective patient experience and protect the psychological privacy of the test subjects," Raspopovic points out.	H01 R02 N01 N02 T01	806
2504-007	Promising New Treatment Shows Effectiveness Against Basal Cell Carcinomas	A study on basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, has revealed promising results using a new therapy involving the active substance TVEC. Researchers found that TVEC not only reduced tumor size in all participants but also led to complete regression in some cases. This genetically modified herpes simplex virus, which destroys tumor cells while stimulating the immune response, could improve surgical outcomes for patients with advanced skin cancers.	Medical University of Vienna	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer, occur in chronically sun-exposed areas such as the face. Locally advanced tumours in particular can be difficult to treat surgically. A research team from MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna has now investigated the effectiveness of a new type of therapy and achieved promising results: The active substance TVEC led to a reduction in the size of the basal cell carcinoma in all study participants, which not only improved surgical removal, but also led to a complete regression of the tumour in some of the patients. The study was published in the top journal Nature Cancer. -- In the study Talimogene Laherparepvec (TVEC) was used, which has so far only been approved for the treatment of superficial melanoma metastases. -- TVEC is a genetically modified herpes simplex virus that specifically destroys tumour cells and simultaneously activates the immune system. -- The aim of the study was to reduce the size of the tumour before a planned operation so that patients would not suffer any functional or cosmetic restrictions after the procedure. -- The study included 18 patients who would have required a flap or skin graft due to the size and localisation of their basal cell carcinoma. -- They each received six intralesional injections of TVEC over a period of 13 weeks before the tumour was surgically removed. -- "This enabled the tumour to be reduced in size in half of the patients to such an extent that surgery with direct wound closure was possible. In a third of the cases, the subsequent histological examination even showed no more living tumour cells. All treated tumours at least became smaller, and no tumour grew further under the therapy. The treatment was well tolerated by the patients," says the principal investigator Christoph Höller, Head of the Skin Tumour Centre at the Department of Dermatology, summarising the results. -- "The new treatment option for basal cell carcinoma can not only simplify surgery, but also help to avoid disfiguring operations and functional limitations," adds first author Julia Ressler, also from the Department of Dermatology. -- In addition to the clinical studies, the researchers from the Department of Dermatology, in cooperation with the St. Anna Children's Hospital, carried out comprehensive analyses that show that the immune defence in the tumour tissue is strengthened in the course of therapy with TVEC. -- These results suggest that TVEC could be a promising option for the neoadjuvant, i.e. pre-surgical, treatment of basal cell carcinoma, particularly in patients for whom major surgery should be avoided. Further studies are to follow in order to confirm the benefits of this new option in a larger patient population.	H01 R01	807
2509-039	New Insights Into Psoriasis Could Revolutionize Treatment With Fewer Side Effects	A new study from MedUni Vienna offers insights into treating psoriasis by restoring the function of anti-inflammatory immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells. This targeted approach could lead to therapies with fewer side effects, paving the way for more precise treatments for this chronic skin condition affecting many individuals.	Medical University of Vienna	Immunity	Press Rel	PubMed	Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, affecting around 250,000 people in Austria. While previous treatment approaches have mainly focused on inhibiting pro-inflammatory immune cells, a study led by MedUni Vienna shows that it is possible to restore the function of certain anti-inflammatory immune cells in a targeted manner. The results, which have been published in the journal "Immunity," pave the way for the development of a therapy that not only works more precisely but is also associated with fewer side effects. -- The research team led by Georg Stary (MedUni Vienna's Department of Dermatology, CeMM) focused its investigations on the role of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. -- Treg cells are important components of the body's immune system that specialise in preventing excessive immune responses and thus inflammation. -- It is already known that these cells lose their regulatory function in chronic skin inflammation, causing the immune response to become uncontrolled and the disease to progress. -- The researchers have now decoded the exact mechanism behind this for the first time: "We were able to show that the loss of the anti-inflammatory function of regulatory T cells is caused by a malfunction of the cellular metabolism," says study leader Georg Stary, summarising the research work. -- As the researchers' analyses revealed, the enzyme SSAT plays a key role in the loss of function of Treg cells. -- SSAT is involved in the regulation of certain molecules (polyamines) that are important for the balance between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory immune cells. -- If SSAT is produced in increased amounts in Treg cells, they lose their regulatory function and begin to produce pro-inflammatory messenger substances themselves. -- This fuels the excessive immune response typical of psoriasis. -- Targeted interruption of the inflammatory cycle	H01	808
2511-019	NorUDCA Shows Promise In Treating Intestinal Inflammation	New findings from the Medical University of Vienna suggest that the semi-synthetic bile acid NorUDCA can inhibit pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells while promoting anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells in the intestine. This dual action presents a promising therapeutic avenue for treating TH17-mediated intestinal diseases.	Medical University of Vienna	Gut	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the Medical University of Vienna has made further progress in the treatment of intestinal inflammation. A study shows that the semi-synthetic bile acid NorUDCA inhibits in the intestine the formation of pro-inflammatory T helper 17 cells (TH17) and at the same time promotes the generation of anti-inflammatory regulatory T cells. This could be a promising new therapeutic option for patients with TH17-mediated intestinal diseases. The results were recently published in the journal Gut. -- NorUDCA (24-nor-ursodeoxycholic acid) is a chemically modified bile acid that has already shown promising results in the treatment of liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and is being tested in clinical studies. -- As PSC is often associated and potentially causally linked with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, a MedUni Vienna research team, jointly led by Michael Trauner (Clinical Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) and Wilfried Ellmeier (Institute of Immunology), has now investigated the effect of NorUDCA on the intestinal immune system. -- It was shown that NorUDCA not only inhibits pro-inflammatory TH17 cells, but also favors their conversion into regulatory T cells (Tregs). -- Various mouse models that mimic intestinal inflammation were used to investigate the effect of NorUDCA. -- These included a model in which certain immune cells (CD4+ T cells) were transferred into immunocompromised mice to analyze the role of TH17 cells. -- Another mouse model used human immune cells from PSC patients to transfer the results to humans. -- State-of-the-art analytical methods such as multicolour flow cytometry, RNA sequencing and metabolic analyses using mass spectrometry helped to uncover the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory effects of NorUDCA. -- The results in the models show that NorUDCA also has an effect on human immune cells. -- Ci Ashley Zhu, senior postdoc and first author of the study: "We were able to confirm the anti-inflammatory effect of NorUDCA not only in mouse models, but also in a humanised mouse model with cells from PSC patients, which indicates that this effect could also work in the human intestine." This study provided new mechanistic insights into the signaling action of bile acids in the gut-liver axis.	R01	809
2511-086	Expert Guidelines Ensure Safe Use Of JAK Inhibitors For Chronic Diseases	An international panel has released updated guidelines for the safe use of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, addressing recent safety concerns. The consensus aims to guide healthcare professionals in effectively managing these medications, highlighting important considerations regarding dosage, monitoring, and potential risks associated with cardiovascular events and cancer.	Medical University of Vienna	Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) are an important treatment option for people with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Since their approval, the indications for these medical drugs have steadily increased, but recently safety concerns have also been raised. In order to support the safe and efficient use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of patients, an international panel of experts led by MedUni Vienna has published new guidelines. The consensus statement was recently published in the renowned journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. -- In order to address the increasing complexity of the use of JAK inhibitors, an international working group led by Josef Smolen (MedUni Vienna's Department of Medicine III) has updated the 2019 guidelines in line with the latest scientific findings. -- The team also took into account safety issues raised in recent studies regarding a possible increased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer in connection with taking these medications. -- "Our multidisciplinary working group was made up of clinicians with expertise in JAKi therapy, other healthcare professionals and patients who have experience with these drugs," reports Josef Smolen. -- The topics discussed included indications, dosage and co-medication strategies, warnings and contraindications, monitoring recommendations and side effect profiles. -- The new consensus statement emphasises that the use of JAKi should always be based on an individual risk-benefit assessment in shared decision with the patient. -- In doing so, safety issues, including indications of a possibly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer, must be carefully considered. -- Important new aspects also include more precise recommendations for dosage, which should be adjusted according to age, kidney and liver function, and accompanying risk factors. -- In addition, specific precautions for infection prevention, such as vaccination strategies, are emphasised. -- JAK inhibitors were first approved in the United States in 2012 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, with Austria following suit in 2017. Because these drugs specifically block cellular signalling pathways that are responsible for maintaining inflammatory responses, JAKi have been researched and approved over the years for the treatment of other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The drugs are now an important treatment option for patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and many other chronic inflammatory diseases for which other treatments are ineffective or are not tolerated. Accordingly, in addition to international experts, the expertise of several departments at MedUni Vienna, such as Daniel Aletaha, Andreas Kerschbaumer and Viktoria Konzett (all Rheumatology), Michael Trauner (Gastroenterology), Maria Krauth (Haematology) and Markus Zeitlinger (Clinical Pharmacology), contributed significantly to the development of the consensus statement. The updated guidelines take into account the increasing importance of this treatment option: "Janus kinase inhibitors are highly effective drugs that offer hope to many patients. Our consensus statement is inteded to support their safe and effective use," Smolen says.	A01 H01 R01	810
2513-021	Early Detection Of Hypertension Crucial For Preventing Kidney Damage	A recent study emphasizes the critical need for early detection and ongoing treatment of high blood pressure to prevent kidney damage. Conducted by researchers from the Medical University of Vienna, the study found that hypertension can lead to podocyte abnormalities, reinforcing the need for proactive healthcare measures in patients, regardless of other conditions like diabetes, to safeguard kidney health.	Medical University of Vienna	Hypertension	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the Medical University of Vienna has investigated structural changes in kidneys of patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. The results show that high blood pressure can lead to abnormalities in the podocytes, specialised cells in the renal filter, even without other pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. The results, published in the journal "Hypertension," underline the importance of early detection and consistent treatment of high blood pressure in order to prevent kidney damage. -- To arrive at these results, the research team, led by Christopher Paschen and Rainer Oberbauer (Clinical Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medicine III) and Heinz Regele (Clinical Department of Pathology), analysed kidney tissue from a total of 99 patients: who either suffered from high blood pressure (arterial hypertension) and type 2 diabetes or did not have either of the two conditions. -- The investigation was conducted on unaffected renal tissue samples from tumour nephrectomies (performed between 2013 and 2018), a surgical procedure in which a kidney is removed in whole or in part to treat a kidney tumour. -- Using modern imaging and computer-assisted methods, the size and density of the podocytes and the volume of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli) were determined in the tissue samples. -- Podocytes are specialised cells of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli) that play a crucial role in the filtering function of the kidney. -- Their size and density are important indicators of the health of the kidney tissue. -- Artificial intelligence in the form of deep-learning-based image analysis was used for the analysis. -- With the help of a specially trained algorithm, digital tissue sections were automatically analysed to precisely capture the structure of podocytes and glomeruli. -- Impaired kidney filtration -- "The results show that patients with hypertension have a reduced density of podocytes compared to healthy controls and that their cell nuclei are enlarged compared to those of healthy controls," reports first author Christopher Paschen.	A01 R01 T01	811
2507-114	New Insights Into Hepatitis B Virus May Lead To Innovative Treatment Options	Researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in the hepatitis B virus that could lead to new treatment options for liver infections. By disrupting the virus's ability to infect liver cells using an already clinically tested compound, the team has laid the groundwork for further studies and potential drug development, offering hope to millions affected by chronic hepatitis B infections worldwide.	Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center	Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center	Press Rel	PubMed	In their effort to answer a decades-old biological question about how the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is able to establish infection of liver cells, research led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), Weill Cornell Medicine, and The Rockefeller University identified a vulnerability that opens the door to new treatments. -- The team successfully disrupted the virus's ability to infect human liver cells in the laboratory using a compound already in clinical trials against cancer -- laying the groundwork for animal model studies and potential drug development based on their insights, according to findings published February 20 in Cell. -- Hepatitis B is a liver infection that affects almost 5% of the world's population. It causes long-term damage to liver cells and is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. More than 250 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infections and the virus causes more than 1 million deaths a year, making it the second most deadly infection worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. -- The research was led by chemical biologist Yael David, PhD, at MSK, working together with hepatologist and virologist Robert Schwartz, MD, PhD, at Weill Cornell Medicine and Viviana Risca, PhD, at The Rockefeller University. -- "This project started from our fundamental interest in how the virus's chromosomes might look and function and led to unexpected discoveries of how the viral infection is established in human cells," Dr. David says. -- Study first author Nicholas Prescott, PhD, pursued the research in the David Lab as his graduate thesis. "This is a great example of how investment in 'basic science' and investigation of fundamental biological questions can open the door to medical advances," he says. "I always thought I'd be working on questions that decades later someone might cite in a paper when they come up with a cure for some disease. Never in a million years did I expect to lead a project that identified such a strong candidate for drug development for a global scourge like hepatitis B." -- A Biological Paradox Sparks a Collaboration -- The research began with a chance meeting and a longstanding paradox. -- Dr. Schwartz, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medicine, was introduced to Dr. David about six years ago at a retreat for Weill Cornell Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology graduate school faculty, where they both hold appointments. -- "On the surface, our research programs seem to have no overlap," Dr. David says. "He studies hepatitis B, while my lab focuses on understanding how gene expression is regulated through a process called epigenetics. However, I was fascinated to discover that viruses like hepatitis B hijack epigenetic mechanisms, even using human DNA-packaging proteins to regulate their activity."	A01 R01 N01	812
2510-039	New Discoveries About DNA Structures Could Transform Cancer Treatment Approaches	Researchers are shedding light on G-quadruplexes, unique DNA structures that can contribute to cancer by causing replication stress. Understanding these complex DNA formations may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies, as they play a crucial role in how cells duplicate their genetic material under challenging conditions.	Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Every day, billions of cells in your body divide, helping to replace old and injured cells with new ones. And each time this happens, your entire genetic library -- your genome, which totals more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA -- has to be copied, precisely, from the parent cell to the new daughter cell. -- When organisms encounter problems -- what scientists call "replication stress" -- this process is more prone to errors, which often cause mutations in the genetic code. -- These mutations can be copied forward and give rise to cancer and other diseases. -- One source of this stress is when the bio-machinery that does that copying gets physically stuck. -- And one of the things it can get stuck on is the DNA template itself, which can adopt alternative structures in certain contexts. -- For example, regions of the genome that are rich in guanine bases (represented by G in the DNA code) can fold into a DNA structure called a G-quadruplex, or G4 for short, which is more compact than normal DNA. -- Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), a team of structural and molecular biologists at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) set out to investigate G4s -- which have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer -- working to understand their influence on DNA replication. -- Additionally, the scientists unexpectedly captured for the first time a detailed picture of how the "engine" driving the cellular replication machinery moves along DNA in human cells. -- Their findings, which were published March 7 in Science, one of world's leading scientific journals, not only reveal new details about how secondary DNA structures like G4s can impede DNA replication, but also offer new insights into fundamental human biology. -- The study was led by co-first authors Sahil Batra, PhD, a research scholar in the lab of senior author Dirk Remus, PhD, and Benjamin Allwein, a graduate student in the lab of senior author Richard Hite, PhD.	H02 R01	813
2501-012	New Technique Allows Detection Of Circulating Tumor Cells In Cancer Patients' Bloodstream.	Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel method for detecting circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of pancreatic and lung cancer patients. This advancement could improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes by identifying these cancer cells, which are critical indicators of disease progression but are typically scarce in blood samples.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Biosensors and Bioelectronics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a way of detecting circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of pancreatic cancer and lung cancer patients. -- The study was published in Biosensors and Bioelectronics. -- As tumors develop, they shed cells into the bloodstream. -- Although these circulating tumor cells are vastly outnumbered by millions of other blood cells, detecting them early can potentially improve treatment outcomes. -- For instance, pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis because by the time it has been detected, it is too late to treat. -- Similarly, the detection rates of lung cancer, especially if it reoccurs after treatment, is also poor. -- Current detection techniques for circulating tumor cells involve labeling specific proteins on the surface of tumor cells with fluorescent dyes. -- These stained cells can then be easily detected in the blood samples. -- However, there are some disadvantages. -- Some of the cells may not have those proteins on their surface and can therefore be missed.	R01	814
2501-020	Patients Struggle To Understand Medical Test Results, Leading To Increased Anxiety.	Following a provision in the 21st Century Cures Act, many patients can now access their medical test results prior to discussing them with their doctors. This shift raises concerns about the clarity of medical reports, as standard pathology language is often technical and not designed for patient comprehension, highlighting a need for more accessible communication in healthcare.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	In April 2021, a provision in the 21st Century Cures act took effect which required that all medical test results be released to a patient's electronic medical record as soon as they become available. -- As a result of this newer law, many patients are seeing and reading their test results even before their doctor has. -- The problem is that many medical reports aren't written with patients in mind. -- For example, "a standard pathology report is written by a pathologist for a clinical specialist like a surgeon or a cancer doctor or for other pathologists to read," said Cathryn Lapedis, M.D., M.P.H., of the Department of Pathology at University of Michigan Health. -- In a published research letter in JAMA, Lapedis and her colleagues tested whether people could understand standard pathology reports and whether a patient-centered report might improve patient understanding. -- "A patient-centered pathology report gives important information on the patient's diagnosis in a clear format that minimizes medical terminology," she explained. -- "For example, a standard pathology report will include a term like prostatic adenocarcinoma, but the patient-centered report will simply call it prostate cancer." -- For the study, the team recruited 2,238 adults, aged 55 to 84, who had a prostate but no history of prostate cancer. -- Participants were provided with a hypothetical scenario in which they were seeking care due to troubling urinary symptoms, received a biopsy and then would receive results from that test through their patient portal. -- Participants saw one of three types of reports: a standard University report identical to the format used at University of Michigan, a standard VA report identical to the format used at VA Ann Arbor Health system, or a patient-centered pathology report.	H02 R01	815
2504-056	Urine Test Differentiates Aggressive Prostate Cancer, Reducing Unnecessary Biopsies	University of Michigan researchers have validated a urine test capable of distinguishing between different grades of prostate cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary invasive procedures like biopsies. This test offers a non-invasive alternative for assessing cancer risk in men, aiming to improve screening practices and reduce the physical and psychological burden associated with traditional diagnostic methods in prostate cancer management.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	J Urol	Press Rel	PubMed	Traditional approaches to prostate cancer screening involve blood tests, MRI, and biopsies. -- However, in addition to being uncomfortable, some of these procedures result in overdiagnosis of low-grade cancers. -- In a new study, researchers at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have clinically validated a previously developed urine test, which can potentially bypass these invasive procedures among men who are unlikely to benefit. -- Prostate cancers are categorized based on their Gleason Grade or Grade Group. -- Those with Gleason 3+4=7, or Grade Group 2, or higher are more likely to grow and cause harm in comparison with Gleason 6 or Grade Group 1 prostate cancers, which are considered non-aggressive. -- The urine test, called MyProstateScore 2.0, or MPS2, looks at 18 different genes linked to high-grade prostate cancer. -- The researchers had previously demonstrated that the test was effective in identifying GG2 or higher cancers, helping patients avoid unnecessary biopsies. -- However, in that study, urine samples were obtained after a digital rectal examination. -- "The process requires the prostate to be compressed, causing the release of cellular debris into a urine sample that the patient provides after the rectal exam," said Ganesh S. Palapattu, M.D., a professor of urology. -- Such an examination may not be practical for many and is associated with some discomfort.	H01 R01	816
2504-074	Topical Mupirocin Can Reduce Inflammation Caused By Lupus	Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as lupus, frequently manifests as rashes due to immune system-driven inflammation. This condition, particularly cutaneous lupus, often results in rashes on the face and scalp and can lead to complications like hair loss and skin scarring. Current treatment approaches utilize immunosuppressants and biologic drugs to manage inflammation, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic strategies for affected individuals.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Arthritis & Rheumatology	Press Rel	PubMed	Systemic lupus erythematosus, more commonly known as lupus, has a variety of symptoms and room for improvement when it comes to treatment. -- Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. -- The condition is characterized by rashes on various parts of the body including the face and scalp, hair loss and scarring of the skin. -- The rashes are caused by inflammation from the immune system fighting the body. -- The standard treatment for cutaneous lupus erythematosus is using immunosuppressants and biologic drugs to reduce inflammation. -- While the medications can be helpful, many patients with systemic lupus erythematosus already take a high number of drugs and are looking for other treatment methods other than pills. -- J. Michelle Kahlenberg, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of internal medicine in the Division of Rheumatology at University of Michigan Health led a team of researchers looking at one of these alternatives, a topical treatment called mupirocin. -- This trial was based on Kahlenberg's previous discovery that cutaneous lupus rashes are often colonized with a common skin bacteria, Staphyloccous areus, also known asstaph, and contributes to inflammation in the rashes. -- Mupirocin kills this type of bacteria. -- The study randomly selected systemic lupus erythematosus patients currently experiencing cutaneous lupus erythematosus flares to treat their skin lesions with mupirocin or with an inactive control, petrolatum jelly.	H01	817
2504-077	Balancing Diagnostic Stewardship Can Enhance Appendicitis Detection Without Over-Testing	Research from the University of Michigan highlights the delicate balance emergency departments must strike between timely diagnosis and the risks of over-testing for appendicitis in children. While quick detection is crucial, unnecessary imaging can lead to harmful consequences. The study underscores the variability in diagnostic approaches and calls for improved guidelines to enhance patient safety while ensuring effective treatment for appendicitis.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Academic Emergency Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Abdominal pain is among the most common reasons children are taken to the emergency department. -- A small proportion of them usually have appendicitis, and timely detection is essential. -- To do so, clinicians often rely on imaging, such as ultrasound or CT scans. -- Although delayed diagnosis of appendicitis in children can be life threatening, overtesting is wasteful and can even cause harm. -- Now in a study, published in Academic Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan researchers found that emergency departments vary widely in how they balance the need to diagnose appendicitis with the potential harms of overtesting. -- "Children with abdominal pain are a diagnostic conundrum. On the one hand those who have appendicitis need to be diagnosed in a timely manner, but on the other hand the most common diagnostic tool we use, a CT scan, exposes them to radiation," said Alexander Janke, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine. -- Although there are a range of tools that emergency clinicians can use, including ultrasounds, CT scans, blood tests and consultation with surgical specialists, their implementation varies among different emergency departments across Michigan. -- The availability and quality of ultrasound, for example, isn't guaranteed at every emergency department. -- Similarly, pediatric surgical consultations may be easily obtained in some, but not other, emergency departments. -- To better understand the balance between overtesting and delayed diagnosis, the researchers studied over 100,000 emergency department visits for children with abdominal pain aged 5-17 years.	A01 H01 T01	818
2505-064	How To Effectively Treat Common Rotator-Cuff Tears In Individuals Over 40	Rotator cuff disorders are a prevalent issue for individuals over 40, causing millions of physician visits annually. These injuries can result from acute trauma or gradual wear and tear. While nonoperative treatments like physical therapy are often effective, some patients may require surgical intervention if conservative approaches fail. Understanding the nature and treatment options for these injuries is essential for effective patient care.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Superconducting materials are similar to the carpool lane in a congested interstate. Like commuters who ride together, electrons that pair up can bypass the regular traffic, moving through the material with zero friction. -- But just as with carpools, how easily electron pairs can flow depends on a number of conditions, including the density of pairs that are moving through the material. -- This "superfluid stiffness," or the ease with which a current of electron pairs can flow, is a key measure of a material's superconductivity. -- Physicists at MIT and Harvard University have now directly measured superfluid stiffness for the first time in "magic-angle" graphene -- materials that are made from two or more atomically thin sheets of graphene twisted with respect to each other at just the right angle to enable a host of exceptional properties, including unconventional superconductivity. -- This superconductivity makes magic-angle graphene a promising building block for future quantum-computing devices, but exactly how the material superconducts is not well-understood. -- Knowing the material's superfluid stiffness will help scientists identify the mechanism of superconductivity in magic-angle graphene. -- The team's measurements suggest that magic-angle graphene's superconductivity is primarily governed by quantum geometry, which refers to the conceptual "shape" of quantum states that can exist in a given material. -- The results, which are reported in the journal Nature, represent the first time scientists have directly measured superfluid stiffness in a two-dimensional material. -- To do so, the team developed a new experimental method which can now be used to make similar measurements of other two-dimensional superconducting materials. -- "There's a whole family of 2D superconductors that is waiting to be probed, and we are really just scratching the surface," says study co-lead author Joel Wang, a research scientist in MIT's Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE).	H01	819
2506-001	Disadvantaged Communities Cut ALS Survival Time By Over 30%, Study Shows	Social determinants of health drastically affect disease outcomes, especially in neurological disorders like ALS. A study indicates that individuals living in disadvantaged communities might experience up to a 37% reduction in survival time with ALS compared to those from better-resourced areas. This study highlights the significant impact of socioeconomic factors on health, particularly regarding neurological conditions and their associated mortality rates.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Living in a disadvantaged community may decrease the length of time a person can survive with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, by over 30%, a Michigan Medicine-led study suggests. -- ALS is a progressive, incurable condition that causes muscle wasting and loss of muscle control. -- While most people survive with ALS around two to four years, some people can live significantly longer. -- In the study of more than 1,000 patients with ALS seen between 2012 and mid-2024, people from the most disadvantaged neighborhoods had up to a 37% shorter survival time compared to those from the most resourced areas. -- U-M researchers used the Area Deprivation Index, a tool created at University of Wisconsin, which measures neighborhood disadvantage using factors such as income, education, employment and housing. -- The results are published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. -- "Our results show a significant link between adverse social determinants of health and shorter survival in patients with ALS," said senior author Stephen Goutman, M.D., M.S., Harriet Hiller Research Professor, director of the Pranger ALS Clinic and associate director of the ALS Center of Excellence at University of Michigan. -- "For years, we have defined the ALS 'exposome' as how environmental exposures over a lifetime affect a person's ALS risk and survival. The lived environment -- in other words, the social exposome -- is a key contributor to the overall exposome and is important to consider. Moreover, a deeper understanding of how socioeconomic factors contribute to ALS survival is important for making ALS a more livable disease and reducing the impact of health disparities." -- The cost of caring for someone with ALS is tremendous: People with ALS can pay up to $250,000 out-of-pocket each year, according to the ALS Association. -- The study design didn't offer insight into the cause of the survival differences, but researchers note that more resourced patients often can afford additional care to limit burnout for family caregivers.	Z01	820
2506-016	Could Mitochondria Be The Key To Curing Diabetes? New Research Explores Possibilities	Mitochondria play a crucial role in cellular energy production, but defects can lead to conditions like type 2 diabetes. Research indicates that pancreatic β-cells in diabetic patients often exhibit abnormal mitochondrial functions, emphasizing the need to explore the underlying causes of these cellular malfunctions to improve diabetes management.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Mitochondria are essential for generating energy that fuels cells and helps them function. -- Mitochondrial defects, however, are associated with the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes. -- Patients who suffer from this disorder are unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin produced by their pancreas to keep their blood sugar at normal levels. -- Several studies have shown that insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells of patients with diabetes have abnormal mitochondria and are unable to generate energy. -- Yet, these studies were unable to explain why the cells behaved this way. -- In a study published in Science, researchers at the University of Michigan used mice to show that dysfunctional mitochondria trigger a response that affects the maturation and function of β-cells. -- "We wanted to determine which pathways are important for maintaining proper mitochondrial function," said Emily M. Walker, Ph.D, a research assistant professor of internal medicine and first author of the study. -- To do so, the team damaged three components that are essential for mitochondrial function: their DNA, a pathway used to get rid of damaged mitochondria, and one that maintains a healthy pool of mitochondria in the cell. -- "In all three cases, the exact same stress response was turned on, which caused β-cells to become immature, stop making enough insulin, and essentially stop being β-cells," Walker said. -- "Our results demonstrate that the mitochondria can send signals to the nucleus and change the fate of the cell."	H02 R01	821
2506-075	Surgical Care Accessibility Issues: High Costs And Long Distances For Many Americans	Surgical Care Accessibility: Nearly one-third of Americans lack access to high-quality surgical care within an hour's drive, with rural residents facing greater challenges. New studies reveal that this situation leads to increased costs and risks for patients. Researchers are advocating for changes in policies and healthcare practices to improve access to necessary surgical services, particularly for those in underserved areas.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	When they need surgery, nearly one in three Americans may find themselves in a precarious position: They live more than an hour's drive from a high-quality hospital, and their insurance plan may leave them paying more than they can afford out of their own pockets. -- The situation is worse for Americans living in rural areas, according to a pair of new studies from a University of Michigan team led by a surgeon who grew up in rural West Virginia. -- And that means more time away from home and work for patients and their caregivers, more expense, or potentially less-safe operations with a higher risk of complications. -- The studies, published in the Annals of Surgeryand JAMA, document a troubling situation. -- But they also set out a framework for researchers and policymakers to study and improve Americans' access to high-quality and affordable surgical care within a reasonable drive time, and for hospitals to understand and support the needs of patients who live far away. -- Key findings -- The Annals study reveals that 99 million Americans lacked access to timely, high-quality and affordable surgical care in 2020, up from 98 million in 2015. -- Residents of rural areas had the largest increase in lack of this kind of access, but non-rural residents experienced an increase too. -- The researchers define such access as living within an hour's drive of a hospital that offers surgical care and earned at least three stars from the Medicare quality rating system, and being able to afford the out-of-pocket costs of that operation after any insurance coverage. -- The JAMA study focuses on adults living in rural areas who underwent any one of 16 different operations in 2010 and 2020, both low-risk and high-risk surgical procedures.	Z01	822
2507-001	Innovative Gene Therapy Approach Shows Promise For Rare Epilepsy Treatment In Mice	Recent research led by Michigan Medicine focuses on the SCN1B gene variant linked to severe developmental epileptic encephalopathy, specifically Dravet syndrome. Utilizing mouse models, the team explored a gene therapy designed to enhance beta-1 protein expression, crucial for sodium channel regulation in the brain. The study highlights the potential for innovative treatments that address severe genetic conditions in children.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	Dravet syndrome and other developmental epileptic encephalopathies are rare but devastating conditions that cause a host of symptoms in children, including seizures, intellectual disability, and even sudden death. -- Most cases are caused by a genetic mutation; Dravet syndrome in particular is most often caused by variants in the sodium channel gene SCN1A. -- Recent research from Michigan Medicine takes aim at another variant in SCN1B, which causes an even more severe form of DEE. -- Mice without the SCN1B gene experience seizures and 100 percent mortality just three weeks after birth. -- Using mouse models, the investigative team, led by Chunling Chen, M.D., and Yukun Yuan, M.D., Ph.D., in the lab of Lori Isom, Ph.D., of the Department of Pharmacology at the Medical School, tested a gene therapy to replace SCN1B to increase the expression of beta-1 protein, which is necessary for the regulation of sodium channels in the brain. -- Administering the therapy to newborn mice increased their survival, reduced the severity of their seizures and restored brain neuron excitability. -- The team notes that different forms of SCN1B gene expression may result in different outcomes for the therapy. -- However, the proof-of-concept is the first step toward a gene replacement therapy for SCN1B-linked developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.	H01 R02	823
2507-012	Personalized IgG Diet Reduces Abdominal Pain For Patients With IBS	Research conducted by Michigan Medicine and Cleveland Clinic demonstrates that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) following an IgG-based elimination diet experienced less abdominal pain compared to those on a sham diet. The study suggests that personalized dietary interventions may enhance the quality of life for IBS patients.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	Michigan Medicine and Cleveland Clinic researchers have found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome were more likely to experience less abdominal pain if they followed a diet guided by the results of a blood test, compared to those who followed a sham elimination diet. -- The blood test in this study (InFoods IBS, Biomerica) was specifically developed for patients with IBS and determined a positive test result for each food that triggered an above normal Immunoglobulin G antibody response, which is a marker of inflammation in patients with IBS. -- The study results were published in Gastroenterology. -- Irritable bowel syndrome affects about 10% to 15% of adults in the United States. -- Studies have shown that individuals who have IBS report a lower health-related quality of life and decreased work productivity. -- Individuals with IBS experience various symptoms, including abdominal pain and cramps. Some factors, such as certain foods, can worsen symptoms and cause flare-ups. -- "We have patients all the time who say, 'I know food is a problem for me. Is there any way to figure out which foods I'm sensitive to?'" said Prashant Singh, MBBS, Michigan Medicine gastroenterologist and lead author on the paper. -- This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial enrolled 238 study participants from eight academic centers in the United States. -- Participants with IBS were screened with a validated, proprietary assay that tests IgG antibody levels to 18 different likely-culprit foods. -- Patients were then assigned to one of two groups. One group eliminated the foods for which they tested positive on the IgG antibody assay.	H01	824
2507-094	Study Reveals Shared Cognitive Pathways In Buddhism And Christianity	New studies reveal that postoperative infections in older adults following heart surgery may be significantly underestimated, with women and Black patients showing higher rates of infection. Research from Michigan Medicine indicates that one in five older adults may contract an infection within six months post-surgery, highlighting the need for more vigilant monitoring and intervention in surgical care.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	One in five older adults gets an infection up to six months after heart surgery -- with women far more likely to develop one, according to studies led by Michigan Medicine. -- The two studies examined thousands of cases involving Medicare beneficiaries who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, also known as CABG or heart bypass, or aortic valve replacement. -- Women had 60% greater odds of developing postoperative infections, the three most common being urinary tract, pneumonia and sepsis. -- Black patients also had higher rates of overall infection (28%) compared to white patients (19.2%). -- The studies are published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. -- "Our investigations highlight persistent disparities in outcomes for patients undergoing cardiac surgery that will require multidisciplinary efforts to correct," said J'undra N. Pegues, M.D., M.S., first author of the study on infection disparities and a T32 research fellow in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at U-M Health. -- In one of the studies, which covered hospitals across the state of Michigan, 21.2% of Medicare beneficiaries developed an infection up to six months after surgery. -- Pneumonia and UTIs accounted for nearly 17% of all infections, and rates of infection varied nearly 40% across hospitals. -- "Tracking infections beyond the short time horizon is important, as some hospitals are better equipped than others to prevent infections, and some patients face disproportionate challenges given social determinants of health," Pegues said. -- Several past studies have uncovered lower rates of infection after these procedures.	A01 R01	825
2507-106	Innovative Tuning Approach Enhances Hydrogen Catalysis Efficiency	Innovative research has shown that self-sampling for HPV detection is as effective as traditional speculum-based testing, offering a more comfortable option for patients. Given HPV's prevalence as a leading cause of cervical cancer, improving access to screening methods can significantly impact public health. The findings from these studies offer new perspectives on HPV screening, particularly for those who might face barriers to traditional testing.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	Genital human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is thought to be responsible for more than 99% of cervical cancers. -- HPV screening usually entails a speculum-based exam, which is an uncomfortable experience for most patients, especially those who have physical disabilities. -- In two studies, published in Preventive Medicine Reports andJAMA Network Open, University of Michigan researchers are the first to demonstrate in the U.S. that self-sampling is just as effective as speculum-based testing for HPV detection. -- Most people who have HPV are usually unaware that they have it. -- By age 50, at least 4 out of 5 women will have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives. -- Usually, these infections disappear within 2 years, due to the body's defenses. -- However, in some women the infection lingers and puts them at risk for cervical cancer. -- Currently, cervical cancer screens and HPV testing is recommended for women every 3 to 5 years starting at age 25. -- "Co-testing for HPV and cervical cancer is not useful in any meaningful way. You can find the same occurrence of cervical cancer and its precursors by just testing for HPV alone," said Diane Harper, M.D., a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine and women's and gender studies and senior author of both studies. -- Additionally, the entire process can be physically and emotionally taxing.	R01	826
2507-125	New Mouse Model Developed For Understanding Neutrophilic Asthma Mechanisms	Researchers have developed one of the first mouse models for neutrophilic asthma, aiming to better understand its inflammatory mechanisms. This advancement is crucial for identifying effective treatments for a subtype of asthma that currently lacks sufficient therapeutic options, potentially improving disease management and quality of life for affected individuals.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	A better understanding of inflammation and lung immunity over the past two decades has led to new, innovative treatments for asthma, including biologic therapies. -- This is especially true for a subtype known as eosinophilic asthma -- asthma that's related to the recruitment and overactivation of white blood cells in the lungs called eosinophils. -- However, a different type of asthma called neutrophilic asthma has fewer treatment options and doesn't respond as well to first line asthma therapy. -- As a result, people with this type of asthma, which is usually diagnosed in adults, often experience more serious disease and a poorer quality of life. -- A team of researchers led by Anukul Shenoy, Ph.D., of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at U-M and Joseph Mizgerd, Ph.D., of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine are trying to address a lack of knowledge around neutrophilic asthma and have developed one of the first mouse models for the condition. -- By repeatedly, but briefly, exposing mice to an inhaled allergen over time, they were able to mimic the exposure and immune activity within the airways of adult humans. -- This type of allergen exposure resulted in an increase in accumulation of different types of T cells called CD4+TRM cells -- memory cells that are present in adult lungs and responsible for a rapid response to a previously encountered allergen. -- When activated, one subset of CD4+TRM cells lining the airways produces a cytokine IL-17A which then persuades the epithelial cells of the lung to recruit neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that causes inflammation. -- While neutrophils are important for protection against pathogens their activation in response to a harmless allergen in asthmatics leads to severe lung damage. -- Interestingly, the team also discovered that the epithelial cells try and control this inflammation by using a specialized immune-facing molecule called MHC-II.	H01 H02 R01	827
2507-T010	Low Trust In AI Use In Health Care Calls For Better Communication	A study has found that a significant portion of adults surveyed lack trust in healthcare systems to use artificial intelligence responsibly. Researchers stress the need for improved communication between hospitals and patients regarding AI tools, as trust correlates with patients' beliefs about their safety in healthcare contexts.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	A study finds that 65.8% of adults surveyed had low trust in their health care system to use artificial intelligence responsibly and 57.7% had low trust in their health care systems to make sure an AI tool would not harm them. -- The research letter was published in JAMA Network Open. -- Adults who had higher levels of overall trust in their health care systems were more likely to believe their providers would protect them from AI-related harm. -- The letter, authored by Jodyn Platt, Ph.D., of the Department of Learning Health Sciences at University of Michigan Medical School and Paige Nong, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota School of Public Health comes from survey of a nationally representative sample of adults from the National Opinion Research Center's AmeriSpeak Panel from June to July 2023. -- Additional insights include that female respondents were less likely than male respondents to trust their health care systems to use AI responsibility. -- Health literacy or AI knowledge were not associated with trust in AI, suggesting that building trust in the use of AI will require meaningful engagement. -- The authors note that future research should look at trust over time and with increased familiarity with AI. -- Furthermore, health systems that adopt AI should increase or improve their communication about the tools used in patient care.	H02 T01	828
2509-031	Researchers Track K. Pneumoniae Bacteria As It Spreads Throughout The Body	Researchers are utilizing a unique barcoding method to track how Klebsiella pneumoniae spreads throughout the body, aiming to understand the bacterium's role in causing serious infections like bacteremia and sepsis. This research seeks to unravel the mechanisms by which bacteria evade the immune system, potentially paving the way for improved treatment strategies.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Bacteremia, or blood poisoning, occurs when bacteria overcome the body's immune defenses. -- Bacteremia can worsen into sepsis, a condition that accounts for more than 1 in 3 hospital deaths per year. -- Yet people are routinely exposed to and fight off bacteria from the environment without this deadly series of events occurring. -- Scientists are trying to figure out exactly how bacteria spread throughout the body to cause systemic infection in the hopes of eventually stopping this process in its tracks. -- Michael Bachman, M.D., Ph.D., clinical associate professor of pathology and microbiology and immunology at U-M Medical School and former postdoc Caitlyn Holmes, Ph.D., have tried to solve this mystery, focusing on gram negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae, a common source of pneumonia-initiated bacteremia. -- In previous work, they determined that bacteria spread in three phases: infection of an initial site, such as the lungs; entrance into the bloodstream; and finally, replication and avoidance of filtration by the liver and spleen. -- Traditionally, analyzing a bacterial infection is done by culturing tissue and counting the number of resulting bacteria. -- "Experimentally, we can measure the first phase pretty easily in terms of how the bacteria infect the lungs and we can measure the third phase pretty easily in terms of how the bacteria survive in these blood-filtering organs and whether they replicate or not. But that transition out of the lungs and into the bloodstream has traditionally been difficult to measure," said Bachman. -- Using an innovative barcoding-style system developed with colleagues at Harvard University, Bachman, Holmes and their team were able to label bacteria with short snippets of DNA in mouse models and use computer analysis to track the movement of K. pneumoniae throughout the body. -- They expected that the bacteria would replicate in the lungs until such a point that their clones overwhelmed the lung's defenses, spilling out into the blood stream, says Bachman.	R01 T01	829
2511-017	FDA-Approved Drug Avapritinib Shows Promise For High-Grade Glioma Treatment	A collaborative study demonstrates that high-grade glioma tumor cells with PDGFRA mutations respond to the FDA-approved drug avapritinib. This finding could lead to new treatment options for aggressive brain cancer, which is challenging to treat due to tumor location and recurrence, offering hope for improved patient outcomes.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Cancer Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	High-grade glioma, an aggressive form of pediatric and adult brain cancer, is challenging to treat given the tumor location, incidence of recurrence and difficulty for drugs to cross the blood-brain barrier. -- Researchers from the University of Michigan, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and the Medical University of Vienna established a collaborative team to uncover a potential new avenue to address this disease. -- A study, published in Cancer Cell, shows that high-grade glioma tumor cells harboring DNA alterations in the gene PDGFRA responded to the drug avapritinib, which is already approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumors with a PDGFRA exon 18 mutation as well advanced systemic mastocytosis and indolent systemic mastocytosis. -- "We were excited to see that avapritinib essentially shut off PDGFRA signaling in mouse brain tumors," said Carl Koschmann, M.D., ChadTough Defeat DIPG Research Professor and?clinical scientific director of the Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. -- Aside from surgery and radiation, there aren't effective drugs to treat high-grade gliomas, especially upon recurrence. Koschmann and his collaborators targeted PDGFRA, which is one of the most commonly mutated genes, as a potential inroad to discover new drug therapies. -- "We'd been doing screens with a lot of commercially available drugs that inhibit PDGFRA. We found avapritinib to be the strongest and most focused inhibitor that targets PDGFRA alterations," Koschmann said. -- Along with colleagues from the labs of Mariella Filbin MD, PhD (Dana Farber Cancer Institute) and Johannes Gojo (Medical University of Vienna) who were investigating the effectiveness of PDGFRA inhibitors, Koschmann and his team were excited to see that avapritinib crosses the blood brain barrier, a normally high hurdle for drugs. -- "When we gave mice the drug and showed that it reached the brain, we knew we were onto something," explained Kallen Schwark, a U-M M.D./Ph.D. student and one of the study's lead authors. -- The team was able to treat some patients with high-grade glioma through an expanded access program established by Blueprint, while a clinical trial was not yet available. -- "Across multiple international institutions, we treated the first eight patients with high-grade glioma with avapritinib," Koschmann explained.	H01 R01 R02	830
2511-036	Diabetes Management Plays A Key Role In Preventing Vision Loss	With over 1 in 10 adults affected by diabetes, the condition has contributed to a rise in diabetic retinal disease, a leading cause of preventable blindness. In a recent publication, Dr. Thomas Gardner discusses the complications involved in screening for this silent disease and outlines current treatment options, emphasizing the need for regular eye examinations.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics	Press Rel	PubMed	Diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 adults worldwide and has been accompanied by an increase in vision-threatening diabetic retinal disease. -- Concerningly, DRD is the leading cause of preventable blindness for those aged 20-74 years. -- Multiple studies have shown that DRD screening remains challenging because patients often do not have any symptoms in the early stages and, therefore, misunderstand the importance of regular screenings. -- In a recent publication in Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S., professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and a member of Caswell Diabetes Institute, discusses current screening recommendations and treatment options for DRD. -- Diabetes can damage multiple parts of the body, including kidneys, nerves and eyes. -- DRD affects the blood vessels and nerve cells in the retina, resulting in hemorrhages, abnormal blood vessel growth and loss of critical nerve cells. -- "People usually are not motivated to take action until their vision is threatened, by which time they might develop late-stage DRD," Gardner said. -- The American Diabetes Association therefore recommends that adults with type 2 diabetes have their first eye exam when they are diagnosed and those with type 1 diabetes have their first eye exam within five years of diagnosis. -- "The guidelines for type 1 and type 2 diabetes are different because adults who have the latter can develop vision complications before they become aware of their condition," Gardner said. -- "Importantly, adolescents and young adults are at a higher risk, largely because it is very difficult for them to control their diabetes."	A01 R01	831
2512-068	Higher Education Linked To Cognitive Decline: Stroke Survivors Face Steeper Challenges	A study indicates that stroke survivors with higher education levels may experience accelerated cognitive decline, despite initially performing better in cognitive assessments. This finding suggests that while education may confer some benefits, it does not protect against the long-term cognitive impacts of stroke.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	When someone has a stroke, it can accelerate the loss of cognitive ability over the coming years. -- Stroke survivors who have attended some level of higher education may face even steeper mental declines, according to a study led by Michigan Medicine. -- In an analysis of cognitive outcomes for more than 2,000 patients seen for stroke between 1971 and 2019, college graduates performed better on initial post-stroke examinations of global cognition, a measure of overall cognitive ability that includes mental functions like memory, attention and processing speed. -- However, stroke survivors who attended any level of higher education had faster declines in executive functioning -- skills used to manage everyday tasks, such as working memory and problem solving -- compared to patients with less than a high school degree. -- "Brain atrophy occurs over time regardless of education level," said Mellanie V. Springer, M.D., M.S., first author and Thomas H and Susan C Brown Early Career Professor of Neurology at University of Michigan Medical School. -- "Our findings suggest that attending higher education may enable people to retain greater cognitive ability until a critical threshold of brain injury is reached after a stroke. At this point, compensation may fail, and rapid cognitive decline occurs." -- For years, researchers have considered education level as a predictor of cognitive reserve, the ability to preserve higher levels of functioning despite brain injury that occurs over the course of life. -- This led Springer and her colleagues to hypothesize that highly educated people would have slower cognitive decline after a stroke. -- The results, published in JAMA Network Open, reflect the opposite. -- "Dementia is a greater threat after a first stroke than having another stroke," said senior author Deborah A. Levine, M.D., M.P.H., professor of internal medicine and neurology at U-M Medical School.	H02 R02	832
2513-061	Heart Failure Management Requires Careful Coordination To Protect Cognitive Function	A study led by Michigan Medicine sheds light on the cognitive decline associated with heart failure, indicating that over six million Americans are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline. The research shows that individuals diagnosed with heart failure experience a significant deterioration in cognitive function, equivalent to aging ten years within just seven years, emphasizing the need for effective management and support systems.	Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan	Circulation: Heart Failure	Press Rel	PubMed	There are over six million Americans with heart failure who are at greater risk of losing their cognitive abilities earlier in life, a study suggests. -- The research team, led by Michigan Medicine, examined the cognitive abilities of nearly 30,000 adults over time, comparing those who did and did not develop heart failure. -- The researchers found heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at the time of diagnosis. -- Global cognition and executive functioning also declined more rapidly over the years after heart failure diagnosis, as people with the condition mentally aged the equivalent of 10 years within just seven years of a heart failure diagnosis. -- The results are published in Circulation: Heart Failure. -- "Heart failure is a disease that never goes away and treating it relies heavily on a patient's ability to follow specific instructions, monitor their symptoms and keep up with many different medications," said Supriya Shore, MBBS, MSCS, first author and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine-cardiology at University of Michigan Medical School. -- "Seeing this cognitive decline among patients, and how it worsens over time after a diagnosis of heart failure, should be a warning for providers to assess a patient's cognitive ability early and factor it into the care plan." -- Typical risk factors for cognitive impairment, such as high blood pressure and heart attack, did not explain the accelerated decline observed in the participants with heart failure, according to the study. -- The largest decrease in global cognition -- a composite of several features of cognitive ability, including attention and problem solving -- occurred among older adults, women, and white participants. -- Investigators say, based on their findings, that adults with heart failure would reach the threshold for meaningful decline in global cognition nearly six years earlier than people without it.	A01 R01	833
2503-E020	Truffle Discovery: Researchers And Their Dogs Unearth New Species	Collaborative research involving Michigan State University and citizen scientists has led to the discovery of two new truffle species, named Tuber canirevelatum and Tuber cumberlandense. The truffles were identified through DNA analysis after being found by trained dogs in unique locations. This study highlights the economic potential of North American truffles and aims to stimulate interest in their cultivation, as these species share aromatic compounds with sought-after European truffles.	Michigan State University	Mycologia	Press Rel	PubMed	Michigan State University researchers -- along with colleagues at the University of Florida, citizen scientists and their "truffle dogs" -- have discovered two new species of truffle. -- Tuber canirevelatum, meaning the 'dog-found' truffle, was named in honor of truffle dogs and Monza, the dog who discovered it with her trainer Lois Martin. The other, Tuber cumberlandense, was named for the Cumberland Plateau where it was found by Margaret Townsend and her truffle dog, Luca. -- T. canirevelatumdid not look or smell like anything known to grow in North America so, curious to know what it was, Martin mailed it to the lab of Gregory Bonito, associate professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Bonito and his undergraduate research student, Alassane Sow, lead author on the study, used DNA analyses to identify the two truffles and to place them in the tree of life. -- "Receiving these samples was very exciting, especially because they looked very similar to the well-known edible European truffles Tuber macrosporumand Tuber aestivum,"Sow said. "We hope that by describing both of these species there will be increased interest in cultivating North American truffles. Our analyses show that each has aromatic compounds found in some of the most valuable truffle species." -- Due to their rarity, truffles are expensive and highly prized in the culinary world. According to Bonito, both these new truffle species have economic potential. "In international markets, fresh truffles are sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars per kilogram," Bonito said. -- Although T. cumberlandense has been harvested in truffle orchards and in woodlands and has been sold under various names, the analysis showed that it is a distinct and previously undescribed species native to North America, Bonito said. -- Currently, efforts are underway in Kentucky to cultivate this native truffle by the distiller Maker's Mark. -- "This particular species enjoys a symbiotic relationship with their host, white oaks, growing from their roots and providing nutrition to the trees," Bonito said. "Maker's Mark is interested in cultivating T. cumberlandense because they store their whiskey in white oak barrels. They will be reforesting their land in Kentucky with white oaks for the barrels and hope one day to harvest truffles as well; perhaps they will even create truffle-infused whiskey." -- Historically, the attention has been on cultivating and selling European truffle species, but there is growing interest in cultivating, wild-harvesting and selling species of truffles native to North America. -- Bonito said more and more people are trying to grow truffles, which means more truffle dogs are needed for sniffing out these fungal fruits since they grow underground.	C01 N02	834
2506-039	Friends Know Best: They Can Spot Who's Ready For Serious Relationships	A study from Michigan State University reveals that friends can accurately assess who among them is ready for committed relationships. By analyzing perceptions of readiness, the research identifies a correlation between commitment readiness and attachment styles, providing insights that may enhance understanding of relational dynamics among peers.	Michigan State University	Journal of Social and Personal Relationships	Press Rel	PubMed	Feeling ready for a committed relationship is a key step in dating. But do your friends agree that you're ready for a long-term relationship? As this week is Valentine's Day, newer couples may be considering just how serious their relationship is together. -- A new study from Michigan State University found that friends significantly agreed on who was ready for committed relationships -- and who wasn't. -- The study, published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, showed that friends who were perceived to be less ready for a committed relationship were also seen to be more insecure in their relationships. -- People with an insecure attachment style have elevated levels of anxiety and/or avoidance. -- The researchers collected data from nearly 800 people embedded in friend groups. -- Participants reported on their own readiness for relationships, their friends' readiness, and their friends' attachment styles. -- This round-robin research design is one of only a few that focuses on young adult friends. -- "Friendships affect so many parts of our life -- not just our health and happiness, but also our romantic prospects. Friends can constrain or facilitate who we date. They can also help our romantic relationships flourish or subtly and not-so-subtly undermine them," said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU's Department of Psychology and co-author of the study. -- "Judgments of readiness likely explain all sorts of reasons why friends help and hurt our chances of finding love." -- The researchers hope that the findings may offer insights for young adults navigating romance and encourage them to have open communication with their peers to better foster healthy relationships.	H02	835
2507-088	Intoxicated Witnesses Struggle To Accurately Identify Suspects After Crimes	New research from Michigan State University highlights the diagnostic delays faced by individuals with epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures. This study sheds light on the significant challenges in obtaining timely and accurate diagnoses for episodic conditions, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare strategies and awareness to better serve those affected by such disorders.	Michigan State University	Michigan State University	Press Rel	PubMed	Any patient suffering from new or worsening medical symptoms hopes for a relatively quick and accurate diagnosis. -- However, for many people with episodic disabilities -- periodic or intermittent conditions like migraines, lupus, Crohn's disease and epilepsy, in which the presence and severity of symptoms fluctuate -- a swift diagnosis is not guaranteed. -- New research from Michigan State University focuses on diagnostic delays experienced by people with one such condition: epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures that affects over 3 million people in the United States and 50 million worldwide. -- "Epilepsy has different symptoms that come and go, which makes it hard for doctors to identify using regular screening tools. People from low-income backgrounds and those whose seizures don't show up on these tools often face the longest delays," said Megh Marathe, an assistant professor in the MSU colleges of Communication Arts and Sciences and Human Medicine. "Without a diagnosis, these individuals may not get the treatment, support, benefits or understanding they need to make sense of their situation." -- Marathe's research, published in Disability Studies Quarterly, draws upon 15 months of interviews with 25 people with epilepsy and 36 medical practitioners in a large research hospital in the Midwest. Of those with epilepsy, 52% experienced a delayed diagnosis, waiting several months and up to 5 years for official confirmation, while 48% experienced a quick diagnosis, within days of their first seizure. -- Marathe analyzed these two forms of diagnosis using a narrative structure: -- Quick diagnoses resembled progress narratives, with each step advancing participants to a formal diagnosis of epilepsy. These participants typically had clinicians as close social relations, the ability to access specialty care, and others had witnessed their seizures. -- Delayed diagnoses resembled cyclical narratives, in which participants were stuck in cycles of unresolved symptoms and unhelpful medical encounters until chance and/or advocacy led to diagnoses. These participants often sought care in generalist settings, had normal routine testing results, and experienced long-lasting medical confusion due to nontypical symptoms. -- "The pace of diagnosis may depend, in part, on the seizing person's life circumstances, sociocultural biases associated with their race, sites at which they can access care, and routine testing results," Marathe said. -- EEG tests, which help visualize the brain's activity in continuous waveforms, are the primary form of screening for epilepsy. And while they can help to confirm a diagnosis, the timing of the test -- and its duration -- can make all the difference.	H01	836
2507-E048	Urgent Need To Address Sand Mining's Impact On Marine Biodiversity	In a recent publication in One Earth, scientists are urging for a better understanding of the environmental impact of sand extraction on marine biodiversity. They stress the need for comprehensive assessments to address the hidden consequences of this common yet overlooked practice, emphasizing the importance of sand as a critical resource for human development.	Michigan State University	Michigan State University	Press Rel	PubMed	In the delicate balancing act between human development and protecting the fragile natural world, sand is weighing down the scales on the human side. -- A group of international scientists in this week's journal One Earth are calling for balancing those scales to better identify the significant damage sand extraction across the world heaps upon marine biodiversity. The first step: acknowledging sand and gravel (discussed as sand in this publication) -- the world's most extracted solid materials by mass -- are a threat hiding in plain sight. -- "Sand is a critical resource that shapes the built and natural worlds," said senior author Jianguo "Jack" Liu, Michigan State University Rachel Carson Chair in Sustainability. "Extracting sand is a complex global challenge. Systems approaches such as the metacoupling framework are essential to untangle the complexity. They can help reveal the hidden cascading impacts not only on the sand extraction sites but also other places such as sand transport routes and sites using sand for construction." -- Sand is the literal foundation of human development across the globe, a key ingredient of concrete, asphalt, glass, and electronics. It is relatively cheap and easily extracted. -- Unlike critical minerals or deep-sea mining -- both of which have attracted significant scrutiny -- sand extraction in marine environments remains largely overlooked, despite sand and sediment dredging being the second most widespread human activity in coastal areas after fishing, and its supply is often taken for granted. -- Sand mining across the world is being linked to coastal erosion, habitat destruction, the spread of invasive species and impacts on fisheries. Extracting sand can harm marine life by clouding water and riling sediment that can smother seagrasses and coral. Disrupting spans of ocean sand can fragment habitat, change the patterns of waves and other issues that can throw marine life into disarray. -- "This resource is often seen as an inert, abundant material, but in reality, it is an essential resource that shapes coastal and marine ecosystems, protects shorelines, and sustains ecosystems and livelihoods," said lead author Aurora Torres, a researcher at Spain's University of Alicante. "Since sand extraction is closely linked to coastal erosion, climate adaptation, and biodiversity loss, integrating it into broader environmental policies -- such as marine protected areas, blue carbon strategies, climate resilience plans, and strategic natural resource management -- is crucial to ensuring it is not treated as an isolated issue." -- Torres and Liu first brought the issues of sand to light in 2017 in the Science paper A looming tragedy of the sand commons. In the One Earth commentary, the two, former and current members of MSU's Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, call for sand to be elevated to the attention levels of fishing, aquaculture and tourism in the scale of global attention and action. -- "Ultimately, the key to action is making sand extraction visible -- through stronger data, improved governance, and direct links to pressing environmental and economic concerns. The more evident and tangible its impacts become, the harder it will be to ignore the need for responsible management," Torres said, adding sand extraction near fragile populated coastlines can spur action as climate change exacerbates threats to human life. -- "Reducing Sand Mining's Growing Toll on Marine Biodiversity" is also written by Jean-Baptiste Jouffray, Vera Van Lancker and Arnaud Vander Velpen. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation, Michigan AgBioResearch, the Generalitat Valenciana, and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.	H02 C01 N01 N02 T01	837
2508-E024	Toxic Algae Blooms: Unraveling The Complex Interplay Between Climate And Human Activity	A new study highlights the worsening issue of toxic algae blooms on lake beaches, linking it to complex interactions between climate change and human activities. Researchers uncovered patterns in algal biomass over time, emphasizing how agriculture and urban runoff contribute to nutrient flow into lakes. This research underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of how climate and human factors jointly impact freshwater ecosystems.	Michigan State University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Each summer, more and more lake beaches are forced to close due to toxic algae blooms. While climate change is often blamed, new research suggests a more complex story: climate interacts with human activities like agriculture and urban runoff, which funnel excess nutrients into the water. The study sheds light on why some lakes are more vulnerable than others and how climate and human impacts interact -- offering clues to why the problem is getting worse. -- Michigan State University researchers discovered key climate-related patterns in algal biomass levels and change through time for freshwater lakes. They used novel methods to create and analyze long-term datasets from open-access government resources and from satellite remote sensing. This research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides crucial insights into how climate affects lake ecosystems.  -- The team studied chlorophyll levels, a measure of algal biomass, in lakes across the U.S. from the last 34 years. Climate change is thought to intensify lake algal blooms and increase the likelihood of "regime shifts," or sudden and long-lasting changes in the structure and function of an ecosystem. -- "Our research demonstrates that the relationship between climate change and algal biomass is more complex than previously understood," said Patricia Soranno, a professor in the MSU College of Natural Science and one of the co-lead authors of this study. "While climate change is a significant driver, we found that the impacts are not always gradual or predictable. To effectively manage and protect lakes, we need to study these effects in many different local and regional contexts."  -- Traditionally, researchers have struggled to predict changes in algal biomass using available lake sampling data. To overcome this challenge, the MSU team, led by Soranno and Patrick Hanly, a quantitative ecologist in the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, developed a novel approach. Leveraging over 30 years of publicly available satellite imagery, researchers used machine learning to create an unprecedented dataset of algal biomass in 24,452 U.S. lakes. The team combined this dataset with LAGOS-US, a large geospatial research platform that describes lake features of the U.S. that Soranno and Kendra Spence Cheruvelil, dean of MSU's Lyman Briggs College and others have spent years developing. Their analysis is one of the first to document a causal link between climate and algae.   -- They found that climate caused changes in algal biomass in about a third of tested lakes (34%), but in unexpected ways. For lakes with climate-related changes, only 13% were prone to regime shifts, only 4% increased in productivity, whereas 71% of them had abrupt, but only temporary changes.  -- This lack of a general and sustained change may appear reassuring. However, annual abrupt changes in biomass that were detected have not typically been measured, leaving these abrupt changes understudied. This has led to gaps in understanding of the effects of climate on water quality such as algal biomass. Luckily, the methods used in this paper can capture these abrupt fluctuations that traditional approaches might miss.  -- This large-scale approach also uncovered variability in climate-driven algal responses that depend on environmental conditions and the level of human disturbance. Lakes with low to moderate human impacts were more likely to respond to climate, while lakes already under heavy human pressures, like increased nutrient input from agriculture, were less likely linked to climate.  -- "Our findings emphasize the importance of considering both climate and other measures of human impacts when assessing the health of lakes, especially over decades," said  Lyman Briggs College. "This research provides a crucial foundation for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of these stressors and protect the valuable resources that lakes provide."	H02 C01	838
2508-E031	Birds Adapt Their Life Strategies Based On Environmental Conditions: A Global Study	A global study on non-migratory birds reveals that their life strategies are significantly influenced by environmental conditions. Some birds adopt a "live fast, die young" approach, while others thrive by living longer and breeding less. The research, led by Michigan State University, synthesizes data from nearly 7,500 species, aiming to understand how varying environments affect reproductive strategies and evolutionary success amid climate change.	Michigan State University	Ecology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Birds worldwide make strategic decisions about how they live based on their environmental conditions. Some live fast, die young, and leave as many chicks as possible. Others live long and prosper by not breeding. -- A new study of non-migratory birds provides clues about how climate change may affect the long-standing evolutionary strategies of feathered friends. -- The work is reported in this week's Ecology Letters and was led by Michigan State University postdoctoral fellows of the MSU Institute for Biodiversity, Ecology, Evolution, and Macrosystems (IBEEM). -- The group synthesized global data about nearly 7,500 bird species to better understand the link between the variability of a bird's environment and the strategies birds choose to best hit the evolutionary jackpot by producing future generations and not going extinct. -- "A lot of factors drive key components of life history," said Casey Youngflesh, the study's lead author. -- Casey was a postdoctoral researcher in MSU's Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program and now is faculty at Clemson University. -- "We wanted to synthesize these global data resources to see what environmental factors shape biodiversity." -- That wrangling of big data makes the study the most sweeping in addressing the strategies of resident birds. -- Birds that live in areas where temperatures fluctuate a lot in a single year -- like Michigan's cold winters and hot summers, but also variation within those seasons -- react to fast uncertainty by not counting on tomorrow. -- Like the finch or the cardinal, these birds put their energy and resources into making babies even if that means they won't live long.	C01 N01	839
2509-E015	Conservation Efforts For Florida Scrub-Jays Yield Mixed Results In Genetic Diversity	A study published in Current Biology highlights the complexities of conservation strategies for Florida Scrub-Jays. While translocation efforts have helped increase population size, they raise concerns about genetic diversity, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to ensure long-term survival of this threatened species.	Michigan State University	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Conservation strategies are turning back the doomsday clock in threatened Florida-Scrub Jays -- but not without caveats, a new study published in Current Biology shows. -- In the early 2000s, conservationists proposed a plan to move isolated jays to a region comprising thousands of acres of restored habitat, home to a small community of 13 jays. -- Translocation, where an organism is moved from one area to another, offers a means to prop up declining populations. -- Across an eight-year stretch from 2003 to 2010, 51 jays were relocated from fragmented and degraded habitats to a partially restored, contiguous region of scrubland called the M4 Core Region. -- This strategy was proposed to thwart the compounding factors putting the Scrub-Jay at risk of extinction: inbreeding, decline in population size and reduced genetic diversity. -- A team of researchers led by MSU conservation geneticists Tyler Linderoth and Sarah Fitzpatrick analyzed decades' worth of data, finding that translocations successfully bolstered population numbers but failed to overcome genetic erosion and inbreeding. -- Decades of systematic tagging, field observations and genetic sequencing provided a nearly complete pedigree of the jays. -- Leveraging this rich dataset, the researchers analyzed the genetic consequences of this strategy, sequencing the entire genomes of 87 jays sampled before, and several generations after, the first translocated jays were introduced to the M4 core region. -- This study shows, in unparalleled resolution, how demographic mechanisms, including births, deaths, emigrations and immigrations, influenced the genetic conditions of the M4 core region population. -- "The only way to really have a pulse on population health is through both demographic and genetic monitoring, which can inform when and what conservation interventions are needed and how to adapt management accordingly," said Linderoth, the paper's lead author.	A01 N01	840
2510-029	Prenatal Stress Impacts Infant Temperament Differently Based On Gender	A study from Michigan State University and the University of Michigan reveals critical insights into how prenatal stress affects infant temperament and stress reactivity, highlighting that timing is key. By examining stress levels during pregnancy, researchers found that these factors influence newborn behavior differently based on gender, suggesting the need for tailored approaches in maternal care.	Michigan State University	Psychoneuroendocrinology	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan found new insights on the timing of prenatal stress and its effect on infant stress reactivity and temperament -- including differences between genders. -- The study, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, is the first to examine weekly stress across 27 weeks of pregnancy to pinpoint when it most affects a newborn's stress response and temperament -- two measures that indicate infant biobehavioral reactivity. -- "Prenatal stress has a well-established link to negative health, including mental health, outcomes in children and adults, but most studies conclude that the biggest effects are on girls. Our study found that not to be the case. It's in fact, just different timing," said Alytia Levendosky, lead investigator of the study and professor in MSU's Department of Psychology. -- The researchers recruited 396 pregnant women, specifically from a high stress-risk population due to low income and/or exposure to intimate partner violence. -- Weekly stress assessments were conducted via email or text from week 15 through week 41 of pregnancy. -- At six months postpartum, infant cortisol levels were collected before and after a mildly stressful laboratory task to see how their hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system, or HPA axis, responded to stress. -- Mothers also reported on infant temperament. -- The study found periods of higher sensitivity to stress in both mid and late gestation but found that girls and boys had differing patterns of sensitivity. -- The data showed that experiencing stress in mid-gestation affected girls' HPA axis and temperament, while late gestation stress impacted boys. -- Previous studies in this field stopped their last stress assessment between 32-34 weeks.	H01 H02	841
2511-031	Dopamine's Surprising Influence On Memory Value Devaluation Discovered	Researchers from Michigan State University have expanded the understanding of dopamine's role in memory, revealing its function in diminishing the perceived value of rewarding memories. This groundbreaking study challenges previous theories about dopamine, as experiments with mice showed how dopamine reshapes memories related to rewards over time. These insights could pave the way for better comprehension of memory-related disorders and the neurobiology underlying them.	Michigan State University	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	New research out of Michigan State University expands on current understanding of the brain chemical dopamine, finding that it plays a role in reducing the value of memories associated with rewards. The study -- published in the open access journal Communications Biology -- opens new avenues for understanding dopamine's role in the brain. -- The research team discovered that dopamine is involved in reshaping memories of past rewarding events -- an unexpected function that challenges established theories of dopamine function. -- "We discovered that dopamine plays a role in modifying how a reward-related memory is perceived over time," said Alexander Johnson, associate professor in MSU's Department of Psychology and lead researcher of the study. -- In the study, mice were presented with an auditory cue that had previously been associated with a sweet-tasting food. -- This led to a retrieval of the memory associated with consuming the food. -- At this time, mice were made to feel temporarily unwell, similar to how you feel if you've eaten something that has upset your stomach. -- When the mice had fully recovered, they displayed behavior as if the sweet-tasting food had made them unwell. -- This occurred despite the fact that when mice were made to feel unwell, they had only retrieved the memory of the food, not the food itself. -- This initial finding suggests that devaluing the memory of food is sufficient to disrupt future eating of that food. -- The research team next turned their attention to the brain mechanisms that could be controlling this phenomenon.	H01 H02 R02	842
2513-035	Researchers Develop Light-Activated 'Smart' Bomb To Target Breast Cancer	In an exciting advancement, a team of researchers is developing light-sensitive chemicals known as cyanine-carborane salts for photodynamic therapy to combat aggressive breast cancer. This innovative approach aims to selectively target and destroy metastatic tumors in mice while minimizing side effects. The collaboration between Michigan State University and the University of California, Riverside strives to create safer treatment options for patients with limited alternatives in breast cancer therapies.	Michigan State University	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	A wife and husband professor team at Michigan State University are collaborating with researchers at the University of California, Riverside to create a new light-activated "smart" bomb to treat aggressive breast cancer. -- Sophia Lunt, an MSU professor in biochemistry and molecular biology in the College of Natural Science, and Richard Lunt, an MSU professor and Johansen-Crosby Endowed Professor in Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering, along with Vincent Lavallo, a professor of chemistry at the University of California, Riverside, have combined their expertise to help develop new light-sensitive chemicals called cyanine-carborane salts that are used in photodynamic therapy, or PDT, to destroy metastatic breast cancer tumors in mice with minimal side effects. -- "Our innovative cyanine-carborane salts offer a targeted option with reduced side effects for patients with aggressive breast cancer," said Sophia Lunt. -- "We expect this research will lead to safer and more effective therapies for patients with limited treatment options." -- During PDT, light-sensitive chemicals are circulated throughout the body where they collect inside cancer cells. -- Near-infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye, can penetrate deeper into the body and activate these salts which act like a "smart" bomb, killing cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. -- "Current FDA-approved PDT chemicals remain in other parts of the body, such as the skin, for extended periods of time," said Hyllana Medeiros, a postdoctoral researcher at MSU who helped perform the mouse studies. -- "After traditional PDT treatment, the patient has to stay in the dark for two-three months because even low levels of light will cause their skin to become blistered and burned." -- These new cyanine-carborane salts offer an advantage over the chemicals traditionally used in PDT because they are absorbed by cancer cells and provide more effective treatment. -- "Our work offers an effective treatment for aggressive breast cancers," said Amir Roshanzadeh, a graduate student at MSU and first author on the paper.	H01 R01 C01	843
2506-E017	Discovering New Grasshopper Species: A Treasure Unearthed In Desert Ecosystems	A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered 16 new grasshopper species in the deserts of the U.S. and Mexico, underscoring the importance of biodiversity exploration in these arid regions. This discovery emphasizes the necessity of continued environmental examination and conservation efforts to protect and understand the species that inhabit these unique ecosystems before they are lost.	Mississippi State University	ZooKeys	Press Rel	PubMed	A Mississippi State University scientist has discovered a hopping treasure trove -- 16 new species of grasshoppers living in the thorny scrubs of U.S. and Mexican deserts. -- Prior to JoVonn Hill's finding, only three species of Agroecotettixwere known. -- Hill, director of MSU's Mississippi Entomological Museum, said the careful examination of our environment remains critical. -- "It is important to keep exploring our biodiversity, especially from a conservation standpoint, before we lose it," Hill said. -- These newly uncovered species, native to the southern U.S. and Mexican deserts, showcase the thriving biodiversity in arid ecosystems. -- Published in the scientific journal ZooKeys, Hill's article "Desert Diversification: Revision of Agroecotettix Bruner, 1908 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Melanoplinae) with Descriptions of Sixteen New Species from the United States and Mexico" provides valuable insights into the region's evolution and ecology. -- Hill, an assistant professor in MSU's Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, said this grasshopper genus likely diversified during the Pleistocene Epoch, also known as the Ice Age. -- He noted that in the Rocky Mountains, species of this subfamily in alpine grasslands likely became isolated as glaciers receded and their habitats shifted to higher elevations. -- Hill suspects the desert species his team discovered underwent a similar process of isolation and speciation. -- "These grasshoppers we described live in a lowland thorny scrub habitat. Somewhere along the line, they, too, got isolated and speciated, because each one is still associated with a specific mountain range," he said.	C01 N02	844
2504-E033	New Study Reveals Microbes' Role In Reducing Atmospheric Carbon Monoxide Levels	Researchers in Melbourne have made significant strides in understanding how microbes reduce carbon monoxide levels in the atmosphere. Their study reveals the enzymatic mechanisms these microorganisms use to consume CO, shedding light on their crucial role in mitigating this toxic gas and enhancing environmental health.	Monash University	Nat Chem Biol	Press Rel	PubMed	Melbourne researchers have discovered crucial new information about how microbes consume huge amounts of carbon monoxide (CO) and help reduce levels of this deadly gas. -- Over two billion tonnes of carbon monoxide are released into the atmosphere globally each year. -- Microbes consume about 250 million tonnes of this, reducing CO to safer levels. -- The Monash University-led Study, published in Nature Chemical Biology,reveals at an atomic level how microbes consume CO present in the atmosphere. -- They use a special enzyme, called the CO dehydrogenase, to extract energy from this universally present but highly toxic gas. -- Co-first author Ashleigh Kropp, from the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute's (BDI) Greening lab and the University of Melbourne's Grinter lab, said the study showed for the first time how this enzyme extracted atmospheric CO and powered cells. -- "This enzyme is used by trillions of microbes in our soils and waters. These microbes consume CO for their own survival, but in the process inadvertently help us," Ms Kropp said. -- Co-first author Dr David Gillett, who completed his PhD research in the Greening Lab, said this was a fantastic example of microbial 'ingenuity': how life has evolved ways to turn something toxic into something useful. -- "These microbes help clean our atmosphere," Dr Gillett said. -- "This counteracts air pollution, which kills many millions of people each year, and also reduces global warming given CO is indirectly a greenhouse gas."	C01	845
2506-T011	Game-Changing Zinc-Based Implants Set To Revolutionize Bone Healing Techniques	Monash University's innovative research has developed a zinc-based dissolvable material that could revolutionize fracture treatment by replacing traditional metal implants. This new alloy is designed to provide necessary support during the healing process and safely degrade over time, reducing the need for follow-up surgeries. The findings, published in Nature, offer a promising alternative to permanent metal plates and screws in orthopedic care.	Monash University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Monash research could transform how broken bones are treated, with the development of a special zinc-based dissolvable material that could replace the metal plates and screws typically used to hold fractured bones together. -- Surgeons routinely use stainless steel or titanium, which stay in the body forever, can cause discomfort and may require follow-up surgeries. -- A new zinc alloy, designed by Monash biomedical engineers, could solve these problems by being mechanically strong but gentle enough to degrade safely over time while supporting optimal healing. -- A study published today in Nature shows the research team's innovative approach to making the zinc alloy as strong as permanent steel implants and more durable than other biodegradable options like magnesium-based implants. -- Lead researcher, Professor Jian-feng Nie, from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, said the innovative material had the potential to transform orthopaedic care by reducing complications, minimising the need for additional surgeries, and offering a sustainable alternative to permanent metallic implants. -- "Our zinc alloy material could revolutionise orthopaedic care -- opening the door to safer, smaller implants that not only enhance patient comfort but also promote better healing outcomes by minimising disruption to surrounding tissues," Professor Nie said. -- "An implant that never disappears will always be a risk to the patient. On the other hand, one that degrades too fast won't allow adequate time for the bones to heal. With our zinc alloy material, we can achieve the optimal balance between strength and controlled degradation of the implant to promote better healing." -- The research shows that by engineering the size and orientation of the material's grains, the zinc alloy can bend and adapt in unique ways to accommodate the shapes of its neighbouring tissues. -- "This made it not only stronger but more flexible, offering a game-changing alternative for orthopaedics," Professor Nie said. -- The research is paving the way for a new start-up to be launched out of Monash University with a focus on developing next-generation biodegradable implants.	N02	846
2508-T031	AI Tool Mimics Scientists To Accelerate Scientific Discovery Process	A new generative AI tool named LLM4SD has been developed to assist scientists in expediting research processes. This interactive Large Language Model can retrieve information, analyze data, and formulate hypotheses, mimicking human scientific inquiry. Tested across diverse scientific domains, LLM4SD offers insights into molecular behaviors and poses significant potential for advancing scientific discoveries, providing a valuable resource for researchers aiming to streamline their work in various disciplines.	Monash University	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	Named LLM4SD (Large Language Model 4 Scientific Discovery), the new AI system is an interactive Large Language Model (LLM) tool which can carry out basic steps of scientific research i.e. retrieve useful information from literature and develop hypotheses from data analysis. The tool is freely available and open source. -- When asked, the system is also able to provide insights to explain its results, a feature that is not available for many current scientific validation tools. -- LLM4SD was tested with 58 separate research tasks relating to molecular properties across four different scientific domains: physiology, physical chemistry, biophysics and quantum mechanics. -- Lead co-author of the research, PhD candidate Yizhen Zheng, is from the Department of Data Science and AI at Monash University's Faculty of Information Technology. -- "Just like ChatGPT writes essays or solves math problems, our LLM4SD tool reads decades of scientific literature and analyses lab data to predict how molecules behave -- answering questions like, 'Can this drug cross the brain's protective barrier?' or 'Will this compound dissolve in water?'," Mr Zheng said. -- "Apart from outperforming current validation tools that operate like a 'black box', this system can explain its analysis process, predictions and results using simple rules, which can help scientists trust and act on its insights." -- The LLM4SD tool outperformed state-of-the-art scientific tools that are currently used to carry out these tasks; for example, it boosted accuracy by up to 48 per cent in predicting quantum properties critical for materials design. -- The study's lead co-authors include PhD candidate Huan Yee Koh who is jointly at Monash University's Department of Data Science and AI and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and PhD candidate Jiaxin Ju from the School of Information and Communication Technology at Griffith University. -- "Rather than replacing traditional machine learning models, LLM4SD enhances them by synthesizing knowledge and generating interpretable explanations," Ms Ju said. -- "This approach ensures that AI-driven predictions remain reliable, and accessible to researchers across different scientific disciplines," Mr Koh added.	R02 T01	847
2510-E035	Bacterial Vaginosis Identified As STI: New Study Reveals Significant Health Implications	A landmark study has redefined bacterial vaginosis (BV) as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), affecting nearly a third of women and linked to serious health issues. Researchers from Monash University and Alfred Health found that simultaneous treatment of both partners significantly reduces recurrence rates. This new perspective on BV challenges traditional treatment approaches, which typically focused only on women and resulted in high rates of relapse.	Monash University	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A landmark study reveals that bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition affecting nearly a third of women worldwide and causing infertility, premature births and newborn deaths, is in fact a sexually transmitted infection (STI), paving the way for a revolution in how it is treated. -- Monash University and Alfred Health researchers at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre say their findings, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, hold the key to driving down stubborn and distressing recurrence rates of BV among women. -- Authors Professor Catriona Bradshaw and Dr Lenka Vodstrcil say the standard practice of treating BV as an imbalance (disruption) to the vaginal microbiome means that more than 50 per cent of women get it back within three months after the standard week-long treatment of an oral antibiotic. -- In their trial of 164 couples with BV in monogamous relationships, they found that treating BV as an STI, with both sexual partners treated simultaneously, achieves significantly higher cure rates than the current practice of only treating women. -- In fact, they stopped the trial early when it became clear that BV recurrence was halved in the partner treatment group compared to treating women alone. -- "This successful intervention is relatively cheap and short and has the potential for the first time to not only improve BV cure for women, but opens up exciting new opportunities for BV prevention, and prevention of the serious complications associated with BV," Professor Bradshaw said. -- In the multicentre randomised trial, all women received first-line recommended antibiotics. Male partners were randomly assigned to either partner-treatment, where they received both an oral antibiotic and a topical antibiotic cream for one week, or to a control group. The control group for this trial received female antibiotic treatment only and no partner-treatment, which is the global recommended practice. Couples only took antibiotics for one week but were then followed up for 12 weeks to establish how effective this intervention was in curing BV over 3 months. -- Dr Vodstrcil said having BV was already known to increase the risk of contracting other STIs. "We've suspected for a long time that it's a sexually transmitted infection (STI), because it has a similar incubation period (after sex) to most STIs and is associated with the same risk factors as STIs like chlamydia, such as change in sexual partner and not using condoms." -- Professor Bradshaw said while studies have shown that men may harbor bacterial species associated with bacterial vaginosis on the penile skin and inside the penis, previous trials that included male partners did not show improved cure rates in their female partners. -- "This was interpreted as evidence against sexual transmission," Professor Bradshaw said. "However, these studies had design limitations, and none used a combination of oral and topical antibiotics to adequately clear BV bacteria in men, especially from the penile-skin site.	H02	848
2502-043	New Brain Research Links Neurons To Our Love For Sugar And Fat	New findings from Monell Chemical Senses Center illustrate how specific neurons in the hippocampus of mice encode memories related to sugar and fat, influencing feeding behavior and metabolic health. This groundbreaking research confirms that food-related memories can drive overeating and contribute to obesity. By understanding these neuronal pathways, researchers hope to address diet-related health issues more effectively.	Monell Chemical Senses Center	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Can memory influence what and how much we eat? A groundbreaking Monell Chemical Senses Centerstudy, which links food memory to overeating, answered that question with a resounding "Yes." Led by Monell Associate Member Guillaume de Lartigue, PhD, the research team identified, for the first time, the brain's food-specific memory system and its direct role in overeating and diet-induced obesity. -- Published in Nature Metabolism, they describe a specific population of neurons in the mouse brain that encode memories for sugar and fat, profoundly impacting food intake and body weight. -- "In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements and environmental triggers designed to remind us of pleasurable food experiences," said Dr. de Lartigue. -- "What's surprising is that we've pinpointed a specific population of neurons in the hippocampusthat not only forms these food-related memories but also drives our eating behavior. This connection could have significant implications for body weight and metabolic health." -- These neurons encode memories of the spatial location of nutrient-rich foods, acting as a "memory trace," particularly for sugar and fat. -- Silencing these neurons impairs an animal's ability to recall sugar-related memories, reduces sugar consumption, and prevents weight gain, even when animals are exposed to diets that contribute to excessive weight gain. -- Conversely, reactivating these neurons enhances memory for food, increasing consumption and demonstrating how food memories influence dietary behavior. -- These findings introduce two new concepts: first, evidence that specific neurons in the brain store food-related memories, and second, that these memories directly impact food intake. -- "While it's no surprise that we remember pleasurable food experiences, it was long assumed that these memories had little to no impact on eating behavior," said Dr. de Lartigue. -- "What's most surprising is that inhibition of these neurons prevents weight gain, even in response to diets rich in fat and sugar."	H01 H02 R01 R02 N01	849
2509-E025	Can Bitter Medicines Be Made Tastier? Researchers Explore Global Taste Differences	A groundbreaking study has examined how bitterness sensitivity varies across different populations concerning five medicines, identifying genetic factors that influence individuals' reactions to bitter tastes. The research suggests that understanding these differences could inform the development of better-tasting medications, making adherence to treatment regimens easier for those with heightened bitterness sensitivity.	Monell Chemical Senses Center	Chemical Senses	Press Rel	PubMed	Many medicines taste so bitter that some people avoid taking them. To help with the bad taste, flavors and sweeteners are added to modify the taste and make it more acceptable. However, not everyone has the same sense of taste and sensitivity toward bitterness or gets the same relief from the modifiers. -- A global study published in Chemical Senses and led by the Monell Chemical Senses Center examined the bitterness intensity of five medicines and two bitter modifiers in 338 adults of European descent and recent US and Canadian immigrants from Asia, South Asia, and Africa. -- They found bitterness ratings differed by ancestry for two of the five drugs and the effectiveness of some modifiers. -- They also found genetic variants that explain some population differences in reaction to bitter tastes. -- "This is the first study to compare participants from diverse ancestries tasting different bitter medicines," said first author Ha Nguyen, PhD, the Carol M. Christensen Postdoctoral Fellow at Monell. -- Specifically, the tasting panel included five bitter-tasting medicines -- tenofovir alafenamide (TAF; for HIV), moxifloxacin (for tuberculosis), praziquantel (for schistosomiasis, a type of worm), amodiaquine (for malaria), and propylthiouracil (PROP; for hyperthyroidism). Other solutions were tested, too: TAF mixed with sucralose (sweet, reduces bitterness) or 6-methylflavone (tasteless, reduces bitterness) and sucralose alone. -- A global study led by the Monell Chemical Senses Center examined the bitterness intensity of five medicines and two bitter modifiers in adults of European descent and recent US and Canadian immigrants from Asia, South Asia, and Africa. -- Big Differences in Bitterness -- Large person-to-person differences in bitterness ratings were found for all medicines in all ancestry groups. -- Within each group, some people rated the medicines at the top of the bitter scale, indicating intense bitterness, whereas others rated it as weak as water.	H01	850
2501-E040	Ancient Ice Patches Reveal Historical Tree Line Changes In Warmer Climates.	Scientists at Montana State University discovered ancient forest remnants 600 feet above today's tree line, suggesting potential responses of alpine ecosystems to climate change. The study of a mature whitebark pine forest from 6,000 years ago provides insights into how historical climatic shifts may shape future ecological dynamics.	Montana State University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Montana State University scientists say the frozen remnants of an ancient forest discovered 600 feet above the modern tree line on the Beartooth Plateau may portend possible changes for the alpine ecosystem if the climate continues to warm. -- A paper about the discovery was published this in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It describes what scientists have learned by studying the remains of a mature whitebark pine forest that formed at 10,000 feet elevation about 6,000 years ago, when warm-season temperatures in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem were similar to those of the mid-to-late 20th century. -- The forest thrived for centuries until the climate began to cool about 5,500 years ago due to declines in summer solar radiation, the researchers found. -- The cooler temperatures shifted the tree line downslope and transformed the high mountain landscape from forest to the alpine tundra that exists today. -- One of the paper's authors, David McWethy, associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences in MSU's College of Letters and Science, said subsequent volcanic activity in the Northern Hemisphere caused the region's already cooling temperatures to plunge. -- The pine forest was encased quickly in ice, where it remained preserved until the ice patch began to thaw in recent years. -- McWethy said its discovery yielded the first evidence from an alpine area of the ecosystem to indicate that mature forests had established upslope when temperatures were warmer. -- "This is pretty dramatic evidence of ecosystem change due to temperature warming," he said. -- "It's an amazing story of how dynamic these systems are." -- The paper states that ice patches, unlike glaciers, do not flow.	R01 C01 N02	851
2501-E052	Remote Sensing Assists In Managing Wheat Stem Sawfly Infestations Effectively.	Graduate students at Montana State University have published research on management strategies for the wheat stem sawfly, a significant agricultural pest. Their findings focus on innovative approaches using remote sensing to model infestations, providing crucial insights that could help mitigate the economic losses caused by this pest.	Montana State University	Journal of Economic Entomology	Press Rel	PubMed	Two graduate students in Montana State University's College of Agriculture have published new research on two aspects of management for one of the region's most damaging agricultural pests. -- Wheat stem sawflies cost agricultural producers millions of dollars in losses each year, according to the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. -- Surveys conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service found that nearly a quarter of respondents in Montana had lost up to 10% of their yield to the pest, and total losses statewide for 2024 were estimated at $66 million. -- Doctoral student Jackson Strand and master's student Lochlin Ermatinger in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences worked alongside MSU professor David Weaver to explore two aspects of sawfly management. -- Their novel approaches help better understand the pest's impact and vulnerabilities. -- Strand's research has examined the impact of smooth brome, a common grass in Montana, on sawfly populations in wheat. -- Ermatinger applied remote sensing techniques to develop a model predicting sawfly infestation. -- Both students published their findings this fall, Strand in the Journal of Economic Entomology and Ermatinger in the journal Remote Sensing. -- "There's a strong demand for solutions other than pesticides -- which don't work for wheat stem sawfly -- and finding a solution that's sustainable for growers who may not have a lot of time or resources to do things like plant different crops," said Strand of his research. -- "We're trying to figure out if smooth brome is beneficial and if we can help promote populations of parasitoids that otherwise sometimes fluctuate across seasons and regions."	A01 N02	852
2504-E051	Prey Density's Impact On African Wild Dogs And Lions Studied By Ecologists	Two studies from Montana State University delve into the connections between prey density and the population dynamics of African wild dogs and lions. They reveal how declining prey availability, driven by habitat loss and poaching, impacts the survival of these iconic species, highlighting urgent conservation needs in sub-Saharan Africa.	Montana State University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Two recently published studies by a Montana State University ecologist reveal new findings about the relationship between population dynamics of two species of large African carnivores and the availability of their prey. -- "The studies are related in a lot of ways," said Scott Creel, lead author of a paper about the effects of prey depletion on endangered African wild dogs that was published this week in the journal Proceedings in the National Academy of Sciences, and co-lead author of another paper about the effects of poaching controls on African lion demographics that was featured on the cover of the Jan.11 issue of Conservation Science and Practice. -- "The common denominator is that across sub-Saharan Africa, populations of animals like wildebeest and impala are declining pretty dramatically almost everywhere as a consequence of habitat loss and bushmeat poaching," Creel said. -- "The densities of those animals, which are prey for species like African wild dogs and lions, are a tiny fraction of what they would have been 40 or 50 years ago." -- The two papers document studies by Creel and his students of the relationship between prey depletion and population decline of large carnivores. -- For several decades, Creel, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Ecology in MSU's College of Letters and Science, has studied the behavior, ecology and conservation of large mammals, with particular emphasis on African carnivores. -- For each study, the researchers monitored groups of animals in Zambia between 2013 and 2021, including prides of lions living in the massive Kafue ecosystem. -- The area is located in an economically depressed area of the country that has experienced significant declines in prey animals due to poaching. -- "For very understandable reasons, the people living in villages next to the protected areas turn to bushmeat poaching as a way to get food and make money," Creel explained. -- The researchers monitored the lions through both visual observation and data from collars worn by at least one animal in each group.	H01 N01	853
2505-E047	Ancient Life Adapted From Low-Oxygen Atmosphere In Yellowstone Hot Springs Study	New insights from Montana State University research shed light on how ancient microorganisms adapted from low-oxygen environments to the modern atmosphere. The study, published in Nature Communications, explores the respiratory processes of heat-loving microbes in Yellowstone National Park, revealing how their lifestyles may provide clues about life’s evolution during significant geological events, such as the Great Oxidation Event, when Earth's atmosphere transitioned to higher oxygen levels.	Montana State University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A multi-institutional study led by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is the first to identify one of the allergens responsible for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. This is the first time one of the allergens that causes EoE has been identified at a molecular level. The findings, published today by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, represent the first time any research team has described molecular details of food antigen recognition in EoE. The method could be replicated to identify other allergens that result in this increasingly common childhood condition. -- Unknown until about 30 years ago, EoE is a food allergy that affects approximately 1 in every 2000 children, and unlike certain food allergies, EoE is one that children do not outgrow. -- Rather than one particular type of food triggering this allergic response, multiple foods -- including milk, soy, egg and wheat -- have triggered EoE. -- Additionally, what might trigger this reaction in one child might be different in another. -- While some medications that manage allergic symptoms like immunosuppressants are prescribed, these methods are not universally effective. -- If left untreated and the triggering food not removed from the diet, the condition can lead to scar tissue in the esophagus, which can put patients at risk for food impaction, or when food gets trapped in the esophagus. -- "The overarching goal of this project was to identify how the immune system is recognizing food antigens," said senior study author David A. Hill, MD, PhD, an attending physician with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at CHOP. -- "If we understand what's happening at a molecular level, it could allow us to develop better, more accurate diagnostic tests to find out which foods trigger this disease and ultimately reduce the morbidity associated with EoE." -- In this study, the research team used a variety of sequencing methods, including single cell RNA sequencing, T-cell receptor sequencing and tetramer-based diagnostics. -- Historically used for certain types of cancer, tetramer-based diagnostics utilize four major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, found on the surface of most cells in the body, to identify antigen-specific T cells, which then helps identify the antigens that trigger that T cell immune response.	C01	854
2507-E033	Gut Bacteria Turned Into Protein Factories For Drug Delivery	A recent study, using data collected by butterfly enthusiast Harlan Radcliff, examined how climate change has influenced the migratory patterns of monarch butterflies in Iowa. The research, led by Montana State University, highlights the importance of long-term observational data in understanding ecological impacts of climate variations. Funding from the U.S. Department of Defense facilitates ongoing efforts to assess climate change effects on significant butterfly species, contributing to broader ecological knowledge.	Montana State University	Montana State University	Press Rel	PubMed	From 2003 to 2019, amateur butterfly enthusiast Harlan Radcliff spent his lunch breaks observing butterflies on the grounds of the Camp Dodge military installation in central Iowa. -- Over those years, between the months of April and November, Radcliff meticulously recorded the dates, times, locations and numbers of the butterflies he spotted, creating a dataset that made it possible for a Montana State University ecologist to pinpoint how climate variations have affected the migratory patterns of Camp Dodge's monarch butterfly population in the 21st century. The results were published this week in the Journal of Animal Ecology. -- Diane Debinski, professor and head of MSU's Department of Ecology in the College of Letters and Science, is the lead author of the paper, which details the findings of research she led at Camp Dodge in the core of the eastern monarchs' summer breeding range. The work was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a larger study of the effects of climate change on three ecologically significant species of butterflies that use DoD lands and whose populations are declining. -- Debinski, one of four principal investigators for the project, led the study of eastern monarchs, who winter in Mexico and spend summers east of the Rockies. Monarch butterflies -- including western monarchs, who winter in California and spend summers west of the Rockies -- were recently proposed for listing as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The paper's co-authors include three other butterfly ecologists: Elizabeth Crone of the University of California, Davis; Sonia Altizer of the University of Georgia; and Norah Warchola of Iowa State University. -- Debinski said her team expected to find that environmental variation and climate change were affecting the phenology, or timing, of important events for the Camp Dodge monarch population, including arrival and departure dates and the timing of their peak summer abundance in the field. -- "We wanted to look at phenology of butterflies and test whether it was shifting, and if it was, to ask how that might affect the viability of the populations over the long term," she said. -- Similarly, the team looked at phenological changes of the Camp Dodge monarchs' host plant, common milkweed, where females lay their eggs, and which serve as a major source of food for the camp's population of monarch caterpillars. The researchers wanted to know whether any phenological changes in the milkweed were occurring in tandem with those of the butterflies. -- "If one shifts and the other doesn't, you could have a situation called asynchrony, where the butterflies arrive and the milkweed isn't growing yet, or maybe the plant has grown too early and dried out," Debinski explained. For historic information about Midwestern milkweed growth, the researchers consulted data kept by herbariums in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. -- The field component of the study was done in 2020. Monarch eggs were placed on milkweed plants at staggered intervals to assess whether a shift in monarch spring arrival times -- if one existed -- affected how the larvae developed. One group was placed two weeks earlier than the monarchs' historic recorded arrival date, another at the expected date, and a third about two weeks later than usual. -- The researchers designed the test according to the effect they expected to see: an earlier spring arrival date of the monarchs at Camp Dodge. Instead, Debinski said, they found that the timing of the monarchs' arrival had not changed but that by 2019, the butterflies were staying for nine days longer in the fall than they had in 2003. The observed shift for milkweed was similar, with the plant blooming later into the season, also by about nine days.	H01 R01 C01 N01 N02	855
2509-037	Urgent Action Needed As Child Obesity Rates Are Projected To Skyrocket By 2050	A study projects that obesity rates among children and adolescents will surge, with one in six expected to be obese by 2050, urging immediate action. Led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the research reveals alarming trends in obesity and highlights the need for effective public health strategies to combat this growing crisis amongst youth.	Murdoch Childrens Research Institute	The Lancet	Press Rel	PubMed	Obesity rates are set to skyrocket, with one in six children and adolescents worldwide forecast to be obese by 2050, according to a new study. But with significant increases predicted within the next five years, the researchers stress urgent action now could turn the tide on the public health crisis. -- The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) and published in The Lancet, found a third of children and adolescents will be overweight (385 million) or obese (360 million) within the next 25 years. -- The forecast equates to 356 million children aged 5-14 years and 390 million aged 15-24 years with one in six facing obesity. -- The global obesity rate for those between 5-24 years old tripled from 1990 to 2021, rising by 244 per cent to 174 million, suggesting that current approaches to curbing increases in obesity have failed a generation of young people. -- As of 2021, 493 million children and adolescents were overweight or obese. -- MCRI Dr Jessica Kerr said if immediate five-year action plans were not developed, the future was bleak for our youth. -- "Children and adolescents remain a vulnerable population within the obesity epidemic," she said. -- Prevention is key as obesity rarely resolves after adolescence. -- "This giant burden will not only cost the health system and the economy billions, but complications associated with a high Body Mass Index (BMI), including diabetes, cancer, heart problems, breathing issues, fertility problems and mental health challenge, will negatively impact our children and adolescents now and into the future, even holding the potential to impact our grandchildren's risk of obesity and quality of life for decades to come. -- "Despite these findings indicating monumental societal failures and a lack of coordinated global action across the entire developmental window to reduce obesity, our results provide optimism that this trajectory can be avoided if action comes before 2030."	H01 H02 R01 C01	856
2510-E003	New Insights On Antibodies Boost Strep A Vaccine Development	Recent research has uncovered how antibodies provide protection against Strep A infections, including strep throat, facilitating advancements in vaccine development. Led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Monash University, and the University of Auckland, the study utilized a unique human challenge model that revealed intricate antibody responses, significantly contributing to vaccine efforts against this contagious bacterium.	Murdoch Childrens Research Institute	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered how antibodies help to protect against contagious bacterial infections caused by Strep A, including strep throat. And the findings are already contributing to efforts to accelerate the development of a Strep A vaccine. -- The research, led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI), Monash University and the University of Auckland, using the world's only human challenge model for Strep A, has uncovered how antibodies respond to strep throat infections. -- MCRI Dr Joshua Osowicki said the research showed the power and potential for the human model to help crack the secrets of Strep A and accelerate vaccine development. -- The findings, published in Nature Communications, closely looked at antibodies produced against different parts of Strep A bacteria, comparing blood and saliva results before and after the Strep A challenge. -- The challenge involved 25 healthy adults in Melbourne who were exposed to a low level of Strep A bacteria in a controlled environment. -- "With Strep A being extremely common and every healthy adult having previously encountered it, all the participants had some antibodies against Strep A before the study," Dr Osowicki said. -- "We found each person's pre-existing antibodies made a difference to what happened when they were exposed during the challenge. For some of the participants, the mixture of antibodies before the challenge helped to protect them from developing a strep throat infection. Even in those who did develop strep throat, with symptoms like a sore throat and fever, it was clear their pre-existing antibodies made a difference to clinical outcomes." -- Importantly, the response to Strep A in the participants resembled those seen in children who will be first in line for a Strep A vaccine. -- Dr Osowicki said developing an effective vaccine had been difficult as there were big gaps in our understanding into how humans were protected against Strep A infections. -- "The bulk of Strep A research has used animal models but only humans are naturally infected by Strep A," he said.	H01 N01	857
2504-E017	Moderate Exercise Found To Significantly Regulate Appetite In Obese Males	Researchers at Murdoch University have found that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly impact appetite-related hormones and perceptions in obese males. Their study highlights the potential of incorporating regular exercise into weight management strategies, countering common assumptions that physical activity increases hunger. These findings could inform public health initiatives aimed at addressing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles.	Murdoch University	Physiological Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study involving researchers at Murdoch University's Health Futures Institute has revealed that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly influence appetite-related hormones and perceptions in males with obesity. -- The study, titled "Acute effect of exercise on appetite-related factors in males with obesity," provides new insights into how exercise can aid appetite control and weight management. -- One of the study authors, Associate Professor Timothy Fairchild from Murdoch's School of Allied Health, said the study confirms their previous work showing the benefits of incorporating regular exercise into daily routines for individuals looking to manage their weight and improve their overall health. -- "People understand that exercise helps 'burn energy'. A lot of people assume that exercise also increases hunger and energy intake afterwards," Associate Professor Timothy Fairchild said. -- "We have previously shown, using high-intensity exercise, that this is not the case. -- "This latest study shows that even moderate-intensity exercise can have immediate and beneficial effects on appetite control in males with obesity." -- The study not only assessed food intake and appetite, but also measured changes in hormones which help to regulate appetite. -- "Despite a strong focus on weight loss drugs in society at present, this study shows that lifestyle factors still have a strong and relevant role in helping people to live their healthiest life," Associate Professor Fairchild said. -- "In fact, the hormones which have been shown to increase after exercise, are the same hormones which the most successful weight loss drugs are mimicking." -- "The added benefit of exercise is that you also receive the additional physical and mental health benefits of exercise."	H01	858
2506-E055	Nocturnal Moth's Evolved Appearance Mimics Leaves For Predator Evasion	Researchers from Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia have discovered a nocturnal moth that mimics the appearance of a 3D leaf. Utilizing specialized nanostructures, these moths create a shiny, lifelike surface that confuses predators. This unique evolutionary adaptation could inspire new advancements in camouflage technology, demonstrating nature's potential to inform innovative materials in various applications.	Murdoch University	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Murdoch University and The University of Western Australian found the forewings of the fruit-sucking moth (Eudocima aurantia) have the appearance of a crumpled leaf -- but are in fact flat. -- Dr Annie Jessop and Professor Gerd Schröder-Turk, from Murdoch's School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics, and lead researcher Dr Jennifer Kelley, from UWA's School of Biological Sciences, published their research (with colleagues from the University of Salzburg, Austria) in Current Biology today. -- They found the moth mimics the 3D shape and coloration of a leaf using specialised nanostructures on its wings. -- "These nanostructures create a shiny wing surface that mimics the highlights found on a smooth, curved leaf surface," Dr Jessop said. -- "Structural and pigmentary coloration produces a leaf-like brown colour, with the moth exploiting thin-film reflectors to produce directional reflections -- producing the illusion of a 3D leaf shape." -- The fruit-sucking moth is native to north Queensland and south-eastern Asia. -- The researchers made their discovery while visiting the London Natural History Museum, which holds one of the world's largest collections of this group of moths. -- "It is intriguing that the nanostructures which produce shininess only occur on the parts of the wing that would be curved if the wing was a leaf," Dr Kelley said. -- "This suggests that moths are exploiting the way predators perceive 3D shapes to improve their camouflage, which is very impressive." -- Dr Kelley said there were many examples of animals and insects masquerading as uninteresting objects -- from fish that resemble leaves to butterfly pupae that look like bird droppings.	N01	859
2512-T012	Integrated Reporting Practices Enhance Companies' Stock Market Performance	Integrated Reporting Practices Enhance Companies' Stock Market Performance	Murdoch University	Asian Journal of Accounting Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Companies can significantly enhance their stock market performance by adopting Integrated Reporting (IR) and Combined Assurance (CA) practices, according to new research from Murdoch University. -- The research underscores the importance of transparency and accuracy in financial reporting. -- Companies that utilise Integrated Reporting consider non-financial information such as human, governance, social and environmental inputs -- not just the financial bottom line -- to deliver a more complete picture of performance. -- Combined Assurance ensures companies consider all factors in assessing risk. -- Dr Augustine Donkor from Murdoch Business School led the study and said the results can be implemented to guide companies towards longer lasting success. -- "Integrated Reporting and Combined Assurance can benefit companies aiming to improve their market performance," Dr Donkor said. -- "Our findings highlight the critical role of transparency and accuracy in building investor trust. -- "By doing so, companies can build stronger investor confidence and achieve sustainable growth. -- "The research provides valuable insights for companies, investors, and policymakers aiming to improve financial reporting practices." -- Key findings included:	R01 C01 T01	860
2503-T012	New Sodium-Doped Catalyst Promises Sustainable Chemical Processes Without Transition Metals	Researchers have developed a sodium-doped form of amorphous silicon-boron-nitride catalyst, presenting a transition metal-free solution for more sustainable chemical processes. Utilizing the concept of 'frustrated Lewis pairs,' this novel catalyst efficiently activates hydrogen, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional transition metal catalysts. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in various industries, promoting greener methods for chemical reactions and enhancing overall sustainability in chemical manufacturing.	Nagoya Institute of Technology	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Heterogeneous catalysts speed up chemical reactions by being in a different state than the reactants. They are efficient and stable, even under challenging conditions such as high temperature or pressure. Traditionally, metals like iron, platinum, and palladium have been widely used in industries like petrochemicals and agriculture for important reactions such as hydrogenation and Haber's process. However, these metals are rare and can have problems like buildup from coking. Scientists are increasingly exploring common elements as catalysts for more sustainable and cost-effective industrial applications. -- In the mid-2000s, the introduction of the frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) concept marked a major advancement in catalysis, particularly in small molecule activation. -- An FLP is made up of a combination of two components -- one acting as a Lewis acid and the other as a Lewis base -- that are unable to fully react with each other due to spatial or electronic hindrance. -- This "frustration" leaves them in a highly reactive state, allowing them to activate stable molecules like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, or ammonia, which are normally quite hard to break apart. -- FLPs stand out because they have multiple active sites, making them more reactive and selective compared to traditional catalysts, which typically have just one active site. -- There are two main types of FLPs: heterogeneous defect-regulated FLPs and molecular-based homogeneous FLPs. -- The first type controls the number of active sites through surface defects; it can be tedious to accurately tune its reactivity and control its stability. -- The second type involves small molecules where the acid-base pair exists within the same molecular structure, making it easier to adjust their reactivity by simply changing the surrounding components. -- A recent study has broken new ground by adapting molecular-based FLPs for use in solid-state systems. -- The researchers achieved this by leveraging the chemical versatility of pre-ceramic polymers through the Polymer-Derived Ceramic (PDC) process.	C01 T01	861
2507-E004	Discovering How Bacteria Propel Themselves Through Innovative Electron Microscopy Techniques	A new study using cryo-electron microscopy has clarified the mechanisms of bacterial flagellar motors, focusing on the role of sodium ion flow through stators. These insights into bacterial propulsion may inform the development of efficient microscopic machines, enhancing our understanding of biological motors in microorganisms.	Nagoya Institute of Technology	Nagoya Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	When speaking of motors, most people think of those powering vehicles and human machinery. However, biological motors have existed for millions of years in microorganisms. Among these, many bacterial species have tail-like structures -- called flagella -- that spin around to propel themselves in fluids. These movements employ protein complexes known as the "flagellar motor." -- This flagellar motor consists of two main components: the rotor and the stators. -- The rotor is a large rotating structure, anchored to the cell membrane, that turns the flagellum. -- On the other hand, the stators are smaller structures that contain "ion pathways," which can fit protons or sodium ions depending on the species. -- As charged particles go through a stator, it undergoes structural changes that push against the rotor, causing it to spin. -- Although many studies have focused on the stators, the precise structure and mechanisms of the ion pathways remain elusive. -- Against this backdrop, a research team led by Assistant Professor Tatsuro Nishikino from Nagoya Institute of Technology analyzed the flagellar motor in the bacterial species Vibrio alginolyticus. Other members of the team included Norihiro Takekawa and Katsumi Imada from Osaka University, Jun-ichi Kishikawa from Kyoto Institute of Technology, and Seiji Kojima from Nagoya University. -- Their findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on December 30, 2024. -- The researchers employed cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM), a powerful technique that captures high-resolution images of biomolecules by rapidly freezing them and imaging them with an electron microscope. -- Using CryoEM on normal and genetically modified V. alginolyticus, the team took snapshots of stator complexes in different states and identified key molecular cavities for sodium ions.	A01 T01	862
2501-E047	Taller Japanese Black Pine Trees Show Enhanced Resistance To Tsunamis And Winds.	A study on Japanese black pine trees reveals that taller trees possess deeper roots, enhancing their resilience against natural disasters like tsunamis. This research suggests that promoting deeper root growth in shorter trees could improve their survival rates, highlighting the ecological value of coastal forests in disaster-prone areas.	Nagoya University	Journal of Forest Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers in Japan have found that the taller the Japanese black pine trees (Pinus thunbergii) along the coast, the deeper their roots go into the ground. Trees with deeper roots are more resistant to damage from tsunamis and strong winds. Their findings suggest that the resilience of coastal P. thunbergii trees may be improved by inducing deep root growth, specifically in short trees. The study was published in the Journal of Forest Research. -- Many P. thunbergii trees have been planted in coastal forests in Japan because they are salt-tolerant and can grow in sandy soils lacking nutrients. -- P. thunbergii trees are very resistant to tsunamis, strong winds, and blowing sand because their strong roots grow straight down and deep. -- Such trees should offer protection to houses and fields from natural disasters. -- During the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, P. thunbergii trees along the coast played an important role in suppressing wave forces and debris carried by tsunamis. -- However, several P. thunbergii trees with roots that did not grow deep enough were severely damaged and washed away. -- "If we can estimate how deep the roots of the trees have grown without digging them up, we can easily understand which trees are less resistant to disasters," said Professor Yasuhiro Hirano of Nagoya University, the first author of the study. -- "So, our team tried to clarify whether the characteristics of the aboveground parts of P. thunbergii trees and the characteristics of the soil around them help to estimate their maximum root depth." -- The research team of Hirano, Associate Professor Toko Tanikawa, and their colleagues first dug up the roots of P. thunbergii trees on the coast of Aichi Prefecture, Japan, to measure the maximum depth of the roots and analyze the characteristics of the aboveground part of the trees and the soil around them. -- To study the root system structures, 700 digital photographs of each tree, from all angles, were taken on-site right after excavation, eliminating the need to transport samples to the lab.	C01 N02	863
2502-E074	Parasitic Crickets Employ Clever Strategies To Infiltrate Host Ant Colonies	Parasitic Cricket Behavior: Researchers from Nagoya University discovered sophisticated behaviors employed by parasitic crickets to infiltrate ant colonies. Their study reveals how these crickets use distancing and dodging tactics to evade detection, highlighting remarkable survival strategies within hostile environments filled with aggressive ant hosts.	Nagoya University	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have discovered sophisticated behavioral strategies that enable parasitic crickets to survive within ant colonies. Led by Ryoya Tanaka, the team documented how these insects successfully navigate life among potentially lethal hosts through precise evasion tactics. Their findings, published in Communications Biology, reveal remarkable adaptations that allow these cricket species to thrive in a hostile environment. -- Animals that live in ant colonies, known as "ant guests," exploit their hosts' resources. -- However, this behavior carries a significant risk because ants ruthlessly exterminate intruders upon detection. -- Myrmecophilus ant crickets employ specialized escape behaviors to avoid ant attacks. -- Tanaka and colleagues studied this behavior in Myrmecophilus tetramorii, a "brood parasite" that sustains itself within host colonies by consuming dead insects and ant larvae. -- The researchers studied the behaviors that allow crickets to escape from their hosts. -- They found that most behaviors could be classified into two types: "distancing," where the crickets move directly away from the ants and "dodging," where the crickets fled from the ants in a circular movement that positioned them behind the ants to avoid their mandibles. -- They noticed that when the cricket initiated dodging behavior, it stayed farther from its host and moved at a slower pace than during distancing. -- The researchers concluded that crickets employ dodging behavior to methodically evade perceived threats under low-risk conditions, while they utilize distancing behavior as a rapid defensive response when facing imminent attack. -- "While distancing behaviour can quickly get crickets away from the approaching ant, such quick movements may alert surrounding potential enemies to the crickets' presence, triggering an aggressive chase by another ant. Ant crickets benefit from a slow and precise reaction to dodging, which reduces the probability of being attacked by ants," Tanaka explained.	N01	864
2505-016	New Enzyme Identified As Therapeutic Target For Heart Failure Treatment	Research has identified alpha-kinase 2 (ALPK2) as a key enzyme involved in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), signaling a potential therapeutic target. The enzyme is linked to preventing heart stiffening by activating a specific gene in heart muscle fibers. With increasing global rates of HFpEF and limited treatment options, this discovery offers hope for developing effective therapies targeting this lethal form of heart failure.	Nagoya University	The FASEB Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	The octopus just revealed another one of its secrets: what determines its sex. -- University of Oregon researchers have identified a sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus. This chromosome has likely been around for 480 million years, since before octopuses split apart from the nautilus on the evolutionary tree. That makes it one of the oldest known animal sex chromosomes. -- The finding also is evidence that octopuses and other cephalopods, a class of sea animals that includes squid and nautiluses, do use chromosomes to determine their sex, answering a longstanding mystery among biologists. -- "Cephalopods are already such interesting creatures, and there are so many things we're still learning about them, especially in neuroscience," said Gabby Coffing, a doctoral student at the UO working in the lab of biologist Andrew Kern. "This is just showing one more interesting thing about them: They have really ancient sex chromosomes." -- Coffing, Kern and their team described the findings Feb. 3 in the journal Current Biology. -- In humans and most mammals, sex is determined largely by chromosomes. But "there's a tremendous amount of diversity" in how animals determine their sex, Kern said. So scientists couldn't assume the same was true for octopuses. -- In turtles, for instance, sex is determined by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. Some fish have a gene that determines sex, but not a whole chromosome. Even in humans, the X/Y sex chromosome system isn't as clear-cut as it might look on paper; gene mutations or inheriting extra sex chromosomes can lead to development that doesn't neatly fit in a male/female binary. -- Plus, because cephalopods aren't standard lab animals, like mice or fruit flies, they haven't been subject to nearly as much genetic exploration. Scientists have sequenced the genomes of a handful of octopus species, but they can't link genes to specific traits the way they can in mice or even humans. -- When UO researchers recently sequenced the DNA of a female California two-spot octopus, they found something unexpected: a chromosome with only half the amount of genetic material. It looked different from all the others, and it hadn't been found in male octopuses whose DNA was previously sequenced. -- "This particular chromosome had half the amount of sequencing data, which indicated there was only one copy," said Coffing. "Then as we explored that more, we reached the conclusion that we must have stumbled upon a sex chromosome."	H01 R01	865
2505-E065	Luteolin Found In Vegetables May Help Prevent Graying Hair	Graying hair, often seen as an inevitable aspect of aging, may be influenced by an antioxidant called luteolin found in various vegetables. Recent research from Nagoya University indicates that luteolin could suppress the graying process in mice, leading to potential applications in hair care. The study highlights the importance of luteolin in regulating proteins related to cellular communication, opening avenues for further exploration in anti-aging treatments.	Nagoya University	Antioxidants	Press Rel	PubMed	In many mammals, a limited number of oocytes are responsible for producing the next generation. Oocytes grow within follicles, which consist of an oocyte and the surrounding granulosa cells. Communication (crosstalk) between oocytes and granulosa cells is crucial for oocyte formation, dormancy, reawakening, and maturation. Oocytes express proteins c-KIT and GDF9, which play a vital role in this crosstalk. However, the mechanism of their transport within oocytes was previously unclear. -- In this study, researchers found that a protein complex called the exocyst complex is essential for the proper transport of c-KIT and GDF9 within oocytes. -- Experiments using mice specifically deficient in the EXOC1 protein, a component of the exocyst complex, revealed the inhibition of oocyte reawakening and growth during follicular development and the suppression of granulosa cell proliferation. -- Further investigation showed that c-KIT and GDF9, which are normally present on the cell membrane or outside the cell, were abnormally accumulated in the cytoplasm of EXOC1-deficient oocytes. -- Similar results were observed in oocytes deficient in other exocyst complex proteins, such as EXOC3 and EXOC7. -- These findings indicate that the exocyst complex is essential for the proper transport of c-KIT and GDF9 within oocytes and that a dysfunctional exocyst complex leads to female infertility. This work was supported by Scientific Research (B) (17H03566, to SM; 19H03142, to SM) and a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Innovative Areas (Research in a proposed research area) (21H00224, to SM) from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.	A01	866
2506-046	CUL5 Gene Modification Enhances Effectiveness Of CAR-T Cell Cancer Therapy	A significant breakthrough in CAR-T cell therapy has been reported, highlighting the CUL5 gene's role in enhancing the effectiveness of this innovative cancer treatment. Reducing CUL5 gene activity could empower immune cells to better combat aggressive cancers like leukemia, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes and paving the way for more effective immunotherapies in oncology.	Nagoya University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have identified a method to enhance the effectiveness of a promising cancer treatment. They found that modifying a specific gene improves the ability of immune cells to combat cancer for an extended period, potentially reducing the chance of cancer recurring. The finding that reduced CUL5 gene activity increases CAR-T cell anticancer effects could improve treatment for patients with aggressive cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The study was published in Nature Communications by a group led by Yoshitaka Adachi, Seitaro Terakura, and Professor Hitoshi Kiyoi of Nagoya University's Graduate School of Medicine in Japan. -- CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced cancer treatment in which the patient's own immune cells (T cells) are genetically modified in a laboratory. -- A "chimeric antigen receptor" (CAR) is given to these cells, enabling them to target and eliminate cancer cells. -- The researchers focused on a CAR that targeted the CD19 protein found in B cells, a type of immune cell that can become cancerous in diseases such as leukemia. -- Although clinicians have successfully used this therapy for treatment, many patients experience cancer relapse caused by the hostile environment created by cancerous cells. -- After repeated encounters with cancer cells, CAR-T cells lose their ability to divide and effectively attack the tumor. -- Altering genes to improve efficacy -- The research team used a method called CRISPR screening to identify potential genes that could improve CAR-T cell therapy. -- CRISPR allows scientists to turn off individual genes in cells to see which are important for a specific function. -- The gene of interest, CUL5, is involved in the breakdown of certain proteins inside cells.	H01 R01	867
2506-T004	Quantum Theory Meets Thermodynamics: New Insights Challenge Traditional Laws	A collaborative research effort has uncovered a surprising relationship between quantum theory and thermodynamics, revealing that quantum processes can coexist with the laws of thermodynamics without violation. This study, conducted by scientists from Nagoya University and the Slovak Academy of Sciences, suggests that quantum theory does not inherently prevent breaches of the second law, thus opening new avenues for research into quantum technologies and their thermodynamic limitations.	Nagoya University	npj Quantum Information	Press Rel	PubMed	In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers from Nagoya University in Japan and the Slovak Academy of Sciences have unveiled new insights into the interplay between quantum theory and thermodynamics. The team demonstrated that while quantum theory does not inherently forbid violations of the second law of thermodynamics, quantum processes may be implemented without actually breaching the law. This discovery, published in npj Quantum Information, highlights a harmonious coexistence between the two fields, despite their logical independence. Their findings open up new avenues for understanding the thermodynamic boundaries of quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and nanoscale engines. -- This breakthrough contributes to the long-standing exploration of the second law of thermodynamics, a principle often regarded as one of the most profound and enigmatic in physics. -- The second law asserts that entropy -- a measure of disorder in a system -- never decreases spontaneously. -- It also states that a cyclically operating engine cannot produce mechanical work by extracting heat from a single thermal environment and underscores the concept of a unidirectional flow of time. -- Despite its foundational role, the second law remains one of the most debated and misunderstood principles in science. -- Central to this debate is the paradox of "Maxwell's Demon," a thought experiment proposed by physicist James Clerk Maxwell in 1867. -- Maxwell envisioned a hypothetical being -- the demon -- capable of sorting fast and slow molecules within a gas at thermal equilibrium without expending energy. -- By separating these molecules into distinct regions, the demon could create a temperature difference. -- As the system returns to equilibrium, mechanical work is extracted, seemingly defying the second law of thermodynamics. -- The paradox has intrigued physicists for over a century, raising questions about the law's universality and whether it depends on the observer's knowledge and capabilities.	T01	868
2509-E023	Organic Photosynthesis: Waste Converts To Pharmaceuticals And Renewable Energy	A research team at Nagoya University has developed a method of artificial photosynthesis that utilizes sunlight to convert waste organic materials into valuable compounds, including 'green' hydrogen. This groundbreaking technique represents a shift toward sustainable energy production, and its findings, published in Nature Communications, could significantly impact the creation of medicinal and agricultural chemicals, as well as renewable energy sources.	Nagoya University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Assistant Professor Shogo Mori and Professor Susumu Saito at Nagoya University has developed a groundbreaking method of artificial photosynthesis that uses sunlight and water to produce energy and valuable organic compounds, including pharmaceutical materials, from waste organic compounds. This achievement represents a significant step toward sustainable energy and chemical production. The findings were published in Nature Communications. -- "Artificial photosynthesis involves chemical reactions that mimic the way plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy-rich glucose," Saito explained. -- "Waste products, which are often produced by other processes, were not formed; instead, only energy and useful chemicals were created." -- Their technique, which they called artificial photosynthesis directed toward organic synthesis (APOS), meets all the criteria of artificial photosynthesis. -- It represents a paradigm shift in the field of artificial photosynthesis due to its use of organic matter and water as raw materials in the reaction. -- "The key to APOS's success is the cooperative effects of two types of inorganic semiconductor photocatalysts," Saito said. -- "The catalysts, respectively, promote the decomposition of the waste organic matter and water through water splitting, leading this time to the synthesis of useful organic compounds and 'green' hydrogen." -- The researchers describe an array of practical applications for their discovery. -- In the experiment, they utilized different organic raw materials to synthesize more than 25 distinct alcohol and ether products containing a wide range of functional groups, including an analog of an antidepressant and a hay fever drug. -- The technique also allows the modification of organic materials, which they showed by modifying a drug used for treating elevated lipid levels in the blood.	C01 N02 T01	869
2509-T005	Researchers Develop The World’s Smallest Shooting Game At Nanoscale	A research team has achieved a milestone by developing the ‘world’s smallest shooting game’, played with nanoparticles manipulated in real-time through focused electron beams. This innovative approach not only showcases advancements in recreational technology but also holds significant potential for future applications in biomedical engineering and nanotechnology, allowing seamless integration of virtual and real nanomaterials.	Nagoya University	Japanese Journal of Applied Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Takayuki Hoshino of Nagoya University's Graduate School of Engineering in Japan has demonstrated the world's smallest shooting game by manipulating nanoparticles in real time, resulting in a game that is played with particles approximately 1 billionth of a meter in size. This research is a significant step toward developing a computer interface system that seamlessly integrates virtual objects with real nanomaterials. They published their study in the Japanese Journal of Applied Physics. -- The game demonstrates what the researchers call "nano-mixed reality (MR)," which integrates digital technology with the physical nanoworld in real time using high-speed electron beams. -- These beams generate dynamic patterns of electric fields and optical images on a display surface, allowing researchers to control the force field acting on the nanoparticles in real time to move and manipulate them. -- The aim of the team was to create an intuitive and engaging way to showcase their technology. -- As fans of vintage video games, they designed an interactive shooting game inspired by classic arcade titles. -- Dubbed by Hoshino as the "world's smallest shooting game," it enables players to interact with objects at the nanoscale level. -- The nanogame -- MR is designed to blend the real world with virtual ones, allowing digital objects to interact with the physical environment. -- A joystick was used to modify the scanning pattern of the electron beam, which appears onscreen as movement of a triangular spaceship. -- Players then attempted to strike enemy characters (actually, nano-sized polystyrene balls) using the electron beam.	A01 T01	870
2510-048	Continuous Glucose Monitoring Improves Safety For Diabetic Drivers	Research from Nagoya University indicates that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices can enhance road safety for diabetic drivers. The study found that users of CGM experienced fewer instances of hypoglycemia and felt more confident while driving. This technology has the potential to mitigate risks associated with low blood sugar during complex tasks like driving.	Nagoya University	Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice	Press Rel	PubMed	A Japanese study conducted by a team from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine found that the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, equipped with sensors that alert diabetics when their blood sugar levels drop, can potentially make diabetic drivers safer on the road. Those who used such devices had a lower incidence of low blood sugar and reported increased confidence in driving. The findings were published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. -- Patients treated for diabetes sometimes experience periods of low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia. -- While managing hypoglycemia in a controlled environment, such as in the patient's home, is relatively straightforward, it may occur when doing complex tasks like driving. -- At its worst, hypoglycemia causes impaired judgment, leading to traffic accidents. -- To help diabetic people manage their glucose levels, CGM devices are used. -- CGM are equipped with sensors placed on the skin that monitor glucose levels and emit sound and vibration cues to alert diabetics when their glucose levels fall below a threshold level. -- The study led by Doctors Takeshi Onoue and Hiroshi Arima aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CGM equipped with low-glucose alerts for preventing hypoglycemia in insulin-treated drivers with diabetes. -- The participants underwent two 4-week periods: an 'alert period' where they used a CGM with the low-glucose alert active, and a 'no-alert period' where the CGM was used without the low-glucose alert function. -- They found that the incidence of hypoglycemia while driving was markedly lower during the alert period than during the no-alert period, suggesting that the use of a CGM reduced the risk of hypoglycemic incidents, potentially making driving safer. -- Moreover, almost two-thirds of the participants (63%) said that the low-glucose alerts increased their confidence while driving.	A01 R01 C01 T01	871
2510-E036	Japanese Concrete Structures Capture 14% Of CO2 From Cement Production	A study reveals that Japan's concrete structures absorb approximately 14% of CO2 emissions produced during cement manufacturing, providing vital insights for combating climate change. As cement production accounts for about 8% of global carbon emissions, this research highlights the natural CO2 uptake process of concrete. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing carbon capture methods to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainability.	Nagoya University	Journal of Cleaner Production	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of Japanese researchers has discovered that Japan's concrete structures -- including buildings and infrastructure -- absorb and store about 14% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated during cement production. -- This research provides vital knowledge to offset CO2 emissions from cement production, a significant contributor to global carbon emissions at approximately 8%. The study was published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. -- With the growing urgency of climate change, scientists are focusing not only on reducing CO2 emissions but also on effective methods of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to mitigate global warming. -- Concrete naturally absorbs CO2 throughout its lifetime through a process called carbonation, also known as CO2 uptake. While this process can contribute to the corrosion of reinforcing steel bars in concrete structures, it also enables concrete structures to function as carbon sinks. -- Professor Ippei Maruyama of the University of Tokyo, Professor Hiroki Tanikawa of Nagoya University, and their colleagues conducted a comprehensive material stock-flow analysis of Japan's concrete from 1870 (when Japan began producing cement) to 2070. Material stock-flow analysis is an accounting method that tracks how materials enter a system (flows), accumulate within it over time (stocks), and eventually exit through disposal, recycling, or other means, allowing us to understand the complete lifecycle of resources in our economy and environment. Their analysis aimed to estimate the CO₂ uptake of concrete structures on a national scale. -- The researchers used statistical data to estimate annual domestic cement production, the lifespan of various concrete structures, and their disposal methods. They quantified the total amount of CO₂ captured and stored based on the surface area of concrete structures throughout Japan. -- To accurately calculate the total surface area, the researchers incorporated data on the surface-to-volume ratio of different types of concrete structures that reflect Japanese building design standards. As an earthquake-prone country, Japan has specific earthquake-resistant standards that needed to be factored into these calculations. -- The study also accounted for local environmental conditions, finishing materials, and what happens to concrete after demolition. "The main objective of our analysis is to improve CO₂ uptake quantification by considering time-series changes and local-specific factors," Professor Maruyama explained. -- The results revealed that the cumulative CO₂ uptake from 1870 to 2020 was estimated at 137.1 million tons, representing 7.5% of the cumulative CO₂ emissions from calcination during cement production. In 2020 alone, annual CO₂ uptake reached 2.6 million tons, accounting for 13.9% of CO₂ emissions from cement calcination that year. -- Projections suggest that annual CO₂ uptake will increase slightly during the 2020s before dropping to 2.3-2.4 million tons by 2070. "These results could easily be reversed, depending on waste management methods and other conditions," the researchers noted.	C01	872
2511-060	HSCs Control Immune Responses: New Insights Could Transform Treatments For Immune Conditions	New findings on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reveal their regulatory roles in immune response evasion, which may influence treatments for immune-related conditions. This research sheds light on how HSCs create immune-privileged environments, crucial for effective therapies in transplant medicine and regenerative techniques.	Nagoya University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	An international group of researchers led by Kazuhiro Furuhashi (Nagoya University and Columbia University) and Joji Fujisaki (Harvard University and Columbia University) has identified an important mechanism that enables stem cells to evade immune rejection. Their research, published in Nature, sheds light on how these specialized cells create an "immune-privileged" environment -- areas in the body where stem cells survive and function without being attacked by the immune system. -- Stem cells are special cells in the body that can divide and turn into different types of cells. This functionality allows them to play roles in the growth, healing, and development of tissues and organs. -- Stem cells in immune-privileged sites in the body use multiple mechanisms to inhibit or prevent immune responses against them. This protection is necessary because if the immune system recognizes them as foreign, it may attack them -- a common occurrence in autoimmune diseases. -- The researchers focused on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which generate blood cells and are often used by clinicians to treat leukemia and inherited blood disorders. Being able to transfer these cells without triggering the patient's immune response or requiring large amounts of immune-suppressing medicine would be a valuable way to increase their effectiveness. -- Scientists have long proposed a 'hierarchy' in HSCs that is related to their survivability. At the top of the hierarchy are specialized stem cells that produce nitric oxide (NO), which they use to manipulate the immune response to ensure safe reproduction. -- The researchers identified a unique subset of HSCs that express high levels of NO (termed "NOhi HSCs") and discovered these cells also contain high levels of the immunomodulatory receptor CD200R -- a protein that plays a critical role in immune suppression and tolerance. -- They also identified that survival of these NOhi HSCs depended on their location near specialized blood vessels that have a distinctive hairpin-curve shape. The scientists concluded that the curved nature of these capillaries affects blood flow dynamics, creating increased shear stress -- the force of blood moving along vessel walls. Shear stress regulates the behavior of stem cells by increasing NO levels, which plays an important role in the maintenance, survival, and function of stem cells by modulating cellular signaling pathways. -- Combining shear stress and higher NO levels in these specialized capillaries creates an optimal microenvironment. These findings may explain how NOhi HSCs can survive and proliferate while evading immune detection. -- Beyond providing insights into stem cell survival, these findings reshape our understanding of blood vessels. They reveal that blood vessels function as "gatekeepers" regulating stem cell activity and immune responses within surrounding tissues -- a role that extends far beyond simply transporting blood. -- This research should pave the way for advances in regenerative medicine and immunotherapy, highlighting the critical role of blood vessels in maintaining stem cell function and immune balance.	H01 H02 N02	873
2512-T028	Improved Seawater Purification Technique Beats Common Materials For Clean Water	A research team from Nagoya University has made significant strides in water purification techniques by enhancing electrodes that convert seawater into drinkable water. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, demonstrate a novel method that effectively removes ions from seawater, outperforming traditional materials like activated carbon.	Nagoya University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan, led by Yusuke Yamauchi and Yusuke Asakura, in collaboration with Xingtao Xu at Zhejiang Ocean University, have discovered a new technique for improving the electrodes that convert seawater into potable water using oxygen. The findings were reported in Nature Communications. -- "As the world's population has been increasing, water scarcity will likely become a critical issue," Yamauchi said, explaining the motivation behind the study. -- "We were excited to develop a material that outperformed all existing materials, even activated carbon." -- The technique works by removing ions from seawater using electrodes, leaving deionized, drinkable water. -- In the process, ions from seawater are attracted to the electrode surface and charged ions are stored in an electric double layer formed there. -- In addition to purifying water, the ions can be extracted from the electrodes following separation, allowing useful ions, such as sodium, to be repurposed for industrial processes. -- The most commonly used electrodes are porous carbonaceous electrodes, which use a carbon and nitrogen base with pores to create a high surface area for extracting ions from liquids. -- The researchers theorized that 'heteroatom doping,' which introduces atoms to alter a material's structure and improve performance, could improve electrode conductivity and stability. -- "We used oxygen for doping, as oxygen creates synergistic effects with nitrogen that increase the adsorption of ions. We found that in the presence of oxygen, the affinity of nitrogen for ions was increased," Asakura said. -- "We were excited to discover that oxygen affects capacitive deionization. Our team was the first to demonstrate this role of it."	Z01	874
2501-T011	New Navigation Algorithm Enhances Cyborg Insects’ Swarm Efficiency In Tough Terrain	Scientists from NTU Singapore and collaborating universities have developed an advanced navigation algorithm for cyborg insects, enhancing their ability to traverse challenging terrains. This innovation in swarm robotics promises applications in areas such as disaster response and infrastructure inspection, as these cyborgs can be remotely controlled for specific tasks. The study represents a significant step forward in integrating biological systems with technology for practical uses.	Nanyang Technological University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Osaka University, and Hiroshima University have developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from becoming stuck while navigating challenging terrain. -- Published in Nature Communications, the new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics. It could pave the way for applications in disaster relief, search-and-rescue missions, and infrastructure inspection. -- Cyborg insects are real insects equipped with tiny electronic devices on their backs -- consisting of various sensors like optical and infrared cameras, a battery, and an antenna for communication -- that allow their movements to be remotely controlled for specific tasks. -- The control of a single cyborg insect was first demonstrated by Professor Hirotaka Sato from NTU Singapore's School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 2008[1]. -- However, a single insect is insufficient for operations such as search-and-rescue missions, where earthquake survivors are spread out and there is an optimal 72-hour window for locating them. -- In 2021[2] and 2024[3], Prof Sato and his partners from Singapore's Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) and Klass Engineering and Solutions demonstrated how cyborg insects may be used for search and rescue operations in future. -- This latest paper on the new swarm system uses a leader-follower dynamic, where one cyborg insect acts as a group leader guiding 19 others. -- Co-corresponding authors of the paper, Professor Masaki Ogura[4] from Hiroshima University and Professor Wakamiya Naoki from Osaka University, developed the swarm control algorithm and computer programmes, while NTU Professor Hirotaka Sato and his team prepared the cyborg insect swarm, implemented the algorithm on the insects' electronic backpacks, and conducted the physical experiments in Singapore. -- The scientists noted several benefits to their new swarm algorithm during lab experiments. Allowing the cyborg insects to move more freely reduced the risk of the cyborgs getting stuck in obstacles, and nearby cyborgs could also help free those stuck or flipped over. -- How the cyborg insect swarm works	C01 T01	875
2504-E028	Global Sea Levels Could Rise Up To 1.9 Meters By 2100 If Emissions Surge	Projections indicate that if global CO2 emissions continue to rise, sea levels could increase significantly by 2100, potentially reaching up to 1.9 meters. This prediction exceeds the United Nations' estimates and highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to model climate change impacts and manage risks associated with rising sea levels.	Nanyang Technological University	Earth's Future	Press Rel	PubMed	An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands, has projected that if the rate of global CO2 emissions continues to increase and reaches a high emission scenario, sea levels would as a result very likely rise between 0.5 and 1.9 metres by 2100. The high end of this projection's range is 90 centimetres higher than the latest United Nations' global projection of 0.6 to 1.0 metres [1]. -- The very likely range (90 per cent probability for the event to occur), reported by the NTU team in the scientific journal Earth's Future, complements sea-level rise projections reported by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which only assessed the probability of projections up to a likely range (66 per cent probability). -- Current sea-level projections rely on a range of methods to model climate processes. Some include well-understood phenomena like glacier melting, while others incorporate more uncertain events, such as abrupt ice shelf collapse. -- As a result, these models produce varying projections, making it difficult to estimate reliable extreme sea-level rise. This ambiguity in projections from different methods has prevented the IPCC from providing very likely ranges for sea-level projections -- a valuable standard in managing risk. -- To overcome this challenge and to address the uncertainties in current sea-level rise projections, NTU researchers developed a new, improved projection method known as the "fusion" approach. This approach combines the strengths of existing models with expert opinions, offering a clearer, more reliable picture of future sea-level rise. -- Lead author of the study, Dr Benjamin Grandey, Senior Research Fellow at NTU's School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS), said, "Our new approach tackles a key issue in sea-level science: different methods of projecting sea-level rise often produce widely varying results. By combining these different approaches into a single fusion projection, we can estimate the uncertainty associated with future sea-level rise and quantify the very likely range of sea-level rise." -- The research team believes their new method fills a critical gap for reliable information, complementing the IPCC's latest report. -- The fusion approach: Combining strengths of existing models -- The interdisciplinary NTU team of physicists and climate scientists created the fusion model by integrating statistical methods with expert judgments. They used data from established projections presented in the IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, which simulate potential future scenarios under different emissions pathways. -- The researchers combined different classes of projections reported in the IPCC report. They incorporated both 'medium confidence' and 'low confidence' projections, supplemented by expert assessments, to account for poorly understood extreme processes, such as sudden shifts in ice sheet behaviour. A weighting system was applied, prioritising more reliable medium-confidence data while still including lower-confidence projections to address uncertainties.	A01 C01	876
2510-E067	Harnessing Water Waves: New Techniques For Controlling Floating Objects	Scientists have developed a technique to manipulate water waves, creating intricate patterns that can trap and move floating objects. This innovative method could have applications ranging from precise particle movement in experiments to guiding larger vessels across water, showcasing a novel approach to harnessing wave dynamics for practical uses.	Nanyang Technological University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of international scientists co-led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have discovered a way to manipulate water waves, allowing them to trap and precisely move floating objects -- almost as if an invisible force were guiding them. -- The method involves generating and merging water waves to create complex surface patterns, such as twisting loops and swirling vortices. -- Laboratory experiments showed that these patterns can pull in nearby floating objects, like small foam balls the size of rice grains, and trap them within the patterns. -- Some patterns act like tweezers or a "tractor beam" to hold the floating balls in place on the water's surface so they do not drift away. -- Others cause the balls to spin about on their centres and move precisely along a circular or spiral path within the patterns. -- Unlike ordinary ripples, these wave patterns remain stable even when disturbed by minor external waves -- This technique uses real-world physics to control and shape water waves, but the effect resembles that of an unseen force moving things, as fictionalised in popular shows and books. -- The breakthrough, published in the scientific journal Nature on 5 February 2025, opens the possibility of using water waves in new ways. -- For example, the technique could be developed further to corral spilt liquids and chemicals that float on water to make them easier to clean up. -- The method could also be scaled up to guide larger floating objects, and possibly vessels, along a desired path on the water, even if they do not have working engines.	Z01	877
2510-T031	Transforming Sewage Sludge: Innovative Solar-Powered Energy Solutions	Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to convert sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, addressing major challenges in waste management and sustainable resource generation. This innovative process highlights the potential for transforming difficult waste into valuable resources, aligning with global sustainability goals in an increasingly urbanized world.	Nanyang Technological University	Nature Water	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have developed an innovative solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge -- a by-product of wastewater treatment -- into green hydrogen for clean energy and single-cell protein for animal feed. -- Published in Nature Water, the sludge-to-food-and-fuel method tackles two pressing global challenges: managing waste and generating sustainable resources. -- This aligns with NTU's goal of addressinghumanity's greatest challenges, such as climate change and sustainability. -- The United Nations estimates that around 2.5 billion more people will be living in cities by 2050. -- Along with the growth of cities and industries comes an increase in sewage sludge, which is notoriously difficult to process and dispose of due to its complex structure, composition, and contaminants such as heavy metals and pathogens. -- According to UN-Habitat, more than 100 million tonnes of sewage sludge are generated globally each year, an amount that is increasing annually. -- However, common disposal methods -- such as incineration or landfill -- are time-consuming, energy-inefficient, and contribute to environmental pollution. -- To tackle the problem of unwanted and difficult to treat sewage sludge, NTU researchers created a three-step solar-powered process that integrates mechanical, chemical, and biological techniques. -- Proof-of-concept tests revealed that the NTU team's process is more efficient than conventional techniques like anaerobic digestion -- through which bacteria break down organic waste to produce biogas and nutrient-rich residue. -- It recovers significantly more resources, completely removes heavy metal contaminants, has a smaller environmental footprint, and offers better economic feasibility.	A01 H01 C01 N01	878
2503-T007	Exploring Andromeda: NASA's Hubble Reveals Secrets Of Our Nearest Galaxy	The Hubble Space Telescope has led astronomers to discover over a trillion galaxies, yet none are as significant to our Milky Way as the Andromeda galaxy. Visible to the naked eye, Andromeda was first recognized by Edwin Hubble as a distant stellar island, forever changing our understanding of the universe. Now, with the latest comprehensive survey by Hubble, we gain deeper insights into this remarkable galaxy's role and significance within the cosmic landscape.	NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center	The Astrophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	In the years following the launch of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers have tallied over 1 trillion galaxies in the universe. But only one galaxy stands out as the most important nearby stellar island to our Milky Way -- the magnificent Andromeda galaxy (Messier 31). It can be seen with the naked eye on a very clear autumn night as a faint cigar-shaped object roughly the apparent angular diameter of our Moon. -- A century ago, Edwin Hubble first established that this so-called "spiral nebula" was actually very far outside our own Milky Way galaxy -- at a distance of approximately 2.5 million light-years or roughly 25 Milky Way diameters. -- Prior to that, astronomers had long thought that the Milky way encompassed the entire universe. -- Overnight, Hubble's discovery turned cosmology upside down by unveiling an infinitely grander universe. -- Now, a century later, the space telescope named for Hubble has accomplished the most comprehensive survey of this enticing empire of stars. -- The Hubble telescope is yielding new clues to the evolutionary history of Andromeda, and it looks markedly different from the Milky Way's history. -- Without Andromeda as a proxy for spiral galaxies in the universe at large, astronomers would know much less about the structure and evolution of our own Milky Way. -- That's because we are embedded inside the Milky Way. This is like trying to understand the layout of New York City by standing in the middle of Central Park. -- "With Hubble we can get into enormous detail about what's happening on a holistic scale across the entire disk of the galaxy. You can't do that with any other large galaxy," said principal investigator Ben Williams of the University of Washington. -- Hubble's sharp imaging capabilities can resolve more than 200 million stars in the Andromeda galaxy, detecting only stars brighter than our Sun.	T01	879
2505-T012	Hubble Captures Rare Cosmic Bullseye Featuring Nine Star-Filled Rings	NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a striking cosmic phenomenon in galaxy LEDA 1313424, which showcases nine star-filled rings created by the passage of a smaller blue dwarf galaxy. This serendipitous discovery, revealing more rings than previously recorded in any galaxy, illustrates the complex interactions between galaxies. Researchers are excited about this rare event, which has created new star formation regions, as they further investigate the implications of these findings for cosmic evolution.	NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people would like to delay or even stop the aging process. Previous clinical studies have shown that a reduced calorie intake can slow down the aging process in humans. Taking vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids has also shown promising results in slowing biological aging in animals. However, it was unclear whether these measures would also work in humans. -- The therapies previously tested in the DO-HEALTH study led by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari are also associated with a slowing of the aging process. These showed that vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as regular physical activity, reduce the risk of infections and falls, and prevent cancer and premature frailty. "These results inspired us to measure the direct influence of these three therapies on the biological aging process in the Swiss DO-HEALTH participants," says Bischoff-Ferrari, professor of geriatrics and geriatric medicine at the University of Zurich. -- Measuring biological and chronological age -- One scientific approach to making biological aging measurable is the use of epigenetic clocks. They record chemical modifications of the DNA molecule, known as methylation, and thus quantify the difference between biological and chronological aging. The DO-HEALTH study has now for the first time investigated how sensitively this molecular biological measurement method reacts to targeted treatment. -- The team led by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, in collaboration with Steve Horvath, senior researcher at Altos Labs Cambridge (UK), who developed the watches, investigated the effect of omega-3s and/or vitamin D and/or simple strength training on biological aging in 777 people over the age of 70. Eight different treatment combinations were tested during the three-year study: subjects took 2,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D and/or 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids (from algae) daily and/or performed 30 minutes of strength training at home three times a week. -- Biological age slowed down When the researchers analyzed the blood samples, they found that taking omega-3 fatty acids slowed down biological aging across several epigenetic clocks by up to four months -- regardless of subjects' gender, age or body mass index. The combination of omega-3, vitamin D and strength training proved to be even more effective, according to one of the four epigenetic clocks used. -- "This result extends our previous findings from the DO-HEALTH study, in which these three factors combined had the greatest impact on reducing the risk of cancer and preventing premature frailty over a three-year period, to slowing down the biological aging process," says Bischoff-Ferrari. Each of these measures works through different mechanisms that complement each other and, when combined, result in a heightened overall effect, according to the study author. -- DO-HEALTH as a validation platform -- At the same time, the research team draws attention to the limitations of the study. "There is no generally accepted gold standard for measuring biological age," Bischoff-Ferrari explains. "However, we analyzed the best currently validated epigenetic clocks, which reflect the state of the art." To further advance the clinical application of biological clocks, Bischoff-Ferrari, together with leading international researchers in the Global Health Span Extension Consortium, plans to use DO-HEALTH and other global intervention studies as a validation platform for novel biomarkers of aging. -- The researchers also point out that the sample consists exclusively of Swiss participants and therefore does not represent the global population of older adults aged 70 years and older. In a next step, they plan to extend their analyses to all DO-HEALTH participants -- including people from Germany, France, Austria and Portugal -- to account for a greater diversity of genetics and lifestyles.	A01 R01 T01	880
2509-T008	Hubble’s Stunning View Reveals Andromeda Galaxy’s Surrounding Satellite Galaxies	The Andromeda galaxy, located 2.5 million light-years away, hosts a vibrant ecosystem of nearly three dozen small satellite galaxies that NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is studying. This ambitious project utilizes over 1,000 Hubble orbits to create a detailed 3D map of these dwarf galaxies and analyze their star formation efficiency over nearly 14 billion years, providing valuable insights into galactic dynamics and evolution.	NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center	The Astrophysical Journa	Press Rel	PubMed	Located 2.5 million light-years away, the majestic Andromeda galaxy appears to the naked eye as a faint, spindle-shaped object roughly the angular size of the full Moon. What backyard observers don't see is a swarm of nearly three dozen small satellite galaxies circling the Andromeda galaxy, like bees around a hive. -- These satellite galaxies represent a rambunctious galactic "ecosystem" that NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is studying in unprecedented detail. -- This ambitious Hubble Treasury Program used observations from more than a whopping 1,000 Hubble orbits. -- Hubble's optical stability, clarity, and efficiency made this ambitious survey possible. -- This work included building a precise 3D mapping of all the dwarf galaxies buzzing around Andromeda and reconstructing how efficiently they formed new stars over the nearly 14 billion years of the universe's lifetime. -- In the study published in The Astrophysical Journal, Hubble reveals a markedly different ecosystem from the smaller number of satellite galaxies that circle our Milky Way. -- This offers forensic clues as to how our Milky Way galaxy and Andromeda have evolved differently over billions of years. -- Our Milky Way has been relatively placid. But it looks like Andromeda has had a more dynamic history, which was probably affected by a major merger with another big galaxy a few billion years ago. -- This encounter, and the fact that Andromeda is as much as twice as massive as our Milky Way, could explain its plentiful and diverse dwarf galaxy population. -- Surveying the Milky Way's entire satellite system in such a comprehensive way is very challenging because we are embedded inside our galaxy.	Z01	881
2501-E024	U.S. Corn Belt Farming Changes Alter Precipitation Patterns Drastically	A study has shown that land use and irrigation practices in the U.S. Corn Belt have notably altered precipitation patterns in this crucial agricultural area. Researchers focused on "precipitation recycling," revealing that the region's agricultural activities enhance moisture return to the atmosphere, significantly boosting rainfall during the growing season. This dynamic varies seasonally and plays a vital role in supporting crop growth.	National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The sweeping land use changes and irrigation of the U.S. Corn Belt, along with the influence of the area's shallow groundwater, have significantly altered precipitation patterns in that vital agricultural region, new research shows. -- The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on "precipitation recycling" -- a process in which the moisture released to the atmosphere by plants, soils, lakes, and other features of the landscape returns to the same area in the form of rain. -- By using advanced computer modeling techniques, scientists were able to determine that the region's agriculture, combined with shallow groundwater, increases the precipitation recycling ratio by almost 30%. This provides a significant boost to rainfall during the growing season. -- The role of precipitation recycling varies from month to month and year to year, the research found. -- It peaks in summer months with the maturing of the corn crop, and in dry years when little moisture arrives from other regions. -- "This research shows how agricultural practices can modify regional climate, with implications for food and water security," said lead author Zhe Zhang, a scientist with the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). "In an agricultural region like the U.S. Corn Belt where rainfall is critical, it's important for both farmers and water resource managers to understand where the rain comes from." -- Learning more about the extent of precipitation recycling can help improve future rainfall predictions for the Corn Belt and provide more information for planting strategies and water resource allocations. -- The study was co-authored by other scientists at NSF NCAR, as well as scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and the University of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. -- It was funded by NSF. -- Altered land surface	H01 C01 N02 T01	882
2511-E030	Health Risks Of Wildland-Urban Fires: Emissions Lead To Premature Deaths	A newly published study underscores the heightened health risks posed by smoke emissions from wildland-urban interface fires, which are three times more likely to result in premature deaths compared to emissions from wildfires in remote regions. This research emphasizes the urgent need for effective fire management strategies to protect public health in populated areas.	National Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The smoke from fires that blaze through the wildland-urban interface (WUI) has far greater health impacts than smoke from wildfires in remote areas, new research finds. -- The study, published this week in Science Advances, estimates that emissions from WUI fires are proportionately about three times more likely to lead to annual premature deaths than emissions from wildfires in general. -- This is because the fires, and their associated emissions, are far closer to populated areas. -- The work was conducted by an international team of researchers, led by scientists at the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). The study drew on a database of WUI fires and advanced computer modeling techniques. -- "Even though the emissions of WUI fires are relatively small globally, the health impacts are proportionately large because they're closer to human populations," said NSF NCAR scientist Wenfu Tang, the lead author. -- "Pollutants emitted by WUI fires such as particulate matter and the precursors to ozone are more harmful because they're not dispersing across hundreds or thousands of miles." -- The study was funded by NOAA and NSF. -- The spread of WUI fires -- The wildland-urban interface is the geographic area where wildland vegetation and developed land come together or intermingle. -- WUI areas have been expanding on all populated continents and now constitute about 5% of the world's land area, excluding Antarctica.	R01 N02	883
2502-E014	The Need For Better Measurement Techniques In Gene Therapy Research	Researchers have assessed measurement techniques for modified viruses used in gene therapy, identifying one method, SEC-MALS, as the most precise. However, another popular technique was deemed problematic, necessitating further development. Accurate measurement of adeno-associated viral vectors is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of gene therapies, which target genetic disorders, and the findings from this study could influence ongoing clinical trials and treatments.	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)	Human Gene Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	In a finding with implications for one of the most promising cutting-edge medical treatments, researchers evaluated several measurement techniques commonly used in gene therapy. The study determined that one of the most popular techniques was "problematic" and requires further development and standardization. -- In gene therapy, a person's faulty genes are either replaced or modified to treat or prevent disease. With roughly two dozen products on the market and hundreds of clinical trials in progress or planned, the treatment is hailed as a revolutionary method for targeting the root genetic causes of diseases ranging from sickle cell to cancer. -- Some gene therapy treatments use modified adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to deliver therapeutic genetic material into a patient's cells. These AAVs are engineered to target specific cell types. Then their infectious genetic material is replaced with the therapeutic genetic material, and they are administered to the patient. -- Correctly measuring AAV vectors, as they are called, is critical to their safety and efficacy. -- In a recently released study, researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), and the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) recruited six industry labs in the United States and Europe to measure sample AAV vectors. -- The labs were asked to quantify the concentration of genetic material and viral particles in the vectors. They used four measurement techniques and reported their results back to the study's authors. -- Of the four measurement methods deployed, polymerase chain reaction-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PCR-ELISA) had the lowest accuracy and precision. By accuracy, researchers mean how close the measurement is to the correct value. Precision refers to whether the method produces consistently similar results. -- PCR-ELISA's imprecision led the study's authors to conclude that the method had "poor reproducibility." Its results could not be reliably replicated both within the same lab and at different labs. -- The method "should not be used for quantitative [measurements of AAV vectors] without further method development and harmonization," they added. -- PCR-ELISA is actually two separate tools combined into one. PCR is used to quantify genetic material, and ELISA measures the proteins that make up the viral shell. Both tests have been around for decades, and there are dozens of versions of each currently sold on the market.	H01 R01 C01	884
2504-T031	New Atomic Thermometer Revolutionizes Temperature Measurements Using Rydberg Atoms	Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a revolutionary thermometer using giant Rydberg atoms to achieve unprecedented accuracy in temperature measurements. This innovative approach relies on quantum physics principles, eliminating the need for factory calibrations and enhancing temperature sensing capabilities in extreme environments, which could have far-reaching implications for fields ranging from space exploration to industrial processes.	National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)	Physical Review Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have created a new thermometer using atoms boosted to such high energy levels that they are a thousand times larger than normal. By monitoring how these giant "Rydberg" atoms interact with heat in their environment, researchers can measure temperature with remarkable accuracy. The thermometer's sensitivity could improve temperature measurements in fields ranging from quantum research to industrial manufacturing. -- Unlike traditional thermometers, a Rydberg thermometer doesn't need to be first adjusted or calibrated at the factory because it relies inherently on the basic principles of quantum physics. -- These fundamental quantum principles yield precise measurements that are also directly traceable to international standards. -- "We're essentially creating a thermometer that can provide accurate temperature readings without the usual calibrations that current thermometers require," said NIST postdoctoral researcher Noah Schlossberger. -- Revolutionizing Temperature Measurement -- The research, published in Physical Review Research, is the first successful temperature measurement using Rydberg atoms. -- To create this thermometer, researchers filled a vacuum chamber with a gas of rubidium atoms and used lasers and magnetic fields to trap and cool them to nearly absolute zero, around 0.5 millikelvin (thousandths of a degree). This means the atoms were essentially not moving. -- Using lasers, they then boosted the atoms' outermost electrons to very high orbits, making the atoms approximately 1,000 times larger than ordinary rubidium atoms. -- In Rydberg atoms, the outermost electron is far away from the core of the atom, making it more responsive to electric fields and other influences. -- This includes blackbody radiation, the heat emitted by surrounding objects.	T01	885
2502-T048	Discovery Of New Planet Type Challenges Solar System Norms: Meet Super-Venus	New Type of Planet Confirmation: Observational data from the James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the existence of a previously unrecognized type of planet, expanding our understanding of planetary formation. This research sheds light on the diversity of exoplanets beyond our Solar System, particularly those between Earth and Neptune in size.	National Institutes of Natural Sciences	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	New observational data from the James Webb Space Telescope and simulation models have confirmed a new type of planet unlike anything found in the Solar System. This provides another piece of the puzzle to understand how planets and planetary systems form. -- To date, more than 5000 exoplanets have been confirmed around stars other than the Sun. -- Many exoplanets are unlike any of the planets in the Solar System, making it difficult to guess their true natures. -- One of the most common types of exoplanets falls in a size range between Earth and Neptune. -- Astronomers have debated whether these planets are Earth-like rocky planets with thick hydrogen-rich atmospheres, or Neptune-like icy planets surrounded by water-rich atmospheres, called water worlds. -- Previous studies have been confounded by layers of high thick clouds, which seem to be common on this type of planet, and make it difficult to study the atmosphere below the cloud deck. -- An international team of researchers led by Everett Schlawin at the University of Arizona and Steward Observatory and Kazumasa Ohno at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan used the James Webb Space Telescope to peer through the clouds on an example of this kind of exoplanet known as GJ 1214 b. Located only 48 light years from the Solar System, in the direction of the constellation Ophiuchus, GJ 1214 b is the easiest example of this planet to study. -- Instead of a hydrogen rich super-Earth, or a water world, the new data revealed concentrations of carbon-dioxide (CO2) comparable to the levels found in the dense CO2 atmosphere of Venus in the Solar System. -- But there were still many uncertainties in the new data. "The detected CO2 signal from the first study is tiny, and so it required careful statistical analysis to ensure that it is real," explains Ohno. -- "At the same time, we needed the physical and chemical insights to extract the true nature of GJ 1214 b's atmosphere from Schlawin's study." Then Ohno took the lead, using theoretical models to run a plethora of "what if" scenarios about the atmosphere of the planet.	C01	886
2503-015	Advancements In Artificial Motors: Can DNA-Nanoparticle Designs Match Natural Proteins?	Researchers are enhancing artificial DNA-nanoparticle motors to match the speed of natural motor proteins. By identifying RNase H binding as a bottleneck in their movement, they aim to improve the efficiency of these tiny motors, which could have significant applications in molecular computation and drug delivery.	National Institutes of Natural Sciences	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	DNA-nanoparticle motors are exactly as they sound: tiny artificial motors that use the structures of DNA and RNA to propel motion by enzymatic RNA degradation. Essentially, chemical energy is converted into mechanical motion by biasing the Brownian motion. The DNA-nanoparticle motor uses the "burnt-bridge" Brownian ratchet mechanism. In this type of movement, the motor is being propelled by the degradation (or "burning") of the bonds (or "bridges") it crosses along the substrate, essentially biasing its motion forward. -- These nano-sized motors are highly programmable and can be designed for use in molecular computation, diagnostics, and transport. Despite their genius, DNA-nanoparticle motors don't have the speed of their biological counterparts, the motor protein, which is where the issue lies. This is where researchers come in to analyze, optimize, and rebuild a faster artificial motor using single-particle tracking experiment and geometry-based kinetic simulation. -- "Natural motor proteins play essential roles in biological processes, with a speed of 10-1000 nm/s. Until now, artificial molecular motors have struggled to approach these speeds, with most conventional designs achieving less than 1 nm/s," said Takanori Harashima, researcher and first author of the study. -- Researchers published their work in Nature Communications on January 16th, 2025, featuring a proposed solution to the most pressing issue of speed: switching the bottleneck. -- The experiment and simulation revealed that binding of RNase H is the bottleneck in which the entire process is slowed. RNase H is an enzyme involved in genome maintenance, and breaks down RNA in RNA/DNA hybrids in the motor. The slower RNase H binding occurs, the longer the pauses in motion, which is what leads to a slower overall processing time. By increasing the concentration of RNase H, the speed was markedly improved, showing a decrease in pause lengths from 70 seconds to around 0.2 seconds. -- However, increasing motor speed came at the cost of processivity (the number of steps before detachment) and run-length (the distance the motor travels before detachment). Researchers found that this trade-off between speed and processivity/run-length could be improved by a larger DNA/RNA hybridization rate, bringing the simulated performance closer to that of a motor protein. -- The engineered motor, with redesigned DNA/RNA sequences and a 3.8-fold increase in hybridization rate, achieved a speed of 30 nm/s, 200 processivity, and a 3 μm run-length. These results demonstrate that the DNA-nanoparticle motor is now comparable to a motor protein in performance. -- "Ultimately, we aim to develop artificial molecular motors that surpass natural motor proteins in performance," said Harashima. These artificial motors can be very useful in molecular computations based on the motion of the motor, not to mention their merit in the diagnosis of infections or disease-related molecules with a high sensitivity. -- The experiment and simulation done in this study provide an encouraging outlook for the future of DNA-nanoparticle and related artificial motors and their ability to measure up to motor proteins as well as their applications in nanotechnology. -- Takanori Harashima, Akihiro Otomo, and Ryota Iino of the Institute for Molecular Science at National Institutes of Natural Sciences and the Graduate Institute for Advanced Studies at SOKENDAI contributed to this research.	A01 T01	887
2505-T028	Astronomers Measure Young Star’s Magnetic Field Using Dust	Astronomers have successfully measured the magnetic field surrounding a young star, providing new insights into the planet formation process. By analyzing dust in the protoplanetary disk, the team was able to capture the three-dimensional structure of the magnetic field, enhancing our understanding of the forces influencing the movement and behavior of dust grains critical to planet formation.	National Institutes of Natural Sciences	Nature Astronomy	Press Rel	PubMed	Quantum spin liquids (QSLs) are fascinating and mysterious states of matter that have intrigued scientists for decades. First proposed by Nobel laureate Philip Anderson in the 1970s, these materials break the conventional rules of magnetism by never settling into a stable magnetic state, even at temperatures close to absolute zero. Instead, the spins of the atoms within them remain constantly fluctuating and entangled, creating a kind of magnetic "liquid." This unusual behavior is driven by a phenomenon called magnetic frustration, where competing forces prevent the system from reaching a single, ordered configuration. QSLs are notoriously difficult to study. Unlike ordinary magnetic materials, they don't show the usual signs of magnetic transitions, which makes it hard to detect and understand them using traditional techniques. As a result, their behavior has remained an elusive puzzle for researchers. -- The material β'-EtMe₃Sb[Pd(dmit)₂]₂, a molecular crystal featuring a triangular lattice, has been a strong candidate for exhibiting QSL behavior. -- The way these spins are arranged creates inherent frustration because the interactions between neighboring spins cannot all be satisfied at once. -- This setup seems ideal for a QSL state, but while earlier studies suggested that it might behave like a quantum spin liquid, scientists were not sure whether it was truly a 2D QSL, or if other factors, like a reduction in dimensions, were influencing its behavior. -- This question has been at the heart of the current research. -- A recent study, involving Professor Yasuyuki Ishii from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Yugo Oshima and Hitoshi Seo from the RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Francis L. Pratt from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and Takao Tsumuraya from the Kumamoto University, published in the journal Physical Review Letters on December 3, 2024, provides interesting insights into this mystery. -- Professor Ishii and Dr Oshima had independently observed signs of one-dimensional spin behavior of β'-EtMe₃Sb[Pd(dmit)₂]₂ in muon spin rotation (µSR) and electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments, respectively, but these were far from the conventional idea of 2D triangular magnets, so they were at a difficult time in interpreting them. -- They then asked for a theoretical analysis from Dr. Seo, Associate Professor Tsumuraya, and their colleagues. -- Finally, using advanced theoretical modeling, the researchers discovered that spin dynamics in this material are dominated by quasi-one-dimensional (1D) behavior, challenging traditional expectations of 2D QSLs. -- The authors, specialists in magnetic resonance and novel magnetic phenomena, combined ESR and μSR with theoretical modeling to explore β'-EtMe₃Sb[Pd(dmit)₂]₂. "We present a different experimental approach for studying the ground state of β'EtMe3Sb[Pd(dmit)2]2 using ESR and µSR," explains one of the authors, Prof.	Z01	888
2508-E035	Searching For Life On Ocean Planets Using Reflectance Spectrum Of Vegetation	Recent advancements in astronomy have led to the discovery of numerous extrasolar planets capable of sustaining water, fueling the search for extraterrestrial life. Astrobiologists propose using satellite remote sensing and laboratory measurements to detect biosignatures from floating vegetation on ocean planets. This innovative method aims to enhance life-detection strategies, given that these planets may not support terrestrial plants. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding biosignatures in the ongoing quest to find life beyond Earth.	National Institutes of Natural Sciences	Astrobiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Astronomical surveys have discovered nearly 6,000 exoplanets, including many habitable planets, which may harbor liquid water on their surfaces. The search for life on such planets is one of the most significant scientific endeavors of this century, with direct imaging observation projects currently under development. -- On Earth-like planets, the characteristic reflectance spectrum of terrestrial vegetation, known as "vegetation red edge," is considered as a key biosignature. -- However, ocean planets, with most of their surfaces covered by water, are unlikely to support terrestrial vegetation. -- To broaden the scope of life detection on ocean planets, this study examined the characteristics of reflectance spectra from floating plants and tested their detectability. -- The study investigated the reflectance spectra of floating plants across different scales, from individual leaves in laboratory settings to large-scale observation via satellite remote sensing of lake vegetation. -- Although floating leaves exhibit considerable morphological variation among species, their general trend reveals a pronounced red edge, often comparable to or even exceeding that of terrestrial plants. -- This enhancement is attributed to air gaps in sponge tissue that provide buoyancy and specialized epidermal structures that offer water repellency. -- While floating leaves show slightly reduced reflectance when wet, they still display a more distinct red edge than submerged water plants. -- However, on a larger scale, the red edge signature of floating vegetation weakens due to lower vegetation density and reduced leaf overlap on the water surface. -- Landscape-scale analyses using satellite remote sensing (Sentinel-2; ESA) with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) flourishes in summer and disappears in winter, causing the NDVI to be relatively low when averaged over the year.	A01 C01 N02 T01	889
2511-T008	Real-Time Visualization Of Molecule Changes Revolutionizes Material Design Understanding	Researchers have achieved the first real-time visualization of "excited-state aromaticity," capturing how it emerges within hundreds of femtoseconds and triggers molecular structural changes. By combining ultrafast spectroscopies, the team demonstrated that aromaticity precedes and drives the transition from bent to planar molecular forms. These insights offer a foundation for developing more efficient photoactive materials, enhancing applications in sensors and molecular switches by harnessing the dynamics of excited states.	National Institutes of Natural Sciences	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have achieved the first real-time visualization of how "excited-state aromaticity" emerges within just hundreds of femtoseconds and then triggers a molecule to change from bent to planar structure in a few picoseconds. By combining ultrafast electronic and vibrational spectroscopies, the team captured these fleeting structural changes at the molecular level and showed that aromaticity appears before -- and then drives -- the structural planarization. Their findings lay the groundwork for designing more efficient photoactive materials, such as sensors and light-driven molecular switches, by leveraging the power of aromaticity in excited states. -- For the first time, researchers led by Hikaru Kuramochi, Associate Professor at the Institute for Molecular Science/SOKENDAI, have directly tracked how excited-state aromaticity emerges within hundreds of femtoseconds and subsequently drives a molecule's picosecond-scale structural change from a bent to a fully planar shape. -- Aromaticity is a foundational concept in chemistry describing the enhanced stability of cyclic molecules whose electrons are delocalized. -- Although most discussions have focused on molecules in their ground state, the concept of "excited-state" aromaticity has recently been extensively utilized in predicting the structural change and designing the chemical reactivities induced by photoexcitation. -- While the dynamic properties of excited-state aromaticity have been studied intensively in the past, these have primarily focused on molecules in a "near-equilibrium state," leaving the precise timing and interplay between excited-state aromaticity and structural changes poorly understood. -- Directly visualizing these ultrafast motions is crucial for designing photoactive materials, such as sensors, adhesives, and switches. -- The team used a combination of femtosecond transient absorption and time-resolved impulsive stimulated Raman spectroscopy (TR-ISRS) -- an advanced "time-domain" Raman technique that covers vibrational frequencies from terahertz to 3000 cm⁻¹ with femtosecond temporal resolution -- to capture ultrafast snapshots of a newly synthesized cyclooctatetraene (COT)-based "flapping molecule" called TP-FLAP. -- By exciting TP-FLAP with a femtosecond laser pulse, then probing its evolving vibrational signals, they could see exactly when and how the molecule's central COT ring planarized. -- Isotope labeling with ¹³C at the central ring allowed the researchers to confirm which specific vibrational mode accompanied the bent-to-planar transition. -- Initial measurements revealed a sub-picosecond (≈590 fs) electronic relaxation that imparts aromatic character to the bent molecule's excited state.	H01 H02 N01	890
2501-030	Localized Magnetic Fields Boost Chemotherapy Effectiveness While Minimizing Side Effects.	Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a non-invasive technique using pulsed electromagnetic fields to enhance doxorubicin uptake in breast cancer cells. This innovative approach promises to improve chemotherapy efficacy while minimizing side effects, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment strategies.	National University of Singapore	Cancers	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a non-invasive method to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing its harmful side effects. -- By applying brief, localised pulses of magnetic fields, the team demonstrated a significant increase in the uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapy drug, into breast cancer cells, with minimal impact on healthy tissues. This selective uptake enables more precise targeting of cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing the adverse effects often associated with chemotherapy. -- The study, led by Associate Professor Alfredo Franco-Obregón, Principal Investigator at the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology (iHealthtech) at NUS and faculty member of the Department of Surgery at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS Medicine), is the first to systematically show how pulsed magnetic fields enhance DOX uptake in cancer cells. The team also showed that this approach could suppress tumours at lower drug doses. -- The team's research was published in the journal Cancers on 18 November 2024. It builds on earlier work from 2022, which first revealed that certain cancer cells are more vulnerable to magnetic field therapy. -- Targeted therapy for better chemotherapy outcomes and fewer side effects -- DOX is a commonly used chemotherapy drug for breast cancer. It works by binding to DNA components and disrupting cell replication and respiration, which then kills off cancer cells. Despite its efficacy, it is a non-selective drug, which means it can also damage healthy tissues, leading to side effects ranging from mild to severe, including cardiomyopathy and muscle atrophy. -- To address these challenges, the NUS researchers developed a novel approach that uses brief pulses of magnetic fields to selectively increase DOX uptake into breast cancer cells. Their study revealed the role of a calcium ion channel known as TRPC1, which is often found in aggressive cancers, including breast cancer. Magnetic field exposure activates TRPC1, enhancing its ability to facilitate the entry of DOX into cancer cells. -- The researchers conducted experiments comparing the effects of the magnetic field therapy on human breast cancer cells and healthy muscle cells. They found that breast cancer cells took in significantly more DOX when exposed to magnetic pulses, while normal tissues were not targeted as much. A 10-minute magnetic field exposure reduced the drug concentration needed for similar amount of cancer killing by half, particularly at low doses of the drug. -- In contrast, healthy muscle cells did not show an increase in cell death in response to the combination of DOX and magnetic pulses indicating greater protection for non-cancerous tissues. -- The team also demonstrated that reducing TRPC1 expression or blocking its activity eliminated this effect, which confirms the crucial role of TRPC1 channels in the process. "Importantly, when we increased the amount of TRPC1, we observed an increase in DOX uptake -- this means that TRPC1 can be used as a viable therapeutic target for aggressive cancers," said Mr Vinesh Krishnan Sukumar, the paper's first author and a PhD candidate at NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR) under NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.	H01 R01	891
2502-T010	Janus Graphene Ribbons: Next-Gen Materials For Quantum Electronics	Researchers from the National University of Singapore have made a significant breakthrough in carbon-based quantum materials by developing a novel graphene nanoribbon called Janus GNR. This innovative material possesses unique properties enabling the formation of a one-dimensional ferromagnetic spin chain, presenting new opportunities for applications in quantum electronics and quantum computing, thereby advancing the field of quantum materials.	National University of Singapore	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, opening new horizons for advancements in quantum electronics. -- The innovation involves a novel type of graphene nanoribbon (GNR), named Janus GNR (JGNR). The material has a unique zigzag edge, with a special ferromagnetic edge state located on one of the edges. -- This unique design enables the realisation of one-dimensional ferromagnetic spin chain, which could have important applications in quantum electronics and quantum computing. -- The research was led by Associate Professor Lu Jiong and his team from the NUS Department of Chemistry, in collaboration with international partners. -- Graphene nanoribbons, which are narrow strips of nanoscale honeycomb carbon structures, exhibit remarkable magnetic properties due to the behaviour of unpaired electrons in the atoms' π-orbitals. -- Through atomically precise engineering of their edge structures into a zigzag arrangement, a one-dimensional spin-polarised channel can be constructed. -- This feature offers immense potential for applications in spintronic devices or serving as next-generation multi-qubit systems which are the fundamental building blocks of quantum computing. -- Janus, the ancient Roman god of beginnings and endings, is often depicted as having two faces pointing in opposite directions representing the past and the future. -- The term "Janus" has been applied in materials science to describe materials that have different properties on opposite sides. -- JGNR has a novel structure with only one edge of the ribbon having a zigzag form, making it the world's first one-dimensional ferromagnetic carbon chain.	C01 T01	892
2504-061	Discover How Gold Nanoparticles Are Revolutionizing Precision Cancer Treatment With DNA Barcodes	A groundbreaking method developed by researchers at the National University of Singapore utilizes gold nanoparticles with DNA barcodes to enhance cancer treatment precision. This innovative approach reveals how specific shapes of nanoparticles can effectively deliver therapeutic agents and heat tumor cells, paving the way for personalized, safer cancer therapies. The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, also highlights the technique's potential for broader applications, including RNA delivery and targeted treatments for various diseases.	National University of Singapore	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has developed a novel method to enhance the precision of cancer treatment using gold nanoparticles tagged with DNA barcodes. -- Led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay from the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Design and Engineering and Institute of Health Innovation & Technology at NUS, the study demonstrates how gold nanoparticles of specific shapes, such as triangles, excel in delivering therapeutic nucleic acids and heating tumour cells during photothermal therapy. These findings uncover the distinct preferences of tumour cells for certain nanoparticle configurations, which could enable the development of personalised cancer treatments that are safer and more effective. -- The team's novel technique, detailed in a paper published in Advanced Functional Materials on 24 November 2024, enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes and modifications, reducing associated screening costs. Beyond cancer treatment, the method has broader therapeutic applications, including RNA delivery and targeting diseases at the organ-specific level. -- Size and shape matter -- Gold is more than just bling. When reduced to about one-thousandth the width of human hair, gold nanoparticles shine as therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. For instance, specks of the precious metal are used in photothermal therapy, where particles delivered to the tumour site convert specific wavelengths of light to heat, killing surrounding cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles can also serve as messengers to deliver drugs directly to specific locations within a tumour. -- "But for these gold nanoparticles to work, they first need to get into the targeted sites successfully," said Asst Prof Tay. "Think of it as a delivery person with a special key -- if the key doesn't fit the lock, the package won't get through." -- Achieving this level of precision requires finding the right nanoparticle design -- its shape, size and surface properties must align with the preferences of target cells. However, existing screening methods to pinpoint optimal designs are akin to searching for needles in a haystack. Moreover, these methods often overlook the preferences of different cell types within a tumour, from immune to endothelial to cancer cells. -- To tackle these challenges, the NUS researchers turned to DNA barcoding. Each nanoparticle is tagged with a unique DNA sequence, with which the researchers could tag and track individual designs, much like registering a parcel to be shipped by post in a delivery system. Importantly, these barcodes enabled the team to monitor multiple nanoparticle designs simultaneously in vivo, as their sequences could be easily extracted and analysed to locate the nanoparticles' whereabouts within the body. -- "We used thiol-functionalisation to securely anchor the DNA barcodes to the surface of the gold nanoparticles. This ensures the barcodes remain stable, resistant to enzymatic degradation and do not interfere with cellular uptake," said Asst Prof Tay, highlighting an important novelty of the team's work. -- To demonstrate this, the researchers prepared nanoparticles in six different shapes and sizes, where their distribution and uptake across various cell types were monitored. They found that round nanoparticles, despite showing poor uptake in cell culture studies, were excellent in targeting tumours in preclinical models as they were less likely to be eliminated by the immune system. On the other hand, triangular nanoparticles excelled in both in vitro and in vivo tests, resulting in high cellular uptake and strong photothermal properties.	H01 R01	893
2504-E026	Comprehensive Study Of Asian Horseshoe Crabs Aims To Enhance Conservation Efforts	In a landmark study, researchers have mapped the population dynamics and evolutionary histories of all three Asian horseshoe crab species, addressing conservation needs amid climate change threats. This comprehensive genomic investigation underscores the importance of Southeast Asia's coastal habitats for these ancient marine creatures, which play critical roles in ecosystems, highlighting the need for tailored conservation strategies.	National University of Singapore	Conservation Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Horseshoe crabs are often referred to as the "living fossils" of our planet -- the four known species, including three in Asia and one in North America, remain nearly identical to their ancient relatives from hundreds of millions of years ago. These arthropods are a fundamental building block of coastal marine ecosystems. Their eggs, for example, serve as a major food source for shorebirds, some of which have evolved to time their migrations to coincide with peak horseshoe crab spawning activity. In addition to their ecological role, horseshoe crabs are also used in biomedicine to test for harmful toxins in vaccines. -- Among the four species, only the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), found along the Atlantic coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico, has been extensively studied. In contrast, scientific information about the three Asian species is so scant and scattered that the IUCN Red List, which tracks the extinction risk of species around the world, listed two of them (the mangrove horseshoe crab and the coastal horseshoe crab) as "data deficient." This designation indicates insufficient data to assess their extinction risk. On the other hand, the tri-spine horseshoe crab is considered endangered. -- Understanding our planet's living fossils -- To help fill in these knowledge gaps, a research team led by Associate Professor Frank Rheindt from the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Science conducted the first comprehensive population genomic study of all three Asian horseshoe crab species: the mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), coastal horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas), and tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus tridentatus). -- The study underscores the importance of Southeast Asia's Sunda Shelf, a shallow-marine region, as a critical coastal marine habitat. Importantly, this region has sustained the survival of these ancient arthropods for millennia and could continue to act as a refuge for Asian horseshoe crabs amid accelerating anthropogenic climate change. -- The researchers have also established the first-ever genomic baseline dataset for these species, which lay the groundwork for targeted conservation planning. Their findings, which propose different conservation strategies for each species, were published in Conservation Letters on 16 December 2024. -- Back to the basics: Filling data gaps to advance conservation efforts -- "To protect and conserve these species, it is crucial that we first cover the basics -- understanding their population structure, evolutionary histories and climate-change-driven vulnerabilities," said Assoc Prof Rheindt. "This foundational knowledge will enable us to develop targeted conservation strategies and prioritise habitats critical for their survival." -- Tracking and monitoring Asian horseshoe crabs is in and of itself a challenging feat. They spend most of their lives on the seabed, making them difficult to observe, and they take 14 years to mature -- too long to assess population changes effectively through traditional surveys. To overcome these challenges, the researchers turned to population genomic approaches, where they analysed DNA from 251 horseshoe crabs collected across 52 sites in 11 countries. -- Using this data, NUS researchers created the first genomic baseline dataset for Asian horseshoe crabs. This dataset enabled the team to map population structures and delineate genetic boundaries among the three species. "Such distinctions are important, as they highlight populations that harbour unique genetic traits essential for adapting to specific local environments," said Dr Tang Qian, the first author of the study. "Genomic data also helps us pinpoint coastal hotspots that should be prioritised for conservation."	H01 C01 N01	894
2505-027	Dengue Virus Uses Plasmin To Boost Infection: New Insights From Biological Scientists	Exciting discoveries from scientists at the National University of Singapore reveal how the dengue virus manipulates its envelope protein to commandeer human plasmin from blood meals, ultimately increasing midgut permeability for infection. Plasmin, which plays a role in both clot digestion and tissue movement, has been exploited by this virus in a way that parallels how bacteria use it for metastatic processes. This research sheds light on a relatively underexplored aspect of viral infection mechanisms.	National University of Singapore	Protein Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have created a new low-cost, fast response sensor to detect lung cancer biomarkers, paving the way for the development of screening devices to spot the disease even before symptoms occur. Similar in design to glucose monitoring devices, the sensor provides results from a blood sample in just 40 minutes. The technology has the potential to be used by clinicians to both identify patients at higher risk of lung cancer, and tailor treatments for those already diagnosed in a 'precision medicine' approach. -- In the three-year research project, Mahdi Arabnejad a former PhD student at Cranfield University, Sam Tothill, Professor of Bio-Nano Sensors, and Dr Iva Chianella, Senior Lecturer in Bio-sensors and Functional Polymers, developed the sensors to screen for two proteins in a blood sample and demonstrated the concept in a lab environment. -- The study focused on developing highly sensitive sensors for two key lung cancer biomarkers: neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The sensors were tested with buffer and human samples, and achieved clinically relevant detection limits for both NSE and CEA. -- The results indicate the technology has significant promise as a valuable tool in the early and accurate detection of lung cancer. -- The simple and quick test means that clinical staff can use the sensor to identify people with a higher risk of lung cancer, and refer them for further testing. -- This proactive approach enables early detection, which can improve outcomes. -- The test can also be used whilst patients are in treatment to track how chemotherapy, for example, may be addressing the cancer. -- Dr Chianella commented: "At the moment lung cancer screening tests can be expensive and take a long time. Although it's early stages, the sensor we have developed holds great promise of early detection, which can lead to prompt treatments with higher patients' survival rates."	R01	895
2506-013	Scientists Create 3D Micro-Gut Model To Study Gut Microbes And Health	Scientists from NUS have created a 3D chip that mimics human intestines, providing a groundbreaking platform for studying gut health. The Gut-Microbiome on a chip allows researchers to investigate microbial interactions and their effects on overall gut function, marking a significant advancement in understanding gut-related health and disease mechanisms.	National University of Singapore	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	In a breakthrough for the advanced study of gut health, scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a 3D microscopic version of the human intestines condensed into a small chip about half the size of a five-cent coin. This new cell culturing platform, known as the Gut-Microbiome on a chip (GMoC), provides a realistic in vitro microgut model that allows researchers to examine the interactions of gut microbes and their collective impact on gut health. The chip offers a scalable, reproducible, and efficient method to dissect the roles of gut microbes and their community, which is of key interest for the preventive healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry. -- "The GMoC system represents a significant advancement in our ability to investigate the effect of the gut microbial community on gut health and diseases," said Professor Lim Chwee Teck, Director of the NUS Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech). Prof Lim is also from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering, NUS. -- "By establishing a physiologically-relevant gut model capable of culturing communities of gut microbes, we can gain deeper insights into the role and complex mechanisms of these micro-organisms in maintaining gut health and preventing disease." -- Understanding the complex interplay of gut microbes and health -- Our intestines contain trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which play a crucial role in our overall well-being. -- These communities of microorganisms -- also known collectively as the gut flora or gastrointestinal microbiome -- can either help or harm us. -- However, the exact mechanisms by which these gut microbes prevent or cause gastrointestinal illnesses remain unclear. -- While researchers have identified individual differences in the gut microbiomes of healthy people and those with diseases, the complexity of the interactions amongst the trillions of microorganisms residing in our intestines makes it difficult to isolate the exact modes of action by which these microbes protect us or induce disease. -- The innovative 3D 'microgut' platform developed by NUS researchers provides a more realistic presentation of the gut microbial community compared to existing models. -- It simulates biological conditions (like food movement and oxygen levels) as in the human gut, mimics key structural and physiological features of the gut lining, allows for diverse communities of microbes to be cultivated, and is designed for easy and real-time investigation.	H01 R01	896
2506-E026	Protecting Southeast Asia: Peatlands And Mangroves Essential For Carbon Emission Reduction	An international study reveals that conserving and restoring Southeast Asia's carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could significantly reduce land-use carbon emissions by over 50%. Despite occupying only 5% of the region's terrestrial land, these ecosystems play a vital role in climate mitigation efforts. The research emphasizes the urgency of protecting these natural carbon sinks to meet climate targets in ASEAN countries, as destruction of these areas releases substantial carbon back into the atmosphere.	National University of Singapore	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Conserving and restoring Southeast Asia's carbon-rich peatlands and mangroves could mitigate more than 50 per cent of the region's land-use carbon emissions, according to a new international study published in Nature Communications. -- Despite occupying just 5 per cent of the region's terrestrial land, these ecosystems play an outsized role in emission reduction efforts, making them crucial for meeting climate targets across ASEAN countries. -- The research study, conducted by an international team of scientists from NUS, with contributions from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and James Cook University in Australia, highlights the significant climate benefits of conserving and restoring peatlands and mangroves. -- Together, these ecosystems store more than 90 per cent of their carbon in soils rather than vegetation, making them among the most efficient natural carbon sinks globally. -- However, when disrupted or destroyed through activities such as land-use changes, these ecosystems release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, posing a major challenge to achieving emission reduction targets. -- Additionally, peatland degradation during dry periods, such as those associated with El Niño events, not only results in massive carbon emissions but also contributes to regional haze events, affecting air quality in countries including Singapore. -- Associate Professor Massimo Lupascu, Principal Investigator and the paper's senior author, explained, "If we conserved and restored the carbon-dense peatlands and mangroves in Southeast Asia, we could mitigate approximately 770 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent (MtCO2e) annually, or nearly double Malaysia's national greenhouse gas emissions in 2023." -- "Our research underscores the immense climate benefits of protecting these ecosystems, making them a pragmatic and effective natural climate solution for ASEAN countries," said Assoc Prof Lupascu, who is from the Department of Geography at the NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. -- Professor David Taylor, a co-author of the paper and Head of the NUS Department of Geography, said that "including both peatlands and mangroves in the new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) that countries signed up to the Paris Agreement must update and re-commit to every five years can certainly contribute to increasing the ambition of countries across the region through the setting of higher emissions reduction targets, although this would involve substantial investment in effective conservation and restoration." " -- Unique ecosystems with global implications	C01 N02	897
2507-128	New Method Unlocks Pathway For Synthesizing Valuable Drug Molecules	A groundbreaking study from the National University of Singapore presents a new catalytic transformation that enables the conversion of epoxides into fluorinated oxetanes, a class of drug molecules previously difficult to produce. This research, led by experts from various disciplines, opens avenues for developing new pharmaceuticals by addressing long-standing challenges in drug synthesis, as published in Nature Chemistry.	National University of Singapore	National University of Singapore	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have pioneered a new catalytic transformation that converts epoxides into fluorinated oxetanes, a coveted but difficult-to-make class of drug molecules that escaped synthetic preparation for years. By unlocking a pathway to these valuable drug scaffolds, this discovery potentially opens the door to new medicines for drug discovery applications. -- The research team was led by Associate Professor Koh Ming Joo from the NUS Department of Chemistry, together with Professor Eric Chan from the NUS Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Professor Liu Peng from the University of Pittsburgh, United States of America. -- The research breakthrough was published in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry on 20 February 2025. -- Four-membered heterocycles such as oxetanes and β-lactones are common motifs in natural products and pharmaceuticals, with numerous examples documented in both synthetic and biological studies. -- The introduction of fluorine into organic molecules often imparts desirable attributes, which has contributed to successful outcomes in drug discovery. -- In this vein, isosteric replacement of a CH2 unit within an oxetane (or C=O group within a β-lactone) with CF2 results in α,α-difluoro-oxetanes, a prized class of heterocyclic compounds with combined attributes of small-ring heterocycles and fluorine. -- While these fluorinated oxetanes hold great promise as lead compounds for further development into new medicines, their synthetic preparation has largely eluded chemists. -- Assoc Prof Koh said, "Traditional ways of constructing the oxetane ring cannot directly produce α,α-difluoro-oxetanes, owing to a lack of suitable fluorine-containing precursors or reagents, or both. Furthermore, traditional chemistry often leads to complications such as ring rupture, defluorination and other undesired side reactions. A new synthetic approach was clearly needed." -- A novel method to synthesise fluorinated oxetanes -- The researchers deviated from the standard logic of synthesis by designing a new strategy that inserts a difluorocarbene species selectively into the structure of readily available three-membered epoxides.	Z01	898
2513-T001	Engineers Create Copper-Free Superconducting Material Operating At 40 Kelvin Under Ambient Pressure	Researchers from the National University of Singapore have synthesized a new copper-free superconducting oxide, demonstrating superconductivity at approximately 40 Kelvin. This groundbreaking material advances the understanding of high-temperature superconductivity beyond traditional copper-based systems, potentially revolutionizing energy-efficient electronics and paving the way for innovative applications in technology.	National University of Singapore	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Professor Ariando and Dr Stephen Lin Er Chow from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Department of Physics have designed and synthesised a groundbreaking new material -- a copper-free superconducting oxide -- capable of superconducting at approximately 40 Kelvin (K), or about minus 233 degrees Celsius (deg C), under ambient pressure. This discovery further advances NUS' and Singapore's leadership at the forefront of high-temperature superconductivity research. -- Nearly four decades after the discovery of copper oxide superconductivity, which earned the 1987 Nobel Prize in Physics, the NUS researchers have now identified another high-temperature superconducting oxide that expands the understanding of unconventional superconductivity beyond copper oxides. -- The promise of superconductors -- Modern electronics generate heat and consume energy during operation. -- Superconductors, however, possess a unique property known as the zero-resistance state, which eliminates energy loss due to electrical resistance. -- In theory, this makes them ideal for modern electronic applications, addressing the world's growing energy demands. -- Despite the discovery of thousands of superconducting materials, the vast majority function only at extremely low temperatures near absolute zero (0 K), or about minus 273 deg C, making them impractical for widespread use. -- The 1987 Nobel Prize Breakthrough -- Nearly 40 years ago, physicists Johannes Bednorz and Karl Müller discovered a new class of superconductors -- copper oxides -- which exhibit superconductivity at temperatures above 30 K, significantly higher than any previously known superconductors. -- This breakthrough, which earned them the Nobel Prize in Physics, laid the foundation for high-temperature superconductivity research.	Z01	899
2502-040	Brain Function Disruptions Linked To Cerebrovascular Disease Impact Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Cognitive Decline	A recent investigation has illuminated how cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) disrupts brain function and interacts with Alzheimer's disease pathology, affecting cognitive decline in older adults. This research emphasizes the role of CeVD in shaping brain connectivity and its significance in understanding neurodegeneration, providing further insights into the complexities of dementia and cognitive impairment.	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have uncovered novel insights into how brain function disruptions related to cerebrovascular disease (CeVD) interact with Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology to impact neurodegeneration and cognition in older adults. Led by Associate Professor Juan Helen Zhou, Director of the Centre for Translational Magnetic Resonance Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), the research team revealed a brain functional connectome phenotype that is related to multiple CeVD markers and contributes additively to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration alongside AD. The study highlights CeVD as a global disruptor of brain connectivity, reshaping our understanding of its role in dementia. -- CeVD, often co-occurring with AD, has long been a significant area of study in ageing and dementia research. -- It refers to a group of conditions that affect the blood vessels and blood flow in the brain, such as stroke, cerebral atherosclerosis (narrowing or hardening of larger brain arteries due to plaque buildup), and small vessel disease that affects the tiny blood vessels in the brain. -- These conditions can lead to brain damage by disrupting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, which are essential for normal brain function. -- In the study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, the team examined the brain's functional organisation in 529 older adult participants across the dementia spectrum, ranging from those with healthy cognition to individuals diagnosed with AD. Analysing how the different markers of CeVD and brain activity patterns correlate to affect the participants, the team identified a global functional connectome phenotype, or a unique pattern in the brain's communication network, that is strongly associated with high levels of burden of four markers of CeVD seen on brain scans. -- A key finding of the study was the identification of divergent effects of p-tau181, a blood-based biomarker for AD, and CeVD-related functional connectome phenotype on cognitive decline and brain atrophy. -- While the two factors contributed additively to longitudinal cognitive decline and brain atrophy, the study found no evidence of a synergistic relationship between CeVD and p-tau181, suggesting that these factors may influence neurodegeneration in distinct pathways. -- A/Prof Zhou said, "We discovered that a CeVD-related brain network phenotype, along with a key Alzheimer's disease blood biomarker, can provide powerful insights into the future trajectory of cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Our findings highlight the potential of brain connectome-based markers to track cognitive decline, particularly for individuals at-risk for dementia, and underscore the importance of integrating neuroimaging and blood biomarkers to better understand the pathophysiology of these co-occurring diseases." -- Dr Joanna Su Xian Chong, senior research fellow from A/Prof Zhou's group, who is also first author of the study, added, "This pattern shows how the burden of multiple cerebrovascular disease markers can collectively exert widespread influences on brain function. Importantly, the combination of this pattern linked to CeVD and plasma p-tau181, a marker of Alzheimer's disease, had independent and additive effects on long-term outcomes. Together, they contributed to cognitive decline and increased brain atrophy at baseline and over time, but did not interact directly to amplify each other's effects." Both A/Prof Zhou and Dr Chong are also from the Centre for Sleep and Cognition and Healthy Longevity & Human Potential Translational Research Programmes at NUS Medicine. -- Moving forward, the team aims to explore how the brain communication pattern linked to CeVD is affected by the severity, cause, and location of CeVD markers throughout the progression of the disease. They also plan to investigate how this pattern interacts with different AD markers to contribute to brain degeneration and decline in multiple cognitive domains. Additionally, they aim to determine if these brain network features can be used as a reliable biomarker to monitor current and future cognitive decline, particularly in individuals at risk for dementia. These features could offer more precise predictions than traditional brain imaging methods and help identify long-term cognitive outcomes earlier. Their goal is to better understand the brain mechanisms behind CeVD and AD to develop advanced imaging tools for early detection and disease monitoring.	A01 H02 T01	900
2503-E013	Revolutionizing Antibiotic Use: Short-Course Treatments Combat Antimicrobial Resistance	Antibiotic overuse is fueling antimicrobial resistance, a pressing global health challenge. Researchers from Singapore and Duke-NUS Medical School have shown that short-course antibiotic treatments can effectively combat ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients. Their REGARD-VAP trial demonstrated that these tailored treatments can prevent death and recurrence just as well as longer courses, significantly reducing the risk of resistance and associated healthcare costs.	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	The Lancet Global Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotic overuse is a key driver in the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global health crisis. Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) and Duke-NUS Medical School have provided compelling evidence that short-course antibiotic treatments can be a game-changer in tackling ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a serious infection common in critically ill patients. -- The findings from the landmark REGARD-VAP trial, published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and the accompanying economic analyses published in Lancet Global Health, highlight how prudent antibiotic use can curb resistance, effectively safeguarding patients as well as combatting the global threat of antimicrobial resistance while reducing healthcare costs. -- Led by the NUS Medicine research team, the clinical trial examined over 450 patients across intensive care units (ICUs) in Singapore, Thailand, and Nepal. -- Results revealed that short-course antibiotics -- carefully tailored to individual patients' recovery -- are just as effective as traditional longer treatments in preventing death and recurrence of pneumonia. -- "By shortening the duration of antibiotics, we can reduce the risks of side effects and resistance without compromising patient outcomes," added Dr Mo Yin, Junior Academic Fellow at the Department of Medicine, NUS Medicine, and principal investigator of the clinical trial, and co-author of the economic analysis. -- The economic analyses, led by the Duke-NUS research team, accompanying the trial were just published in the journal Lancet Global Health. They demonstrated that adopting short-course antibiotics offers significant value for healthcare systems. -- In Singapore, the strategy is cost-saving, reducing hospital expenditure while maintaining excellent outcomes for patients. -- In Thailand and Nepal, short-course antibiotics were highly cost-effective, with health gains outweighing the modest additional costs incurred. -- "Short-course antibiotics are a pragmatic solution that benefits patients and healthcare systems alike, particularly in resource-limited settings," said Assistant Professor Yiying Cai, lead researcher from the Health Services and Systems Research Programme at Duke-NUS. -- The REGARD-VAP study's findings have practical implications for hospitals worldwide.	Z01	901
2504-T001	AI's Potential To Revolutionize Aging Science And Improve Longevity	A collaborative study explores the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in aging research. By leveraging advanced algorithms to analyze complex biological data, the researchers aim to enhance the evaluation of aging interventions, paving the way for personalized recommendations that could significantly improve health outcomes for older adults.	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	Ageing Research Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaborative study between researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), and the Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Ageing Research, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany, investigated how advanced AI tools, like Large Language Models (LLMs), can make it easier to evaluate interventions for ageing and provide personalised recommendations. The findings were published in the leading review journal Ageing Research Reviews. -- Research into ageing is producing an overwhelming amount of data, making it difficult to determine which interventions -- such as new medicines, dietary changes, or exercise routines -- are safe and effective. -- This study investigated how AI can analyse data more efficiently and accurately, by proposing a comprehensive set of standards for AI systems to ensure they deliver accurate, reliable, and understandable evaluations through their ability to analyse complex biological data. -- The researchers identified eight critical requirements for effective AI-based evaluations: -- 1. Correctness of the evaluation results. Data quality will be assessed for accuracy. -- 2. Usefulness and comprehensiveness. -- 3. Interpretability and explainability of the evaluation results. Clarity and conciseness of the results and the given explanations. -- 4. Specific consideration of causal mechanisms affected by the intervention. -- 5. Consideration of data in a holistic context: -- 1. Efficacy and toxicity, and evidence for the existence of a large therapeutic window;	A01 H01 R01 T01	902
2506-057	Breakthrough Discovery: Cells Need Fat Recycling To Maintain Health	Researchers from the National University of Singapore have made significant strides in understanding how cells recycle fats, crucial for cellular health. Their study identifies the protein Spinster homolog 1 (Spns1) as essential for transporting fat molecules out of lysosomes, preventing harmful accumulation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind lipid metabolism and its implications for various diseases.	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Accumulation of fat molecules is detrimental to the cell. Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have made a breakthrough in understanding how our cells manage to stay healthy by recycling important fat molecules. Their study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reveals how a protein called Spinster homolog 1 (Spns1) helps transport fats out of cell compartments known as lysosomes. -- Led by Associate Professor Nguyen Nam Long, from the Department of Biochemistry and Immunology Translational Research Programme (TRP) at NUS Medicine, the team found that Spns1 is like a cellular gatekeeper which can help to move a type of fat molecule called lysophospholipids to the lysosome, the cell's "recycling centre." These fat molecules are then reused for cell functions. Spns1is crucial in maintaining cellular health by ensuring fat recycling is efficient and that harmful fat build-up is prevented. -- Fats and other cellular materials reach the lysosome through three main pathways: endocytosis, phagocytosis, and autophagy. In endocytosis, the cell takes in materials from outside by wrapping them within vesicles, which carry them to the lysosome for breakdown. In phagocytosis, immune cells such as macrophages act like the body's cleanup crew, swallowing up large particles like damaged cells or germs and sending them to lysosomes. Lastly, in autophagy, the cell cleans up its own damaged parts, such as old mitochondria, by wrapping them in a membrane bubble called an autophagosome. This bubble then merges with the lysosome, where the contents are broken down and recycled to keep the cell healthy. -- Once fats are broken down in the lysosome, they serve several important roles in the cell. One is membrane repair and maintenance. The broken-down fat components, such as phospholipids and sphingolipids, are reused to rebuild and maintain the cell's protective membranes. Fats also help with energy production, as some of them are processed to provide fuel for the cell's activities. Additionally, certain fats, like sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), play a crucial role in cellular communication. These signalling molecules help cells coordinate important processes, such as growth, movement, and survival, ensuring that the body functions smoothly. -- In a previous study, the NUS Medicine team has shown that if Spns1 does not work properly, it leads to a buildup of lipid waste inside cells, causing diseases known as lysosomal storage diseases (LSD) in humans. LSDs are a group of over 50 rare genetic disorders caused by problems in the lysosome's recycling process. Diseases like Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Pompe disease result from waste buildup in cells, leading to serious health issues. Dysfunctions of the lysosomal recycling pathway are also found in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. -- In collaboration with Professor Xiaochun Li's group from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), the team used a technology called cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) and the functional readouts to take images of Spns1's interactions with a specific type of fat called lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), one of the recycled lysophospholipids in the lysosome. This gave them a better understanding of how Spns1 works and how it senses changes in the cell's environment to perform its job. -- "Lysosomal storage disorders are a group of rare genetic diseases that occur when the lysosome fails to recycle important molecules. Our research shows that Spns1 plays a key role in preventing these diseases by ensuring that fats are properly transported out of the lysosome," said A/Prof Nguyen. "We now understand more about how our cells recycle these fat molecules at atomic level, and this could help us develop new treatments for diseases where Spns1 fails to work as intended." -- The team also ran experiments to confirm that the protein is essential for moving fats out of lysosomes and that certain parts of Spns1 are crucial for its function. The study revealed the following key findings: -- Spns1 acts like a gate, opening and closing to let fats out of the lysosome. -- It relies on specific signals from the cell's environment to know when to open and close.	R02	903
2512-031	Plasma p-tau217 Blood Test Shows Promise For Early Alzheimer's Detection	Plasma p-tau217 Blood Test Shows Promise For Early Alzheimer's Detection	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	A study in Alzheimer's & Dementia, a leading journal in dementia research, has demonstrated the high accuracy of plasma p-tau217 as a blood-based biomarker for detecting abnormal brain beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). More significantly, the study validates its effectiveness even in individuals with cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), which is highly prevalent in Asian populations. This finding can enhance early diagnosis, improve patient risk stratification, and facilitate better clinical management of AD in diverse populations. -- The study was led by Dr Mitchell Lai, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), in collaboration with local and international experts from the National University Health System (NUHS), University of Gothenburg, Institute of Neurology at University College London, and Banner Sun Health Research Institute. -- Bridging gaps in Alzheimer's research for Asia -- While blood biomarkers like p-tau217 have been extensively studied in Western populations -- where CeVD is less common -- this study uniquely focuses on a Singapore-based cohort, reflective of broader Asian demographics with a high CeVD burden. -- The results confirm that higher plasma p-tau217 levels correlate with faster cognitive decline, reinforcing its role not just as a diagnostic tool but also as a potential predictor of disease progression. -- Transforming Alzheimer's diagnosis: A potential game-changer for clinical practice -- Potential clinical applications include: -- Earlier and more precise detection: Plasma p-tau217 provides a highly sensitive and specific method for identifying Alzheimer's pathology before severe cognitive decline occurs, potentially enabling earlier intervention and monitoring. -- A simpler, minimally invasive diagnostic tool: Unlike costly and invasive positron emission tomography (PET) scans and cerebrospinal fluid tests, a blood-based biomarker could be easily integrated into routine clinical practice, making Alzheimer's screening more accessible and scalable. -- Patient risk stratification for optimised, personalised care: Adding plasma p-tau217 to routine clinical assessments allows doctors to efficiently categorise individuals into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups for Aβ pathology, enabling tailored follow-up strategies and potential early therapeutic interventions for patients.	H01 R02 C01	904
2512-E022	Understanding Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria’s Biology Is Key To Developing New Defense Strategies	Understanding the biology of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as their capsule synthesis, is crucial for developing effective countermeasures against public health threats. Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for severe diseases, showcases how its protective capsule allows it to evade the immune system, highlighting the importance of research in combating antibiotic resistance.	National University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious public health threat. Understanding the biology of these bacteria -- such as how they synthesise their protective capsules -- is essential for developing new strategies to counter antibiotic resistance. -- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium commonly found in the upper respiratory tract of humans. -- While it can exist harmlessly in some individuals, it is also a major pathogen responsible for severe illnesses, particularly in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. -- Diseases caused by this bacterium, such as pneumonia and meningitis, are life-threatening. -- The bacterium's ability to evade the immune system and cause disease is largely due to its capsule, which serves as a protective shield. -- As a result, this capsule is a primary target for vaccine development. -- Researchers at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine), have made progress in uncovering how Streptococcus pneumoniae constructs its capsule. -- Their findings reveal that the adaptability of both the capsules and their transport mechanisms may play a crucial role in the bacteria's ability to evolve and diversify, offering insights for managing pneumococcal diseases. -- Cellular transporters -- The results of their study, published in Science Advances, focus on these capsule transporters in this process.	A01 H01 C01	905
2501-038	Reframing Gender Gap In Politics Sparks Action Among Women, Study Finds.	A study finds that reframing gender representation in political leadership as "men's overrepresentation" rather than "women's underrepresentation" may motivate women to take action. Recognizing the disparity in leadership roles can increase awareness and drive initiatives aimed at improving gender equity.	New York University	Journal of Experimental Social Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	To many, Vice President Kamala Harris's loss in the 2024 presidential election was a sobering reminder of a larger and continuous gender gap across leadership positions in not only government, but also in business, higher education, and the military. A majority of Americans recognize the inadequacy of female representation in leadership, and the news media often portray women's underrepresentation in these roles -- but it nonetheless persists. -- Recognizing that news coverage may have influence in forming attitudes and in driving action, a team of psychology researchers examined, through a series of experiments, whether reframing this gender gap in terms of "men's overrepresentation" -- rather than as "women's underrepresentation" -- would have an impact on perceptions of the issue and on motivations to address it. -- Its findings showed that framing the gap as "men's overrepresentation" -- as opposed to "women's underrepresentation" -- in political leadership elicited more anger at the disparity among women and increased perceptions that the gap is unjust. Moreover, the results showed that anger at the disparity leads women to take action to address it. -- "While most Americans acknowledge that gender diversity in leadership is important, framing the gender gap as women's underrepresentation may desensitize the public," says Emily Balcetis, an associate professor of psychology at New York University and an author of the paper, which appears in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. "For many, taking the same statistics, like that 29% of Congress is female, but reframing the issue as men's overrepresentation, by saying instead that 71% of Congress is male, elicits stronger emotional responses and spurs people to do something to increase access to leadership for men and women." -- However, the researchers add that the men's overrepresentation framing had some limitations. One, its impact did not apply to business leadership among both men and women and, two, among men, this messaging did not increase anger at the disparity. -- Nonetheless, the study's authors, who also included NYU Psychology Professor Madeline Heilman, see the overall findings as a way to address a long-standing issue. -- "Our society benefits when we have women as well as men as leaders in politics and business," observes Rachel Godsil, a professor at Rutgers Law School, co-founder of Perception Institute, and one of the paper's authors. "It is crucial that we can all be confident that no one is shut out of leadership positions because of their gender." -- Method -- In a series of experimental studies, participants read mock news articles that were based on real-world data on the gender gap in politics and in business. The articles were manipulated to adopt different frames: the gap was couched as either women's underrepresentation or men's overrepresentation, with the underlying facts remaining constant. -- The experiments then measured the participants' responses under each condition. These included expressed anger at the gender gap in business and politics as well as willingness to support a piece of federal legislation -- Women's Global Empowerment, Development, and Prosperity Act of 2020 -- which was moving through congressional committees in the Senate at the time of the study. Participants also had the option of writing a letter to their congressional representative indicating their reaction to the bill, with the researchers tracking whether or not these letters supported or opposed the legislation.	A01	906
2501-T004	Mathematicians Unravel The Science Of Hula Hooping And Energy Efficiency	A team of mathematicians has explored the physics of hula hooping, answering questions about its mechanics and implications for energy harnessing and robotics. By creating miniature models to study different body shapes and motions, they uncovered how various dynamics affect hoop stability. Their research may influence engineering strategies in robotics and energy systems, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of studying seemingly simple activities.	New York University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Hula hooping is so commonplace that we may overlook some interesting questions it raises: "What keeps a hula hoop up against gravity?" and "Are some body types better for hula hooping than others?" A team of mathematicians explored and answered these questions with findings that also point to new ways to better harness energy and improve robotic positioners. -- The results are the first to explain the physics and mathematics of hula hooping. -- "We were specifically interested in what kinds of body motions and shapes could successfully hold the hoop up and what physical requirements and restrictions are involved," explains Leif Ristroph, an associate professor at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the senior author of the paper, which appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- To answer these questions, the researchers replicated, in miniature, hula hooping in NYU's Applied Mathematics Laboratory. They tested different shapes and motions in a series of experiments on robotic hula hoopers using 3D-printed bodies of different shapes (e.g., cylinders, cones, hourglass shapes) to represent human forms at one-tenth the size. These shapes were driven to gyrate by a motor, replicating the motions we take when hula hooping. Hoops approximately 6 inches in diameter were launched on these bodies, with high-speed video capturing the movements. -- The results showed that the exact form of the gyration motion or the cross-section shape of the body (circle versus ellipse) wasn't a factor in hula hooping. -- "In all cases, good twirling motions of the hoop around the body could be set up without any special effort," Ristroph explains. -- However, keeping a hoop elevated against gravity for a significant period of time was more difficult, requiring a special "body type" -- one with a sloping surface as "hips" to provide the proper angle for pushing up the hoop and a curvy form as a "waist" to hold the hoop in place. -- "People come in many different body types -- some who have these slope and curvature traits in their hips and waist and some who don't," notes Ristroph. "Our results might explain why some people are natural hoopers and others seem to have to work extra hard." -- The paper's authors conducted mathematical modeling of these dynamics to derive formulas that explained the results -- calculations that could be used for other purposes. -- "We were surprised that an activity as popular, fun, and healthy as hula hooping wasn't understood even at a basic physics level," says Ristroph. "As we made progress on the research, we realized that the math and physics involved are very subtle, and the knowledge gained could be useful in inspiring engineering innovations, harvesting energy from vibrations, and improving in robotic positioners and movers used in industrial processing and manufacturing."	Z01	907
2502-082	Boys Request Bigger Bonuses Than Girls: Uncovering Early Wage Disparities	A recent psychology study indicates that boys are more likely than girls to request larger bonuses for the same work, despite similar views on negotiation's importance. This disparity stems from boys’ inflated self-perception regarding their abilities, leading them to feel more entitled during negotiations. The findings underscore the need for early interventions to address gender differences in negotiation tactics and self-confidence to foster equity in future workplaces.	New York University	Developmental Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Studies have shown a persistent gender gap when it comes to wages -- disparities that stretch over decades. Past analyses have pointed to various causes for this discrepancy, but often overlooked is how such divides may surface early in life. -- In a related new study of boys and girls, a team of psychology researchers has found that despite holding similar views on the purpose and value of negotiation, boys ask for bigger bonuses than girls do for completing the same work. -- The findings, reported in the journal Developmental Psychology, indicate that these outcomes are linked, in part, to differences in perceptions of abilities: in a series of cognitive tasks, boys had a higher opinion of their abilities and therefore asked for higher bonuses -- even though they performed no better than girls did in these tasks. -- "Our findings suggest that boys tend to overestimate their abilities compared to girls -- and relative to their actual performance," says Sophie Arnold, a New York University doctoral student and the lead author of the paper. -- "This inflated self-perception may lead boys to feel more entitled to push the boundaries during negotiations." -- "These findings offer new perspectives on the possible origins of negotiation disparities that exist between adult men and women in professional settings," concludes NYU Psychology Professor Andrei Cimpian, the paper's senior author. -- The research, which also included Katherine McAuliffe, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College, consisted of a series of three experiments. -- The first two of these were used to ascertain if boys and girls had similar perceptions of negotiation. -- In a pair of hypothetical scenarios, boys and girls -- aged six to nine -- were introduced to situations in which they could negotiate a bonus with a teacher for completing classroom work or with a neighbor for completing neighborhood work. -- In these hypothetical scenarios, boys and girls revealed similar perceptions of negotiation: they thought other children were similarly likely to negotiate, that it was similarly permissible to negotiate, that they would receive similarly little backlash for negotiating, and that negotiating would lead to similar rewards.	H01	908
2504-017	Study Links Sound Disruptions To Balance Issues In Inner Ear Disorder Patients	New insights into the vestibular system reveal that sound can be a disruptive factor for individuals with vestibular hypofunction, a condition affecting balance. A recent study demonstrated that people with this disorder experience challenges in environments rich in visual stimuli, such as busy streets. The findings suggest the need for physical therapy to consider auditory influences, offering potential pathways for better interventions tailored to those affected by balance disorders.	New York University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	The vestibular system is a network of organs in the inner ears that detects the motions and position of the head. The brain uses this information, along with inputs from the eyes and joints, to maintain the body’s balance. -- Visual information has long been proven to affect balance—for example, strobe lights and swirling images can cause instability—but a new study published in PLOS ONE shows that sounds can also be a disruptive factor for those who have vestibular hypofunction, a vestibular system disorder resulting in impaired balance. -- “People with vestibular hypofunction have difficulty in places like busy streets or train stations where the overwhelming visual information may cause them to lose balance or be anxious or dizzy,” says lead author Anat Lubetzky, associate professor of physical therapy at NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. -- “Sounds are not typically considered during physical therapy, making our findings particularly relevant for future interventions.” -- The researchers conducted an experiment with 69 participants divided into two groups: healthy controls and individuals with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (affecting one ear). -- Participants wore a virtual reality headset that simulated the experience of being in a New York City subway. -- As they experienced the sights and sounds of the “subway,” they stood on a platform that measured their body movement (known as sway), while the headset recorded their head movement, two indicators of balance. -- Participants were provided with different subway scenarios: static or moving visuals paired with silence, white noise, or recorded subway sounds. -- The results revealed that for the group with vestibular hypofunction, the moving visuals accompanied by audio (either white noise or subway sounds) resulted in the greatest amount of sway. -- This sway was evident by the body’s forward and backward movements, as well as head movements left to right, and head tilts upward and downward.	H01 R02 N02	909
2504-082	Adequate Nurse Staffing Linked To Improved Maternal Outcomes During Labor	A recent study published in Nursing Outlook demonstrates the positive impact of adequate nurse staffing in labor and delivery units on maternal outcomes. Researchers found lower cesarean birth rates when units aligned with national staffing standards. Lead author Audrey Lyndon emphasized that improving nurse staffing can enhance maternal and child health, as nurses play a crucial role in monitoring and assisting during childbirth, thereby influencing delivery outcomes.	New York University	Nursing Outlook	Press Rel	PubMed	Labor and delivery units that are adequately staffed by nurses have lower cesarean birth rates, according to new research published in the journal Nursing Outlook. -- "Our findings highlight how crucial nurse staffing is for optimal maternal outcomes," said Audrey Lyndon, the Vernice D. Ferguson Professor in Health Equity and executive vice dean at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. -- C-sections account for nearly a third of births in the US and are the most common surgery performed in hospitals. While C-sections can be lifesaving and some are necessary for the health of the mother and child, the surgery carries more risks and a longer recovery than vaginal births and can complicate future pregnancies. -- "If we can safely lower the C-section rate, we are improving outcomes for childbearing people and their families," added Lyndon, the study's lead author. -- Nurses play an important role during childbirth, providing emotional and physical support at the bedside, monitoring the health of the mother and baby, and administering medication. When hospitals are understaffed, nurses are forced to prioritize tasks that require the most immediate attention at the expense of other care. -- "While nurses intuitively know that having enough nurses to provide the attentive care that mother and babies need and deserve improves outcomes, research has been minimal in linking maternity nurse staffing and patient outcomes," said Kathleen Rice Simpson, a perinatal clinical nurse specialist at Mercy Hospital St. Louis and study author. -- To determine if nurse staffing influences C-section rates, the researchers examined how well maternity units adhere to staffing standards established by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The evidence-based standards call for one nurse to one birthing person during many parts of labor, two nurses at birth, and one nurse for each mother-newborn pair in the first few hours after birth. -- The researchers surveyed 2,786 nurses from 193 hospitals across 23 states about staffing on their maternity units. Their responses, collected in 2018 and 2019, were matched with hospital-level administrative data and rates of C-sections and vaginal births. -- Better nurse staffing during labor and birth was linked to lower C-section rates and higher vaginal birth rates, including vaginal births among mothers who had previously had C-sections. C-section rates were 11 percent lower in hospitals with nurse staffing aligned with the national standards. -- "Concern about cesarean section rates in the US has been high for many years, and there has been little progress toward improvement. This study points us toward one important solution: aligning labor and delivery nurse staffing with consensus- and expert-developed guidelines," said Joanne Spetz, director of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and a study author.	H01 R01	910
2507-082	Global Scientists Discuss How AI Can Revolutionize Infectious Disease Research	A study reveals that cancer cells cooperate to extract nutrients from their surroundings, a process that has been largely overlooked in cancer research. This teamwork among cells not only promotes their proliferation but also contributes to tumor aggressiveness. Understanding these interactions could lead to novel therapeutic strategies that target the cooperative behavior of cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes.	New York University	New York University	Press Rel	PubMed	Cancer cells work together to source nutrients from their environment -- a cooperative process that was previously overlooked by scientists but may be a promising target for treating cancer. -- "We identified cooperative interactions among cancer cells that allow them to proliferate," said Carlos Carmona-Fontaine, an associate professor of biology at New York University and the senior author of the study published in Nature. "Thinking about the mechanisms that tumor cells exploit can inform future therapies." -- Scientists have long known that cancer cells compete with one another for nutrients and other resources. -- Over time, a tumor becomes more and more aggressive as it becomes dominated by the strongest cancer cells. -- However, ecologists also know that living organisms cooperate, particularly under harsh conditions. -- For instance, penguins form tight huddles to conserve heat during the extreme cold of winter, with their huddles growing in size as temperatures drop -- a behavior not observed during warmer months. -- Similarly, microorganisms such as yeast work together to find nutrients, but only when facing starvation. -- Cancer cells also need nutrients to thrive and replicate into life-threatening tumors, but they live in environments where nutrients are scarce. -- Is it possible that cancer cells work together to scavenge for resources? -- To determine whether cancer cells cooperate, the researchers tracked the growth of cells from different types of tumors.	R01 T01	911
2507-E053	New Behavioral Markers Offer Insights Into Animal And Human Consciousness	A groundbreaking essay proposes a novel "marker method" for assessing animal consciousness, potentially reshaping our understanding of sentience across species. The approach involves identifying behavioral and anatomical features that signal conscious processing in humans and seeking similar traits in nonhuman animals, aiming to advance our knowledge of consciousness itself while fostering insights into the human mind's nature.	New York University	New York University	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers has outlined a new approach for better understanding the depths of animal consciousness, a method that may yield new insights into the similarities and differences among living organisms. -- The essay, which appears in the journal Science, describes a "marker method" that scientists can use to assess animal consciousness. -- It involves identifying behavioral and anatomical features associated with conscious processing in humans and searching for similar properties in nonhumans. -- By making progress in the science of animal consciousness, the authors propose, we can make progress on foundational questions about the nature of consciousness, potentially improving our understanding of the human mind. -- "When humans and other animals perform similar behaviors, and when the best explanation for these behaviors in humans involves conscious experience, then that could be considered evidence…of conscious experience in other animals, too," write Kristin Andrews, a philosophy professor at York University, Jonathan Birch, a philosophy professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Jeff Sebo, a professor in New York University's Department of Environmental Studies, in the Science essay "Evaluating Animal Consciousness." -- The publication comes nearly a year after the "New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness," which demonstrated the scientific backing for consciousness among all vertebrates and many invertebrates, among other species, the Times of London and others reported. -- The declaration, organized by Andrews, Birch, and Sebo, has now been signed by more than 500 scientists and other researchers around the globe. -- Philosophers, including Jeremy Bentham, and scientists, notably Charles Darwin, have considered questions linked to animal consciousness while John Stuart Mill, in the mid-19th century, acknowledged the challenge of broadly assessing consciousness. -- Well into the 21st century, a secure theory of consciousness remains elusive, and disagreement and uncertainty about the scope of consciousness in the animal kingdom remain ongoing. -- In their essay, Andrews, Birch, and Sebo describe an approach that includes "identifying a particular dimension of consciousness," such as experiencing pain or seeing an object, and then "seeking evidence that such markers are present (or absent) in the target species." They then call for new directions of inquiry, including research on dimensions of consciousness other than pain experience and non-invasive research methods.	N01	912
2508-T015	Computer Models That Understand Human Goals: Innovations In AI Design	Scientists at NYU have developed a computer model capable of representing and generating human-like goals based on how people create games. This innovative work could lead to AI systems that better understand human intentions, aligning more closely with our goals and enhancing the design of human-like games.	New York University	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	While we are remarkably capable of generating our own goals, beginning with child's play and continuing into adulthood, we don't yet have computer models for understanding this human ability. -- However, a team of New York University scientists has now created a computer model that can represent and generate human-like goals by learning from how people create games. -- The work, reported in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence, could lead to AI systems that better understand human intentions and more faithfully model and align with our goals. -- It may also lead to AI systems that can help us design more human-like games. -- "While goals are fundamental to human behavior, we know very little about how people represent and come up with them -- and lack models that capture the richness and creativity of human-generated goals," explains Guy Davidson, the paper's lead author and an NYU doctoral student. -- "Our research provides a new framework for understanding how people create and represent goals, which could help develop more creative, original, and effective AI systems." -- Despite considerable experimental and computational work on goals and goal-oriented behavior, AI models are still far from capturing the richness of everyday human goals. -- To address this gap, the paper's authors studied how humans create their own goals, or tasks, in order to potentially illuminate how both are generated. -- The researchers began by capturing how humans describe goal-setting actions through a series of online experiments. -- They placed participants in a virtual room that contained several objects.	H01 T01	913
2509-034	New Tool Boosts Cancer Detection For Surgeons During Cold Cryosurgery Procedures	A groundbreaking innovation from NYU Abu Dhabi enhances cancer surgery by using a specialized nanoscale material that lights up cancer cells during cryosurgery. This new tool allows surgeons to distinguish cancerous cells from healthy tissue more effectively, improving precision in tumor removal, and is biocompatible for safe use within the body, even under extreme cold.	New York University	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have developed an innovative tool that enhances surgeons' ability to detect and remove cancer cells during cryosurgery, a procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy tumors. This breakthrough technology involves a specialized nanoscale material that illuminates cancer cells under freezing conditions, making them easier to distinguish from healthy tissue and improving surgical precision. -- Detailed in the study "Freezing-Activated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precise Fluorescence Cryo-Imaging of Cancer Tissue" in the journal of the American Chemical Society, the Trabolsi research group at NYUAD designed a unique nanoscale Covalent Organic Framework (nTG-DFP-COF) that responds to extreme cold by increasing its fluorescence. -- This makes it possible to clearly differentiate between cancerous and healthy tissues during surgery. -- The material, prepared by Gobinda Das, Ph.D., a researcher in the Trabolsi Research Group at NYUAD, is engineered to be biocompatible and low in toxicity, ensuring it interacts safely within the body. -- Importantly, it maintains its fluorescent properties even in the presence of ice crystals inside cells, allowing real-time monitoring during cryosurgery. -- This advancement not only improves the accuracy and safety of cryosurgical procedures -- helping surgeons preserve more healthy tissue while removing cancer cells -- but also combines diagnostic and treatment functions into one platform. -- This could reduce the need for repeat surgeries and speed up patient recovery. -- Fluorescence imaging, a non-invasive technique that uses light-sensitive dyes to highlight tumors, has gained traction for its ability to provide real-time insights during surgery. -- However, its use in cryosurgery has remained largely unexplored until now. -- "We believe this is a transformative tool that could revolutionize cancer surgery," said Farah Benyettou, Ph.D., a research scientist in the Trabolsi Research Group at NYU Abu Dhabi.	A01 R01 T01	914
2509-043	Scientists Illuminate Nanoparticle Behavior, Advancing Understanding In Multiple Industries	A team of scientists has developed a novel method to visualize the behavior of nanoparticles, crucial components in pharmaceuticals and electronics. By combining artificial intelligence with electron microscopy, the research enables unprecedented insights into the dynamics of nanoparticles, potentially revolutionizing how materials are understood and utilized across various industries.	New York University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists has developed a method to illuminate the dynamic behavior of nanoparticles, which are foundational components in the creation of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and industrial and energy-conversion materials. The advance, reported in the journal Science, combines artificial intelligence with electron microscopy to render visuals of how these tiny bits of matter respond to stimuli. -- "Nanoparticle-based catalytic systems have a tremendous impact on society," explains Carlos Fernandez-Granda, director of NYU's Center for Data Science and a professor of mathematics and data science, one of the paper's authors. -- "It is estimated that 90 percent of all manufactured products involve catalytic processes somewhere in their production chain. We have developed an artificial-intelligence method that opens a new window for the exploration of atomic-level structural dynamics in materials." -- The work, which also included researchers from Arizona State University, Cornell University, and the University of Iowa, blends electron microscopy with AI to enable scientists to see the structures and movements of molecules that are one-billionth of a meter in size at an unprecedented time resolution. -- "Electron microscopy can capture images at a high spatial resolution, but because of the velocity at which the atomic structure of nanoparticles changes during chemical reactions, we need to gather data at a very high speed to understand their functionality," explains Peter A. Crozier, a professor of materials science and engineering at Arizona State University and one of the paper's authors. -- "This results in extremely noisy measurements. We have developed an artificial-intelligence method that learns how to remove this noise -- automatically -- enabling the visualization of key atomic-level dynamics." -- Observing the movement of atoms on a nanoparticle is crucial to understand functionality in industrial applications. -- The problem is that the atoms are barely visible in the data, so scientists cannot be sure how they are behaving -- the equivalent of tracking objects in a video taken at night with an old camera. -- To address this challenge, the paper's authors trained a deep neural network, AI's computational engine, that is able to "light up" the electron-microscope images, revealing the underlying atoms and their dynamic behavior. -- "The nature of changes in the particle is exceptionally diverse, including fluxional periods, manifesting as rapid changes in atomic structure, particle shape, and orientation; understanding these dynamics requires new statistical tools," explains David S. Matteson, a professor and associate chair of Cornell University's Department of Statistics and Data Science, director of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences, and one of the paper's authors.	C01 T01	915
2509-T009	Understanding High-Energy Cosmic Rays: New Insights Into Their Origins	New research led by physicist Glennys Farrar offers a groundbreaking explanation for the origins of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays (UHECRs), suggesting they are generated during binary neutron star mergers. This insight provides a new understanding of cataclysmic cosmic events and helps explain the formation of various elements found in the universe.	New York University	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Ultrahigh Energy Cosmic Rays are the highest-energy particles in the universe, whose energies are more than a million times what can be achieved by humans. But while the existence of UHECRs has been known for 60 years, researchers have not succeeded in formulating a satisfactory explanation for their origin that explains all the observations. -- But a new theory introduced by New York University physicist Glennys Farrar provides a viable and testable explanation for how UHECRs are created. -- "After six decades of effort, the origin of the mysterious highest-energy particles in the universe may finally have been identified," says Farrar, a Collegiate Professor of Physics and Julius Silver, Rosalind S. Silver, and Enid Silver Winslow Professor at NYU. -- "This insight gives a new tool for understanding the most cataclysmic events of the universe: two neutron stars merging to form a black hole, which is the process responsible for the creation of many precious or exotic elements, including gold, platinum, uranium, iodine, and xenon." -- The work, which appears in the journal Physical Review Letters, proposes that UHECRs are accelerated in the turbulent magnetic outflows of Binary Neutron Star mergers -- spewed out from the merger remnant, prior to formation of the final black hole. -- The process simultaneously generates powerful gravitational waves -- some already detected by scientists at the LIGO-Virgo collaboration. -- Farrar's Physical Review Letters proposal explains, for the first time, two of the most mysterious features of UHECRs: the tight correlation between a UHECR's energy and its electric charge and the extraordinary energy of a handful of the very highest energy events. -- Stemming from Farrar's analysis are two consequences that can provide experimental validation in future work: -- The very highest energy UHECRs originate as rare "r-process" elements, such as xenon and tellurium, motivating a search for such a component in the UHECR data. -- Extremely high-energy neutrinos, originating from UHECR collisions, are necessarily accompanied by the gravitational wave produced in the parent neutron star merger.	Z01	916
2510-E034	Arabian Gulf Reef Fish Show Unique Adaptability To Rising Temperatures	A study on reef fish in the Arabian Gulf, the hottest marine ecosystem, reveals that while these fish exhibit increased thermal tolerance, overall biodiversity is notably lower. Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi found that species from this extreme environment can endure temperature fluctuations better than those from stable reefs. The findings highlight the Gulf's unique ecological conditions and suggest that some species are better adapted to climate change pressures.	New York University	Global Change Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (Mubadala ACCESS) at NYU Abu Dhabi have found that reef fish from the Arabian Gulf, the world's hottest sea, exhibit a higher tolerance to temperature fluctuations compared to those from more thermally stable coral reefs. However, the Arabian Gulf hosts fewer fish species overall, indicating that only certain fishes can withstand rising global temperatures. -- The Arabian Gulf's highly variable thermal environment provides a natural framework for studying how reef fish might cope with a warming climate. -- By comparing fish from this extreme habitat to those in the milder Gulf of Oman, the research team, led by Dr Grace Vaughan, Postdoctoral Associate Daniel Ripley, and Professor of Biology John Burt, discovered that fish in the Arabian Gulf demonstrate slightly higher temperature tolerance. -- However, overall biodiversity is lower. This suggests that while some species can adapt to environmental variability, the difference in thermal tolerance between the two regions was minimal. -- The team's findings are detailed in the paper Narrow Margins: Aerobic Performance and Temperature Tolerance of Coral Reef Fishes Facing Extreme Thermal Variability, published in Global Change Biology. -- The researchers also tested a prominent hypothesis known as "plastic floors and concrete ceilings," which suggests that fish can adjust their resting physiological rates, such as heart rate or metabolism, to adapt to warmer climates. -- They were the first to examine this theory in a coral reef ecosystem under increasing thermal variability rather than just rising average temperatures. -- Comparing the metabolic rates of three reef fish species in the Arabian Gulf to the same species in the Gulf of Oman, they found no significant difference in metabolic rates. -- This suggests that the "plastic floors and concrete ceilings" principle, which was originally developed in colder water species, does not apply to tropical fishes experiencing shifting temperature variability. -- "The increased thermal tolerance observed in fish from the Arabian Gulf suggests an adaptive response to years of extreme temperatures," said Ripley.	A01 R01 C01 N01	917
2512-032	Innovative Sensing System Enhances Safety And Precision In Minimally Invasive Surgery	Innovative Sensing System Enhances Safety And Precision In Minimally Invasive Surgery	New York University	IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 2022; 10: 1 DOI: 10.1109/JTEHM.2022.3180937	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi's Advanced Microfluidics and Microdevices Laboratory (AMMLab) have developed an innovative sensing system that restores the missing tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), enhancing precision, ease of use, and safety. The new "off-the-jaw" system integrates force and angle sensors into the handle of laparoscopic tools, providing surgeons with real-time measurements of grasping forces and insights into tissue stiffness and thickness. -- Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involves small incisions, reducing pain, shortening recovery times, and lowering infection risks. -- However, traditional MIS tools eliminate the surgeon's sense of touch, making it difficult to determine the appropriate force to apply or distinguish between different types of tissue. -- This lack of tactile sensation can lead to errors, such as over- or under-grasping delicate tissues. -- The NYU Abu Dhabi researchers' unique "off-the-jaw" design, detailed in IEEE Access, marks a significant departure from previous approaches, which typically placed sensors at the jaws of surgical tools. -- It is the first solution to separate the sensing mechanism from the surgical site itself. -- This solution offers a simplified, cost-effective alternative that seamlessly integrates with any commercially available laparoscopic tool, addressing challenges related to sensor integration, wiring complexity, contamination, and sterilization requirements. -- Beyond improving surgical precision and safety, this new technology could also shorten the learning curve for new surgeons by providing objective tactile feedback, accelerating their mastery of MIS techniques. -- Its scalability means it could be adapted for robotic-assisted surgery, endoscopy, telemedicine, and other medical applications. -- "Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized the field, but the lack of tactile feedback remains a challenge," said NYU Abu Dhabi Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering Mohammad A. Qasaimeh.	T01	918
2501-T017	Enhancing Clinical Decisions: AI Predicts Outcomes For Aggressive Skin Cancers Like Merkel Cell Carcinoma	An international team led by Newcastle University has created a machine learning system called DeepMerkel that predicts treatment outcomes for aggressive skin cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma. This innovative technology aims to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient treatment options based on individual tumor features.	Newcastle University	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence can determine the course and severity of aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), to enhance clinical decision making by generating personalised predictions of treatment specific outcomes for patients and their doctors. -- An international team, led by researchers at Newcastle University, UK, combined machine learning with clinical expertise to develop a web-based system called "DeepMerkel" which offers the power to predict MCC treatment specific outcomes based on personal and tumour specific features. -- They propose that this system could be applied to other aggressive skin cancers for precision prognostication, the enhancement of informed clinical decision making and improved patient choice. -- MCC -- MCC is a rare but highly aggressive skin cancer. It can be difficult to treat -- typically affecting older adults with weakened immune systems who present with advanced disease associated with poor survival. -- Dr Tom Andrew, a Plastic Surgeon and CRUK funded PhD student at Newcastle University and first author said; "DeepMerkel is allowing us to predict the course and severity of a Merkel cell carcinoma enabling us to personalise treatment so that patients are getting the optimal management. -- "Using AI allowed us to understand subtle new patterns and trends in the data which meant on an individual level, we are able to provide more accurate predictions for each patient. -- "This is important as in the 20 years up to 2020, the number of people diagnosed with this cancer has doubled and while it is still rare it is an aggressive skin cancer which is increasingly affecting older people." -- The research was conducted with Penny Lovat, Professor of Dermato-oncology, Newcastle University, and Dr Aidan Rose, Senior Clinical Lecturer, Newcastle University and Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. -- Dr Rose said; "Being able to accurately predict patient outcomes is critical when guiding clinical decision making. This is particularly important when treating aggressive forms of skin cancer in a complex patient group which typically results in difficult, and sometime life-changing, choices being made regarding treatment options. The developments we have made using AI allow us to provide personalised survival predictions and inform a patient's medical team of the optimal treatment."	A01 R01 T01	919
2502-E034	Experts Warn About Risks Of Spreading Invasive Species Through Untreated Water Transfer	Experts warn of the dangers posed by transferring untreated water from lakes and rivers, which can inadvertently spread invasive species. A series of studies emphasize the need for coordinated management strategies to address the risks associated with raw water transfers, advocating for improved surveillance and stakeholder collaboration to protect ecosystems from invasive species proliferation.	Newcastle University	Management of Biological Invasions	Press Rel	PubMed	Experts are warning of the risks of spreading invasive and non-native species when moving large volumes of untreated lake, reservoir and river water. -- Development of cities and the demands of agriculture mean that huge volumes of untreated water from lakes, reservoirs and rivers are now routinely moved large distances, across countries, up to hundreds of miles, using pipelines, tunnels and water supply canals. -- Known as raw water transfers schemes, these projects are essential for human uses but risk moving not just water but also wildlife, spreading invasive and non-native species, such as zander fish and zebra mussels. -- In a series of new papers, researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Stirling are now warning that invasive species can be moved between often unlinked waterbodies by the intentional transfer of water and call for action. -- Publishing their findings in the journal Management of Biological Invasions, the experts highlight the need to add raw water transfers (RWTs) into co-ordinated surveillance and management plans to meet national and international targets on tackling invasive and non-native species, and recommend exploring options to improve RWT information access and stakeholder collaboration within the INNS management community. -- They also call for increased awareness of the risks associated with RWTs and the spread of invasive and non-native species and say these actions will deliver additional benefits to support the conservation of freshwater biodiversity in a rapidly changing world. -- How RWTs are managed varies between countries, but they are typically managed by private water companies, or local and central government. -- In England, the majority of RWTs are owned and managed by water companies. -- The Environment Agency (EA) also controls a number of RWTs. -- The research team cites data showing 110 surface water transfers in England and Wales which can transfer between 45-150 million litres per day, around 43 of which cross one or more catchment boundary (39%).	A01 R01 C01 N01	920
2505-T010	Team Models Formation And Evolution Of The Universe's Strongest Magnetic Fields	A collaborative international research team has made significant strides in understanding the formation of the universe's strongest magnetic fields. They identified the Tayler-Spruit dynamo as the mechanism behind low-field magnetar formation, a phenomenon that had puzzled scientists for over a decade. Through advanced simulations, they explored the complex processes within proto-neutron stars, shedding light on how material dynamics during supernovae contribute to magnetic field generation in these enigmatic celestial bodies.	Newcastle University	Nature Astronomy	Press Rel	PubMed	By age 75, a noteworthy 50% of men develop an inguinal (groin) hernia -- a bulge that results from soft tissue pushing through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Although common, the cause of these hernias is unknown, and the only treatment is surgery to repair the weakened area. Even after surgery, these hernias recur in 10 to 15% of men. -- Using a novel, medication-based approach, a new Northwestern Medicine study successfully reversed existing inguinal hernias in male mice and fully restored their normal anatomy without surgery. -- Even more promising, the scientists also examined human hernia tissue and found the identical molecular markers as in the mouse model. -- More than a million inguinal hernia repair surgeries per year are performed under general anesthesia in the U.S. -- "This is a blockbuster publication about the first medical treatment of inguinal hernias," said senior author Dr. Serdar Bulun, chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine physician. -- "Our findings strongly suggest that men would also respond to this medication as the male mice did, so if male patients are high risk for surgery, we can one day try to repair the hernias medically." -- Lastly, the study found the likely cause of inguinal hernias: estrogen receptor-alpha (ESR1), which plays a key role in triggering the growth of certain connective tissue cells and the buildup of fibrous tissue, leading to the development of inguinal hernias. -- The study was published today, Feb. 4, in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. -- How the study worked: -- The study was broken into two experiments: one using modified male mouse models and one examining human tissue.	C01 T01	921
2507-E042	Innovative Mortar Made From Recycled Plastic Enhances Insulation And Reduces Waste	Researchers at Newcastle University have developed an innovative mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, improving insulation while addressing plastic waste. This eco-friendly building material significantly reduces heat loss compared to conventional options, demonstrating the potential for sustainable construction practices that contribute to energy efficiency and environmental conservation.	Newcastle University	Newcastle University	Press Rel	PubMed	A mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste has been developed by Newcastle University researchers. -- The team hope this new building material could reduce heating and cooling bills while being environmentally friendly. -- They developed the cement mortar mix by replacing sand with silica aerogel and recycled PET plastic which they then showed improved thermal insulation and weighs less. -- Aerogels are known for their high insulation properties and are increasingly used for thermal insulation, particularly within the building sector and in aerospace. -- Publishing in the journal Construction and Building Material, the team shows that the new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% compared to conventional mortar, while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction. -- It also meets international standards (BS-EN 413-1:2011, ASTM C270-10, AS 1012/AS 3700), presenting an eco-friendly alternative for energy-efficient and sustainable construction. -- This could improve sustainable construction practices while reducing heat loss in buildings, in areas where you get thermal bridging, for example through gaps between bricks in the walls which are filled with mortar. -- Professor Lidija Šiller, Professor of Nanoscale Science at Newcastle University's School of Engineering and one of the study lead authors, said: "This study demonstrates that our formulation of recycled PET plastic waste can be used to produce cement-based mortars, and it is an effective way to reduce their impact on the environment. Wouldn't be wonderful to reduce heating bills of all our new builds and at the same time significantly reduce plastic waste in the world?'' -- The new mortar mix -- Seven different formulations were tested alongside traditional mortar with the most effective of the new mortar mixes proving to be 7% untreated silica aerogels replacing natural sand combined with 3% recycled PET (polyethene terephthalate) plastic.	Z01	922
2503-013	Early Intervention: Preventing Adult Obesity Linked To Excessive Weight Gain During Pregnancy	A study from the NIH finds that excessive weight gain in early pregnancy may lead to fat distribution in fetuses, which could increase the risk of obesity later in life. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring maternal weight gain to inform strategies aimed at preventing obesity and its associated health problems.	NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development	The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition	Press Rel	PubMed	Fetuses of pregnant people who gained excess weight in the first trimester of pregnancy show signs of excess fat distribution in the upper arm and in the abdomen, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. These findings may inform efforts to prevent excessive weight gain early in life, a risk factor for adult obesity and related conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. The study, conducted by researchers at NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and other institutions, appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. -- The authors analyzed data from an earlier study of more than 2,600 singleton pregnancies, which included information on maternal weight before and during pregnancy and three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound scans (up to five) throughout pregnancy. -- The authors found that pregnant people with excessive weight gain -- defined as more than 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds) in the first trimester -- had fetuses with larger abdominal circumference and abdominal area and larger fetal arm fat thickness, when compared to pregnant people with adequate weight gain. -- Fetuses from the excessive weight gain group continued to have greater arm thickness and abdominal measurements through the end of pregnancy, even when weight gain was not considered excessive during the second and third trimesters. -- In contrast, most previous studies have not examined fetal 3D measures during pregnancy and have only linked total weight gain across pregnancy, not just in the first trimester, with birthweight. -- The authors wrote that their findings suggest that the timing of weight gain, instead of total weight gain, could be important for developing efforts to prevent excess fetal size and reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions later in life.	H01 R01	923
2508-053	Cooling Treatment Doesn’t Benefit Preterm Infants With Oxygen Loss	A recent study indicates that cooling treatment for preterm infants suffering from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) may not offer benefits over standard care. Conducted by researchers from the University of Utah, the findings challenge previous assumptions about cooling therapy’s effectiveness in this age group. The study highlights the necessity for more focused research on treatment efficacy for preterm infants experiencing oxygen loss during birth.	NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development	JAMA Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Lowering the body temperature of preterm infants (born at 33 to 35 weeks of pregnancy) with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) -- a type of brain damage caused by oxygen loss -- offers no benefits over standard care, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Previous studies of near-term and term infants (born after 36 weeks) with HIE found that this cooling treatment, which lowers body temperature to about 92 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly reduced the risk of death or disability by age 18 months (corrected for prematurity). However, the current findings show that such benefits are not observed for preterm infants with HIE. The authors noted that use of the cooling treatment in preterm infants has increased, despite little research on its effectiveness in this age group. -- The study was conducted by Roger G. Faix, M.D., of the University of Utah, and colleagues at 19 newborn research centers. -- It appears in JAMA Pediatrics. Funding was provided by NIH's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). -- HIE-associated oxygen loss can result from compression of the umbilical cord, a tear in the uterus, or other complications at birth. Of 188 preterm infants with HIE born from 2015 to 2020, 88 infants were assigned at random to the cooling treatment and 80 were maintained at normal temperature. Researchers evaluated occurrences such as death and moderate to severe disability when the infants were 18 to 22 months old. They found that 35% of those receiving the cooling treatment and 29% kept at normal temperature had died or had a disability. More specifically, deaths occurred in 20% of those receiving cooling treatment and 12% of those receiving standard care. Overall, preterm infants who received the cooling therapy had a 74% higher risk of death or disability and an 87% higher risk of death.	H01 R02	924
2513-043	New Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy Shows Promise For Gastrointestinal Cancers	An innovative form of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy has shown promise in improving treatment for metastatic gastrointestinal cancers. Results from a National Institutes of Health clinical trial reveal that this personalized immunotherapy, when used alongside pembrolizumab, significantly reduces tumor size in patients. The findings provide hope for developing effective treatments for various solid tumors, marking a significant advancement in cancer management.	NIH/National Cancer Institute	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A new form of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, a form of personalized cancer immunotherapy, dramatically improved the treatment's effectiveness in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers, according to results of a clinical trial led by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The findings, published April 1, 2025 in Nature Medicine, offer hopethat this therapy could be used to treat a variety of solid tumors, which has so far eluded researchers developing cell-based therapies. -- This form of therapy involves identifying and selecting immune cells (TILs) that are found in the tumor that specifically recognize and attack a patient's tumor cells. -- Next, scientists grow those TILs into large quantities in the laboratory before they are finally administered to the patient. -- Patients in the clinical trial, who had a variety of gastrointestinal tumors, also received the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to help further boost their immune response. -- The result was nearly 24% of patients treated with selected TILs plus pembrolizumab had a substantial reduction in the size of their tumors, compared with 7.7% of patients who received selected TILs without pembrolizumab. -- Patients treated with TILs that had not been selected for anti-tumor activity had no tumor shrinkage. -- "We're seeing the first extension of cellular therapy with TILs into the common solid cancers," said Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., the study's lead investigator at NIH's National Cancer Institute. -- "We see a little crack in the solid wall of cancer by using cell-based immunotherapy for the common solid cancers, and we think we have ways to open that crack even further." -- The clinical trial included 91 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancers -- including esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, colon, and rectal cancers -- that had worsened despite a median of four prior treatment regimens. -- In the pilot phase of the trial, 18 patients were treated with TILs that had not been selected for anti-tumor activity, and there were no objective responses (tumor shrinkage of at least 30% is considered an objective response). In the second phase, 39 patients were treated with selected TIL therapy, and three (7.7%) had objective responses.	H01 R01	925
2501-042	Public Health Officials Assess H5N1 Avian Flu Threat, Stressing Low Public Risk.	While HPAI H5N1 avian influenza poses a low risk to the public, experts emphasize the importance of continued monitoring and preparedness. A commentary from NIH officials highlights the necessity of collaboration across various sectors to manage outbreaks and ensure effective response strategies.	NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza A virus (HPAI H5N1) remains a low risk to the general public, and public health experts in the United States believe that available treatments and vaccines, as well as those in development, are sufficient to prevent severe disease. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its federal partners remain focused on monitoring the virus and evaluating changes, according to leading officials at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the NIH. -- In a commentary published in the New England Journal of Medicine, NIAID Director Jeanne M. Marrazzo, M.D., M.P.H., and Michael G. Ison, M.D., M.S., chief of the Respiratory Diseases Branch in NIAID's Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, say people should find a balance between enhanced vigilance and "business as usual" with respect to HPAI H5N1. -- Since 1996, HPAI H5N1 influenza viruses have circulated in at least 23 countries. In late 2021, HPAI H5N1 spread from Europe to North America causing sporadic infections among wild birds and poultry farms. In 2022, the virus spread to South America where it devastated birds and marine mammals. In March 2024, USDA scientists identified HPAI H5N1 in U.S. dairy cows, and it subsequently reached herds in 16 states. The virus has been detected in dairy herds in three states over the past 30 days, according to USDA/APHIS. In 2024, the virus has caused 66 confirmed and 7 probable cases of influenza in people in the U.S. and one case in Canada. These human cases have been caused by either the H5N1 type circulating in birds (D1.1) or the type circulating in dairy cows (B3.13). -- Against this backdrop, Drs. Marrazzo and Ison say there are four keys to controlling the current outbreak. The first imperative is timely, effective collaborations among investigators in human and veterinary medicine, public health, health care, and occupational workers, such as dairy and poultry workers. -- This involves cultivating trust not only between numerous entities, but with people seeking care for symptoms of concern, including conjunctivitis, the authors write. Fortunately, so far most U.S. cases of HPAI H5N1 have been mild and resolved on their own without the need for treatment. -- Their second key is a focus on the Canadian HPAI H5N1 patient, who developed respiratory failure and required life-saving medical intervention and treatment before recovering. The authors write that mutations found in the virus in this patient highlight an urgent need for vigilant disease surveillance to identify and assess viral changes to evaluate the risk for person-to-person transmission. Effective surveillance, they say, requires that complete genomic sequencing data from animals and people are made rapidly and readily available. -- Without information pertaining to where and when isolates were collected, the data cannot be linked phylogenetically to other reported sequences, limiting insight into how the virus is spreading, they write. These data would also provide opportunity for early detection of mutations that might portend avidity for human respiratory epithelium, which may require as little as one mutation in the virus. -- Third, researchers must continue to develop and test medical countermeasures -- such as vaccines and therapies that eliminate or alleviate disease -- against H5N1 and other influenza viruses. Fortunately, current vaccine candidates neutralize the circulating strains, which so far are susceptible to antivirals that could mitigate transmission and severity of illness, they write. -- Lastly, Drs. Marrazzo and Ison encourage people to take precautions to prevent exposure to the virus and minimize the risk of infection. For example, people who work with poultry and cows should use personal protective equipment and educate themselves about occupational risks when working with birds and mammals, as CDC and USDA have repeatedly recommended. -- Ideally, following these four steps will help scientists and public health officials investigating HPAI H5N1 to answer the many remaining questions more quickly about how the virus is spreading, evolving, and affecting people, other mammals, and birds.	H02 R01 N01 T01	926
2501-E001	New Antibodies Open Doors For Next Generation Malaria Treatments.	NIH researchers have discovered a new class of antibodies that target previously unexplored regions of the malaria parasite, which could lead to innovative treatments and vaccines. This finding is particularly important given the high global incidence of malaria and the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.	NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A novel class of antibodies that binds to a previously untargeted portion of the malaria parasite could lead to new prevention methods, according to a study from researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published in Science. The most potent of the new antibodies was found to provide protection against malaria parasites in an animal model. The researchers say antibodies in this class are particularly promising because they bind to regions of the malaria parasite not included in current malaria vaccines, providing a potential new tool for fighting this dangerous disease. -- Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, which are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes. -- Although malaria is not common in the United States, its global impact is devastating, with 263 million cases and 597,000 deaths estimated by the World Health Organization in 2023. -- Of the five species of Plasmodium that cause malaria, Plasmodium falciparum is the most common in African countries where the burden of malaria is largest and where young children account for the majority of malaria deaths. -- Safe and effective countermeasures are critical for reducing the immense burden of this disease. -- In recent years, new interventions have been developed against malaria, including vaccines that currently are being rolled out for young children in regions where the disease is prevalent. -- Anti-malarial monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are another promising new tool that have been shown to be safe and efficacious against infection with P. falciparum in adults and children in early clinical trials. -- The anti-malarial mAbs evaluated in trials in malaria-endemic regions target the P. falciparum sporozoite -- the life stage of the parasite that is transmitted from mosquitoes to people. -- By binding to and neutralizing the sporozoite, the mAbs prevent sporozoites from infecting the liver, where they otherwise develop into blood-stage parasites that infect blood cells and cause disease and death. -- The most promising anti-malarial mAbs tested in humans to date bind to a protein on the sporozoite surface called the circumsporozoite protein (PfCSP) at locations near to or containing amino acid repeats in a region called the central repeat region.	H01 R01 N01	927
2506-041	Influenza A Virus Shape-Shifts To Enhance Its Ability To Infect Cells	A recent NIH study sheds light on a fascinating adaptation of the Influenza A virus, revealing that these virus particles can change shape between spheres and filaments based on environmental conditions. This newfound capability may help explain the virus's persistent presence in populations, its ability to evade immune responses, and its acquisition of harmful mutations, potentially reshaping our understanding of viral behavior and treatment strategies.	NIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Influenza A virus particles strategically adapt their shape -- to become either spheres or larger filaments -- to favor their ability to infect cells depending on environmental conditions, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists. This previously unrecognized response could help explain how influenza A and other viruses persist in populations, evade immune responses, and acquire adaptive mutations, the researchers explain in a new study published in Nature Microbiology. -- The study, led by intramural researchers at NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), was designed to determine why many influenza A virus particles exist as filaments. -- The filament shape requires more energy to form than a sphere, they state, and its abundance has been previously unexplained. -- To find the answer, they developed a way to observe and measure real-time influenza A virus structure during formation. -- The researchers found: -- Influenza A viruses rapidly adjust their shape when placed in conditions that reduce infection efficiency, such as the presence of antiviral antibodies or host incompatibility. -- A virus' shape is dynamic and impacted by its environment, rather than being fixed by strain, as commonly believed. -- The study assessed 16 different virus-cell combinations that resulted in predictable shape trends. -- Prior experiments by the research team showed that influenza A virus filaments can resist inactivation by antibodies, and the team is working to understand exactly how antibodies influence shape and infection efficiency. They also anticipate learning how viral mutations affect the shape of the virus. Many other viruses -- such as measles, Ebola, Nipah, Hendra and respiratory syncytial virus -- also incorporate a mixed-shape infection strategy, the researchers note.	R01	928
2509-061	Revolutionary 4D Brain Map Reveals Early Signs Of Multiple Sclerosis Development	Using an animal model, NIH researchers have developed a four-dimensional brain map to explore the formation of lesions similar to those seen in multiple sclerosis (MS). These findings, which could identify potential treatment targets, reveal early disease states and behaviors that precede visible symptoms. By combining MRI imaging and tissue analysis, the study enhances understanding of MS progression and offers new avenues for therapeutic intervention.	NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Using an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a four-dimensional brain map that reveals how lesions similar to those seen in human MS form. These findings, published in Science, provide a window into the early disease state and could help identify potential targets for MS treatments and brain tissue repair. -- The researchers, led by postdoctoral fellow Jing-Ping Lin, Ph.D., and senior investigator Daniel S. Reich, M.D., Ph.D., both at NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), combined repeated MRI imaging with brain-tissue analysis, including gene expression, to track the onset and development of MS-like lesions. They uncovered a new MRI signature that can help detect brain regions at risk for damage weeks before any visible lesions occur. They also identified "microenvironments" within affected brain tissue based on observed patterns of neural function, inflammation, immune and support cell responses, gene expression, and levels of damage and repair. -- "Identifying the early events that occur after inflammation and teasing apart which are reparative versus which are damaging, can potentially help us identify MS disease activity sooner and develop treatments to slow or stop its progression," said Dr. Reich. -- MS is caused by the body's immune system attacking the protective covering of nerve fibers, called myelin. This leads to inflammation, loss of myelin, and formation of "lesions" or "plaques" within the brain tissue. Most of what is known about MS progression has come from analysis of postmortem human brain tissue, usually obtained decades after the initial onset of disease. This means missing early changes that occurred prior to the onset of symptoms. -- To mimic the conditions of the human brain, the researchers opted not to use a mouse model for MS, instead advancing a model that uses the marmoset, a nonhuman primate. Compared to mouse brains, marmoset and human brains have a higher ratio of white matter (the "wires" of the brain) to gray matter (neuronal cell bodies). The marmoset model creates multiple lesions that closely resemble those seen in human MS and that can be tracked in real time using MRI imaging. Because these lesions can be induced experimentally, the model offers a look at the earliest stages of inflammation and immune responses that lead to MS-like demyelination. -- One key player identified was a specific type of astrocyte, one of the support cell types in the brain, that turns on a gene called SERPINE1 or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI1). They found SERPINE1-expressing astrocytes in vulnerable brain borders before visible damage occurs, clustering near blood vessels and the fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and signaling future areas of lesion development. These astrocytes also appeared to influence the behavior of other cells near the lesion area, including the ability of immune cells to enter the brain and contribute to inflammation, as well as the precursor cells involved in myelin repair. -- Given that SERPINE1-expressing astrocytes accumulated at the edges of growing lesions, where damage happens but healing also begins, their potential dual role in coordinating signals that could lead to either tissue repair or further damage was an unexpected wrinkle that will require further study. It's possible that the earliest responses could be a part of a protective mechanism that becomes overwhelmed as the injury progresses. It's also possible that the same mechanism could itself become disease-causing. -- "If one imagines a fort under siege, initially the walls might hold off the attack," said Dr. Reich. "But if those walls are breached, all the defenses inside can be turned against the fort itself." -- These findings may also have implications for brain injuries beyond what is seen in MS. While there are different types of focal brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, inflammation, and infection, there is a finite number of ways the tissue can react to injury. In fact, many of the reactions seen here to inflammation, stress, and tissue damage are likely to be common across injury types, and the brain map created in this study can act as a resource to allow comparisons to be made in a more human-like context. -- The scientific teams are building a new model of a different autoimmune condition affecting brain borders. They are also looking to expand their data set to include aged animals, which could help improve our understanding of progressive MS, a disease state with a significant and unmet therapeutic need.	A01 H02 R02 C01 N01 T01	929
2504-E006	Kitchen Experiments Reveal How Rootless Cones Form On Earth And Mars	A new study using syrup and baking soda has unveiled the formation mechanisms of rootless cones, volcanic landforms found on Earth and Mars. Researchers demonstrated that a self-organization process determines the size and distribution of these unique structures, enhancing the understanding of explosive eruptions caused by the interaction of lava and water. Insights gained from this research could inform geological studies on both planets.	Niigata University	Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Using syrup and baking soda, research at Niigata University has demonstrated the formation mechanism of rootless cones, small volcanic landforms commonly found on Earth and Mars. The study clarified, through an experimental approach, that a self-organization process determines the spatial distribution and size of these landforms. This research will enhance our understanding of explosive eruption phenomena caused by the interaction of lava and water and provide new insights into geological phenomena on the red planet. -- Rootless cones are small volcanic landforms ranging from several to several hundred meters in diameter, formed by continuous explosions resulting from the interaction between surface lava and water bodies like lakes and rivers. -- Unlike regular volcanoes originating from magma rising from deep underground, rootless cones form when lava covers a water-containing layer, triggering explosive reactions. -- Due to this process, they are also called pseudocraters. While Iceland hosts many rootless cones, they are less common elsewhere, with small examples found along the Big Island's coast in Hawaii. -- In contrast, vast fields of rootless cones have been identified on Mars, making their formation mechanisms a significant focus of planetary geology. -- Associate Professor Rina Noguchi and her student Wataru Nakagawa of Niigata University conducted indoor analog experiments to simulate rootless cone formation. -- They used heated starch syrup as a lava analog and a mixture of baking soda and cake syrup to represent a water-containing layer. -- In natural settings, lava temperatures exceed 1000°C, heating water until it vaporizes and expands explosively. -- However, starch syrup reaches only about 140°C before caramelizing, insufficient to vaporize water. -- To overcome this, the researchers used baking soda's thermal decomposition -- a reaction familiar from making karumeyaki (Japanese honeycomb toffee) -- to enhance foaming.	C01	930
2504-E007	Tracing The Evolutionary Journey Of Camellia Japonica And Camellia Rusticana	A recent study has traced the demographic history of Camellia japonica and Camellia rusticana, revealing their origins date back to the Miocene epoch. Contrary to previous beliefs about their evolution from Pacific-related species, the findings suggest a complex history shaped by geological and climatic changes. Understanding the genetic health and adaptability of these important plant species provides valuable insights into their distribution and ecological significance.	Niigata University	Ecology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Japan Sea element plants are generally thought to have evolved from closely related species on the Pacific side. Camellia japonica and Camellia rusticana were also believed to follow this pattern. However, a new study revealed that their origins trace back to the Miocene, when the Japanese archipelago separated from the continent. -- The distribution of plants has been shaped by geological and climatic changes over time through repeated migration, extinction, and adaptation to new environments. -- The genus Camellia, comprising over 100 species mainly in East Asia, is a representative warm-temperate tree of the Sino-Japanese Floristic Region. -- In Japan, four species of Camellia are found, with Camellia japonica and Camellia rusticana being the most well known. -- C. japonica has a broad distribution from Aomori Prefecture in the cool-temperate zone to subtropical Taiwan and the coastal regions of China, suggesting its high adaptability to different climates. -- In contrast, C. rusticana is a Japan Sea element plant adapted to heavy snowfall areas. -- Plants categorized as Japan Sea elements are generally thought to have evolved from closely related species on the Pacific side, and C. japonica and C. rusticana were also believed to follow this pattern. -- Following this idea, C. rusticana was hypothesized to have diverged from C. japonica as an adaptation to snow-covered environments. -- However, this hypothesis had not been fully tested scientifically. -- This study aimed to clarify the evolutionary history of these two species by analyzing their distributional changes using genetic analyses and ecological niche modeling.	C01 N02	931
2505-E081	Soil CO2 Release Increases Significantly From Drying And Rewetting Cycles	Research from Japan demonstrates that drying-rewetting cycles in forest and pastureland soils lead to a significant increase in carbon dioxide release due to microbial destruction and changes in organic matter. Conducted by a collaborative team, the study reveals that CO2 emissions can increase 1.3- to 3.7-fold under these conditions, emphasizing the need to understand soil carbon dynamics in the context of climate change.	Niigata University	SOIL	Press Rel	PubMed	Although obese individuals are at greater risk of diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, not all obese people develop metabolic diseases of this kind. With around a quarter of all obese individuals are healthy, scientists are trying to work out why some obese people become unhealthy while others do not. -- Now, a comprehensive study by researchers from Zurich and Leipzig has provided a vital basis for this work. Specifically, the researchers have produced a detailed atlas with data from healthy and unhealthy overweight people, on their fat (adipose) tissue, and on the gene activity in this tissue's cells. "Our results can be used to look for cellular markers that provide information on the risk of developing metabolic diseases," explains Adhideb Ghosh, a researcher in ETH Professor Christian Wolfrum's group and one of the two lead authors of the study. "The data is also of great interest for basic research. It could help us develop new therapies for metabolic diseases." -- Investigating a large biobank -- For this study, Ghosh and his colleagues used the Leipzig Obesity Biobank, an extensive collection of biopsies taken from obese individuals. Compiled by scientists from the University of Leipzig, these samples originate from obese patients who underwent elective surgery and consented to the collection of adipose tissue samples for research purposes. The collection also includes extensive medical information on the patients' health. -- Since the tissue samples were all taken from obese individuals with or without metabolic diseases, they allow comparison between individuals with healthy and unhealthy obesity. In samples from 70 volunteers, the researchers at ETH Zurich examined which genes were active -- and how active they were -- on a cell-by-cell basis for two types of adipose tissue: subcutaneous and visceral. -- Scientists and medical experts assume that visceral fat, which lies deep in the abdominal cavity and surrounds the internal organs, is primarily responsible for metabolic diseases. By contrast, experts generally believe that fat located directly beneath the skin is less problematic. -- For the study, it was vital that the adipose tissue cells were not all simply lumped together, as this tissue comprises not only fat cells (adipocytes) but also cells of other types. "In fact, the adipocytes are in the minority," explains Isabel Reinisch, a postdoc in Wolfrum's group and second lead author of the study. A large part of adipose tissue is made up of immune cells, cells that form blood vessels, and immature precursor cells of adipocytes. Another cell type, known as mesothelial cells, are found only in visceral adipose tissue and mark its outer boundary. -- Abdominal fat remodelled -- As the researchers were able to show, there are significant functional changes in cells in the visceral adipose tissue of people with metabolic diseases. This remodelling affects almost every cell type in this form of tissue. For example, the genetic analyses showed that the adipocytes of unhealthy individuals could no longer burn fats as effectively and instead produced greater quantities of immunologic messenger molecules. "These substances trigger an immune response in the visceral fat of obese people," explains Reinisch. "It's conceivable that this response promotes the development of metabolic diseases." -- The researchers also found very clear differences in the number and function of mesothelial cells: in healthy obese individuals, there is a far greater proportion of mesothelial cells in the visceral fat and these cells exhibit greater functional flexibility. Specifically, the cells can switch into a sort of stem cell mode and therefore convert into different cell types, such as adipocytes, in healthy individuals. "The ability of fully differentiated cells to convert into stem cells is otherwise primarily associated with cancer," says Reinisch. She was surprised, therefore, to find this ability in adipose tissue as well. "We suspect that the flexible cells at the edge of the adipose tissue in healthy obese individuals facilitate smooth tissue expansion."	C01	932
2501-E021	Flood Risk Classifications May Mislead Developers And Homebuyers	Research from North Carolina State University highlights how traditional flood risk communication may mislead developers and homeowners, creating a "safe development paradox." This framing can lead to increased construction near high-risk flood zones, emphasizing the need for clearer messaging to mitigate flood-related risks effectively.	North Carolina State University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Common methods of communicating flood risk may create a false sense of security, leading to increased development in areas threatened by flooding. -- This phenomenon, called the "safe development paradox," is described in a new paper from North Carolina State University. -- Lead author Georgina Sanchez, a research scholar in NC State's Center for Geospatial Analytics, said this may be an unintended byproduct of how the Federal Emergency Management Agency classifies areas based on their probability of dangerous flooding. -- Known as flood mapping, this classification system describes areas in terms of their likelihood of being flooded each year. -- These classifications are then used to determine all kinds of regulatory requirements, such as whether a developer or homeowner must purchase flood insurance. -- For example, an area with a 1% chance of flooding in any given year would be referred to as a 100-year floodplain -- and anything in the 100-year floodplain is designated "high risk." -- However, by designating the 100-year floodplain as "high risk," regulators may unintentionally give the mistaken assumption that anything outside that zone carries no risk, Sanchez said. -- "What our current methods do is draw a line between the 100-year floodplain, which is considered 'high risk,' and everything outside of it. We communicate flood risk in a way that says you are either on the 'at risk' side of that line, or the 'minimal risk' side," Sanchez said. -- "If you are on the 'safe' side, then you are not required to purchase flood insurance or meet strict structural requirements. It then becomes more affordable to live just outside the floodplain, where the perceived risk is lower, yet you are still close to the beautiful lakes, rivers and coastlines we love." -- This, Sanchez said, creates a mechanism that clusters development just beyond the highest-risk flood areas, even though in reality the risk extends beyond the floodplain's edge.	A01 C01	933
2501-E048	Lampreys’ Genetic Divergence Linked To One Of Earth’s Hottest Climate Periods.	New research indicates that climatic shifts during a warm period in Earth’s history may have driven genetic divergence in lampreys. This study contributes to understanding the evolutionary responses of aquatic species to environmental changes, offering insights into how current climate issues may similarly impact biodiversity.	North Carolina State University	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study finds that one of the hottest periods in Earth's history may have driven lampreys apart -- genetically speaking. The work could have implications for how aquatic species respond to our current changing climate. -- "Lampreys are simultaneously creepy and special -- even though people tend to think of them as just tubes with a freaky circle of teeth," says Lily Hughes, corresponding author of the study. Hughes is a research assistant professor at North Carolina State University and the curator of ichthyology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. -- "They are an ancient and amazing species, and their larvae play an important role in filtering nutrients and maintaining water quality in stream beds," Hughes says. "But very little is known about their evolutionary relationships, or tree of life." -- There are only 48 currently recognized species of lampreys, and they are divided into three families: one that lives in the Northern Hemisphere, and two in the Southern Hemisphere. No lamprey species are found in the tropics near the equator. -- Hughes, study co-first author Devin Bloom, and the research team set out to determine when these groups diverged from their common ancestor. Bloom is an associate professor at Western Michigan University. -- Using a combination of DNA samples from living lampreys and information from the fossil record, the team constructed phylogenomic trees that revealed a split between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere lampreys around 93 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. -- "We do know that during this time period, average temperatures globally were about 82 F (28.1 C), and the average tropical temperature was 93.5 F (34.2 C)," Hughes says. "Lamprey larvae like to be cooler, which is why they burrow into stream beds. The tropical temperatures at this point were much hotter than larval lampreys can survive. -- "A couple of things could have happened as a result of these temperatures to explain the split: maybe tropical lampreys went extinct and the groups lost a common genetic link that way, or maybe the lampreys just moved away from the equator to more temperate climes. While we don't know how the lampreys were distributed at the time, we do know that this is when they split." -- The findings represent a new hypothesis for lamprey distribution. -- "One appealing explanation for the highly disjunct distribution of lampreys was existence of the ancient super continent Pangea, which could have physically separated the groups," Bloom says. "But our study, which combines fossil and genomic information, shows divergence between Northern and Southern Hemisphere lampreys happened long after the breakup of Pangea."	C01 N02	934
2501-E051	Understanding The Spread Of Powdery Mildew Could Help Blueberry Growers.	A study from North Carolina State University tracks the spread of powdery mildew fungus affecting blueberries, identifying its global dissemination pattern. Understanding the environmental factors influencing the pathogen's spread will aid blueberry growers in developing monitoring and management strategies to protect their crops effectively.	North Carolina State University	New Phytologist	Press Rel	PubMed	A new North Carolina State University study pinpoints the worldwide spread of a fungus that taints blueberry plants with powdery mildew, a disease that reduces blueberry yield and encourages the use of fungicides to combat disease spread. The findings could help blueberry growers predict, monitor and control the spread of powdery mildew. -- The study shows that the fungus, Erysiphe vaccinii, has in the last 12 years or so spread from its point of origin in the eastern United States to multiple continents. -- "We're watching this global spread happen right now, in real time," said Michael Bradshaw, assistant professor of plant pathology at NC State and the corresponding author of a paper describing the research. -- As its name suggests, powdery mildew disease causes a white, powdery substance to cover host plants, stealing nutrients and retarding photosynthesis while keeping the host alive. -- Different species of this fungus affect different plants; wheat, hops, grapes and strawberries, among other plants, have been detrimentally affected by powdery mildew. -- "There are other closely related powdery mildews that affect plants like wild berries or eucalyptus, but these are genetically different from the ones spreading across the world on blueberries," Bradshaw said. -- In the study, Bradshaw and his colleagues examined historic and modern plant leaves plagued by powdery mildew. -- The collection includes 173 samples from North America, Europe, Africa and Asia; one sample analyzed from a North American herbarium was collected over 150 years ago, while the foreign samples were all collected within the past five years. -- In this study, powdery mildew was first spotted outside North America on a farm in Portugal in 2012, as noted by a co-author of Bradshaw's who was employed by a major berry company. -- The researchers performed genetic testing on the fungal samples to trace the history and spread of powdery mildew disease.	N02	935
2502-E026	Chornobyl Dogs: Genetic Differences Not Linked To Radiation Mutation	A new study in PLOS ONE suggests that radiation-induced mutations are unlikely to explain genetic differences between dog populations in Chornobyl City and the nearby nuclear power plant. Researchers from North Carolina State University and Columbia University investigated two distinct dog populations, finding that environmental toxins, including radiation, may not significantly influence genetic divergence despite their close proximity. This research has important implications for understanding the effects of environmental contamination on animal populations.	North Carolina State University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Radiation-induced mutation is unlikely to have induced genetic differences between dog populations in Chornobyl City and the nearby Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), according to a new study in PLOS ONE from North Carolina State University and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. The study has implications for understanding the effects of environmental contamination on populations over time. -- "We have been working with two dog populations that, while separated by just 16 kilometers, or about 10 miles, are genetically distinct," says Matthew Breen, Oscar J. Fletcher Distinguished Professor of Comparative Oncology Genetics at NC State. -- "We are trying to determine if low-level exposure over many years to environmental toxins such as radiation, lead, etcetera, could explain some of those differences." Breen is the corresponding author of the study. -- Previously, the team had analyzed genetic variants distributed across the genome and identified 391 outlier regions in the dogs that differed between the two populations. -- Some of these regions contained genes associated specifically with repair of DNA damage. -- In this new study, the researchers conducted a deeper dive into the genomes of the dogs to detect evidence of mutations that may have accumulated over time. -- "First, we contextualized the level of genetic differences between two dog populations, which indicated that the genetics of Chornobyl City dogs were very similar to dog populations in Russia, Poland and the surrounding areas," says Megan Dillon, Ph.D. candidate at NC State and lead author of the study. -- "That way, we were able to use the Chornobyl City dogs as a representative control population to compare with the NPP dogs." -- The researchers started to look for differences first at the chromosomal level, then at small genome intervals, and then at differences in single nucleotides. -- The team was looking for abnormalities and evidence of accumulated germ line DNA mutations, changes that occur in DNA of reproductive cells and are passed down from parent to offspring over time.	N01 N02	936
2502-T049	New Method Optimizes AI Model Updates For Sustainability And Efficiency	AI Model Update Cost Prediction: Researchers have developed a method to predict the computational and energy costs associated with updating deep learning models. This innovation aids in making sustainable decisions regarding AI model management, highlighting the importance of evaluating the entire lifecycle of these models for sustainability efforts.	North Carolina State University	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	The process of updating deep learning/AI models when they face new tasks or must accommodate changes in data can have significant costs in terms of computational resources and energy consumption. Researchers have developed a novel method that predicts those costs, allowing users to make informed decisions about when to update AI models to improve AI sustainability. -- "There have been studies that focused on making deep learning model training more efficient," says Jung-Eun Kim, corresponding author of a paper on the work and an assistant professor of computer science at North Carolina State University. -- "However, over a model's life cycle, it will likely need to be updated many times. One reason is that, as our work here shows, retraining an existing model is much more cost effective than training a new model from scratch. -- "If we want to address sustainability issues related to deep learning AI, we must look at computational and energy costs across a model's entire life cycle -- including the costs associated with updates. If you cannot predict what the costs will be ahead of time, it is impossible to engage in the type of planning that makes sustainability efforts possible. That makes our work here particularly valuable." -- Training a deep learning model is a computationally intensive process, and users want to go as long as possible without having to update the AI. However, two types of shifts can happen that make these updates inevitable. -- First, the task that the AI is performing may need to be modified. -- For example, if a model was initially tasked with only classifying digits and traffic symbols, you may need to modify the task to identify vehicles and humans as well. -- This is called a task shift. -- Second, the data users provide to the model may change. For example, you may need to make use of a new kind of data, or perhaps the data you are working with is being coded in a different way. -- Either way, the AI needs to be updated to accommodate the change.	C01 T01	937
2503-T003	Wearable Technologies: Innovations That Generate Power From Human Movement	Innovations in wearable technology have led to the creation of devices that generate electricity from human movement while enhancing user comfort. Researchers have focused on amphiphiles, molecules that reduce friction against skin, to improve textile performance. This foundational understanding allows engineers to tailor materials for various applications, potentially revolutionizing how wearable tech interacts with users by combining energy generation with comfort.	North Carolina State University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have demonstrated new wearable technologies that both generate electricity from human movement and improve the comfort of the technology for the people wearing them. The work stems from an advanced understanding of materials that increase comfort in textiles and produce electricity when they rub against another surface. -- At issue are molecules called amphiphiles, which are often used in consumer products to reduce friction against human skin. -- For example, amphiphiles are often incorporated into diapers to prevent chafing. -- “We set out to develop a model that would give us a detailed fundamental understanding of how different amphiphiles affect the surface friction of different materials,” says Lilian Hsiao, corresponding author of a paper on the work and an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at North Carolina State University. -- “The model helps us understand the molecular basis for friction reduction and can be used by engineers to tailor a material’s properties for different applications.” -- “We then began a series of experiments to explore whether we could use amphiphiles to modify materials and incorporate them into haptic energy harvesters,” says Saad Khan, co-corresponding author and INVISTA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. -- “Specifically, we wanted to know if we could create energy from friction in amphiphile-modified materials. It turns out we could not only generate electricity, but we could do so while also reducing the friction that people wearing these materials experience.” -- In other words, the researchers found they could use amphiphiles to create wearable fabrics with slippery surfaces that feel good against human skin. -- The researchers also found that some amphiphiles have electronic properties that allow them to “donate” electrons. -- And when the researchers incorporated those electron-donating amphiphiles into the wearable materials, the end result was a material that was both comfortable and capable of generating electricity through friction produced by rubbing against human skin or other materials.	H01 T01	938
2504-036	Distractions Reduce Effectiveness Of Prompts In Partially Automated Driving Systems	A study has shown that prompts in partially automated driving systems can successfully engage drivers and encourage them to take control of their vehicles, except when they are deeply distracted. This highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring driver awareness and readiness in an era of increasing automation in vehicle technology.	North Carolina State University	Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study finds that prompts do a good job of getting drivers to engage with their environment and take over control of the vehicle when necessary while using partially automated driving systems -- with one exception. If drivers are deeply distracted, these system-generated prompts have little or no effect. -- Partially automated driving systems -- such as adaptive cruise control and technologies that keep a car in its lane or automate lane changes -- are increasingly common in new vehicle models. However, these technologies do not allow a car to drive itself. -- "Drivers still need to be aware of their surroundings and be able to take control of the vehicle at any time, in order to deal with system failures or other unexpected situations," says Jing Feng, corresponding author of a paper on the work and a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University. "Ensuring that drivers are engaged and able to assume control of the vehicle is a significant challenge." -- "Our work here focused on assessing whether conversational prompts from the partially automated system are effective at keeping drivers engaged and, by extension, better able to take control of the vehicle in a timely way," says Xiaoliu Bai, first author of the paper and a Ph.D. student at NC State. -- In this context, a conversational prompt consists of an audio cue -- such as a beep -- and a text message asking the driver to answer a question about the driving environment. For example, "Is the speed limit still 55 miles per hour?" or "Is the vehicle behind you following at a safe distance?" -- To assess the effectiveness of conversational prompts at maintaining driver engagement, the researchers conducted two experiments. -- In the first experiment, the researchers recruited 24 study participants. Using a vehicle simulator, all 24 participants went on six "drives." During some of the drives, participants received no prompts. During some of the drives, participants received driving-oriented conversational prompts. And during the remaining drives, participants received conversational prompts unrelated to driving, with questions such as "Did you eat breakfast this morning?" In all six drives, the study participant was required to take over the vehicle at some point. -- In the second experiment, the researchers recruited 24 different study participants. The participants went on the same six "drives" under the same conditions. However, in the second experiment, the study participants were also offered a cash reward for solving anagrams on their phone while driving. -- "We asked the participants in Experiment 2 to solve anagrams because that is a non-driving-related task that is cognitively demanding," Bai says. "And it made a significant difference." -- The researchers found that study participants in Experiment 1 did the best job of taking over the vehicle promptly when they were receiving and interacting with driving-related conversational prompts. However, even the conversational prompts unrelated to driving improved performance when compared to study participants receiving no prompts at all.	C01 T01	939
2504-E009	Irish Potato Famine Pathogen Traced Back To The South American Andes Mountains	A study from North Carolina State University has pinpointed the Andes Mountains as the origin of the Irish potato famine pathogen, Phytophthora infestans. By analyzing genetic data from various Phytophthora species, researchers provide strong evidence for the pathogen's journey from South America to North America, ultimately leading to the devastating impact in Ireland during the 1840s. This research enhances understanding of late-blight disease persistence in agricultural settings.	North Carolina State University	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Call it a mystery solved. -- North Carolina State University researchers firmly point the finger at the South American Andes Mountains as the place where the Irish potato famine pathogen, Phtytophthora infestans, originated. -- In a wide-ranging study of the genetic material found in P. infestans and other members of the Phytophthora species, the NC State researchers provide more evidence that P. infestans spread from South America to North America before wreaking havoc in Ireland in the 1840s. -- The pathogen still causes late-blight disease on potato and tomato plants around the world. -- Much of the study's evidence compares whole genomes of P. infestans with those of close relative pathogens -- Phytophthora andina and Phytophthora betacei -- which are only found in South America. -- The results show that these three species are very similar. -- "It's one of the largest whole-genome studies of not only P. infestans, but also the sister lineages," said Jean Ristaino, William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University and corresponding author of a paper in PLOS One that describes the study. -- "By sequencing these genomes and accounting for evolutionary relationships and migration patterns, we show that the whole Andean region is a hot spot for speciation, or where a species splits into two or more distinct species." -- In recent decades, scientists have been split in their theories about the point of origin for P. infestans, with some hypothesizing a Mexico origin rather than a South American origin. -- Yet, the paper shows distinct differences between P. infestans and the two Mexican pathogen species, P. mirabilis and P. ipomoea.	N02	940
2507-T021	New Technique Uses Light To Enhance The Properties Of Quantum Dots Efficiently	Researchers at North Carolina State University have unveiled a new technique to rapidly and efficiently tune the optical properties of quantum dots using light, enhancing sustainability without sacrificing material quality. Quantum dots, crucial in various applications like LEDs and solar cells, benefit from this innovative method that streamlines the tuning process. This breakthrough could significantly impact future technologies reliant on quantum dots, making processes more energy-efficient.	North Carolina State University	North Carolina State University	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a new technique that uses light to tune the optical properties of quantum dots -- making the process faster, more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable -- without compromising material quality. -- "The discovery of quantum dots earned the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 2023 because they are used in so many applications," says Milad Abolhasani, corresponding author of a paper on the work and ALCOA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. -- "We use them in LEDs, solar cells, displays, quantum technologies and so on. To tune their optical properties, you need to tune the bandgap of quantum dots -- the minimum energy required to excite an electron from a bound state to a free-moving state -- since this directly determines the color of light they emit. -- "Existing methods for bandgap tuning of perovskite quantum dots rely on chemical modifications or high-temperature reactions, both of which are energy-intensive and can introduce inconsistencies in the final material properties," Abolhasani says. -- "Our new approach uses light to drive the reaction, which requires less energy and allows us to be incredibly precise." -- For this work, the researchers started out with green-emitting perovskite quantum dots and placed them in a solution containing either chlorine or iodine. -- This solution is then run through a microfluidic system that incorporates a light source. -- The microfluidic environment enables precise reaction control by ensuring uniform light exposure across small solution volumes, approximately 10 microliters per reaction droplet. -- This is important because the small volume solution allows the light to penetrate the entire sample, and the resulting photochemical reactions take place very rapidly throughout the sample. -- The light then triggers reactions that make the green-emitting perovskite quantum dots move closer to the blue end of the spectrum when chlorine is present in the solvent, and closer to the red end of the spectrum when iodine is present in the solvent.	C01 T01	941
2511-E023	Encapsulating Bacteria To Boost Plant Growth: A New Agricultural Technique	A novel technique has been developed to encapsulate beneficial bacteria for application in agriculture, aiding plant growth and pest protection. This method stabilizes fragile bacteria, enabling their integration with agrochemicals, and represents a significant advancement in creating effective agricultural products that enhance crop health while minimizing reliance on chemical pesticides.	North Carolina State University	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have demonstrated a technique for successfully encapsulating bacteria that can then be stored and applied to plants to improve plant growth and protect against pests and pathogens. The technique opens the door to creating a wide range of crop applications that allow farmers to make use of these beneficial bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals. -- "Many of the beneficial bacteria we know of are fairly fragile, making it difficult to incorporate them into practical, shelf-stable products that can be applied to plant roots or leaves," says John Cheadle, co-lead author of a paper on the work and a Ph.D. student at North Carolina State University. -- "The technique we demonstrate here essentially stabilizes these bacteria, making it possible to develop customized probiotics for plants." -- At issue are plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs), which are microbes that benefit plant health and growth, helping plants extract nutrients from the environment and protecting them from pests or pathogens. -- "A longstanding challenge for making use of these bacteria has been that if you tried to come up with a single application that combined them with agrochemicals, like pesticides or fertilizers, the bacteria would die," says Saad Khan, co-corresponding author of the paper and INVISTA Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State. -- "We wanted to develop a solution that would allow bacteria to be used in conjunction with chemicals already in widespread use by growers." -- "By the same token, a healthy plant microbiome allows the plants to make better use of nutrients available in the soil and more resistant to pathogens," says Tahira Pirzada, co-corresponding author and a research scholar at NC State. -- "This may allow growers to use less fertilizer and pesticides without hurting crop production." -- The new technique revolves around a custom-made emulsion, with only a handful of ingredients. -- One part of the emulsion consists of a saline solution that contains PGPBs.	C01 N02	942
2512-T014	Innovative Water Microcleaners: A Solution for Microplastic Pollution	Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed innovative water microcleaners capable of self-dispersing to capture and remove microplastics from water in a single cycle. Their proof-of-concept study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, demonstrates the potential for these soft particles to address microplastic pollution, providing a promising avenue for cleaning oceans and safeguarding environmental health, as they effectively float to the surface after capturing contaminants.	North Carolina State University	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new paper, researchers at North Carolina State University show proof of concept for a system that, in a single cycle, actively removes microplastics from water. -- The findings, described in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, hold the potential for advances in cleansing oceans and other bodies of water of tiny plastics that may harm human health and the environment. -- "The idea behind this work is: Can we make the cleaning materials in the form of soft particles that self-disperse in water, capture microplastics as they sink, and then return to the surface with the captured microplastic contaminants?" said Orlin Velev, the S. Frank and Doris Culberson Distinguished Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State and corresponding author of the paper. -- "We demonstrated how multiple principles can be integrated into a system that works in a single cycle." -- The research starts with soft dendritic colloids -- unique, hierarchically-branched soft particles with distinct properties such as the ability to stick to just about any surface -- which can be created from a variety of polymers. -- Velev and Ph.D. student Haeleen Hong, the paper's first author, say these particles' sticky nature can attract microplastics and grab them -- even in wet and salty conditions, like ocean water. -- "The cleansing particles in this research are made from chitosan, a biodegradable polymer originating from chitin, which comes from processed shellfish waste," Velev said. -- He adds that using environmentally safe materials that already come from the sea makes the process more sustainable. -- Soft dendritic colloids take the shape of small pellets when dried in droplets suspended over a water-repellent surface. -- When dropped into water, particles in the pellets separate and spread out to hunt microplastics.	N01	943
2513-E008	Researchers Find Effective Bait For Camera Traps To Study Elusive Weasel Populations	A recent study aims to enhance the detection of elusive weasels through improved camera trap methods. Researchers discovered that red meat, especially when paired with scent oils, was the most effective bait, providing valuable insights for conservationists working to monitor weasel populations and understand their behavior in various habitats across the United States.	North Carolina State University	Wildlife Society Bulletin	Press Rel	PubMed	When monitoring the health of mammal populations, scientists often use camera traps to observe the animals in their habitats. But weasels are so sneaky they're rarely caught on camera -- leaving scientists with questions about this population of predators. -- "We're a little worried about the weasels," says Roland Kays, a research professor at North Carolina State University and scientist at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences. -- "We don't see them very often, but it's difficult to tell if they're actually gone or if they're just so sneaky that we can't find them. We decided that we needed to better understand the best method to detect them. There wasn't a great consensus on that." -- That problem is the focus of a new study by Kays and a host of collaborators, which examines what kind of bait is most effective at luring weasels out of hiding. -- Between 2022 and 2023, researchers placed 486 camera traps in sites across the central and eastern United States where they knew weasels lived. -- They baited those traps with seven types of lures to see which ones attracted the most mustelids -- a diverse family of carnivores that includes weasels, ferrets and martens. -- Red meat outperformed all other baits, especially when supplemented with a bit of salmon oil. -- Weasels in the south also had a taste for chicken, Kays said. -- Because red meat is also attractive to most other predators, researchers used a new double-cage system to make it harder for larger animals to reach the bait. -- "There is a huge variety of scent lures available, and trappers often make their own from all kinds of ingredients," he said.	N01	944
2501-T018	The Myth Of The 'Red Advantage' In Olympic Combat Sports Is Debunked	A recent study challenges the long-held belief that wearing red attire in combat sports provides an advantage. Researchers analyzed results from major international tournaments and found no significant correlation between clothing color and winning rates, debunking this myth in sports psychology.	Northumbria University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Wearing a red outfit in combat sports has been believed to provide an advantage for athletes, but a new study suggests there is no longer any truth in the claim. -- In boxing, taekwondo and wrestling, athletes are randomly assigned either red or blue sports attire. -- Previous research in 2005 found that wearing red may be linked to a higher likelihood of winning in Olympic combat sports, particularly in closely contested bouts, but this had not been tested across multiple tournaments. -- Psychologists from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Northumbria University joined with researchers from Durham University who led the initial study on the red advantage to test the hypothesis across sixteen major international tournaments. -- Using advanced data analysis techniques, they analysed the outcomes of over 6,500 contestants from seven summer Olympic Games and nine World Boxing Championships held between 1996 and 2020. -- Their analysis revealed that athletes in red won 50.5% of the time, meaning the colour the athletes wore had no significant effect on their performance. -- In close contests with a narrow points difference, those wearing red won 51.5% of the time, but this is also not considered to be a statistically significant bias. -- The researchers did, however, find that in competitions held pre-2005 there was an advantage for those athletes wearing red. -- In close contests, 56% of victories were won by those in red attire. -- The researchers believe that the red advantage has faded since 2005 due to an increased use of technology in scoring points and changes in tournament rules.	H01	945
2502-T023	Breakthrough Understanding Of Cosmic Particle Accelerators And Shock Waves	Recent research sheds light on collisionless shock waves' ability to accelerate particles to extreme speeds, offering insights into their role in producing cosmic rays. By integrating satellite data with theoretical models, scientists have addressed key questions about electron acceleration, enhancing our understanding of fundamental astrophysical processes and their applications in space physics.	Northumbria University	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have come a step closer to understanding how collisionless shock waves -- found throughout the universe -- are able to accelerate particles to extreme speeds. -- These shock waves are one of nature's most powerful particle accelerators and have long intrigued scientists for the role they play in producing cosmic rays -- high-energy particles that travel across vast distances in space. -- The research, published today in Nature Communications, combines satellite observations from NASA's MMS (Magnetospheric Multiscale) and THEMIS/ARTEMIS missions with recent theoretical advancements, offering a comprehensive new model to explain the acceleration of electrons in collisionless shock environments. -- The paper, 'Revealing an Unexpectedly Low Electron Injection Threshold via Reinforced Shock Acceleration', was written by a team of international academics, led by Dr Savvas Raptis of The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, in the USA, and in collaboration with Northumbria University's Dr Ahmad Lalti. -- This research addresses a long-standing puzzle in astrophysics -- how electrons reach extremely high, or relativistic, energy levels. -- For decades, scientists have been trying to answer a crucial question in space physics: What processes allow electrons to be accelerated to relativistic speeds? -- The main mechanism to explain acceleration of electrons to relativistic energies is called Fermi acceleration or Diffusive Shock Acceleration (DSA). However, this mechanism requires electrons to be initially energized to a specific threshold energy before getting efficiently accelerated by DSA. -- Trying to address how electrons achieve this initial energy is known as 'the injection problem'. -- This new study provides key insights into the electron injection problem, showing that electrons can be accelerated to high energies through the interaction of various processes across multiple scales. -- Using real-time data from the MMS mission, which measures the interaction of Earth's magnetosphere with the solar wind, and the THEMIS/ARTEMIS mission, which studies the upstream plasma environment near the Moon, the research team observed a large scale, time dependent (i.e. transient) phenomenon, upstream of Earth's bow shock, on December 17, 2017.	Z01	946
2508-E006	Ancient Stromatolites Reveal Volcanic Activity's Role In Early Marine Life	Analysis of ancient stromatolites from Zimbabwe has uncovered significant connections to hydrothermal nutrient recycling, suggesting volcanic activity may have fueled early life on Earth. A research team explored nitrogen cycling patterns within these stromatolites, providing insights into Earth's conditions prior to the Great Oxidation Event. The unusual nitrogen isotope patterns discovered could enhance our understanding of early marine environments and the evolution of life.	Northumbria University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Analysis of fossilised rocks known as stromatolites from more than two-and-a-half billion years ago has provided new insights into the conditions on Earth before the evolution of oxygen. -- Led by Northumbria University researcher, Dr Ashley Martin, an international team with expertise in geology, microbiology, and geochemistry, worked in partnership to investigate nitrogen cycling patterns within ancient stromatolites, preserved in southern Zimbabwe. -- Nitrogen is vital for all life on Earth but must first be converted into useable, bioavailable, forms as it passes through the atmosphere, soil, plants and animals in the nitrogen cycle. -- The team believe the unusual nitrogen isotope patterns found in Zimbabwe can offer new understandings of the mechanisms at play in Earth's early marine environment before the Great Oxidation Event, which occurred between 2.5 to 2.3 billion years ago. -- This event, which was likely caused by the evolution of photosynthesis, is a major milestone in Earth's history, and saw the first rise of oxygen concentration in Earth's atmosphere. -- Scientists have long debated about the biological and chemical conditions that led to the Great Oxidation Event and little is known about nitrogen cycles before it took place. -- At this point in time, the early Earth would have looked very different from today, with most continents still submerged beneath a great ocean that covered the planet. -- Dr Martin, from the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Northumbria University, said: "There are two key nutrients that control productivity in the oceans on geological timescales -- nitrogen and phosphorus. Together they ultimately control the productivity of marine life. -- "Our study reveals high nitrogen isotope values in 2.75 billion-year-old shallow water stromatolites, and lower nitrogen values in deeper marine sediments. This suggests that ammonium, which is nitrogen in its reduced form, accumulated in the deep waters and was brought into shallow waters by upwelling -- the movement of deep nutrient-rich water towards the surface of the ocean. -- "A large ammonium reservoir would have been very beneficial for early life, providing the nitrogen source needed for biological processes to occur. These conditions, likely in an ocean depleted of dissolved oxygen with a strong volcanic or hydrothermal influence, would have helped to support microbial growth, potentially spurring biological innovations and paving the way for the Great Oxidation Event."	C01 N01 N02	947
2512-080	Researchers Urge National Strategy To Support Remote Eating Disorder Services Amid Rising Cases	Growing numbers of individuals with eating disorders in the UK, combined with a lack of standardized support, have prompted researchers to advocate for a national strategy to improve service delivery. A recent paper highlights the urgent need for unified guidance and consistent care to address the disparities in help available for those struggling with eating disorders across the country.	Northumbria University	Journal of Eating Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	A paper led by academics at Northumbria University, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders today (27 March), points to figures outlining the scale of the challenges and increasing numbers of people impacted: -- Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK have an eating disorder -- 12.5% of 17 to 19-year-olds in England reported having an eating disorder in 2023, compared with 0.8% in 2017 -- The financial cost of eating disorders to the English economy was estimated as £8 billion in 2020 -- The paper states that, in addition to increasing numbers, the lack of national guidance, ad hoc data collection, and inconsistencies in both quality of care and evaluation of service provision are leading to disparities in support provided to people with eating disorders across England. -- This has led to calls from activists, politicians and the Health and Social Care Committee for the Government to implement a national eating disorder strategy for England. -- These calls have been echoed by the researchers who have been leading a three-year project investigating the impact of the rapid transition to remote care during the Covid-19 pandemic on people with eating disorders. -- The RHED-C project, led by Dr Dawn Branley-Bell, Associate Professor and Director of the Psychology and Communication Technology Lab (PaCT Lab) at Northumbria, is funded by the Medical Research Foundation. -- The team conducted interactive workshops, one-to-one interviews, and a UK-wide survey with people with lived experience of eating disorders, as well as engaging with service providers. -- They also explored the benefits and challenges of receiving and providing online healthcare for those with eating disorders and eating distress.	A01 H02 R01 C01	948
2501-E014	Innovative Green Batteries Created From Organic Industrial Waste For Sustainable Energy.	Northwestern University researchers are pioneering the use of organic industrial waste as an innovative storage solution for green batteries. This approach not only addresses waste management challenges but also promotes sustainable energy storage alternatives essential for the ongoing green energy transition.	Northwestern University	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	The batteries used in our phones, devices and even cars rely on metals like lithium and cobalt, sourced through intensive and invasive mining. As more products begin to depend on battery-based energy storage systems, shifting away from metal-based solutions will be critical to facilitating the green energy transition. -- Now, a team at Northwestern University has transformed an organic industrial-scale waste product into an efficient storage agent for sustainable energy solutions that can one day be applied at much larger scales. While many iterations of these batteries, called redox flow batteries, are in production or being researched for grid-scale applications, using a waste molecule -- triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) -- marked a first in the field. -- Thousands of tons of the well-known chemical byproduct are produced each year by many organic industrial synthesis processes -- including the production of some vitamins, among other things -- but it is rendered useless and must be carefully discarded following production. -- In a paper published today (Jan. 7) in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a "one-pot" reaction allows chemists to turn TPPO into a usable product with powerful potential to store energy, opening the door for viability of waste-derived organic redox flow batteries, a long-imagined battery type. -- "Battery research has traditionally been dominated by engineers and materials scientists," said Northwestern chemist and lead author Christian Malapit. "Synthetic chemists can contribute to the field by molecularly engineering an organic waste product into an energy-storing molecule. Our discovery showcases the potential of transforming waste compounds into valuable resources, offering a sustainable pathway for innovation in battery technology." -- Malapit is an assistant professor in the department of chemistry at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. -- A small part of the battery market at present, the market for redox flow batteries is expected to rise by 15% between 2023 and 2030 to reach a value of 700 million euros worldwide. Unlike lithium and other solid-state batteries which store energy in electrodes, redox flow batteries use a chemical reaction to pump energy back and forth between electrolytes, where their energy is stored. Though not as efficient at energy storage, redox flow batteries are thought to be much better solutions for energy storage at a grid scale. -- "Not only can an organic molecule be used, but it can also achieve high-energy density -- getting closer to its metal-based competitors -- along with high stability," said Emily Mahoney, a Ph.D. candidate in the Malapit lab and the paper's first author. "These two parameters are traditionally challenging to optimize together, so being able to show this for a molecule that is waste-derived is particularly exciting." -- To achieve both energy density and stability, the team needed to identify a strategy that allowed electrons to pack tightly together in the solution without losing storage capacity over time. They looked to the past and found a paper from 1968 describing the electrochemistry of phosphine oxides and, according to Mahoney, "ran with it." -- Then, to evaluate the molecule's resilience as a potential energy-storage agent, the team ran tests using static electrochemical charge and discharge experiments similar to the process of charging a battery, using the battery, and then charging it again, over and over. After 350 cycles, the battery maintained remarkable health, losing negligible capacity over time.	A01 H01 T01	949
2502-089	Social Factors Drive Heart Health Disparities Among Black And Hispanic Mothers	A Northwestern study investigates disparities in maternal heart health among Black and Hispanic mothers, linking these issues to socioeconomic factors. It reveals that improving educational access and social determinants of health could significantly reduce cardiovascular risks associated with pregnancy, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes for these communities.	Northwestern University	Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes	Press Rel	PubMed	Research has established a clear link between racial and ethnic disparities in maternal heart health and higher risks of preterm birth, preeclampsia and cardiovascular issues for Black and Hispanic mothers and their babies. -- Now, a new Northwestern study dives deeper into these disparities and discovered a powerful insight: achieving equity in various social drivers of health -- but particularly education -- could nearly eliminate these gaps. -- Additional education, along with factors such as income and access to healthcare, could reduce the heart health gap between Black and white women by 82% and erase it entirely between Hispanic and white women. -- In other words, social and environmental factors -- not biological differences at birth -- drive steep disparities in cardiovascular health during pregnancy. -- The study published on Jan. 14 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. -- "If racial and ethnic groups achieved the same average years of education, the gaps in heart health between the groups could be substantially reduced," said first author Dr. Natalie Cameron, an instructor of general internal medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine physician. -- "The pathways linking education to heart health are complex and may be related to income, health insurance, access to health care and health-related knowledge," Cameron added. -- How the study was done -- Northwestern scientists analyzed data collected during the beginning of pregnancy from 9,104 participants in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study, who self-identified as Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic white. -- The team began by calculating participants' cardiovascular health scores, which were based on six factors: blood pressure, body weight, exercise levels, diet, smoking behavior and sleep.	H01 H02	950
2502-E015	Detecting Contaminants In Drinking Water: A Game-Changer For Health Monitoring	Scientists have enhanced a sensing platform to detect tiny amounts of contaminants in drinking water, achieving tenfold sensitivity compared to previous models. This advancement allows for the detection of low concentrations of chemicals, including nucleic acids and bacteria, which could lead to breakthroughs in disease monitoring and environmental health. The published results demonstrate the potential for this technology to operate effectively outside laboratory settings, offering practical applications in public health.	Northwestern University	Nat Chem Biol	Press Rel	PubMed	An unplugged electric instrument may function, but it sounds much better when it is connected to an amplifier. Similarly, toxins and other small molecules at low concentrations in the environment or human body may emit quiet signals that are undetectable without specialized lab technology. -- Now, thanks to a "cool trick in biochemistry" used to adapt a sensing platform already being deployed by Northwestern scientists to measure toxins in drinking water, researchers can detect and even measure chemicals at low enough concentrations to have use outside the lab. -- By attaching circuitry akin to a volume knob to "turn up" weak signals, the team opened the door for the system to be applied to disease detection and monitoring in the human body for nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, as well as bacteria such as E. coli. -- The results, which describe a system that is 10 times more sensitive than previous cell-free sensors built by the team, were published today (Jan. -- 13) in the journal Nature Chemical Biology. -- "Biosensors repurposed from nature can, in principle, detect a whole spectrum of contaminants and human health markers, though they're often not sensitive enough as is," said corresponding author and Northwestern synthetic biologist Julius Lucks. -- "By adding genetic circuitry that acts like an amplifier, we can make this biosensing platform meet sensitivity levels needed for application in environmental and human health monitoring." -- Lucks is a professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering and a co-director of the Center for Synthetic Biology. -- Engineering a 'pregnancy test for water' -- ROSALIND's original model could sense 17 different contaminants in a single drop of water, glowing green when a contaminant exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards.	Z01	951
2502-T041	New Polymer With Chainmail-Like Structure Offers Exceptional Flexibility And Strength	2D Mechanically Interlocked Polymer: Researchers have developed a groundbreaking two-dimensional mechanically interlocked polymer that exhibits exceptional strength and flexibility. This innovative material, with a record number of mechanical bonds, shows promise for various applications, including lightweight body armor and other demanding material needs.	Northwestern University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	In a remarkable feat of chemistry, a Northwestern University-led research team has developed the first two-dimensional (2D) mechanically interlocked material. -- Resembling the interlocking links in chainmail, the nanoscale material exhibits exceptional flexibility and strength. -- With further work, it holds promise for use in high-performance, light-weight body armor and other uses that demand lightweight, flexible and tough materials. -- Publishing on Friday (Jan. 17) in the journal Science, the study marks several firsts for the field. -- Not only is it the first 2D mechanically interlocked polymer, but the novel material also contains 100 trillion mechanical bonds per 1 square centimeter -- the highest density of mechanical bonds ever achieved. -- The researchers produced this material using a new, highly efficient and scalable polymerization process. -- "We made a completely new polymer structure," said Northwestern's William Dichtel, the study's corresponding author. -- "It's similar to chainmail in that it cannot easily rip because each of the mechanical bonds has a bit of freedom to slide around. If you pull it, it can dissipate the applied force in multiple directions. And if you want to rip it apart, you would have to break it in many, many different places. We are continuing to explore its properties and will probably be studying it for years." -- Dichtel is the Robert L. Letsinger Professor of Chemistry at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and a member of the International Institute of Nanotechnology (IIN) and the Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy. -- Madison Bardot, a Ph.D. candidate in Dichtel's laboratory and IIN Ryan Fellow, is the study's first author.	Z01	952
2503-T014	New Fast Radio Burst Challenges Assumptions About Their Origins	A groundbreaking discovery has traced a fast radio burst (FRB) to an ancient, dead galaxy, challenging previous assumptions about the origins of these cosmic phenomena. Researchers from Northwestern and McGill University found that this FRB emanated from an area devoid of young stars, suggesting a more diverse range of origins than previously believed. This revelation prompts a reevaluation of existing theories surrounding FRBs, indicating that their sources are more complex than initially thought.	Northwestern University	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, astronomers have traced a fast radio burst (FRB) to the outskirts of an ancient, dead, elliptical galaxy -- an unprecedented home for a phenomenon previously associated with much younger galaxies. -- Detailed in two complementary studies led by Northwestern University and McGill University, the discovery shatters assumptions that FRBs solely emanate from regions of active star formation. -- The new observational evidence, instead, hints that the origins of these mysterious cosmic events might be more diverse than previously thought. -- Both studies will publish on Tuesday (Jan. 21) in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. -- "The prevailing theory is that FRBs come from magnetars formed through core-collapse supernovae," said Northwestern's Tarraneh Eftekhari, who led one of the studies and coauthored the other. -- "That doesn't appear to be the case here. While young, massive stars end their lives as core-collapse supernovae, we don't see any evidence of young stars in this galaxy. Thanks to this new discovery, a picture is emerging that shows not all FRBs come from young stars. Maybe there is a subpopulation of FRBs that are associated with older systems." -- "This new FRB shows us that just when you think you understand an astrophysical phenomenon, the universe turns around and surprises us," said Northwestern's Wen-fai Fong, a senior author on both studies. -- "This 'dialogue' with the universe is what makes our field of time-domain astronomy so incredibly thrilling." -- Eftekhari is a NASA Einstein Fellow at Northwestern's Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA). Fong is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and a member of CIERA. -- A first for the CHIME outrigger telescopes	A01 T01	953
2503-T027	New Strategy Proposed To Maintain Communications In Quantum Networks	In a new study, Northwestern University physicists propose a strategy to maintain communication within dynamic quantum networks utilizing entangled photons, which tend to disappear after use. By rebuilding these connections, the researchers found that the network can stabilize itself. This innovative approach could have significant implications for future quantum communication systems, addressing the challenges posed by the inherent instability of entangled photons in rapidly changing environments.	Northwestern University	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	While entangled photons hold incredible promise for quantum computing and communications, they have a major inherent disadvantage. After one use, they simply disappear. -- In a new study, Northwestern University physicists propose a new strategy to maintain communications in a constantly changing, unpredictable quantum network. -- By rebuilding these disappearing connections, the researchers found the network eventually settles into a stable -- albeit different -- state. -- The key resides in adding a sufficient number of connections to ensure the network continues to function, the researchers found. -- Adding too many connections comes with a high cost, overburdening the resources. -- But adding too few connections results in a fragmented network that cannot satisfy the user demand. -- The findings potentially could lead to optimally designed quantum networks for lightning-fast computing and ultra-secure communications. -- The study was published today (Jan. 23) in the journal Physical Review Letters. -- "Many researchers are putting significant efforts into building larger and better quantum communication networks around the globe," said Northwestern's István Kovács, the study's senior author. -- "But, as soon as a quantum network is opened up to users, it burns down. It's like crossing a bridge and then burning it down behind you. Without intervention, the network quickly dismantles. To tackle this problem, we developed a simple model of users. After each communication event, we added a fixed number of bridges, or links, between disconnected nodes. By adding a large enough number of links after each communication event, we maintained network connectivity."	T01	954
2504-027	Gut-Derived Compound Slows Vitiligo Progression And May Restore Skin Pigmentation	A pre-clinical study conducted at Northwestern University has found that a natural compound from gut-friendly bacteria may significantly slow the progression of vitiligo, a condition causing skin discoloration. The results in mice were promising, suggesting potential therapeutic pathways for millions affected by this autoimmune disorder, and offering hope for restoring skin pigmentation.	Northwestern University	Journal of Investigative Dermatology	Press Rel	PubMed	A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new Northwestern University pre-clinical study in mice. -- The findings could offer hope to millions affected by the autoimmune disease, which causes visible patches of skin discoloration and carries profound emotional and physical consequences. -- "The results in our model were astonishing," said senior study author I. Caroline Le Poole, a professor of dermatology and microbiology-immunology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. -- "We found that administering a microbial compound weekly to vitiligo-prone mice significantly suppressed disease progression. It made a spectacular difference in an aggressive model of the disease." -- The study was recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. -- How the study was conducted -- Le Poole and her colleagues administered a microbial product weekly to vitiligo-prone mice over an 18-week period. -- By the end, pigment loss on the mice's backs was reduced by 74%. -- The product reduced killer T cells that attack the skin's pigment and increased protective regulatory T cells, which are typically scarce in vitiligo patients. -- "This simple microbial compound could work as a standalone therapy, or in synergy with existing treatments," Le Poole said.	H01 R01	955
2504-052	Synthetic Neurons Mimic Human Biological Processes, Unlocking Potential In Robotics	A collaboration between Northwestern University and Georgia Tech has led to the creation of a high-performance organic electrochemical neuron, capable of responding within the same frequency range as human neurons. This breakthrough enables the development of advanced perception systems in robotics, potentially bridging the gap between biological sensing and artificial intelligence, thus paving the way for smarter, more responsive robotic systems capable of real-time environmental interaction.	Northwestern University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificially engineered biological processes, such as perception systems, remain an elusive target for organic electronics experts due to the reliance of human senses on an adaptive network of sensory neurons, which communicate by firing in response to environmental stimuli. -- A new collaboration between Northwestern University and Georgia Tech has unlocked new potential for the field by creating a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons. -- They also built a complete perception system by designing other organic materials and integrating their engineered neurons with artificial touch receptors and synapses, which enabled real-time tactile signal sensing and processing. -- The research, described in a paper published this month in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), could move the needle on intelligent robots and other systems currently stymied by sensing systems that are less powerful than those of a human. -- "The study highlights significant progress in organic electronics and their application in bridging the gap between biology and technology," said first author Yao Yao, a Northwestern engineering professor. -- "We created an efficient artificial neuron with reduced footprint and outstanding neuronal characteristics. Leveraging this capability, we developed a complete tactile neuromorphic perception system to mimic real biological processes." -- According to corresponding author Tobin J. Marks, Northwestern's Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, existing artificial neural circuits tend to fire within a narrow frequency range. -- "The synthetic neuron in this study achieves unprecedented performance in firing frequency modulation, offering a range 50 times broader than existing organic electrochemical neural circuits," Marks said. -- "In contrast, our device's outstanding neuronal characteristics establish it as an advanced achievement in organic electrochemical neurons." -- Marks is a world leader in the fields of organometallic chemistry, chemical catalysis, materials science, organic electronics, photovoltaics and nanotechnology.	A01 T01	956
2505-085	Drug Treatment Shows Promise For Reversing Inguinal Hernias Without Surgery In Mice	A Northwestern Medicine study reveals a groundbreaking, medication-based approach that successfully reversed inguinal hernias in male mice without surgery. This innovative method addresses the common occurrence of hernias in men, providing hope for less invasive treatments, while also identifying similar molecular markers in human hernia tissues.	Northwestern University	Journal of Clinical Investigation	Press Rel	PubMed	Ever notice that batteries in electronics don't last as long as they did when they were brand new? -- An international research team led by The University of Texas at Austin took on this well-known battery challenge, called degradation, with a twist. -- They're focusing their work on real-world technology that many of us use daily: wireless earbuds. -- They deployed x-ray, infrared, and other imaging technologies to understand the complexities of all the technology packed in these tiny devices and learn why their battery lives erode over time. -- "This started with my personal headphones; I only wear the right one, and I found that after two years, the left earbud had a much longer battery life," said Yijin Liu, an associate professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering's Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, who led the new research published in Advanced Materials. "So, we decided to look into it and see what we could find." -- They found that other critical components in the compact device, like the Bluetooth antenna, microphones and circuits, clashed with the battery, creating a challenging microenvironment. -- This dynamic led to a temperature gradient -- different temperatures at the top and bottom portions of the battery -- that damaged the battery. -- Exposure to the real world, with many different temperatures, degrees of air quality and other wildcard factors, also plays a role. -- Batteries are often designed to withstand harsh environments, but frequent environmental changes are challenging in their own way. -- These findings, the researchers say, illustrate the need to think more about how batteries fit into real-world devices like phones, laptops and vehicles.	Z01	957
2505-E071	Mantis Shrimp Clubs Feature Patterns That Protect Against High-Impact Forces	Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's unique dactyl clubs are covered in patterns that filter stress waves, allowing them to withstand powerful impacts without damage. This finding could inspire the development of new materials designed to protect against blast-related injuries. The study highlights how nature's designs can inform innovations in protective gear and other applications.	Northwestern University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Tsukuba have used electron spin resonance technology to observe the state and movement of the charge inside Ruddlesden-Popper tin -based perovskite solar cells, an emerging technology for next-generation solar cells. They have discovered a mechanism that improves the performance of these cells compared with conventional three-dimensional tin-based perovskite solar cells. Their findings signal a great leap forward in the development of high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells. -- Perovskite solar cells are attracting attention as next-generation solar cells. -- These cells have high efficiency, are flexible, and can be printed, among other features. -- However, lead was initially used in their manufacture, and its toxicity has become an environmental issue. -- Therefore, a method for replacing lead with tin, which has a low environmental impact, has been proposed. -- Nevertheless, tin is easily oxidized; consequently, the efficiency and durability of tin perovskite solar cells are lower than those of lead perovskite solar cells. -- To improve the durability of tin perovskite by suppressing tin oxidation, a method that introduces large organic cations into tin perovskite crystals to form a two-dimensional layered structure called Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) tin-based perovskites has been proposed. -- However, the internal state of this structure and the mechanism by which it improves performance have not been fully elucidated. -- In this study, researchers used electron spin resonance to investigate an RP perovskite solar cell's internal state during operation from a microscopic perspective. -- Perovskite solar cells have a structure in which hole and electron transport layers surround a perovskite crystal.	H02	958
2505-E087	Innovative Sponge Technology Cleans Stormwater Pollution Effectively	A team at Northwestern University has developed a specialized sponge capable of removing pollutants like phosphate, copper, and zinc from waterways while being reusable and cost-effective. This sponge, coated with nanoparticles, effectively captures and releases contaminants when exposed to varying pH levels, providing a promising solution to the growing problem of water pollution and offering a sustainable method to recover valuable resources.	Northwestern University	ACS ES&T Water	Press Rel	PubMed	Brain cancer is the second-leading cause of death in children in the developed world. For the children who survive, standard treatments have long-term impacts on their development and quality of life, particularly in small children and infants. -- Research out of Emory University and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Queensland, Australia, has shown that a potential new targeted therapy for childhood brain cancer is effective in infiltrating and killing tumor cells in preclinical models tested in mice. -- In the paper published in Nature Communications, the novel drug CT-179 was shown to target a specific subset of tumor cells responsible for recurrence and therapy resistance in pediatric brain cancer. -- The findings could lead to more effective, less toxic treatments, improving survival and quality of life for young patients. -- The lead researchers have acknowledged the findings as potentially transformative for the treatment of the most common childhood brain cancer, medulloblastoma, and could apply to other brain cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM) and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). -- Emory University Professor Timothy Gershon, who is also a pediatric neurologist at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and director of the Children's Center for Neurosciences Research in the U.S., says the study findings are a significant advance in our understanding of the biological processes that lead to tumor growth and recurrence. -- "Current treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, often eliminate most of the tumor, but sometimes fail to eliminate cancer stem cells," says Gershon. -- "These cancer stem cells can regrow the tumor after treatment, causing fatal recurrence. We show that CT-179 treatment specifically disrupts cancer stem cells. Combining CT-179 with treatments such as radiation therapy treats the whole tumor more effectively, including both stem cells and tumor cells that are not stem cells. Adding CT-179 to combinations of treatments may bring new efficacy to brain tumor therapy." -- The research teams collaborated with U.S. drug company, Curtana Pharmaceuticals, that developed the experimental small molecule drug, termed CT-179. -- They found that the drug effectively targets the protein OLIG2, which is a known stem cell marker crucial in the initiation and recurrence of brain cancers.	C01	959
2506-034	Understanding How Newborns Heal Hearts Better Than Adults After Heart Attacks	A study reveals that macrophages in newborns play a critical role in cardiac tissue regeneration after heart attacks, differing significantly from adults who struggle with healing. This research from Northwestern Medicine explores how newborn immune responses can be harnessed to develop treatments that enhance heart repair in adults, potentially leading to groundbreaking therapies for heart attack recovery.	Northwestern University	Immunity	Press Rel	PubMed	Newborns with heart complications can rely on their newly developed immune systems to regenerate cardiac tissues, but adults aren't so lucky. After a heart attack, most adults struggle to regenerate healthy heart tissue, leading to scar-tissue buildup and, often, heart failure. -- A new Northwestern Medicine study in experimental animals reveals a critical difference in how macrophages -- a part of the immune system -- help repair the heart in newborns versus adults after a heart attack. The study highlights a fundamental difference in how the immune system drives healing based on age. -- The study will be published Feb. 11 in the journal Immunity. -- "Understanding why newborns can regenerate their hearts while adults cannot will open the door to developing treatments that could 'reprogram' adult macrophages," said first and co-corresponding author Connor Lantz, lead scientist of the bioinformatics core at the Comprehensive Transplant Center at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. -- In newborns, macrophages perform a process called efferocytosis, which recognizes and eats dying cells. This process triggers the production of a bioactive lipid called thromboxane, signaling nearby heart muscle cells to divide, and allowing the heart to regenerate damaged heart muscle, the study found. In adults, macrophages produce much less thromboxane, leading to a weaker repair signal. -- "By mimicking the effects of thromboxane, we might one day improve tissue repair after a heart attack in adults," Lantz said. -- How the study worked -- The study examined how the immune system responds to heart injury in mice of different ages, including newborn mice (one day old) and adult mice (eight weeks old). The researchers found the ability of macrophages to engulf dying cells was enhanced in newborn mice due to increased expression of MerTK, a receptor that recognizes dying cells. Therefore, when the scientists blocked this key receptor, newborn mice lost their ability to regenerate their hearts, resembling adult hearts after a heart attack. -- Engulfment of dying cells by newborn macrophages triggered a chemical chain reaction that produced a molecule called thromboxane A2, which unexpectedly stimulated heart muscle cells to multiply and repair the damage, the study found. Additionally, nearby muscle heart cells in newborns are primed to respond to thromboxane A2, leading them to change their metabolism to support their growth and healing. But in adults, this process did not work the same way -- after an injury, their macrophages did not produce enough thromboxane A2, limiting their ability to regenerate heart tissue. -- The paper is titled, "Early Age Efferocytosis Directs Macrophage Arachidonic Acid Metabolism for Tissue Regeneration." Edward B. Thorp, professor of experimental pathology at Feinberg, is a co-corresponding study author.	R01 N01 N02	960
2507-039	Brain Computer Interface Technology Shows Promise For Treating Aphasia	Researchers at Northwestern University are investigating the use of brain-computer interface technology to aid individuals with Broca's aphasia in communicating. This innovative approach aims to decode brain signals into speech, potentially offering a more effective treatment than traditional speech therapy for those affected by language disorders.	Northwestern University	Northwestern University	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine seeing a furry, four-legged animal that meows. Mentally, you know what it is, but the word "cat" is stuck on the tip of your tongue. -- This phenomenon, known as Broca's aphasia or expressive aphasia, is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to speak or write. -- While the current go-to treatment is speech therapy, scientists at Northwestern University are working toward a different, possibly more effective treatment: using a brain computer interface (BCI) to convert brain signals into spoken words. -- The first step in this process is determining where in the brain the BCI should record from to decode someone's intended speech. -- Currently, BCI devices are only used on individuals with paralysis from ALS or stroke in the brainstem, which leaves them unable to move or communicate. -- In these patients, BCIs record signals from the frontal lobe. -- But Broca's aphasia, which most often affects people after a stroke or brain tumor, results from damage to the frontal lobe of the brain, where speech production and parts of language are processed. -- So, to help patients with Broca's aphasia, scientists would likely need to record signals from other areas of the brain. -- In a new study, Northwestern Medicine scientists have, for the first time, identified specific brain regions outside the frontal lobe -- in the temporal and parietal cortices -- involved in the intent to produce speech. -- This opens the door to one day using a BCI to treat Broca's aphasia.	H01 R02 N01 T01	961
2507-092	AI's Role In Enhancing Job Satisfaction And Innovation In Retail	A Northwestern Medicine study conducted in Ukraine suggests that hydrodissection, a procedure injecting fluid around nerves, may alleviate post-amputation pain and reduce opioid reliance among amputees. This first evaluation of hydrodissection in managing such pain conditions presents a promising avenue for treatment, addressing a challenging issue faced by millions globally.	Northwestern University	Northwestern University	Press Rel	PubMed	A reliable method to treat post-amputation pain remains elusive, but a new Northwestern Medicine study conducted in collaboration with Ukrainian physicians suggests that hydrodissection -- a simple procedure that injects fluid around nerves -- may reduce residual limb pain and opioid dependence. -- The study is the first to evaluate hydrodissection for post-amputation pain, a condition affecting millions worldwide that is notoriously difficult to treat. -- It will be published on Wednesday (Feb. 19) in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. -- "Adding hydrodissection to opioid treatment for post-amputation pain not only appears to improve pain outcomes, but also shows mental-health benefits," said senior study author Dr. Steven P. Cohen, a professor of anesthesiology and the vice chair of research and pain medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. -- For young veterans, finding safer alternatives to opioids is especially crucial, said Cohen, a retired U.S. Army colonel who traveled to Ukraine to help set up the study. -- Many face a high risk of opioid dependence due to severe psychological trauma. -- How the study was conducted -- Scientists followed 74 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians who had undergone traumatic limb amputations due to war injuries. -- Thirty-eight patients received hydrodissection alongside opioid therapy within six months of amputation, while 36 received opioids alone. -- The study showed that hydrodissection combined with opioids provided better pain relief and reduced opioid use.	A01 H01	962
2507-132	Single-Session Interventions Show Promise For Improving Mental Health Outcomes	A new review confirms the effectiveness of single-session interventions (SSIs) for improving mental health outcomes, particularly among youth and adults. These structured programs provide immediate support in just one session, addressing the common issue of patients dropping out after initial intake appointments, as highlighted by researchers at Northwestern Medicine and their findings published recently.	Northwestern University	Northwestern University	Press Rel	PubMed	Seeking mental health help is a significant step, but that first intake session can often feel more like paperwork than progress, and a significant proportion of people "drop out" or never return for a second visit, previous research has shown. -- "The most common number of sessions people access is one," said Jessica Schleider, associate professor of medical social sciences in the divisions of intervention science and implementation science. -- "If a therapist is spending their first session with somebody exclusively diagnosing them, they've lost the opportunity to take advantage of the first and potentially last encounter to actually do something that helps them." -- In a new, first-of-its-kind review led by Schleider, Northwestern Medicine investigators confirmed that single-session interventions (SSIs) can significantly improve mental health outcomes in both youth and adults. -- Common in other countries but not the U.S., an SSI is a structured program intentionally designed to provide meaningful support, guidance or treatment in just one meeting, recognizing that many patients may not return for a follow-up appointment. -- "We're often taught that therapy is supposed to be a journey, a lifelong process, and that 'change never happens overnight,'" Schleider said. -- "While that's often true, people can also have meaningful moments or turning points within one session." -- The scientists identified 24 systematic reviews of single-session mental health and behavioral health interventions, which included 415 clinical trials. -- Of the 24 systematic reviews identified, they found that 83% reported positive effects from SSIs for one or more of the following outcomes: anxiety, depression, externalizing problems, eating problems, substance use, and treatment engagement or uptake. -- The findings were recently published in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology.	H01 H02	963
2507-T023	Astrophysicists Capture The Milky Way's Central Black Hole In A Continuous Light Show	Astrophysicists using the James Webb Space Telescope have captured a remarkable and continuous display of flares from the supermassive black hole at the Milky Way's center. Their observations reveal that the accretion disk surrounding Sagittarius A* emits short, faint flares alongside longer, brighter bursts, indicating separate underlying processes. This ongoing light show provides valuable insights into the behavior of black holes and the dynamics of cosmic matter.	Northwestern University	Northwestern University	Press Rel	PubMed	The supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way appears to be having a party -- and it is weird, wild and wonderful. -- Using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), a Northwestern University-led team of astrophysicists has gained the longest, most detailed glimpse yet of the void that lurks in middle of our galaxy. -- The swirling disk of gas and dust (or accretion disk) orbiting the central supermassive black hole, called Sagittarius A*, is emitting a constant stream of flares with no periods of rest, the researchers found. -- While some flares are faint flickers, lasting mere seconds, other flares are blindingly bright eruptions, which spew daily. -- There also are even fainter flickers that surge for months at a time. -- The level of activity occurs over a wide range of time -- from short interludes to long stretches. -- The new findings could help physicists better understand the fundamental nature of black holes, how they interact with their surrounding environments and the dynamics and evolution of our own galactic home. -- The study will be published on Tuesday (Feb. 18) in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. -- "Flares are expected to happen in essentially all supermassive black holes, but our black hole is unique," said Northwestern's Farhad Yusef-Zadeh, who led the study. -- "It is always bubbling with activity and never seems to reach a steady state. We observed the black hole multiple times throughout 2023 and 2024, and we noticed changes in every observation. We saw something different each time, which is really remarkable. Nothing ever stayed the same."	Z01	964
2508-043	Longer Paternity Leave Linked To Increased Infant Breastfeeding Duration	Research indicates that longer paternity leave is positively associated with extended breastfeeding durations. A study conducted with a representative sample of fathers shows that those taking at least two weeks of leave provide essential support, enhancing breastfeeding success and emphasizing the crucial role fathers play in infant health.	Northwestern University	BMC Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Fathers who take at least two weeks of leave after their child's birth are significantly more likely to report longer breastfeeding duration, according to a recent survey led by scientists at Northwestern University and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. -- "Our study shows fathers play a key role in breastfeeding success -- and time off lets them provide crucial support when it matters most," said lead study author Dr. John James Parker, an assistant professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, pediatrician at Lurie Children's and internist at Northwestern Medicine. -- The findings, published this week in BMC Public Health, provide the first analysis, using father-reported data, of the influence of paternity leave on breastfeeding in the U.S. Breastfeeding provides important health benefits for both mothers and infants, yet rates in the U.S. remain suboptimal. Only 46.5% of infants are exclusively breastfed through three months. -- How the study was conducted -- Using data from the PRAMS for Dads survey, scientists analyzed answers from a representative sample of 240 employed fathers in the state of Georgia. They found that fathers who took two or more weeks of leave were 31% more likely to report their infant being breastfed at eight weeks compared to those who took less than two weeks. -- Among families who started breastfeeding, those where dads took at least two weeks of leave had a 25% higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks than those where dads took less time off. This was true even after adjusting for paternal, maternal and infant characteristics. -- "Fathers can support breastfeeding by taking on hands-on baby care -- changing diapers, burping, rocking and feeding expressed milk -- while also ensuring mothers get the nutrition, hydration and rest they need to recover," Parker said. "All these father-supportive activities are easier when fathers have more generous leave." -- The study also found disparities in paid leave access, with white fathers more likely to receive paid leave than fathers from other racial and ethnic groups. In total, 73% of employed fathers in the sample reported taking leave, with slightly over 50% receiving some paid leave. Fathers who took paid leave were more likely to take at least two weeks off. -- 'In medical training, no one talked about involving dads' -- Parker, a father of three, says his own experience around his children's births inspired his research. "When I became a father, I realized how absent dads were from the conversation," he said. "In medical training, no one talked about involving dads or why that mattered.	H01	965
2508-060	Brewing Tea Effectively Filters Harmful Heavy Metals From Your Drinking Water	Northwestern University researchers have demonstrated that brewing tea can effectively remove toxic heavy metals from drinking water. The study reveals that finely ground black tea leaves, when steeped for longer periods, adsorb heavy metals like lead and cadmium. This finding highlights the potential for tea consumption to act as a passive filter, minimizing heavy metal exposure in populations worldwide, although it is not a replacement for traditional water filtration methods.	Northwestern University	ACS Food Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Good news for tea lovers: That daily brew might be purifying the water, too. -- In a new study, Northwestern University researchers demonstrated that brewing tea naturally adsorbs heavy metals like lead and cadmium, effectively filtering dangerous contaminants out of drinks. Heavy metal ions stick to, or adsorb to, the surface of the tea leaves, where they stay trapped until the used tea bag is disposed. -- The study will be published on Tuesday (Feb. 25) in the journal ACS Food Science & Technology. -- "We're not suggesting that everyone starts using tea leaves as a water filter," said Northwestern's Vinayak Dravid, the study's senior author. "For this study, our goal was to measure tea's ability to adsorb heavy metals. By quantifying this effect, our work highlights the unrecognized potential for tea consumption to passively contribute to reduced heavy metal exposure in populations worldwide." -- "I'm not sure that there's anything uniquely remarkable about tea leaves as a material," said Benjamin Shindel, the study's first author. "They have a high active surface area, which is a useful property for an adsorbent material and what makes tea leaves good at releasing flavor chemicals rapidly into your water. But what isspecial is that tea happens to be the most consumed beverage in the world. You could crush up all kinds of materials to get a similar metal-remediating effect, but that wouldn't necessarily be practical. With tea, people don't need to do anything extra. Just put the leaves in your water and steep them, and they naturally remove metals." -- An expert on sorbent materials and sponge entrepreneur, Dravid is Abraham Harris Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. At the time of the research, Shindel was a Ph.D. student in Dravid's laboratory; now he works with the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory. -- Exploring different variables -- To conduct the study, the Northwestern team explored how different types of tea, tea bags and brewing methods affect heavy metal adsorption. The various varieties tested included "true" teas such as black, green, oolong and white, as well as chamomile and rooibos teas. They also examined the differences between loose-leaf and commercially bagged tea. -- The researchers created water solutions with known amounts of lead and other metals (chromium, copper, zinc and cadmium), and then heated the solutions to just below boiling temperature. Next, they added the tea leaves, which steeped for various time intervals -- from mere seconds to 24 hours. -- After steeping, the team measured how much of the metal content remained in the water. By comparing metal levels before and after adding the tea leaves, they were able to calculate how much was effectively removed.	H01	966
2509-041	Brain Decodes Speech Pitch Changes, Unlocking New Insights Into Communication	A groundbreaking study reveals how the brain decodes pitch in speech, significantly advancing our understanding of auditory processing. By demonstrating the role of Heschl's gyrus in processing pitch accents separately from speech sounds, this research could have profound implications for improving speech therapy and AI-driven voice recognition technologies.	Northwestern University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	You've probably heard the phrase, "It's not what you say, it's how you say it," and now, science backs it up. A first-of-its-kind study from Northwestern University's School of Communication, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals a region of the brain, long known for early auditory processing, plays a far greater role in interpreting speech than previously understood. -- The multidisciplinary study being published Monday, March 3 in the journal Nature Communications found a brain region known as Heschl's gyrus doesn't just process sounds -- it transforms subtle changes in pitch, known as prosody, into meaningful linguistic information that guides how humans understand emphasis, intent and focus in conversation. -- For years, scientists believed that all aspects of prosody were primarily processed in the superior temporal gyrus, a brain region known for speech perception. Bharath Chandrasekaran, the study's co-principal investigator and professor and chair of the Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern, said the findings challenge long-held assumptions about how, where and the speed at which prosody is processed in the brain. -- "The results redefine our understanding of the architecture of speech perception," Chandrasekaran said. "We've spent a few decades researching the nuances of how speech is abstracted in the brain, but this is the first study to investigate how subtle variations in pitch that also communicate meaning is processed in the brain." -- Rare set of research participants -- Chandrasekaran partnered with Dr. Taylor Abel, chief of pediatric neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to study auditory information processing in 11 adolescent patients who were receiving neurosurgery treatment for severe epilepsy. They all had electrodes implanted deep in the cortex of the brain that is critical for key language function. -- "Typically, communication and linguistics research rely on non-invasive recordings from the surface of the skin, which makes it accessible but not very precise,"?Abel said. "A collaboration between neurosurgeon-scientists and neuroscientists, like ours, allowed us to collect high-quality recordings?of brain activity that would not have been possible otherwise, and learn about the mechanisms of brain processing in a completely new way." -- To explore how the brain deciphers the melody of speech, researchers worked with the rare group of patients who had electrodes implanted in their brains as part of epilepsy treatment. While these patients actively listened to an audiobook recording of "Alice in Wonderland," scientists tracked activity in multiple brain regions in real time. -- What researchers found -- Using the intracerebral recordings from the electrodes deep in the patient's brain, researchers noted the Heschl's gyrus section processed subtle changes in voice pitch -- not just as sound, but as meaningful linguistic units. The brain encoded pitch accents separately from the sounds that make up words.	H01 R02 N02	967
2509-E046	Iron Oxides: Natural Catalysts That Unlock Phosphorus For Plant Growth	A new study challenges the traditional view of iron oxides as mere phosphorus sinks, revealing their role in driving the conversion of organic phosphorus to a bioavailable form. This finding enhances our understanding of the phosphorus cycle and could significantly improve agricultural practices by promoting plant growth.	Northwestern University	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Northwestern University researchers are actively overturning the conventional view of iron oxides as mere phosphorus "sinks." -- A critical nutrient for life, most phosphorus in the soil is organic -- from remains of plants, microbes or animals. -- But plants need inorganic phosphorus -- the type found in fertilizers -- for food. -- While researchers traditionally thought only enzymes from microbes and plants could convert organic phosphorus into the inorganic form, Northwestern scientists previously discovered iron oxides in natural soils and sediments can drive the conversion. -- Now, in a new study, the same research team found iron oxides don't generate just a negligible amount of the precious resource. -- In fact, iron oxides are incredibly efficient catalysts -- capable of driving the conversion at rates comparable to the reactions of enzymes. -- The discovery could help researchers and industry experts better understand the phosphorus cycle and optimize its use, especially in agricultural soils. -- The study was published today (March 4) in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. -- "Phosphorus is essential to all forms of life," said Northwestern's Ludmilla Aristilde, who led the study. -- "The backbone of DNA contains phosphate. So, all life on Earth, including humans, depends on phosphorus to thrive. That's why we need fertilizers to increase phosphorus in soils. Otherwise, the crops we need to feed our planet will not grow. There is a profound interest in understanding the fate of phosphorus in the environment."	H01 C01 N01 N02 T01	968
2510-013	Circadian Rhythms Play A Role In Muscle Healing After Injuries	A study shows that the body's internal clock influences muscle healing, with injuries healing faster when they occur during natural waking hours. These findings could have implications for health practices, particularly in shift workers, and enhance our understanding of aging and obesity effects on recovery.	Northwestern University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The body's internal clock doesn't just dictate when we sleep -- it also determines how quickly our muscles heal. -- A new Northwestern Medicine study in mice, published today in Science Advances, suggests that muscle injuries heal faster when they occur during the body's natural waking hours. -- The findings could have implications for shift workers and may also prove useful in understanding the effects of aging and obesity, said senior author Clara Peek, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. -- The study also may help explain how disruptions like jetlag and daylight saving time changes impact circadian rhythms and muscle recovery. -- "In each of our cells, we have genes that form the molecular circadian clock," Peek said. -- "These clock genes encode a set of transcription factors that regulate many processes throughout the body and align them with the appropriate time of day. Things like sleep/wake behavior, metabolism, body temperature and hormones -- all these are circadian." -- How the study was conducted -- Previous research from the Peek laboratory found that mice regenerated muscle tissues faster when the damage occurred during their normal waking hours. -- When mice experienced muscle damage during their usual sleeping hours, healing was slowed. -- In the current study, Peek and her collaborators sought to better understand how circadian clocks within muscle stem cells govern regeneration depending on the time of day.	A01 H02	969
2510-027	Immune Cells May Offer New Hope Against Alzheimer's By Clearing Toxic Plaques	New research indicates that enhancing the brain's immune response may be a more effective strategy for clearing amyloid beta plaques in Alzheimer's patients than previous methods which focused solely on plaque removal. By harnessing the body's natural defenses, this approach could lead to innovative treatments that address the disease more holistically, shifting the paradigm in Alzheimer's research and therapy.	Northwestern University	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	For more than three decades, scientists have been racing to stop Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloid beta plaques -- sticky clumps of toxic protein that accumulate in the brain. Now, a new Northwestern Medicine study suggests a promising alternative: enhancing the brain's own immune cells to clear these plaques more effectively. -- The findings could reshape the future of Alzheimer's treatments, shifting the focus from simply removing plaques to harnessing the brain's natural defenses. -- Earlier attempts at an Alzheimer's vaccine failed when the immune system's response caused dangerous brain swelling. -- Even today's FDA-approved antibody treatments remain controversial, offering only modest benefits with potential side effects and high-price points. -- "I think everyone agrees that, although these drugs are becoming more effective, they ultimately do not cure Alzheimer's disease patients," said corresponding author David Gate, an assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the director of the Abrams Research Center on Neurogenomics. -- "These drugs stimulate the immune cells of the brain to remove amyloid beta, but we believe that the data in our publication can be utilized to make these drugs work even better." -- The paper will be published March 6 in Nature Medicine. -- The study is the first to use a cutting-edge technique called spatial transcriptomics on human clinical-trial brains with Alzheimer's disease.The technique allows scientists to pinpoint the specific spatial location of gene activity inside a tissue sample. -- By analyzing donated brain tissue from deceased people with Alzheimer's disease who received amyloid-beta immunization and comparing it to those who did not, the scientists found that when these treatments work, the brain's immune cells (called microglia) don't just clear plaques -- they also help restore a healthier brain environment. -- But not all microglia are created equal. Some are quite effective at removing plaques, while others struggle, the study found.	H01 R02	970
2510-E001	Stretching Spider Silk During Spinning Enhances Fiber Strength	New research reveals that the stretching process during spider silk spinning is critical for enhancing the material's strength, due to the alignment of protein chains. This insight could inform the design of stronger synthetic materials, leveraging nature's sophisticated production techniques.	Northwestern University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	When spiders spin their webs, they use their hind legs to pull silk threads from their spinnerets. This pulling action doesn't just help the spider release the silk, it's also a crucial step in strengthening the silk fibers for a more durable web. -- In a new study, Northwestern University researchers have discovered why the role of stretching is so important. -- By simulating spider silk in a computational model, the team discovered the stretching process aligns the protein chains within the fibers and increases the number of bonds between those chains. -- Both factors lead to stronger, tougher fibers. -- The team then validated these computational predictions through laboratory experiments using engineered spider silk. -- These insights could help researchers design engineered silk-inspired proteins and spinning processes for various applications, including strong, biodegradable sutures and tough, high-performance, blast-proof body armor. -- The study will be published on Friday (March 7) in the journal Science Advances. -- "Researchers already knew this stretching, or drawing, is necessary for making really strong fibers," said Northwestern's Sinan Keten, the study's senior author. -- "But no one necessarily knew why. With our computational method, we were able to probe what's happening at the nanoscale to gain insights that cannot be seen experimentally. We could examine how drawing relates to the silk's mechanical properties." -- "Spiders perform the drawing process naturally," said Northwestern Jacob Graham, the study's first author.	A01	971
2510-E005	Flies Adapt Differently To Climate Change Based On Their Habitats	A study comparing forest and desert flies has illuminated how genetic and neural differences affect their responses to temperature changes. By analyzing two fly species from diverse climates, researchers found variations in heat sensitivity, which could help predict how insects adapt to climate change, emphasizing the importance of understanding these mechanisms for ecological conservation efforts.	Northwestern University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Tiny, cold-blooded animals like flies depend on their environment to regulate body temperature, making them ideal "canaries in the mine" for gauging the impact of climate change on the behavior and distribution of animal species. Yet, scientists know relatively little about how insect sense and respond to temperature. -- Using two species of flies from different climates -- one from the cool, high-altitude forests of Northern California, the other hailing from the hot, dry deserts of the Southwest (both cousins of the common laboratory fly, drosophila melanogaster) -- Northwestern scientists discovered remarkable differences in the way each processes external temperature. -- Forest flies showed increased avoidance of heat, potentially explained by higher sensitivity in their antennae's molecular heat receptors, while desert flies were instead actively attracted to heat, a response that could be tracked to differences in brain wiring in a region of the fly brain that helps compute the valence (inherent attractiveness or aversiveness) of sensory cues. -- The scientists believe these two mechanisms may have accompanied the evolution of each species as it adapted to its distinctive thermal environment, starting from a common ancestor dating back 40 million years (not long after dinosaurs went extinct). -- These findings, published today (March 5) in the journal Nature, help understand how animals evolve the preferences for specific temperature environments and may help predict the impact of a rapidly changing climate on animal behavior and distribution. -- 'Not enough people care about insects' -- "Insects are especially threatened by climate change," said Northwestern neurobiologist Marco Gallio. -- "Behavior is the first interface between an animal and its environment. Even before the struggle to survive or perish, animals can respond to climate change by migration and by changing their distribution. We are already seeing insect populations declining in many regions, and even insect vectors of disease like the Zika virus and malaria spreading into new areas." -- Gallio, a self-appointed "insect advocate," is a professor in the neurobiology department and the Soretta and Henry Shapiro Research Professor in Molecular Biology at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. -- His lab examines fruit flies and their sensing systems. Gallio acknowledged there is limited data because "not enough people care about the insects," but that available figures record a dramatic decline in insects in the past 20 to 50 years.	R01 R02 C01 N01 N02	972
2510-E046	Simple Process Breaks Down Plastic For Easier Recycling	A new method developed by Northwestern University chemists employs a simple, inexpensive catalyst and ambient air to effectively recycle plastic waste. This non-toxic approach breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its monomer building blocks without producing harmful byproducts. The process achieves a high recovery rate in a short timeframe, presenting a significant advancement in sustainable plastic recycling techniques and offering opportunities for upcycling or producing new products from recycled materials.	Northwestern University	Green Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Harnessing moisture from air, Northwestern University chemists have developed a simple new method for breaking down plastic waste. -- The non-toxic, environmentally friendly, solvent-free process first uses an inexpensive catalyst to break apart the bonds in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most common plastic in the polyester family. -- Then, the researchers merely expose the broken pieces to ambient air. -- Leveraging the trace amounts of moisture in air, the broken-down PET is converted into monomers -- the crucial building blocks for plastics. -- From there, the researchers envision the monomers could be recycled into new PET products or other, more valuable materials. -- Safer, cleaner, cheaper and more sustainable than current plastic recycling methods, the new technique offers a promising path toward creating a circular economy for plastics. -- The study was recently published in Green Chemistry, a journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. -- "The U.S. is the number one plastic polluter per capita, and we only recycle 5% of those plastics," said Northwestern's Yosi Kratish, the study's co-corresponding author. -- "There is a dire need for better technologies that can process different types of plastic waste. Most of the technologies that we have today melt down plastic bottles and downcycle them into lower-quality products. What's particularly exciting about our research is that we harnessed moisture from air to break down the plastics, achieving an exceptionally clean and selective process. By recovering the monomers, which are the basic building blocks of PET, we can recycle or even upcycle them into more valuable materials." -- "Our study offers a sustainable and efficient solution to one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste," said Naveen Malik, the study's first author.	A01 T01	973
2510-E055	Food Insecurity Today May Lead To Heart Disease Tomorrow	A new study from Northwestern Medicine establishes a 41% increased risk of heart disease for young adults facing food insecurity, clarifying the causal relationship between inadequate nutrition and long-term health outcomes. The findings advocate for addressing food insecurity as a preventive strategy against future heart disease.	Northwestern University	JAMA Cardiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Struggling to afford food today could mean heart problems tomorrow. Young adults experiencing food insecurity have a 41% greater risk of developing heart disease in midlife, even after accounting for demographic and socioeconomic factors, according to a new Northwestern Medicine study. Food insecurity -- struggling to get enough nutritious food to stay healthy -- affects one in eight households in the U.S. each year. -- "We've known that food insecurity and heart disease often go hand in hand, but this study shows, for the first time, that food insecurity comes first," said Dr. Jenny Jia, an instructor of general internal medicine and preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine internist. -- "That makes it a clear target for prevention -- if we address food insecurity early, we may be able to reduce the burden of heart disease later." -- The study will be published on Wednesday (March 12) in JAMA Cardiology. -- How the study was conducted -- Jia and her colleagues analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, a long-term cohort study that has followed Black and white U.S. adults since the mid-1980s. -- The scientists identified participants who reported food insecurity in 2000-2001, when they were in their early 30s to mid-40s, and compared their health outcomes over the next 20 years to those who were food secure. -- Among the 3,616 study participants, those experiencing food insecurity were 41% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease than their food-secure counterparts. -- Over the study period, 11% of food-insecure individuals developed heart disease, compared to 6% of those with adequate food access. -- "For a long time, there was this chicken-or-the-egg question -- does food insecurity cause heart disease, or does heart disease make food insecurity worse because of the high cost of healthcare?" Jia said.	H01 R01	974
2511-084	Community-Led Research Advocates For Zero-Emission Vehicle Policies	Community engagement has guided research on zero-emission vehicle policies, showing potential health benefits in the Chicago area. Simulated policy changes indicate that implementing these measures could prevent significant adverse health outcomes, such as premature deaths and childhood asthma cases, while also addressing existing environmental disparities in heavily polluted neighborhoods.	Northwestern University	Frontiers of Earth Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Guided by the lived experiences of community partners, Northwestern University scientists have simulated the effects of zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption on future air quality for the greater Chicago area. -- The results were published today (March 18) in the journal Frontiers of Earth Science. -- Motivated by California's Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) policy, Neighbors for an Equitable Transition to Zero-Emissions (NET-Z) Illinois members partnered with Northwestern researchers to explore how a similar strategy might play out in Cook County and the surrounding areas. -- To develop a model that more realistically simulates the greater Chicago area's current pollution levels, the researchers augmented an Environmental Protection Act (EPA) air-quality model to better reflect satellite observations and the lived experience of local community groups. Then, the researchers compared the model of current air quality to simulated future conditions under the ACT policy. -- By implementing an ACT policy in Illinois, researchers found the Chicago region would reduce enough nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution to avoid 500 premature deaths and 600 new cases of childhood asthma per year. The largest health improvements from this policy would occur in neighborhoods currently experiencing the highest pollution levels, which are areas with more residents of color. So, not only would reducing air pollution reduce health problems, it also would help address existing racial disparities in pollution exposure. -- "As a mom who personally has asthma, I was struck by these results," said Northwestern's Victoria Lang, who led the study. "Avoiding 600 new pediatric cases of asthma per year is sparing 25 classrooms of students from a chronic lung disease. Kids should not have to suffer from a life-long illness just because of where they live or the location of their school." -- Lang is a Ph.D. candidate in Northwestern's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. She is advised by the study's senior author Daniel Horton, an associate professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences. Insights from members of the Respiratory Health Association, Warehouse Workers for Justice, Little Village Environmental Justice Organization and other NET-Z coalition members helped inform the study. -- ACTing on air pollution -- Exposure to traffic-related pollutants is associated with a myriad of substantial negative health outcomes, including asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and ultimately premature death. To combat these issues, California adopted the ACT policy in June 2020. Several other states have since followed suit. The intervention policy aims to gradually replace approximately 50% of on-road medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, like trucks and buses, with ZEVs by the year 2050. -- "ACT aims to reach an approximately 50% ZEV fleet by 2050 because trucking companies have economics to consider," Horton said. "They can't cost effectively replace their diesel fleets overnight. But, as the vehicles age and companies need to renew their fleets, ACT incentivizes gradual adoption of zero-emission vehicles."	H01 R01 C01	975
2511-E048	Innovative Method Converts CO2 Into Sustainable Construction Materials	Northwestern University researchers have developed a novel process to convert CO2 into solid materials that can trap carbon and potentially replace sand in construction. By injecting CO2 into seawater while applying an electrical current, they generate solid particles that can serve as a carbon sink. This innovative approach not only addresses carbon capture but also creates valuable materials for the construction industry, contributing to sustainable building practices.	Northwestern University	Advanced Sustainable Systems	Press Rel	PubMed	Using seawater, electricity and carbon dioxide (CO2), Northwestern University scientists have developed a new carbon-negative building material. -- As Earth's climate continues to warm, researchers around the globe are exploring ways to capture CO2 from the air and store it deep underground. -- While this approach has multiple climate benefits, it does not maximize the value of the enormous amounts of atmospheric CO2. -- Now, Northwestern's new strategy addresses this challenge by locking away CO2 permanently and turning it into valuable materials, which can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster and paint. -- The process to generate the carbon-negative materials also releases hydrogen gas -- a clean fuel with various applications, including transportation. -- The study will be published on March 19 in the journal Advanced Sustainable Systems. -- "We have developed a new approach that allows us to use seawater to create carbon-negative construction materials," said Northwestern's Alessandro Rotta Loria, who led the study. -- "Cement, concrete, paint and plasters are customarily composed of or derived from calcium- and magnesium-based minerals, which are often sourced from aggregates -- what we call sand. Currently, sand is sourced through mining from mountains, riverbeds, coasts and the ocean floor. In collaboration with Cemex, we have devised an alternative approach to source sand -- not by digging into the Earth but by harnessing electricity and CO2 to grow sand-like materials in seawater." -- Rotta Loria is the Louis Berger Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering. -- Jeffrey Lopez, an assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering at McCormick, served as a key coauthor on the study.	C01 N01 N02	976
2512-018	New Role Discovered For Key Protein Could Transform Cancer Treatment Strategies	Northwestern University researchers have uncovered a novel function of the protein Exportin-1, which not only exports materials from the nucleus but may also enhance gene transcription. This discovery could lead to new insights into cancer growth, as Exportin-1 is often overexpressed in tumors, suggesting its potential role in promoting gene expression linked to malignancies.	Northwestern University	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Northwestern University have stumbled upon a previously unobserved function of a protein found in the cell nuclei of all flora and fauna. In addition to exporting materials out of the nucleus, the protein, called Exportin-1 (also called Xpo1 or Crm1), seems to play a role in promoting gene transcription, the process that creates RNA replicas of strands of DNA to express genes. -- Transcription factors, which regulate transcription, can also direct genes to interact with the nuclear pore complex, which serves as a conduit for molecules to move into or out of the nucleus. -- Exportin-1, the researchers found, forms a link between the two. -- By tethering transcription factors -- and with them, hundreds of genes -- to nuclear pore proteins, genes are moved to the edge of the nucleus, stimulating stronger gene expression. -- "Because Exportin-1 is often overexpressed in cancers and leukemia, this work also raises the possibility that this newly discovered function is important in promoting cancer growth," said Molecular Biosciences Professor Jason Brickner, who led the study. -- "The work provides a molecular explanation for a phenomenon I discovered 20 years ago -- the movement of genes to the nuclear periphery when they are turned on." -- Brickner's 20 years of research in the department of molecular biosciences at Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences has mainly focused on yeast, an organism he says is "an excellent model for eukaryotic cells" because it has many features in its nucleus that are present universally across all plants, animals and fungi. -- Because Exportin-1 is found in all these organisms, the way it interacts with the genome may be true in all eukaryotes. -- The interdisciplinary and cross-institutional team employed a variety of methods to untangle Exportin-1's specific functions in budding yeast, including single molecule tracking, chromatin localization in live cells, genome-wide mapping and biochemistry. -- The unexpected findings, published today (March 20) in the journal Molecular Cell, could aid other scientists as they seek to develop new medications that stymie cancer growth without harming healthy cellular function.	R01 N01 N02	977
2513-064	Affordable Technology Detects HIV Antigens Rapidly And Effectively In Remote Areas	Northwestern University scientists have devised a rapid point-of-care test for HIV utilizing a novel nanomechanical platform. This technology, built into an easily transportable solar-powered device, detects multiple HIV antigens with high sensitivity in minutes. It offers a promising solution for early diagnosis and intervention in underserved areas, potentially improving health outcomes in vulnerable populations.	Northwestern University	Biosensors and Bioelectronics	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of Northwestern University scientists spanning disciplines have developed new technology that could lead to the creation of a rapid point-of-care test for HIV infection competitive with traditional lab-based HIV testing in a fraction of the time and without the need for a stressful wait while results are processed or confirmed in a clinical laboratory. -- HIV-diagnostic technology traditionally relied on the detection of HIV-specific antibodies that form several weeks after infection. This has limited their use in early detection, complicating patient care and HIV prevention efforts. Newer tests that detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen (an earlier marker of HIV infection) are now the gold standard for diagnosis, but require clinical labs to run results, contributing to longer processing times, higher costs and the need for multiple patient visits. -- The technology described in a study published today (April 2) in the journal Biosensors and Bioelectronics uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. These silicon cantilevers are cheap and easy to mass produce and can be readily equipped with a digital readout. Built into a solar-powered device, this technology could be taken to hard-to-reach parts of the world where early detection remains a challenge to deliver fast interventions to vulnerable populations without waiting for a lab. -- "We hope this technology will lead to the development of new point-of-care diagnostics for HIV to improve patient health and help bring an end to this epidemic," said Northwestern virologist and co-author of the study, Judd F. Hultquist. -- After proving its efficacy in testing for both the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19, and now HIV, the team is confident that the biosensor will continue to prove effective when testing for additional diseases. A potential next target, they say, could be measles, another infection in desperate need of point-of-care interventions as cases rise across multiple U.S. states. -- The team was led by co-corresponding authors Vinayak Dravid, a materials engineer, Hultquist, a virologist, and co-author Gajendra Shekhawat, a micro- and nanofabrication expert in the Dravid Lab. -- "When we first developed the microcantilever technology 20 years ago, I realized that this technology is so generally applicable," Dravid said. "It is a very powerful tool that depends on three basic things: sensitivity, antigen-antibody affinity and specificity. This is where HIV comes in, because HIV is so pernicious that it mutates so there is no unique antibody. We had to figure out how to overcome that challenge." -- Beginning with pure samples of the p24 antigen, the team applied layers of antibodies onto each "finger" of the gold-coated microcantilever to measure how strongly p24 bonded to the surface, which would cause the cantilever to bend a measurable and quantifiable amount. -- After this proof-of-concept, the team introduced human blood samples, which are much more complex than purified samples. The sensor continued to bend only in samples where p24 was present, demonstrating high specificity. -- Finally, the scientists added two antibodies to different "fingers" of the microcantilever to more broadly cover all HIV subtypes. Even in very low concentrations, the test accurately responded when antigens specific to HIV were introduced.	H01 H02 R01 C01 T01	978
2513-E028	Incomplete Data Hurts Genetic Diversity And Conservation Efforts For Corpse Flowers	Plant biologists discovered that incomplete data on corpse flower plants leads to low genetic diversity and increased risk of extinction. Analyzing records from nearly 1,200 specimens, they found that many plants were clones or closely related offspring, complicating conservation efforts. This highlights the critical need for comprehensive historical records in ensuring the survival of endangered species like the corpse flower.	Northwestern University	Annals of Botany	Press Rel	PubMed	Commonly called the "corpse flower," Amorphophallus titanum is endangered for many reasons, including habitat destruction, climate change and encroachment from invasive species. -- Now, plant biologists from Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden have added a new threat to the list: incomplete historical records. -- In a new study, scientists constructed the ancestry of corpse flowers living in collections at institutions and gardens around the world. They found a severe lack of consistent, standardized data. Without complete historical records, conservationists were unable to make informed decisions about breeding. Of the corpse flowers studied, therefore, 24% were clones and 27% were offspring from two closely related individuals. -- The study will be published on April 3 in the Annals of Botany. -- "There are many risks associated with low genetic diversity," said Olivia Murrell, who led the study. "Decreasing genetic diversity over time leads to a decrease in fitness. Generally speaking, inbred plants might not produce as much pollen or might die right after they flower. One institution reported that, possibly as a result of inbreeding, all their corpse flower offspring were albino, so they didn't survive because they didn't have chlorophyll to photosynthesize. The population as a whole also doesn't have the variation it needs to survive. So, if a disease or pest affects plants that are all genetically similar, all plants in that population are more likely to suffer. We don't think people are consciously making the choice to inbreed their plants. They just don't know what they have because the data are incomplete." -- At the time of the study, Murrell was a master's student in plant biology in the Program in Plant Biology and Conservation, a partnership between Northwestern's Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the Chicago Botanic Garden. Now she is a Ph.D. student at Manchester Metropolitan University in the U.K. and a conservation scholar at the Chester Zoo. Senior authors from the Program in Plant Biology and Conservation are Jeremie Fant, Nyree Zerega and Kayri Havens. Fant, Zerega and Havens also are conservation scientists with the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action at the Chicago Botanic Garden. -- A finicky flower -- Nicknamed for its smell, the corpse flower emits an odor that mimics rotting flesh when it blooms. A clever evolutionary trick, the pungent odor attracts flies and carrion beetles, the plant's primary pollinators. Because the bloom is rare and short-lived -- lasting just 24 to 48 hours -- gardens often hold events for visitors to experience the infamous stench firsthand. -- "Usually, you have to get close to a flower to be able to smell it," Murrell said. "That is not true for the corpse flower. The second you walk into its greenhouse, its smell smacks you across the face. It's very strong. The plant also heats up when it blooms, which spreads its smell farther." -- Gardens go to great lengths to care for these charismatic companions. The corpse flower is one of several "exceptional plants," a designation given to species whose seeds cannot be effectively conserved in seed banks. In the corpse flower's case, its seeds are no longer viable after drying, which is a necessary step for long-term seed storage. Instead, corpse flowers and other exceptional plants are conserved in "living collections" within research facilities, botanic gardens and arboreta.	C01 N02	979
2513-E033	Affordable Materials Enhance Carbon Capture Efficiency By Leveraging Air Humidity	Northwestern University researchers have enhanced carbon capture technology by utilizing low-cost materials for moisture-swing direct air capture, which efficiently removes CO2 from the atmosphere. This innovative approach, focusing on sustainable resources, promises to improve the scalability and affordability of carbon capture solutions, crucial for combating climate change effectively.	Northwestern University	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Northwestern University have expanded the potential of carbon capture technology that plucks CO2 directly from the air by demonstrating that there are multiple suitable and abundant materials that can facilitate direct air capture. -- In a paper to be published on Thursday (April 3) in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the Northwestern researchers present new, lower-cost materials to facilitate moisture-swing to catch and then release CO2 depending on the local air's moisture content, calling it "one of the most promising approaches for CO2 capture." -- Atmospheric CO2 continues to increase and, despite considerable worldwide efforts to cut down on carbon waste, is expected to rise more in coming decades. Exploring efficient and economical ideas for how to sequester excess CO2 from air can help make up ground by offsetting emissions from delocalized sectors like aviation and agriculture, where emissions are particularly difficult to pinpoint and capture. -- Moisture-swing direct air capture (DAC), which uses changes in humidity to catch carbon, will be central to global strategies to combat climate change, but its scalability has been limited due to the previously ubiquitous use of engineered polymer materials called ion exchange resins. The team found they could reduce both cost and energy use by employing sustainable, abundant and inexpensive materials -- often sourceable from organic waste or feedstock -- to make DAC technologies cheaper and more scalable. -- "The study introduces and compares novel platform nanomaterials for moisture-swing carbon capture, specifically carbonaceous materials like activated carbon, nanostructured graphite, carbon nanotubes and flake graphite, and metal oxide nanoparticles including iron, aluminum and manganese oxides," said Northwestern materials science and engineering Ph.D. candidate John Hegarty, a co-author. "For the first time, we applied a structured experimental framework to identify the significant potential of different materials for CO2 capture. Of these materials, the aluminum oxide and activated carbon had the fastest kinetics, while the iron oxide and nanostructured graphite could capture the most CO2." -- The paper demonstrates the significance of a material's pore size (pockets of space within porous materials where carbon dioxide can nestle) in predicting its power to capture carbon. The engineers argue this type of research will support the development of design principles to improve performance by modifying a material's structure. -- Scaling carbon capture -- Traditional methods to directly capture atmospheric CO2 have failed to be competitive in many markets due to their high costs and technical complexity. More accessible and lower-cost DAC technologies could offset the emissions from agriculture, aviation, and concrete and steel manufacturing sectors that are challenging or impossible to decarbonize through renewable energy alone. -- "The moisture-swing methodology allows for CO2 to be sequestered at low humidity and released at high humidity, reducing or eliminating the energy costs associated with heating a sorbent material so it can be reused," said McCormick School of Engineering Ph.D. graduate Benjamin Shindel. According to Shindel and the study's other authors, the modality is appealing because it enables carbon removal from virtually anywhere and can leverage synergies to connect to other systems that will operate in a carbon utilization paradigm. -- "If you design your system correctly, you can rely on natural gradients, for example, through a day-night cycle or through leveraging two volumes of air of which one is humid, and one is already dry in geographies where that makes sense," said materials engineering Professor Vinayak P. Dravid, who led the research.	A01 C01	980
2513-T014	Tiny Pacemaker Dissolves After Use, Ideal For Newborns With Heart Conditions	Engineers at Northwestern University have developed an ultra-small pacemaker, designed for seamless injection and dissipation within the body, especially for newborns with congenital heart defects. This innovative device pairs with a wearable patch that detects irregular heartbeats, representing a significant advancement in pediatric cardiac care, minimizing invasiveness.	Northwestern University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Northwestern University engineers have developed a pacemaker so tiny that it can fit inside the tip of a syringe -- and be non-invasively injected into the body. -- Although it can work with hearts of all sizes, the pacemaker is particularly well-suited to the tiny, fragile hearts of newborn babies with congenital heart defects. -- Smaller than a single grain of rice, the pacemaker is paired with a small, soft, flexible, wireless, wearable device that mounts onto a patient's chest to control pacing. -- When the wearable device detects an irregular heartbeat, it automatically shines a light pulse to activate the pacemaker. -- These short pulses -- which penetrate through the patient's skin, breastbone and muscles -- control the pacing. -- Designed for patients who only need temporary pacing, the pacemaker simply dissolves after it's no longer needed. -- All the pacemaker's components are biocompatible, so they naturally dissolve into the body's biofluids, bypassing the need for surgical extraction. -- The study will be published on April 2 in the journal Nature. The paper demonstrates the device's efficacy across a series of large and small animal models as well as human hearts from deceased organ donors. -- "We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world's smallest pacemaker," said Northwestern bioelectronics pioneer John A. Rogers, who led the device development. -- "There's a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that's a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important. In terms of the device load on the body -- the smaller, the better."	H01 R01 N01 T01	981
2501-039	Psilocybin Shows Promise For Improving Mental Health In Cancer And Addiction Patients.	Two studies suggest that psilocybin, when combined with psychotherapy, can improve mental health outcomes for cancer patients and induce lasting positive changes in patients with alcohol use disorder. These findings emphasize psilocybin’s therapeutic potential and drive further research into its applications in various mental health contexts.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	American Journal of Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	One or two doses of psilocybin, a compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, may improve the mental health of cancer patients when accompanied by psychotherapy, a new report suggests. A second new study found that treatment with psilocybin resulted in lasting, positive personality changes in patients with alcohol use disorder. -- The first report's findings were published online Oct. 7 in the journal Nature Mental Health, and the second published online Jan. -- 1 in a special edition of The American Journal of Psychiatry focused on psilocybin research. -- In the first study, a team of experts at NYU Langone Health found that psilocybin accompanied by psychotherapy significantly reduced anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, anger toward others, and physical symptoms associated with psychological distress, with improvements lasting up to six months. -- "Our findings suggest that the mental health benefits of psilocybin therapy for cancer patients may reach far beyond what we have previously understood," said study lead author Petros Petridis, MD, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- The study also concluded that the mood-altering psilocybin did not appear to cause any lasting paranoia, psychosis, or deep feelings of fear (phobia). As a result, their analysis adds to the mounting body of evidence that psilocybin can be safely administered under close medical supervision, says study senior author Stephen Ross, MD. Ross is a clinical professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and serves as an associate director of its Center for Psychedelic Medicine. -- For the study, the researchers analyzed data from two previous clinical trials that used psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy to address anxiety and depression in 79 men and women with cancer. -- In the trials, about half of the participants initially received a large dose of psilocybin while the rest were given either vitamin B3 or a tiny dose of the psychedelic drug as a placebo. -- Neither the researchers nor the patients were told which medication they were given. -- After six or seven weeks, depending on the trial, the groups switched treatments.	H01 H02 R01	982
2501-052	Early Life Brain Circuit Stabilizes Gaze Control, New Study Finds.	A recent study at NYU Grossman School of Medicine examined the vestibulo-ocular reflex, an ancient brain circuit that stabilizes vision as an animal moves. Findings show that this reflex matures early in life, providing insights into potential treatments for balance disorders resulting from its dysfunction.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	An ancient brain circuit, which enables the eyes to reflexively rotate up as the body tilts down, tunes itself early in life as an animal develops, a new study finds. -- Led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the study revolves around how vertebrates, which includes humans and animals spanning evolution from primitive fish to mammals, stabilize their gaze as they move. -- To do so they use a brain circuit that turns any shifts in orientation sensed by the balance (vestibular) system in their ears into an instant counter-movement by their eyes. -- Called the vestibulo-ocular reflex, the circuit enables the stable perception of surroundings. -- When it is broken -- by trauma, stroke, or a genetic condition -- a person may feel like the world bounces around every time their head or body moves. -- In adult vertebrates, it and other brain circuits are tuned by feedback from the senses (vision and balance organs). The current study authors were surprised to find that, in contrast, sensory input was not necessary for maturation of the reflex circuit in newborns. -- Published online January 2 in the journal Science, the study featured experiments done in zebrafish larvae, which have a similar gaze stabilizing reflex to the one in humans. -- Further, zebrafish are transparent, so researchers litterally watched brain cells called neurons mature to understand the changes that let a newborn fish rotate its eyes up appropriately as its body tilts down (or its eyes down as its body tilts up). -- "Discovering how vestibular reflexes come to be may help us find new ways to counter pathologies that affect balance or eye movements," says study senior author David Schoppik, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery, Neuroscience & Physiology, and the Neuroscience Institute, at NYU Langone Health. -- Split-Second Tilts	R02 N01	983
2501-055	Study Finds Declining Molecules Linked To Alzheimer's Risk, Especially In Women.	New findings reveal that women may be at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease due to the decline of two naturally occurring molecules in the body. A study led by NYU Langone Health demonstrated that lower levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine correspond with worsening cognitive functions, particularly in women. These results, published in Molecular Psychiatry, suggest that tracking these blood markers could help in assessing the severity of Alzheimer’s disease and may explain why cognitive decline is more pronounced in women.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Declining blood levels of two molecules that occur naturally in the body track closely with worsening Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. Levels were found to drop gradually, from women with no signs of memory, disorientation, and slowed thinking to those with early signs of mild cognitive impairment. Decreases were more prominent in women with moderate or severe stages of the disease. Declines in men were evident in only one molecule, revealing a disease-specific difference between the sexes. -- Six million Americans, most over the age of 65 and predominantly women, are currently estimated to have some form of Alzheimer's disease. -- Led by neuroscientists at NYU Langone Health, in collaboration with other researchers in the U.S. and Brazil, the new study showed that blood levels of the protein acetyl-L-carnitine were lower in both women and men with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Blood levels of free carnitine, the main byproduct of acetyl-L-carnitine in reactions essential to brain function, steadily declined in women in amounts related to the severity of their cognitive decline. In men, significant declines were seen only in acetyl-L-carnitine, not free carnitine. -- Published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry online Jan. 7, the study results suggest that declines in these two brain chemicals could indicate the presence and degree of Alzheimer's disease, and that this difference might offer an explanation as to why women are at higher risk of the disease than men. -- Additional computer testing showed that blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine aligned in direct proportion in study participants to increased amyloid beta and tangled tau protein levels, long considered markers of progressive severity in Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, the research team's accuracy in diagnosing the severity of Alzheimer's disease rose from more than 80% -- when using either amyloid beta and tangled tau protein levels collected from cerebrospinal fluid or the two blood molecules -- to 93% when using both. -- "Our findings offer the strongest evidence to date that decreased blood levels of acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine could act as blood biomarkers for identifying those who have Alzheimer's disease, and potentially those who are at greater risk of developing early dementia," said study lead investigator Betty Bigio, PhD. "The results also might explain the differences by sex in Alzheimer's disease, with more women than men having dementia," said Bigio, a research assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Bigio is also affiliated with the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. -- "Because declines in acetyl-L-carnitine and free carnitine tracked closely with the severity of Alzheimer's disease, the molecular pathways involved in their production offer other possible therapeutic targets for getting at the root cause of the disease and potentially intervening before permanent brain damage occurs," said senior study investigator Carla Nasca, PhD. Nasca is an assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Nasca is also affiliated with the Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research. -- The study involved data on two separate groups of men and women in Brazil and California, in which the researchers measured blood levels of the two molecules. A total of 93 study volunteers diagnosed with varying degrees of cognitive impairment were involved, along with 32 cognitively healthy men and women of similar age, weight, and education. Results in the Californian group were used to confirm what was found in the Brazilian group. -- Moving forward, Nasca says more research is needed into the root sources of acetyl-L-carnitine and the molecular pathways that control its production and into tracking how the molecule affects brain chemistry as it is contained in brain vesicle stores released into the blood. The team's goal is to define other biomarkers in the brain that track closely with Alzheimer's disease progression. -- If further studies confirm their latest findings, Nasca says the team's research could be used to develop a blood test for dementia and for tracking the progression of Alzheimer's disease in an easier and noninvasive way. Currently, searching for biomarkers of disease progression can involve serial spinal taps that pose risks of pain and infection. A blood test might also be useful to support or add a more objective, quantitative measure of disease severity than existing questionnaires that test memory or thinking skills.	H02 R02 T01	984
2503-035	Experience Shapes Male Aggression As Dopamine's Role Weakens With Success	A recent study on mice reveals that while dopamine is essential for promoting aggression in inexperienced males, its influence diminishes with experience. Researchers from NYU Langone Health manipulated dopamine levels to observe its impact on fighting behavior, uncovering how past experiences shape neurochemical involvement in aggression, which may have implications for understanding behavioral dynamics in humans.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Like humans, mice will compete over territory and mates, and show increased confidence in their fighting skills the more they win. At first, a brain chemical called dopamine is essential for young males to master this behavior. But as they gain experience, the chemical grows less important in promoting aggression, a new study shows. -- Dopamine has been linked to male aggression for decades. How past experiences might influence this relationship, however, had until now been unclear. -- In experiments in rodents, a team led by researchers at NYU Langone Health boosted activity in dopamine-releasing cells in a part of the brain called the ventral tegmental area. -- The findings revealed that in inexperienced male fighters, this led the animals to attack for twice as long as they would have fought naturally. -- When the cells were blocked, the novice mice would not fight at all. -- By contrast, this pattern did not hold true in males that had extensive fighting experience. -- Whether or not dopamine-releasing cells were boosted or blocked, the duration of attack did not change. -- Notably, though, the more clashes a mouse won, the more fights it would start in the future. -- "Our findings offer new insight into how both 'nature' and 'nurture' shape aggression in males," said study senior author Dayu Lin, PhD. -- "While aggression is an innate behavior, dopamine -- and fighting experience -- is essential for its maturation during adulthood," added Lin, a professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.	R02 N01	985
2505-E039	Study Finds No Direct Link Between Maternal Illness During Pregnancy And Autism Risk	A significant new study indicates that most previously identified links between a mother's health during pregnancy and her child's autism risk can be attributed to external factors such as genetics and environmental pollution. Researchers from NYU Langone Health analyzed over a million pregnancies and discovered that complications genuinely linked to autism were often early indicators of the condition rather than causes. This comprehensive research, leveraging Denmark's centralized health records, offers fresh insights and challenges existing notions about maternal health's role in autism risk.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A group of 211 international experts from 79 countries has today published a new framework to facilitate the design, development and implementation of digital health curricula in medical education worldwide. -- Published in JAMA Network Open, the Digital Health Competencies in Medical Education (DECODE) framework is designed to help medical institutions better equip future physicians for the ongoing digital transformation in healthcare. -- The framework is already beginning to be adopted across the globe, including in the UK where it has influenced a new Medical Schools Council report containing recommended data science learning outcomes for medical graduates. -- The international steering group that oversaw the development of the framework included subject matter experts in medical education and digital health research from King's College London, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), Imperial College London, and Harvard University. -- "The DECODE framework represents a significant step forward in preparing future physicians for the digital transformation of healthcare. By providing a globally adaptable set of competencies, we aim to ensure that medical graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to navigate and leverage digital health technologies effectively," says Professor Josip Car, Professor of Population and Digital Health Sciences at King's and co-lead author of the framework. -- "This international consensus effort highlights the urgent need to integrate digital health education into medical curricula worldwide. The DECODE framework not only addresses this gap but also provides a flexible roadmap for institutions to tailor digital health training to their unique contexts and resources." -- Digital health is the use of digital information and technologies to improve health outcomes. From mobile health apps and wearable devices to electronic health records and artificial intelligence, digital tools are driving a transformation in healthcare. But research suggests that many medical students and physicians don't feel adequately prepared for using new healthcare technologies in practice. -- "It is important for medical education to keep pace with the rapid digitalisation in healthcare. To do so, targeted training and education in digital health is needed to ensure that future doctors can use these technologies efficiently and safely in care delivery," says Dr Qi Chwen Ong, research assistant at NTU Singapore's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and co-lead author of the framework. -- "This framework provides comprehensive coverage of widely adopted and emerging digital health technologies. It also addresses critical areas such as ethical and regulatory considerations, as well as broader population health aspects, including the digital determinants of health." -- After generating and refining an initial list of competencies and learning outcomes for the framework, the steering committee engaged with over 200 subject matter experts from 79 countries and territories, spanning all World Health Organization (WHO) regions and World Bank income groups. Through several rounds of feedback, experts reached consensus on the relevant and essential learning outcomes, which shaped the framework.	A01 H01	986
2507-042	New Brain Circuit Revealed: How We Distinguish Familiar From New Things	Researchers from NYU Langone Health have made a significant discovery regarding a newly identified brain circuit that mixes sensory information, memories, and emotions to discern between familiar and novel experiences. This circuit features a unique feedback loop allowing rapid signaling of important stimuli, enhancing our understanding of how the brain prioritizes information based on past experiences and emotional context, as highlighted by senior author Jayeeta Basu.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A newly identified part of a brain circuit mixes sensory information, memories, and emotions to tell whether things are familiar or new, and important or just "background noise." -- Led by researchers from NYU Langone Health, the work found that a circuit known to carry messages from a brain region that processes sensory information, the entorhinal cortex (EC), to the memory processing center in the hippocampus (HC) has a previously unrecognized pathway that carries messages directly back to the EC. -- Publishing online Feb. 18 in Nature Neuroscience, the study results show that this direct feedback loop sends signals fast enough to instantly tag sights and sounds linked to certain objects and places as more important by considering them in the context of memories and emotions. -- "Ours is the first anatomical and functional analysis of both the new direct hippocampal-cortical feedback loop, and the indirect loop found decades ago," said senior study author Jayeeta Basu, PhD, an assistant professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- "The differences we found in their wiring, timing, and location suggest that the loops have separate but parallel roles that let them work together to encode even more complex information," added Basu, faculty in the Institute for Translational Neuroscience at NYU Langone Health and a recent winner of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. -- A better understanding of the interplay between the two brain regions may yield new solutions to problems within related circuits, researchers say, like those seen in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder who struggle to tell apart past trauma from current loud noises, or in the sensory overload experienced by some children with autism as they try to tell apart objects or interact with people. -- Delicate Signals -- The long-understood model of the studied circuit posits that the hippocampus (HC) receives sensory information about the outside world from entorhinal cortex (EC) surface layers 2 and 3, but sends back signals to the EC only by indirectly wiring first into a deep EC layer (layer 5), which then routes them into EC surface layers 2 and 3. The indirect route can cause time lags that change the HC feedback signals. -- Using modern methods, the current research team found a second loop that directly connects the HC to EC layers 2 and 3, letting memories and emotions stored in the HC quickly add weight to perceived sights and sounds as part of learning. -- A paradox in the field has been that there is no known direct pathway connecting the hippocampal memory center with the brain's emotional center, the amygdala.	H01 H02 R02	987
2508-059	Rapid Genetic Testing For Cancer Cells Improves Surgical Precision In Operations	Researchers from NYU Langone Health have developed a rapid tool to identify cancer cell genetic 'fingerprints' during surgeries, potentially improving brain tumor removal accuracy. This new method, Ultra-Rapid droplet digital PCR, offers significant speed improvements over traditional techniques, enabling real-time detection of cancer cells in tissue samples, which could optimize surgical outcomes for patients undergoing brain surgery.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Med	Press Rel	PubMed	A novel tool for rapidly identifying the genetic "fingerprints" of cancer cells may enable future surgeons to more accurately remove brain tumors while a patient is in the operating room, new research reveals. Many cancer types can be identified by certain mutations, changes in the instructions encoded in the DNA of the abnormal cells. -- Led by a research team from NYU Langone Health, the new study describes the development of Ultra-Rapid droplet digital PCR, or UR-ddPCR, which the team found can measure the level of tumor cells in a tissue sample in only 15 minutes while also being able to detect small numbers of cancer cells (as few as five cells per square millimeter). -- The researchers say their tool is fast and accurate enough, at least in initial tests on brain tissue samples, to become the first practical tool of its kind for detecting cancer cells directly using mutations in real time during brain surgery. -- The researchers showed that UR-ddPCR had markedly faster processing speed than standard ddPCR, short for droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. -- Standard ddPCR can accurately quantify tumor cells, but it typically takes several hours to produce a result, making it impractical as a surgical guide. -- "For many cancers, such as tumors in the brain, the success of cancer surgery and preventing the cancer's return is predicated on removing as much of the tumor and surrounding cancer cells as is safely possible," said study co-senior investigator and neurosurgeon Daniel Orringer, MD. -- "With Ultra-Rapid droplet digital PCR, surgeons may now be able to determine what cells are cancerous and how many of these cancer cells are present in any particular tissue region at a level of accuracy that has never before been possible," said Orringer, an associate professor in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. -- Publishing in the Cell Press journal Med online Feb. -- 25, the study showed that UR-ddPCR produced the same results as standard ddPCR and genetic sequencing in more than 75 tissue samples from 22 patients at NYU Langone undergoing surgery to remove glioma tumors, a type of brain cancer. -- Results from UR-ddPCR were also checked against known samples with cancer cells and samples without any cancer.	H01 R01 R02	988
2511-072	Low-Dose Antibiotics Show Promise For Chronic Hair Loss Treatment	A study from NYU Langone Health shows that low doses of a common antibiotic can effectively treat autoimmune conditions causing permanent hair loss, like lymphocytic scarring alopecia. The findings suggest this regimen may reduce side effects compared to higher doses, providing a promising alternative treatment for patients and emphasizing the need for personalized medical approaches in autoimmune disorders.	NYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine	Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology	Press Rel	PubMed	Small amounts of a common antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug can curb symptoms where a misplaced immune reaction (e.g., autoimmunity) can cause permanent hair loss, a new study shows. This regimen may also come with fewer side effects than higher doses of the medication. -- Led by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the study explored lymphocytic scarring alopecia, a rare skin condition in which the body's immune cells damage hair follicles, leading to hair loss and scarring. -- Physicians typically treat this chronic disorder with relatively high doses of the antibiotic doxycycline, often for prolonged periods of time. -- However, the drug can trigger nausea, vomiting, and rashes and may discourage patients from continuing to take it, the study authors say. -- As a result, the team set out to determine whether lower doses could work instead. -- The findings in 241 men and women treated for several forms of lymphocytic scarring alopecia revealed that lower doses (usually 20 milligrams taken twice daily) and higher doses (as much as 100 milligrams taken twice daily) of doxycycline were equally effective. -- Specifically, the researchers found no significant difference between the two groups on evaluations of scalp inflammation, patients' perception of the severity of their hair loss, and clinical measurements of hair density, hair-shaft diameter, and hairline recession. -- In addition, while 23% of those on the high-dose regimen experienced common negative side effects of doxycycline, only 12% of those taking smaller doses of the drug did so. Another key finding was that while 25% of the high-dose group stopped taking doxycycline altogether due to gastrointestinal issues, only 16% of the low-dose group stopped treatment due to this side effect. -- "Our findings suggest that physicians can prescribe lower doses of doxycycline to patients struggling with lymphocytic scarring alopecia without compromising the efficacy and anti-inflammatory benefit of the therapy," said study co-lead author Carli Needle, BA. -- Needle, a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, adds that besides warding off unpleasant side effects, lower doses of the drug may also safeguard gut health.	H01 R01	989
2507-T025	New AI Technology Revolutionizes Urban Green Space Mapping Using Satellite Imagery	A new AI system developed by researchers at NYU employs satellite imagery to accurately monitor urban green spaces, revealing stark disparities in vegetation across cities. This innovative approach promises to enhance urban planning efforts and improve public health by promoting the importance of green spaces in urban environments.	NYU Tandon School of Engineering	NYU Tandon School of Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Rumi Chunara -- an NYU associate professor with appointments in both the Tandon School of Engineering and the School of Global Public Health -- has unveiled a new artificial intelligence (AI) system that uses satellite imagery to track urban green spaces more accurately than prior methods, critical to ensuring healthy cities. -- To validate their approach, the researchers tested the system in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city where several team members are based. -- Karachi proved an ideal test case with its mix of dense urban areas and varying vegetation conditions. -- Accepted for publication by the ACM Journal on Computing and Sustainable Societies, the team's analysis exposed a stark environmental divide: some areas enjoy tree-lined streets while many neighborhoods have almost no vegetation at all. -- Cities have long struggled to track their green spaces precisely, from parks to individual street trees, with traditional satellite analysis missing up to about 37% of urban vegetation. -- As cities face climate change and rapid urbanization, especially in Asia and Africa, accurate measurement has become vital. -- Green spaces can help reduce urban temperatures, filter air pollution, and provide essential spaces for exercise and mental health. -- But these benefits may be unequally distributed. Low-income areas often lack vegetation, making them hotter and more polluted than tree-lined wealthy neighborhoods. -- The research team developed their solution by enhancing AI segmentation architectures, such as DeepLabV3+. Using high-resolution satellite imagery from Google Earth, they trained the system by augmenting their training data to include varied versions of green vegetation under different lighting and seasonal conditions -- a process they call 'green augmentation.' This technique improved vegetation detection accuracy by 13.4% compared to existing AI methods -- a significant advance in the field. -- When measuring how often the system correctly identifies vegetation, it achieved 89.4% accuracy with 90.6% reliability, substantially better than traditional methods which only achieve 63.3% accuracy with 64.0% reliability.	H01 C01 N02 T01	990
2509-T011	Self-Driving Vehicles Share Road Knowledge Indirectly For Enhanced Learning	Researchers at NYU Tandon have created a system that enables self-driving vehicles to indirectly share knowledge about road conditions, enhancing collective learning while protecting data privacy. This innovative approach addresses significant challenges in artificial intelligence, allowing vehicles to adapt to new conditions more effectively despite limited direct interactions.	NYU Tandon School of Engineering	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	An NYU Tandon School of Engineering-led research team has developed a way for self-driving vehicles to share their knowledge about road conditions indirectly, making it possible for each vehicle to learn from the experiences of others even when they rarely meet on the road. -- The research, presented in a paper at the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence Conference on February 27, 2025, tackles a persistent problem in artificial intelligence: how to help vehicles learn from each other while keeping their data private. -- Typically, vehicles only share what they have learned during brief direct encounters, limiting how quickly they can adapt to new conditions. -- "Think of it like creating a network of shared experiences for self-driving cars," said Yong Liu, who supervised the research led by his Ph.D. student Xiaoyu Wang. -- Liu is a professor in NYU Tandon's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department and a member of its Center for Advanced Technology in Telecommunications and Distributed Information Systems and of NYU WIRELESS. -- "A car that has only driven in Manhattan could now learn about road conditions in Brooklyn from other vehicles, even if it never drives there itself. This would make every vehicle smarter and better prepared for situations it hasn't personally encountered," Liu said. -- The researchers call their new approach Cached Decentralized Federated Learning (Cached-DFL). Unlike traditional Federated Learning, which relies on a central server to coordinate updates, Cached-DFL enables vehicles to train their own AI models locally and share those models with others directly. -- When vehicles come within 100 meters of each other, they use high-speed device-to-device communication to exchange trained models rather than raw data. -- Crucially, they can also pass along models they've received from previous encounters, allowing information to spread far beyond immediate interactions. -- Each vehicle maintains a cache of up to 10 external models and updates its AI every 120 seconds.	T01	991
2501-010	Acoustic Sensors Reveal Alarming Gunfire Exposure For Children On Chicago School Routes.	In a Chicago neighborhood study, acoustic sensors revealed alarming rates of gunfire exposure among children walking to school. The results indicated that nearly two-thirds of schools had gun incidents nearby, prompting calls for redefining measurements of school gun violence to include indirect exposure that can impact children's mental health and wellbeing.	Ohio State University	SSM - Population Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study used acoustic sensors that detect the sound of gunfire to show how often children in one Chicago neighborhood are exposed to gunshots while walking to and from school. -- Results showed that nearly two-thirds of schools in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago had at least one gun incident within 400 meters (about one-quarter mile) of where children were walking home during the 2021-22 school year. -- These findings suggest a need to redefine federal definitions of school gun violence to include indirect forms of violence that take place near schools, not only on school grounds, in order to more appropriately capture the burden on communities of color, said Gia Barboza-Salerno, lead author of the study and assistant professor of public health and social work at The Ohio State University. -- "Not all the violence children are exposed to is direct violence or happens on school grounds," Barboza-Salerno said. -- "But that doesn't mean it doesn't have an impact. Hearing gunshots on the way to and from school is terrifying and will affect how kids perform in school." -- The study was published recently in the journal SSM-Population Health. -- The findings are important because research shows that exposure to gun violence in schools is linked to poor outcomes for students, including diminished performance on standardized assessments in mathematics and English, elevated rates of absenteeism, decreased student enrollment, and lower graduation rates. -- In this new study, the researchers found that 4.5 times more gunshots were detected using the acoustic sensors compared to what police recorded in investigative reports. -- This sensor data shows how staggering the amount of indirect violence is for children in Englewood, and potentially other areas, said study co-author Sharefa Duhaney, a graduate student in public health at Ohio State. -- "You can't just put metal detectors in schools to deal with violence," Duhaney said.	H01	992
2502-067	Tiny Particles Transport Cargo By Keeping Their Structure Intact In Different Environments	The study from The Ohio State University reveals how extracellular vesicles, tiny particles vital for cellular transport, maintain their structure despite varying electrical conditions in biological environments. The research identifies a critical ion channel protein that stabilizes these vesicles, enhancing their potential as drug delivery systems. This finding provides a comprehensive understanding of their function and importance, contributing to advancements in therapeutic applications.	Ohio State University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have revealed the secret to the structural integrity of tiny particles that transport cargo from cell to cell through blood vessels and bodily fluids: special proteins that keep their membranes intact as they negotiate shifting electrical impulses in different biological environments. -- These particles, called extracellular vesicles, are considered attractive vehicle models for new drug therapies. -- But until now, researchers haven't had the complete picture of how they work. -- In a new study, a team led by medical researchers at The Ohio State University determined that these vesicles contain an ion channel -- a protein that opens a corridor allowing electrical charges to pass through the protective outer membrane, a necessary step to keep contents and conditions stable inside. -- Animal experiments also showed the ion channel influences the cargo, meaning the protein is important not just to the structure of extracellular vesicles (EVs), but also their function. -- Researchers compared the effects of RNA molecules delivered by EVs with and without the membrane protein to mice with ailing hearts. -- Only molecules carried by EVs with ion channels were able to repair the heart damage. -- Harpreet Singh, professor of physiology and cell biology, and Mahmood Khan, professor of emergency medicine, both in Ohio State's College of Medicine, co-led the study. -- "We have not only discovered ion channels in these vesicles. We have recorded functional ion channels for the first time ever," Singh said. -- "From forming a simple fundamental hypothesis that these vesicles should have ion channels all the way to showing that these vesicles will contain different cargo that can either protect or harm your cells -- in this case, the heart -- we have told the whole story."	R01 N01	993
2502-E021	Urban Coyotes: How Human Activity Impacts Their Survival In Cities	A study tracking urban coyotes in Chicago reveals that human factors, rather than natural habitats, significantly influence their survival. Researchers found that areas with dense human populations corresponded with longer lifespans for coyotes, suggesting that societal characteristics play a crucial role in urban wildlife dynamics. The findings challenge traditional assumptions about the detrimental effects of human activity on wildlife and emphasize the need for a deeper understanding of urban ecological interactions.	Ohio State University	Urban Ecosystems	Press Rel	PubMed	Tracking coyote movement in metropolitan areas shows the animals spend lots of time in natural settings, but a new study suggests the human element of city life has a bigger impact than the environment on urban coyote survival. -- Researchers monitoring coyotes in Chicago found that habitat -- areas with relatively high levels of vegetation cover and low levels of human infrastructure -- did not influence coyote survival in positive or negative ways. Instead, areas densely populated with humans were associated with longer coyote lifespans. -- "What we found was really interesting, in that the societal characteristics seem to play a much more important role in predicting coyote survival time than the environmental characteristics," said Emily Zepeda, first author of the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. -- "And then we found this positive effect of human population density on survival time. Both of those things are unexpected because we usually associate human activity with detrimental effects on wildlife." -- The study was published recently in the journal Urban Ecosystems. -- The data comes from the Urban Coyote Research Project, a long-term study of coyote ecology in the Chicago Metropolitan Area led by Stan Gehrt, a wildlife ecologist at Ohio State and senior author of the new paper. -- Gehrt and colleagues estimate that 4,000 coyotes live in Chicago, one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America. Gehrt's previous behavioral, genetics and biological studies offer hints at how coyotes have adjusted to life in the city. This new work sought to identify the diverse urban factors that help or hinder their ability to survive. -- Tracking data on the movement of 214 coyotes living in the Chicago area between 2013 and 2021 was used for the study. The duration of each coyote's tracking period served as a proxy of its survival time. -- Potential factors the researchers predicted would affect urban coyote survival included a mix of societal and environmental characteristics: neighborhood median income, human density and demographics; and road density, parks and golf courses, and "disturbed" regions dominated by infrastructure and vacant land. These factors were analyzed alongside the coyote monitoring data in a statistical model to determine their relationships with survival time. -- The results showed a positive relationship between survival rate and human population density -- at low human densities, coyote survival was generally low. The data also revealed an interaction between neighborhood income and density: In areas with low human density, median income was not significantly associated with survival, likely due to the absence of humans. However, at moderate and high levels of human density, coyotes in lower-income areas were 1 1/2 times more likely to survive to age 2 than coyotes in high-income areas.	C01 N01	994
2504-E031	Innovative Waste-to-Chemicals Process Promises More Efficient Chemical Recycling Methods	Innovative research has revealed a method for converting environmental waste into valuable syngas, effectively addressing the growing issue of discarded plastics and food waste. By utilizing chemical looping technology, scientists from The Ohio State University have demonstrated a more efficient approach to recycling that could transform waste management practices.	Ohio State University	Energy & Fuels	Press Rel	PubMed	Turning environmental waste into useful chemical resources could solve many of the inevitable challenges of our growing amounts of discarded plastics, paper and food waste, according to new research. -- In a significant breakthrough, researchers from The Ohio State University have developed a technology to transform materials like plastics and agricultural waste into syngas, a substance most often used to create chemicals and fuels like formaldehyde and methanol. -- Using simulations to test how well the system could break down waste, scientists found that their approach, called chemical looping, could produce high-quality syngas in a more efficient manner than other similar chemical techniques. -- Altogether, this refined process saves energy and is safer for the environment, said Ishani Karki Kudva, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State. -- "We use syngas for important chemicals that are required in our day-to-day life," said Kudva. -- "So improving its purity means that we can utilize it in a variety of new ways." -- Today, most commercial processes create syngas that is about 80 to 85% pure, but Kudva's team achieved a purity of around 90% in a process that takes only a few minutes. -- This study builds on decades of previous research at Ohio State, led by Liang-Shih Fan, a distinguished university professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering who advised the study. -- This previous research used chemical looping technology to turn fossil fuels, sewer gas and coal into hydrogen, syngas and other useful products. -- In the new study, the system consists of two reactors: a moving bed reducer where waste is broken down using oxygen provided by metal oxide material, and a fluidized bed combustor that replenishes the lost oxygen so that the material can be regenerated.	H01 C01	995
2505-E038	Constructed Wetlands Capture Carbon Effectively, But Their Efficiency Declines With Maturity	Constructed wetlands effectively capture carbon in their early years, according to a new study, although their carbon sequestration ability declines as they mature. Researchers compared soil samples from two constructed wetlands over nearly three decades and found that while both captured similar carbon amounts, neither showed significant gains beyond 15 years. These findings emphasize the crucial role of wetlands in climate change mitigation, likened to the "kidneys of the world" for their water purification and carbon storage capabilities, underscoring their environmental importance.	Ohio State University	Ecological Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Billions of people worldwide depend on wild species for food security, livelihoods, income generation, and well-being. Achieving long-term sustainability in the trade and use of wild species is a key global priority -- not only for conservation but also to support the billions of people who rely on these species. CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is the foundation of international action to support sustainable trade. It currently provides legal protection to over 40,000 animal and plant species, playing a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity. -- Researchers at the University of Oxford critically evaluated the effectiveness of CITES, asking 'is the Convention solving the problem for which it was designed?' Their analysis revealed critical flaws in the CITES approach -- including a predominant focus on state-led law enforcement to prevent the illegal trade and extraction of species, and the exclusion of nuanced socio-economic analysis in decision-making. -- While the Convention has drawn attention to overexploitation, it is not deterring widespread illegal activities in wildlife trade systems in many parts of the world. -- Evidence indicates that in recent years illegal wildlife trade has involved thousands of CITES-listed species and occurred in at least 162 countries. -- Dr Michael 't Sas-Rolfes (University of Oxford), a co-author of the study, explains: "The current approach is proving ineffective for many species due to under-resourced public agencies and a lack of motivation, as many consider the laws illegitimate. In some cases, simply prohibiting international trade appears to accelerate overexploitation -- the opposite of the intended effect." -- Informed by this evaluation, the researchers have developed a new decision support tool for CITES. -- This is based on an in-depth understanding of wildlife trade systems, and the use of inclusive and consultative governance processes to revise or redesign the rules and regulations around the use and trade of species. -- Dr Dan Challender (University of Oxford), lead author of the study, says: "Current decision-making processes in CITES assume that a predominant focus on state-led law enforcement is the best solution, when in fact, this approach is proving inadequate for many species across most parts of the world. The time has come for CITES to change. There should be much more focus on exploring institutionally diverse conservation models so there is less reliance on under-resourced public agencies." -- Co-author, Professor E.J. Milner-Gulland (University of Oxford), adds: "We need to move away from debates about whether to simply ban international trade in species and toward understanding wildlife trade systems in-depth so that interventions are evidence-based, tailored to particular species and trade systems, and legitimate for the people involved. This may involve tightening or relaxing trade measures for species, and importantly, situating CITES trade measures within the wider institutional landscape." -- Unlike the current approach, where many species in CITES receive a one-size-fits-all approach to trade regulation, the proposed framework tailors interventions to specific trade systems, situates them within broader institutional settings, and aligns institutions along international supply chains.	H01 R01 C01	996
2505-E045	Portable Device Revolutionizes Firefighting With Conductive Aerosol Delivery System	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking portable tool designed to enhance firefighting efficiency and safety. This device utilizes conductive aerosols, propelled by vortex rings, to suppress flames effectively while reducing reliance on traditional methods that can strain water resources. By converting oxygen into ozone and creating turbulence to disrupt combustion, this innovative approach represents a significant leap forward in firefighting technology, potentially transforming how we tackle fires in various environments.	Ohio State University	Technologies	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study of the Great Barrier Reef has revealed that the network of no-take marine reserves supplies nearly half of the region's coral trout fishery catch. -- The research, led by Professor Michael Bode from the QUT School of Mathematical Sciences and published in Science Advances, revealed that despite covering only 30 per cent of the reef's habitat, these protected areas account for 47 per cent of the coral trout catch in fishing areas and contribute 55 per cent of the species' reproduction. -- The Great Barrier Reef is protected by a network of marine reserves designed to conserve its biodiversity. -- These reserves protect critical habitats for many species, including the coral trout, the reef's most valuable commercial fish. -- "The marine reserve network on the Great Barrier Reef is not just a tool for conservation; it's a vital contributor to the sustainability of local fisheries and local jobs," Professor Bode said. -- "By protecting fish populations within these no-take zones, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also guarantee that there will be a new generation of fish on the reefs that are open to fishing. This is a clear example of how protected areas can also benefit local communities and the economy, as well as the reef's unique biodiversity." -- The study, conducted by a team including researchers from James Cook University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, used decades of fish surveys, advanced oceanographic models, and high-resolution reef mapping. -- Importantly, the findings show that despite marine reserves reducing the area available for commercial fishing, the network has a positive, amplifying effect on fishery yields. -- On many reefs, the density of fish in reserves is two to three times higher than on fished reefs, resulting in a higher reproductive output and a more sustainable fishery. -- The study also highlights how all the reefs in the system benefit from the marine reserves, through higher larval supply.	R01 T01	997
2505-E069	New Tool Enhances Coral Resilience Through Improved Prey Feeding Opportunities	Researchers have developed the Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA) to improve coral resilience by increasing food availability. Testing in Hawaii showed that UZELA could enhance zooplankton density, benefiting both healthy and bleached corals. This innovation holds promise for bolstering coral health against environmental stresses, particularly as ocean temperatures rise and ecological threats to reefs intensify.	Ohio State University	Limnology and Oceanography: Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	The idea of traveling through interstellar space using spacecraft propelled by ultrathin sails may sound like the stuff of sci-fi novels. But in fact, a program started in 2016 by Stephen Hawking and Yuri Milner known as the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative has been exploring the idea. The concept is to use lasers to propel miniature space probes attached to "lightsails" to reach ultrafast speeds and eventually our nearest star system, Alpha Centauri. -- Caltech is leading the worldwide community working toward achieving this audacious goal. "The lightsail will travel faster than any previous spacecraft, with potential to eventually open interstellar distances to direct spacecraft exploration that are now only accessible by remote observation," explains Harry Atwater, the Otis Booth Leadership Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science and the Howard Hughes Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science at Caltech. -- Now, Atwater and his colleagues at Caltech have developed a platform for characterizing the ultrathin membranes that could one day be used to make these lightsails. Their test platform includes a way to measure the force that lasers exert on the sails and that will be used to send the spacecraft hurtling through space. The team's experiments mark the first step in moving from theoretical proposals and designs of lightsails to actual observations and measurements of the key concepts and potential materials. -- "There are numerous challenges involved in developing a membrane that could ultimately be used as lightsail. It needs to withstand heat, hold its shape under pressure, and ride stably along the axis of a laser beam," Atwater says. "But before we can begin building such a sail, we need to understand how the materials respond to radiation pressure from lasers. We wanted to know if we could determine the force being exerted on a membrane just by measuring its movements. It turns out we can." -- A paper describing the work appears in the journal Nature Photonics. The lead authors of the paper are postdoctoral scholar in applied physics Lior Michaeli and graduate student in applied physics Ramon Gao (MS '21), both of Caltech. -- The goal is to characterize the behavior of a freely moving lightsail. But as a first step, to begin studying the materials and propulsive forces in the lab, the team created a miniature lightsail that is tethered at the corners within a larger membrane. -- The researchers used equipment in the Kavli Nanoscience Institute at Caltech and a technique called electron beam lithography to carefully pattern a membrane of silicon nitride just 50 nanometers thick, creating something that looks like a microscopic trampoline. The mini trampoline, a square just 40 microns wide and 40 microns long, is suspended at the corners by silicon nitride springs. Then the team hit the membrane with argon laser light at a visible wavelength. The goal was to measure the radiation pressure that the miniature lightsail experienced by measuring the trampoline's motions as it moved up and down. -- But the picture from a physics perspective changes when the sail is tethered, says co-lead author Michaeli. "In this case, the dynamics become quite complex." The sail acts as a mechanical resonator, vibrating like a trampoline when hit by light. A key challenge is that these vibrations are mainly driven by heat from the laser beam, which can mask the direct effect of radiation pressure. Michaeli says the team turned this challenge into an advantage. "We not only avoided the unwanted heating effects but also used what we learned about the device's behavior to create a new way to measure light's force." -- The new method lets the device act additionally as a power meter to measure both the force and power of the laser beam. -- "The device represents a small lightsail, but a big part of our work was devising and realizing a scheme to precisely measure motion induced by long-range optical forces," says co-lead author Gao.	H01 H02 C01 T01	998
2506-037	Tiny RNA Segments Are Key Players In Gene Expression And Cell Stress Response	Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that certain RNA introns, once dismissed as non-functional, actually play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cellular responses to oxidative stress. Their findings highlight how these introns can suppress messenger RNA production, suggesting a vital evolutionary function in cellular survival mechanisms under stress.	Ohio State University	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have discovered that some tiny segments of RNA thought to be junk instead have a functional role in suppressing production of certain messenger RNAs and appear to help cells respond to oxidative stress. -- The segments in question are introns, short sequences of a subset of transfer RNAs, the RNA molecules that help guide assembly of amino acid chains during protein construction. -- These introns have historically been thought to be useless to cells because they must be clipped off before tRNA can do its job. -- In a new study, researchers at The Ohio State University showed that some introns attach to key sections of molecules that translate genetic information into proteins, causing them to degrade -- which cancels the protein's production. -- In experiments exposing cells to oxidative stress, one type of intron remained highly stable in those conditions rather than disintegrating, hinting that some introns might be part of cells' evolutionary survival toolkit. -- Unexpected observations over the years led the scientists to investigate a functional role for what they call "fitRNAs," short for free introns of tRNAs: improbable sequencing relationships with other RNA molecules, varied methods used by cells to discard them, and overexpression of some, but not all, introns in stressful conditions. -- "Nobody was anticipating a function for introns. But it just didn't make sense to me that they'd have no function and yet the cell thought there should be six or more different ways to destroy them," said senior author Anita Hopper, professor molecular genetics at Ohio State. -- "Why would the cell want to treat them preferentially if they were just junk? We were onto this idea that there must be some function. And for the last five years, our team devised some really smart experiments to prove it." -- The research is published today (Feb. 11, 2025) in Molecular Cell. -- Transfer RNA (tRNA) works with messenger RNA (mRNA) to construct proteins by way of complementarity, meaning that a tRNA sequence pairs with its complementary sequence on the mRNA molecule to make sure the correct amino acid is added to the chain as a protein is being built.	H02	999
2507-005	Study Reveals Complexity Of How We Perceive Accents In Speech	A new study by Ohio State University explores how people perceive accents, suggesting that accent identification may be more culturally learned than previously thought. Kathryn Campbell-Kibler, a linguistics expert, asserts that our understanding of accents is shaped by social contexts rather than just phonetic variations, challenging traditional views on how we recognize different speech patterns.	Ohio State University	Ohio State University	Press Rel	PubMed	How do you tell if someone has a particular accent? It might seem obvious: You hear someone pronounce words in a way that is different from "normal" and connect it to other people from a specific place. -- But a new study suggests that might not be the case. -- "People probably don't learn who has an accent from hearing someone talk and thinking, 'huh, they sound funny' -- even though sometimes it feels like that's how we do it," said Kathryn Campbell-Kibler, author of the study and associate professor of linguistics at The Ohio State University. -- Accents may be more of something we learn culturally, Campbell-Kibler said. -- The study was published online recently in the Journal of Sociolinguistics. -- The study is part of a long-term project that Ohio State researchers have been conducting at the Language Sciences Research Lab at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), a science museum in Columbus. -- In this study, researchers asked visitors to the museum to participate in a study about accents. In the end, 1,106 people age 9 and up -- mostly Ohioans -- took part. -- All participants heard a series of recordings, each featuring a speaker saying several words, all with the same vowel in them. -- "Americans often listen to vowels to judge how much of an accent someone has," Campbell-Kibler said. -- For example, some people may pronounce "pen" so that it sounds to others like they are saying "pin."	Z01	1,000
2507-110	Longer Paternity Leave Strengthens Co-Parenting Dynamics Between Moms And Dads	A recent study reveals that extended paternity leave can positively influence the co-parenting relationship by fostering greater involvement from fathers. Researchers found that mothers are less likely to discourage their partners' participation in childcare when fathers take longer leaves, suggesting that longer paternity leave signals to mothers an increased commitment from fathers and contributes to a more collaborative approach to parenting responsibilities.	Ohio State University	Ohio State University	Press Rel	PubMed	A longer paternity leave after the birth of a child can improve the co-parenting relationship between moms and dads in a key way, a new study finds. -- Researchers found that mothers were less likely to discourage fathers' involvement in parenting if the dads had taken more time off after their child was born. -- "When fathers take longer leaves, mothers might take that as a sign that fathers are more interested in being an active parent and be less likely to try to prevent them from participating in child care," said Reed Donithen, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in developmental psychology at The Ohio State University. -- In addition, longer leave for fathers is linked to mothers changing their attitudes about fathers and child care, said study co-author Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, professor of psychology at Ohio State and president of the board of the Council on Contemporary Families. -- When dads take more time off after the birth of their baby, moms relax unrealistically high standards for fathers' parenting and are less reliant on others' evaluations about their fulfillment of the maternal role. -- "It is difficult to change people's attitudes, but a longer paternity leave appears to change not only how mothers respond to fathers' involvement in child care but how they view parental roles," Schoppe-Sullivan said. "That is exciting." -- The study was published this week in the journal Sex Roles. -- The researchers used data from the New Parents Project, a long-term study led by Schoppe-Sullivan that investigates how dual-earner couples adjust to becoming parents and how families and children develop over time. In all, 182 couples, most of whom were married, white, well-educated and of higher socioeconomic status, participated in the project. -- The parents were assessed four times: when the mother was in her third trimester of pregnancy and when the baby was 3, 6 and 9 months old. -- When the baby was 9 months old, mothers and fathers answered questions about what researchers call "maternal gatekeeping," or how much the mother inhibits or welcomes the father's involvement in child care.	H01	1,001
2508-012	Co-Prescribing Stimulants And Opioids Linked To Increased Opioid Doses	A decade-long analysis of health insurance claims reveals a concerning link between the concurrent use of central nervous system stimulants and escalating opioid intake. This study sheds light on the patterns contributing to the "twin epidemic" of drug misuse, highlighting the importance of understanding the interactions between ADHD medications and opioids to prevent overdose risks.	Ohio State University	The Lancet Regional Health - Americas	Press Rel	PubMed	The combination of prescribed central nervous system stimulants, such as drugs that relieve ADHD symptoms, with prescribed opioid medications is associated with a pattern of escalating opioid intake, a new study has found. -- The analysis of health insurance claims data from almost 3 million U.S. patients investigated prescribed stimulants' impact on prescription opioid use over 10 years, looking for origins of the so-called "twin epidemic" of combining the two classes of drugs, which can increase the risk for overdose deaths. -- "Combining the two drugs is associated with an increase in overdose deaths. This is something we know. But we didn't know whether stimulant use has a causal role in high use of opioids, so we conducted a big data analysis of how these two patterns interacted over a long period of time," said senior study author Ping Zhang, associate professor of computer science and engineering and biomedical informatics at The Ohio State University. -- "What we found is that if someone is taking a stimulant and an opioid at the same time, they're generally taking a high dose of the opioid," he said. -- "And if the patient in this study population takes the stimulant before beginning opioid use, they are more likely to have higher doses of subsequent opioids." -- The study was published Feb. 17 in The Lancet Regional Health -- Americas. -- The research team obtained data on 22 million patients with 96 million opioid prescriptions from MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters, a large U.S. health insurance database. -- Researchers established a cohort for this study of 2.9 million patients with an average age of 44 who had at least two independent opioid prescriptions between 2012 and 2021. -- Because these prescriptions included a range of oral formulas -- codeine, hydrocodone, methadone, oxycodone, morphine and others -- researchers standardized every prescription to morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and calculated each patient's monthly intake of opioids. -- The MME computation from electronic health records was previously co-developed by co-senior author Wenyu Song, an instructor at Harvard Medical School.	H01 T01	1,002
2509-045	Teaching Fourth Graders Argumentation Skills Prepares Them For Civic Engagement	A new study demonstrates that even fourth graders can learn effective argumentation and civic skills through a specially designed curriculum. Researchers at The Ohio State University found that teaching civic competencies significantly improved students' ability to engage in respectful discussions about meaningful societal issues, fostering a generation equipped for active citizenship.	Ohio State University	The Journal of Social Studies Research	Press Rel	PubMed	In our polarized society, a new study offers hope for the future: Even young children can learn to discuss and argue about meaningful problems in a respectful and productive way. Researchers at The Ohio State University found success in a social studies curriculum for fourth graders based on teaching what they called "civic competencies." -- Over the course of a school year, findings showed that the students participating in the curriculum significantly improved their argumentation skills and disciplinary thinking. -- "This will give them the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively and consider multiple perspectives," said Tzu-Jung Lin, co-author of the study and professor of educational psychology at The Ohio State University. -- "We aim to help cultivate a new generation of responsible community members and citizens who can work together to help solve complex issues," Lin said. -- The study was published recently in the Journal of Social Studies Research. -- The research involved 106 fourth-grade students and six social studies teachers from two public school districts in the Columbus area. They participated in a social studies curriculum called Digital Civic Learning (DCL), which was developed at Ohio State. -- "Students as young as elementary school start to encounter important issues in the world around them that don't have a right or wrong answer," Lin said. -- "What we are trying to do with the DCL curriculum is to teach children the process to be a better thinker about these issues and learn how to resolve conflicts around them." -- One part of the curriculum involved what is called disciplinary thinking. This means teaching students how to read, write and think differently depending on the subject matter. In the DCL, students were taught four ways of thinking: geographic, economic, historical and civic. -- "When students learn disciplinary thinking, they learn how professionals in each of these four disciplines approach a problem," said co-author Haeun Park, a doctoral student in educational psychology at Ohio State.	H01	1,003
2509-067	Shocking Study Finds Nearly 40% Of Americans Experience Sports-Related Mistreatment	A new study reveals that nearly 40% of adult Americans have faced some form of sport-related mistreatment throughout their lives, encompassing various types of abuse, including emotional and physical harm. The research indicates that this mistreatment often spans multiple forms and highlights the pervasive negative experiences associated with sports, even among individuals who have never participated in organized athletics.	Ohio State University	International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure	Press Rel	PubMed	Nearly 40% of adult Americans say they've experienced some type of sport-related mistreatment in their lives, a new study shows. -- Mistreatment ranged from psychological and emotional to physical and sexual. -- But most people who reported mistreatment experienced more than one kind, the research found. -- And one-third of those who never even played organized sports reported sports-related mistreatment. -- "Many people talk about how they hated middle school or high school because of recess or gym class and the abuse or shame they felt playing sports in that environment," said Chris Knoester, co-author of the study and professor of sociology at The Ohio State University. -- "It just speaks to the pervasiveness of sport-related mistreatment in our society that we document in this research." -- The study, published online recently in the International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure, was led by Mariah Warner, a doctoral student in sociology at Ohio State. -- The study used survey data on 3,849 adults who participated in the National Sports and Society Survey (NSASS), sponsored by Ohio State's Sports and Society Initiative. -- Those surveyed volunteered to participate through the American Population Panel, run by Ohio State's Center for Human Resource Research. -- Participants, who came from all 50 states, answered the survey online between the fall of 2018 and spring of 2019.	H01	1,004
2509-T001	Virtual Reality Technology Could Allow Tasting Food Remotely	A groundbreaking technology called 'e-Taste' aims to enhance virtual reality experiences by introducing the sense of taste. Researchers from Ohio State University have developed an interface that uses sensors and chemical dispensers to allow users to remotely perceive different flavors. Field tests have demonstrated the device's capability to digitally replicate various taste intensities safely, potentially transforming how sensory experiences are integrated into virtual environments.	Ohio State University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Novel technology intends to redefine the virtual reality experience by expanding to incorporate a new sensory connection: taste. -- The interface, dubbed 'e-Taste', uses a combination of sensors and wireless chemical dispensers to facilitate the remote perception of taste -- what scientists call gustation. -- These sensors are attuned to recognize molecules like glucose and glutamate -- chemicals that represent the five basic tastes of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. -- Once captured via an electrical signal, that data is wirelessly passed to a remote device for replication. -- Field testing done by researchers at The Ohio State University confirmed the device's ability to digitally simulate a range of taste intensities, while still offering variety and safety for the user. -- "The chemical dimension in the current VR and AR realm is relatively underrepresented, especially when we talk about olfaction and gustation," said Jinghua Li, co-author of the study and an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at Ohio State. -- "It's a gap that needs to be filled and we've developed that with this next-generation system." -- The system, whose development was inspired by previous biosensor work of Li's, utilizes an actuator with two parts: an interface to the mouth and a small electromagnetic pump. -- This pump connects to a liquid channel of chemicals that vibrates when an electric charge passes through it, pushing the solution through a special gel layer into the mouth of the subject. -- Depending on the length of time that the solution interacts with this gel layer, the intensity and strength of any given taste can easily be adjusted, said Li.	H01 T01	1,005
2509-T029	New Study Challenges Traditional Models Of Gas Giant Planet Formation	A recent study challenges existing models of planet formation, revealing that Jupiter-like exoplanets may form much earlier than previously thought. Researchers found that the accretion of gas and solid particles occurs more rapidly than expected, potentially reshaping our understanding of how large planets develop in protoplanetary disks.	Ohio State University	The Astrophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	A fresh look at past data reveals that exoplanets with masses similar to Jupiter formed much sooner than previously thought, according to new research. -- The Ohio State University study's results provide new information about the timing of accretion -- the process of accumulating a large amount of gas as well as solid particles that are rich in carbon and oxygen to make large planets, like Jupiter. -- Planets are formed from protoplanetary disks, spinning clouds of dust and gas that are the perfect ingredients for planet formation. This new study suggests the accretion takes place early, when disks are massive and much younger than researchers previously believed. -- While the number of newly confirmed exoplanets has continued to grow, the origins of these worlds and the factors that impact their formation is a puzzle scientists are still aiming to solve. Jupiter-like exoplanets, for instance, were initially thought to take nearly 3 to 5 million years to fully form; recent observations now suggest that for a gas giant like Jupiter, this process is likely closer to about 1 to 2 million years. -- This discovery challenges researchers' existing theories regarding at what "age" of the protoplanetary disks these planets were formed, said Ji Wang, author of the study and an assistant professor in astronomy at Ohio State. The results could lead scientists to re-evaluate and revamp their theories of planet formation for the solar system and elsewhere. -- "Everything we know about exoplanets can be put in the context of the solar system and vice versa," said Wang. "Usually planet formation is a bottom-up scheme, meaning it starts with small objects that build up to form a bigger planet, but that way takes time." -- Though exoplanets refer to planetary objects that orbit far beyond the confines of our solar system, understanding more about how they form could help researchers gain more insight into the evolution of the solar system and early Earth, whose formation was much later than Jupiter's, but was still greatly impacted by it. -- The "'bottom-up" interpretation of planetary formation is called the "core accretion theory," but another possible formation mechanism is when planets are formed through gravitational instability -- when the clumps in a disk around a star are too massive to support themselves and collapse to form planets. Because a planet's accretion history could be closely linked to these two compelling yet complementary formation mechanisms of evolution, Wang said, it's important to determine which process is more often the case. -- The study was recently published in The Astrophysical Journal. -- The study analyzed a sample of seven gas giant exoplanets whose stellar and planetary chemical properties had already been directly measured by previous studies and compared them to data on the gas giants in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn.	C01	1,006
2510-003	High-Fat Diet Linked To Memory Issues And Inflammation In Older Adults	A study on rats reveals that a high-saturated fat diet can lead to brain inflammation and memory issues in older adults, highlighting the distinct ways diet affects brain health compared to metabolic changes. This research challenges existing beliefs by indicating that dietary impacts on brain function can occur independently of weight gain or obesity.	Ohio State University	Immunity & Ageing	Press Rel	PubMed	Just a few days of eating a diet high in saturated fat could be enough to cause memory problems and related brain inflammation in older adults, a new study in rats suggests. -- Researchers fed separate groups of young and old rats the high-fat diet for three days or for three months to compare how quickly changes happen in the brain versus the rest of the body when eating an unhealthy diet. -- As expected based on previous diabetes and obesity research, eating fatty foods for three months led to metabolic problems, gut inflammation and dramatic shifts in gut bacteria in all rats compared to those that ate normal chow, while just three days of high fat caused no major metabolic or gut changes. -- When it came to changes in the brain, however, researchers found that only older rats -- whether they were on the high-fat diet for three months or only three days -- performed poorly on memory tests and showed negative inflammatory changes in the brain. -- The results dispel the idea that diet-related inflammation in the aging brain is driven by obesity, said senior study author Ruth Barrientos, an investigator in the Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research at The Ohio State University. Most research on the effects of fatty and processed foods on the brain has focused on obesity, yet the impact of unhealthy eating, independent of obesity, remains largely unexplored. -- "Unhealthy diets and obesity are linked, but they are not inseparable. We're really looking for the effects of the diet directly on the brain. And we showed that within three days, long before obesity sets in, tremendous neuroinflammatory shifts are occurring," said Barrientos, also an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health and neuroscience in Ohio State's College of Medicine. -- "Changes in the body in all animals are happening more slowly and aren't actually necessary to cause the memory impairments and changes in the brain. We never would have known that brain inflammation is the primary cause of high-fat diet-induced memory impairments without comparing the two timelines." -- The research was published recently in the journal Immunity & Ageing. -- Years of research in Barrientos' lab has suggested that aging brings on long-term "priming" of the brain's inflammatory profile coupled with a loss of brain-cell reserve to bounce back, and that an unhealthy diet can make matters worse for the brain in older adults. -- Fat constitutes 60% of calories in the high-fat diet used in the study, which could equate to a range of common fast-food options: For example, nutrition data shows that fat makes up about 60% of calories in a McDonald's double smoky BLT quarter pounder with cheese or a Burger King double whopper with cheese.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02 N01	1,007
2510-061	Hotter Weather May Reduce Effectiveness Of Natural Insect Repellents Against Mosquitoes	Researchers from Ohio State University have found that hotter temperatures may diminish the effectiveness of natural insect repellents against mosquitoes. The study highlights that higher temperatures desensitize a pain receptor known as TRPA1 in mosquitoes, which diminishes their irritation response to repellent substances like citronellal and catnip oil, making them more attracted to potential hosts.	Ohio State University	Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Hotter temperatures may render natural insect repellents less effective against mosquitoes, according to a new study. -- Researchers found that a pain receptor called TRPA1 becomes less sensitive in mosquitoes when exposed to heat, meaning that the chemical cues that typically trigger insect avoidance behaviors are prevented from activating as strongly. -- TRPA1, also known as the "wasabi receptor," helps animals detect noxious heat and harmful chemicals. In humans, this receptor can induce eye and skin irritation. In mosquitoes, it influences which hosts the insects find most alluring -- specifically, those unprotected by repellents that drive them away, said Peter Piermarini, co-author of the paper and a professor of entomology at The Ohio State University. -- "What we found was that the chemicals were not able to activate the mosquito wasabi receptor as effectively when temperatures exceeded the heat activation threshold," said Piermarini. "So the mosquito would find certain repellents less irritating in hotter weather." -- Typical insect repellents create a chemical barrier that discourages proximity and prevents mosquitoes from reaching their target. Yet because their receptors are desensitized in warmer temperatures, natural substances like citronellal and catnip oil, known for their repellent properties, would be less effective. -- "Products with those ingredients may be less effective if you're using them at temperatures that are considered extreme heat events," said Piermarini. Additionally, as the climate warms, more extended breeding periods per season will worsen the spread of mosquito-borne disease. -- The study was recently published in the journal Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology. -- Piermarini and Yeaeun Park, co-author of the study and a graduate student in environmental sciences at Ohio State, discovered the changes by removing TRPA1 mosquito receptors and injecting them into frog egg cells, a technique often used for making receptor proteins in the lab. -- Then, they tested how the receptors would react to citronellal and catnip oil under normal and high temperatures. The receptors were activated, but were less sensitive to the substances at higher temperatures. "It was very close to what we predicted," said Piermarini. -- In a second experiment, the researchers studied how fully grown female mosquitoes reacted when confronted with either repellent at different temperatures. When temperatures exceeded 32 degrees Celsius, the mosquitoes were less likely to avoid the substances, suggesting they might behave similarly in the wild.	C01 N01	1,008
2511-093	Research Reveals Impact Of Socioeconomic Status On Athletic Success	New research challenges the myth that sports provide equal opportunities for success, showing that factors such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status significantly impact athletic achievement. Findings indicate that success in high school and college sports is often influenced by advantages related to upbringing, as highlighted by researchers from The Ohio State University.	Ohio State University	Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education	Press Rel	PubMed	Americans have long believed that sports are one area in society that offers kids from all backgrounds the chance to succeed to the best of their abilities. -- But new research suggests that this belief is largely a myth, and that success in high school and college athletics often is influenced by race and gender, as well as socioeconomic status, including family wealth and education. -- "We often think about sports as level playing fields that reward people who earn their success, but that's not the whole story," said Chris Knoester, co-author of the studies and professor of sociology at The Ohio State University. -- "Success depends a lot on the advantages young people have when they grow up." -- These results may seem surprising to a lot of people, said Kirsten Hextrum, lead author of the research and assistant professor in the School of Language, Culture, and Society at Oregon State University. -- "We want to counter the common notion that an individual person's ability, drive and interest are what lead to who becomes the best athletes in our society," Hextrum said. -- "We found that high school and college sports are profoundly shaped by one's socioeconomic status and other factors unrelated to talent." -- In two studies, Knoester, Hextrum and James Tompsett, a PhD graduate in sociology from Ohio State, analyzed data from a nationwide study of high school students in the 10th grade who were followed up with again in the 12th grade. -- Nearly 10,000 students from 800 different schools were studied in 2002 and 2004. -- To complement these inquiries, Hextrum led analyses of in-depth interviews with 49 Black and white athletes at one college who were on rowing or track and field teams but who typically played multiple sports in high school.	Z01	1,009
2512-012	New Research Unveils The Brain's Unique Method For Linking Related Memories Together	A study on mice has revealed how our brains physically connect memories formed close together in time through dendrites, the spiny extensions of neurons. Using advanced imaging, researchers uncovered that memories are stored in these dendritic compartments, allowing new information to be linked to existing memories, deepening our understanding of how memories are organized in the brain's complex architecture.	Ohio State University	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	If you've ever noticed how memories from the same day seem connected while events from weeks apart feel separate, a new study reveals the reason: Our brains physically link memories that occur close in time not in the cell bodies of neurons, but rather in their spiny extensions called dendrites. -- This discovery stems from studies in mice, in which researchers observed memory formation using advanced imaging techniques, including miniature microscopes that captured single-cell resolution in live animals. -- The study shows that memories are stored in dendritic compartments: When one memory forms, the affected dendrites are primed to capture new information arriving within the next few hours, linking memories formed close in time. -- "If you think of a neuron as a computer, dendrites are like tiny computers inside it, each performing its own calculations," said lead author Megha Sehgal, assistant professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. -- "This discovery shows that our brains can link information arriving close in time to the same dendritic location, expanding our understanding of how memories are organized." -- The research was published recently in the journal Nature Neuroscience. -- Though most learning and memory studies have focused on how a single memory is formed in the brain, Sehgal's lab aims to determine how we organize multiple memories. -- "The idea is that we don't form memories in isolation. You don't form a single memory. You use that memory, make a framework of memories, and then pull from that framework when you need to make adaptive decisions," she said. -- Neurons, the principal brain cells, are known to encode and relay information. -- Dendrites -- the branch-like projections extending from neurons -- serve a critical role in how information is processed, receiving incoming information and passing it to the neuronal cell body.	A01 H02 R02 N01 T01	1,010
2512-E021	Innovative Fiber Technology Could Transform Pollutant Removal And Sustainable Energy Generation	Researchers have created a groundbreaking material that utilizes sunlight to eliminate water pollutants while generating sustainable energy. This innovation, involving titanium dioxide nanofibers enhanced with copper, represents a significant advancement in photocatalysis, allowing for effective pollutant degradation, thus addressing both environmental and energy challenges.	Ohio State University	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new material that, by harnessing the power of sunlight, can clear water of dangerous pollutants. -- Created through a combination of soft chemistry gels and electrospinning -- a technique where electrical force is applied to liquid to craft small fibers -- the team constructed thin fiber-like strips of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), a compound often utilized in solar cells, gas sensors and various self-cleaning technologies. -- Despite being a great alternative energy source, solar fuel systems that utilize TiO₂ nanoparticles are often power-limited because they can only undergo photocatalysis, or create chemical reactions, by absorbing non-visible UV light. -- This can cause significant challenges to implementation, including low efficiency and the need for complex filtration systems. -- Yet when researchers added copper to the material to improve this process, their new structures, called nanomats, were able to absorb enough light energy to break down harmful pollutants in air and water, said Pelagia-Iren Gouma, lead author of the study and a professor of materials science and engineering at The Ohio State University. -- "There hasn't been an easy way to create something like a blanket that you can lay on water and start creating energy," she said. -- "But we are the only ones who have made these structures and the only ones to demonstrate that they actually work." -- The study was recently published in the journal Advanced Science. -- When titanium dioxide absorbs light, electrons are formed that oxidize water and attack pollutants, slowly destroying them until they become benign. -- When copper is added, that process is supercharged, making it even more effective.	C01 T01	1,011
2513-E009	New Method Enhances Liquid Methanol Production From Waste Carbon By 66%	Researchers have developed a more efficient method for converting carbon dioxide into methanol, a cleaner fuel alternative. By incorporating nickel tetramethoxyphthalocyanine into their catalyst system, they significantly improved production efficiency, achieving a higher conversion rate of carbon dioxide to methanol, highlighting a promising advancement in sustainable energy solutions.	Ohio State University	Nature Nanotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have uncovered a more efficient way to turn carbon dioxide into methanol, a type of alcohol that can serve as a cleaner alternative fuel. -- In the lab, synthesizing methanol can be extremely difficult, due to the extremely complex reaction pathway needed to select for it. Previous attempts by the same team to manufacture this valuable liquid fuel from carbon dioxide have used a combination of cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecules and electricity, but this method is inefficient as only about 30% of the carbon dioxide is converted to methanol. -- To better scale up methanol production, the team in this study added a second material, nickel tetramethoxyphthalocyanine (NiPc-OCH3), to the nanotube catalyst where the reaction takes place. -- They discovered that adding this second molecule can catapult methanol production efficiency up to 50%, about 66% better than any other known process. -- "This catalyst system is one of the very few that can produce methanol at such high selectivity," said Robert Baker, co-author of the study and a professor in chemistry and biochemistry at The Ohio State University. -- Enhancing methanol production would not only allow scientists to make the liquid faster and more cheaply but also help them limit the amount of unwanted waste products. -- More importantly, having steady access to such a flexible renewable resource could transform many aspects of daily life, including the transportation sector, said Baker. -- "Methanol is a really desirable product for CO2 reduction because it has such a high energy density," he said. -- "It's a great molecule -- of all the possible products of CO2 reduction, methanol is an excellent candidate for use as an alternative fuel." -- The study was recently published in Nature Nanotechnology.	C01 T01	1,012
2506-051	Cancer Cells Use Mitochondrial Transfer To Evade Immune System Attacks	New findings reveal that cancer cells transfer mutated mitochondria to immune cells, a strategy that significantly aids in immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Researchers from Japan uncovered this mechanism, emphasizing the importance of understanding such molecular processes to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness. By targeting the transfer of these mutated mitochondria, there is potential to improve immunotherapy outcomes, offering new hope in the fight against cancer.	Okayama University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Immunotherapy, which uses programmed immune cells to selectively destroy cancer cells, has transformed cancer treatment. However, cancer cells have developed immune evasion strategies, leading to poor treatment responses. Now, researchers from Japan have identified the transfer of mitochondria with mutated DNA from cancer cells to immune cells as a key mechanism of immune evasion and resistance to immunotherapy. Targeting this transfer could enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy. -- The immune system plays a key role in detecting and destroying cancer cells. -- Cancer immunotherapy works by programming immune cells to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. -- However, many cancers can escape immune surveillance through various mechanisms, resulting in resistance to treatment. -- This highlights the need to better understand the molecular processes that enable immune evasion. -- The tumor microenvironment (TME) -- the space surrounding a tumor -- plays a critical role in interactions between cancer and immune cells. -- Cancer cells can reshape the TME to their advantage, weakening tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), the immune cells that attack tumor. -- Mitochondria, also known as the 'powerhouse of the cell,' are small organelles that produce energy for various cellular processes. -- They play a significant role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells and TILs. -- However, precise mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on the TME are poorly understood.	H01 R01	1,013
2510-087	Keratinocytes, Not Fibroblasts, Are Key Players In Skin Collagen Production	Researchers from Okayama University have challenged the longstanding belief that fibroblasts are solely responsible for collagen production in the skin. Their study on the axolotl reveals that keratinocytes produce collagen, which fibroblasts later modify. This discovery reshapes our understanding of skin biology and may impact future research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.	Okayama University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Challenging the long-standing belief that fibroblasts produce skin collagen, researchers at Okayama University have investigated collagen formation in the 'glass-skinned' amphibian axolotl and other vertebrates. They discovered that keratinocytes, the surface cells of the skin, are responsible for producing collagen, which is then transferred deeper to form the dermis. Later, fibroblasts migrate into this collagen layer, modifying and reinforcing its structure. -- The skin consists of two primary layers. The epidermis, the outermost layer, is predominantly made up of keratinocytes, while the deeper dermis contains blood vessels, nerves, and structural proteins such as collagen, which give the skin its strength and texture. -- Traditionally, fibroblasts -- specialized supporting cells within the dermis -- have been believed to play a key role in producing collagen. -- In humans, collagen is formed before and after birth. It has been believed that fibroblasts play an exclusive role in collagen production in the skin, and no keratinocytes contribute to collagen production. -- The statement "Collagen production in the human skin is achieved by fibroblasts" has been an unspoken agreement in the skin research field. -- However, in a groundbreaking study published in Volume 16 of Nature Communications on February 24, 2025, scientists from Okayama University, Japan, challenged this long-standing belief. -- Using the transparent skin of axolotls, an aquatic amphibian widely used in dermatology research, they uncovered a different mechanism for dermal collagen formation. -- To track collagen development, the researchers examined axolotl skin at different growth stages -- 5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, and 12 cm in length -- using advanced fluorescence-based microscopy techniques. -- At 5 cm, the axolotl's skin consisted of an epidermis with keratinocytes and a thin, fibroblast-free collagen layer in the dermis, which they named the stratum coniunctum. -- As the axolotl grew, the collagen layer thickened, and only later did fibroblasts begin migrating into it, eventually forming three distinct dermal layers beneath the epidermis: the stratum baladachinum, stratum spongiosum, and stratum compactum.	Z01	1,014
2507-E001	Unveiling How Clownfish Avoid Sea Anemone Stings With Molecular Cloaking Mechanism	Researchers have unveiled the molecular mechanisms allowing clownfish to safely inhabit sea anemones without being harmed by their stinging tentacles. Their study reveals that clownfish maintain low levels of sialic acid in their skin mucus, a strategy that mirrors the protective adaptations seen in their anemone partners.	Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University	Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University	Press Rel	PubMed	The clownfish-anemone living arrangement is one of the most widely recognized examples of symbiosis. Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how anemonefish can live safely among sea anemones without being stung by their venomous tentacles, solving a century-long mystery. -- Scientists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and their international collaborators have discovered that anemonefish have evolved to maintain very low levels of sialic acid in their skin mucus to avoid triggering the release of nematocysts (stinging cells) in their sea anemone hosts. -- The researchers found that sea anemones also lack these sugar compounds in their own mucus, likely to avoid stinging themselves. -- Their findings, published in the journal BMC Biology, suggest anemonefish might be using a similar protective strategy to their hosts. -- Comparing symbiotic and non-symbiotic species -- The study combined multiple approaches, including glycobiology (the study of sugars) and transcriptomics -- the study of all RNA molecules produced by an organism's genome to understand gene expression and regulation. -- The researchers measured and analyzed mucus samples from both anemonefish and non-symbiotic damselfish species, using advanced techniques to separate and analyze the components of a mixture (liquid chromatography). -- Sialic acids are important sugar molecules naturally present in most living organisms that play important roles in cellular processes such as cell-cell interactions and protein communication. -- Previous studies have shown that these molecules can trigger the release of sea anemone stinging cells. -- Very interestingly, scientists found that while anemonefish maintain certain levels of sialic acid in their internal organs like the brain and gut, they have specifically evolved to have very low levels in their protective mucus layer compared to non-symbiotic damselfish.	R02 N01	1,015
2510-T025	Football Teams Move As One, Revealing Insights Into Collective Behavior	A new study has identified Lévy walk patterns in the movements of competing football teams, revealing insights into collective behavior. This research, which connects the concept of Lévy walk from particle physics to biological systems, demonstrates how groups balance local movements with exploration. By observing these patterns, scientists hope to better understand the dynamics of collective motion across different organisms and contexts, from wildlife behavior to human activities.	Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University	Complexity	Press Rel	PubMed	What do albatrosses searching for food, stock market fluctuations, and the dispersal patterns of seeds in the wind have in common? -- They all exhibit a type of movement pattern called Lévy walk, which is characterized by a flurry of short, localized movements interspersed with occasional, long leaps. -- For living organisms, this is an optimal strategy for balancing the exploitation of nearby resources with the exploration of new opportunities when the distribution of resources is sparse and unknown. -- Originally described in the context of particles drifting through liquid, Lévy walk has been found to accurately describe a very wide range of phenomena, from cold atom dynamics to swarming bacteria. -- And now, a new study published in Complexityhas for the first time found Lévy walk in the movements of competing groups of organisms: football teams. -- "Football is a game about scarcity of resources: to win, a team requires possession of the ball, and there is only one ball in play," says Professor Tom Froese, senior author of the study and leader of the Embodied Cognitive Science Unit at OIST. -- "And so, it makes sense for individual players to move in a way that balances exploration and exploitation, ensuring that they do not stay in the same place too long while increasing their chances of getting the ball at each point. We found that the teams as a whole act in exactly the same way." -- From particles in liquid to players on a field -- The concept of Lévy walks originated with the French mathematician Paul Lévy, who developed a statistical model of heavy-tailed probability distributions that was later applied by Mandelbrot to describe random movements with occasional long jumps. -- Lévy walks found their first practical application in physics, where researchers used them to model the movement of particles in turbulent flows, finding that particles following Lévy walk patterns were superdiffusive, meaning that they spread faster due to the occasional long jumps.	A01 C01 N01	1,016
2502-009	Researchers Develop Real-Time Gas Detection Method For Environmental And Health Monitoring	Researchers have developed a novel method for rapid gas detection using coherent control strategy, facilitating real-time monitoring in various applications, including environmental and health diagnostics. This advancement allows for the detection of gases at extremely low concentrations, which is crucial for climate monitoring and industrial safety.	Optica	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new method for quickly detecting and identifying very low concentrations of gases. The new approach, called coherently controlled quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy, could form the basis for highly sensitive real-time sensors for applications such as environmental monitoring, breath analysis and chemical process control. -- "Most gases are present in small amounts, so detecting gases at low concentrations is important in a wide variety of industries and applications," said research team leader Simon Angstenberger from the University of Stuttgart in Germany. -- "Unlike other trace gas detection methods that rely on photoacoustics, ours is not limited to specific gases and does not require prior knowledge of the gas that might be present." -- In Optica, Optica Publishing Group's journal for high-impact research, the researchers report theacquisition of a complete methane spectrum spanning 3050 to 3450 nanometers in just three seconds, a feat that would typically take around 30 minutes. -- "This new technology could be used for climate monitoring by detecting greenhouse gases like methane, which is a potent contributor to climate change," said Angstenberger. -- "It also has potential applications in early cancer detection through breath analysis and in chemical production plants for detecting toxic or flammable gas leaks and for process control." -- Adding coherent control -- Spectroscopy identifies chemicals, including gases, by analyzing their unique light absorption characteristics, akin to a "fingerprint" for each gas. -- To detect low gas concentrations quickly, however, requires not only a laser that can be tuned rapidly but also an extremely sensitive detection mechanism and precise electronic control of the laser timing. -- In the new work, the researchers used a laser with an extremely fast tunable wavelength that was recently developed by collaborators at Stuttgart Instruments GmbH, a spin-off from the university.	R01 N02	1,017
2504-E058	Cost-Effective Optical Sensor Could Transform Household Water Quality Monitoring Efforts	A new optical sensor developed by researchers enables real-time detection of low arsenic levels in water, promoting household water quality monitoring. This cost-effective tool addresses the pressing issue of arsenic contamination, which poses serious health risks to millions globally. Lead researcher Sunil Khijwania emphasizes the importance of affordable and user-friendly monitoring solutions to empower communities and combat arsenic exposure effectively.	Optica	Applied Optics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new optical sensor that provides a simple way to achieve real-time detection of extremely low levels of arsenic in water. The technology could enable household testing for arsenic, empowering individuals to monitor their own water quality. -- Arsenic contamination is a serious environmental and public health challenge affecting millions of people around the world. -- This contamination occurs when natural geological processes release arsenic from rocks and soil into groundwater and can be exacerbated by mining, industrial waste disposal and use of arsenic-based pesticides. -- "Consuming arsenic-contaminated water can lead to severe health conditions including arsenic poisoning and cancers of the skin, lung, kidney and bladder," said lead researcher Sunil Khijwania from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. -- "By creating a sensor that is sensitive, selective, reusable and cost-effective, we aim to address the need for a reliable and user-friendly tool for routine monitoring, helping to protect communities from the risks of arsenic exposure." -- In the Optica Publishing Group journal Applied Optics, the researchers describe their new sensor, which uses an optical fiber and an optical phenomenon known as localized surface plasmon resonance. -- They used it to detect arsenic levels as low as 0.09 parts per billion (ppb), 111 times lower than the maximum permissible limit of 10 ppb established by the World Health Organization. -- The sensor also exhibited reliable performance when tested on real drinking water samples from diverse locations and conditions. -- "The highly sensitive sensor provides analysis within just 0.5 seconds and demonstrates a high degree of reusability, repeatability, stability and reliability, making it a powerful tool for monitoring and ensuring safer water quality," said Khijwania. -- "In the future, this technology could make it much easier for people to check whether their drinking water is safe, potentially saving lives by preventing exposure to harmful arsenic levels."	R01	1,018
2504-T009	Programmable Photonic Latch: Fast Optical Memory Enhances AI And Computational Applications	A new optical memory device known as a programmable photonic latch has been developed by researchers to enhance AI and sensing applications, providing a fast and scalable solution for temporary data storage. Modeled after electronic set-reset latches, this innovative photonic latch allows for rapid data processing in optical systems, addressing the limitations of traditional electronic memory methods. The research team emphasizes the significance of integrating such optical memory with communication and sensing technologies, potentially improving their energy efficiency and throughput in practical applications.	Optica	Optics Express	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new type of optical memory called a programmable photonic latch that is fast and scalable. This fundamental memory unit enables temporary data storage in optical processing systems, offering a high-speed solution for volatile memory using silicon photonics. -- The new integrated photonic latch is modeled after a set-reset latch, a basic memory device used in electronic devices to store a single bit by switching between set (1) and reset (0) states based on inputs. -- "While optical communications and computing have seen significant progress over the past decades, data storage has been predominantly implemented using electronic memory," said the study's author Farshid Ashtiani fromNokia Bell Labs. -- "Having a fast optical memory that can be used with optical processing systems, as well as other optical systems used in communications or sensing, would make them more efficient in terms of energy and throughput." -- In the Optica Publishing Group journal Optics Express, the researchers describe a proof-of-concept experiment in which they demonstrated the photonic latch using a programmable silicon photonic platform. -- Features such as optical set and reset, complementary outputs, scalability and compatibility with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) make this approach promising for faster and more efficient optical processing systems. -- "Large language models like ChatGPT rely on massive amounts of simple mathematical operations, such as multiplication and addition, performed iteratively to learn and generate answers," said Ashtiani. -- "Our memory technology could store and retrieve data for such systems at high speeds, enabling much faster operations. While a commercial optical computer is still a distant goal, our high-speed optical memory technology is a step toward this future." -- Advancing integrated optical memory -- Optical technologies have been instrumental in advancing communication systems, from long-haul data transmission and data center connectivity to emerging technologies like optical interconnects and computing.	H02 T01	1,019
2504-T028	Uncrackable Optical Encryption System Developed Using Holograms And AI Innovations	In response to rising demands for digital security, researchers have developed an innovative optical encryption system using holograms to create an impenetrable layer of protection for sensitive information. This method, which utilizes neural networks to generate unique decryption keys, aims to bolster security across various fields, including digital currencies and healthcare, addressing the increasing threats of fraud and data breaches.	Optica	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	As the demand for digital security grows, researchers have developed a new optical system that uses holograms to encode information, creating a level of encryption that traditional methods cannot penetrate. This advance could pave the way for more secure communication channels, helping to protect sensitive data. -- "From rapidly evolving digital currencies to governance, healthcare, communications and social networks, the demand for robust protection systems to combat digital fraud continues to grow," said research team leader Stelios Tzortzakis from the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas and the University of Crete, both in Greece. -- "Our new system achieves an exceptional level of encryption by utilizing a neural network to generate the decryption key, which can only be created by the owner of the encryption system." -- In Optica, by Optica Publishing Group, Tzortzakis and colleagues describe the new system, which uses neural networks to retrieve elaborately scrambled information stored as a hologram. -- They show that trained neural networks can successfully decode the intricate spatial information in the scrambled images. -- "Our study provides a strong foundation for many applications, especially cryptography and secure wireless optical communication, paving the way for next-generation telecommunication technologies," said Tzortzakis. -- "The method we developed is highly reliable even in harsh and unpredictable conditions, addressing real-world challenges like tough weather that often limit the performance of free-space optical systems." -- Scrambling light for security -- The researchers developed the new system after discovering that when holograms are used to encode a laser beam, the beam would become completely and randomly scrambled and that the original beam shape could not be recognized or retrieved using physical analysis or calculation. -- They recognized that this was an ideal way to safely encrypt information.	C01 T01	1,020
2509-T021	Super-Resolution Printing: Optimized Approach Advances Micro-Optical Device Fabrication	Researchers have developed an optimized technique for super-resolution 3D direct laser writing, enabling the fabrication of precision micro-optical devices and metamaterials. This innovation allows for the creation of features spaced just 100 nm apart, enhancing the potential for high-resolution optical applications in technologies such as virtual and augmented reality.	Optica	Optics Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, researchers have used high-speed laser writing to create lines spaced just 100 nm apart on a glass substrate. The optimized printing approach could enable super-resolution 3D direct laser writing (DLW) of microlenses, photonics crystals, micro-optical devices, metamaterials and more. -- DLW is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a focused laser beam to selectively solidify, or polymerize, a material with nanoscale precision. DLW typically uses multi-photon polymerization to polymerize materials in a precise, 3D manner. -- "Increasing the resolution -- the minimum distance between two adjacent features -- is difficult because the intense laser light can cause unwanted exposure in nearby areas during DLW," said Qiulan Liu, a member of the research team from Zhejiang Lab and Zhejiang University in China. "However, by using a unique dual-beam optical setup and a special photoresist, we were able to overcome this challenge and achieve super-resolution DLW." -- In the Optica Publishing Group journal Optics Letters, the researchers describe their new approach and show that the record-breaking 100-nm lateral resolution can be achieved at 100 µm/s printing speeds. When an even faster writing speed of 1000 μm/s is used, a 120-nm lateral resolution could still be achieved. -- "One exciting application of our DLW technique is printing optical waveguide devices for virtual reality or augmented reality displays with precise, high-resolution structuring," said Liu. "This fast and high-precision approach allows rapid fabrication of complex optical elements, which are crucial for the performance of next-generation immersive technologies." -- Reducing crosslinking -- In the new work, the researchers performed experiments usingboth multiphoton DLW and DLW with peripheral photoinhibition, which uses an inhibition beam to suppress polymerization at the edges of the laser-exposed region. -- They developed a photoresist system that consisted of a commonly used monomer known as PETA combined with Bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl-1-oxyl) sebacate (BTPOS). BTPOS acted as a radical quencher that helped reduce the crosslinking that can occur when using DLW to print high-resolution line patterns. -- The optical setup included a 525-nm femtosecond laser as the excitation light source and a 532-nm picosecond laser used for inhibition. The femtosecond laser triggers the picosecond laser through a picosecond delay unit, which introduces a 2700 ps delay due to the difference in the optical paths of the two beams. The inhibition beam prevents unwanted polymerization and ensures that the desired pattern is formed with high resolution and precision. -- "To achieve high resolution, we also used a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate the excitation and inhibition light, and applied Zernike polynomials onto the SLM to correct wavefront aberrations," said Liu. "We also had to make sure the entire system was very stable, taking into account laser focus alignment, laser power fluctuation, the optical system drift, and memory effect, which stems from the excitation and inhibition beams."	H02 T01	1,021
2510-T019	Agave Plants' Water Retention Secrets Revealed Through Advanced Spectroscopy Techniques	A study utilizing terahertz spectroscopy has unveiled how agave plants effectively retain water in arid conditions, with implications for agricultural practices. The research highlights the unique mechanisms by which agave stores water and suggests that understanding these processes could lead to the development of water-efficient crops, enhancing food production and sustainability in dry environments.	Optica	Applied Optics	Press Rel	PubMed	Agave plants may be best known for their role in tequila production, but they are also remarkably adept at retaining water in extremely dry environments. In a new study, researchers used terahertz spectroscopy and imaging to gain new insights into how these succulents store and manage water to survive in dry conditions. -- "Understanding how plants adapt to dry conditions could lead to better farming practices and be used to develop crops that require less water," said Monica Ortiz-Martinez from the Centro de Investigaciones en Optica (CIO) in Mexico. "This could lead to higher crop yields with lower water consumption, benefiting farmers, food production and global food security." -- The new study utilizes terahertz waves, which fall between microwaves and the mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Because water strongly absorbs terahertz radiation, the researchers used terahertz spectroscopy and imaging to measure hydration levels in plant tissues, map the water inside the plant and study how its fructan sugars hold onto water at a molecular level. -- In the Optica Publishing Group journal Applied Optics, the researchers show that terahertz spectroscopy is a powerful tool for studying plants without causing any damage. Using this approach, they found that agave plants survive in dry environments by storing water in a specialized leaf structure and that its fructans act like molecular sponges to retain moisture. -- "In the food industry, our findings on agave fructans and their exceptional water-binding properties could be used to develop new food ingredients that improve moisture retention, texture and shelf life, especially in dried or processed foods," said the paper's first author Enrique Castro-Camusfrom CIO. "This could lead to healthier, longer-lasting food products with fewer artificial preservatives." -- Combining biology and food science -- The agave research began as a collaboration between the Applied Terahertz Science group at CIO with June Simpson at Centro de Investigaciones Avanzadas (CINVESTAV) to explore water distribution in agave leaves and its connection to fructans from a biological perspective. Around the same time, the CIO group began a partnership with Socorro Villanuevafrom Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco (CIATEJ) that took a more food science approach to studying how fructans, which are used as food additives, form microscopic water layers that protect frozen products from freeze-related damage. Eventually, these two investigations came together to form a complete story of how agaves withstand extreme drought. -- For terahertz imaging, the researchers used a time-domain terahertz spectrometer with a femtosecond fiber laser and sub-mm pixel resolution. They placed thin leaf slices between a terahertz emitter and detector and then used the water absorption measurements to map hydration levels. They reconfigured the same time-domain terahertz spectrometer to an attenuated total reflection geometry to analyze solutions containing fructan. -- "Our research introduces several key innovations in the study of plant hydration using terahertz technology," said Monica Ortiz-Martinez. "One of the most significant advancements is non-invasive water detection -- unlike traditional methods that require cutting, drying and weighing plant samples, terahertz imaging enables real-time hydration analysis without damaging the plant." -- The analysis revealed that agave leaves have a specialized water storage system, where the leaf's inner core remains highly hydrated while the outer layer acts as a protective barrier to reduce water loss. The researchers also found that fructans have an exceptional ability to attract and hold on to water molecules around them, far stronger than other sugars. This is because the branched chemical structure of fructans forms a kind of porous sponge on which water can be retained to keep the plant hydrated despite high temperatures.	A01 H01 N02 T01	1,022
2502-035	Blood Vessel Dysfunction Mechanism Discovered, Potentially Impacting Chronic Disease Treatment Strategies	Research at Oregon Health & Science University has discovered how perivascular cells contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. This breakthrough could transform treatment approaches, as understanding the signaling mechanisms of these cells may lead to new strategies for addressing vascular complications associated with various chronic conditions.	Oregon Health & Science University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have uncovered how specialized cells surrounding small blood vessels, known as perivascular cells, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. The findings, published today in Science Advances, could change how these diseases are treated. -- The study, led by Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D., founding director of the Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and a professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU School of Dentistry, shows that perivascular cells sense changes in nearby tissues and send signals that disrupt blood vessel function, worsening disease progression. -- Nearly a decade ago, Bertassoni and his team developed a method to 3D print blood vessels in the lab -- a breakthrough recognized as one of the top scientific discoveries of the year by Discover magazine. -- Since then, they've focused on engineering blood vessels that better mimic those in the human body to study more complex diseases. -- "Historically, endothelial cells lining blood vessels have been considered the main contributors of vascular disease," Bertassoni said. -- "Our findings represent a paradigm shift, showing how perivascular cells, instead, act as important sentinels. They detect changes in tissues and coordinating vascular responses. This opens the door to entirely new treatment strategies." -- Cristiane Miranda Franca, D.D.S., Ph.D., the study's lead author, is an assistant professor in the OHSU School of Dentistry and holds appointments with the OHSU Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, or CEDAR. -- "The applications of this research are wide," she said. "We've shown for the first time how perivascular cells trigger inflammation and signal blood vessel changes when surrounding tissues are altered." -- The study used an innovative "blood vessel on-a-chip" model developed by Christopher Chen, M.D., Ph.D., and his team from Boston University and the Wyss Institute at Harvard, who are collaborators on this project. -- By replicating conditions like tissue stiffening and scarring -- common in aging, chronic diseases and cancer -- the researchers discovered that perivascular cells drive blood vessel leakage and distortion, worsening inflammation and disease.	A01 R01	1,023
2505-046	Researchers Explore Amniotic Fluid's Protective Properties For Improved Maternal Health	New findings from Oregon Health & Science University have shed light on amniotic fluid, revealing its potential role in improving prenatal and maternal health. Historically under-researched, the study identifies how amniotic fluid enhances blood's clotting ability, which is crucial for safety during pregnancy and delivery. By analyzing changes in amniotic fluid composition throughout gestation, researchers aim to better understand its properties, which could lead to advancements in monitoring maternal blood coagulation and improving outcomes for both mothers and babies.	Oregon Health & Science University	Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis	Press Rel	PubMed	Why do some people who consume a few glasses of alcohol a day develop advanced liver disease while others who drink the same amount don't? -- The answer may lie in three common underlying medical conditions, according to a new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology from Keck Medicine of USC. The research found that heavy drinkers with either diabetes, high blood pressure or a high waist circumference are as much as 2.4 times more likely to develop advanced liver disease. -- "The results identify a very high-risk segment of the population prone to liver disease and suggest that preexisting health issues may have a large impact on how alcohol affects the liver," said Brian P. Lee, MD, MAS, a hepatologist and liver transplant specialist with Keck Medicine and principal investigator of the study. -- Diabetes, high blood pressure and a high waist circumference (35 inches for women; 40 inches for men), which is associated with obesity, belong to a cluster of five health conditions that influence an individual's risk for heart attack and stroke known as cardiometabolic risk factors. -- Cardiometabolic risk factors have been linked to the buildup of fat in the liver (also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), which can lead to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. These risk factors affect more than one in three Americans, and cardiometabolic health has been worsening among the population, especially among those under 35, according to Lee. -- Alcohol also causes fat buildup in the liver, and alcohol consumption has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic, said Lee. Due to the prevalence of both cardiometabolic risk factors and drinking in the United States, Lee and his fellow researchers undertook the study to investigate which cardiometabolic risk factors predisposed the liver to damage from alcohol. -- They analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a large national survey of more than 40,000 participants, looking at the intersection of heavy drinking, individual cardiometabolic risk factors and the incidence of significant liver fibrosis. Significant liver fibrosis refers to liver scarring that can lead to liver failure. -- For the study, heavy drinking was characterized as 1.5 drinks a day for women (20 grams) and two drinks a day for men (30 grams). -- Researchers discovered that heavy drinkers with either diabetes or a high waist circumference were 2.4 times more likely to develop advanced liver disease and those with high blood pressure 1.8 times more likely. They found that the other two cardiometabolic risk factors -- high triglycerides (elevated levels of a type of fat in the blood) and low HDL (high-density lipoprotein or "good" cholesterol) had less significant correlations to liver disease. -- While the study did not analyze why these three cardiometabolic risk factors are more dangerous for the liver, Lee speculates that these conditions share a common pathway to fat buildup in the liver that when combined with extra fat deposits in the liver from excessive alcohol, can cause significant damage.	R01	1,024
2507-021	New Blood Test Detects Pancreatic Cancer Early With High Accuracy	Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new blood test called PAC-MANN that could facilitate the earlier detection of pancreatic cancer. By measuring changes in protease activity, the test offers a promising approach to identifying pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma at an earlier stage, potentially improving survival outcomes.	Oregon Health & Science University	Oregon Health & Science University	Press Rel	PubMed	A new blood test could help doctors detect pancreatic cancer earlier, potentially improving survival rates for one of the deadliest cancers. -- Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a test called PAC-MANN, the abbreviation for "protease activity-based assay using a magnetic nanosensor," which uses a small blood sample to detect changes in protease activity -- a key indicator of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, or PDAC, the most common and deadly form of pancreatic cancer. -- Pancreatic cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited. -- Current tests, such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9, or CA 19-9, are good at indicating prognosis, but aren't sensitive enough for early-stage detection. -- The new PAC-MANN test fills this gap by identifying signs of cancer-related activity in the blood, helping catch cancers earlier. -- "The problem with pancreatic cancer is that we often catch it too late," said Jared Fischer, Ph.D., a scientist with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, or CEDAR. -- "Our goal with PAC-MANN is to give clinicians a tool that can detect the disease much earlier, when more treatment options are available and there is a better chance of survival." -- Fischer, an assistant professor of molecular and medical genetics in the OHSU School of Medicine, is corresponding author of the new study detailing their new test, published today in the journal Science Translational Medicine. -- The study's lead author, Jose L. Montoya Mira, Ph.D., is a research engineer at OHSU's CEDAR. -- An engineer and biologist by training, he joined the collaborative team to bring his extensive knowledge to create a more cost-effective, high-throughput test that could be used anywhere, not just at specialty labs or large medical universities.	H01 R01	1,025
2501-E003	Ancient Methane In Antarctic Ice Indicates Wildfire Activity Linked To Climate Change.	A study analyzing ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice indicates that increased wildfire activity coincided with abrupt climate changes during the Ice Age. Researchers found that these wildfires may reveal important patterns that could inform our understanding of modern climate change dynamics.	Oregon State University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study investigating ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice suggests that global increases in wildfire activity likely occurred during periods of abrupt climate change throughout the last Ice Age. -- The study, just published in the journal Nature, reveals increased wildfire activity as a potential feature of these periods of abrupt climate change, which also saw significant shifts in tropical rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations around the world. -- "This study showed that the planet experienced these short, sudden episodes of burning, and they happened at the same time as these other big climate shifts," said Edward Brook, a paleoclimatologist at Oregon State University and a co-author of the study. -- "This is something new in our data on past climate." -- The findings have implications for understanding modern abrupt climate change, said the study's lead author, Ben Riddell-Young, who conducted the research as part of his doctoral studies in OSU's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. -- "This research shows that we may not be properly considering how wildfire activity might change as the climate warms and rainfall patterns shift," said Riddell-Young, who is now a postdoctoral scholar at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder. -- Ice that built up in Antarctica over tens to hundreds of thousands of years contains ancient air bubbles. -- Scientists use samples of that ice, collected by drilling cores, to analyze the gasses preserved in these bubbles and build records of the Earth's past climate. -- Previous research has shown that levels of atmospheric methane, a greenhouse gas, spiked during abrupt climate change periods during the last Ice Age, which ended about 11,000 years ago. -- These abrupt climate change events, known as Dansgaard-Oeschger and Heinrich events, were associated with rapid regional temperature changes and shifting rainfall patterns, as well as spikes in atmospheric methane.	C01	1,026
2501-E017	Saving The Great Salt Lake Requires Irrigation Changes Now	The Great Salt Lake faces a critical decline in water levels, with a recent study urging reductions in irrigation to reverse this trend. Researchers emphasize that significant agricultural water consumption is primarily responsible for the lake's depletion, necessitating immediate action to prevent ecological and economic consequences.	Oregon State University	Environmental Challenges	Press Rel	PubMed	The Great Salt Lake has lost more than 15 billion cubic yards of water over the past three decades, is getting shallower at the rate of 4 inches a year, and an analysis of its water budget suggests reducing irrigation is necessary for saving it. -- The study published today in Environmental Challenges shows that 62% of the river water bound for the lake is diverted for human uses, with agricultural activities responsible for nearly three-quarters of that percentage. -- "The research highlights the alarming role of water consumption for feeding livestock in driving the lake's rapid depletion," said co-author William Ripple, distinguished professor of ecology at Oregon State University, who notes that 80% of agricultural water use is for irrigating alfalfa and hay crops. -- To stabilize the lake and begin refilling it, the authors propose cutting human water consumption in the Great Salt Lake watershed by 35%, including a reduction in irrigated alfalfa production, a fallowing of much of the region's irrigated grass hay fields and taxpayer-funded compensation for farmers and ranchers who lose income. -- "The lake is of tremendous ecological, economic, cultural and spiritual significance in the region and beyond," said Ripple, a member of OSU's College of Forestry. "All of those values are in severe jeopardy because of the lake's dramatic depletion over the last few decades." -- The authors used data from the Utah Division of Water Resources to build a detailed water budget for the Great Salt Lake basin for the years 1989 through 2022. On average, inputs to the lake -- river inflows and precipitation -- during the study period lagged behind consumption and evaporation at the rate of 500 million cubic yards per year. -- The water budget has been in a deficit situation for much of the past 100 years and the numbers have worsened with climate change and drought, the authors say. -- "Abnormally large snowmelt inflow during the 1980s and 1990s served to temporarily obscure the long-term decline in lake levels, and the lake actually reached its highest level in more than a century in 1987," Ripple said. "But it has been dropping by roughly 4 inches per year on average since then." -- The Great Salt Lake, which has no outlet, is the largest saline lake in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth largest in the world. Its 21,000-square-mile drainage basin includes the Wasatch Mountains, whose snowfall accounts for much of the basin's water replenishment. -- A biodiversity hotspot, the lake sustains more than 10 million migratory birds and 350 bird species. Declining lake levels threaten critical habitats and could disrupt food webs, Ripple said.	H01 C01 N01 N02	1,027
2501-T003	Nanocrystals Could Revolutionize Optical Computing And Memory Technology	Researchers at Oregon State University have made significant advancements in optical computing by discovering luminescent nanocrystals that can rapidly toggle between states. This breakthrough could revolutionize how information is processed and stored using light, paving the way for developments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors. Their findings, published in Nature Photonics, emphasize the potential of nanocrystals in next-generation computing technologies.	Oregon State University	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists including an Oregon State University chemistry researcher have taken a key step toward next-generation optical computing and memory with the discovery of luminescent nanocrystals that can be quickly toggled from light to dark and back again. -- "The extraordinary switching and memory capabilities of these nanocrystals may one day become integral to optical computing -- a way to rapidly process and store information using light particles, which travel faster than anything in the universe," said Artiom Skripka, assistant professor in the OSU College of Science. -- "Our findings have the potential to advance artificial intelligence and information technologies generally." -- Published in Nature Photonics, the study by Skripka and collaborators at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Columbia University and the Autonomous University of Madrid involves a type of material known as avalanching nanoparticles. -- Nanomaterials are tiny bits of matter measuring between one-billionth and one-hundred-billionths of a meter, and avalanching nanoparticles feature extreme non-linearity in their light-emission properties -- they emit light whose intensity can increase massively with a small increase in the intensity of the laser that's exciting them. -- The researchers studied nanocrystals composed of potassium, chlorine and lead and doped with neodymium. -- By themselves, the potassium lead chloride nanocrystals do not interact with light; however, as hosts, they enable their neodymium guest ions to handle light signals more efficiently, making them useful for optoelectronics, laser technology and other optical applications. -- "Normally, luminescent materials give off light when they are excited by a laser and remain dark when they are not," Skripka said. -- "In contrast, we were surprised to find that our nanocrystals live parallel lives. Under certain conditions, they show a peculiar behavior: They can be either bright or dark under exactly the same laser excitation wavelength and power." -- That behavior is referred to as intrinsic optical bistability.	H02 T01	1,028
2505-123	New Drug Delivery Method Shows Promise For Treating Rare Pregnancy-Related Cancer	Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a promising drug delivery system for treating choriocarcinoma, a rare cancer affecting pregnant women. This innovative approach ensures that therapeutic agents effectively target tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, with potential applications for other cancers as well.	Oregon State University	Small Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Washington State University scientists have created genetically-engineered mice that could help accelerate anti-aging research. -- Globally, scientists are working to unlock the secrets of extending human lifespan at the cellular level, where aging occurs gradually due to the shortening of telomeres-the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that function like shoelace tips to prevent unraveling. -- As telomeres shorten over time, cells lose their ability to divide for healthy growth, and some eventually begin to die. -- But research studying these telomeres at the cellular level has been challenging in humans. -- Now, a discovery by a WSU research team published today in the journal Nature Communications has opened the door to using the genetically engineered mice. -- Led by WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor Jiyue Zhu, the research team has developed mice that have human-like short telomeres, enabling the study of cellular aging as it occurs in the human body and within organs. -- Normally mice have telomeres that are up to 10 times longer than humans. -- "This is the first mouse model with truly humanized telomeres because telomerase isn't expressed in adult tissues in this model," Zhu said. -- "Our paper demonstrates that they exhibit human-like telomeres. Now, we aim to observe how these mice age." -- Called HuT mice for their humanized telomeres, they are enabling Zhu's team to advance multiple research projects.	A01 H01 R01 R02	1,029
2506-E057	Study Reveals Consumer Interest In Wine Affected By Wildfire Smoke	New research from Oregon State University and New Zealand indicates that some consumers are open to drinking wines affected by smoke from wildfires. This finding presents a potential market opportunity for winemakers facing challenges from climate-related issues. The study highlights that consumer acceptance varies with label information, suggesting winemakers could benefit from strategic marketing to reach this niche audience.	Oregon State University	Food Research International	Press Rel	PubMed	Certain groups of consumers appear to be open to drinking smoke-impacted wines, a finding in a new study that could provide market opportunities for winemakers increasingly dealing with the effects of wildfire smoke on grapes. -- The study by researchers at Oregon State University and in New Zealand found that consumers, particularly those that like smokey flavors in food and beverages, are open to drinking smoke-impacted wines. -- They also found that the type of information on the label can modulate consumer acceptance. -- "This research provides vital information for the wine industry," said Elizabeth Tomasino, a professor of enology at Oregon State. -- "It demonstrates that with certain wine drinkers there is a potential market for these smoke-impacted wines." -- As the number and size of wildfires grow globally, the wine industry has been heavily impacted. -- For example, an economic analysis of the 2020 wildfires on the West Coast of the United States estimated wine industry losses up to $3.7 billion. -- Following the 2020 fires, a research team, led by Oregon State scientists, received a $7.65 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study the impact of smoke on wine. -- Since then, the researchers have made several key advances. They discovered a class of compounds that contribute to smoke impact in grapes. -- They also developed spray-on coatings for grapes that have shown promise in preventing off flavors in wines that result from contact with wildfire smoke.	H01 C01	1,030
2511-014	Preventing ACL Injuries Could Save On Healthcare Costs: Study Findings	An analysis of high school soccer players indicates that implementing a lower extremity injury prevention program significantly reduces anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and lowers healthcare costs. Researchers assert that investing in prevention could yield substantial savings, highlighting the growing incidence of ACL injuries in youth sports.	Oregon State University	Journal of Athletic Training	Press Rel	PubMed	An analysis of high school soccer players suggests that incorporating a lower extremity injury prevention program results in fewer anterior cruciate ligament tears and a big reduction in health care expenses. -- The study by Oregon State University researchers shows that every dollar spent on preventing ACL tears saves more than seven times that much in treatment and rehabilitation costs, which the researchers note could mean a huge return on investment for insurance companies willing to fund lower extremity injury prevention programs, or IPPs. -- The scientists note that the incident rate of ACL tears continues to rise, as does high school athletes' risk of sustaining the injury. -- The ACL, which runs diagonally in the middle of the knee, connects the femur to the tibia, providing rotational stability and keeping the tibia from sliding in front of the femur. -- ACL injuries are common in sports that involve jumping, sudden stops and rapid changes of direction. -- Led by Tao Li, an associate professor in the OSU College of Health, the study looked at injury data from boys and girls who played high school soccer in the United States during the 2018-19 school year. -- The year was chosen because it was the most recent for which estimates of both participation numbers and ACL tears were available. -- According to the 2018-19 High School Athletics Participation Survey, 853,182 students participated in soccer that year -- 459,077 boys and 394,105 girls. -- A study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine estimated there were 15,000 soccer-related ACL injuries that year, and that more than 70% of such injuries occurred in girls from 2007 to 2019. -- Taking both public and private insurers into account, Li and collaborators Collin Peterson and Marc Norcross, also of the College of Health, found a return on investment of $7.51 for every dollar spent on an injury prevention program, suggesting a lower extremity IPP can be a valuable alternative to a conventional warmup routine.	Z01	1,031
2511-101	New Nanoparticles Offer Promising Treatment For Ovarian Tumors	Researchers at Oregon State University have developed innovative magnetic nanoparticles designed for cancer treatment. Shaped like a cube sandwiched between pyramids, these nanoparticles demonstrate exceptional heating efficiency, potentially revolutionizing therapies that target ovarian tumors and other cancers through heat-induced cell damage.	Oregon State University	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	New magnetic nanoparticles in the shape of a cube sandwiched between two pyramids represent a breakthrough for treating ovarian tumors and possibly other types of cancer, according to the Oregon State University researchers who developed them. -- The scientists say the study underscores the importance of shape in magnetic nanoparticle design and that the findings will potentially revolutionize treatments that use heat to damage or kill cancer cells. -- Made of iron oxide and doped with cobalt, the nanoparticles show exceptional heating efficiency when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. -- Doping refers to adding something as a means of tailoring characteristics. -- When the particles accumulate in cancerous tissue after intravenous injection, they're able to quickly rise to temperatures that weaken or destroy cancer cells. -- The mouse model study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, is part of ongoing nanomedicine research by scientists in the OSU College of Pharmacy. -- Nanoparticles are bits of matter as tiny as one-billionth of a meter that have special properties because of their small size and high ratio of surface area to volume. -- Magnetic nanoparticles have shown anticancer potential for years, the scientists say, but at present, magnetic hyperthermia can typically only be used for patients whose tumors are accessible by a hypodermic needle -- that is, if the particles can be injected right into the cancer. -- "With currently available magnetic nanoparticles, the required therapeutic temperatures -- above 44 degrees Celsius -- can only be achieved by direct injection," said Oleh Taratula, professor of pharmaceutical sciences. -- "And those nanoparticles have only moderate heating efficiency, which means you need a high concentration of them in the tumor -- higher than systemic administration can usually achieve -- to generate enough heat."	R01	1,032
2501-016	New Kidney Function Measurement Formula Gives Accurate Assessment Considering Natural Aging Decline.	A research team has devised an improved method for calculating glomerular filtration rate (GFR), taking aging into account to provide more accurate kidney function assessments. This advancement could lead to better monitoring and detection of kidney issues in elderly patients, thereby aiding in timely interventions and improving overall healthcare outcomes.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Hypertension Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Annual health checkups regularly include urine tests that serve several purposes, including checking for symptoms of kidney disease. The presence of albumin in the urine is one indicator as is glomerular filtration rate. In diabetic nephropathy, albuminuria first appears, leading to excessive filtration and eventually a decrease in GFR. -- In the elderly, however, excessive filtration cannot be detected due to age-related GFR decline. -- To accurately assess GFR, Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have come up with a new calculation method. -- The group led by Dr. Akihiro Tsuda, a lecturer at the Graduate School of Medicine, assessed 180 kidney transplant donor candidates to define a new formula for determining the threshold value for hyperfiltration based on age and GFR values. -- Among other findings, the conventional method of correcting for body surface area in obese patients was determined to be inaccurate as excessive filtration cannot be detected. -- The researchers suggest calculating GFR without the correction but by taking into account the decline in the filtration rate due to aging. -- "Since hyperfiltration is a precursor to diabetic nephropathy, we hope that using this new formula will more accurately diagnose the condition, leading to early detection and treatment," stated Dr. Tsuda. -- The findings were published in Hypertension Research.	A01 H01 R01 N02	1,033
2501-E033	Medaka Research Reveals Link Between Gamete Production Costs And Sexual Selection.	Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University investigated the mating behaviors of medaka fish to understand the relationship between gamete production and sexual selection. Their findings highlight the energy costs of continuous mating and its effects on sperm release and fertilization rates, providing insights into reproductive strategies in fish.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Royal Society Open Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Working out the kinks of mating in the animal kingdom helps to gain insights into the survival of species. Among animals that have multiple partners who deposit eggs outside their body, such as most fish, the males release sperm several times a day, but producing these gametes requires energy and time. -- Osaka Metropolitan University experts on fish behavior have recently uncovered a daily mating capacity for medaka. -- In findings published in Royal Society Open Science, Graduate School of Science Specially Appointed Dr. Yuki Kondo, Specially Appointed Professor Masanori Kohda, and Professor Satoshi Awata detailed the effects of continuous mating by medaka on the number of sperm released, fertilization rates, and the behavior of both males and females. -- "Medaka are among the fish that spawn, where fertilization occurs after the eggs and sperm are released in water. As these gametes are difficult to collect, the number of sperm released and the fertilization rate during successive matings had remained a mystery," Dr. Kondo explained. -- "Our research group previously developed an accurate method for measuring the sperm count of medaka, which is why we were able to successfully conduct this experiment." -- The group's latest experiment showed that male medaka on average can mate 19 times a day. -- During the first three mating sessions, the medaka released more than 50% of their daily sperm output. -- While the fertilization rate was nearly 100% in the early matings, this decreased significantly after the 10th time, with some later cases where there was no fertilization confirmed. -- Female medaka can produce eggs once per day, but they release all their eggs when mating. -- This means that many eggs go to waste when females mate with males who have already released most or all their sperm.	N01	1,034
2502-072	AI Improves Sign Language Recognition By Analyzing Gestures And Facial Expressions	An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team has enhanced AI's ability to recognize sign language by incorporating intricate details such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and skeletal positions. This improvement addresses the challenges posed by subtle differences in sign meanings, thereby increasing the accuracy of word-level sign language recognition. This advancement holds the potential to facilitate better communication for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.	Osaka Metropolitan University	IEEE Access	Press Rel	PubMed	Sign languages have been developed by nations around the world to fit the local communication style, and each language consists of thousands of signs. This has made sign languages difficult to learn and understand. Using artificial intelligence to automatically translate the signs into words, known as word-level sign language recognition, has now gained a boost in accuracy through the work of an Osaka Metropolitan University-led research group. -- Previous research methods have been focused on capturing information about the signer's general movements. -- The problems in accuracy have stemmed from the different meanings that could arise based on the subtle differences in hand shape and relationship in the position of the hands and the body. -- Graduate School of Informatics Associate Professor Katsufumi Inoue and Associate Professor Masakazu Iwamura worked with colleagues including at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to improve AI recognition accuracy. -- They added data such as hand and facial expressions, as well as skeletal information on the position of the hands relative to the body, to the information on the general movements of the signer's upper body. -- "We were able to improve the accuracy of word-level sign language recognition by 10-15% compared to conventional methods," Professor Inoue declared. "In addition, we expect that the method we have proposed can be applied to any sign language, hopefully leading to improved communication with speaking- and hearing-impaired people in various countries."	R02 T01	1,035
2502-E023	How Groundwater Cooperation Helped Mitigate Flooding Crisis In Hiroshima	A study examining the use of private wells during the 2018 floods in Kure, Japan, highlights the importance of adaptive governance in disaster recovery. Professor Takahiro Endo's research reveals how groundwater served as a vital resource when traditional water supplies were disrupted. The findings underscore the need for detailed strategies to promote the use of emergency wells and enhance resilience in communities vulnerable to disasters, showcasing the effectiveness of multilevel cooperation in recovery efforts.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Water International	Press Rel	PubMed	Society is often vulnerable to disasters, but how humans manage during and after can turn devastation into opportunities for improved resilience. -- For instance, private wells are attracting attention as an alternative resource for securing water for daily use and consumption in the event the water supply is cut off after a disaster. -- However, there are few records on how wells are used in the confusion of disasters, so detailed research is needed to promote the use of emergency wells. -- Professor Takahiro Endo of the Graduate School of Sustainable System Sciences at Osaka Metropolitan University conducted a survey on the use of groundwater in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, during water supply disruptions due to the 2018 west Japan floods. -- The study examined actual implementation of adaptive governance, where multiple levels of government, nonprofits, and local individuals cooperate in achieving a desired societal outcome. -- It was discovered that Hiroshima Prefecture, in agreement with the water quality inspection organization Hiroshima Environment and Health Association, had provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the water outage. -- This promoted the initiative to have the inspected wells open to the public. -- These collaborative efforts made it possible for wells to become available in a short period of time and supplemented the emergency water supply activities of local governments. -- "This is a case of emergency water supply policy that makes use of the economic incentive of free water quality testing, which could be a model policy for other local governments considering the introduction of disaster wells," stated Professor Endo. -- These findings were published in Water International.	R02	1,036
2502-T016	Acoustic Bubbles: Insights That Could Enhance Future Applications	Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered key indicators for the chemical activity of acoustic microbubbles, which hold promise for applications in water purification and medical interventions. By analyzing the relationship between liquid temperature and generated bubbles during sonication, this study enhances our understanding of these bubbles' potential, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Ultrasonics Sonochemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Active bubbles hold potential in fields ranging from water purification to medicine. Researchers can generate microbubbles by exposing liquids to high-intensity ultrasonic waves, a process known as sonication, and these energy waves heat up and pressurize the bubbles. For example, when bubbles in water are adiabatically collapsed by ultrasonic waves, the temperature inside the bubbles reaches more than several thousand degrees and the pressure several hundred atmospheres. -- These bubbles are called active bubbles or acoustic bubbles. -- Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have now found key indicators to assess the chemical activity and temperature of these microbubbles. -- The group led by Professor Kenji Okitsu of the Graduate School of Sustainable System Sciences showed that, when water is undergoing sonication, the amount of hydrogen is a more important indicator of the chemical activity of acoustic bubbles than hydrogen peroxide during thermal decomposition of the water. -- The team also conducted experiments using an aqueous t-butanol (tertiary alcohol) solution to investigate the temperature and number of active bubbles generated when exposed to ultrasonic waves. -- As the temperature of the solution and the concentration of inorganic salts increased, the temperature of the active bubbles became lower and the number of active bubbles produced decreased. -- "Our research provides new insights into the relationship between bubble temperature and chemical activity," Professor Okitsu exclaimed. -- "As the characteristics of active bubbles become clearer, more precise control of chemical reactions will become possible. We expect further applications and progress in water purification technology and nanotechnology, such as the decomposition of persistent organic pollutants and the synthesis of highly functional, high value-added nanomaterials." -- The findings were published in Ultrasonics Sonochemistry.	C01	1,037
2502-T025	Measuring Membrane Deformation In Spacecraft Using Just One Camera	A team at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed a simple method to measure deformations in thin membranes used in spacecraft, using just a single camera. This innovative approach employs photogrammetry to accurately detect wrinkles that can impact performance, offering significant advantages for spacecraft design by reducing complexity and improving measurement accuracy.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Measurement	Press Rel	PubMed	Exiting Earth's gravity takes an enormous amount of fuel and power. Due to this, spacecraft strapped to rockets are limited in their carry capacity and every gram must be accounted for. To lighten the load, thin membranes are being researched as alternative materials, but their plastic wrap property causes wrinkling that can affect operational performance. For this reason, there is a need to develop measurement technology that can accurately detect deformations. -- Professor Takashi Iwasa at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Engineering led a team in developing a method for measuring the size of wrinkles that have formed across thin membrane using photogrammetry and a single camera. -- By examining photographs taken of the surface before and after putting stress on the material, the amplitude and wavelength of wrinkles can be detected. -- Measurement points are printed on the membrane and changes in their position indicate deformation. -- "In the past, multiple cameras were required, but in this research, the size of the wrinkles can be easily detected by applying tension-field theory for the measurement result of a single-camera photogrammetry," stated Professor Iwasa. -- "We are conducting this research on large thin membrane spacecraft and expect this method to be used where there is limited space for installing cameras." -- The findings were published in Measurement.	H02	1,038
2503-E004	Zebrafish Color Detection: Insights From A Unique Pineal Gland Photoreceptor	Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have made significant discoveries regarding color detection in zebrafish through a unique photoreceptor in their pineal gland. Unlike mammals that use eyes for color perception, zebrafish utilize parapinopsin 1 in their pineal organ. This study elucidates the distinct mechanisms of color detection in fish, contributing to a deeper understanding of vertebrate sensory biology and evolution.	Osaka Metropolitan University	iScience	Press Rel	PubMed	We see color because photoreceptor cones in our eyes detect light waves corresponding to red, green, and blue, while dimness or brightness is detected by photoreceptor rods. Many non-mammalian vertebrates like fish, however, are known to detect color and brightness with the pineal gland, which is part of the brain. An Osaka Metropolitan University research group has further elucidated on how the pineal organ of fish do so. -- Previously, the research group led by Professor Akihisa Terakita and Professor Mitsumasa Koyanagi of the Graduate School of Science revealed that the pineal organ of bony fish detects colors using a different mechanism than that of their eyes. -- A type of pineal photoreceptor cell that contains a protein called parapinopsin 1 (PP1) detects color. -- These PP1 cells become active and inactive in proportion to the difference in wavelength of light, with longer waves for red and shorter ones for blue, for example. -- This inactivation of PP1 has been found necessary for color detection, but the mechanism has now been discovered. -- Using zebrafish, the team investigated arrestin proteins in the pineal gland involved in the inactivation of photoreceptor proteins such as PP1. -- Of the seven types of arrestins in zebrafish, the researchers found that Sagb and Arr3a play major roles with PP1. -- Arr3a rapidly inactivates PP1 when light is dim, while Sagb takes over inactivation when light intensity increases. -- The team found that the dual performance of this single photoreceptor is dependent on the switching of these two arrestins according to the intensity of light. -- "Multiple types of arrestins exist in a single cell. Our discovery suggests that the function of arrestins might be used differently depending on the strength of the stimulus, an important finding about these genes," Professor Koyanagi proclaimed	N01	1,039
2503-E021	Zebrafish Color Detection: The Role Of Pineal Gland Photoreceptors	Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have advanced our understanding of how zebrafish detect color using a specific photoreceptor in their pineal gland. Their study reveals that parapinopsin 1 cells play a crucial role in color detection by responding to different light wavelengths. This work sheds light on non-mammalian vertebrate vision mechanisms, contrasting their color detection processes with those of mammals, and offers insights into evolutionary adaptations in sensory perception.	Osaka Metropolitan University	iScience	Press Rel	PubMed	We see color because photoreceptor cones in our eyes detect light waves corresponding to red, green, and blue, while dimness or brightness is detected by photoreceptor rods. Many non-mammalian vertebrates like fish, however, are known to detect color and brightness with the pineal gland, which is part of the brain. An Osaka Metropolitan University research group has further elucidated on how the pineal organ of fish do so. -- Previously, the research group led by Professor Akihisa Terakita and Professor Mitsumasa Koyanagi of the Graduate School of Science revealed that the pineal organ of bony fish detects colors using a different mechanism than that of their eyes. -- A type of pineal photoreceptor cell that contains a protein called parapinopsin 1 (PP1) detects color. -- These PP1 cells become active and inactive in proportion to the difference in wavelength of light, with longer waves for red and shorter ones for blue, for example. -- This inactivation of PP1 has been found necessary for color detection, but the mechanism has now been discovered. -- Using zebrafish, the team investigated arrestin proteins in the pineal gland involved in the inactivation of photoreceptor proteins such as PP1. -- Of the seven types of arrestins in zebrafish, the researchers found that Sagb and Arr3a play major roles with PP1. -- Arr3a rapidly inactivates PP1 when light is dim, while Sagb takes over inactivation when light intensity increases. -- The team found that the dual performance of this single photoreceptor is dependent on the switching of these two arrestins according to the intensity of light. -- "Multiple types of arrestins exist in a single cell. Our discovery suggests that the function of arrestins might be used differently depending on the strength of the stimulus, an important finding about these genes," Professor Koyanagi proclaimed.	N01	1,040
2503-T008	Artificial Photosynthesis Creates Biodegradable Nylon Precursors From Biomass	Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed an artificial photosynthesis technology to produce biodegradable nylon from biomass-derived compounds and ammonia. This innovative approach aims to create eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By synthesizing nylon precursors, the research could pave the way for sustainable materials in various applications, addressing the growing demand for biodegradable options while mitigating environmental impact associated with plastic waste.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Sustainable Energy & Fuels	Press Rel	PubMed	Nylon, the durable and elastic material, is like other plastics made from chemicals found in fossil fuels. Biodegradable plastics based on biomass-derived compounds are attracting attention as an alternative to conventional plastics, and Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have now synthesized biodegradable nylon precursors. -- Professor Yutaka Amao's team at the Research Center for Artificial Photosynthesis previously reported on a method for producing raw materials for biodegradable plastics from biomass-derived compounds. -- A polyester-type biodegradable plastic could be formed by using L-lactic acid as the raw material for polylactic acid. -- This time, by using L-alanine, an amino acid with a similar structure, the team created raw material for a nylon-type biodegradable plastic. -- Artificial photosynthesis technology was developed with the addition of the biocatalyst L-alanine dehydrogenase, which combines ammonia with pyruvate to produce L-alanine, to the photoredox system composed of a dye and a catalyst. -- "We have also succeeded in synthesizing the precursor of biodegradable nylon poly-L-alanine using solar energy," Professor Amao declared. -- "In the future, we hope to achieve the synthesis of nylon precursors that have a low impact on the environment, with the aim of producing L-alanine through artificial photosynthesis using ammonia derived from biomass compounds." -- The findings were published in Sustainable Energy & Fuels.	C01 T01	1,041
2503-T028	Controlling Crystal Patterns For Advancements In Photomechanical Applications	Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a novel method for controlling the arrangement of photochromic crystals, like diarylethenes, which undergo structural changes when exposed to light. This groundbreaking work offers potential applications in fields ranging from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals and demonstrates the power of patterned crystal orientation. The study paves the way for further advancements in photomechanical materials, highlighting the versatility and significance of diarylethene crystals in practical applications.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Small Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Photomechanical materials made of photochromic crystals, which change their molecular structure reversibly in response to light, have the potential to impact fields from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals. For the first time in the world, an Osaka Metropolitan University team has developed a crystal patterning method demonstrating that it is possible to control the orientation of photochromic crystals known as diarylethenes. -- Diarylethene crystals not only change color when exposed to UV light, but also undergo various shape changes as the molecular structure changes. -- Graduate School of Engineering student Mami Isobe, lecturer Daichi Kitagawa, and Professor Seiya Kobatake focused on patterning to control the position and orientation of the crystals on a substrate using the sublimation method. -- The team fabricated convex structures with a height of several microns and a width of a dozen or so microns on a substrate in the shape of a straight line and numerals from 0 to 20. By sublimating powdered crystals of diarylethene onto the substrate, the researchers demonstrated the ability to control the orientation of the crystals, as well as create minute crystals of diarylethene on convex structures. -- "We expect the crystal patterning method developed to be applicable to semiconductor materials and pharmaceuticals, which are low-molecular-weight organic compounds similar to diarylethene," stated graduate student Isobe. -- Professor Kobatake added, "To increase the versatility of this crystal patterning method in the future, we would like to analyze the effect of the size and shape of the convex structures on the substrate on crystal growth, and quantitatively explain the formation principle of the crystal patterns." -- These findings were published in Small Methods.	Z01	1,042
2504-047	Study Explores How People Confront Or Avoid Unfairness In Social Situations	A new experimental game reveals how individuals choose to confront or avoid witnessing unfairness, suggesting that the desire to dodge confronting inequality influences behavior more than previously thought. This study calls into question the prevalence of altruistic punishment in real-world scenarios, indicating that many people may prefer not to acknowledge selfish actions rather than risk confrontation, providing insight into social dynamics around fairness and morality.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Journal of Experimental Social Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	How would you react if someone cut in line behind you? Some people will warn others to follow the rules, even if it does not affect them. This is known as altruistic punishment, the act of punishing others for selfish behavior without reciprocal benefit. -- Previous studies on altruistic punishment often placed participants in unnatural settings where they were compelled to observe the selfishness of others and decided whether to punish them. -- In reality, there are times when avoidance of such a situation takes precedence over confronting unfairness. -- In other words, a person could pretend they did not notice someone cutting in line behind them. -- Recent research suggests that when people have a choice about whether to witness the selfish actions of others, they are more likely to avoid it. -- Based on this, graduate student Kodai Mitsuishi and Associate Professor Yuta Kawamura at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Sustainable System Sciences investigated whether the avoidance of witnessing selfish behavior is to evade administering punishment or because people don't want to deal with this behavior. -- They developed a situation-selective third-party punishment game (SS-TPPG) for this study. -- In the SS-TPPG, participants repeatedly chose between two card decks -- fair and unfair decks -- each offering different probabilities of fair and unfair monetary distributions between two individuals. -- This setup simulated scenarios where participants might witness unfairness. -- In addition, the researchers varied punishment options available to participants to examine how these factors influenced participants' willingness to confront or avoid unfair behavior.	N01 T01	1,043
2504-E018	Latest Research Explores The Connection Between Cell Death And Aging In Cancer	Recent investigations reveal the crucial relationship between cell death and cellular senescence in cancer, particularly how aging cells can aid in tumor growth. Research teams from Osaka Metropolitan University and Harvard are exploring therapeutic strategies to target these senescent cells, aiming to enhance cancer treatments. Ongoing studies focus on understanding the resistance of these cells to apoptosis and the potential for new therapies targeting inflammatory cell death mechanisms.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Seminars in Cancer Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Aging cells secrete substances known to promote the growth of cancer cells. The development of drugs that can selectively kill these cells or inhibit the secretion of substances is ongoing. The latest findings on the interaction between cell death and cellular senescence in cancer and their pathophysiological significance have been reviewed by a team from Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. -- Lecturer Kouhei Shimizu and Professor Fuminori Tokunaga of OMU and Dr. Hiroyuki Inuzuka of Harvard Medical School outlined the molecular mechanisms of various types of cell death and the changes in their regulatory factors that occur with age. -- Since senescent cells often have resistance to apoptosis, the best characterized programmed cell death, the removal of this resistance has been a major goal of senescent cell removal therapy. -- On the other hand, it is not yet known how the relatively new types of inflammatory programmed cell death, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, the molecular mechanisms of which have been rapidly elucidated in recent years, are regulated in senescent cells. -- There are also many questions about whether therapies such as senescent cell removal therapy and senomorphics -- drugs that only target the harmful senescence-associated secretory phenotype without killing the senescent cells -- can be applied to these new types of programmed cell death, and there is little understanding of these either. -- "In the last decade, the emerging field of cell death research has developed dramatically, but the relationship with cellular senescence is still undefined," Dr. Shimizu stated. -- "Various types of cell death are thought to have great potential as targets for the prevention and treatment of cancer and age-related diseases. We hope this review will accelerate the elucidation of cell death that is effective against senescent cells and the development of methods to inhibit the secretion of harmful substances." -- The findings were published in Seminars in Cancer Biology.	A01 H01 R01	1,044
2506-E025	Targeting Canine Liver Cancer: Potential Pathways For Effective Treatments	Unresectable canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents limited treatment options, and while sorafenib is a targeted therapy, the lack of consistent research on gene expression complicates its efficacy. This study reviews the challenges faced in treating advanced HCC in dogs, highlighting the poor prognosis associated with unresectable forms of the disease. Understanding the potential of targeted therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies for canine cancer patients.	Osaka Metropolitan University	BMC Research Notes	Press Rel	PubMed	Unresectable canine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has limited nonsurgical treatment options. Sorafenib is a targeted therapy for unresectable canine HCC. However, there are limited reports on the expression of target genes. Therefore, the efficacy of the targeted therapies for canine HCC remains unclear. -- In HCC, the prognosis is generally good when complete surgical resection is possible. -- Unresectable nodular and diffuse HCC have a poor prognosis and limited nonsurgical treatment options. -- In humans, systemic therapies including targeted therapies are indicated when curative treatment is difficult. -- Targeted therapy includes the use of conventional molecular targeted agents, hormonal agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted cytotoxic therapy. -- Despite the high anticancer activity of the targeted therapy, the agents can only be applied to patients with targeted gene mutations or abnormalities. -- For these targeted genes, the therapeutic agents exert antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, reversing multidrug resistance, and inducing apoptosis. In canine unresectable HCC, sorafenib is used as targeted therapy. However, there are limited reports on the expression status of the target gene. Moreover, up regulation of PDGFB is reported in canine HCC as a potential gene for targeted therapy. However, the application of targeted therapy in canine HCC is not clear. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the expression of target genes in canine HCC based on their expression in human tumors.	H01 R01	1,045
2506-E052	Antarctic Midge's Unique Survival Strategy In Extreme Conditions	A unique study reveals how the Antarctic midge survives extreme climatic conditions by employing both quiescence and obligate diapause strategies. This flightless midge, the only known insect native to Antarctica, has adapted its two-year life cycle to endure harsh winters. Researchers have uncovered critical insights into its survival mechanisms, which may inform human applications in areas like cryopreservation and other cryobiological studies.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Picture an Antarctic animal and most people think of penguins, but there is a flightless midge, the only known insect native to Antarctica, that somehow survives the extreme climate. How the Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica) copes with freezing temperatures could hold clues for humans about subjects like cryopreservation, but there remain many mysteries about the tiny insect. -- One mystery appears to have been solved by an Osaka Metropolitan University-led international research team. -- Graduate School of Science Professor Shin G. Goto and Dr. Mizuki Yoshida, a graduate student at the time of the research who is now a postdoc at Ohio State University, found that the midge deals with the seasons during its two-year life cycle by undergoing quiescence in its first year and obligate diapause in its second. -- Quiescence is a form of dormancy in immediate response to adverse conditions, and when conditions improve, the organism becomes active again. -- Obligate diapause is a dormant period naturally induced at a fixed time in an organism's life cycle, a rare form seen in insects in temperate regions. -- "We were able to establish a method for rearing the Antarctic midge over a period of six years to find out some of their environmental adaptation mechanisms," Dr. Yoshida explained. -- The team found that Antarctic midge larvae usually grow to their second instar by the first winter and undergo quiescence so that they can quickly resume development at any moment when it suddenly becomes warmer. -- As the second winter approaches, the larvae reach the final fourth instar, but they do not pupate. -- Instead, they enter obligate diapause so that they all emerge as adults when summer arrives. -- As adults, they have only a few days of life and need to find a mate, so this timing mechanism is key to their survival.	C01 N01	1,046
2507-E014	Wild Medaka Exhibit Surprising Nocturnal Behavior In Their Natural Habitats	An Osaka Metropolitan University team has discovered that wild medaka fish display active nocturnal behaviors in their natural habitats, revealing important insights into their spawning patterns and daily activities. These observations highlight the discrepancies between natural and laboratory environments, emphasizing the need for more ecologically relevant research approaches.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Osaka Metropolitan University	Press Rel	PubMed	Observing animal behavior in a laboratory offers a controlled environment, but these model organisms can behave differently in the wild. An Osaka Metropolitan University-led research team that uses medaka in the lab has now clarified certain aspects of how these fish live in their natural environment. -- Led by Dr. Yuki Kondo and Professor Satoshi Awata of the Graduate School of Science, the team recorded video of wild medaka in their river habitat to observe what goes on overnight, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. -- Using this footage taken over a three-day period, they estimated the time of day when medaka spawn, finding that they start to spawn around midnight. -- Laboratory experiments had previously indicated that medaka spawned around one hour before or after sunrise. -- The team also conducted a detailed analysis of medaka activity patterns, observing a low level of activity from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. when many fish seemed to be resting. -- After midnight, there was a rise in activity, especially between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. Medaka males appeared to have two types of courtship behavior: chasing females and a courtship display of making quick circles in front of the opposite sex. -- These behaviors were particularly high between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. -- "Observing animals in the wild is a valuable source of information for understanding their natural way of life, information that not only deepens our understanding of living things, but also helps us to create more comfortable environments for our model organisms in the laboratory," Dr. Kondo explained. -- "If animals can spend their lives in the lab in a natural environment with little stress, we may be able to better understand their true nature, and more accurate laboratory research results might be obtained." -- Professor Awata added, "This research is a good example of the importance of combining laboratory research with field observations. We hope that it will also provide insights into the importance of elucidating the ecology of other model organisms in their natural habitats."	H02 N01	1,047
2507-T026	Sustainable Liquid Fertilizer Developed By Recycling Phosphorus And Nitrogen Sources	Researchers have developed a method for producing recycled liquid fertilizer rich in phosphorus, aiming to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. This sustainable approach addresses environmental concerns associated with excessive fertilizer use, aligning with Japan's goal to decrease chemical fertilizer reliance by 30% by 2050 and promoting a more eco-friendly agricultural practice.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Osaka Metropolitan University	Press Rel	PubMed	Growing plants can be a joyous, yet frustrating process as plants require a delicate balance of nutrients, sun, and water to be productive. -- Phosphorus and nitrogen, which are essential for plant growth, are often supplemented by chemical fertilizers to assure proper balance and output of produce. -- However, the amount of these nutrients on the planet is increasing due to excessive use, which in turn is causing various environmental problems. -- For this reason, there is a growing movement to promote sustainable agriculture through the recycling of phosphorus and nitrogen. -- In Japan, a target has been set to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers by 30% by 2050. -- With this in mind, a research group led by Ryosuke Endo, a lecturer, and graduate student Satoru Sakuma at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Agriculture conducted an experiment on producing recycled liquid fertilizer from organic waste as a replacement for chemical fertilizers. -- Using food waste, manure, and sewer sludge, the researchers filled nitrification reactors with organic waste and tap water, then extracted nitrified biogas digestate (f-NBD) to use as seed culture. -- The phosphorus and nitrogen outputs from each type of organic waste were compared. -- This experimental method produced nutrient solutions capable of replacing unsustainable chemical phosphorus and nitrogen. -- Additionally, the researchers have established an improved method that increases phosphorus solubility, as phosphorus often fails to dissolve during traditional fertilizer production methods.	H01 N02	1,048
2508-E040	Anemonefish Feed Hosts To Support Sea Anemone Growth	A research team has uncovered intriguing feeding behaviors of anemonefish, which provide food to their host sea anemones in the wild. The study, conducted by researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University, indicates that Clark's anemonefish actively attach uneaten clams and share smaller food items with their hosts, benefiting the growth of the anemones. These findings deepen our understanding of the dynamic symbiotic relationships between these marine species in their natural habitats.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Anemonefish, sometimes called clownfish, have been popular attractions in aquariums ever since Disney's animated film Finding Nemo arrived in cinemas in 2003. Living symbiotically with sea anemones that shelter them from predators, the fish drive away organisms that nibble at their hosts. Anemonefish have also shown they will provide their hosts with the food given to them by humans, but does this happen in the wild? -- An Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Science team led by PhD student Yuya Kobayashi and Professor Satoshi Awata found evidence of this feeding behavior during field experiments. -- They saw Clark's anemonefish actively provisioning food to bubble-tip anemones, such as by attaching a clam they cannot eat to the tentacles of their hosts. -- For smaller food, the fish had their fill first before feeding the sea anemones. -- "We also confirmed that feeding the anemonefish directly increases the growth rate of the sea anemones," stated PhD student Kobayashi. -- "It is known that in other anemonefish species, the number of eggs laid increases when the hosts are larger. For anemonefish, which cannot leave their sea anemone, feeding their hosts is extremely important and will ultimately benefit themselves." -- Professor Awata added, "We believe that correctly understanding animal behavior will not only lead to the development of ecology, biology, and other fields of research, but will also provide appropriate methods for the protection and conservation of animals that are on the verge of extinction."	H01 N01	1,049
2509-E021	Breakthrough In Vet Medicine: Feline Stem Cells Created From Surgical Remnants	A team led by Osaka Metropolitan University has successfully created high-quality feline embryonic stem cells from discarded reproductive tissues, marking a significant advancement in veterinary regenerative medicine. This research opens up possibilities for treating ailments common to both domestic and endangered wild cats, as these stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and potentially aid in conservation efforts.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Regenerative Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	As different as they may seem, humans and cats have similar ailments, but in terms of health care, veterinary regenerative medicine is not as advanced. -- A possible solution rests in embryonic stem cells, which can differentiate into various types of cells and be transplanted to restore internal damage. Further, they are characterized by their near-natural state similar to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Recent research has successfully generated feline iPS cells, but not embryonic stem cells, so research on these cell lines is essential to improve the quality of iPS cells. -- Osaka Metropolitan University Professor Shingo Hatoya led a Graduate School of Veterinary Science team in pioneering the generation of feline embryonic stem cells using lab-grown blastocysts. The team performed in vitro fertilization of sperm and oocytes taken from discarded reproductive organs during feline sterilization surgeries. -- Through the isolation of inner cell mass from blastocyst stage embryos and culturing them, the researchers succeeded in generating high-quality feline embryonic stem cells. These can be maintained in an undifferentiated state and can differentiate into the three germ layers endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. -- "Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells, so we believe that comparative studies with iPS cells will further promote veterinary regenerative medicine research," stated Professor Hatoya. "The successful establishment of feline ES cells in this study can advance veterinary regenerative medicine by enabling comparative studies with feline iPS cells. Moreover, the potential to derive sperm and oocytes from feline ES cells could contribute to the conservation of endangered wild cat species." -- The findings were published in Regenerative Therapy.	H01 N02	1,050
2509-E038	Cryo-Electron Microscopy Unveils Mechanics Behind Mycoplasma's Gliding Motion	Cryo-electron microscopy has unveiled the molecular structure of the gliding motors in Mycoplasma mobile, a unique bacteria capable of movement. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of motility and may lead to advancements in nanotechnology and medical treatments for mycoplasma infections, providing a deeper understanding of these intriguing microorganisms.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Mycoplasmas, including bacteria that cause pneumonia in humans, are generally nonmotile, but Mycoplasma mobile, as the species name suggests, has been found in the gills of fish and seems to move by gliding along surfaces. The molecular structure that allows it to do so has for the first time been uncovered by a collaborative research group led by Osaka Metropolitan University Professor Makoto Miyata of the Graduate School of Science. -- The OMU-led research team has been working since 1997 to clarify M. mobile's motility mechanisms. -- This time, with the help of Osaka University's cryo-electron microscopy equipment, the scientists revealed at near-atomic resolution the enzymes known as ATPases that use rotational catalytic mechanisms to power the gliding machinery. -- In addition, although the molecular structures of the two units that make up the twin motor are similar to those of known ATP synthases, the researchers found that they combine to form an unprecedented complex structure. -- "This achievement will promote further understanding of the motility mechanism of how the energy of ATP hydrolysis is converted into gliding motility, and how these motors of Mycoplasma mobile are thought to have evolved from ATP synthase," Professor Miyata explained. "Going forward, we can expect our results to be used as a basis for applications in nanobot actuators and for the development of medicines to fight mycoplasma infections."	N01	1,051
2510-T013	Palm Vein Imaging Offers Advanced Biometric Authentication Solutions	Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a highly accurate biometric authentication system using hyperspectral imaging to analyze the unique blood vessel patterns in palm images. This innovative method provides a secure means of identifying individuals, as vein patterns are not easily visible or replicable, thus enhancing security in biometric applications.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Journal of Biomedical Optics	Press Rel	PubMed	Hyperspectral imaging is a technology that detects slight differences in color to pinpoint the characteristics and conditions of an object. While a normal camera creates images using red, green, and blue, a hyperspectral camera can obtain over 100 images in the visible to near-infrared light range in a single shot. As a result, hyperspectral imaging can obtain information that the human eye cannot see. -- Specially Appointed Associate Professor Takashi Suzuki at the Osaka Metropolitan University Center for Health Science Innovation captured images of palms of human hands using a hyperspectral camera and AI-based region of interest. -- Hemoglobin contained in red blood cells absorbs light, so it is possible to observe the state of the blood vessels in the palm. -- Since the distribution pattern of blood vessels differs from person to person, it is also possible to differentiate between individuals. -- Further, vein patterns are not visible on the surface of the skin like the face or fingerprints, so this bioinformation is considered highly secure as it cannot be easily read. -- To test this, Dr. Suzuki developed a method for identifying biometric information regardless of position or orientation using AI-based image recognition. -- Furthermore, by superimposing the images in order of wavelength and cutting them based on the coordinates on the palm obtained through AI, the researcher was able to obtain images with more accurate positionings, smaller sizes, and greater information content than conventional methods. -- "It was possible to distinguish between the subjects. Furthermore, accuracy of the developed method was verified and a high discrimination accuracy was confirmed," stated Dr. Suzuki. -- "Biometric authentication using hyperspectral images provides remarkably high security through the palm of a hand, thus it could even be used as keys to a house. If the capability to read the state of health from the hyperspectral imaging of the palm becomes possible, a daily health management system could be developed with health data obtained through biometric unlocking." -- The findings were published inthe Journal of Biomedical Optics.	A01 T01	1,052
2510-T024	Simplified Formulas Help Quantify Quantum Entanglement In Electron Systems	Osaka Metropolitan University physicists have developed simplified formulas to quantify quantum entanglement in strongly correlated electron systems, advancing the understanding of quantum behaviors in nanoscale materials. This research enhances the characterization of quantum entanglement, a crucial phenomenon for emerging technologies like quantum computing. By providing new insights into the Kondo effect and other quantum phenomena, the study lays the groundwork for future advancements in quantum technologies.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Physical Review B	Press Rel	PubMed	Once described by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," quantum entanglement may now seem less intimidating in light of new research findings. -- Osaka Metropolitan University physicists have developed new, simpler formulas to quantify quantum entanglement in strongly correlated electron systems and applied them to study several nanoscale materials. -- Their results offer fresh perspectives into quantum behaviors in materials with different physical characteristics, contributing to advances in quantum technologies. -- Quantum entanglement is a unique phenomenon in which two particles, once connected, remain linked no matter how far apart they are in space. -- This fundamental feature plays a vital role in emerging technologies such as quantum computing and quantum cryptography. -- Whilst significant progress has been made in understanding this so-called spooky phenomenon, scientists still find themselves tangled in its intricacies. -- "Previous studies have largely focused on the universal properties of quantum entanglement in materials exhibiting magnetism or superconductivity," said Yunori Nishikawa, a lecturer at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Science and lead author of the study. -- The team, instead, went local: They zeroed in on quantum entanglement between one or two arbitrarily selected atoms within a strongly correlated electron system and their surrounding environment (the rest of the system). -- Strongly correlated electron systems are materials in which electron-electron interactions dominate the system's behavior, leading to rich, complex and often highly entangled quantum states. -- These systems serve as fertile grounds for exploring quantum entanglement.	T01	1,053
2511-073	Understanding Helicobacter Pylori Treatment In Gastric Cancer Care	Researchers conducted a significant survey to understand treatment practices for H. pylori, a major cause of gastric cancer in the Asia-Pacific region. The findings reveal varying approaches to diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the pressing need for consensus and improved standards in addressing this prevalent infection. The study aims to enhance prevention strategies and tackle the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology	Press Rel	PubMed	Helicobacter pylori bacteria is considered to be the main cause of gastric cancer, with the infection rate particularly high in the Asia-Pacific region. Approximately 90% of cases are linked to H. pylori bacterial infections, but preemptive eradication can reduce the incidence of gastric cancer by 30-40%. -- However, the increase in antimicrobial drug-resistant bacteria used in eradication therapy is a major issue. -- In addition, while secondary prevention through endoscopic examinations is also important for the early detection of gastric cancer, it is not clear to what extent Asia-Pacific practitioners recognize its importance. -- An international research group led by Dr. Koji Otani and Professor Yasuhiro Fujiwara of the Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine conducted an online survey of clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region to investigate treatment policies for H. pylori. Based on the responses from each country regarding the methods of diagnosis, antibacterial drug dosages, treatment periods, and the need for secondary prevention, the research team confirmed that there is a growing consensus of the importance of primary and secondary prevention against H. pylori. -- "At present, differences in the incidence of antimicrobial resistance and gastric cancer between regions, medical resources, and policies are affecting the formation of uniform standards for gastric cancer prevention," stated Dr. Otani. -- "In the future, it will be important to establish treatment guidelines for H. pylori infections that are appropriate for each region, taking into consideration the actual situation of antimicrobial resistance and gastric cancer in each Asian country." -- The findings were published inthe Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.	H01 R01	1,054
2512-014	Ultrafine Bubble Showers Show Promise In Reducing Inflammation For Skin Conditions	Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that ultrafine bubble showers significantly reduce inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis in mice. By showering affected skin with these bubbles, inflammation was suppressed more effectively than with regular showers, pointing toward a promising new method for treating this skin condition and enhancing the skin's protective barrier.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Frontiers in Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Bubble baths might be soothing soaks, but bubble showers could be the next thing in keeping the skin clean. -- An Osaka Metropolitan University-led medical research team found that ultrafine bubble showers might help prevent atopic dermatitis. -- Graduate School of Medicine student Ayaki Matsumoto and Associate Professor Hisayoshi Imanishi led the study into using ultrafine bubbles, often used to clean medical equipment, on mice with atopic dermatitis. -- The scientists found that in mice with atopic dermatitis due to external factors, inflammation was markedly suppressed when the affected skin was showered with ultrafine bubbles, while normal showers also showed some positive results. -- Additionally, the ultrafine bubble showers improved the levels of proteins in the skin that act as a protective barrier. -- For mice with atopic dermatitis caused by genetic factors, however, there were no significant differences even compared to mice who were not showered. -- "The results of this study suggest that ultrafine bubble shower treatment might be a new treatment for allergen-induced atopic dermatitis for humans, but this study was conducted on mice and the shower treatment period was short, only a week or two," stated graduate student Matsumoto. -- "From now on," Professor Imanishi added, "it will be necessary to conduct ultrafine bubble shower therapy for several months on human patients to examine the effects." -- The findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology.	H01	1,055
2512-E049	CcMCA1 Gene Suppression Could Help Combat Invasive Plant Species	Researchers have identified a mechanism that enables the parasitic vine Cuscuta campestris to attach to host plants, revealing the genetic basis of its nutrient-gathering haustorium. Led by Professor Koh Aoki, the study highlights the role of specific ion channels in this process, paving the way for strategies to control harmful invasive plant species effectively.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Plant And Cell Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	The parasitic vine Cuscuta campestris grows by latching onto the stems and leaves of plants and inserting organs called haustorium into the host plant tissues to draw nutrients. The haustorium is formed when ion channels in the cell membrane are stimulated during coiling and induce a reaction within the cell. -- Further, Cuscuta campestris has many types of ion channels, but which ones were linked to the development of haustorium were previously unknown. -- "For the first time, the genes involved in sensing mechanical stimuli that lead to the climbing of vines, such as morning glories and bindweed, have been discovered," declared Osaka Metropolitan University Professor Koh Aoki of the Graduate School of Agriculture. -- Professor Aoki led an OMU team in discovering that when the expression of the gene Cuscuta campestris MID1-COMPLEMENTING ACTIVITY1 (CcMCA1) was suppressed, the number of haustorium per centimeter decreased. -- "We want to continue to identify other ion channel genes involved in this process and aim to explain the various mechanisms of plant senses on the microscopic level," Professor Aoki added. "Furthermore, we hope this will lead to the development of measures to control plants that cause harm economically to crops."	N02	1,056
2512-T001	Engineered Yeast Achieves Record D-Lactic Acid Yield From Methanol For Eco-Friendly Production	Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have engineered yeast to convert methanol into D-lactic acid with record efficiency, advancing sustainable biomanufacturing. This breakthrough not only provides a greener alternative to petroleum-based processes but also enhances the production of biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts	Press Rel	PubMed	Great recipes require the perfect combination of ingredients -- biotechnology recipes are no exception. -- Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered the ideal genetic "recipe" to turn yeast into a tiny yet powerful eco-friendly factory that converts methanol into D-lactic acid, a key compound used in biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. -- This approach could help reduce reliance on petroleum-based processes and contribute to more sustainable chemical production. -- Lactic acid is widely used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and bioplastics. -- It exists in two forms: L-lactic acid and D-lactic acid. Compared to its counterpart, D-lactic acid is much less available and much more expensive. -- "Most lactic acid bacteria can only produce L-lactic acid whilst chemical synthesis methods yield only a mixture of both forms," said Ryosuke Yamada, an associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Engineering and lead author of this study. -- Seeking a more efficient way to produce D-lactic acid, the team turned to Komagataella phaffii, a yeast capable of utilizing methanol. -- Their goal was to pinpoint the optimal combination of D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) genes and promoters in K. phaffii that would maximize the yeast's ability to produce D-lactic acid from methanol. -- D-LDH is a key enzyme responsible for converting precursor molecules into D-lactic acid, while promoters are DNA sequences that regulate gene expression. -- After testing five different D-LDH genes and eight promoters, the researchers identified an ideal mix that boosted D-lactic acid production by 1.5 times compared to other methanol-based methods.	H01	1,057
2513-E029	AI Model Cuts Fluid Simulation Time Dramatically While Maintaining Accuracy	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking AI-based fluid simulation model that drastically reduces computation time from 45 minutes to just 3 minutes while retaining accuracy. This advancement can revolutionize various industries by enhancing offshore power generation, ship design, and ocean monitoring, showcasing the transformative power of artificial intelligence in complex computational challenges.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Applied Ocean Research	Press Rel	PubMed	AI has created a sea change in society; now, it is setting its sights on the sea itself. -- Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. -- Their fast and precise technique opens up potential applications in offshore power generation, ship design and real-time ocean monitoring. -- Accurately predicting fluid behavior is crucial for industries relying on wave and tidal energy, as well as for design of maritime structures and vessels. -- Whilst particle methods -- which allow particles to simulate the behavior of fluid flow -- are a common approach, they require extensive computational resources, including processing power and time. -- By simplifying and accelerating fluid simulations, AI-powered surrogate models are making waves in fluid dynamics research. -- However, AI is not without its flaws. -- "AI can deliver exceptional results for specific problems but often struggles when applied to different conditions," said Takefumi Higaki, an assistant professor at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Engineering and lead author of the study. -- Aiming to create a tool that is consistently fast and accurate, the team developed a new surrogate model using a deep learning technology called graph neural networks. -- The researchers first compared different training conditions to determine what factors were essential for high-precision fluid calculations.	R01 T01	1,058
2513-E040	Otter Paralysis Case Highlights Possible Fibrocartilaginous Embolus Discovery	An intriguing case study of an Asian small-clawed otter that developed paralysis after a fall reveals the complexities of veterinary care. Initially treated with medication, the otter showed gradual improvement, but an MRI ultimately indicated a suspected fibrocartilaginous embolus. Remarkably, after a tapering treatment plan, the otter regained full mobility, showcasing the challenges and successes of animal rehabilitation methods in veterinary medicine.	Osaka Metropolitan University	Journal of Veterinary Medical Science	Press Rel	PubMed	An 11-year-old neutered male Asian small-clawed otter fell down the stairs while sleeping, after which it developed left-sided paralysis. Initial treatment involved once daily administration of prednisolone at 0.5 mg/kg. -- Despite slight clinical sign improvements by day 10, paralysis persisted. -- MRI (T2WI) identified a well-defined, hyper-intense lesion on the left side within the spinal cord at the C2-3 intervertebral level. -- Based on CT and MRI findings, fibrocartilaginous embolus (FCE) was suspected. -- Prednisolone was then tapered and by day 23 of illness, the otter was able to walk normally, so prednisolone administration was discontinued. -- No neurological symptom recurrence was observed, and the course remained favorable. -- One year later, a follow-up MRI revealed a diminished lesion compared to initial examination. -- The results suggest that the possibility of a fibrocartilaginous embolus should be considered when an animal is experiencing acute paralysis with no worsening of symptoms.	H02 N01	1,059
2501-T021	Next-Gen RAM Designed To Reduce Power Consumption For Modern Memory Devices	Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new technology for magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) devices that significantly reduces energy consumption during data writing. This breakthrough allows for more efficient memory operations while maintaining non-volatility, potentially transforming the future of computational memory systems.	Osaka University	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Numerous memory types for computing devices have emerged in recent years, aiming to overcome the limitations imposed by traditional random access memory (RAM). Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) is one such memory type which offers several advantages over conventional RAM, including its non-volatility, high speed, increased storage capacity and enhanced endurance. Although remarkable improvements have been made to MRAM devices, reducing energy consumption during data writing remains a critical challenge. -- A study recently published in Advanced Science by researchers from Osaka University proposes a new technology for MRAM devices with lower-energy data writing. -- The proposed technology enables an electric-field-based writing scheme with reduced energy consumption compared to the present current-based approach, potentially providing an alternative to traditional RAM. -- Conventional dynamic RAM (DRAM) devices have basic storage units consisting of transistors and capacitors. -- However, the stored data is volatile, meaning that energy input is required to retain the data. -- In contrast, MRAM uses magnetic states, such as the orientation of magnetization, to write and store data, enabling non-volatile data storage. -- "As MRAM devices rely on a non-volatile magnetization state rather than a volatile charge state in capacitors, they are a promising alternative to DRAM in terms of their low power consumption in the standby state," explains Takamasa Usami, lead author of the study. -- The present MRAM devices generally require an electric current to switch the magnetization vectors of magnetic tunnel junctions, analogous to switching capacitor's charge states in a DRAM device. -- However, a large electric current is needed to switch the magnetization vectors during the writing process. -- This results in inevitable Joule heating, leading to energy consumption.	H02 T01	1,060
2505-102	Selenoproteins Might Be The Secret To Combating Cell Aging And Age-Related Diseases	Researchers have uncovered that certain antioxidant enzymes known as selenoproteins play a significant role in combating cellular aging. Utilizing a gene knockout mouse model, they observed detrimental effects on hematopoietic stem cells and immune cells when selenoprotein synthesis was disrupted. This study highlights the critical function of selenoproteins in preventing oxidative stress from lipid peroxides, emphasizing their importance in age-related diseases and underlining the need to maintain a balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body.	Osaka University	Blood Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	A national study seeking more effective treatment for deadly metaplastic breast cancer has identified two inhibitor drugs with the potential to interrupt disease progression. -- Houston Methodist and a team of researchers from across the country examined the biology of metaplastic breast cancer, comparing it to non-metaplastic triple negative breast cancer. They discovered metaplastic breast cancers typically exhibit two unique signaling pathways in their cell interaction. Researchers were able to disrupt these pathways using a class of inhibitors typically used to treat advanced cancers -- phosphoinositide 3 kinase inhibitor (P13K) -- in combination with a nitric oxide inhibitor (NOS) typically used to treat septic shock, cardiovascular disease and other conditions. When introduced to the cell, these drugs disrupted these pathways, making the treatment more effective. -- A rare and aggressive form of disease, metaplastic breast cancer typically grows faster and is more likely to metastasize or spread to other parts of the body than other breast cancers. It is also more likely to recur after successful initial treatment. Patients with metaplastic breast cancer will often receive the same treatment as a patient with triple negative breast cancer, another aggressive and deadly form of the disease. However, metaplastic breast cancer often does not respond well. -- The findings are in the article, "NOS inhibition sensitizes metaplastic breast cancer to PI3K inhibition and taxane therapy via c-JUN repression," and published in Nature Communications, an online journal in the Nature family of publications. The study's corresponding author is Dr. Jenny Chang, the executive vice president, president and CEO, and chief academic officer at the Houston Methodist Academic Institute. She holds the Ernest Cockrell, Jr. Presidential Distinguished Chair at the Academic Institute and is former director of the Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center at Houston Methodist. -- "This is a significant finding because it offers a promising therapeutic option for one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat subtypes of breast cancer," said Chang. "We have the potential to improve outcomes for patients who currently face limited treatment options and poor prognoses, marking an important step forward in cancer research and therapy." -- The first author, Dr. Tejaswini Reddy, hopes these findings will help develop a specific care plan for metaplastic cancer patients and improve long-term survival of the disease. -- "Our findings highlight a promising therapeutic combination that could hopefully change the landscape of metaplastic breast cancer treatment. Translating this research into a National Cancer Institute-funded clinical trial is crucial to improving outcomes for patients facing this rare and aggressive disease. Moreover, this approach may have broader implications, potentially benefiting patients with other cancers with similar biology," said Reddy. -- The findings of this preclinical study have translated into a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded phase 2 clinical trial to help patients with this rare and aggressive malignancy (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05660083). -- Chang's collaborators on this study were: Tejaswini Reddy, Akshjot Puri, Liliana Guzman-Rojas, Christoforos Thomas, Wei Qian, Jianying Zhou, Hong Zhao, Bijan Majboubi, Andrian Oo, Young-Jae Cho, Baek Kim, Jose Thaiparambil, Roberto Rosato, Karina Ortega Martinez, Maria Florencia Chevaro, Camila Ayerbe, Noah Giese, David Wink, Stephen Lockett, Stephen Wong, Jeffrey Chang, Savitri Krishnamurthy, Clinton Yam, Stacy Moulder, Hele Piwnica-Worms, and Funda Meric-Bernstam. -- This work was supported by NCI grants, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, CREDO, NIAID, and philanthropic support from Dr. Mary & Ron Neal.	A01 H01 H02 R01	1,061
2501-071	AI Methodology Accurately Predicts Progression Of Autoimmune Disease Symptoms In Patients.	Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine have developed a new AI-based method to predict the progression of autoimmune diseases among individuals with preclinical symptoms. By analyzing electronic health records and genetic data, the team created a risk prediction score that is significantly more accurate than existing models. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, aim to improve early diagnosis and targeted treatments for autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.	Penn State	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues, often have a preclinical stage before diagnosis that's characterized by mild symptoms or certain antibodies in the blood. However, in some people, these symptoms may resolve before culminating in the full disease stage. -- Knowing who may progress along the disease pathway is critical for early diagnosis and intervention, improved treatment and better disease management, according to a team led by researchers from the Penn State College of Medicine that has developed a new method to predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms. The team used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze data from electronic health records and large genetic studies of people with autoimmune disease to come up with a risk prediction score. When compared to existing models, this methodology was between 25% and 1,000% more accurate in determining whose symptoms would move to advanced disease. -- The research team published their findings this week (Jan. 2) in the journal Nature Communications. -- "By targeting a more relevant population -- people with family history or who are experiencing early symptoms -- we can use machine learning to identify patients with the highest risk for disease and then identify suitable therapeutics that may be able to slow down the progression of the disease. It's a lot more meaningful and actionable information," said Dajiang Liu, distinguished professor, vice chair for research and director of artificial intelligence and biomedical informatics at the Penn State College of Medicine and co-lead author of the study. -- Approximately 8% of Americans live with autoimmune disease, according to the National Institutes of Health, and the vast majority are women. The earlier you can detect the disease and intervene, the better, Liu said, because once autoimmune diseases progress, the damage can be irreversible. There are often signs of the disease before an individual receives a diagnosis. For example, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies can be detected in the blood five years before symptoms begin, the researchers explained. -- The challenge with forecasting disease progression is sample size. The population of individuals who have a specific autoimmune disease is relatively small. With less data available, it's harder to develop an accurate model and algorithm, Liu said. -- To improve prediction accuracy, the research team developed a new method, dubbed Genetic Progression Score or GPS, to foretell the progression from preclinical to disease stages. GPS leverages the idea behind transfer learning -- a machine learning technique where a model is trained on one task or dataset and then fine-tuned for a different but related task or dataset, explained Bibo Jiang, assistant professor of public health sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine and lead author of the study. It allows researchers to glean better information from smaller data samples. -- For example, in medical imaging, artificial intelligence models can be trained to tell whether a tumor is cancerous or non-cancerous. To create the training dataset, medical experts need to label images one-by-one, which can be time intensive and limited by the number of images available. Liu said, instead, transfer learning uses more numerous, easier-to-label images, such as cats and dogs and creates a much larger dataset. The task can also be outsourced. The model learns to differentiate between the animals, and then, it can be refined to distinguish between malignant and benign tumors. -- "You don't need to train the model from scratch," Liu said. "The way that the model segments elements from an image to determine whether it's a cat or dog is transferable. With some adaptation, you can refine the model to separate an image of a tumor from an image of normal tissue." -- GPS trains on data from large case-control genome-wide association studies (GWAS), a popular approach in human genetics research to identify genetic differences in people with a specific autoimmune disease from those without and to detect potential risk factors. It also incorporates data from electronic health record-based biobanks, which contain rich information about patients, including genetic variants, lab tests and clinical diagnoses. This data can help identify individuals in preclinical stages and characterize the stages of progression from preclinical to the disease stage. Data from both sources is then integrated to refine the GPS model, incorporating factors that are relevant to the actual development of disease.	A01 H01 R01 N01 T01	1,062
2501-E057	Pollinators Prefer Unique Floral Traits: Understanding Bee Attraction For Habitat Restoration	Research shows that different bee species are attracted to varying flower traits when foraging. A study conducted by Penn State reveals that horned-face bees prefer abundant flowers, while alfalfa leafcutting bees focus on high protein content, highlighting the need for targeted conservation efforts for pollinator habitats.	Penn State	PNAS Nexus	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to deciding where they're going to get their next meal, different species of bees may be attracted to different flower traits, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State and published in PNAS Nexus. -- The study focused on two species of solitary bees: the horned-face bee, which helps pollinate crops like apples and blueberries, and the alfalfa leafcutting bee, which pollinates alfalfa. -- The researchers found that the horned-face bees tended to prefer plants with a large number of flowers -- for them, quantity was most important. -- Meanwhile, the alfalfa leafcutting bees tended to visit flowers with a high pollen protein-to-lipid, or more protein than fat, content ratio. -- In this case, they prioritized nutritional quality. -- Jaya Sravanthi Mokkapati, first author on the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and Center for Pollinator Research, said that understanding how different bee species forage can help guide conservation efforts. -- "Information on the foraging strategies of different bee species give insights for understanding how plant-pollinator interactions evolved," Mokkapati said. -- "Our study also highlights the need for more research on seasonal foraging habits among various bee species, which can deepen our understanding of their vital role in pollination and plant reproduction." -- Pollinators and flowering plants have evolved side by side over thousands of years to develop a mutually beneficial relationship, the researchers said. -- As bees visit flowers to collect nectar and pollen for food, they help plants reproduce by spreading their pollen.	A01 H01 N02	1,063
2502-004	Overlooked Pathways: Household Dogs Spread Antimicrobial-Resistant Salmonella Through Unintentional Contact	Research from Penn State highlights the overlooked role of household dogs in transmitting antibiotic-resistant Salmonella, emphasizing the need for improved hygiene practices. As these infections pose severe health risks, understanding how dogs can facilitate zoonotic transmission could lead to better preventive measures and raise awareness about the potential dangers associated with pet ownership.	Penn State	Zoonoses and Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a serious public health concern that has increased in recent years as the bacteria have developed ways to survive drugs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can get Salmonella from eating contaminated food products or from infected people or animals -- typically via unintentional contact with feces via touching hands or stroking a pet. However, a team of Penn State researchers have found that household dogs are an overlooked transmission point for zoonotic pathogens such as nontyphoidal Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, with some infections potentially having life-threatening complications. -- The findings were made available online ahead of the next print edition of the journal Zoonoses and Public Health. Given the proximity of dogs to humans and the use of critically important antibiotics in companion animal medicine, the researchers reported, household dogs represent a risk for the spread of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. They explained that better awareness of the risk and proper hygiene could potentially help mitigate cross-species infections. -- Salmonella infections in dogs can be clinical -- showing signs or symptoms -- or asymptomatic with numerous studies reporting Salmonella isolation from clinically healthy dogs, according to team leader Erika Ganda, assistant professor of food animal microbiomes, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. A major concern, she explained, is the closeness of humans and pet dogs that creates ample opportunity for Salmonella "zoonosis" -- the disease transmitted to humans from animals -- and pet-management decisions involving food contamination, improper food handling or both can increase the likelihood of infection. -- To investigate antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella and the zoonotic potential of nontyphoidal Salmonella isolated from dogs and humans, the researchers leveraged existing biosurveillance infrastructure. Using the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Veterinary Laboratory Investigation and Response Network, they identified all nontyphoidal Salmonella strains isolated from domestic dogs between May 2017 and March 2023. -- Then they matched the timing and location of those 87 cases to strains isolated from humans in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database maintained by the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, which provides access to biomedical and genomic information. They found 77 suspected zoonotic cases -- meaning the bacteria moved from a pet dog to a human -- comprising 164 strains, collected from 17 states in the United States. -- Strains isolated from dogs included diverse serovars, or distinct variations within the species of bacteria, with most being clinically relevant to human health, the researchers reported. While the datasets did not contain information on severity of infection or treatments, the researchers did find that all identified strains possessed antimicrobial resistance genes for drug classes deemed critically or highly important by the World Health Organization. -- "We identified 16 nontyphoidal Salmonella isolates from humans closely related to more than one of six dog-associated strains," said Sophia Kenney, a student in the molecular, cellular and integrative biosciences doctoral program, and in the Department of Animal Science, who spearheaded the study. "Collectively, our data emphasize the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and sustained biosurveillance beyond human and agriculture-associated veterinary medicine, using a 'One Health' framework, that accounts for all transmission points -- including companion animals. One Health isan approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment." -- Antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal veterinary medicine is crucial for mitigating antimicrobial resistance within the One Health model, Kenney explained. -- "Especially with Salmonella, we think about the role of agriculture and transmission -- we think about eggs, we think about beef. But the thing is, we don't let cows sleep in our beds or lick our faces, but we do dogs," she said. "We have this close bond with companion animals in general, and we have a really close interface with dogs. So, we asked the question: What's the role of companion animals in transmission of zoonotic disease like Salmonella, since they can get it. Salmonella infections in dogs are not common but we're aware of foodborne outbreaks related to pet treats or from contact with contaminated pet food and improper food handling." -- Study co-author Nkuchia M'ikanatha, lead epidemiologist for the Pennsylvania Department of Health and an affiliated researcher in Penn State's Department of Food Science, referred to an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections in people linked to pig ear pet treats in the United States a few years ago that sickened 154 people across 34 states.	H01 H02 N01	1,064
2502-085	New Storage Technique Keeps Protein Drugs Stable Without Refrigeration: A Game Changer	A groundbreaking storage method developed at Penn State could eliminate the need for refrigeration for protein-based drugs and vaccines, which currently account for a significant share of the global pharmaceutical market. This innovative technique could enhance accessibility and affordability of vital medications, potentially saving billions in cold-storage costs while ensuring the stability of life-saving treatments, as detailed in the journal Nature Communications.	Penn State	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new storage technique can keep protein-based drugs and vaccines stable without keeping them cold. The discovery, led by researchers at Penn State, could eliminate the need for refrigeration for hundreds of life-saving medicines like insulin, monoclonal antibodies and viral vaccines. -- "Over 80% of biologic drugs and 90% of vaccines require temperature-controlled conditions. This approach could revolutionize their storage and distribution, making them more accessible and affordable for everyone," said Scott Medina, study lead and William and Wendy Korb Early Career Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Penn State. -- "This would save billions of dollars currently spent on keeping these products cold throughout the supply chain and potentially enable the use of protein therapies in environments where constant refrigeration is not possible." -- The research was recently published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Through a series of experiments, the research team replaced the water-based solution commonly used in protein-based medications with a perfluorocarbon oil and tested five different proteins with a range of health-related functions such as antibodies and enzymes. -- When tested in mice, the researchers found the new solution was just as effective as the refrigerated versions and showed no signs of toxicity, meaning there were no adverse health effects from the oil-based solution. -- The researchers also found that the oil-based solution was naturally sterile for the protein samples, noting that they could not be contaminated by bacteria, fungi or viruses which require a water-based environment to grow and survive. -- There was one problem: proteins in water-based environments spread themselves evenly throughout the liquid. -- In oil, they're not so soluble, Medina explained. So, the team developed a surfactant -- a molecule that coats the surface of the protein -- to shield the surface of the protein in a way that would allow it to evenly disperse itself throughout the solution. -- The surfactant also created a protective shell around the protein, keeping it stable and preventing it from breaking down even at temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, which would normally cause water to boil.	H01 R01 R02	1,065
2502-E028	Breeding Resistance In Ash Trees: The Role Of Genetic Diversity	Researchers at Penn State have emphasized the importance of genetic diversity in breeding ash trees resilient to both the invasive emerald ash borer and rising temperatures. The study identified significant genomic variation in Oregon ash, which could inform breeding strategies aimed at restoring ash populations in North American forests. With the emerald ash borer threatening the species' survival, this research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts and the development of hardier tree varieties.	Penn State	Molecular Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	The invasive emerald ash borer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was first found in the United States in southeast Michigan in 2002. In the decades since, the wood-boring beetle has spread east and west across the U.S. and Canada, killing tens of millions of ash trees, causing one of the costliest forest insect invasions to date. More than 90% of all ash infested by the insect native to Asia eventually die, threatening to make the tree species functionally extinct in North America. In response, researchers at Penn State are working with the U.S. Forest Service and other partners to identify and develop ash trees genetically able to withstand the beetles' onslaught and strategize how to restore ash to forests. -- Since 2019, scientists in Penn State's Louis W. Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics have focused research efforts on Oregon ash (Fraxinus latifolia), a species that plays a critical role in the Pacific Northwest by providing wildlife habitats, stabilizing streambanks with an extensive root system, keeping waterways cool through shade and serving as a food source for birds and insects. -- In a study recently published online before inclusion in a print edition of Molecular Ecology, the researchers found significant genomic variation across the range of Oregon ash. -- The genetic makeup of the trees that stretch from California to British Columbia varies, the researchers found, depending on their location in the species' range, influenced by demography, range connectivity and environmental adaptation. -- This variability could inform the development of hardier ash trees, resistant to both the invasive beetles and rising temperatures -- critical needs, the researchers said, because no other tree species occupies its niche in the region's ecological balance. -- Estimates of the genomic change required to adjust to future climate projections, known as genomic offset, were greatest in the northeastern and lowest in the southern portions of the species' range, according to the researchers. -- These findings, they explained, suggests that the regional distribution of genomic variation may be critical to the trees' long-term survival. -- "The emerald ash borer recently has been observed in Oregon and British Columbia, and we know what to expect in terms of mortality in Oregon ash," said study senior author Jill Hamilton, associate professor in ecosystem science and management and director of the Schatz center. -- "Our research aims to quantify and preserve genetic diversity for future resistance breeding efforts. Penn State is leading international conservation genetics efforts to preserve genetic diversity across ash species that will be critical to developing breeding and reforestation programs." -- To reach their conclusion, the researchers analyzed genomic variation from more than 1,000 individual trees from 61 separate populations around the Oregon ash range, extending from California, Oregon and Washington into British Columbia.	N01 N02	1,066
2503-E047	Tiny QR Codes On Bees Help Reveal Hive Travel Patterns	In a pioneering study, researchers have equipped bees in rural Pennsylvania and New York with tiny QR codes to monitor their foraging patterns. This collaboration between entomologists and electrical engineers aims to solve the mystery of how far bees travel for pollen. Early results indicate that while most foraging trips are brief, some bees can be away for over two hours. This innovative approach could revolutionize our understanding of bee behavior and support organic beekeeping practices.	Penn State	HardwareX	Press Rel	PubMed	Several hundred bees in rural Pennsylvania and rural New York are sporting tiny QR codes on their backs. More than the latest in apiarian fashion, the little tags serve a scientific purpose: tracking when bees go in and out of their hives to better understand how long honey bees spend foraging for food outside of their hives. The work, a collaboration among entomologists and electrical engineers at Penn State, is the first step in solving a long-standing mystery of how far bees travel from their hives to collect pollen and nectar. -- So far, the researchers have learned that while most trips outside of the hive last mere minutes, a small minority of bees can spend more than two hours away. The team said they expect to learn much more, thanks to the system they developed to track honey bees' time out of the hive. -- "This technology is opening up opportunities for biologists to study systems in ways that weren't previously possible, especially in relation to organic beekeeping," said Margarita López-Uribe, the Lorenzo L. Langstroth Early Career Professor, associate professor of entomology and author on the paper published in HardwareX, an open-access journal that details the exact equipment and methods researchers use in their work so that it might be replicated or built upon by others. "In field biology, we usually just look at things with our eyes, but the number of observations we can make as humans will never scale up to what a machine can do." -- Like workers at a high-security building, the bees "buzz" their way in and out of the hive, flashing the pass on their back. They have free access, but they are digitally tracked via an automated imaging system the team developed to monitor when bees leave the hive and when they return via a customized entrance with a camera sensor. The QR codes glued to bees' backs are known as fiduciary tags, which carry the smallest amount of identification information and can be quickly detected and logged via the imaging system, even in low-resolution conditions. The system is a break with conventional entomology field work in which researchers visually observe bees for limited periods, enabling far more comprehensive and expanded observations, the researchers said. -- Barriers to organic beekeeping -- In general, organic beekeeping means that hives are kept free of chemical pesticides, herbicides and synthetic chemical treatments, and are situated away from polluted areas. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board recommended specific standards for certifying honey and other bee products as "organic" in 2010, they were never passed. Honey bees are capable of flying long distances when they need to -- estimated to be able to fly up to 10 kilometers from their hive -- but the team hypothesized that such distance is uncommon and bees generally fly much shorter distances, perhaps less than one kilometer, according to López-Uribe. As such, the forage and surveillance zone requirements recommended for organic beekeeping in 2010 may be unnecessarily large. -- That could change with a better, more precise understanding of bee foraging range, the researchers said. Honey bees communicate where the food sources are to other bees in the colony with a physical behavior called the "waggle dance." López-Uribe said researchers spend significant time observing and attempting to decode the waggle dance to determine how far bees travel from their colonies -- a process that could be aided by accurately tracking how long individual bees spend foraging. -- "The waggle dance is the best source of information that we have about bee foraging, but that's based on human observations, with maybe an hour of observations made once a day over two weeks. So, we approached the electrical engineering team to see if there might be technology that could better make these observations," López-Uribe said. "The goal is to understand if that 10-kilometer estimation is biologically accurate. Can we determine exactly how far honey bees travel from their hives?" -- Buddying up for the bees -- The entomologists turned to Julio Urbina, professor of electrical engineering and co-corresponding author on the study, who tapped Diego Penaloza-Aponte, a doctoral student in electrical engineering and co-corresponding author on the study.	A01 H01 T01	1,067
2504-040	CSR Initiatives Linked To Core Business Operations Create Social And Economic Value	New research from Penn State outlines how hospitality companies can leverage strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that align with their core business operations to generate social and business value. This framework emphasizes the importance of integrating CSR into business practices, ultimately benefiting both the community and the company’s bottom line.	Penn State	Tourism Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	Strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts that are directly related to a hospitality company's core business operations and competencies can help companies create both social and business value, according to researchers in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. -- Led by Penn State Professor of Hospitality Management Seoki Lee, the research team developed a strategic framework to help hospitality companies optimize their CSR activities -- like environmental and social initiatives -- to obtain greater social and business value. The researchers published their work in the journal Tourism Economics. -- "When it comes to strategic CSR, it is a company's core business operations and competencies that matter most," Lee said, pointing to a restaurant participating in food donation programs as an example of strategic CSR matching with a company's core business operations and competencies. "If a business is participating in CSR activities, those activities must be directly related to the company's core business operations and competencies. When they do that, they can create not only social value but also business value for the company itself." -- The research team's strategic CSR framework consists of four components: shared value, enlightened stakeholder theory, resource-based theory and CSR-fit perspective. -- Shared value relates to the need for companies to ensure CSR activities create both social and business value, such as a coffee shop working with local farmers to cultivate plants and harvest coffee beans in an environmentally friendly manner. By doing so, the company would add social value through supporting environmentally friendly practices and business value by gaining access to a key product. -- Enlightened stakeholder theory centers around a company's ability to maximize long-term value from strategic CSR. Enlightened stakeholder theory shows that the economic return a business may receive from strategic CSR practices are generally long-term in nature, as it takes time for businesses to inform stakeholders about the benefits of CSR investments and the financial market to understand and recognize the true value of CSR investments, according to Lee. -- The final two components of the framework consist of CSR fit and resource-based theory. CSR fit ensures a company's CSR positioning is aligned with its operations or competencies. Resource-based theory demonstrates how strategic CSR can improve a company's relationship with various stakeholders, such as when CSR engagement improves brand image and thus enhances the company's relationship with its consumer base. -- "Companies must take care of social and environmental issues," Lee said. "When they know they must tackle those issues, they must ask, 'What is the best way to do that? What is the best way to create the most value?' Companies should aim to optimize the social and business value of CSR at the same time." -- To understand perceptions of this strategic CSR framework, the researchers surveyed 310 participants recruited via a Qualtrics panel list. The survey asked participants how they perceived inclusion of business value in CSR and how people perceive CSR activities that relate to a company's core operations and competencies. Participants were also asked to rate both a restaurant and hotel company on how effective they were in implementing different CSR practices, some of which coincided closely with each respective industry, and others that did not. -- Lee said the survey results indicate people perceive CSR to be more effective when a company's activities strategically relate back to its core operations and competencies, which supports the researchers' four-component framework.	A01 H01 N02	1,068
2504-T032	Materials Can Unexpectedly Store And Recall Their Previous Deformations	Researchers at Penn State have uncovered a novel mechanism by which certain materials can "remember" their previous deformations, challenging established mathematical principles. Their study, which likens material memory to a combination lock, suggests that understanding how materials store and erase these memories could inspire innovative applications across various domains, from computing to mechanical systems, offering new ways to harness material properties.	Penn State	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Many materials store information about what has happened to them in a sort of material memory, like wrinkles on a once crumpled piece of paper. Now, a team led by Penn State physicists has uncovered how, under specific conditions, some materials seemingly violate underlying mathematics to store memories about the sequence of previous deformations. According to the researchers, the method, described in a paper appearing today (Jan. 29) in the journal Science Advances, could inspire new ways to store information in mechanical systems, from combination locks to computing. -- One way some materials form memories is called return-point memory, which operates much like a single dial combination lock, according to Nathan Keim, associate professor of physics in the Penn State Eberly College of Science and leader of the research team. -- With a lock, rotating the dial clockwise and counterclockwise in a particular sequence yields a result -- the lock opening -- that depends on how the dial was moved. -- Likewise, for materials with return-point memory, alternating between positive and negative deformations can leave a memory of the sequence that researchers can read or erase. -- "The same underlying mechanism or mathematics of this memory formation can describe systems from the magnetization of computer hard drives to damage in solid rock," Keim said, noting that his research group recently showed that the same math also describes memories stored in disordered solids, in which the arrangement of particles seems random but actually contains details about past deformations. -- Return-point memory relies on the alternating of direction of the external force, or "driving," such as the alternating of positive or negative magnetic field or pulling on a material from one side and then the other. -- However, materials should not be able to form return-point memory when the force only occurs in one direction. -- For example, Keim said, a bridge might sag slightly as cars drive over it, but it doesn't curve upwards once the cars are gone. -- "The mathematical theorems for return-point memory say that we can't store a sequence if we only have this 'asymmetrical' driving in one direction," Keim said. -- "If the combination lock dial can't go past zero when turning counterclockwise, it only stores one number in the combination. But we found a special case when this kind of asymmetrical driving can, in fact, encode a sequence."	H02 T01	1,069
2505-039	Low Vitamin D In Early Pregnancy Linked To Preterm Birth And Growth Issues	A new study from Penn State highlights the critical link between first-trimester vitamin D levels and pregnancy outcomes, finding that low levels are associated with increased preterm birth rates and reduced fetal growth. This research underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing vitamin D status in pregnant women, especially during early pregnancy. Such interventions could significantly enhance maternal and fetal health, paving the way for improved pregnancy care strategies.	Penn State	The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition	Press Rel	PubMed	The world of display technology is on the cusp of a transformative breakthrough, with electrochemical stimuli-responsive materials gaining more attraction. Based on external stimuli, such as low voltage, these materials can instantaneously undergo electrochemical reactions. These electrochemical reactions can result in the production of different colors, revolutionizing the age of display solutions. An electrochemical system consists of electrodes and electrolytes. Combining the luminescent and coloration molecules on the electrodes instead of the electrolyte can offer higher efficiencies and stability for display devices. -- To this end, a research team from Japan employed clay membranes to effectively integrate the coloration and luminescence molecules. -- This study was led by Professors Norihisa Kobayashi and Kazuki Nakamura, and co-authored by Ms. Rong Cao and Mr. Naoto Kobayashi, all from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Chiba University, Japan. -- Their innovative dual-mode electrochemical device merges the ability to emit light and change color, offering a highly adaptable and energy-efficient solution for modern displays. -- Published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry Con 18 November 2024, this study highlights the unique potential of combining advanced materials science with practical display applications. -- "Our approach introduces a game-changing concept in dual-mode display design by uniting luminescence and coloration within a single device. This advancement not only enhances performance but also expands the versatility of displays across diverse environments," says Prof. -- Kobayashi. The device leverages a layered clay compound called smectite, renowned for its ion exchange capacity and strong adsorption properties. -- This clay matrix is used to stabilize and enhance the performance of two key components: europium(III) (or Eu(III)) complexes, which provide vibrant luminescence, and heptyl viologen (HV2+) derivatives, which enable striking color changes. -- Together, these materials create a hybrid solution that supports synchronized electrochemical modulation of light and color. -- The team combined Eu(III), hexafluoroacetylacetone (hfa-H2), and triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) to create a complex.	H01	1,070
2505-086	New Research Shows People Cheat Unknowingly To Feel Smarter Or Healthier	New research led by Sara Dommer at Penn State uncovers that individuals often engage in self-deception by cheating to enhance their self-perception. This study highlights how people can misattribute their improved performance to innate ability rather than cheating, raising important questions about the psychological motivations behind dishonest behaviors.	Penn State	Journal of the Association for Consumer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at POSTECH, led by Professor Junsuk Rho (Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology), along with M.S./Ph.D. students Seokwoo Kim, Joohoon Kim, Kyungtae Kim, and Minsu Jeong (Department of Mechanical Engineering), has developed a novel multidimensional sampling theory to overcome the limitations of flat optics. Their study not only identifies the constraints of conventional sampling theories in metasurface design but also presents an innovative anti-aliasing strategy that significantly enhances optical performance. Their findings were published in Nature Communications. -- Flat optics is a cutting-edge technology that manipulates light at the nanoscale by patterning ultra-thin surfaces with nanostructures. -- Unlike traditional optical systems that rely on bulky lenses and mirrors, flat optics enables ultra-compact, high-performance optical devices. -- This innovation is particularly crucial in miniaturizing smartphone cameras (reducing the "camera bump") and advancing AR/VR technologies. -- Metasurfaces, one of the most promising applications of flat optics, rely on hundreds of millions of nanostructures to precisely sample and control the phase distribution of light. -- Sampling, in this context, refers to the process of converting analog optical signals into discrete data points -- similar to how the human brain processes visual information by rapidly capturing multiple images per second to create continuous motion perception. -- However, traditional sampling methods come with challenges. When the sampling rate is too low, aliasing artifacts occur, leading to distorted images and optical inefficiencies. -- A well-known example is the wagon-wheel effect, where a spinning wheel in a video appears to move backward or freeze due to insufficient frame rates. -- This aliasing issue is a major limitation in metasurface design, significantly reducing optical efficiency and precision. -- For decades, researchers have relied on the Nyquist sampling theorem to predict and mitigate aliasing.	H01	1,071
2505-105	Innovative Biomaterials Could Transform Regenerative Medicine And Soft Robotics	Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel bio-based material that mimics the behavior of biological tissues and extracellular matrices (ECMs). This self-healing, "living" biomaterial overcomes limitations of previous synthetic materials, promising advances in regenerative medicine, soft robotics, and disease modeling, as it dynamically responds to mechanical stress, mimicking key functions of ECMs crucial for tissue support.	Penn State	Materials Horizons	Press Rel	PubMed	Working dogs take a day to adjust to the change in routine caused by Daylight Savings Time, whereas pet dogs and their owners seem to be unaffected, according to a study publishing January 29, 2025 in the open-access journal PLOS One by Lavania Nagendran, Ming Fei Li and colleagues at the University of Toronto, Canada. -- Daylight Savings Time (DST) is used by many countries to maintain the alignment between daylight hours and human activity patterns, by setting clocks forward one hour in the spring and back one hour in the autumn. -- Previous research has shown that DST can disrupt human sleep and behavior, but its impact on the domestic animals we live and work with had not been studied. -- To investigate how DST impacts domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), researchers used motion-sensitive watches to monitor the activity patterns of 25 working sled dogs, 29 pet dogs, and their human caregivers living in Canada, during the weeks surrounding the autumn DST time shift. -- For sled dogs, DST represented a change to their strict daily routine. -- Prior to the time shift, sled dog handlers arrived at the reserve at sunrise, but after DST came into effect, sunrise was an hour before their arrival. -- As a result of this mismatch, after the DST time shift, sled dogs were less active in the hour after sunrise than they were before the shift. -- However, they didn't immediately adjust to the change in their routine. -- On the day that DST came into effect, sled dogs were more active than usual in the hour prior to their handler's arrival. -- In contrast, pet dogs and their owners showed no change in their morning activity patterns on the Sunday that DST came into effect.	H02	1,072
2505-128	Blood Samples Essential For Accurate Biological Age Testing	A study from Penn State reveals that biological age measurements are more accurate when derived from blood samples rather than saliva or oral swabs. This distinction is crucial as biological age reflects how well a person’s body functions, influenced by various stressors. Understanding these differences can aid in assessing disease risks and tailoring more effective health interventions based on an individual's biological age.	Penn State	Aging Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Similar to life expectancy, the stillbirth rate has improved continuously in recent decades. However, this progress is not uniform across Europe. Most countries have seen rates drop to below three stillbirths per 1000 live births, while in some countries the rate is stagnating or rising. There are also significant differences between countries. A recent study by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock, Germany, along with researchers from the University Medical Center Rotterdam, the University of Iceland and the National University Hospital of Iceland, examined the reasons behind these trends. -- "We first looked at how stillbirth rates in Europe changed between 2010 and 2021, focusing on whether the recent increase in stillbirth rates in Germany is unique," explains Maxi Kniffka, researcher at MPIDR. The study also looked at how rising maternal age and changes in multiple births might explain the differing trends across countries. Both factors are among the most popular explanations for changes in fertility rates. -- For the study, the researchers used data from the Euro-Peristat network, established in 1999 as part of the EU Health Monitoring Programme. "We looked at annual stillbirth rates by maternal age and multiple births. This data set was adjusted across countries to a largely uniform definition of stillbirth*, so that distortions in comparisons between countries could be reduced," says Kniffka. -- Trends in Germany and Belgium -- The analyses show that stillbirth rates in most European countries are still declining or stable at a low level. Germany and Belgium stand out with a clear and significant upward trend in stillbirths since at least 2010. In Germany, the number of stillbirths per 1,000 births rose from 2.8 in 2010 to 3.7 in 2021. Belgium saw an increase from 4.6 to 5.6 over the same period. In contrast, in Spain and Denmark, the rate fell from 3.1 to 2.7 and from 3.1 to 2.9 , respectively, while in countries such as Austria and Italy it stagnated. -- The study concluded that the increasing maternal age and changes in the proportion of multiple births only partially explains the rising stillbirth rates. The age of mothers at birth has generally increased. As advanced maternal age is connected to a higher risk of stillbirth, this increase contributes to an increase or dampens the decrease in national stillbirth rates. At the same time, the proportion of multiple births has decreased in most countries. "As these pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of stillbirth, this decline has contributed to a reduction in stillbirth rates in most countries," explains Kniffka. In Germany the slight decline in multiple births has not been enough to counteract the rising stillbirth rate. -- Maternal age and the number of multiple births offer only a limited explanation for the differences in rates between countries, as countries tend to converge on these demographic factors and the overall risk of stillbirth at advanced maternal age in the countries studied decreased between 2010 and 2021. Germany, for example, had a higher stillbirth rate in 2021 than the average of all the countries studied. Consequently, differences in the age of the mothers or the prevalence of multiple pregnancies play only a minor role in this. -- More research needed into the causes of the increase -- The researchers acknowledge that they do not yet fully understand the reasons behind the changing stillbirth rate in most European countries, and particularly in Germany. However, at least for Belgium, it could also be due to a change in the number of late abortions, as these could not be excluded from the stillbirth figures in Belgium. There are a number of possible causes that could lead to an increase in the stillbirth rate. Due to the limited availability of data, only two determinants were initially examined, but future studies will investigate further. -- Stillbirth rates are an indicator of the quality of a country's health system, and "If stillbirth rates are no longer falling, or are even rising, as in Germany, deeper exploration into the underlying causes is warranted," says Maxi Kniffka.	A01 H02 R01 R02	1,073
2506-031	New Flexible Sensor Tracks Healing Wounds With Precision And Self-Powered Technology	Innovative laser-made, ultra-thin materials have been developed to enable precise, self-powered tracking of healing wounds. Researchers at Penn State and Hebei University of Technology have created a flexible sensor capable of independently measuring temperature and physical strain, significantly improving the monitoring of wound healing processes and potentially transforming healthcare applications.	Penn State	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A major challenge in self-powered wearable sensors for health care monitoring is distinguishing different signals when they occur at the same time. Researchers from Penn State and China's Hebei University of Technology addressed this issue by uncovering a new property of a sensor material, enabling the team to develop a new type of flexible sensor that can accurately measure both temperature and physical strain simultaneously but separately to more precisely pinpoint various signals. -- "This unique sensor material we've developed has potentially important applications in health care monitoring," said Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) at Penn State and co-corresponding author of the study published in Nature Communications. "By accurately measuring both temperature changes and physical deformation or strain created by a healing wound and measure that by separating the two signals, it could revolutionize the tracking of wound healing. Doctors could get a much clearer picture of the healing process, identifying issues like inflammation early on." -- The researchers aimed to accurately measure temperature and strain signals without cross talk by using laser-induced graphene, a two-dimensional (2D) material. -- Like all 2D materials including regular graphene, laser-induced graphene is one to a few atoms thick with unique properties, but with a twist. -- Laser-induced graphene (LIG) forms when a laser heats certain carbon-rich materials -- like plastic or wood -- in a way that converts their surface into a graphene structure. -- The laser essentially "writes" the graphene directly onto the material, making it a simple and scalable way to produce graphene patterns for electronics, sensors and energy devices. -- LIG has been used before in various applications. Previously, Cheng and his team have used LIG for gas sensors, electrochemical detectors for sweat analysis, supercapacitors, and more. -- However, the researchers said they believe they discovered a new property of LIG for the first time that makes it ideal for a multi-purpose and accurate sensor. -- "In this particular study, we kind of stumbled upon the fact that this material also has thermoelectric properties," Cheng said. -- "We believe this is the first time anyone has reported laser-induced graphene having thermoelectric capabilities. And that's really important for what we're trying to do here, which is to separately measure both temperature changes and physical strain or deformation."	C01 T01	1,074
2506-E020	Warning Signs Before Disaster: Analyzing 2018 Anak Krakatau Eruption Satellite Data	Following the catastrophic eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano, new satellite data analysis indicates that the volcano's mountainside was gradually slipping for years prior to the disaster. This research, led by Penn State scientists, underscores the potential for satellite technology to provide early warnings for future collapses. As nearly 400 people lost their lives in the 2018 tsunami, this study highlights the urgent need for monitoring volcanic instability to prevent future tragedies in densely populated coastal areas.	Penn State	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2018, the side of the Anak Krakatau volcano collapsed in a powerful eruption and produced a tsunami that killed hundreds and injured thousands on nearby Java and Sumatra in Indonesia. A new analysis of satellite data showed the mountainside was slipping for years and accelerated before the eruption -- information that could have potentially offered a warning of the collapse. -- The team, led by researchers at Penn State, recently published their findings in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. -- "Ocean volcanoes, when they are unstable, can collapse catastrophically and generate a tsunami," said Christelle Wauthier, associate professor of geosciences at Penn State and co-author of the study. -- "And when that happened in 2018, more than 400 people died because nobody had instruments on the ground to know potentially if there was acceleration or change in the deformation behavior. Nobody knew the collapse was imminent. This study shows, unfortunately retrospectively, that we could forecast it if we had this remote sensing data set to get the surface deformation." -- Scientists can track ground movements -- or surface deformation -- using radar satellites sensitive enough to spot changes of just a few inches. -- In this work, the team used a remote sensing technique called Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), to create highly accurate maps of those changes over time. -- The researchers analyzed more than a decade of data from three satellites -- ALOS-1, COSMO-SkyMED and Sentinel 1 -- and used InSAR techniques to map deformation in the lead up to the 2018 Anak Krakatau eruption. -- "Overall, the detachment fault experienced approximately 15 meters -- roughly 50 feet -- of slip from 2006 to 2018 with acceleration and deceleration periods, and a notable acceleration prior to the 2018 collapse," said Young Cheol Kim, a doctoral candidate at Penn State and lead author of the study. -- While the InSAR technique is not novel, it is rare to analyze such a large amount of data, the scientists said. -- The work required access to the high-performance Roar computer cluster managed by the Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences.	T01	1,075
2506-E021	Honey Bees And Native Species: Can Native Bees Recover After Apiaries Move?	A study from Penn State suggests that managed honey bee populations can disrupt native bee species, but under specific conditions, native populations can rebound after the removal of honey bee apiaries. The research, published in the Journal of Insect Science, found that while the introduction of honey bees initially decreases native bee diversity and abundance, long-term removal of these colonies can lead to a resurgence in native bee populations, highlighting the importance of managing migratory beekeeping practices for biodiversity conservation.	Penn State	Journal of Insect Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Managed honey bees have the potential to affect native bee populations when they are introduced to a new area, but a study led by researchers at Penn State suggests that, under certain conditions, the native bees can bounce back if the apiaries are moved away. -- The research, published in the Journal of Insect Science, examined the effects of migratory beekeeping -- the practice of moving honey bee colonies to a different location for part of the year -- on native bee populations. -- The researchers found that when managed honey bees were moved into an area, the population of native bees decreased in abundance and diversity. -- However, in places where apiaries were kept for years and then removed, the native bee populations once again increased in both total numbers and species diversity. -- Margarita López-Uribe, the Lorenzo L. Langstroth Early Career Professor of Entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences and co-author of the paper, said the findings suggest that while migratory beekeeping can be a disturbance to native bees, it may also be possible for those populations to recover. -- "Because these sites rebounded only one year after the apiaries were removed, it suggests that the populations temporarily decreased due to native bees being displaced and not because they died out," she said. -- "These bees were also likely able to rebound because the landscape had an abundance of flowers and minimal agriculture and pesticide use." -- However, she added that results might be different in areas where floral diversity and space for bees are lower and if there's a higher density of managed honey bee colonies. -- According to the researchers, insect populations are declining across the globe, which can be attributed to many human activities including changes to insect habitats and the introduction of non-native species. -- While these exotic species can sometimes have a positive effect on crop plants, they can also compete with native species for resources, such as honey bees vying with native bees for flowers.	A01 N02	1,076
2506-E044	Are Humans The Natural Outcome Of Universal Biological Evolution?	Human Evolution Theory: A new theory suggests that humans may not be unique but rather a typical outcome of biological evolution on Earth and beyond. This model challenges traditional views of intelligent life as a rare occurrence, proposing instead that the development of complex life is closely tied to environmental interactions, opening new avenues for research into our origins.	Penn State	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Humanity may not be extraordinary but rather the natural evolutionary outcome for our planet and likely others, according to a new model for how intelligent life developed on Earth. -- The model, which upends the decades-old "hard steps" theory that intelligent life was an incredibly improbable event, suggests that maybe it wasn't all that hard or improbable. -- A team of researchers at Penn State, who led the work, said the new interpretation of humanity's origin increases the probability of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. -- "This is a significant shift in how we think about the history of life," said Jennifer Macalady, professor of geosciences at Penn State and co-author on the paper, which published today (Feb. -- 14) in the journal Science Advances. "It suggests that the evolution of complex life may be less about luck and more about the interplay between life and its environment, opening up exciting new avenues of research in our quest to understand our origins and our place in the universe." -- Initially developed by theoretical physicist Brandon Carter in 1983, the "hard steps" model argues that our evolutionary origin was highly unlikely due to the time it took for humans to evolve on Earth relative to the total lifespan of the sun -- and therefore the likelihood of human-like beings beyond Earth is extremely low. -- In the new study, a team of researchers that included astrophysicists and geobiologists argued that Earth's environment was initially inhospitable to many forms of life, and that key evolutionary steps only became possible when the global environment reached a "permissive" state. -- For example, complex animal life requires a certain level of oxygen in the atmosphere, so the oxygenation of Earth's atmosphere through photosynthesizing microbes and bacteria was a natural evolutionary step for the planet, which created a window of opportunity for more recent life forms to develop, explained Dan Mills, postdoctoral researcher at The University of Munich and lead author on the paper. -- "We're arguing that intelligent life may not require a series of lucky breaks to exist," said Mills, who worked in Macalady's astrobiology lab at Penn State as an undergraduate researcher. -- "Humans didn't evolve 'early' or 'late' in Earth's history, but 'on time,' when the conditions were in place. Perhaps it's only a matter of time, and maybe other planets are able to achieve these conditions more rapidly than Earth did, while other planets might take even longer."	C01 N01	1,077
2507-E011	Birdsong Modeling Could Unlock Secrets Of Human Language Understanding	Researchers at Penn State have developed a new modeling method that trains on bird recordings to recreate accurate birdsongs, enhancing understanding of avian communication. This innovative approach could shed light on the neurobiology of language, drawing parallels between bird song structure and human linguistic patterns.	Penn State	Penn State	Press Rel	PubMed	Just like ChatGPT and other generative language models train on human texts to create grammatically correct sentences, a new modeling method by researchers at Penn State trains on recordings of birds to create accurate birdsongs. The results could improve understanding of the structure of birdsong and its underlying neurobiology, which could lend insight in the neural mechanisms of human language, the team said. A paper describing the research was recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience. -- Much like how humans arrange words in a particular order to form a grammatically correct sentence, birds tend to sing sets of notes called syllables in a limited number of combinations. -- "Although much simpler, the sequences of a bird's song syllables are organized in a similar way to human language, so birds provide a good model to explore the neurobiology of language," said Dezhe Jin, associate professor of physics in the Eberly College of Science and lead author of the paper. -- For both humans and birds, finishing a sentence or song sequence often depends on what has already been said. -- For example, the phrase "flies like" could be part of an analogy as in the phrases "time flies like an arrow" or an indication of enjoyment as in "fruit flies like bananas." However, mixing and matching what comes after "flies like" results in "time flies like bananas" or "fruit flies like an arrow," which don't make sense. -- In this example, the phrase "flies like" has what researchers call context dependence. -- "We know from our previous work that the songs of Bengalese finches also have context dependence," Jin said. -- "In this study, we developed a new statistical method to better quantify context dependence in individual birds and start to understand how it is wired in the brain." -- The researchers analyzed previously recorded songs from six Bengalese finches, which sing about 7 to 15 syllables in each sequence. -- With the new method, the researchers can create the simplest models that accurately reflect the sequences that individual birds actually sing.	H01 R02 N01	1,078
2507-T028	New Method Preserves Quantum Properties In 3D Materials For Future Technologies	An international team of physicists has developed a novel method to maintain unique quantum properties in three-dimensional materials, with implications for advanced computing and optical systems. This research addresses the challenges of harnessing quantum characteristics at larger scales and could pave the way for innovative applications in quantum technologies.	Penn State	Penn State	Press Rel	PubMed	There is a big problem with quantum technology -- it's tiny. The distinctive properties that exist at the subatomic scale usually disappear at macroscopic scales, making it difficult to harness their superior sensing and communication capabilities for real-world applications, like optical systems and advanced computing. Now, however, an international team led by physicists at Penn State and Columbia University has developed a novel approach to maintain special quantum characteristics, even in three-dimensional (3D) materials. -- The researchers published their findings today (Feb. 19) in Nature Materials. -- "Although the functionalities displayed by two dimensional (2D) materials are vast and their potential is revolutionary, maintaining their superior properties beyond the 2D limit remains a formidable challenge," said first author Yinming Shao, assistant professor of physics at Penn State, explaining that such materials are typically crystals that are only one atom thick and can be applied in a variety of fashions, including for flexible electronics, energy storage and quantum technologies. -- "Realization, understanding and control of nanoscale confinement are, thus, crucial for both exploration of quantum physics and future quantum technologies." -- The team examined quasiparticles known as excitons, which have unique optical properties and can carry energy without an electrical charge, in a semiconductor material. -- Semiconductors -- which are ubiquitous across computers, phones and other electronics -- conduct electricity under certain conditions and inhibit it under others. -- Excitons are produced when light hits a semiconductor, energizing an electron to jump to the next energy level. -- The resulting excited electron and the hole it left are jointly referred to as an exciton. -- Excitons occur homogenously across typical 3D semiconductors, like silicon. -- "But the binding energy for the excitons in bulk materials like silicon is usually small, meaning it's not very stable and it's not easy to observe," Shao said, explaining that excitons are most stable and exhibit superior properties only in 2D monolayers.	T01	1,079
2508-E037	Student Innovates Century-Old Math Problem, Enhancing Wind Energy Research	Divya Tyagi, an engineering student at Penn State, has reformulated a century-old mathematical problem to simplify and enhance aerodynamics research, particularly for wind turbine design. By adding to Hermann Glauert’s original work, Tyagi's contributions focus on optimizing turbine performance through ideal flow conditions, offering novel insights into energy efficiency. This innovative approach demonstrates the potential for expanding research in renewable energy solutions using refined mathematical methodologies.	Penn State	Wind Energy Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A Penn State engineering student refined a century-old math problem into a simpler, more elegant form, making it easier to use and explore. Divya Tyagi's work expands research in aerodynamics, unlocking new possibilities in wind turbine design that Hermann Glauert, a British aerodynamicist and the original author, did not consider. -- Tyagi, a graduate student pursuing her master's degree in aerospace engineering, completed this work as a Penn State undergraduate for her Schreyer Honors College thesis. -- Her research was published in Wind Energy Science. -- "I created an addendum to Glauert's problem which determines the optimal aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine by solving for the ideal flow conditions for a turbine in order to maximize its power output," said Tyagi, who earned her bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. -- Her adviser, Sven Schmitz, the Boeing/A.D. Welliver Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and co-author on the paper, said Glauert's original work focused exclusively on the maximum attainable power coefficient, which measures how efficiently a turbine converts wind energy into electricity. -- However, Glauert did not account for the total force and moment coefficients acting on the rotor -- the spinning unit with attached blades -- or how turbine blades bend under wind pressure. -- "If you have your arms spread out and someone presses on your palm, you have to resist that movement," said Schmitz, a faculty member in the Institute of Energy and the Environment. -- "We call that the downwind thrust force and the root bending moment, and wind turbines must withstand that, too. You need to understand how large the total load is, which Glauert did not do." -- Schmitz said the simplicity of Tyagi's addendum based on calculus of variations, a mathematical method used for constrained optimization problems, will allow people to explore new facets of wind turbine design. -- "The real impact will be on the next generation of wind turbines using the new knowledge that has been unveiled," Schmitz said.	R01 C01	1,080
2509-050	Synthetic Microbiome Therapy Offers Hope Against C. Difficile Without Antibiotics	Researchers at Penn State have developed a synthetic microbiome therapy that offers hope for treating C. difficile infections, a challenging gut infection. This innovative treatment matches the efficacy of traditional fecal transplants while reducing safety concerns, pointing toward new probiotic strategies for combating severe gut infections.	Penn State	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	A synthetic microbiome therapy, tested in mice, protects against severe symptoms of a gut infection that is notoriously difficult-to-treat and potentially life threatening in humans, according to a team of researchers at Penn State. The team developed the treatment for Clostridioides difficile, or C. difficile, a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and colon inflammation. C. difficile can overgrow when the balance of the gut microbiome -- the trillions of organisms that keep your body healthy -- is disrupted. The team said their findings could lead to the development of new probiotic strategies for humans to treat C. difficile infections as an alternative to antibiotics and conventional fecal microbiota transplants. -- While it draws on the idea of human fecal transplants, a medical procedure where bacteria from a healthy donor's stool is transferred to a patient's gastrointestinal tract to restore balance to the microbiome, the new approach doesn't require any fecal matter. -- Instead, this microbiome therapy uses fewer but more precise bacteria strains that have been linked to C. difficile suppression. -- It was as effective as human fecal transplants in mice against C. difficile infection and with fewer safety concerns. -- The findings were published today (March 3) in the journal Cell Host & Microbe. The researchers also filed a provisional application to patent the technology described in the paper. -- "We need to be much more targeted in our microbiome interventions," said senior author Jordan Bisanz, assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Early Career Chair in Host-Microbiome Interactions. -- He emphasized that applications that improve people's lives often begin with basic discovery science. -- "This project is a first step in trying to understand how complex microbial communities function to affect the host, then turning that around to learn how to develop microbiome-targeted therapies," Bisanz said. -- Typically, the organisms in the microbiome keep each other in check. -- While many people carry C. difficile in their gut, it usually doesn't cause a problem.	H01 R01 N02	1,081
2509-E003	Genetic Corn Lines Produce Natural Insecticides Against Crop Pests	Researchers at Penn State have discovered that certain corn genetic lines contain flavonoids that act as natural insecticides against corn earworm larvae, which severely impact U.S. corn production. The study reveals that these flavonoid-rich corn lines lead to slower growth and higher mortality rates in larvae. As extreme weather exacerbates agricultural pest damage, these findings could offer a sustainable solution for pest management in corn farming, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.	Penn State	Plant Stress	Press Rel	PubMed	The corn earworm causes the loss of more than 76 million bushels of corn in the United States annually, and there is mounting evidence that increasingly extreme weather events and temperatures will exacerbate the damage done to agricultural output by insect pests. Responding to the threat, a team of researchers at Penn State has demonstrated that genetic lines of corn have inherent compounds that serve as insecticides, protecting them from the larvae that feed on them. -- In findings recently published online ahead of the March issue of Plant Stress, the researchers reported that corn earworm larvae feeding on the silks, husks and kernels of corn lines containing high levels of flavonoids -- chemicals that play essential roles in many biological processes and responses to environmental factors in plants -- grow much more slowly and many die, compared to larva feeding on corn lines without flavonoids. -- In addition to increased mortality and reduced body weight, larvae feeding on high-flavonoid corn lines developed a leaky-gut-like syndrome, the researchers found, suggesting involvement of microbiome changes in the larval gut. -- Moreover, the expression of gut health-related genes was changed in larvae consuming the flavonoid-rich husks. -- In the study, the researchers compared how corn earworm larvae survived on genetically identical strains, except for a few specific, known differences of corn -- in this case, with some expressing high flavonoid content in silks, husks and kernels; some not. -- The corn, grown at the agronomy farm at Penn State's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center, included a line engineered to have a gene that triggers flavonoid production and a line that was conventionally bred to produce flavonoids, which was developed over the last two decades by Chopra's lab from cross-breeding a mutant line of corn. -- Researchers pointed out that they noticed "a stark difference" in mortality and bodyweight between corn earworm larvae feeding on flavonoid-overproducing lines as compared to control lines. -- Both the genetically engineered line and the line bred from the mutant had similar effects on the larvae. -- "This research is important because it may be an early step toward the development of corn lines resistant to insect pests ideal for organic production," said research team leader Surinder Chopra, professor of maize genetics. -- "These findings, which suggest a novel option for integrated pest management for corn earworm larvae, shows that high-flavonoid maize has the potential to be used in a breeding program to develop specialty corn lines tolerant of multiple insect pests."	H02 R01 N02	1,082
2509-E004	Influencers Can Drive Pro-Environmental Behavior In Tourism	A study from Penn State suggests that passionate environmental influencers can play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism practices among tourists. The research indicates that these "green influencers" significantly boost environmental support through their social media messaging. Even influencers with less passion can effectively engage followers in conservation efforts when articulating specific goals, demonstrating the potential of social media as a tool for fostering pro-environmental behaviors in the tourism industry.	Penn State	Journal of Sustainable Tourism	Press Rel	PubMed	Social media influencers who are passionate about environmental causes can help the tourism industry inspire tourists to engage in pro-environmental behavior to help mitigate waste and pollution, according to a new study from researchers in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management. -- The research team found that influencers who are highly passionate about sustainability lifestyles -- coined "green influencers" -- can increase tourists' environmental support through social media messaging. -- The researchers also found that environmental support, or backing waste reduction and wildlife conservation efforts, can be passed along to tourists via social media when influencers display less passion but do convey strong, specific goals. -- Led by Penn State Assistant Professor of Hospitality Management Anni Ding, the research team published its findings in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism. -- "Green influencers are people who are highly committed and passionate about environmental causes," Ding said. -- "Pollution and waste accumulation can lead to environmental damage at tourist destinations. Tourism companies and destinations can leverage green influencers in their marketing efforts to promote environmentally friendly messaging to help prevent this damage." -- To determine a green influencer's impact on the environmental support of tourists, the researchers completed two experiments with participants recruited via Prolific, a crowdsourcing panel data platform. -- In the first experiment, the researchers explored the effects of green influencers' passion -- or intensity of expression -- on tourist support for environmental initiatives, using data from 322 survey participants who were randomly assigned to view a set of social media posts depicting a fictional beach cleanup. -- One set of social media posts conveyed passion-related emotions and used passionate language whereas another set contained a straightforward recap of the cleanup without displays of emotional imagery or terminology. -- After viewing the posts, participants answered questions about the passion depicted in the posts as well as about their own green self-efficacy, or one's belief about their own abilities to act in support of the environment.	A01 N01	1,083
2509-T003	Newly Discovered Material Could Revolutionize Low-Power Electronics	Researchers at Penn State have developed a new type of computer memory utilizing incipient ferroelectricity, which could transform electronic devices by reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance in extreme environments. Their work on multifunctional two-dimensional field-effect transistors (FETs) showcases how these advanced materials can efficiently manage electrical signals and may lead to significant advancements in energy-efficient computing, particularly in artificial intelligence applications.	Penn State	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Penn State have harnessed a unique property called incipient ferroelectricity to create a new type of computer memory that could revolutionize how electronic devices work, such as using much less energy and operating in extreme environments like outer space. -- They published their work, which focuses on multifunctional two-dimensional field-effect transistors (FETs), in Nature Communications. FETs are advanced electronic devices that use ultra-thin layers of materials to control electrical signals, offering multiple functions like switching, sensing or memory in a compact form. -- They are ferroelectric-like, meaning the direction of their electric conduction can be reversed when an external electric field is applied to the system. -- FETs are essential in computing, since the ferroelectric-like property allows them to shift signals. -- Traditional computing systems, especially artificial intelligence (AI) handling image recognition, consume significant energy. -- The ferroelectric transistors' low power requirements present a sustainable alternative. -- "AI accelerators are notoriously energy-hungry," said Harikrishnan Ravichandran, a doctoral student in engineering science and mechanics and co-author of the study. -- "Our devices switch rapidly and consume far less energy, paving the way for faster, greener computing technologies." -- Incipient ferroelectricity, a previously overlooked property of FETs, may be to thank for the quicker, more sustainable devices. -- Incipient ferroelectricity refers to materials that show signs of temporary, scattered polarization, meaning parts of it can switch charges like tiny dipoles -- opposing magnetic poles a small distance apart -- but it does not settle into a stable state under normal conditions.	H02 T01	1,084
2509-T032	AI And IoT Technologies Enhance Crop Monitoring In Advanced Greenhouse Environments	An interdisciplinary research team at Penn State has developed an automated crop-monitoring system integrating IoT and AI technologies for controlled environment agriculture. This innovative system enables continuous monitoring of plant growth and needs, streamlining agricultural practices and enhancing crop management in soilless greenhouse systems, promoting sustainability in specialty crop production.	Penn State	Computers and Electronics in Agriculture	Press Rel	PubMed	Soilless growing systems inside greenhouses, known as controlled environment agriculture, promise to advance the year-round production of high-quality specialty crops, according to an interdisciplinary research team at Penn State. But to be competitive and sustainable, this advanced farming method will require the development and implementation of precision agriculture techniques. To meet that demand, the team developed an automated crop-monitoring system capable of providing continuous and frequent data about plant growth and needs, allowing for informed crop management. -- "Traditionally, crop monitoring in controlled environment agriculture soilless systems is a critical, time-consuming task requiring specialized personnel," said team lead Long He, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering. "And traditional crop-monitoring methods do not allow frequent data collection to capture plant growth dynamics throughout the crop cycle. Automated crop-monitoring systems allow continuous monitoring of the plants with frequent data collection and a more efficient and informed management of the crop." -- In findings published in Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, the researchers reported that an integrated "internet of things," artificial intelligence (AI) and a computer vision system tailored for controlled environment agriculture soilless growing systems, enabling continuous monitoring and analysis of plant growth throughout the crop cycle. An internet of things -- often referred to as IoT -- is a network of physical objects that can connect and exchange data over the internet, linking devices that are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies. -- According to the team, the core innovation of their research is the implementation -- for the first time -- of a recursive image segmentation model that processes sequential images, captured in high resolution at predetermined time intervals, to accurately track changes in plant growth. In the study, the researchers tested their approach by monitoring baby bok choy, a leafy vegetable commonly called Chinese cabbage, but the researchers said it would work with many different crops. -- He's research group in the College of Agricultural Sciences, located at Penn State's Fruit Research and Extension Center at Biglerville, has focused on automated, precision agriculture for more than a decade, devising robotic solutions for agricultural applications such as crop picking, tree pruning, green fruit thinning, pollination, orchard heating, pesticide spraying and irrigation. The machine vision system employed in this research is an advancement of technology the group developed for other purposes in previous studies. -- In this study, the integrated machine vision system successfully isolated individual baby bok choy plants growing in a soilless system, producing frequent images that tracked increased leaf coverage area throughout their growth cycle. The researchers said the recursive model maintained a "robust performance," providing accurate information throughout the crop growth cycle. -- He credited Chenchen Kang, a post-doctoral scholar in his lab and first author on the study, for supplying the innovation and hard work needed to "teach" the computer vision system to track plant growth. -- "Chenchen installed the sensors, collected and processed the data, developed the methodology and did the coding and programming work with the AI models," He said. -- The research was an interdisciplinary project between agricultural engineers and plant scientists, and it is part of a larger federal project titled, "Advancing the Sustainability of Indoor Urban Agricultural Systems." Francesco Di Gioia, associate professor of vegetable crop science and principal investigator on the overarching project, stressed the importance of integrating different expertise for the development of precision agriculture solutions. The interdisciplinary approach, he suggested, will be increasingly critical in advancing the efficiency and long-term sustainability of current controlled environment agricultural systems. -- "The ability to automatically monitor and collect data on the crop status, estimate plant growth and crop requirements along with the monitoring of the nutrient solution and of the environmental factors -- radiation, temperature and relative humidity -- combined with the use of IoT and AI technologies, is going to revolutionize the way we manage crops," Di Gioia said. "Minimizing inefficiencies and improving the competitiveness of controlled environment agricultural systems will enhance our food and nutrition security."	H01 H02 N02 T01	1,085
2510-021	AI Models May Personalize Treatment For Generalized Anxiety Disorder	Utilizing artificial intelligence, researchers have identified key factors predicting long-term recovery from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This study offers hope for personalized treatment plans, targeting specific variables that significantly influence recovery rates and reducing the high relapse rates associated with GAD.	Penn State	Journal of Anxiety Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by daily excessive worry lasting at least six months, have a high relapse rate even after receiving treatment. Artificial intelligence (AI) models may help clinicians identify factors to predict long-term recovery and better personalize patient treatment, according to researchers from Penn State. -- The researchers used a form of AI called machine learning to analyze more than 80 baseline factors -- ranging from psychological and sociodemographic to health and lifestyle variables -- for 126 anonymized individuals diagnosed with GAD. The data came from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's longitudinal study called Midlife in the United States, which samples health data from continental U.S. residents aged 25 to 74 who were first interviewed in 1995-96. The machine learning models identified 11 variables that appear most important for predicting recovery and nonrecovery, with up to 72% accuracy, at the end of a nine-year period. The researchers published their findings in the March issue of the Journal of Anxiety Disorders. -- "Prior research has shown a very high relapse rate in GAD, and there's also limited accuracy in clinician judgment in predicting long-term outcomes," said Candice Basterfield, lead study author and doctoral candidate at Penn State. "This research suggests that machine learning models show good accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in predicting who will and won't recover from GAD. These predictors of recovery could be really important for helping to create evidence-based, personalized treatments for long-term recovery." -- The researchers ran the baseline variables through two machine learning models: a linear regression model that examines the relationship between two variables and plots data points along a nearly straight line, and a nonlinear model that branches out like a tree, splitting and adding new trees and plotting how it self-corrects prior errors. The models identified the 11 variables key to predicting recovery or nonrecovery over the nine-year period, with the linear model outperforming the nonlinear model. The models also identified how important each variable was compared to the others for predicting recovery outcomes. -- The researchers found that higher education level, older age, more friend support, higher waist-to-hip-ratio and higher positive affect, or feeling more cheerful, were most important to recovery, in that order. Meanwhile, depressed affect, daily discrimination, greater number of sessions with a mental health professional in the past 12 months and greater number of visits to medical doctors in the past 12 months proved most important to predicting nonrecovery. The researchers validated the model findings by comparing the machine learning predictions to the MIDUS data, finding that the predicted recovery variables tracked with the 95 participants who showed no GAD symptoms at the end of the nine-year period. -- The findings suggest that clinicians can use AI to identify these variables and personalize treatment for GAD patients -- especially those with compounding diagnoses, according to the researchers. -- Nearly 50% to 60% of people with GAD have comorbid depression, said Michelle Newman, senior author and professor of psychology at Penn State. She explained that personalized treatments could target that depression as well as treat anxiety. -- "Machine learning not only looks at the individual predictors but helps us understand both the weight of those predictors -- how important they are to recovery or nonrecovery -- and the way those predictors interact with one another, which is beyond anything a human might be able to predict," Newman said. -- The researchers noted that the study could not determine the duration of GAD over the nine-year period, as it's a chronic condition and periods where symptoms manifest strongly come and go. The work, however, lays the groundwork for more tailored treatments, they said. -- "This work helps us begin to understand more ways in which treatment could be personalized for specific individuals," Newman said.	A01 H02 N02 T01	1,086
2510-T012	Controlling Light Emission From Nanodots Could Enhance Display And Computing Technologies	An international team has developed a method for controlling light emitted from nanoscale sources embedded in two-dimensional materials, paving the way for advancements in high-resolution displays and ultra-fast quantum computing. The study demonstrates how manipulating the size and configuration of nanodots allows for precise modulation of emitted light, offering exciting possibilities for future technologies in quantum electronics.	Penn State	ACS Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Newly achieved precise control over light emitted from incredibly tiny sources, a few nanometers in size, embedded in two-dimensional (2D) materials could lead to remarkably high-resolution monitors and advances in ultra-fast quantum computing, according to an international team led by researchers at Penn State and Université Paris-Saclay. -- In a recent study, published in ACS Photonics, scientists worked together to show how the light emitted from 2D materials can be modulated by embedding a second 2D material inside them -- like a tiny island of a few nanometers in size -- called a nanodot. -- The team described how they achieved the confinement of nanodots in two dimensions and demonstrated that, by controlling the nanodot size, they could change the color and frequency of the emitted light. -- "If you have the opportunity to have localized light emission from these materials that are relevant in quantum technologies and electronics, it's very exciting," said Nasim Alem, Penn State associate professor of materials science and engineering and co-corresponding author on the study. -- "Envision getting light from a zero-dimensional point in your field, like a dot in space, and not only that, but you can also control it. You can control the frequency. You can also control the wavelength where it comes from." -- The researchers embedded nanodots made of a 2D material called molybdenum diselenide inside another 2D material, tungsten diselenide, and then aimed a beam of electrons at the structure to make it emit light. -- This technique, called cathodoluminescence, allowed the team to study how individual nanodots in the material emit light at high resolution. -- "By combining a light detection tool with a transmission electron microscope, which is a powerful microscope that uses electrons to image samples, you can see much finer details than with other techniques," said Saiphaneendra Bachu, first author who served as the primary doctoral student on the study before earning a doctorate from Penn State in 2023 and is now a TEM analysis engineer at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. -- "Electrons have tiny wavelengths, so the resolution is incredibly high, letting you detect light from one tiny dot separately from another nearby dot." -- They found that larger dots give off one type of glow, while smaller dots produce another.	T01	1,087
2511-034	Zika Virus Uses Tunnels To Stealthily Infect Placental Cells During Pregnancy	Researchers at Penn State and Baylor College of Medicine have discovered how the Zika virus cleverly constructs tiny tunnels to transport essential materials for infecting nearby cells, including those in the placenta. This method allows the virus to cross the placental barrier during pregnancy without triggering an immune response, with a specific Zika protein identified as crucial for tunnel formation.	Penn State	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2015, an outbreak of Zika virus triggered an epidemic in the Americas. People infected with Zika, typically via a mosquito bite, may have mild symptoms, but if the person is pregnant, it can lead to severe birth defects. How does the virus pass from mother to fetus? -- A team of researchers from Penn State and Baylor College of Medicine found that the Zika virus builds tiny tunnels, called tunneling nanotubes, to stealthily transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. -- It's one way the virus crosses the placental barrier, transmitting from mother to fetus during pregnancy without raising alarm in the immune system. -- The team also demonstrated, for the first time, that one specific Zika protein -- non-structural protein 1 (NS1) -- is responsible for the formation of the nanotubes. -- The findings, published in Nature Communications, are a first step toward identifying measures to prevent infection and potential targets for antiviral therapies. -- This study was funded by a grant from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, totaling nearly $4 million, received in 2024. -- "For Zika to infect newborn babies, it means the virus has to pass from the mother across the placental barrier, which usually only allows select molecules to pass through, like nutrients and antibodies," said Anoop Narayanan, research professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State and senior author of the paper. -- "With this new discovery, we may be able to find a way in which we can stop the viruses from going from mother to fetus and control its spread." -- Zika is an Orthoflavivirus member of the Flaviviridae family, which includes West Nile, dengue and yellow fever viruses, and is typically transmitted by vectors, or living organisms that carry the pathogen and infect another organism. -- In this case, mosquitoes are the vectors. Unlike other flaviviruses, Zika can also be transmitted between people in the absence of a vector and is the only flavivirus capable of crossing the placental barrier from infected mother to fetus.	R01	1,088
2511-E032	Gene Expression Patterns In Bees: Insights Into Stress And Decline	The emerging field of landscape transcriptomics is shedding light on bumble bee stressors, potentially explaining the declines in bee populations. By analyzing gene expression patterns, researchers at Penn State have developed an innovative approach to identify stressors affecting bees, which may contribute to broader insights into the health of pollinator populations.	Penn State	Molecular Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new method of examining gene expression patterns called landscape transcriptomics may help pinpoint what causes bumble bees stress and could eventually give insight into why bee populations are declining overall, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. The team published their findings in the journal Molecular Ecology. -- This study was the first test of the emerging field of landscape transcriptomics, recently envisioned by an interdisciplinary team led by scientists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. -- The team hypothesized that it would be possible to collect animals and plants from the wild and determine which stressors they experienced based on specific patterns or signatures in their gene expression profiles. -- In this study, the scientists used an artificial intelligence approach known as machine learning to evaluate gene expression profiles of individual bumble bees. -- The researchers found that the method could accurately identify genetic signatures of stressors, such as excessive heat and cold, in bees both in the lab and in the wild. -- Gabriela Quinlan, who led the study when she was a postdoctoral scholar in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said the findings suggest landscape transcriptomics could be used to accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species. -- "This is a really big step in demonstrating this new strategy for identifying at-risk populations and showing how these machine learning models can be used both in the lab and out in the field," she said. -- "We also found directly applicable insights such as sets of genes that are associated with different stressors in bumble bees, which we didn't have before." -- Bees -- like many other species of plants and animals -- are currently in decline around the world, the researchers said, suggesting that something is causing enough stress to trigger population declines. -- However, understanding exactly what those stressors are can be challenging.	N01 N02	1,089
2511-T018	Sub-Neptunes Formed By Cosmic Processes: Insights From New Planetary Research	A new study utilizing NASA's TESS data investigates the formation of sub-Neptune planets around young stars, revealing the complex processes that contribute to their evolution. By focusing on these close-in planets, the research provides valuable insights into the conditions that enable their survival amidst intense stellar radiation and sheds light on their origins.	Penn State	The Astronomical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	A combination of cosmic processes shapes the formation of one of the most common types of planets outside of our solar system, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State. The research team used data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to study young sub-Neptunes -- planets bigger than Earth but smaller than Neptune -- that orbit close to their stars. The work provides insights into how these planets might migrate inward or lose their atmosphere during their early stages. -- A paper describing the research appeared today March 17 in the Astronomical Journal. The findings offer clues about the properties of sub-Neptunes and help address long-standing questions about their origins, the team said. -- "The majority of the 5,500 or so exoplanets discovered to date have a very close orbit to their stars, closer than Mercury to our sun, which we call 'close-in' planets," said Rachel Fernandes, President's Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State and leader of the research team. -- "Many of these are gaseous sub-Neptunes, a type of planet absent from our own solar system. While our gas giants, like Jupiter and Saturn, formed farther from the sun, it's unclear how so many close-in sub-Neptunes managed to survive near their stars, where they are bombarded by intense stellar radiation." -- To better understand how sub-Neptunes form and evolve, the researchers turned to planets around young stars, which only recently became observable thanks to TESS. -- "Comparing the frequency of exoplanets of certain sizes around stars of different ages can tell us a lot about the processes that shape planet formation," Fernandes said. -- "If planets commonly form at specific sizes and locations, we should see a similar frequency of those sizes across different ages. If we don't, it suggests that certain processes are changing these planets over time." -- Observing planets around young stars, however, has traditionally been difficult. -- Young stars emit bursts of intense radiation, rotate quickly and are highly active, creating high levels of "noise" that make it challenging to observe planets around them. -- "Young stars in their first billion years of life throw tantrums, emitting a ton of radiation," Fernandes explained.	A01	1,090
2512-E028	Insecticides Linked To Increased Weed Problems, New Study Warns	Insecticides Linked To Increased Weed Problems, New Study Warns	Penn State	PeerJ	Press Rel	PubMed	Insecticides may help growers hoping to protect their crops from harmful insects, but they also may contribute to a larger amount of some weeds, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State. -- The study -- published in the journal PeerJ -- compared using insecticides preventively at planting versus using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which calls for insecticides only when a known insect problem exists. -- The team also investigated the effects of using cover crops -- a crop used to cover and protect soil after harvesting the cash crop -- when combined with these treatment plans. -- The researchers found that by the third year, some fields that were treated with insecticides and didn't have a cover crop ended up with slightly more weeds -- especially marestail. -- However, planting a cover crop prevented this issue, even in fields that were treated with insecticides. -- John Tooker, an author on the paper and a professor of entomology in the College of Agricultural Sciences, said that while he and the other researchers aren't sure what caused these findings, the most likely explanation may be that the preventative insecticides limited the activity of insects that typically eat weeds or weed seeds, allowing the weeds to be more abundant. -- He added that the findings could be helpful to growers as they create management plans for their fields, and that while preventively using herbicides makes sense because weeds are such a widespread problem, insect pests are less common. -- "Always using an insecticide at planting does not seem to be the best approach in Pennsylvania considering that early-season insect pests tend to be a relatively uncommon problem," Tooker said. -- "When taking an IPM approach, we advocate for using the right products at the right time to control the right pests, and that will also then help reduce these negative consequences of using these treatments too much." -- Elizabeth Rowen, lead author and assistant professor at the University of California, Riverside, said the findings are particularly relevant as weeds are becoming more resistant to glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide.	C01 N02	1,091
2513-027	Couples With PTSD Struggle To Communicate Due To Fear Of Emotions	Researchers led by Steffany Fredman at Penn State found that PTSD symptoms can hinder communication in romantic relationships, often due to a fear of strong emotions. Their study, involving couples with shared traumatic experiences, indicates that individuals with higher PTSD symptoms struggle with constructive communication, leading to unresolved relationship challenges. Insights from this research aim to improve understanding of emotional communication in such partnerships.	Penn State	Behaviour Research and Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms often have trouble communicating and resolving relationship difficulties with their romantic partners, according to previous research by Steffany Fredman, associate professor of human development and family studies at Penn State, and others. In a new study, Fredman and others have found that some of these problems may stem from people's fear of their emotions. -- The researchers collected data from 64 opposite-sex couples in which both members of the couple had experienced a traumatic life event. -- The researchers analyzed PTSD symptom data from each member of the couple about perceived negative consequences if they feel strong emotions and how they and their partner tend to communicate. -- Results published in Behaviour Research and Therapy demonstrated that people with higher levels of PTSD symptoms experienced greater fear of their emotions, which was associated with less constructive communication and more unproductive communication with their partners. -- "In this study, we were trying to understand why people with PTSD symptoms have trouble resolving relationship difficulties with their romantic partners," Fredman said. -- "Generally speaking, people with PTSD view themselves and other people negatively, and the resulting mistrust, anger, avoidance, withdrawal and emotional numbing put strain on their romantic relationships. Experiencing your feelings, trusting people and connecting with others are all important ingredients for healing from PTSD." -- PTSD can create a vicious cycle, according to Fredman. Behavior triggered by PTSD symptoms such as aggression, avoidance, withdrawal and numbing may strain relationships, and relationship discord can maintain PTSD symptoms. -- This cycle continues unless something changes. -- Fredman co-developed couple-based treatment for PTSD to disrupt this cycle. -- Individuals with PTSD often experience emotions as dangerous and a trigger -- or a trauma reminder -- because strong emotions were felt during or after their trauma.	H01 H02	1,092
2513-E043	Plant Aroma Cycles Influence Pollinator Diets And Evolutionary Traits	New research highlights how the scent cycles of blooming plants influence the diets and evolutionary paths of pollinators, particularly butterflies and moths. The study proposes the Salient Aroma Hypothesis, suggesting that the availability of plant aromas affects the dietary preferences and specializations of Lepidoptera, revealing the critical role of plant scents in shaping insect behavior and adaptation across different environments.	Penn State	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The scent of blooming flowers and fresh plant life is not just a perk of springtime; it is a key driver in the survival and evolution of butterflies and moths. New research led by scientists at Penn State reveals how the daily cycles of plant aromas are linked to the dietary habits and evolution of the winged insects collectively known as Lepidoptera. -- In a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, an international team of researchers tested a new hypothesis for why some Lepidoptera have very specific diets, feeding on only a few types of plants, while others are far less picky. -- The new idea, called the Salient Aroma Hypothesis, suggests that the smells plants release play a crucial role in determining how specialized a butterfly or moth's diet becomes. The researchers found that greater availability of plant aromas during the day provides more chemical information for day-active insects to use to locate and specialize on particular host plants, while the decrease in plant aromas at nighttime means night-active Lepidoptera have to take what they can get and have a more varied diet. -- "This idea provides a new perspective on why some butterflies and moths are picky eaters while others are not," said Po-An Lin, an assistant professor at the National Taiwan University who launched the research while earning his doctoral degree from Penn State and continued the work as a postdoc in Taiwan. "It also highlights the critical role of plant volatiles, or scents, in shaping insect-plant interactions and evolutionary adaptations." -- To determine whether plant scent may have driven adaptation, the researchers looked at the insects' primary organs for smelling -- the antennae -- and compared the antennal size of 582 specimens from 94 species of butterflies and moths. -- The Penn State team collaborated with a team at Harvard that found that female Lepidoptera that are active during the day tend to have larger antennae relative to their body size than those active at night. -- This might suggest that having better "smelling" equipment is more beneficial when there are more smells to detect, explained Gary Felton, the Ralph O. Mumma Professor of Entomology at Penn State, co-author on the paper and Lin's research adviser. Similarly, specialist female Lepidoptera -- those that feed from only a few types of plants -- often have larger antennae than generalist females, possibly because they need to be very good at detecting the specific aromas of their host plants. -- "The relationship between antennal size and host plant breadth was very strong," Felton said. "Larger antennal sizes have been associated with a greater number of sensilla, the sensory structures involved in the sense of smell, thereby increasing the surface area for sensory receptors. The enhanced capacity may be a key adaptation for how certain Lepidoptera have evolved to feed on a limited and specific range of plants." -- The findings suggest a potential link between the availability of plant aromas during the day and an evolutionary investment in olfactory structures in the insects, particularly in females that engage in host plant selection by laying their eggs on the plant, Lin explained. -- "This finding demonstrates how the availability of chemical signals influences the evolution of sensory organs in insects," he said. "It provides a fascinating example of how plants, through their chemical emissions, have played a direct role in shaping the evolution of the insects that rely on them."	H01 N02	1,093
2512-086	Researchers Identify Neurons In Brain That Regulate Metabolism And Energy Use	Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center have clarified the brain regions and neurons that regulate metabolism and energy use. They identified specific chemical signals involved in this process, contributing to a deeper understanding of how the brain controls body temperature and energy expenditure, which could inform future obesity treatments.	Pennington Biomedical Research Center	Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Pennington Biomedical Research Center have gained greater clarity in the brain regions and neurons that control metabolism, body temperature and energy use. Featured in the February edition of the journal Metabolism, Dr. Heike Münzberg-Gruening and a team of researchers discovered which chemicals influence the signals that control how much energy the body uses. In "Leptin Receptor Neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus require distinct neuronal subsets for thermogenesis and weight loss," researchers laid out the pathways, chemicals, neurons and brain regions that are activated. -- In previous research, Dr. Münzberg-Gruening and her team identified that leptin receptors, or Lepr, control the metabolic effects of Leptin. -- These receptors are neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus, or DMH, which is a nucleus located in the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. -- In their latest study, researchers found that these Lepr neurons communicate using two different chemical signals: glutamate, which excites neurons, or GABA, which calms neurons. -- The study revealed that the neurons that send signals to the brain region called the raphe pallidus -- a region that controls metabolism -- only use glutamate to send their signals. -- The neurons that signal to another brain region -- the arcuate nucleus, which regulate body weight, satiety and metabolism -- use only GABA. -- These neurons also have special receptors that allow them to respond to the new weight-loss medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. -- "This discovery sheds light on the fundamental neuronal interplay that influences how much energy the body uses and how the body adjusts to changes in temperature levels or food availability," said Dr. Münzberg, professor in Pennington Biomedical's Central Leptin Signaling Lab. -- "This research expands our knowledge of the circuitry of thermoregulation and emphasizes the unique capability of leptin signaling in the DMH to promote beneficial metabolic effects. It also clarifies leptin signaling's role in the stability of body weight and energy usage. We believe these neurons manage the body's ability to adapt to a variety of environmental changes like ambient temperature or food scarcity by integrating signals like leptin and the gut hormone glucagon-like-peptide-1 or GLP-1." -- In addition to identifying which neurons from the DMH affect certain regions and their functions, researchers further found that some Lepr neurons are muted by leptin, while others were activated specifically when certain indirect signals were blocked.	H01 R01 R02	1,094
2508-023	Hormone FGF21 Influences Brain Reward Mechanisms In Food Decision-Making	Recent research led by scientists at Pennington BioR01 Center has revealed that the hormone FGF21 significantly influences dietary choices and motivations in the brain. This discovery suggests that FGF21 might play a critical role in regulating protein intake, offering insights that could help develop strategies for encouraging healthier eating habits in those struggling to maintain balanced diets.	Pennington BioR01 Center	Molecular Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	When faced with multiple food options and ultimately choosing one, the factors of that decision-making process may be more physiological than previously assumed. A group of scientists led by Pennington BioR01 Center's Dr. Christopher Morrison recently discovered that the hormone fibroblast growth factor 21, or FGF21, plays an influential role in brain reward mechanisms like those involved in dietary choices. -- The discovery was announced in the research team's recent paper titled "FGF21 acts in the brain to drive macronutrient-specific changes in behavioral motivation and brain reward signaling," which was published in the January 2025 issue of the journal Molecular Metabolism. The study data indicate that the FGF21 hormone acts on the brain to induce a protein-specific appetite by enhancing the reward value of foods that contain protein. -- "What's fascinating is that this isn't just general hunger -- it's a very specific appetite for protein," said Dr. Morrison, Associate Executive Director of Basic Science at Pennington Biomedical. "When protein is restricted, FGF21 acts in the brain to flip a molecular switch that makes protein-rich foods more rewarding and motivates animals to seek them out. Many people struggle to maintain a balanced diet. Understanding how the body naturally regulates protein appetite could lead to better strategies for promoting healthy eating." -- In the study, animals on a low-protein diet worked especially hard for liquid protein rewards, but not carbohydrate, fatty, or sweet rewards, compared to those on a normal diet. However, if FGF21's ability to act in the brain was disrupted, this protein-specific motivation was lost. -- The researchers then used a sophisticated neuroscience technique called fiber photometry to assess how nutrients activate dopamine neurons within the ventral tegmental area, or VTA, a brain region associated with reward. They discovered that protein restriction shifts the dopamine response, with carbohydrate more strongly activating dopamine neurons in control animals and protein more strongly activating dopamine neurons in protein-restricted animals. Importantly, this shift in reward signaling was lost in animals lacking FGF21. -- "It's a remarkable example of how hormone signals can tune the brain's reward system to drive specific nutritional appetites," explains Dr. Morrison. -- "This recent discovery demonstrates the continual journey to uncover the functions of certain genes, proteins and nutrients in our bodies while also highlighting the principal value that Pennington Biomedical delivers to the broader scientific community," said Dr. John Kirwan, Executive Director of Pennington Biomedical. "Understanding how the brain drives specific nutritional preferences has been a long-standing challenge in metabolism research. This work exemplifies how Pennington Biomedical's integrative approach -- combining molecular biology, neuroscience, and behavioral studies -- can unlock complex biological mysteries. I commend Dr. Morrison and his team for this extensive study, and I look forward to the additional discoveries that will emerge because of this one." -- The FGF21 hormone is produced in the liver and has been previously recognized as a regulator of energy balance and for its role in glucose metabolism. This newly published research emphasizes its significant impact on the central nervous system. -- This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and reflects Pennington Biomedical's commitment to advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying nutrition and metabolism.	A01 H01 R01 R02 N01	1,095
2505-E008	Insights Into The Life And Behavior Of The Cape Autumn Widow Butterfly	A recent study on the Cape Autumn Widow butterfly provides valuable insights into its developmental stages and environmental adaptations. Researchers documented the species' life history, revealing distinct pupation phases influenced by temperature. By rearing the butterfly under controlled conditions, the study highlights the importance of environmental cues in triggering developmental changes, offering implications for conservation strategies tailored to this endemic species in South Africa.	Pensoft Publishers	African Invertebrates	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Won Jong Kim from the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH, in collaboration with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), has developed a biodegradable polymer-based delivery system that efficiently transports mRNA. The study was recently published in Biomaterials, a leading international journal in the field of biomaterials. -- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, global interest in mRNA vaccines has surged. -- Among existing delivery methods, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are widely used due to their high efficiency. -- However, LNPs have a critical drawback: once injected, they can accumulate in the liver, potentially causing toxicity or triggering an excessive immune response, which in severe cases may lead to anaphylaxis. -- To address this issue, the POSTECH research team explored the biodegradable polymer Poly β-amino ester (PBAE) as an alternative. -- PBAE has already been utilized for delivering siRNA, DNA, and mRNA and is safely degraded in the body. -- In this study, the team synthesized 55 types of PBAE polymers and used them to design novel polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) for mRNA delivery. -- Experimental results demonstrated that the newly developed polymer exhibited higher mRNA delivery efficiency compared to conventional LNPs. -- Additionally, mRNA expression lasted up to four weeks -- significantly longer than the typical five-day expression period of LNPs. -- Notably, the polymer ensured mRNA expression only at the injection site, with no detectable expression in the liver, thereby eliminating toxicity concerns.	C01	1,096
2510-E071	Javan Rhinoceros Reclassified: A New Scientific Name For Conservation Efforts	A recent study proposes a new scientific classification for the Javan rhinoceros, suggesting a more accurate name: Eurhinoceros sondaicus. This research uncovers significant differences in morphology and behavior between the Javan and Indian rhinoceroses, highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of their species status, which is crucial for conservation efforts.	Pensoft Publishers	ZooKeys	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study revealed significant differences in the appearance and behaviour of the two one-horned Asiatic rhinoceros species, challenging long-standing classifications and supporting a re-evaluation of their status. -- The study, led by zoologist Francesco Nardelli and paleontologist Kurt Heißig, highlights how millions of years of evolutionary pressures have shaped the distinct adaptations of the Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis) and Sundaic (Rhinoceros sondaicus)rhinoceroses. -- The critically endangered Sundaic rhinoceros has a slender skull, a broader and lower back of the head, and a shorter nose and teeth suited for browsing leaves. -- In contrast, the Indian rhinoceros has a more robust skull and taller teeth adapted for grazing on grasses. -- "Adaptations of large terrestrial mammals to various environments are linked to the diversity of food items they can consume, which is reflected in the variation of their dental and cranial morphologies," the researchers write in their paper, published in the journal ZooKeys. "In rhinoceroses, these adaptations are identified in their teeth structure and head posture." -- The Sundaic rhinoceros, now confined to Java's Ujung Kulon peninsula, is a browsing species with uniquely polygonal-patterned skin and, unlike any other living rhinoceros, hornless females. -- In contrast, the Indian rhinoceros is a grazer of riverine grasslands in northern India and Nepal. -- With deep skin folds and a heavier build, the Indian rhinoceros is considerably larger than its Sundaic relative. -- It is superseded in size only by the elephant and the white rhinoceros, with males weighing more than 2,000 kg and females reaching 1,600 kg. -- Fossil evidence confirms that these differences evolved independently over a long period of time.	H01 N01 N02	1,097
2504-E010	Advancements In Tissue Processing Enable Protein Labeling In Whole Rodent Brains	MIT researchers have developed a revolutionary technology capable of labeling proteins at the single-cell level across entire intact rodent brains. This method allows rapid and uniform protein profiling in 3D tissues, providing insights that traditional techniques struggle to achieve. By addressing long-standing challenges in tissue analysis, this advancement offers significant potential for understanding cellular functions and diseases within complex biological systems.	Picower Institute at MIT	Nature Biotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new technology developed at MIT enables scientists to label proteins across millions of individual cells in fully intact 3D tissues with unprecedented speed, uniformity, and versatility. Using the technology, the team was able to richly label whole rodent brains and other large tissue samples in a single day. In their new study in Nature Biotechnology, they also demonstrate that the ability to label proteins with antibodies at the single-cell level across whole brains can reveal insights left hidden by other widely used labeling methods. -- Profiling the proteins that cells are making is a staple of studies in biology, neuroscience and related fields because the proteins a cell is expressing at a given moment can reflect the functions the cell is trying to perform or its response to its circumstances, such as disease or treatment. As much as microscopy and labeling technologies have advanced, enabling innumerable discoveries, scientists have still lacked a reliable and practical way of tracking protein expression at the level of millions of densely packed individual cells in whole, 3D intact tissues such as an entire mouse brain or a full region of a human brain. Often confined to thin tissue sections under slides, scientists therefore haven't had tools to thoroughly appreciate cellular protein expression in the whole, connected systems in which it occurs. -- "Conventionally, investigating the molecules within cells requires dissociating tissue into single cells or slicing it into thin sections, as light and chemicals required for analysis cannot penetrate deep into tissues. Our lab developed technologies such as CLARITY and SHIELD, which enable investigation of whole organs by rendering them transparent, but we now needed a way to chemically label whole organs to gain useful scientific insights" said study senior author Kwanghun Chung, associate professor in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science at MIT. "Imagine marinating a thick steak by simply dipping it in sauce. The outer layers absorb the marinade quickly and intensely, while the inner layers remain largely untouched unless the meat is soaked for an extended period. The same principle applies to chemical processing of tissues: if cells within a tissue are not uniformly processed, they cannot be quantitatively compared. The challenge is even greater for protein labeling, as the chemicals we use for labeling are hundreds of times larger than those in marinades. As a result, it can take weeks for these molecules to diffuse into intact organs, making uniform chemical processing of organ-scale tissues virtually impossible and extremely slow." -- The new approach, called "CuRVE," represents a major advance -- years in the making -- toward that goal by demonstrating a fundamentally new approach to uniformly processing large and dense tissues whole. In the study, the researchers explain how they overcame the technical barriers via an implementation of CuRVE called "eFLASH," and provide copious vivid demonstrations of the technology, including how it yielded new neuroscience insights. -- "This is a significant leap, especially in terms of the actual performance of the technology," said co-lead author Dae Hee Yun, a former MIT graduate student and now a senior application engineer at LifeCanvas Technologies, a startup company Chung founded to disseminate the tools his lab invents. The paper's other lead author is Young-Gyun Park, a former MIT postdoctoral researcher now an assistant professor at KAIST in South Korea. -- Clever chemistry -- The fundamental reason why large, 3D tissue samples are hard to label uniformly is that antibodies seep into tissue very slowly, but are quick to bind to their target proteins. The practical effect of this speed mismatch is that simply soaking a brain in a bath of antibodies will mean that proteins are intensely well labeled on the outer edge of the tissue, but virtually none of the antibodies will find cells and proteins deeper inside. -- To improve labeling, the team conceived of a way -- the conceptual essence of CuRVE -- to resolve the speed mismatch. The strategy was to continuously control the pace of antibody binding while at the same time speeding up antibody permeation throughout the tissue. To figure out how this could work and to optimize the approach, they built and ran a sophisticated computational simulation that enabled them to test different settings and parameters, including different binding rates and tissue densities and compositions. -- Then they set out to implement their approach in real tissues. Their starting point was a previous technology, called "SWITCH," in which Chung's lab devised a way of temporarily turning off antibody binding, letting the antibodies permeate the tissue, and then turning binding back on. As well as it worked, Yun said, the team realized there could be substantial improvements if antibody binding speed could be controlled constantly, but the chemicals used in SWITCH were too harsh for such ongoing treatment. So the team screened a library of similar chemicals to find one that could more subtly and continuously throttle antibody binding speed. They found that deoxycholic acid was an ideal candidate. Using that chemical, the team could not only modulate antibody binding by varying the chemical's concentration, but also by varying the labeling bath's PH (or acidity). -- Meanwhile, to speed up antibody movement through tissues, the team used another prior technology invented in the Chung Lab: stochastic electrotransport. That technology accelerates the dispersion of antibodies through tissue by applying electric fields.	H02 R02	1,098
2507-048	Even After Mastering Tasks, Exploration Remains Key For Humans And Animals	New research from MIT suggests that both humans and animals maintain a tendency to explore various strategies for task completion, even after identifying effective methods. This exploration may appear counterintuitive, yet it can yield insights into potential improvements and adaptations, considering the unpredictable nature of tasks. The study underscores the importance of flexibility in problem-solving, suggesting that seeking new approaches could lead to better outcomes despite the risks of performance reduction.	Picower Institute at MIT	Picower Institute at MIT	Press Rel	PubMed	Maybe it's a life hack or a liability, or a little of both. A surprising result in a new MIT study may suggest that people and animals alike share an inherent propensity to keep updating their approach to a task even when they have already learned how they should approach it and even if the deviations sometimes lead to unnecessary error. -- The behavior of "exploring" when one could just be "exploiting," could make sense for at least two reasons, said Mriganka Sur, senior author of the study published Feb. -- 18 in Current Biology. Just because a task's rules seem set one moment doesn't mean they'll stay that way in this uncertain world, so altering behavior from the optimal condition every so often could help reveal needed adjustments. -- Moreover, trying new things when you already know what you like is a way of finding out whether there might be something even better out there than the good thing you've got going on right now. -- "If the goal is to maximize reward, you should never deviate once you have found the perfect solution, yet you keep exploring," said Sur, Paul and Lilah Newton Professor in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory and the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. -- "Why? It's like food. We all like certain foods, but we still keep trying different foods because you never know, there might be something you could discover." -- Predicting timing -- Former research technician Tudor Dragoi, now a graduate student at Boston University, led the study in which he and fellow members of the Sur Lab explored how humans and marmosets, a small primate, make predictions about event timing. -- Three humans and two marmosets were given a simple task. They'd see an image on a screen for some amount of time -- the amount of time varied from one trial to the next within a limited range -- and they simply had to hit a button (marmosets poked a tablet while humans clicked a mouse) when the image disappeared. -- Success was defined as reacting as quickly as possible to the image's disappearance without hitting the button too soon.	H01 H02 R02 N01	1,099
2507-113	Enhancing NMDA Receptor Activity Offers Hope For Treating Fragile X Syndrome	MIT neuroscientists have discovered a groundbreaking method for addressing fragile X syndrome by enhancing the activity of specific NMDA receptor components. This innovative approach normalizes protein synthesis and neural activity in treated lab mice, meriting further investigation as a potential treatment for the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorders, potentially leading to significant advancements in therapeutic strategies.	Picower Institute at MIT	Picower Institute at MIT	Press Rel	PubMed	Building on more than two decades of research, a study by MIT neuroscientists at The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory reports a new way to treat pathology and symptoms of fragile X syndrome, the most common genetically-caused autism spectrum disorder. The team showed that augmenting a novel type of neurotransmitter signaling reduced hallmarks of fragile X in mouse models of the disorder. -- The new approach described in Cell Reports works by targeting a specific molecular subunit of "NMDA" receptors that they discovered plays a key role in how neurons synthesize proteins to regulate their connections, or "synapses," with other neurons in brain circuits. -- The scientists showed that in fragile X model mice, increasing the receptor's activity caused neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain to increase molecular signaling that suppressed excessive bulk protein synthesis, leading to other key improvements. -- Setting the table -- "One of the things I find most satisfying about this study is that the pieces of the puzzle fit so nicely into what had come before," said study senior author Mark Bear, Picower Professor in MIT's Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences. -- Former postdoc Stephanie Barnes, now a lecturer at the University of Glasgow, is the study's lead author. -- Bear's lab studies how neurons continually edit their circuit connections, a process called "synaptic plasticity" that scientists believe to underlie the brain's ability to adapt to experience and to form and process memories. -- These studies led to two discoveries that set the table for the newly published advance. -- In 2011, Bear's lab showed that fragile X and another autism disorder, tuberous sclerosis (Tsc), represented two ends of a continuum of a kind of protein synthesis in the same neurons. -- In fragile X there was too much. In Tsc there was too little.	H02 R02	1,100
2509-044	Boosting Gamma Rhythms In The Brain Shows Promise Against Alzheimer’s Disease	Over a decade, studies from MIT and other institutions have consistently shown that enhancing the brain's gamma rhythms can improve health regarding Alzheimer's disease. This growing body of evidence highlights the benefits of non-invasive gamma stimulation techniques, suggesting they may play a crucial role in treating various neurological conditions.	Picower Institute at MIT	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A decade after scientists in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT first began testing whether sensory stimulation of the brain's 40Hz "gamma" frequency rhythms could treat Alzheimer's disease in mice, a growing evidence base supporting the idea that it can improve brain health -- in humans as well as animals -- has emerged from the work of labs all over the world. A new review article in PLOS Biology describes the state of research so far and presents some of the fundamental and clinical questions at the forefront of the non-invasive gamma stimulation now. -- "As we've made all our observations, many other people in the field have published results that are very consistent," said Li-Huei Tsai, Picower Professor at MIT, director of MIT's Aging Brain Initiative, and senior author of the new review with postdoc Jung Park. "People have used many different ways to induce gamma including sensory stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation, but the key is delivering stimulation at 40 Hz. They all see beneficial effects." -- A decade of discovery at MIT -- Starting with a paper in Nature in 2016, a collaboration led by Tsai has produced a series of studies showing that 40Hz stimulation via light, sound, the two combined, or tactile vibration reduces hallmarks of Alzheimer's pathology such as amyloid and tau proteins, prevents neuron death, decreases synapse loss, and sustains memory and cognition in various Alzheimer's mouse models. The collaboration's investigations of the underlying mechanisms that produce these benefits has so far identified specific cellular and molecular responses in many brain cell types including neurons, microglia, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and the brain's blood vessels. Last year, for instance, the lab reported in Nature that 40Hz audio and visual stimulation induced interneurons in mice to increase release of the peptide VIP, prompting increased clearance of amyloid from brain tissue via the brain's glymphatic "plumbing" system. -- Meanwhile, at MIT and at the MIT spinoff company Cognito Therapeutics, phase II clinical studies have shown that people with Alzheimer's exposed to 40Hz light and sound experienced a significant slowing of brain atrophy and improvements on some cognitive measures compared to untreated controls. Cognito, which has also measured significant preservation of the brain's "white matter" in volunteers, has been conducting a pivotal, nationwide phase III clinical trial of sensory gamma stimulation for more than a year. -- "Neuroscientists often lament that it is a great time to have AD if you are a mouse," Park and Tsai wrote in the review. "Our ultimate goal, therefore, is to translate GENUS discoveries into a safe, accessible, and non-invasive therapy for AD patients." The MIT team often refers to 40Hz stimulation as "GENUS" for Gamma Entrainment Using Sensory Stimulation. -- A growing field -- As Tsai's collaboration, which includes MIT colleagues Edward Boyden and Emery N. Brown, has published its results, many other labs have produced studies adding to the evidence that various methods of non-invasive gamma sensory stimulation can combat Alzheimer's pathology. Among many examples cited in the new review, in 2024 a research team in China independently corroborated that 40Hz sensory stimulation increases glymphatic fluid flows in mice. In another example, a Harvard Medical School-based team in 2022 showed that 40Hz gamma stimulation using Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation significantly reduced the burden of tau in three out of four human volunteers. And in another study involving more than 100 people, researchers in Scotland in 2023 used audio and visual gamma stimulation (at 37.5 Hz) to improve memory recall. -- Open questions -- Amid the growing number of publications describing preclinical studies with mice and clinical trials with people, open questions remain, Tsai and Park acknowledge. The MIT team and others are still exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie GENUS's effects. Tsai said her lab is looking at other neuropeptide and neuromodulatory systems to better understand the cascade of events linking sensory stimulation to the observed cellular responses. Meanwhile the nature of how some cells, such as microglia, respond to gamma stimulation and how that affects pathology remains unclear, Tsai added.	A01 H01 H02 R02 N01 T01	1,101
2505-009	Ovarian Cancer Risk May Decrease With Fallopian Tube Removal During Surgeries	A mathematical modeling study suggests that offering fallopian tube removal during other abdominal surgeries could reduce ovarian cancer incidence and save healthcare costs in Germany. Researchers highlighted the significance of this approach, as many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. Although not recommended as a standalone procedure, opportunistic removal during other surgeries presents a potential preventive measure that could benefit women's health and decrease cancer-related expenses.	PLOS	PLOS Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	In just five years, 930 million cubic meters of crevasses opened up in the Greenland ice sheet, equivalent to adding a crack the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza to the world's second largest ice sheet every few days. -- The increased crevassing, especially prominent in fast-flowing portions of the ice sheet, could lead to a feedback loop that accelerates ice loss from the glacier, which ultimately raises sea levels. -- Greenland's ice melt has added 0.4 inches to sea levels since 1992 and is estimated to add another foot by the end of the century. -- These findings come from a new study of Greenland between 2016 and 2021 by researchers at the University of Florida, Durham University in the United Kingdom, and other institutions. -- It is the first ice-sheet-scale analysis of the glacier's crevasses conducted over multiple years, which allowed scientists to see how crevasses changed over relatively short time periods. -- Analyzing crevasse behavior across the entire Greenland ice sheet required new approaches. -- "You can't do it in person, because crevasses are dangerous. It's hard to study by hand using satellite data. Automated approaches are needed to determine this at an ice-sheet scale," said Emma MacKie, Ph.D., a professor of geological sciences at the University of Florida, co-author of the study, and expert in machine learning techniques. -- The team, which also included scientists from Ohio State University and the University of Washington, developed their automated crevasse detection and measurement system based on three-dimensional satellite imagery provided by the Polar Geospatial Center. -- While general trends show increased crevassing across Greenland on average, the different regions of the glaciers showed different patterns. -- One sector on the west side of the island actually saw a drop in crevasse volume over the study period.	H01 R01	1,102
2505-023	Women Face Barriers To Exercising In Gyms Related To Body Image	A new study published in PLOS One reveals the various barriers women face in gym environments, including body image issues, attire choices, and social interactions. Researchers Emma Cowley and Jekaterina Schneider conducted an online survey with 279 women, uncovering feelings of judgment and inadequacy that hinder participation. Despite these challenges, some women experience empowerment through skill acquisition and supportive spaces. The research calls for more inclusive gym environments and acknowledges sample limitations, urging future studies to include diverse populations.	PLOS	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Through a multi-university collaboration, researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new, solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. It works well beyond the breakdown temperature of traditional solid lubricants such as graphite, and the findings were published in Nature Communications. -- "This breakthrough solid-state lubricant could change how we design materials for high-tech engines, making them last longer and work better under extreme conditions," said Rebecca Cai, associate professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and one of the authors of the study. "After decades of research, only about 20 solid lubricants have been identified." -- The right lubricant could extend a jet engine's life, saving millions of dollars, but most of those 20 lubricants break down when machinery reaches temperatures as hot as molten lava. The discovery is important because friction and wear were estimated to cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion in 2023, equivalent to about 5 percent of the gross national product. -- Given the importance of materials in emerging areas like advanced manufacturing, these findings position Virginia Tech as a leader in innovative technologies and cutting-edge research with opportunities for transdisciplinary problem-solving. -- Limits of lubricants -- Friction is the basis of movement. However, in various industrial applications -- such as advanced manufacturing, transportation, and aerospace -- too much friction causes machines to wear down. Lubricants, or substances that reduce friction between two surfaces that come into contact with each other, are key to safe operating conditions and optimal performance, but developing materials that resist wear above 600 degrees Celsius, or 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, remains a challenge. -- In fact, it took many years, minds, and institutions, to achieve these novel findings on a solid lubricant. -- "Collaborative work with other universities brought many knowledgeable people together to share resources, which is crucial in this discipline," said then-Ph.D. student and first author Zhengyu Zhang. "The future of many industries will depend on advances in materials science, and such a wide topic requires varied expertise." -- The discovery also depended on a device called a high temperature tribometer, which Cai procured for her lab in 2019. The cutting-edge device measures friction, wear, and other tribological properties between two surfaces in contact at high temperature. At the time, Virginia Tech was a pioneer in housing this technology and making it available to faculty and graduate student researchers. The machinery set the groundwork that made the discovery possible for its testing capabilities at temperature thresholds well above traditional equipment. -- Solid findings	H01	1,103
2505-E006	Discover How Fruit Flies Taste Food Texture With Unique Gustatory Organs	Researchers at the University of Fribourg have discovered that fruit fly larvae possess neurons that allow them to taste food texture. This study identifies mechanoreceptors in the fly's peripheral taste organ, which enable the sensation of texture. By focusing on this aspect of food perception, the research expands our understanding of how insects interact with their environment and may provide insights into the evolutionary development of taste mechanisms across different species.	PLOS	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Nearly 60,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S. every year, according to the American Cancer Society, and the rate of new cases continues to rise. Now, researchers at University of California San Diego have discovered how healthy stem cells are transformed into cancer stem cells in the earliest stages of the disease. -- Oral cancer -- also known as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -- affects the mouth, throat, nose, sinuses and voice box. The cancer takes root in epithelial cells, the top layer of cells lining these cavities. Around 30% of oral cancer cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). -- By activating a signaling protein called YAP (yes-associated protein, a transcription factor normally involved in stem cell maintenance and growth promotion) in combination with HPV oncogenes (genes that inhibit the normal suppression of tumor growth), the researchers triggered a cascade of cellular and molecular changes that reprogrammed normal stem cells into cancer cells in a mouse model. -- The researchers used several state-of-the-art technologies to trace the progression of changes that transformed healthy stem cells to cancer stem cells at the resolution of the single cell. -- The study is the first to use technologies such as cell tracing (marking cells to follow their proliferation through time) and multi-omics (analyzing molecular data from genomics, RNA transcription, protein expression, epigenetic changes and cellular metabolites to understand disease development) at the resolution of single cells to follow the real-time progression of these changes in a living organism. -- "We can understand precisely how you go from one cell state to another cell state and identify the very, very early events in tumor initiation rather than the final state of cancer," said senior author J. Silvio Gutkind, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor and chair at UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Pharmacology, and associate director for basic science at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. -- The researchers found that activating YAP in combination with HPV oncogenes: -- resulted in invasive cancer within just 10 days; -- caused a loss of normal cell identity by halting normal cell differentiation, leading to the acquisition of a more mobile and invasive state; -- promoted unrestrained cell proliferation by promoting epigenetic changes and stimulating pathways related to carcinoma cell growth, survival, and migration; and	H01	1,104
2505-E016	Working Dogs Adjust To Daylight Savings Time: A Study On Routine Changes	Following the change in Daylight Savings Time, sled dogs at a Canadian facility were observed to be more active than usual. Unlike pet dogs and their owners, who seemed unaffected, these working dogs needed a day to adjust to the new routine. This finding, from a study published in PLOS One, highlights the unique impact of DST on working dogs, which rely on strict daily schedules.	PLOS	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Finding patterns and reducing noise in large, complex datasets generated by the gravitational wave-detecting LIGO facility just got easier, thanks to the work of scientists at the University of California, Riverside. -- The UCR researchers presented a paper at a recent IEEE big-data workshop, demonstrating a new, unsupervised machine learning approach to find new patterns in the auxiliary channel data of the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO. The technology is also potentially applicable to large scale particle accelerator experiments and large complex industrial systems. -- LIGO is a facility that detects gravitational waves -- transient disturbances in the fabric of spacetime itself, generated by the acceleration of massive bodies. It was the first to detect such waves from merging black holes, confirming a key part of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. LIGO has two widely-separated 4-km-long interferometers -- in Hanford, Washington, and Livingston, Louisiana -- that work together to detect gravitational waves by employing high-power laser beams. The discoveries these detectors make offer a new way to observe the universe and address questions about the nature of black holes, cosmology, and the densest states of matter in the universe. -- Each of the two LIGO detectors records thousands of data streams, or channels, which make up the output of environmental sensors located at the detector sites. -- "The machine learning approach we developed in close collaboration with LIGO commissioners and stakeholders identifies patterns in data entirely on its own," said Jonathan Richardson, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy who leads the UCR LIGO group. "We find that it recovers the environmental 'states' known to the operators at the LIGO detector sites extremely well, with no human input at all. This opens the door to a powerful new experimental tool we can use to help localize noise couplings and directly guide future improvements to the detectors." -- Richardson explained that the LIGO detectors are extremely sensitive to any type of external disturbance. Ground motion and any type of vibrational motion -- from the wind to ocean waves striking the coast of Greenland or the Pacific -- can affect the sensitivity of the experiment and the data quality, resulting in "glitches" or periods of increased noise bursts, he said. -- "Monitoring the environmental conditions is continuously done at the sites," he said. "LIGO has more than 100,000 auxiliary channels with seismometers and accelerometers sensing the environment where the interferometers are located. The tool we developed can identify different environmental states of interest, such as earthquakes, microseisms, and anthropogenic noise, across a number of carefully selected and curated sensing channels." -- Vagelis Papalexakis, an associate professor of computer science and engineering who holds the Ross Family Chair in Computer Science, presented the team's paper, titled "Multivariate Time Series Clustering for Environmental State Characterization of Ground-Based Gravitational-Wave Detectors," at the IEEE's 5th International Workshop on Big Data & AI Tools, Models, and Use Cases for Innovative Scientific Discovery that took place last month in Washington, D.C. -- "The way our machine learning approach works is that we take a model tasked with identifying patterns in a dataset and we let the model find patterns on its own," Papalexakis said. "The tool was able to identify the same patterns that very closely correspond to the physically meaningful environmental states that are already known to human operators and commissioners at the LIGO sites." -- Papalexakis added that the team had worked with the LIGO Scientific Collaboration to secure the release of a very large dataset that pertains to the analysis reported in the research paper. This data release allows the research community to not only validate the team's results but also develop new algorithms that seek to identify patterns in the data.	H02	1,105
2512-019	Fruit Fly Study Reveals Unexpected Memory Boost Despite Severe Sleep Deprivation	A study on fruit fly mutants with severe sleep deprivation found they perform better in olfactory learning tasks, presenting a paradox of enhanced memory despite sleep loss. Researchers attribute this phenomenon to protein kinase A signaling in the fly brain, shedding light on the complex relationship between sleep and memory functions.	PLOS	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Fruit fly mutants that have severe sleep deficits perform better at olfactory learning and memory tasks, according to a study published March 20 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Sheng Huang and Stephan Sigrist from Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, and colleagues. The paradox of enhanced memory despite sleep loss could be explained by protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in the mushroom body of the fly brain. -- Sleep is a dynamic process conserved from invertebrates to mammals and humans. -- Although sleep is thought to serve many purposes, it is often studied for its restorative roles, which are believed to optimize lifespan and cognition. -- The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has long been used to study associative learning and memory. -- The mushroom body in the fly brain plays essential roles in both memory and sleep regulation. -- Yet it remains unclear how signaling in the fly mushroom body controls the balance between memory function and sleep levels. -- In the new study, Huang, Sigrist, and colleagues examined this question using Drosophila insomniac (inc) short sleep mutants. -- The inc mutants showed robustly increased performance in olfactory learning and memory, despite their severe sleep deficits. -- A screen for genetic modifiers revealed that the PKA signaling pathway specifically mediates the sleep deficits of inc mutants. -- Elevated PKA signaling also contributes to the shorter life expectancy of inc mutants.	H02 R02 N01	1,106
2512-059	Early Life Factors Influence Obesity: Study Links Mother’s Health To Child’s Weight	Research from the University of Edinburgh underscores how early life and societal factors impact obesity risk. The study reveals that elements such as socioeconomic status and maternal health can significantly shape weight outcomes in adolescence and adulthood, raising important questions about the origins of obesity in today's society.	PLOS	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	A study finds that factors beyond a person's control, like socioeconomic status and whether their mom smoked or was obese, can influence whether they are overweight or obese as teenagers or adults. Glenna Nightingale of the University of Edinburgh, UK and colleagues report these findings on March 26, 2025 in the open-access journal PLOS One. -- Obesity is considered to be a global public health concern, but experts still disagree about the precise origins and causes of rising obesity rates. -- One topic under debate is whether a person's individual genetics and behaviors are more or less important than environmental factors, like socioeconomic status, in developing obesity. -- In the new study, researchers estimated the impact of several factors on a person's weight, including societal factors, like a person's job type, as well as early life factors, like a person's birth order, how they were delivered and whether their mother smoked or was obese. -- They looked specifically at whether a person was overweight, obese or severely obese at age 16 and age 42. They also looked at participants' weight between ages 16 to 42, a range that spans the rise in obesity rates in the United Kingdom. -- The data came from the 1958 National Child Development Study, a long-term study that followed the lives of more than 17,000 people born in a single week in March 1958 across England, Scotland and Wales. -- The analysis showed that if a mother was obese or if she smoked, her child was more likely to be obese or severely obese at each of the ages examined. -- The findings demonstrate that these early life factors can have a persistent effect on a person's weight. -- Notably, these factors were just as powerful before and after the start of the rise in obesity rates in the UK, suggesting that the impact of individual factors, like behaviors, likely did not change during that time. -- The results suggest that societal and early-life risk factors could be used to target obesity prevention programs for children and adults.	H01 R01	1,107
2512-E040	Park Entrances Identified As Hotspots For Infective Dog Roundworm Eggs	A groundbreaking study conducted in Dublin highlights the alarming prevalence of infective roundworm eggs in soil samples, particularly at park entrances. The research, led by Jason Keegan from Trinity College, suggests that such contamination poses significant health risks to animals and humans, emphasizing the need for enhanced public health measures against Toxocara infections.	PLOS	PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	In an analysis of soil samples from twelve parks in Dublin, Ireland, park entrances were more heavily contaminated with infective roundworm eggs than any other tested park location. Jason Keegan of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and colleagues present these findings in the open-access journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases. -- Dogs and cats are often infected with parasitic roundworms in the Toxocara genus. -- Infected animals can release the roundworm eggs into the environment, and humans can become infected after accidental ingestion of the eggs. -- Many infected humans never experience symptoms, but some may experience mild or severe symptoms such as eye infection. -- Infection with Toxocara is one of the most widespread parasitic infections in the world. -- While prior studies have shown that soils in public parks are commonly contaminated with Toxocara roundworm eggs, few have explored whether certain areas within parks are more contaminated than others. -- To address that question, Keegan and colleagues collected and analyzed soil samples from within 12 parks in Dublin, Ireland, focusing on park entrances, playgrounds, the sidelines of sports fields, and popular areas for sitting on grass. -- The analysis showed that park entrances were more heavily contaminated with roundworm eggs than the other park locations. -- The second-most contaminated areas were playgrounds. Closer examination of the detected eggs found that most were potentially infective, and most were of the species Toxocara canis -- the common dog roundworm. -- On the basis of these findings, the researchers call for increased preventive efforts focused on encouraging dog owners to properly dispose of dog feces at park entrances and playgrounds.	A01 C01 N01 N02	1,108
2513-041	Balance Of Nerve Proteins May Alleviate Autism Symptoms In Mice	Research has uncovered a potential therapeutic target for autism by examining the balance of competing nerve proteins in mice. This study, published in PLOS Biology, identifies how disruptions in these proteins, specifically MDGA2, may contribute to Autism Spectrum Disorder's symptoms. As autism affects approximately 1% of the global population, understanding these underlying mechanisms could pave the way for developing targeted therapies to address neurodevelopmental disorders.	PLOS	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	In mice, autism symptoms arise when a certain pair of competing nerve proteins falls out of equilibrium, according to a study published April 1 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Dongdong Zhao of Wenzhou Medical University, China, Yun-wu Zhang of Xiamen University, China, and colleagues. -- Approximately 1% of the world population is considered to have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), exhibiting a series of social and cognitive symptoms. -- Previous research has linked certain genetic factors to ASD, including many associated with neuron activity, but it remains unclear exactly how these factors are related. -- In this study, Zhao, Zhang and colleagues used mice to examine the activity of two neuronal proteins suspected to be linked to ASD. -- MDGA2 is a protein involved in the transmission of nerve signals, and certain mutations in the MDGA2 gene have been identified in ASD patients. -- Experimental trials revealed that mice with reduced levels of MDGA2 exhibited ASD-like symptoms, including repetitive grooming and altered social behavior. -- These mice also exhibited increased activity in certain nerve synapses and increased levels of BDNF, another neuronal protein that has been linked to ASD and functions through binding and activating the TrkB protein. -- When these mice were treated with an artificial peptide that mimicked MDGA2 and inhibited BDNF/TrkB activity, the symptoms lessened. -- Based on these results combined with previous research, the authors suggest that MDGA2 and BDNF maintain a natural balance by competing with each other for TrkB protein binding sites, and disruption to this system can lead to regulatory changes in neuron activity related to ASD. -- This protein system might be a promising target for future therapeutic treatments, but further investigation will be required into the exact functions of this system and its relationship to ASD symptoms.	T01	1,109
2513-042	Agricultural Antifungal Use May Increase Yeast Resistance To Treatment	A study indicates that the antifungal TBZ can induce genomic changes in the infectious yeast Candida tropicalis, contributing to its resistance against antifungal treatments. This research highlights the implications of using TBZ in agriculture and its potential to exacerbate the issue of antifungal resistance, which is increasingly concerning as C. tropicalis poses significant health risks, particularly to immunocompromised individuals.	PLOS	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Genomic changes in the infectious yeast Candida tropicalis may play a role in its resistance to antifungals, according to a study published on April 1 in the open-access journal, PLOS Biology by Guanghua Huang at Fudan University, China, and colleagues. These genomic changes can be brought on by a common antifungal, TBZ. The study demonstrates that the use of TBZ in agriculture may contribute to the increasing problem of antifungal resistance. -- C. tropicalis is one of the most common fungi to infect humans, and while many infections are treatable, some can be life-threatening, especially among people who are immunocompromised. -- Infections of C. tropicalis and other fungi are of growing concern as many of these pathogens are becoming increasingly resistant to antifungal medicines. -- However, the biological mechanisms underlying this resistance are not well understood. -- The researchers surmised that these yeast may be developing resistance from exposure to antifungal agents and one of the most common uses of these agents is in agriculture. -- When C. tropicalis was exposed to the agricultural fungicide TBZ, the researchers found that the yeast cells' genomes became unstable, losing half their DNA. -- It was previously thought that C. tropicalis requires two copies of each chromosome to survive, known as being diploid. -- However, these cells with one copy of each chromosome -- or haploid cells -- persisted and were resistant to TBZ and similar antifungals used in medicine. -- How exactly this change in chromosomes creates antifungal-resistance is a question that remains to be answered. -- This study, however, provides evidence that the use of antifungals in agriculture is likely a key factor in the increasing levels of resistance seen among C. tropicalis and perhaps even other infectious yeast, such as the recently emerged "superbug" fungal pathogen Candida auris.	Z01	1,110
2513-E037	Diatoms Adapt To Seaweed Diet By Losing Photosynthesis Ability Through Genetic Changes	A fascinating study finds that certain diatom species from the Nitzschia genus have abandoned photosynthesis, instead consuming carbohydrates from their environment after acquiring a bacterial gene. This adaptation highlights the evolutionary flexibility of these organisms and raises questions about the ecological implications of such significant lifestyle changes.	PLOS	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A group of diatom species belonging to the Nitzschia genus, gave up on photosynthesis and now get their carbon straight from their environment, thanks to a bacterial gene picked up by an ancestor. Gregory Jedd of Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Singapore, and colleagues report these findings in a new study published April 1 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology. -- Unlike most diatoms, which perform photosynthesis to generate carbon compounds, some members of the genus Nitzschia have no chlorophyll and instead consume carbohydrates from seaweed and decaying plant matter. -- Previously, it was unclear how exactly they made this major lifestyle transition, so researchers sequenced the genome of one species, Nitzschia sing1, to look for clues. -- N. sing1's genome sequence showed that the diatom carries a gene for an enzyme that breaks down alginate, a carbon polymer in the cell walls of brown algae -- a group that includes kelp and other common seaweeds. -- The gene originally came from a marine bacterium, and an ancestor of N. sing1 took up the gene and incorporated it into its genome. -- Further analysis showed that, over time, the original gene was duplicated multiple times, with copies acquiring a variety of mutations that resulted in new functions. -- Those new functions have enabled N. sing1 to take up and break down alginate into carbon building blocks for the cell, so that photosynthesis is no longer necessary. -- This development also opened up a new ecological niche for this group of diatoms -- living on seaweed in the intertidal zones. -- While N. sing1 and many of its relatives can break down alginate, other non-photosynthetic Nitzschia species cannot, suggesting that these diatoms likely have other strategies for gaining carbon compounds. -- The researchers propose that sampling more Nitzschia species from the environment and sequencing their genomes will lead to a better understanding of how these diatoms source their carbon.	H01 C01 N02	1,111
2501-088	Innovative Inhalable Therapies Inspired By Mussels Transform Lung Cancer Treatment.	Researchers have innovated inhalable cancer therapies using mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by marine mussels. This approach promises targeted and effective delivery of treatments for lung cancer, a notoriously difficult disease to manage. By enhancing drug retention in the lungs while minimizing side effects, this novel system could significantly improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Biomaterials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from POSTECH and Kyungpook National University have developed a novel inhalable therapeutic delivery system for lung cancer, leveraging mucoadhesive protein nanoparticles inspired by the adhesive properties of marine mussels. This effort was spearheaded by Professor Hyung Joon Cha (Department of Chemical Engineering and Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology with a specialization in Medical Science) and Dr. Yeonsu Jeong (Department of Chemical Engineering) at POSTECH, in collaboration with Professor Yun Kee Jo (Department of Biomedical Convergence Science and Technology, Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) at Kyungpook National University. -- Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers globally. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases, is particularly challenging to treat due to difficulties in early detection. Current anticancer treatments are predominantly administered intravenously, impacting both malignant and healthy tissues, often leading to severe adverse effects. As a result, inhalable therapeutics have emerged as a promising alternative, enabling localized drug delivery directly to the lungs. However, the efficacy of this approach has been significantly hindered by the lung's mucosal barriers and immune cells. Building on this context, collaborative research has culminated in the development of a mucoadhesive protein nanoparticle designed for lung cancer treatment. -- This approach leverages the remarkable adhesive properties of marine mussel proteins, renowned for their underwater adhesion. Drawing inspiration from the oxidation-reduction mechanisms of foot protein type 6 (fp-6), the researchers engineered foot protein type 1 (fp-1) by integrating cysteine, creating a biomaterial with enhanced adhesive strength and precise drug delivery capabilities within the lung cancer microenvironment. These nanoparticles exhibit exceptional therapeutic efficacy by enabling selective payload release while effectively inhibiting release in healthy tissues to minimize adverse effects. Moreover, the intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and immunocompatibility of marine mussel proteins ensure superior biological safety and substantially prolong the retention of anticancer drugs, thereby amplifying their therapeutic impact. -- In animal models of lung cancer, the nanoparticles developed by the research team and their contained anti-cancer drugs showed effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cell metastasis and invasion after being delivered to the lungs through a nebulizerand adhering to the mucosa for extended periods. This advancement holds the potential to enhance patient access to lung cancer treatment, as the simplified inhalation-based drug administration could be self-managed at home. Furthermore, this approach may significantly improve patients' quality of life by reducing the need for hospital visits. -- Professor Hyung Joon Cha, who spearheaded the collaborative research at POSTECH, stated, "The findings from our study have the potential to substantially enhance both the precision and efficacy of lung cancer treatments, while significantly improving patients' quality of life." -- The research findings were published online in Biomaterials, the premier international journal for biomaterial research. This study was made possible through funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) Mid-Career Researcher Program, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Dental and Medical Technology R&D Program, and the Pan-Governmental Regenerative Medicine Technology Development Program.	A01 H01 R01 N01	1,112
2502-T005	Hidden Transport Mechanisms In Graphene: Unlocking Future Innovations	A recent study led by POSTECH researchers reveals that electron transport in bilayer graphene is significantly influenced by edge states and employs a nonlocal transport mechanism. By using externally applied electric fields to modulate its electronic band gap, bilayer graphene shows great potential in advancing valleytronics, a new technology designed for more efficient data processing, leveraging quantum states for enhanced data storage capabilities.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nano Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Electron transport in bilayer graphene exhibits a pronounced dependence on edge states and a nonlocal transport mechanism, according to a recent study led by Professor Gil-Ho Lee and Ph.D. candidate Hyeon-Woo Jeong of POSTECH's Department of Physics, in collaboration with Dr. Kenji Watanabe and Dr. Takashi Taniguchi at Japan's National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS). The findings were published in the international nanotechnology journal Nano Letters. -- Bilayer graphene, comprising two vertically stacked graphene layers, can exploit externally applied electric fields to modulate its electronic band gap -- a property essential for electron transport. -- This distinctive feature has drawn considerable attention for its prospective role in "valleytronics," an emerging paradigm for next-generation data processing. -- By capitalizing on the "valley," a quantum state in an electron's energy structure that functions as a discrete data storage unit, valleytronics enables faster, more efficient data handling than conventional electronics or spintronics. -- With its tunable band gap, bilayer graphene stands as a foundational platform for advanced valleytronics research and device innovation. -- A central concept in valleytronics is the 'Valley Hall Effect (VHE),' which describes how electron flow is selectively channeled through discrete energy states -- known as "valleys" -- within a given material. -- Consequently, a remarkable phenomenon called "nonlocal resistance" emerges, introducing measurable resistance in regions lacking direct current flow -- even in the absence of conduction paths. -- While much of the current literature regards nonlocal resistance as definitive proof of the Valley Hall Effect (VHE), some researchers posit that device-edge impurities or external factors -- such as manufacturing processes -- may also produce the observed signals, leaving the debate over VHE's origins unresolved. -- To ascertain the definitive source of nonlocal resistance in bilayer graphene, the joint POSCO-NIMS research team fabricated a dual-gate graphene device, enabling precise band gap control. -- They subsequently compared the electrical characteristics of pristine, naturally formed graphene edges with those artificially processed using Reactive Ion Etching.	A01 T01	1,113
2503-E037	Discovering The Unique Underwater Adhesion Mechanism Of Hairy Mussels	POSTECH researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism behind the underwater adhesion of hairy mussels, demonstrating an oxidation-independent process driven by specific protein interactions. This breakthrough contributes to understanding mussel adhesion and has potential applications in bioengineering and materials science, offering insights into natural adhesion strategies.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at POSTECH, led by Professor Dong Soo Hwang (Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, Division of Interdisciplinary Bioscience & Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology) and Research Professor Jimin Choi (POSTECH Institute of Environmental and Energy Technology), has uncovered the molecular mechanism behind the remarkable underwater adhesion of hairy mussels (Barbatia virescens). Their findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal an oxidation-independent adhesion process driven by interactions between EGF/EGF-like domains and GlcNAc-based biopolymers. -- Marine organisms such as mussels and barnacles are renowned for their ability to adhere firmly to surfaces, even in wet environments. -- Nearly 40 years ago, researchers identified the epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain as a key component in mussel adhesive proteins. -- Since then, similar adhesive proteins have been discovered in a variety of organisms, including marine species, snails, and spiders. -- However, the precise mechanism behind EGF-based underwater adhesion remained elusive -- until now. -- The POSTECH team uncovered this mechanism by investigating the byssusof hairy mussels, where proteins containing EGF/EGF-like domains bind strongly to N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-based biopolymers. -- Their experiments revealed that these proteins exhibit adhesion energy more than three times greater than widely recognized wet-adhesive proteins, such as mefp-5 (mussel foot protein) and suckerin (spider silk protein). -- One of the study's most groundbreaking findings is that the EGF-GlcNAc adhesion mechanism does not rely on oxidation, a defining feature of traditional 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-based adhesives. -- This oxidation-independent process results in reversible and durable adhesion, making it highly effective across a range of environments, whether wet or dry. -- Research Professor Jimin Choi, the study's first author, explained, "GlcNAc is a component commonly found in biological tissues and biofilms, making it highly versatile for applications in bioelectronics, tissue engineering, antifouling coatings, and more." Professor Dong Soo Hwang emphasized the broader implications of their findings: "This research is a critical first step toward developing sustainable, high-performance underwater adhesives and medical-grade bioadhesives."	T01	1,114
2503-E045	Microwave Technology Revolutionizing Clean Hydrogen Production Efforts	An interdisciplinary team led by POSTECH has developed an innovative microwave technology that significantly improves clean hydrogen production. Their research, published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A, demonstrates that microwaves can dramatically reduce the necessary reaction temperatures for hydrogen generation, making the process more energy-efficient and cost-effective. This breakthrough not only addresses existing limitations in hydrogen production methods but also opens up future possibilities for sustainable energy solutions as the world transitions away from fossil fuels.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Journal of Materials Chemistry A	Press Rel	PubMed	An interdisciplinary team at POSTECH, led by Professor Gunsu S. Yun, doctoral candidate Jaemin Yoo (Department of Physics, Division of Advanced Nuclear Engineering), Professor Hyungyu Jin, and doctoral candidate Dongkyu Lee (Department of Mechanical Engineering), has developed a groundbreaking technology that addresses key limitations in clean hydrogen production using microwaves. They have also successfully elucidated the underlying mechanism of this innovative process. Their findings, published as the Inside Front Cover of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, mark a transformative step in the pursuit of sustainable energy. -- As the world shifts away from fossil fuels, clean hydrogen has emerged as a leading candidate for next-generation energy due to its zero carbon emissions. However, existing hydrogen production technologies face significant barriers. Conventional thermochemical methods, which rely on the oxidation-reduction of metal oxides, require extremely high temperatures of up to 1,500°C. These methods are not only energy-intensive and costly but also challenging to scale, limiting their practical application. -- To address these challenges, the POSTECH team turned to a familiar yet underutilized energy source: "microwaves"1 energy, the same source used in household microwave ovens. While microwaves are commonly associated with heating food, they can also drive chemical reactions efficiently. The researchers demonstrated that microwave energy could lower the reduction temperature of Gd-doped ceria (CeO2) -- a benchmark material for hydrogen production -- to below 600?, cutting the temperature requirement by over 60 percent. Remarkably, microwave energy was found to replace 75 percent of the thermal energy needed for the reaction, a breakthrough for sustainable hydrogen production. -- Another critical advancement lies in the creation of "oxygen vacancies"2, which are defects in the material structure essential for splitting water into hydrogen. Conventional methods often take hours at extremely high temperatures to form these vacancies. The POSTECH team achieved the same results in just minutes at temperatures below 600°C by leveraging microwave technology. This rapid process was further validated with a thermodynamic model, which provided valuable insight into the mechanism underlying the microwave-driven reaction. -- Professor Hyungyu Jin stated, "This research has the potential to revolutionize the commercial viability of thermochemical hydrogen production technologies. It will also pave the way for the development of new materials optimized for microwave-driven chemical processes." Professor Gunsu Yun added, "Introducing a new mechanism powered by microwaves and overcoming the limitations of existing processes are major achievements, made possible through the close interdisciplinary collaboration of our research team." -- This study was supported by the Circle Foundation's Innovative Science and Technology Program, the Ministry of Science and ICT's Mid-Career Researcher Program, POSTECH's Basic Science Research Institute, and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. -- Notes: -- 1. Microwaves -- Electromagnetic waves with frequencies ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz. They are commonly used to transmit energy or heat materials in wireless communication, radar systems, and microwave ovens. -- 2. Oxygen vacancy	A01 H01 R01 C01	1,115
2503-T002	Advancements In Microscopy: AI Transforms Imaging Techniques For Cellular Studies	Researchers at POSTECH have developed a novel imaging technology that overcomes the limitations of traditional microscopy methods in life sciences. By combining confocal fluorescence microscopy's high resolution with mid-infrared photoacoustic microscopy's label-free imaging, the new method preserves cell integrity and achieves accurate visualization of cellular structures. This advancement promises significant benefits for studying cellular processes without compromising the health of the cells under examination.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at POSTECH, led by Professors Chulhong Kim (Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Medical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Artificial Intelligence) and Jinah Jang (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Department of Medical Science and Engineering), alongside doctoral candidate Eunwoo Park, Dr. Sampa Misra (Department of Convergence IT Engineering), and Dr. Dong Gyu Hwang (Center for 3D Organ Printing and Stem Cells), has developed a technology that surpasses the constraints of traditional imaging methods, providing stable and highly accurate cell visualization. Their findings were published in Nature Communications. -- In life sciences, confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) is widely regarded for producing high-resolution cellular images. -- However, it requires fluorescent staining, which poses risks of photobleaching and phototoxicity, potentially damaging the cells under study. -- Conversely, mid-infrared photoacoustic microscopy (MIR-PAM) allows for label-free imaging, preserving cell integrity. -- Yet, its reliance on longer wavelengths limits spatial resolution, making it difficult to visualize fine cellular structures with precision. -- To bridge these gaps, the POSTECH team developed an innovative imaging method powered by explainable deep learning (XDL). This approach transforms low-resolution, label-free MIR-PAM images into high-resolution, virtually stained images resembling those generated by CFM. -- Unlike conventional AI models, XDL offers enhanced transparency by visualizing the transformation process, ensuring both reliability and accuracy. -- The team implemented a single-wavelength MIR-PAM system and designed a two-phase imaging process: (1) The Resolution Enhancement phase converts low-resolution MIR-PAM images into high-resolution ones, clearly distinguishing intricate cellular structures such as nuclei and filamentous actin, and (2) the Virtual Staining phase produces virtually stained images without fluorescent dyes, eliminating the risks associated with staining while maintaining CFM-quality imaging. -- This innovative technology delivers high-resolution, virtually stained cellular imaging without compromising cell health, offering a powerful new tool for live-cell analysis and advanced biological research. -- Professor Chulhong Kim remarked: "We have developed a cross-domain image transformation technology that bridges the physical limitations of different imaging modalities, offering complementary benefits. The XDL approach has significantly enhanced the stability and reliability of unsupervised learning." Professor Jinah Jang added, "This research unlocks new possibilities for multiplexed, high-resolution cellular imaging without labeling. It holds immense potential for applications in live-cell analysis and disease model studies."	A01 T01	1,116
2505-073	Revolutionary Delivery System Transports mRNA Efficiently Using Biodegradable Polymer Technology	A research team from POSTECH, led by Professor Won Jong Kim, has created a biodegradable polymer delivery system for mRNA, addressing the limitations of lipid nanoparticles. This innovative approach, highlighted in the journal Biomaterials, aims to mitigate potential liver toxicity and immune complications associated with current delivery methods, particularly relevant since the increased interest in mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Biomaterials	Press Rel	PubMed	The study of 'starquakes' (like earthquakes, but in stars) promises to give us important new insights into the properties of neutron stars (the collapsed remnants of massive stars), according to new research led by the University of Bath in the UK. -- Such explorations have the potential to challenge our current approaches to studying nuclear matter, with important impacts for the future of both nuclear physics and astronomy. -- Longer term, there may also be implications in the fields of health, security and energy. -- The value of studying asteroseismology -- as these vibrations and flares are known -- has emerged from research carried out by an international team of physicists that includes Dr David Tsang and Dr Duncan Neill from the Department of Physics at Bath, along with colleagues from Texas A&M and the University of Ohio. -- The team's study, published in the impactful journal Physical Review C, examines how asteroseismology in neutron stars can test predictions about nuclear matter. -- The scientists found that measuring these quakes from Earth using powerful telescopes provides detailed information about what is happening inside a neutron star. -- This helps test and validate a theory called Chiral Effective Field Theory, which in turn is key to improving our understanding of the universe and advancing the way we live on our planet. -- A key objective for today's nuclear scientists is to deepen their understanding of the properties and behaviours of nuclear matter, such as protons and neutrons. -- This refined understanding is crucial for enhancing their knowledge of the universe's basic building blocks and the forces that govern them. -- "Our findings promise to add to, or change, the tools used by nuclear physicists, and bringing astronomy and nuclear physics closer together," said lead author, postdoctoral researcher Dr Neill.	R01	1,117
2505-T001	Advanced 3D Bioprinting Technology Revolutionizes Study Of Neuroinflammatory Diseases	A pioneering study has successfully created a 3D model that mimics the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB), facilitating research into neuroinflammatory diseases. Led by a team at POSTECH and Seoul National University Hospital, this advancement addresses the limitations of existing models by utilizing a specialized bioink. The BBB plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative disorders, which arise from complex interactions within the brain. This innovation opens new avenues for understanding these diseases and developing effective therapies by accurately replicating the BBB's intricate structure.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Biomaterials Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Preventing the cell's protein factories from making the notorious cancer-causing protein MYC could stop out-of-control tumors. -- For decades, scientists have tried to stop cancer by disabling the mutated proteins that are found in tumors. -- But many cancers manage to overcome this and continue growing. -- Now, UCSF scientists think they can throw a wrench into the fabrication of a key growth-related protein, MYC, that escalates wildly in 70% of all cancers. -- Unlike some other targets of cancer therapies, MYC can be dangerous simply due to its abundance. -- In a paper that appears Feb. 4 in Nature Cell Biology, researchers at UC San Francisco describe how to curb MYC levels. -- They discovered that another protein, called RBM42, makes cells churn out MYC. -- Disrupting RBM42 in pancreatic cancer cells, one of the deadliest cancers, stopped them from growing. -- The researchers now think drugs could be developed to do the same in a host of other fast-growing cancers that are driven by MYC. -- By blocking RBM42, such drugs would effectively block MYC.	A01 R02	1,118
2505-T021	Novel Theory Enhances Optical Performance Beyond Conventional Limitations	Researchers at POSTECH have developed a novel multidimensional sampling theory that enhances the capabilities of flat optics, addressing the limitations of traditional methods. Their innovative study introduces an anti-aliasing strategy, significantly improving optical performance in metasurface design, which is critical for applications in miniaturizing optical devices. This advancement holds promise for the future of technologies in smartphones and augmented reality systems.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Earth systems models are an important tool for studying complex processes occurring around the planet, such as those in and between the atmosphere and biosphere, and they help researchers and policymakers better understand phenomena like climate change. Incorporating more data into these simulations can improve modeling accuracy; however, sometimes, this requires the arduous task of gathering millions of data points. -- Researchers, including UConn Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Assistant Professor James Knighton, Pablo Sanchez-Martinez from the University of Edinburgh, and Leander Anderegg from the University of California Santa Barbara, have developed a method to bypass the need for gathering data for over 55,000 tree species to better account for how plants influence the flow of water around the planet. -- Their findings are published in Nature Scientific Data. -- Plants play essential roles in Earth's processes, from capturing carbon and making oxygen available for other life forms like humans. -- Plants are also responsible for the movement of water, says Knighton, where an estimated 60% of all rain is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration. -- This huge global-scale movement of water through plants is complex and currently represented by Earth system models (ESMs) in a simplified way says Knighton, where all plants in a region may be considered as a single entity (i.e., a plant functional type), -- "Plant Functional Types (PFTs) are used because we don't know a lot about the details of individual plant species," says Knighton, a faculty member in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Sciences. -- "It would be harder to take a detailed map of vegetation over a continent and put in all the right values for each individual species so it's easier just to consider one generic PFT." -- The problem with PFTs is that different plant species vary in their hydrologic traits -- or how water moves through plants -- and this oversimplification of such systemically influential traits could limit the effectiveness of available models to predict the future. -- Scientists have moved towards accounting for these differences by creating databases, like the TRY Plant Trait Database, where this information is collected.	R02 T01	1,119
2506-020	3D Bioprinting Technology Offers Personalized Cancer Treatments Using Patient-Derived Models	An innovative gastric cancer model developed using 3D bioprinting technology allows for rapid prediction of individual drug responses based on patient-derived tissues. This study, led by researchers from POSTECH and The Jackson Laboratory, showcases the model's ability to replicate tumor microenvironments, enhancing the efficiency of cancer treatment evaluations and potentially improving patient outcomes.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaborative research team led by Professor Jinah Jang from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Creative IT Engineering at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) and Professor Charles Lee from The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine in the United States has successfully developed a gastric cancer model using 3D bioprinting technology and patient-derived cancer tissue fragments. This innovative model preserves the characteristics of actual patient tissues and is expected to rapidly evaluate and predict individual patient drug responses. The research has been published in the international journal Advanced Science. -- Tumor heterogeneity poses a significant challenge in the development and treatment of cancer therapies, as patient responses to the same drug varies, and the timing of treatment is a critical factor influencing prognosis. Therefore, technologies that predict the efficacy of anticancer treatments play a vital role in minimizing side effects and enhancing treatment efficiency. Existing approaches, such as gene panel-based tests and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, are limited in their applicability to certain patients, have constraints in predicting drug effects, and require substantial time and costs to establish. -- In this study, the research team developed an in vitro gastric cancer model by leveraging 3D bioprinting technology and tissue-specific bioink incorporating patient-derived tissue fragments. -- Notably, they encapsulated cancer tissues within a stomach-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogel, artificially enabling cell-matrix interactions. By co-culturing these tissues with human gastric fibroblasts, they successfully mimicked cancer cell-stroma interactions, thereby recreating the in vivo tumor microenvironment in vitro. -- This model demonstrated the ability to preserve the unique characteristics of gastric tissues from individual patients by replicating both cell-stroma and cell-matrix interactions. It exhibited high specificity in predicting the patient's anticancer drug responses and prognosis. Furthermore, the model's gene profiles related to cancer development, progression, and drug response closely resembled those of patient tissues, surpassing the performance of conventional PDX models. -- Additionally, the rapid fabrication method of this model via bioprinting enables drug evaluation within two weeks of tumor tissue extraction from the patient. This efficient platform is anticipated to significantly contribute to the development of personalized cancer treatments. -- Professor Charles Lee from The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, who led the study, expressed his expectations for the model: "By reproducing cancer cell-stroma and cell-matrix interactions, this model enhances the accuracy of drug response predictions and reduces unnecessary drug administration to non-responsive patients." -- Professor Jinah Jang of POSTECH emphasized the significance of the research: "This is a critical preclinical platform not only for developing patient-specific treatments but also for validating new anticancer drugs and combination therapies." -- This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (No. 2020R1A6A1A03047902) and by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grants funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2022M3C1A3081359, No. 2021R1A2C2004981).	A01 H01 R01 T01	1,120
2508-E036	Persistence In Research Yields Breakthrough Organic Dye With Super-Photostability	After two years of dedicated research, a team at POSTECH has achieved a breakthrough by developing a super-photostable organic dye, enhancing single-molecule imaging techniques. This advancement holds promise for applications in cell biology and molecular studies, as traditional fluorescent markers suffer from poor stability. The discovery emerged during attempts to address the challenges posed by photobleaching, showcasing the team’s perseverance in advancing scientific imaging capabilities.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nature Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has successfully developed a super-photostable organic dye after two years of dedicated research -- demonstrating perseverance akin to that of Marie Curie, who painstakingly extracted just 0.1 grams of radium from eight tons of ore to earn her Nobel Prize. -- Single-molecule imaging, a technique that uses fluorescent markers to track proteins with precision, plays a crucial role in cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, and drug discovery. -- However, conventional organic fluorophores have been hindered by their low photostability. -- The issue of photobleaching -- the loss of fluorescence upon prolonged light exposure -- has made it difficult to track proteins inside cells or monitor intricate biological processes over extended periods. -- Professor Sung Ho Ryu's research team at POSTECH made a serendipitous yet groundbreaking discovery while conducting single-molecule imaging: an ultra-photostable fluorescent molecule that emerged as a result of the photoblueingphenomenon. -- In collaboration with Professor Young-Tae Chang's team, they identified its structure using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, naming it Phoenix Fluor 555 (PF555). -- PF555 offers significantly greater photostability than existing fluorescent dyes, making it highly effective for tracking both individual proteins at the single-molecule level and multiple proteins simultaneously at a bulk level. -- Notably, PF555 remains unaffected by oxygen concentration and has a long photobleaching lifetime. -- Using PF555, the research team was able to observe biological processes that were previously untraceable, including endocytosis and protein interactions. -- Their findings revealed that the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) -- a key regulator of cell growth and differentiation -- exists in two distinct states: one in which it remains trapped within Clathrin-Coated Structures (CCS) on the cell membrane, and another where it moves around its surroundings.	A01 T01	1,121
2508-T009	Uniform Perovskite Nanocrystals: A Breakthrough In Semiconductor Production	Researchers from POSTECH have developed a new method for producing uniform perovskite nanocrystals, crucial for the advancement of optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough addresses the limitations of conventional synthesis techniques, streamlining the manufacturing process for materials like LEDs and solar cells. Enhanced control over nanocrystal properties could significantly accelerate their commercial viability in various applications.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	ACS Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professors Young-Ki Kim and Yong-Young Noh at POSTECH has developed a groundbreaking method for synthesizing perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs), a next-generation semiconductor material, in a more uniform and efficient manner. This study is expected to serve as a key breakthrough in overcoming the complexities of conventional synthesis methods and accelerating the commercialization of various optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells, that utilize nanocrystals. -- This study was conducted by Professor Young-Ki Kim and Professor Yong-Young Noh from the Department of Chemical Engineering at POSTECH, along with Ph.D. candidate Jun-Hyung Im, Dr. Myeonggeun Han (Samsung Electronics), and Dr. Jisoo Hong (Princeton University). The research was recently published in 'ACS Nano', an international journal in the field of nanotechnology. -- PNCs have great potential in next-generation solar cells and high-efficiency displays, as their ability to absorb and emit light can be precisely controlled based on particle size and shape through the 'quantum confinement effect.' However, conventional methods used to synthesize PNCs such as 'hot-injection' and 'ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP)' have limitations in producing uniformly sized and shaped particles due to high synthesis temperatures and complex experimental conditions. -- As a result, additional processing steps were required to obtain particles with the desired properties, which in turn reduced productivity and restricted industrial applications. -- The POSTECH research team has developed a synthesis method that precisely controls the size and shape of PNCs using a 'liquid crystal(LC)' as an antisolvent in the LARP method. -- LC is an intermediate phase of matter that possesses both liquid-like fluidity and crystal-like long-range molecular ordering. -- In LC phases, molecules are aligned to a preferred orientation (defined by the director), which leads to elasticity. -- Therefore, when an external force is applied to an LC medium, LC molecules are reoriented, producing considerable elastic strains. -- Inspired by this property, the team precisely controlled the growth of PNCs by simply replacing the antisolvent in the conventional LARP method with LC while maintaining the other synthesis conditions. -- The elastic strains of LCs restricted the growth of PNCs upon reaching the extrapolation length (ξ) of LCs, enabling mass production of uniformly sized PNCs without the need for additional purification processes.	C01 T01	1,122
2509-E035	Engineers Leverage Aluminum To Boost Water Electrolysis Catalyst Performance	A POSTECH research team has made significant strides in hydrogen production by using aluminum in catalysts for water electrolysis, challenging previous notions about aluminum's corrosiveness. Their findings, published as a cover paper in a prestigious journal, highlight the potential of aluminum as a key material in clean hydrogen energy applications, setting the stage for more sustainable energy solutions.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	ACS Catalysis	Press Rel	PubMed	Aluminum (Al) has been considered as a material susceptible to corrosion, but it will become key to core technology in producing clean hydrogen energy. Recently, a POSTECH research team succeeded in dramatically improving the performance of hydrogen production catalysts using this unstable metal. -- This research was conducted by the team of: Professor Yong-Tae Kim of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Graduate Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology at POSTECH; Dr. Sang-Moon Jung of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ph.D. candidate Byeong-Jo Lee, and professor Seoin Back's team of Sogang University. -- The research was recognized for its excellence and was published as the cover paper of "ACS Catalysis," an academic journal published by the American Chemical Society (ACS). -- Hydrogen is being spotlighted as a clean energy source replacing fossil fuels, and water electrolysis all of which is used to mass produce hydrogen using water. -- In particular, researches on alkaline water electrolysis using alkaline solution as an electrolyte are being actively conducted, as it is cost-effective and suitable for mass production. -- Water electrolysis requires a catalyst that accelerates 2 important reactions. -- One of them is "hydrogen evolution reaction" (HER), which produces hydrogen gas (H2) by combining hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons. -- Another one is "oxygen evolution reaction" (OER), which produces oxygen gas (O2) as hydroxyl ions (OH-) lose electrons. -- However, nickel-iron (Ni-Fe) is a based catalyst mainly used in oxygen production reaction; it has had difficulties in commercializing due to its lack of activity and durability. -- The research team solved the problem using aluminum. Aluminum is generally known to be easily corroded in alkaline environments, but the research team overcame the problem by designing it to form a stable structure on the surface of an electrode.	T01	1,123
2511-103	3D Bioprinting Technology Revolutionizes Diabetes Treatment	A team from Pohang University has developed a revolutionary diabetes treatment platform using 3D bioprinting and bioink derived from pancreatic tissue. This innovative approach seeks to replicate pancreatic functions, addressing the challenges in producing functional insulin-secreting cells for effective diabetes therapy.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Jinah Jang from the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences, IT Convergence Engineering, and the Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), along with Myungji Kim, an Ph.D. candidate in the Division of interdisciplinary bioscience and bioengineering (i-bio) have successfully developed an innovative platform for diabetes treatment using bioink derived from pancreatic tissue and 3D bioprinting technology. This study was recently published online in Nature Communications. -- Diabetes is a metabolic disorder caused by dysfunction in the pancreas, the organ responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. -- Within the pancreas, islet cells secrete insulin to lower blood sugar. -- However, producing these cells for therapeutic use has proven extremely challenging. -- While stem cells offer a promising route to generating islets in vitro, recreating the exact microenvironment and vascular niche they need to function -- similar to that of a real pancreas -- has been a major obstacle. -- Islet cells regulate insulin secretion through interactions with surrounding components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular cells. -- The POSTECH team developed a specialized bioink called PINE (Peri-islet Niche-like ECM), which includes ECM and basement membrane proteins -- such as laminin and collagen IV -- partially extracted from actual pancreatic tissue. -- Leveraging 3D bioprinting technology, the team then fabricated the Human Islet-like Cellular Aggregates and Vasculature (HICA-V) platform. -- The HICA-V platform precisely arranges stem cell-derived islet cells alongside vascular structures, closely mimicking the architecture of a real endocrine pancreas. -- Islet cells cultured within the HICA-V platform demonstrated increased insulin production and binding protein expression, exhibiting functional characteristics comparable to native islets.	A01 H01 R01	1,124
2511-T004	Nano-Spring Coating Enhances Battery Energy Density And Durability	Researchers led by Professor Kyu-Young Park have developed a groundbreaking nano-spring coating for electric vehicle batteries, significantly improving both durability and energy density. This innovation addresses critical performance issues associated with the expansion and contraction of battery materials during charging cycles, which can lead to degradation over time. The study, published in ACS Nano, highlights a promising avenue for enhancing the longevity and efficiency of EV battery technology.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	ACS Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Kyu-Young Park from the Institute of Ferrous & Eco Materials Technology, Department of Materials Science & Engineering, POSTECH conducted joint research with Samsung SDI, Northwestern University, and Chung-Ang University research team to develop technology that will dramatically increase the lifespan and energy density of electric vehicle (EV) battery. This research was recently published in ACS Nano online, an international academic journal of materials. -- An electric-vehicle battery must maintain its performance while repeatedly being charged and discharged. -- However, the current technology has one big issue: the charging and discharging process causes the battery's positive active materials to expand and contract repeatedly, causing microscopic cracks within. -- As the time goes, the battery performance drastically decreases. -- To prevent this, researchers are increasing strength of the cathode active materials or by adding reinforcement dopant, but these could not become a fundamental solution. -- The key to this research is the 'nano-spring coating' technology that can design elastic structures. -- The research team im\plemented a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on the surface of battery electrode materials. -- This absorbed strain energy generated from the charging and discharging process, preventing cracks, and minimizing thickness changes in electrodes to improve stability. -- The team successfully and effectively suppressed cracks within the battery and simultaneously improving its lifespan and performance. -- This technology allows you to minimize resistance caused by volume changes of the material with only a small amount (0.5wt%, weight percentage) of conductive material.	H01 R01 C01 N02	1,125
2512-087	Precision Protein Modification Technique Revolutionizes Cancer Research	A research team from POSTECH has introduced an innovative method for precisely modifying proteins in complex biological environments. This technique overcomes limitations of existing bio-conjugation methods and could advance disease diagnosis and drug development by enabling targeted modifications without compromising protein function.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Seung Soo Oh and Dr. Hyesung Jo from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has developed an innovative technique that enables precise modification of specific proteins within complex biological environments. Their pioneering work has been featured as a Supplementary Cover in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). -- Proteins are essential components of our bodies and play crucial roles in disease diagnosis and treatment research. -- Bio-conjugation techniques utilizing proteins, such as attaching fluorescent markers to identify cancer cells, are actively advancing disease diagnosis and drug development research. -- However, existing methods have significant limitations -- they often apply only to a narrow range of proteins, require genetic modifications, or risk damaging protein function due to non-specific modifications. -- Most challenging of all has been the selective modification of specific proteins in live biological systems. -- To address these challenges, the research team discovered a novel approach. -- They developed a technique that combines deoxyoxanosine (dOxa) with aptamers, nucleic acid-based molecular recognition agents, enabling precise modification of desired sites on specific proteins. -- Using this method, the team successfully attached dOxa to just one of 45 possible reactive sites on a target protein. -- The dOxa compound proved approximately one million times more stable than conventional biomodification reagents (NHS ester), remaining stable for over a month at room temperature and achieving nearly 100% conjugation efficiency within four hours in biological environments. -- Notably, the researchers succeeded in bio-orthogonal labeling of two key cancer biomarker proteins -- PTK7 and nucleolin -- in living cells.	A01 R01	1,126
2512-T036	Introducing A Flexible, Shape-Morphing OLED Panel With Integrated Speaker Technology	A team at POSTECH has developed a groundbreaking smartphone-sized OLED panel that can morph its shape while also functioning as a speaker. This pioneering technology, led by Professor Su Seok Choi, showcases advancements in flexible electronics, overcoming design limitations in current devices while maintaining a lightweight, ultra-thin profile.	Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)	npj Flexible Electronics	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology) has developed the world's first smartphone-type OLED panel that can freely transform its shape while simultaneously functioning as a speaker -- all without sacrificing its ultra-thin, flexible properties. This pioneering study, led by Professor Su Seok Choi from the Department of Electrical Engineering and conducted by PhD candidates Jiyoon Park, Junhyuk Shin, Inpyo Hong, Sanghyun Han, and Dr. Seungmin Nam, was published in the March online edition of npj Flexible Electronics, an international journal by Springer Nature. -- Overcoming Limitations of Current Flexible Displays -- As the display industry rapidly advances toward flexible technologies -- bendable, foldable, rollable, and stretchable -- most implementations still rely on mechanical structures such as hinges, sliders, or motorized arms. -- While these allow for shape adjustment, they also result in increased thickness, added weight, and limited form factor design. -- These drawbacks are particularly restrictive for smartphones and wearable electronics, where compactness and eleganceare critical. -- Moreover, for immersive user experiences, current devices often require separate speaker modules, further increasing device complexity and volume. -- The integration of both shape adaptability and audio functionality has remained a significant challenge -- until now. -- Take bendable displays as a case in point. While they can adjust screen curvature to improve viewing immersion and reduce distortion, most current designs, such as those showcased at MWC 2024, achieve transformation via mechanically forced U-shaped bends. -- Their flexibility is limited, and they continue to rely on external components for both movement and sound output. -- POSTECH's Breakthrough: Shape Transformation and Sound Integration	T01	1,127
2501-027	Microplastics Found In Seafood Highlight Urgent Need For Pollution Reduction Strategies.	Research from Portland State University uncovers the alarming presence of microplastics in fish, emphasizing the need for strategies to combat microfiber pollution. The study highlights the importance of addressing this environmental issue, particularly as microplastics enter the food chain, posing risks to human health.	Portland State University	Frontiers in Toxicology	Press Rel	PubMed	The tiny particles that shed from clothing, packaging and other plastic products are winding up in the fish that people eat, according to a new study from Portland State researchers, highlighting a need for technologies and strategies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment. -- Building on previous research exploring the prevalence of microplastics in bivalves like Pacific oysters and razor clams, researchers in PSU's Applied Coastal Ecology Lab -- led by Elise Granek, professor of environmental science and management -- turned their focus to commonly eaten finfish and crustaceans. -- Summer Traylor, who graduated in 2022 with a master's in environmental management, led the project with assistance from undergraduate environmental science student Marilyn Duncan, who graduated in 2024. -- The team set out to fill in gaps about microplastic contamination in Oregon finfish and shellfish and better understand variations across trophic levels, which classify a fish's position in the food chain, and in pathways to consumers. -- Traylor's research helped her land a job working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) after graduating from PSU, and Duncan has plans to continue microplastics research in graduate school. -- The team quantified anthropogenic particles, materials produced or modified by humans, that they found in the edible tissue of six species that are economically or culturally important in Oregon: black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp. -- They compared particle concentrations across trophic levels and whether their position in the food web affected what and how much was contaminating their edible tissue as well as whether there were differences in samples acquired directly from research fishing vessels versus those from supermarkets and seafood vendors. -- Susanne Brander, an ecotoxicologist and associate professor in Oregon State University's College of Agricultural Sciences, helped analyze and validate a subsample of suspected plastics in her lab. -- The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Toxicology, found 1,806 suspected particles across 180 of 182 individual samples. -- Fibers were the most abundant, followed by fragments and films.	A01 H01 N01	1,128
2503-E025	Record Low Water Levels At Great Salt Lake Raise Environmental Concerns	Recent research from Portland State University highlights the alarming historic low levels of the Great Salt Lake in 2022, which raised significant environmental and economic concerns. The peer-reviewed study quantifies various factors contributing to this decline, revealing the critical roles of streamflow, precipitation, and increased evaporation due to higher temperatures. The lake's ecological significance, including its revenue contributions and importance for wildlife, underscores the urgency for effective management strategies to address these challenges.	Portland State University	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The Great Salt Lake, the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, reached historic low levels in 2022, raising economic, ecological and public health concerns for Utah. New research from Portland State is believed to be the first peer-reviewed study that quantifies the contributing factors to the record low water volume levels, which the researchers say is important for anticipating and managing future lake changes. -- "The lake has a lot of social and economic relevance for the region and Utah," said Siiri Bigalke, the lead author and a Ph.D. candidate in PSU's Earth, Environment and Society program who built on research she started while a master's student at Utah State University. "It provides over $1.9 billion in annual economic revenue, serves as a vital feeding ground for millions of migratory birds and enhances snowfall over the Wasatch Mountain Range" -- home to 11 world-class ski resorts which are a big reason why the 2034 Winter Olympics are returning to Salt Lake City. -- Bigalke and co-authors Paul Loikith, an associate professor of geography and director of PSU's Climate Science Lab, and Nick Siler, an associate professor in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University, developed and applied a model that simulates lake volume change year over year from water inputs primarily from streamflow into the lake and precipitation onto the lake and output from water evaporating off the lake. -- "We developed a model that created alternate scenarios where only one of the input or output variables changed as observed in order to isolate the relative contributions of streamflow, precipitation and evaporation to the record low volume in 2022," Bigalke said. -- The decline in lake levels leading up to 2022 has been widely attributed to low stream flows from the lake's three major tributaries, likely due to some combination of drought, water diversions, and climate change. However, the present study found that lower streamflows only accounted for about two-thirds of the total decline in lake volume. The rest primarily came from an increase in lake evaporation due to warmer temperatures, which will only get worse as temperatures continue to rise. -- "As the climate is warming, evaporation off the lake increases, so the contribution from warming to the evaporation is significant," Loikith said. "Without the warming trend, 2022 wouldn't have been record low. Even though streamflow is dominant, the increase in evaporation was necessary to reach the record low." -- The researchers said that the findings suggest that increased streamflow can lead to rapid volume recovery in the short term, but under continued warming, evaporation is expected to lead to additional long-term water loss. -- In addition to ecological and economic loss, the shrinking lake also poses health risks as a source of toxic dust for the 1.2 million people in the Salt Lake City metro region. -- "As the lake shrinks, it's exposing this dry lakebed that could possibly increase dust events into the metropolitan area, affecting the air quality for nearby residents," Bigalke said. -- The findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. The authors suggest further research into determining the degree to which local increasing evaporation, precipitation changes and/or human-caused diversions is affecting streamflow into the lake.	A01 C01 N01	1,129
2501-E010	Food Price Dynamics Differ In Poor And Wealthy Countries Amid Climate Policies.	A new study reveals that farmers receive a diminishing share of consumer food spending as modern food systems prioritize value-added processes. This disparity creates significant challenges for low-income countries in managing food price increases under agricultural climate policies, contrasting with wealthier nations.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	Nature Food	Press Rel	PubMed	Farmers are receiving less of what consumers spend on food, as modern food systems increasingly direct costs toward value-added components like processing, transport, and marketing. A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research PIK shows that this effect shapes how food prices respond to agricultural climate policies: While value-added components buffer consumer price changes in wealthier countries, low-income countries -- where farming costs dominate -- face greater challenges in managing food price increases due to climate policies. -- "In high-income countries like the U.S. or Germany, farmers receive less than a quarter of food spending, compared to over 70 percent in Sub-Saharan Africa, where farming costs make up a larger portion of food prices," says David Meng-Chuen Chen, PIK scientist and lead author of the study published in Nature Food. "This gap underscores how differently food systems function across regions." The researchers project that as economies develop and food systems industrialise, farmers will increasingly receive a smaller share of consumer spending, a measure known as the 'farm share' of the food dollar. -- "In wealthy countries, we increasingly buy processed products like bread, cheese or candy where raw ingredients make up just a small fraction of the cost," adds Benjamin Bodirsky, PIK scientist and author of the study. "The majority of the price is spent for processing, retail, marketing and transport. This also means that consumers are largely shielded from fluctuations in farm prices caused by climate policies such as taxes on pollution or restrictions on land expansion, but it also underscores how little farmers actually earn." -- Examining the full food value chain to uncover climate policy impacts -- To arrive at these conclusions, the team of scientists combined statistical and process-based modelling to assess food price components across 136 countries and 11 food groups. They studied prices of food both consumed at home and away from home. "Most models stop at farm costs, but we went all the way to the grocery store and even the restaurant or canteen," says Chen. By analysing the entire food value chain, the researchers also provide new insights into how greenhouse gas mitigation policies impact consumers: "Climate policies aimed at reducing emissions in agriculture often raise concerns about rising food prices, particularly for consumers. Our analysis shows that long supply chains of modern food systems buffer consumer prices from drastic increases, especially in wealthier countries," explains Chen. -- Climate policies impact consumers differently in wealthy and poor countries -- "Even under very ambitious climate policies with strong greenhouse gas pricing on farming activities the impact on consumer prices by the year 2050 would be far smaller in wealthier countries," Bodirsky says. Consumer food prices in richer countries would be 1.25 times higher with climate policies, even if producer prices are 2.73 times higher by 2050. In contrast, lower-income countries would see consumer food prices rise by a factor of 2.45 under ambitious climate policies by 2050, while producer prices would rise by a factor of 3.3. While even in lower-income countries consumer price rises are less pronounced than for farmers, it would still make it harder for people in lower-income countries to afford sufficient and healthy food. -- Despite food price inflation, poor consumers do not necessarily need to suffer from climate mitigation policies. A previous study by PIK (Soergel et al 2021) showed that if revenues from carbon pricing were used to support low-income households, these households would be net better off despite food price inflation, due to their higher incomes. -- "Climate policies might be challenging for consumers, farmers, and food producers in the short term, but they are essential for safeguarding agriculture and food systems in the long run," says Hermann Lotze-Campen, Head of Research Department "Climate Resilience" at PIK and author of the study. "Without ambitious climate policies and emission reductions, much larger impacts of unabated climate change, such as crop harvest failures and supply chain disruptions, are likely to drive food prices even higher. Climate policies should be designed to include mechanisms that help producers and consumers to transition smoothly, such as fair carbon pricing, financial support for vulnerable regions and population groups, and investments in sustainable farming practices."	A01 H01 C01	1,130
2502-E011	Climate Fees On Food Could Help Cut Emissions And Support Low-Income Households	A study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research reveals that implementing a climate fee on greenhouse gas-intensive foods could significantly lower emissions in German agriculture while generating over 8.2 billion Euros annually. By redistributing these funds through a lump-sum compensation scheme, the financial burden on households, particularly those with lower incomes, could be eased, fostering sustainable consumption and contributing to climate targets set by the government for 2030.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	Food Policy	Press Rel	PubMed	Greenhouse gas emissions in German agriculture could be significantly reduced in a socially equitable way through a climate fee on food, combined with climate dividends. This is the key finding of a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). The study suggests that pricing greenhouse gas-intensive foods could help meet climate targets for agriculture while generating over 8.2 billion Euros annually. If these funds were redistributed to households through a lump-sum compensation scheme, it would ease the financial burden on households, especially those with lower incomes and at the same time encourage sustainable consumption. -- Agriculture accounts for 8 percent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Germany. -- "However, emissions within this sector, could be reduced by 22.5 percent or over 15 million tonnes of GHG annually, if the social cost of carbon were reflected in food prices," says Julian Schaper, guest scientist at PIK and lead author of the study published in the journal Food Policy. -- In the Federal Climate Change Act passed in 2019, the government set itself the goal of reducing annual emissions from the current 62 million tonnes to 56 Mt GHG by 2030. -- The social cost of carbon is an estimate of the economic damages that would result from emitting one additional tonne of carbon into the atmosphere in the future. -- Emission-intensive products such as meat and dairy would be most affected by such a climate fee of around 200 euros per tonne GHG, while prices for more sustainable products would rise less: Yoghurt and milk would increase by about 25 cents per kilogram, while beef prices could rise by over 4 euros/kg. -- Using a demand model that provides a detailed and representative picture of how German households respond to price changes, the researchers assessed the effects of GHG pricing on consumption and associated emissions. -- "Households would tend to buy more food that is less carbon-intensive on average, such as vegetables. A climate fee would not only directly benefit climate protection, but could also encourage sustainable consumption," explains PIK scientist Max Franks, author of the study. -- In the researchers' model, the 8.2 billion euros generated by the climate fee are returned to consumers as a climate dividend, providing substantial relief to lower-income households, while wealthier households would bear slightly higher costs. -- "This form of redistribution helps to create a social balance that can promote the acceptance of such measures," Franks continues.	H01	1,131
2502-E042	Green Hydrogen Production Remains Low Despite Global Strategies And High Ambitions	A new study highlights the challenges of scaling up green hydrogen production, revealing that only a fraction of announced projects have materialized due to high costs and lack of market readiness. Researchers advocate for realistic policies and demand-side strategies to close the gap between ambitions and actual hydrogen production, emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	Nature Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	In recent years, more than 60 countries have developed strategies to stimulate the market ramp-up of hydrogen, particularly in the industrial sector. However, in 2023, less than ten percent of the originally announced green hydrogen production was realised, shows a new study published in the journal Nature Energy. The main reason: hydrogen remains expensive and there is little willingness to pay. Adrian Odenweller and Falko Ueckerdt from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) determine this competitiveness gap for all 1232 globally announced hydrogen projects. They advocate for a robust political strategy that is based on realistic expectations for hydrogen and closes the implementation gap. -- "Over the past three years, global project announcements for green hydrogen have almost tripled," says PIK researcher and lead author Adrian Odenweller. "However, only seven percent of the production capacity originally announced for 2023 has been completed on time during this period." According to the study, the recent problems with the market ramp-up of green hydrogen can be attributed to increased costs, a lack of willingness to pay on the demand side and uncertainties about future subsidies and regulation. -- "Enormous additional subsidies of around one trillion US dollars would be required to realise all announced hydrogen projects by 2030," explains Falko Ueckerdt from PIK, "Green hydrogen will continue to have difficulties meeting the high expectations in the future due to a lack of competitiveness." However, permanent subsidies are not a solution. The two researchers therefore recommend using demand-side instruments such as binding quotas to channel green hydrogen specifically into sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as aviation, steel or chemicals. For example, according to an EU regulation, 1.2 percent of all aviation fuels must be blended with synthetic fuels based on hydrogen from 2030. This quota is set to rise to 35 percent by 2050. -- Subsidy requirements far exceed announced global subsidies -- In their study, the researchers quantify three key gaps between theory and practice: the past implementation gap, the future ambition gap and the future implementation gap. The first results from the difference between originally announced hydrogen projects and the projects actually realised in 2023. The ambition gap refers to the discrepancy between the amount of hydrogen that would be required by 2030 according to 1.5-degree scenarios and the projects currently announced by 2030. Although announced hydrogen projects are sufficient for the majority of the scenarios analysed, a wide implementation gap remains: The subsidies required to realise all projects by 2030 far exceed the global public financial support announced to date. -- The study is based on a global and manually verified project database with 1232 green hydrogen projects announced until 2030. For each of the 14 designated end uses of the projects, the authors calculate the competitiveness gap between the green product and its fossil competitor. Together with the volume and the timing of the project announcements, this yields the subsidies required to realise all projects by 2030. -- The researchers warn against fossil lock-ins, which could tie companies to fossil fuels and thus endanger climate targets. In the long term, a transition to technology-neutral market mechanisms such as carbon pricing is crucial in order to limit public costs and ensure a level playing field with other climate mitigation options. They therefore recommend a robust strategy that supports hydrogen projects in the short term through direct subsidies and demand-side regulation, but is based on realistic expectations for hydrogen.	R01	1,132
2506-E022	Mapping Climate Policy Research: 85,000 Studies Highlight Gaps And Trends	A recent study indicates a rapid increase in climate policy research, with a significant number of studies published since 2020. Conducted by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, this research utilizes machine learning to map existing studies by policy instrument, country, and sector, identifying critical research gaps. A new web tool, known as the 'living systematic map,' aims to guide scientific inquiry and inform policymakers, facilitating a deeper understanding of effective climate action strategies across different regions.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	npj Climate Action	Press Rel	PubMed	Research on climate policy is growing exponentially. Of the approximately 85,000 individual studies ever published on policy instruments for mitigating global heating, a good quarter are from 2020 or later. A study led by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) in the journal npj Climate Action, using machine learning methods, now shows how this vast knowledge is distributed -- by instrument, country, sector and policy level -- and identifies research gaps. A corresponding web tool, the "living systematic map," will help to guide science and policy. It will be continuously updated to reflect the current state of research. -- "Rather than directly providing answers to questions about the effects of climate policies, this study displays an overview of what has actually been scientifically studied so far," explains Max Callaghan, PIK researcher and lead author of the study. -- "On the one hand, this informs existing gaps and thus directions for primary research, including through funding. On the other hand, this overview facilitates evidence synthesis work, i.e. the summarisation of the state of knowledge for governments, for example in the IPCC Assessment Reports." -- The study shows, among other things, that climate protection policies in the two countries with the largest greenhouse gas emissions -- China and the USA -- are the subject of particularly intensive research. -- By contrast, Africa still offers plenty of scope for new insights, with the lowest ratio of research work to enacted policies. -- The study also identifies a research gap for some smaller countries with particularly impressive emission reductions, namely Greece, Denmark and Iceland. -- An analysis by policy instrument shows that economic instruments -- and carbon pricing in particular -- attract significant research, but that there is a global research gap when it comes to regulatory instruments such as standards or bans. -- The study warns against "blind spots," for example with regard to the complementary benefits of such instruments when used in combination with pricing instruments. -- There is also a research gap with respect to the industrial sector: it accounts for 23 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, 13 percent of implemented climate protection policies, but only 8 percent of the research. -- To cope with the enormous volume of individual studies, the research team used so-called machine learning models.	C01	1,133
2506-E053	Potential Risks Of Climate Plantations In Reaching Carbon Emission Goals	New research examines 'climate plantations'—fast-growing crops that capture and store carbon dioxide—but warns against their potential risks to biosphere stability. The study estimates that such methods could remove less than 200 million tonnes of CO2 by 2050, suggesting reliance on existing agricultural land and a shift towards less animal-centric food systems. This analysis highlights the need to balance carbon removal strategies with planetary boundaries to prevent ecological harm.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Under the study's assumptions regarding the productivity of the plant species -- no new varieties over time, medium climate change -- the potential outside of existing agricultural land is less than 200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide removal in 2050. This is significantly less than assumed in many climate scenarios. It means that if we want to rely on this method of carbon removal, rather than on potential alternatives such as air filter systems or enhanced rock weathering, we will need to use existing agricultural land. This is only feasible if our food system changes and, among other things, focuses less on animal products. -- The research team starts from the concept of planetary boundaries, developed in 2009 under the leadership of the current PIK Director Johan Rockström. The boundaries represent the critical limits of nine processes that form the basis of human life, from the climate, to the state of forests and oceans, to biodiversity. -- As the first planetary health check published by PIK recently showed, six boundaries have already been breached. -- Four of them are land-related and thus relevant for allocation and management of climate plantations: they concern nitrogen input from fertilisation, the freshwater cycle, deforestation and the loss of biosphere integrity caused for example by a decline in biodiversity. -- The new study provides the first systematic, process-based modelling of how BECCS potential is constrained if these critical limits were not to be further exceeded. -- "Our computer simulation is one of the most sophisticated applications of the PIK-developed biosphere model to date," explains Wolfgang Lucht, head of the Earth System Analysis research department and a co-author of the study. -- "It provides an important insight into the current climate debate, in view of the fact that the 1.5 degree limit is currently being exceeded: in our response to the climate crisis, we must not only look at the CO2 balance of public policies, but also keep an eye on other planetary boundaries. Ultimately, the resilience of the Earth system depends on a multitude of interrelated processes." The study was part of the four-year EU project NEGEM on responsible negative emissions. -- Theoretically, if all biophysically suitable areas outside of today's agriculture were converted, the potential for carbon removal through climate plantations would be significantly higher than assumed in most climate scenarios. -- These scenarios assume an average of around 7.5 billion tonnes of carbon removal in 2050 -- just to limit global heating to 2 rather than 1.5 degrees -- often with BECCS as the central technology. -- However, if the planetary boundaries are taken into account, the picture is reversed: the billions of tonnes are far from achievable with this technology.	H01 C01 N01 N02 T01	1,134
2513-E005	Forests Face Increased Risks To Carbon Storage Amid Climate Change And Deforestation	New research from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research highlights the risks posed to carbon storage in forests due to climate change and deforestation. This study warns that overlooking forests' declining capacity to absorb CO2 could hinder the achievement of Paris agreement targets, stressing the urgency for immediate action to protect these vital ecosystems.	Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In the past, intact forests absorbed 7.8 billion tonnes of CO2 annually -- about a fifth of all human emissions -- but their carbon storage is increasingly at risk from climate change and human activities such as deforestation. A new study from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) shows that failing to account for the potentially decreasing ability of forests to absorb CO2 could make reaching the Paris agreement targets significantly harder, if not impossible, and much more costly. -- "Delaying action leads to disproportionately higher costs," explains Michael Windisch, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications and PIK guest scientist. -- "Right now, our climate strategies bet on forests not only remaining intact, but even expanding," Windisch says. -- "However, with escalating wildfires like in California, and continued deforestation in the Amazon, that's a gamble. Climate change itself puts forests' immense carbon stores at risk." According to the study, postponing action to reduce emissions and to protect and monitor forests could jeopardise climate targets. -- "We must act immediately to safeguard the carbon stored in forests," Windisch emphasises. -- "Otherwise, compensating for potential forest carbon losses through steeper emissions cuts in key emission sectors like energy, industry and transport will become increasingly expensive and possibly unattainable." -- Considering forest carbon losses in climate mitigation pathways -- The study analysed how climate targets can be met despite forests' reduced capacity for storing carbon. -- The authors used REMIND-MAgPIE -- an integrated global land and water use modelling as well as an energy-economy modelling system -- together with the global vegetation model LPJmL to evaluate how natural disturbances and human impacts on forests influence the feasibility of achieving climate mitigation goals. -- The research team compared a foresighted policy response with various delayed and myopic approaches.	H02 C01 N02	1,135
2503-034	Copper Chelation May Target Specific Lung Cancers By Addressing Copper Imbalances	Princeton University's Chang Lab is exploring the role of copper imbalances in lung cancers, identifying a novel treatment approach through copper chelation. Their research shows that certain lung cancer cells exhibit heightened oxidative stress responses while lacking bioavailable copper, suggesting that targeting these vulnerabilities could lead to effective therapies. This work highlights the lab's commitment to understanding metal nutrients in human biology and cancer treatment.	Princeton University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The Chang Lab at Princeton Chemistry continues in its mission to elucidate the role of metal nutrients in human biology: last year, iron; this year, copper. The lab's first paper of 2025 showcases its development of a revelatory sensing probe for the detection of copper in human cells and then wields it to uncover how copper may be regulating cell growth in lung cancer. -- Researchers also offer a possible treatment modality in which copper chelation shows promising results in certain lung cancers where cells have two related phenomena: a heightened transcription factor responding to oxidative stress and a diminished level of bioavailable copper. -- Their collaborative paper, A histochemical approach to activity-based copper sensing reveals cuproplasia-dependent vulnerabilities in cancer, was published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It follows on the heels of a companion July 2024 paper focusing on iron. -- Together, the research cements the lab's ongoing authority in transition metal signaling. -- In this latest work, the lab's histochemical, activity-based sensing probe was deployed on a panel of human tumor cell lines from the National Cancer Institute to identify cell types with elevated levels of copper. -- Copper is essential to health. But copper imbalances have long been implicated in cancer cell growth and other disease states. -- The goldilocks balance in all mammals is so vulnerable to disruption that tools to track and assess the onset of copper-dependent cell growth, or cuproplasia, are in high demand. -- "Copper is one of the most important metal nutrients for health. It's consumed in the diet, so it's really nature versus nurture because every cell in every organism in every kingdom of life needs it," said Christopher Chang, the Edward and Virginia Taylor Professor of Bioorganic Chemistry. -- "When you think about diseases as complicated as cancer, you really want to understand the fundamentals of what causes an individual cell or collection of cells to live or die. And then you want to bring it back to something that you would use to block or kill that excess growth. -- "What we need are more sophisticated biomarkers, and that's the direction we've taken with this technology. We wanted a method that you could inject in many cell types in parallel, or inject in tissue, and then isolate cancer cells of different types and see which ones had a large or small dependence on cuproplasia."	H01 H02 R01 N01	1,136
2504-E032	Common Plastic Pigment Sparks New Insights Into Effective Plastic Degradation Techniques	A pioneering study has highlighted the potential of carbon black, a common pigment in plastics, to facilitate the recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene through photothermal conversion. This innovative technique could revolutionize plastic waste management by optimizing depolymerization processes for commonly discarded materials.	Princeton University	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	It turns out that the black plastic lid atop your coffee cup has a superpower. And the Stache Lab at Princeton Chemistry, which uncovered it, is exploiting that property to recycle at least two major types of plastic. -- Their startling mechanism for promoting depolymerization relies on an additive that many plastics already contain: a pigment called carbon black that gives plastic its black color. -- Through a process called photothermal conversion, intense light is focused on plastic containing the pigment that jumpstarts the degradation. -- So far, researchers have shown that carbon black can depolymerize polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), two of the least recycled plastics in the planet's waste stream. -- Through a process called photothermal conversion, intense light is focused on plastic containing the pigment that jumpstarts the degradation. -- Two recent papers highlight the potential. First, in ACS Central Science at the end of last year, there was a proof-of concept for the depolymerization of polystyrene using a common Fresnel lens to focus photonic energy. -- Then, earlier this month, the lab published their method to upcycle PVC in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS). -- In both cases, carbon black serves as the trigger of the breakdown, a quality Assistant Professor of Chemistry Erin Stache discovered recently and that even industrial partners she has spoken with were unaware of. The lab's method has since been tried out on such post-consumer waste as PVC pipes, black construction pipes, trash bags, credit cards, even those ubiquitous yellow rubber duckies. -- "The surprising thing, especially with the black polystyrene depolymerization, is that they've been manufacturing these materials for decades and it seems no one recognized that this was possible," said Stache. -- "Under ambient sunlight, the energy is not sufficient to break down these polymers. But if you increase the light intensity enough, then you start seeing the depolymerization.	C01	1,137
2507-T038	Chemists Develop Safe, Sustainable Sodium-Ion Battery Technology As Alternative	Chemists have developed a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries by creating sodium-ion batteries with organic, high-energy cathode materials. This innovation addresses challenges related to lithium sourcing and production costs, signaling a potential shift towards safer and more sustainable energy storage solutions for a wide range of applications.	Princeton University	Princeton University	Press Rel	PubMed	For decades, scientists have sought ways to counter our dependence on lithium-ion batteries. These traditional, rechargeable batteries energize today's most ubiquitous consumer electronics -- from laptops to cell phones to electric cars. But raw lithium is expensive and is often sourced through fragile geopolitical networks. -- This month, the Dincă Group announces an exciting alternative that relies on an organic, high-energy cathode material to make sodium-ion batteries, advancing the likelihood that this technology will find commercialization with safe, cheaper, more sustainable components. -- While scientists have made some progress with sodium-ion batteries, hurdles arise largely because of their low energy density: they have shorter battery-run times relative to their size. -- High power density, which relates to output, also factors into their performance. -- Achieving high energy density and high power density simultaneously has been an ongoing challenge for alternative batteries. -- But the cathode material put forward by the Dincă Group, a layered organic solid called bis-tetraaminobenzoquinone (TAQ), outperforms traditional lithium-ion cathodes in both energy and power densities in a technology that is truly scalable. -- Their research has potential for large-scale energy storage applications like data centers, power grids, and commercial-scale renewable energy systems, in addition to electric vehicles. -- "Everyone understands the challenges that come with having limited resources for something as important as batteries, and lithium certainly qualifies as 'limited' in a number of ways," said Mircea Dincă, the Alexander Stewart 1886 Professor of Chemistry. -- "It's always better to have a diversified portfolio for these materials. Sodium is literally everywhere. For us, going after batteries that are made with really abundant resources like the organic matter and seawater is among our greatest research dreams. -- "Energy density is something on a lot of people's minds because you can equate it with how much juice you get in a battery. The more energy density you have, the farther your car goes before you have to recharge it. We've answered quite emphatically that the new material we developed has the largest energy density, certainly on a per kilogram basis, and competes with the best materials out there even on a volumetric basis.	T01	1,138
2501-E029	Soil Bacteria Manipulate Plant Growth And Defense Balance	Engineers at Princeton University have discovered that certain soil bacteria can influence a plant's growth and immune balance by producing an enzyme that reduces immune activity. This interaction allows roots to grow longer but raises questions about how beneficial bacteria interact with plant defenses. Their findings contribute to understanding the complex relationship between microbiomes and host immune systems, offering insights into agricultural practices.	Princeton University, Engineering School	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	To stay healthy, plants balance the energy they put into growing with the amount they use to defend against harmful bacteria. The mechanisms behind this equilibrium have largely remained mysterious. -- Now, engineers at Princeton have found an answer in an unexpected place: the harmless, or sometimes beneficial, bacteria that cluster around plants' roots. -- In an article published Dec. 24 in the journal Cell Reports, researchers showed that some types of soil bacteria can influence a plant's balance of growth and defense. -- The bacteria produce an enzyme that can lower a plant's immune activity and allow its roots to grow longer than they would otherwise. -- "This is trying to get at a really big biological question where there are not good answers -- about how microbiomes interface with host immune systems," said senior study author Jonathan Conway, an assistant professor of chemical and biological engineering. -- "It's a small step in the direction of trying to understand how microbes live on hosts -- either plants or humans or other animals -- all the time and don't activate our immune responses constantly." -- To search for immune-balancing bacteria, Conway's team turned to plants that were engineered to have heightened immune responses to a protein that makes up the threadlike appendages, called flagella, that allow bacteria to swim. -- The protein that makes up flagella, called flagellin, is a potent trigger of immune responses in hosts from plants to humans. -- The researchers grew seedlings of Arabidopsis -- a small plant in the mustard family that's commonly used in plant research -- from a line that was engineered to produce high levels of flagellin-sensing immune receptor in its roots. -- When grown on plates containing the piece of flagellin that activates this receptor, the seedlings' roots are short and stubby, since their energy is directed toward immunity more than growth.	N01 N02	1,139
2501-E034	Groundwater Pathways Mapped: Discovering The Journey Of Raindrops Across Continents.	A groundbreaking simulation by researchers at Princeton University and the University of Arizona has created a comprehensive map of underground water across the continental U.S. The study outlines the complex paths that groundwater takes, offering critical insights for managing water resources and understanding the impacts of climate change.	Princeton University, Engineering School	Nature Water	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Princeton University and the University of Arizona have created a simulation that maps underground water on a continental scale. The result of three years' work studying groundwater from coast to coast, the findings plot the unseen path that each raindrop or melted snowflake takes before reemerging in freshwater streams, following water from land surface to depths far below and back up again, emerging up to 100 miles away, after spending from 10 to 100,000 years underground. -- The simulation, published Jan. 6 in the journal Nature Water, shows that rainfall and snowmelt flow much farther underground than previously understood and that more than half the water in streams and rivers originates from aquifers once thought to be so deep as to be walled off from streams. -- These unexpected findings have major implications for tracking pollution and predicting the effects of climate change on groundwater, which supplies half of all drinking water in the United States. -- Spanning the continental United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, the simulation tracks the flow of groundwater and measures the vast distances and depths it travels before discharging into streams across more than 3 million square miles (7.85 million square kilometers). The researchers accomplished this with a high-resolution hydrological simulation that allowed them to track the water moving through underground systems. -- The research team included Reed Maxwell, Princeton's William and Edna Macaleer Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and a professor at Princeton's High Meadows Environmental Institute; Chen Yang, a former associate research scholar at Princeton (now at Sun Yat-sen University in China); and University of Arizona professor Laura Condon. -- They found that groundwater can travel underground for hundreds of kilometers before emerging as streamflow. -- In the Midwest, groundwater flows long distances -- especially where the mountains meet the plains. -- One groundwater flow along the base of the Rocky Mountains spanned 148 miles (238 kilometers). The study also revealed groundwater's vast connection networks: Almost 90% of U.S. watersheds take in water from one neighbor and pass it to another. -- The findings bear staggering implications. While out of sight, groundwater constitutes 99% of the world's unfrozen fresh water and provides drinking water to 145 million Americans. -- It is also essential to our food supply, irrigating 60% of agriculture worldwide.	A01 H01 C01	1,140
2501-T009	AI Innovations Revolutionize Wireless Chip Design Efficiency And Cost	Engineers at Princeton University and the Indian Institute of Technology have leveraged artificial intelligence to streamline the design process for wireless chips, significantly reducing time and costs. This AI-driven methodology enables the creation of complex microchip designs in hours rather than weeks, addressing the increasing demand for enhanced wireless performance. Their findings could revolutionize how wireless technologies are developed and improve functionalities in various applications.	Princeton University, Engineering School	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Specialized microchips that manage signals at the cutting edge of wireless technology are astounding works of miniaturization and engineering. They're also difficult and expensive to design. -- Now, researchers at Princeton Engineering and the Indian Institute of Technology have harnessed artificial intelligence to take a key step toward slashing the time and cost of designing new wireless chips and discovering new functionalities to meet expanding demands for better wireless speed and performance. -- In an article published Dec. 30 in Nature Communications, the researchers describe their methodology, in which an AI creates complicated electromagnetic structures and associated circuits in microchips based on the design parameters. -- What used to take weeks of highly skilled work can now be accomplished in hours. -- What is more, the AI behind the new system has produced strange new designs featuring unusual patterns of circuitry. -- Kaushik Sengupta, the lead researcher, said the designs were unintuitive and unlikely to be developed by a human mind. -- But they frequently offer marked improvements over even the best standard chips. -- "We are coming up with structures that are complex and looks random shaped and when connected with circuits, they create previously unachievable performance. Humans cannot really understand them, but they can work better," said Sengupta, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and co-director of NextG, Princeton's industry partnership program to develop next-generation communications. -- These circuits can be engineered towards more energy efficient operation or to make them operable across an enormous frequency range that is not currently possible. -- Furthermore, the method synthesizes inherently complex structures in minutes, while conventional algorithms may take weeks.	T01	1,141
2501-T031	Low-Cost Communication Systems Revolutionize Data Sharing In Industrial Machines	Researchers have developed a low-power, cost-effective technology that enables efficient information sharing among numerous devices using high-frequency signals. This advancement in wireless communication could transform applications in smart cities and industrial settings by improving monitoring and reducing energy consumption.	Princeton University, Engineering School	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have found a low-power, inexpensive way for large numbers of devices, such as machines in factories and equipment in labs, to share information by efficiently using signals at untapped high frequencies. -- The technology could immediately enable low-cost, efficient real-time monitoring in industrial settings, such as tracking the condition of manufacturing robots or detecting gas leaks in refineries, by eliminating the need for power-hungry signal transmitters. The researchers said that with some engineering improvements, the technology could be used for large-scale applications like smart cities and agriculture. -- The technology is an advanced version of a device that transmits data in a wireless system, commonly known as a tag. The new tag can support data transmission for a large network of devices using a technique called backscattering. This is where a central reader sends a signal to a sensor tag to gather information, and the tag reflects this ambient signal directly back to the reader. Backscattering is already used in simple systems like smart payment and building entry cards, but until now has only been possible at low frequencies. -- The low frequency limit poses a problem when many devices try to communicate at the same time because when more signals are introduced, they are more likely to run into one another and get jumbled up. Conventional backscatter designs also have slow communication speeds, as lower frequency signals have limitations on how much information can travel back and forth at once. -- The new tag, developed by researchers at Princeton, Rice University and Brown University, is the first of its kind that can use backscattering in the sub-terahertz range, a high-frequency portion of the radio spectrum. This range can support high-speed data transmission across broad bandwidths. The development means it could be possible to power signal transmission for dense networks of devices using passive tags, saving significant power and infrastructure compared to conventional wireless systems. -- "I believe this technology will find applications in many interesting settings," said Yasaman Ghasempour, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Princeton and the study's principal investigator. "Despite the conventional wisdom, this paper shows that it is possible to have low-power, scalable communication in the sub-terahertz range." -- The paper was published Oct. 9 in Nature Communications. -- Using backscattering at higher frequencies is challenging because the signals are more susceptible to fading as they propagate and must be very precise to travel long distances. "The reader has to form a narrow pencil-shaped beam to shine into the tag's precise location, and the low-power tag should do the same without consuming any power. That's the real challenge," Ghasempour said. -- Traditional backscatter tags reflect signals back to their source using simple antennas that typically broadcast the energy in all directions, causing only a portion of the energy to reach back to the reader. While some advanced tags can adjust the direction of their signal, their ability to do so is limited, and they're restricted to a narrow range of frequencies. Ghasempour said that achieving sub-terahertz backscattering required the team to rethink the entire architecture of the tag. "It wouldn't work to use the same old hardware design and scale it up," she said. -- To address these limitations, the researchers came up with an entirely new antenna structure. The new antennas allow the direction of the signal to change automatically in response to changes in frequency. By doing this, the tag can steer the signal to enable longer range communication and avoid interference from other signals. In other words, the interference footprint of each tag is limited in spatial and spectral domains.	T01	1,142
2509-T017	Advancements In Anode-Free Batteries: Paving The Way For Better Manufacturing	Insights into the workings of anode-free solid-state batteries have been unveiled by a team led by Kelsey Hatzell, paving the way for advancements in energy storage technology. By investigating how these batteries function under various conditions, the research aims to enhance their performance and manufacturability, potentially leading to more efficient energy solutions for diverse applications.	Princeton University, Engineering School	ACS Energy Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	From laptops to electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries power everyday life. However, as demand for longer-lasting devices threatens to outstrip the energy that lithium-ion supplies, researchers are on the hunt for more powerful batteries. -- A team led by Kelsey Hatzell, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, has uncovered insights that could help power a new type of battery, called an anode-free solid-state battery, past lithium-ion's limitations. -- By understanding how these advanced solid-state batteries operate and fail under different conditions, Hatzell's research is informing efforts to improve their performance and manufacturability, helping them to move from the lab to the real world to support the clean energy transition. -- "If we can successfully introduce these up-and-coming batteries, we can access energy densities that are impossible with conventional batteries," said Hatzell. "It would mean that your laptop and your phone would last longer on a charge. It could allow electric vehicles to hit over 500 miles on a charge. It could even move us toward feats that seem impossible today, like electrified aviation." -- The papers stem from Hatzell's involvement as the manufacturing leader for Mechano-Chemical Understanding of Solid Ion Conductors (MUSIC), an Energy Research Frontier Center supported by the U.S. Department of Energy whose members are unlocking fundamental insight to advance electrochemical energy storage systems. MUSIC is led by the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and encompasses 16 faculty members from across nine institutions, including Princeton University. -- "Solid-state batteries can revolutionize energy storage technology, but a significant challenge is developing a process for manufacturing them at scale," said energy storage expert Jeff Sakamoto, director of MUSIC and a professor of materials and mechanical engineering at the University of California-Santa Barbara. "Hatzell's work is playing an important role in improving the solid-state manufacturing process, and her work with MUSIC is an example of how integrated research approaches can help overcome complex, multidisciplinary challenges." -- Batteries: A look under the hood -- Conventionally, batteries feature two electrodes -- one positive (commonly called the cathode) and one negative (the anode). Each electrode is paired with a thin metal foil called a current collector that connects the battery to the external circuit, and the two electrodes are separated from one another by an electrolyte. -- The movement of ions between the two electrodes powers the battery. When the battery charges, ions flow from the positive electrode, through the electrolyte, and to the negative electrode. When the battery is discharged, the flow of ions reverses directions. -- Compared to the familiar lithium-ion battery, the batteries that Hatzell and her group study are different at two fundamental levels.	Z01	1,143
2511-E052	New EPA Rules Could Lead To Major Emission Reductions In Power Sector	New EPA regulations finalized in 2024 could significantly reduce emissions from the power sector, achieving a 51% decrease from 2022 levels, compared to only 26% without these rules. A study from Princeton examines the regulations' implications for the U.S. electricity system, highlighting their potential to accelerate the retirement of coal-fired plants while cautioning that they may inadvertently extend the life of natural gas plants, impacting the overall efficiency of emissions reductions.	Princeton University, Engineering School	One Earth	Press Rel	PubMed	Regulations finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024 could cut emissions from fossil fuel power generators but leave additional cost-effective emissions reductions on the table, according to new Princeton research. -- The analysis, published March 12 in One Earth, evaluates the impacts of the EPA power plant regulations on the U.S. electricity system at a time of uncertainty for the rules, which the researchers expect to be rolled back under the current Trump administration. The power plant regulations set carbon dioxide limits for new gas-fired combustion turbines and provide guidelines for existing coal, oil, and gas-fired steam generating units. -- The Princeton study demonstrates that the regulations could roughly double emissions reductions from the power sector in 2040, falling 51% from 2022 levels if the rules are maintained, compared to only 26% without the rules. -- The vast majority of emissions reductions would come from the accelerated retirement of coal-fired power plants, which would likely choose to retire before 2039 under the regulations rather than install costly equipment to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions. -- The researchers also warned that the rules could lead to a less efficient energy system by inadvertently extending the life of existing natural gas plants. -- "The current EPA rules apply emissions limits to new gas power plants, but the agency punted on finalizing rules for existing gas generators," said research leader Jesse Jenkins, an assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. "This sets up an uneven playing field that encourages greater use of less efficient existing gas plants, which undermines some of the emissions reductions achieved by the rules." -- The research team assessed several options for additional regulations aimed at existing gas plants. They found that applying the same emissions limits to all gas generators, regardless of age, could cut emissions up to 88% below 2022 levels at an even lower average cost than the existing regulations. -- The modeling results were also part of a recent study published in Science, which compared analyses from nine different power systems models to quantify the emissions impacts of the EPA regulations. -- "Our work moves beyond simply quantifying the uncertainty of these emissions impacts to actually identify which aspects of the regulations are most effective in driving down emissions and where there is room for improvement," said first author Qian Luo, a postdoctoral researcher at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. -- Coal retirements drive the bulk of emissions reductions	A01 C01 N01	1,144
2511-T033	Innovative Recycling Turns Cement Waste Into Sustainable Building Material	Engineers at the University of São Paulo and Princeton have pioneered a sustainable method for recycling cement waste into a high-performance alternative, addressing environmental concerns in the construction industry. Their innovative approach not only reduces the carbon footprint of cement production but also enables the effective reuse of construction materials that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste. This advancement could revolutionize the application of concrete in new and high-quality construction projects.	Princeton University, Engineering School	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Giving a second life to construction materials after demolition, engineers at the University of São Paulo and Princeton have developed an approach for recycling cement waste into a sustainable, low-carbon alternative that is comparable in performance to the industry standard. -- In addition to lowering the carbon intensity of the cement and concrete industry, the process could enable new uses for construction and demolition waste, of which concrete is a significant component. -- In 2018 in the United States, the total amount of construction and demolition waste was more than twice that of household waste. -- "Construction waste typically ends up either in a landfill, or, if it's recycled, will be used in low-grade applications such as in pavements or in soils," said research leader Sérgio Angulo, a professor of Civil and Urban Construction Engineering at the University of São Paulo. -- "It's exciting to show that we can, in fact, recycle this recovered cement waste into a high-quality application." -- In their paper, published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, the researchers demonstrated that mixtures containing up to 80% of this recycled cement were just as strong as conventional Portland cement by itself while generating a fraction of the carbon emissions. -- Portland cement is the most common binder used to create concrete, but its high carbon intensity is the main reason the cement and concrete industry is responsible for around 8% of global emissions. -- If fully realized and deployed in coordination with other emerging technologies that replace cement, the researchers estimated that emissions from the cement industry could be cut by up to 61%. The estimated reductions blow past the 9% emissions cuts that the Global Cement and Concrete Association projected to be possible with so-called clinker replacement approaches. -- "The leap forward here is that you can now get short- and long-term properties that are essentially the same as Portland cement by itself with a low-carbon alternative overwhelmingly composed of recycled materials," said co-author Claire White, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. -- A comparison of recycled cement by itself (left), ordinary Portland cement (middle), and the researchers' optimized blend of recycled cement and finely ground Portland cement (right), before the addition of water.	C01	1,145
2505-E046	Agricultural Research Investments Have A Significant Impact On Global Biodiversity And Sustainability	A detailed study from Purdue University illustrates the positive environmental impacts of local agricultural research and development initiatives, tracing their effects back to the Green Revolution and leading up to 2015. By analyzing data from 100,000 grid cells, researchers found that advancements in crop varieties reduced the need for cropland, which in turn contributed to gains in carbon stock and the preservation of threatened biodiversity. This research underscores the crucial link between agricultural innovation and sustainability.	Purdue University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A multi-institutional study led by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is the first to identify one of the allergens responsible for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an inflammatory disease of the esophagus. This is the first time one of the allergens that causes EoE has been identified at a molecular level. The findings, published today by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, represent the first time any research team has described molecular details of food antigen recognition in EoE. The method could be replicated to identify other allergens that result in this increasingly common childhood condition. -- Unknown until about 30 years ago, EoE is a food allergy that affects approximately 1 in every 2000 children, and unlike certain food allergies, EoE is one that children do not outgrow. -- Rather than one particular type of food triggering this allergic response, multiple foods -- including milk, soy, egg and wheat -- have triggered EoE. -- Additionally, what might trigger this reaction in one child might be different in another. -- While some medications that manage allergic symptoms like immunosuppressants are prescribed, these methods are not universally effective. -- If left untreated and the triggering food not removed from the diet, the condition can lead to scar tissue in the esophagus, which can put patients at risk for food impaction, or when food gets trapped in the esophagus. -- "The overarching goal of this project was to identify how the immune system is recognizing food antigens," said senior study author David A. Hill, MD, PhD, an attending physician with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at CHOP. -- "If we understand what's happening at a molecular level, it could allow us to develop better, more accurate diagnostic tests to find out which foods trigger this disease and ultimately reduce the morbidity associated with EoE." -- In this study, the research team used a variety of sequencing methods, including single cell RNA sequencing, T-cell receptor sequencing and tetramer-based diagnostics. -- Historically used for certain types of cancer, tetramer-based diagnostics utilize four major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, found on the surface of most cells in the body, to identify antigen-specific T cells, which then helps identify the antigens that trigger that T cell immune response.	H01 C01	1,146
2507-E049	Mosquito Antennae Research Could Transform Natural Disaster Detection Methods	A multidisciplinary research team at Purdue University is investigating the vibrations detected by mosquito antennae to improve disaster response mechanisms. By mimicking these antennae, they aim to enhance sensitivity in monitoring natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, showcasing how studying nature can lead to advancements in safety and technology.	Purdue University	Purdue University	Press Rel	PubMed	One of nature's most disliked creatures may very well unlock a breakthrough in disaster response. -- A multidisciplinary Purdue University research team is recreating mosquito antennae to better study their sensitivity to vibrations. Should the research prove fruitful, it could lead to improvements in monitoring and detecting natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis. -- Research groups under Purdue professors Pablo Zavattieri and Ximena Bernal conducted this work, which is published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia. -- "We're still in the early stages but we're pretty optimistic that we'll at least learn a great deal," said Zavattieri, the Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor of Civil Engineering in Purdue's College of Engineering. "Taking inspiration from nature and using it to advance scientific research has been a core feature of engineering since the very beginning." -- Despite lacking traditional ears, mosquitoes rely on their antennae to navigate the auditory landscape, homing in on crucial sounds amid the background noise of their own wingbeats. -- Through analysis of the mosquitoes' antennal features -- particularly the arrangement and morphology of sensory hairs -- civil and construction engineering PhD candidate and team researcher Phani Saketh Dasika (MSCE '23) said they have already gained profound insights into how these adaptations enhance the auditory sensitivity and selective response to environmental cues. -- "Using advanced micro-CT imaging to create high-fidelity CAD models for finite element analysis, we found that the architectural features of mosquito antennae enable species- and sex-specific acoustic target detection, even amid nontarget signals like their own wingbeats," Dasika said. "Our findings also suggest that mosquito antennae are capable of detecting a broader range of frequencies than previously thought, though not all of these may be actively utilized." -- The team's findings have provided key information for determining if a mosquito's antennae could inform the design of acoustic sensors. -- "By modeling and contrasting the response of the antenna of species of mosquito using sound for different purposes, hearing mates or eavesdropping on frogs, we were able to tease apart features modulating hearing sensitivity and tuning," said Bernal, a professor of biological sciences in Purdue's College of Science. "Understanding how these structures work is the first step toward developing acoustic sensors inspired by their sensitive antennae." -- In terms of societal impact, insights from mosquito antennae could also inform the development of smart noise-canceling materials, Zavattieri said. These materials, potentially incorporating microfluidic channels or tunable metamaterials, could be used to create soundproofing panels for buildings, noise-canceling headphones or even acoustic cloaking devices.	A01 T01	1,147
2507-T009	Everyday Chemicals Contribute To Indoor Air Pollution	Purdue University engineers have discovered that indoor air fresheners and other chemical products release nanoscale particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, creating indoor air pollution. Their studies reveal that these nanoparticles are produced when fragrances react with ozone, raising concerns about the health implications of using scented products indoors.	Purdue University	Purdue University	Press Rel	PubMed	When you walk through a pine forest, the crisp, fresh scent is one of the first things you notice. -- But bringing that pine scent or other aromas indoors with the help of chemical products -- yes, air fresheners, wax melts, floor cleaners, deodorants and others -- rapidly fills the air with nanoscale particles that are small enough to get deep into your lungs, Purdue University engineers have found over a series of studies. -- These nanoparticles form when fragrances interact with ozone, which enters buildings through ventilation systems, triggering chemical transformations that create new airborne pollutants. -- "A forest is a pristine environment, but if you're using cleaning and aromatherapy products full of chemically manufactured scents to recreate a forest in your home, you're actually creating a tremendous amount of indoor air pollution that you shouldn't be breathing in," said Nusrat Jung, an assistant professor in Purdue's Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering. -- Nanoparticles just a few nanometers in size can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and spread to other organs. Jung and fellow civil engineering professor Brandon Boor have been the first to study nanoscale airborne particle formation indoors and compare it to outdoor atmospheric processes. -- "To understand how airborne particles form indoors, you need to measure the smallest nanoparticles -- down to a single nanometer. At this scale, we can observe the earliest stages of new particle formation, where fragrances react with ozone to form tiny molecular clusters. These clusters then rapidly evolve, growing and transforming in the air around us," said Boor, Purdue's Dr. Margery E. Hoffman Associate Professor in Civil Engineering. -- In a "tiny house lab" -- a dedicated residential lab space for indoor air quality research -- Jung and Boor are using the latest industry-developed air quality instruments to track how household products emit chemicals that evaporate easily, called volatile chemicals, and generate the tiniest airborne nanoparticles. -- Called the Purdue zero Energy Design Guidance for Engineers (zEDGE) lab, the tiny house has all the features of a typical home but is equipped with sensors for closely monitoring the impact of everyday activities on a home's air quality. Jung led the design of the lab, which was built in 2020 as the first of its kind. -- With this unprecedented level of detail and accuracy, Jung and Boor have made discoveries suggesting that many everyday household products used indoors may not be as safe as previously assumed. -- Even though it's yet to be determined how breathing in volatile chemicals from these products impacts your health, the two have repeatedly found that when fragrances are released indoors, they quickly react with ozone to form nanoparticles. These newly formed nanoparticles are particularly concerning because they can reach very high concentrations, potentially posing risks to respiratory health.	H01 N02	1,148
2508-032	New Computational Model Advances RNA Structure Discovery For Disease Treatment	Purdue University researchers have developed a computational modeling tool called NuFold, which aims to bridge the gap in RNA structural knowledge. This innovative approach could expedite the discovery of RNA structures critical for understanding biological functions and developing RNA-targeted drugs, significantly enhancing future medical advancements.	Purdue University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Ribonucleic acid, commonly known as RNA, is involved in many biological functions, and some, including gene silencing, are utilitized to cure diseases. RNA has recently gained attention as a promising drug target. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of RNA structures have been determined experimentally, and the process of uncovering these structures requires significant time and effort. Using this time scale, the structures of many life saving RNA may not be discovered for years. As a result, there is a significant gap between the types of known RNA and the available structural data. -- Researchers at Purdue University have developed a computational solution to this problem named NuFold, which will model 3D RNA structures that could expedite medical discovery decades ahead of schedule. -- The research team, led by Daisuke Kihara, professor of biological sciences and computer science in the Purdue College of Science, published their findings in Nature Communications. -- This result has wide-ranging potential applications, such as in understanding RNA mechanisms and in drug development for diseases involving RNA. -- NuFold's code and Google Colab notebook are publicly available, making it accessible not only to researchers but also to anyone interested in RNA structural models. -- NuFold is a groundbreaking tool for more accurate and efficient RNA structure prediction, with the potential to significantly advance RNA research. -- In order to sustain life, varieties of molecules need to work together. -- Proteins in these molecules have typically been the primary focus of research, but recently RNA has been found to play unique and broad roles in essential life functions. -- To understand how RNA functions, it is essential for scientists to know its 3D structure. -- Kihara studies protein tertiary structure prediction/comparison, protein-protein docking, protein-ligand docking, protein function prediction, protein sequence analysis, and metabolic/regulatory pathway analysis in the Structural Biology Group within the Department of Biological Sciences.	H01 T01	1,149
2509-E019	New Insight: Overusing Rootworm-Resistant Corn Hurts Farmers' Profit Margins	A study led by Purdue University has shown that farmers in the U.S. Corn Belt are economically impacted by over-relying on genetically engineered corn aimed at rootworm control. The findings reveal significant pest pressures in states where continuous corn planting occurs, underscoring the need for better strategies and crop rotations to manage rootworm pests and reduce reliance on genetically modified crops.	Purdue University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	An analysis of data covering 12 years and 10 U.S. Corn Belt states reveals that farmers suffer economic loss from the overapplication of genetically engineered corn designed to combat rootworm pests. -- The project, led by Purdue University entomologist Christian Krupke, documented greater rootworm pest pressure in the western Corn Belt states of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In these states, farmers commonly plant corn continuously. In the eastern states Corn Belt states of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, farmers practice crop rotation that reduces the need for control through genetically engineered seed or applied insecticides. However, the use of transgenic corn hybrids targeting rootworm pests has been remarkably similar across the entire region. This study explored the consequences of this disconnect. -- Krupke, Dean's Fellow and professor of entomology, and 19 co-authors from 12 other universities in the U.S., China and Canada reported their results in the journal Science. The retrospective study demonstrated that the pest landscape has fundamentally changed in many key corn-growing areas of the U.S. since 2004, the initial year of broad adoption of transgenic corn hybrids targeting corn rootworms. The study shows pest pressures in much of the region declined dramatically following introduction of these hybrids, reducing the need for broad deployment of the rootworm-specific traits. -- "This study shows the value of long term, applied research datasets from public sector field research," said Krupke. The short duration and shifting priorities of research funding streams make it increasingly rare to have such scope and coverage in biological data. "These are among the most useful types of data for developing policy recommendations," Krupke said. -- In 2003, the first genetically engineered corn hybrid trait lethal to corn rootworms and derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was introduced. Since then, farmers have extensively used "Bt corn" hybrids. Subsequently, multiple field studies have reported Bt resistance in rootworms since 2009, raising doubts about the long-term viability of the Bt traits. -- The study emerged from observations made by a working group of corn entomologists who meet annually to discuss the impact of pests on the commodity. Several years ago, Krupke noticed a difference between corn rootworm reports in the eastern and western Corn Belt states. -- "We were all in different regions of the country, yet doing much the same thing," Krupke said. "We were still managing the pest using Bt hybrids as if rootwormwas a prime driver of yield loss in states like Indiana. It wasn't and it hadn't been for some time." -- From 2014 to 2016, yield losses attributed to rootworm damage amounted to 47.5 bushels per acre in western states, and 8.5 bushels per acre in eastern states, the researchers estimated. -- The study quantified the two costs of using the Bt hybrid. One cost was the substantial technology fee, a premium growers pay when buying the seed. The other cost was the erosion of pest susceptibility to the Bt toxin. -- "If you think of a Bt hybrid as a finite resource, like a declining debit card, every time you use it, you erode a little bit of susceptibility" Krupke said. "So it's a little less likely that it will work as well next time."	A01 N02	1,150
2501-018	Surprising Role Of Cancer Gene May Offer New Insights For Early Detection.	Research published in Nature Cancer suggests that a genetic mutation linked to esophageal cancer may actually provide protective benefits early in the disease. This unexpected finding could help identify at-risk individuals and shape personalized prevention strategies, challenging the conventional understanding of cancer-related genetic mutations.	Queen Mary University of London	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	A genetic fault long believed to drive the development of oesophageal cancer may in fact play a protective role early in the disease, according to new research published in Nature Cancer. This unexpected discovery could help doctors identify which individuals are at greater risk of developing cancer, potentially leading to more personalised and effective preventive strategies. -- "We often assume that mutations in cancer genes are bad news, but that's not the whole story," says lead researcher Francesca Ciccarelli, Professor of Cancer Genomics at Queen Mary University of London's Barts Cancer Institute and Principal Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, where the experimental work in this study took place. "The context is crucial. These results support a paradigm shift in how we think about the effect of mutations in cancer." -- This research was funded by Cancer Research UK and the experimental work in this study took place at the Francis Crick Institute. -- A new understanding of oesophageal cancer risk -- Just 12% of patients with oesophageal cancer in England survive their disease for 10 years or more. The UK has one of the world's highest incidences of a subtype called oesophageal adenocarcinoma, and cases continue to increase. This cancer type develops from a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, in which the cells lining the oesophagus become abnormal. However, only around 1% of people with Barrett's go on to develop cancer each year. In the new study, the research team sought to better understand why some cases of Barrett's lead to cancer, while others do not, to support better prediction and treatment of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. -- The team analysed a large gene sequencing dataset from more than 1,000 people with oesophageal adenocarcinoma and more than 350 people with Barrett's oesophagus, including samples from the OCCAMS consortium*. They found that defects in a gene called CDKN2A were more common in people with Barrett's oesophagus who never progressed to cancer. This finding was unexpected, as CDKN2A is commonly lost in various cancers and is well-known as a tumour suppressor gene -- a molecular safeguard that stops cancer from forming. -- The research showed that if normal cells in our oesophagus lose CDKN2A, it helps promote the development of Barrett's oesophagus. However, it also protects cells against the loss of another key gene encoding p53 -- a critical tumour suppressor often dubbed the 'guardian of the genome'. Loss of p53 strongly drives the progression of disease from Barrett's to cancer. -- The team found that potentially cancerous cells that lost both CDKN2A and p53 were weakened and unable to compete with other cells around them, preventing cancer from taking root. In contrast, if cancer cells lose CDKN2A after the disease has had time to develop, it promotes a more aggressive disease and worse outcomes for patients. -- A gene with two faces -- Professor Ciccarelli likens the dual role of CDKN2A to the ancient Roman god of transitions Janus, after whom January is named. Janus has two faces -- one looking to the past and one to the future.	R01	1,151
2502-E029	Discovering How The Ventral Nerve Cord Evolved In Early Animals	A groundbreaking study reveals how the ventral nerve cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, evolved in ecdysozoan animals like insects and nematodes. By analyzing exceptionally preserved fossils from the Cambrian period, the international research team has provided new insights into the origins of these structures. The findings, published in Science Advances, contribute to our understanding of evolutionary relationships among diverse animal groups, shedding light on the development of their nervous systems.	Queen Mary University of London	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of scientists has uncovered a fascinating piece of the evolutionary puzzle: how the ventral nerve cord, a key component of the central nervous system, evolved in ecdysozoan animals, a group that includes insects, nematodes, and priapulid worms. Their findings, published in Science Advances, provide valuable insights into the origins of these structures in the basal Cambrian period. -- The research team, comprising Dr Deng Wang (Northwest University), Dr Jean Vannier (Université de Lyon), Dr Chema Martin-Durán (Queen Mary University of London), and Dr María Herranz (Rey Juan Carlos University), analysed exceptionally well-preserved fossils from key Cambrian deposits. -- These fossils include representatives of the early-evolving Scalidophora, a subgroup of Ecdysozoa, offering a rare glimpse into the nervous system architecture of ancient animals. -- Ecdysozoans include arthropods (such as insects and crabs), nematodes (roundworms), and smaller groups like kinorhynchs ("mud dragons") and priapulids ("penis worms"). Their central nervous systems, which include the brain and ventral nerve cord, have long intrigued scientists seeking to understand the evolutionary relationships between these groups. -- For example, priapulids exhibit a single ventral nerve cord, while loriciferans and kinorhynchs have paired nerve cords, with kinorhynchs also developing paired ganglia. -- Did the ancestral ecdysozoan have a single or paired ventral nerve cord? -- Furthermore, while loriciferans and kinorhynchs share a similar nervous system design with arthropods, they are phylogenetically distant. -- Are these similarities the result of convergent evolution, or do they reflect a shared evolutionary origin? -- Scalidophorans, which include priapulids, loriciferans, and kinorhynchs, first appeared in the early Cambrian. -- They represent a crucial lineage for investigating the evolutionary trajectory of the ventral nerve cord in ecdysozoans.	C01 N01	1,152
2502-E072	Pesticide Exposure Alters Bumble Bee Health: Implications For Safety Testing	Pesticide Impact on Bumble Bees: A study from Queen Mary University of London examines how neonicotinoid pesticides disrupt various bumble bee body parts, revealing varying effects similar to aging or cancer. This research underscores the need for sensitive safety testing as the impacts on gene activity differ significantly across different tissues.	Queen Mary University of London	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study shows distinct effects of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure in different bumble bee body parts, explaining why pesticides have diverse harmful effects and highlighting the need for more sensitive safety testing. -- Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that the neonicotinoid pesticide clothianidin disrupts different parts of bumble bee bodies in strikingly different ways. -- The researchers' new study shows that the impacts of pesticides are far from uniform, affecting the brain, legs, and kidney-like tissues in different manners that undermine each tissue's essential functions. -- Distinct impacts on different tissues -- By exposing bumble bees to a field-realistic dose of clothianidin, the scientists found dramatic differences in gene activity across body tissues -- 82% of gene activity changes were tissue-specific. -- "Each tissue we examined was severely affected by the pesticide," explains Professor Yannick Wurm. -- "Seeing impacts of pesticide exposure across the body helps to explain the multi-faceted problems that exposed bees have, from impaired movement to reduced learning ability and compromised immunity." -- Neonicotinoid pesticides such as clothianidin are widely used to protect crops from pests. -- Yet, past research has shown that even low doses can threaten the survival of beneficial insects. -- In this study, the researchers applied high-resolution molecular diagnostics -- commonly used in biomedicine but rarely for environmental questions -- to pinpoint the specific molecular pathways disrupted by pesticide exposure.	A01 R01 C01 N02	1,153
2502-T030	Understanding Cordierite’s Anomalous Thermal Expansion Can Enhance Advanced Material Development	A study led by Queen Mary University of London has provided significant insights into the thermal stability of cordierite, a material used in heat-resistant pizza stones. Researchers uncovered the fundamental properties that enable cordierite to resist dimensional changes despite temperature fluctuations. The findings have crucial implications for the development of advanced materials, particularly those requiring thermal resilience in various industrial applications, enhancing our understanding of material behavior under stress.	Queen Mary University of London	Matter	Press Rel	PubMed	Cordierite, a remarkable mineral familiar to many as the material behind heat-resistant pizza stones, exhibits an unusual ability to resist changes in size despite significant temperature fluctuations. While widely used in diverse applications from automotive catalytic converters to high-temperature industrial processes, the fundamental reasons behind this anomalous thermal behaviour have remained largely unexplained. A new study, led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and published in Matter, now provides the first comprehensive explanation, with profound implications for the design and development of advanced materials. -- "Modern society demands materials that exhibit minimal dimensional changes with temperature fluctuations, unlike most materials that expand and contract significantly," explained Professor Martin Dove, lead researcher and Professor of Condensed Matter and Materials at Queen Mary University of London. -- "Examples of such materials include Pyrex, used for oven-safe dishes, and the glass-ceramic employed in cooking hobs." -- Unlike most materials, cordierite displays an unusual combination of thermal expansions: low positive expansion along two perpendicular axes and negative expansion along the third. -- This unique behaviour has made cordierite invaluable in applications requiring exceptional thermal stability. -- However, the precise mechanisms underlying these properties have remained enigmatic. -- To address this, the research team employed advanced lattice dynamics and molecular dynamics simulations, utilizing transferable force fields to model the atomic structure of cordierite under varying thermal conditions. -- The simulations accurately reproduced experimental data, providing insights into the mineral's behaviour at both low and high temperatures. -- "Our research demonstrates that the anomalous thermal expansion of cordierite originates from a surprising interplay between atomic vibrations and elasticity," stated Professor Dove. -- At lower temperatures, the researchers observed that lower-frequency vibrations favour negative thermal expansion (NTE) along all three axes.	H02	1,154
2506-008	Targeted Thermal Therapy Offers Rapid Relief For Patients With High Blood Pressure	Targeted Thermal Therapy (Tripel T) represents a groundbreaking alternative treatment for high blood pressure caused by Primary Aldosteronism. This minimally invasive procedure has shown promise in transforming the medical management of this condition, which affects a significant portion of the population. The recent study published in The Lancet indicates that further testing could help millions who remain undiagnosed.	Queen Mary University of London	The Lancet	Press Rel	PubMed	Doctors at Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London have led the development of a simple, minimally invasive Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T) that has the potential to transform medical management of a common, but commonly overlooked, cause of high blood pressure. -- This breakthrough, published today in The Lancet, could, after further testing, help millions of people worldwide who currently go undiagnosed and untreated. -- In the UK, Triple T, known scientifically as endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, was rigorously tested, in collaboration with researchers from University College London, University College Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge University NHS Trust, and the University of Cambridge. -- A hidden cause of high blood pressure -- High blood pressure affects one in three adults, of whom a hormonal condition called primary aldosteronism accounts for one in twenty cases. -- However, fewer than one percent of those affected are ever diagnosed. -- The condition occurs when tiny benign nodules in one or both adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone, a hormone that raises blood pressure by increasing salt levels in the body. -- Patients with primary aldosteronism often do not respond well to standard blood pressure medications and face higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. -- A game-changing alternative to surgery -- Until now, the only effective cure for primary aldosteronism has been surgical removal of the entire adrenal gland, requiring general anaesthesia, a two-to three-day hospital stay, and weeks of recovery.	H01 R01	1,155
2506-052	Vimentin Alterations Promote Breast Cancer Stemness And Aggressive Tumor Growth	Research from Queen Mary University of London identifies changes in the protein vimentin as a factor that promotes aggressive breast cancer through increased cancer stemness independent of estrogen. By modifying a specific amino acid in vimentin, researchers discovered how such changes could enhance cancer cell behavior, including growth and invasion. Targeting vimentin and associated long noncoding RNAs presents a novel therapeutic strategy for combating aggressive breast cancer.	Queen Mary University of London	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	Changes to the intermediate filament (IF) protein, vimentin, were found to promote tumour growth by increasing cancer stemness in an oestrogen independent manner. Targeting vimentin and/or the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) 'XIST' could be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating aggressive breast cancer. -- Vimentin is a type III intermediate filament (IF) protein normally expressed in cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue (mesenchymal cells). Despite being widely studied, its role in tumour growth and progression remains unexplored. -- A team of researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered how a small change in the vimentin protein can make breast cancer more aggressive. -- By modifying a specific amino acid cysteine to serine residue at position 328 in vimentin, they discovered that this mutation disrupted the protein's interaction with the cell's structural network. -- Remarkably, the mutated vimentin induced aggressive cancer-like behaviour in breast cancer cells, including faster cell growth, migration, and invasion accompanied by reduced cell adhesion. -- RNA-sequencing further revealed that the presence of mutant vimentin was associated with upregulation of a non-coding RNA called XIST, suggesting a potential link between this mutation and gene expression changes that drive cancer progression. -- Researchers also found that mutant vimentin made breast cancer cells grow without depending on the hormone oestrogen when injected into immuno-compromised mice. -- The tumours in these mice showed high expression of cancer stem cell markers CD56 and CD20, suggesting a role for mutant vimentin in driving cancer stem cell-like behaviour that is often associated with tumour progression, therapeutic resistance and recurrence. -- Senior author Ahmad Waseem, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Oral Biology at the Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, said: "Our study has discovered a molecular interaction that, when disrupted, causes breast cancer cells to behave like cancer stem cells. Additionally, we identified a potential biomarker that could help detect these stem-like cells in breast cancer tissues. This discovery represents an important step towards understanding how breast cancer develops and spreads, with potential implications for early diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment strategies." The lead author, Dr Saima Usman (HEC Fellow), did her PhD with Professor Waseem on this project. -- Co-author Andrew Yeudall, Professor of Oral Biology in the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University, said: "The study will open new avenues for our understanding of cancer stem cell behaviour. For several years, Professor Waseem and I have been interested in studying the cancer-related roles of vimentin, which is induced in almost all later-stage tumours that have spread to other sites in the body and can be difficult to treat. We used MCF-7, a model breast epithelial cell line, partly because it is devoid of vimentin which therefore makes it easier to define functions related to specific vimentin mutations. Our observation that the cells became more aggressive, and that stem cell markers were induced, may unlock the door to new therapeutic approaches for breast and other cancers."	R01	1,156
2509-085	Art Therapy Significantly Alleviates Depression And Anxiety In Older Adults	Group arts interventions, such as painting and music, have been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. A comprehensive study highlights the efficacy of these creative activities as a cost-effective and enjoyable alternative to traditional mental health treatments, particularly benefiting residents in care homes.	Queen Mary University of London	Nature Mental Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by Queen Mary University of London researchers, reveals that group arts interventions -- such as painting, music, or dance -- can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The findings, published in Nature Mental Health, offer a compelling case for the benefits of shared creative activities. -- Depression and anxiety are silent struggles for millions of older adults worldwide, affecting 7% and 3.8% of those aged 60 and over, respectively. While medications and talking therapies are often the go-to treatments, they aren't always accessible or suitable for older adults, who may face side effects, high costs, or discomfort in discussing their mental health. This study shines a light on a promising alternative: the simple, yet profound act of creating art together. -- Led by Elizabeth Quinn, a PhD candidate in Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, the research -- a comprehensive meta-analysis of 39 studies from 21 countries -- involved over 3,360 participants for depression and 949 participants for anxiety. The results were striking: -- Group arts interventions reduced depression and anxiety, even after adjusting for publication bias. -- The effect sizes associated with these reductions are comparable to those observed with traditional treatments for depression and anxiety such as taking anti-depressants, talking therapies, or physical activity. -- Older adults in care homes saw a greater reduction in depression symptoms compared to those living in the community, highlighting the potential of these interventions to support some of the most vulnerable members of society. -- What's more, the benefits were consistent across different types of art -- whether it was painting, dancing, or making music -- and across diverse populations, suggesting that the magic lies in the shared experience of creating together. -- Dr Janelle Jones, the study's senior author, said: "Our findings show that group arts interventions are effective in reducing depression and anxiety among older adults. We think that there may be a synergistic effect, with the unique resources gained from groups, and the unique ingredients of arts activities working together to benefit mental health." -- The study has far-reaching implications for how we approach mental health care for older adults. Group arts interventions are already part of the UK's social prescribing initiative, which connects patients to community activities to improve their well-being. However, until now, there has been limited evidence to support their use for mental health. This research provides the concrete evidence needed to ensure these interventions are taken seriously by healthcare providers and policymakers. -- "Arts interventions are accessible, cost-effective, and enjoyable," Dr Jones added. "They offer a way to address mental health challenges that doesn't rely solely on medication or traditional therapy. This is particularly important for older adults, who may face barriers to accessing conventional treatments."	A01 H01 H02	1,157
2509-T039	Room-Temperature Superconductivity: A Breakthrough Linked To Fundamental Constants	Theoretical physicists have revealed that room-temperature superconductivity is achievable within the laws of our Universe, potentially revolutionizing technology. By exploring fundamental constants, this research offers new insights into the limits of superconductivity, opening doors to applications in energy, quantum computing, and medical technology.	Queen Mary University of London	Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter	Press Rel	PubMed	Theoretical physicists reveal that room-temperature superconductivity is possible within the laws of our Universe, linked to fundamental constants like electron mass and Planck constant. Discovery could revolutionise energy, quantum computing, and medical tech by enabling superconductors to work at ambient conditions. Research explores how varying fundamental constants could alter superconductivity limits, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance of our Universe. -- In a new development that could help redefine the future of technology, a team of physicists has uncovered a fundamental insight into the upper limit of superconducting temperature. -- This discovery, accepted for publication in Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, suggests that room-temperature superconductivity -- long considered the "holy grail" of condensed matter physics -- may indeed be possible within the laws of our Universe. -- Superconductors, materials that can conduct electricity without resistance, have the potential to revolutionise energy transmission, medical imaging, and quantum computing. -- However, until now, they have only functioned at extremely low temperatures, making them impractical for widespread use. -- The race to find a superconductor that works at ambient conditions has been one of the most intense and elusive pursuits in modern science. -- In their latest work, Queen Mary University of London Professor Kostya Trachenko and colleagues reveal that the upper limit of superconducting temperature TC is intrinsically linked to the fundamental constants of nature -- the electron mass, electron charge, and the Planck constant. -- Constants such as these govern everything from the stability of atoms to the formation of stars and synthesis of carbon and other elements essential to life. -- The team's finding shows that the upper limit ranges from hundreds to a thousand Kelvin -- a range that comfortably includes room temperature. -- "This discovery tells us that room-temperature superconductivity is not ruled out by fundamental constants," said Professor Pickard of University of Cambridge, co-author of this study.	A01 C01 T01	1,158
2512-091	Ancient Neurohormone Bombesin Found To Control Appetite In Both Humans And Starfish	A study from Queen Mary University of London has found that bombesin, a neurohormone regulating appetite in humans, also influences feeding behavior in starfish, pointing to ancient evolutionary origins. This discovery enhances our understanding of appetite regulation and suggests potential applications for managing invasive starfish populations in agriculture.	Queen Mary University of London	PNAS	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of biologists at Queen Mary University of London has discovered that a neurohormone controlling appetite in humans has an ancient evolutionary origin, dating back over half a billion years. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA, reveal that this satiety-inducing molecule, known as bombesin, is not only present in humans and other vertebrates but also in starfish and their marine relatives. -- Bombesin, a small peptide, plays a key role in regulating hunger by signalling when we've had enough to eat. -- But its story doesn't start with humans or even mammals. New research shows that bombesin-like neurohormones have been controlling appetite in animals since long before the first vertebrates evolved on Earth. -- You may be wondering why bombesin has such a strange name? It has nothing to do with exploding devices! -- The name comes from the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina), from whose skin the peptide was first isolated in 1971. -- When injected into mammals, bombesin was found to reduce meal size and increase the time between meals. -- This led scientists to believe that bombesin-like neurohormones, produced in the brain and gut, are part of the body's natural system for controlling food intake. -- Furthermore, alongside weight-loss inducing drugs such as Ozempic, compounds that mimic the action of bombesin are in development for treatment of obesity. -- Professor Maurice Elphick and his team at Queen Mary University of London, in collaboration with Dr Olivier Mirabeau at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, set out to explore the evolutionary history of bombesin. -- By analysing the genomes of invertebrate animals, they discovered genes encoding bombesin-like neurohormones in the common starfish (Asterias rubens) and other echinoderms, such as sea urchins and sea cucumbers.	A01 H01 R01 R02 C01 N01	1,159
2503-E040	Coral's Unique Migration Strategy Revealed: Navigating Towards The Light	Research led by QUT investigates how free-living mushroom corals navigate their environments, revealing that they move towards light to find optimal habitats. This study enhances understanding of the behavior of solitary corals, shedding light on their migration patterns and responses to environmental conditions in reef ecosystems.	Queensland University of Technology	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes time to migrate, QUT research has found how a free-living coral ignores the classic advice and goes straight towards the light. -- The research -- led by Dr Brett Lewis from the QUT School of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences and Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, and published in PLOS One -- investigated how the free-living mushroom coral Cycloseris cyclolites moves, navigates and responds to light in its natural environments. -- "Not all corals are attached to the substrate; some are solitary and free-living, allowing them to migrate into preferred habitats," Dr Lewis said. -- "However, the lifestyle of these mobile corals, including how they move and navigate for migration, remains largely obscure." -- Cycloseris cyclolites is an adorably small free-living species of mushroom coral capable of migrating to different reef habitats, often driven by the search for optimal light conditions. -- Using high-resolution time-lapse imaging, the team identified that Cycloseris cyclolites was able to move via a mechanism known as pulsed inflation, a process where the coral inflates and deflates its tissue in rhythmic bursts to propel itself forward, like the movement seen in jellyfish. -- The mechanism appears to be a widespread strategy for free-living corals, aiding in functions such as self-righting when turned upside down, sediment rejection when buried during storms and now phototaxis -- behaviours that help the coral survive in complex environments. -- "Our findings suggest that pulsed inflation is not just a survival strategy but a critical mechanism for migration and navigation," Dr Lewis said. -- "The ability of Cycloseris cyclolites to move towards specific light sources is a fascinating parallel to other marine species like jellyfish, which suggests they are more neurologically sophisticated than previously thought." -- Cycloseris cyclolites was also shown to exhibit a strong preference for blue light, with 86.7 per cent of the corals moving towards blue light sources, compared to just 20 per cent for white light.	C01 N01 T01	1,160
2505-E080	No-Take Marine Reserves Essential For Coral Trout Fishery In Great Barrier Reef	A new study highlights the critical role of no-take marine reserves in the Great Barrier Reef, which contribute nearly half of the region's coral trout fishery catch despite covering only 30% of the habitat. Conducted by researchers from QUT, the findings emphasize that these protected areas not only help conserve biodiversity but also support local fisheries and economies, reinforcing the importance of marine conservation efforts.	Queensland University of Technology	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new portable tool that could improve how firefighters douse fires, making the process more efficient and far less risky. -- Built as an alternative to traditional firefighting countermeasures like toxic chemical foams or hydrants whose use can strain water resources, this device works to suppress flames using the power of conductive aerosols, small particles that can direct electricity. -- These aerosols are carried by vortex rings -- small donut-shaped bands of air -- that transform the particles into short pulses of wind that convert nearby oxygen into ozone. -- Once released, their accelerated airflow generates rapid turbulence, disrupting the natural combustion process and quickly extinguishing the target fire, said John LaRocco, lead author of the study and a research scientist in psychiatry at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. -- "Using a combination of electricity and this vortex ring technology, we found a more efficient way of solving an environmental problem that will improve our quality of life," said LaRocco. -- The launcher device resembles a small bucket, attached to an arm brace. -- Firefighters would aim the bucket toward the fire, and the bucket would use bursts of compressed air or an elastic diaphragm to deliver aerosols in an electric arc to fight the fire. -- The idea to create this low-cost, safe and portable device originally began as a method to help refine current fire management techniques, said Qudsia Tahmina, co-author of the study and an associate professor in electrical and computer engineering. -- The study's first step was to determine what chemical combinations would best make up the conductive aerosols. -- Once seven mixtures were tested across two trials, the most conductive of them, a coarse copper solution, was chosen as vortex ring material.	Z01	1,161
2505-T009	Groundbreaking Biosensor Developed For Detecting Rare Earth Elements	Researchers at QUT have engineered a groundbreaking biosensor prototype capable of detecting rare earth elements, particularly lanthanides vital for electronics and batteries. Current extraction methods for these elements are costly and environmentally harmful. By designing molecular nanomachines that emit detectable signals upon binding with lanthanides, the team, led by Professor Kirill Alexandrov, aims to address the growing demand for these essential materials through innovative, cost-effective solutions.	Queensland University of Technology	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	A mathematical modeling study conducted in Germany suggests that ovarian cancer incidence could be reduced and healthcare savings boosted if women who have already completed their families were offered fallopian tube removal during any other suitable abdominal surgeries. Angela Kather and Ingo Runnebaum of Jena University Hospital, Germany, and colleagues present these findings on January 30 in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine. -- Some of the most widespread and serious forms of ovarian cancer begin in the fallopian tubes, and removing them may reduce ovarian cancer risk. -- While women at average risk of ovarian cancer are not recommended to have surgery solely to remove their fallopian tubes, many surgeons offer "opportunistic" tube removal during other gynecologic surgeries such as hysterectomy or tubal sterilization. -- Opportunistic removal may also be feasible during other abdominal surgeries, such as gallbladder removal. -- However, the overall potential benefits of opportunistic fallopian tube removal have been unclear. -- To help clarify, Kather and colleagues developed a mathematical model that incorporates real-world patient statistics to predict population-level risks of ovarian cancer after opportunistic fallopian tube removal, as well as the potential healthcare cost savings. -- By applying the model to statistics from Germany, the researchers predicted that opportunistic fallopian tube removal during every hysterectomy and tubal sterilization could reduce ovarian cancer cases by five percent across the female population of Germany. -- Removal during every suitable abdominal surgery for women who are done having children could reduce nationwide cancer cases by 15 percent, the analysis suggests, and it could save more than €10 million in healthcare costs annually. -- Ovarian cancer is the third most common gynecologic cancer in the world and has a mortality rate of 66 percent. -- Overall, these findings suggest that opportunistic fallopian tube removal during appropriate abdominal surgeries could not only lower population-level ovarian cancer risks and prevent ovarian cancer deaths, but also provide economic benefits.	A01 C01 T01	1,162
2502-095	Long Reads Improve Genetic Detection Of Rare Diseases: New Technique Revealed	A new genome sequencing technique utilizing long reads has demonstrated superior effectiveness in identifying complex causes of rare diseases. This advancement allows researchers to detect 80-90% of previously elusive genetic factors, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in the field of genetics, as highlighted in a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.	Radboud University Medical Center	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	The cause of rare diseases is increasingly being detected through genome sequencing, which involves reading the entire human DNA by first breaking it into small pieces -- short reads. Christian Gilissen, Lisenka Vissers, and colleagues found that a new technique using long reads is even more effective at detecting complex causes. They report that eighty to ninety percent of cases were detectable, as stated in the American Journal of Human Genetics. -- Rare diseases are typically due to genetic causes. These causes are more and more often identified using genome sequencing techniques. -- Genome sequencing examines the entire genome of an individual, which consists of over 3 billion building blocks of DNA. -- Missed Information -- To read a genome, DNA is first cut into small pieces of about 300 letters, known as short reads. -- These pieces are read and then reassembled until the complete genome is mapped. -- "This method has allowed us to identify the cause of quite a few rare diseases," says Christian Gilissen, Professor of Genome Bioinformatics at Radboudumc. -- However, the short reads technique also has its drawbacks. The huge collection of small genetic pieces cannot always be reassembled in the exact right places. -- This is especially true for very long repetitive sections of DNA (repeats) and for pieces of DNA that have been deleted, inserted, or rearranged (translocations). To compensate for these issues with short reads, several other techniques are often employed to detect what may have been missed. -- Long Reads	Z01	1,163
2513-058	Transitioning To A Western Diet Causes Inflammation, Impacts Immune Response	A study conducted in Tanzania reveals that dietary shifts significantly impact the immune system. Transitioning from a traditional African diet to a Western diet for just two weeks can cause inflammation and weaken immune responses. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables and fiber promotes better health, highlighting the urgent need to address nutritional choices as a means to combat lifestyle-related diseases.	Radboud University Medical Center	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study, published in Nature Medicine, highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism. -- Lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and chronic inflammatory conditions are surging across Africa, posing a growing challenge to healthcare systems throughout the continent. -- Increasing economic development, urbanization and wider availability of processed foods have accelerated the adoption of Western eating habits in Africa. -- To understand the health consequences of this shift, researchers from Radboud university medical center and KCMC University in Tanzania have studied the effects of such dietary changes on health. -- Lifestyle diseases -- Seventy-seven healthy men from Tanzania, both urban and rural residents, participated in the study. -- Some participants who traditionally ate an African diet switched to a Western diet for two weeks, while others who ate a Western diet adopted a traditional African diet. -- A third group consumed a fermented banana drink daily. As a control, ten participants maintained their usual diet. -- The researchers comprehensively analyzed the function of the immune system, blood inflammation markers, and metabolic processes at baseline, after the two-week intervention, and again four weeks later. -- Participants who switched to a Western diet exhibited an increase in inflammatory proteins in their blood, alongside activation of biological processes linked to lifestyle diseases.	H01 R01	1,164
2507-046	Advanced AI Model Segments MRI Images, Outperforming Existing Tools	Researchers in Switzerland have developed a robust AI model that autonomously segments major anatomical structures in MRI images, independent of imaging sequences. This model surpasses existing tools in performance, potentially revolutionizing the interpretation of MRI data. The new approach promises to reduce the labor-intensive manual segmentation process, decrease human error, and enhance the consistency of medical imaging results, as noted by researcher Jakob Wasserthal.	Radiological Society of North America	Radiological Society of North America	Press Rel	PubMed	Research scientists in Switzerland have developed and tested a robust AI model that automatically segments major anatomic structures in MRI images, independent of sequence, according to a new study published today in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). In the study, the model outperformed other publicly available tools. -- MRI provides detailed images of the human body and is essential for diagnosing various medical conditions, from neurological disorders to musculoskeletal injuries. -- For in-depth interpretation of MRI images, the organs, muscles and bones in the images are outlined or marked, which is known as segmenting. -- "MRI images have traditionally been manually segmented, which is a time-consuming process that requires intensive effort by radiologists and is subject to inter-reader variability," said Jakob Wasserthal, Ph.D., Radiology Department research scientist at University Hospital Basel in Basel, Switzerland. -- "Automated systems can potentially reduce radiologist's workload, minimize human errors and provide more consistent and reproducible results." -- Dr. Wasserthal and colleagues built an open-source automated segmentation tool called the TotalSegmentator MRI based on nnU-Net, a self-configuring framework that has set new standards in medical image segmentation. -- It adapts to any new dataset with minimal user intervention, automatically adjusting its architecture, preprocessing, and training strategies to optimize performance. -- A similar model for CT (TotalSegmentator CT) is being used by over 300,000 users worldwide to process over 100,000 CT images daily. -- In the retrospective study, the researchers trained TotalSegmentator MRI to provide sequence-independent segmentations of major anatomic structures using a randomly sampled dataset of 616 MRI and 527 CT exams. -- The training set included segmentations of 80 anatomic structures typically used for measuring volume, characterizing disease, surgical planning and opportunistic screening.	A01 T01	1,165
2503-019	Telephone Therapy: A New Approach To Combat Fatigue In Breast Cancer Survivors	A clinical trial shows that telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) effectively reduces fatigue and improves quality of life for metastatic breast cancer survivors. Participants reported better sleep quality and functioning, highlighting the potential of ACT to address psychological and physical challenges in cancer care.	Regenstrief Institute	Journal of Clinical Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	With medical advances, more than 169,000 people in the United States are living with metastatic breast cancer. Addressing debilitating symptoms has become increasingly crucial. Fatigue remains a significant challenge, affecting up to 63 percent of patients and severely impacting daily functioning. -- A study demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) in reducing fatigue's interference with functioning and improving the quality of life for survivors of metastatic breast cancer. ACT is a behavioral intervention that has shown promise in pilot studies in advanced cancer. Rather than aiming to reduce symptoms, the goal of ACT is to promote psychological flexibility, consisting of mindfulness/acceptance and commitment/behavior change processes. -- Researchers also found that the remote ACT intervention has shown evidence of feasibility and promise in reducing sleep interference with functioning of the patients. Cancer-related fatigue is often exacerbated by the physiological consequences of inadequate sleep. -- "The women I worked with in the study often reported that their sleep quality had improved because they were practicing mindfulness at bedtime and that was allowing them to feel a greater sense of peace in their life," said Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Shelley Johns, PsyD, an associate professor of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine and a clinician-scientist at the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. -- "The ACT intervention helped participants to fall asleep with greater ease. We think that the sleep quality improved for some participants because they were practicing mindfulness, which has been shown to support enhanced sleep." -- During the clinical trial, 250 survivors living with metastatic breast cancer were randomly assigned to six weekly telephone sessions of ACT or education/support. The results of the telephone-delivered ACT intervention suggest that brief remote conversations with a therapist help encourage the survivors to practice mindfulness in their daily lives, which leads to reduced fatigue interference with functioning. -- "Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women throughout the world. We don't have effective medications for fatigue in advanced cancer," said Regenstrief Institute Affiliate Scientist and first author Catherine Mosher, PhD. "I was drawn to acceptance and commitment therapy as a potential behavioral intervention to help reduce the negative impact of fatigue on functioning because it has shown evidence of effectiveness for patients with chronic pain as well as people with mental health conditions. -- "Mindfulness involves focused attention on the present moment, including symptoms that one may be experiencing and thoughts and feelings, and having an attitude of compassionate acceptance of those experiences," said Dr. Mosher, also a behavioral scientist in the Department of Psychology, Indiana University Indianapolis School of Science. "We hypothesized that this would interrupt more maladaptive reactions to fatigue, such as ruminating about the fatigue or catastrophizing, and also by being more in tune with one's body, more aware of what one is experiencing, one can make choices that enrich quality of life." -- This study informs clinical care by demonstrating that a novel, telephone-delivered ACT intervention can reduce fatigue interference with functioning in patients with metastatic breast cancer and shows promise in reducing sleep interference. Training in ACT is accessible to clinicians from various disciplines. Next steps include testing the intervention in culturally diverse cancer populations and disseminating the intervention.	H01 H02 R01	1,166
2505-119	Breast Cancer Survivors Face Emotional Challenges Impacting Multiple Life Domains	A study on breast cancer survivors reveals that the fear of cancer recurrence significantly impacts various aspects of their lives, including emotional and relational domains. Researchers highlight the need for support systems that address these psychosocial challenges, as survivors navigate their post-treatment experiences while seeking purpose and connection.	Regenstrief Institute	Supportive Care in Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Some food labels designed to nudge Americans toward healthier food choices can have the opposite effect, new University of Florida research shows. -- The study is particularly compelling because it comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration weighs whether to require front-of-package food labels. -- Through a newly proposed rule, the agency introduced labels highlighting saturated fat, sodium and added sugar. -- Each value on the labels, a percent of the recommended daily value, corresponds to one of three levels: low, medium and high. -- The UF/IFAS study, published in the journal Food Policy, examined front-of-package labels professing the contents inside as "healthy." Researchers found the labels decreased consumers' willingness to pay for yogurt unless the claim was supported by FDA backing and an explanation about the agency's criteria for the designation. -- "This research highlights the importance of helping consumers understand what a label means," said study author Jianhui "Jeffrey" Liu, a doctoral candidate in the UF/IFAS food and resource economics department. -- Liu and his team asked 308 subjects to review front-of-package label designs for strawberry Greek yogurt and indicate how much they were willing to pay for it. One package design included a "healthy" label, one included a "great taste" label, one included both labels and the last design, the control, did not feature either label. -- Compared to the control, respondents were willing to spend 18% less for the "healthy" yogurt and 25% less for the yogurt labeled both "healthy and "great taste." "Great taste" labels presented alone, however, did not positively or negatively affect respondents' willingness to pay. -- The findings suggest health labels might evoke a perception of compromise on taste and indulgence. -- "Simply putting 'healthy' on a product may not be enough -- it can even backfire if consumers are left wondering what qualifies the food as healthy or if they associate the label with less desirable attributes, such as poor taste," Liu said.	H02 R01	1,167
2507-112	New Study Evaluates Risks And Benefits Of Long-Term Opioid Use For Chronic Pain	A comprehensive analysis of long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain highlights the varying expert opinions on its benefits and risks. Researchers found a lack of consensus on whether to continue, taper, or discontinue opioid prescriptions, revealing that many experts recognize the potential harm of rapid tapering while advocating for patient-centered approaches and alternative therapies to manage chronic pain effectively.	Regenstrief Institute	Regenstrief Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	Chronic pain is complex and difficult to treat. Prescribing opioid pain medications has become controversial but may help some patients. -- With the goal of informing clinician practice, a new study explores the harms and benefits of continuing and of discontinuing the long-term prescription of opioid medicines to adults with chronic pain. The authors analyzed the opinions of 28 experts on the harms versus benefits of maintaining, tapering or terminating opioid pain medication prescriptions for chronic pain, a common condition worldwide that is typically quite difficult to treat. -- The study authors found a lack of consensus among the experts on how to treat chronic (lasting three or more months) non-cancer pain. Slightly more than a third of the experts (36 percent) believed that long-term opioid therapy is beneficial, while an equal percentage indicated that it should be discontinued. -- More than half of the experts believed that patients can experience harm from overly rapid tapering and discontinuation, while some recommended attempting a slow taper (even with a prior unsuccessful taper), possibly with addition of medications to manage withdrawal) in order not to maintain opioid therapy. -- Some of the experts advocated for switching patients to buprenorphine, which diminishes the effects of physical dependency to opioids, such as withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and is used to treat pain. Some considered adding non-opioid pain therapies (including re-trying these therapies even if they were unhelpful in the past) as well as engaging in shared decision-making with the patient, although there was little consensus on how to accomplish these options. -- Some, but not all of the experts, noted the benefit of addressing co-occurring conditions related to patient safety, such as alcohol use, mental health symptoms and opioid side effects. -- Few of the experts brought up assessing or addressing opioid use disorder or overdose risk. -- "The potential harms of opioid pain medication are well known, nevertheless patients can become habituated to them and want their physicians to continue prescribing them. Taking patients off opiates may result in return or worsening of chronic pain, mental health issues, drug seeking and potentially overdose and death. Additionally, these drugs could be used by someone else, possibly winding up on the street," said study co-author Kurt Kroenke, M.D. of the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine. "On the benefit side, these drugs may be helping relieve the patient's often debilitating pain which can impact the ability to interact with family, to hold a job, participate in social activities and many other aspects of life." -- A substantial number of people who are prescribed opioid pain medications continue to experience chronic pain. Dr. Kroenke notes that these individuals may be good candidates for tapering to a lower dose, prescription discontinuation and moving on to effective, safer treatments for pain. -- The authors conclude their analysis of the experts' opinions, "Guidelines on whether to continue or taper opioids prescribed long- term may be difficult to utilize given professional liability concerns, changing regulations and health system initiatives, differing provider-patient perspectives on long-term opioid benefits and harms, and some providers' beliefs that opioid dependence interferes with patients' objectivity. In the meantime, individual care decisions that involve weighing relative harms should draw on longstanding norms of ethical medical care that call for informed consent and patient-provider conversations grounded in mutual respect."	A01 H01 R01	1,168
2510-073	Enhancing Palliative Care: New Tool For Non-Verbal Nursing Home Residents	A newly adapted symptom assessment tool aims to improve care for cognitively impaired nursing home residents by enabling better communication of their physical and emotional distress. With many residents unable to articulate their needs, the revamped instrument allows staff to monitor symptoms effectively, ultimately expanding palliative care services and enhancing residents' quality of life.	Regenstrief Institute	International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	As many as half of nursing home residents are cognitively impaired and may be unable to communicate symptoms such as pain or anxiety to the staff and clinicians caring for them. Therefore, information needed for the evaluation of symptoms and subsequent treatment decisions typically does not reliably exist in nursing home electronic health records (EHRs). -- A new paper reports on the novel adaptation of a commonly used symptom assessment instrument to more comprehensively acquire this difficult-to-obtain data with the ultimate goal of enabling knowledge-based expansion of palliative care services in nursing homes to address residents' symptoms. -- In the paper, part of the large, multi-state, multi-facility UPLIFT-AD study -- short for Utilizing Palliative Leaders in Facilities to Transform care for people with Alzheimer's Disease -- researchers, including Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Social Work faculty, describe how they revamped and subsequently validated a symptom assessment tool used worldwide. The UPLIFT-AD researchers modified the instrument, originally designed for reporting by family members of individuals with dementia following their death, to enable reporting on the symptoms of current residents living with moderate to severe dementia by nursing home staff as well as family. -- Led by Kathleen T. Unroe, M.D., MHA, M.S., and John G. Cagle, PhD, the UPLIFT-AD team reports in the peer-reviewed paper that the tool they enhanced reliably addressed physical and emotional distress as well as well-being and symptoms that are precursors to end of life. This validation was critical as the researchers develop guidance for expansion of symptom recognition and management in any nursing home. Employing instruments used in other studies helps researchers to directly compare findings. -- Dr. Unroe, Dr. Cagle and colleagues, including Wanzhu Tu, PhD, of the Regenstrief Institute and the IU School of Medicine, are in the late stages of the UPLIFT-AD clinical trial to enhance quality of care individuals with dementia by building capacity for palliative care within nursing homes. -- "People receive care in nursing homes because they have significant needs -- support for activities of daily living -- as well as for complex, serious and multiple chronic conditions. But measuring symptoms of residents, especially those who are cognitively impaired, to address these needs is challenging," said paper senior author Dr. Unroe, a Regenstrief Institute research scientist and an IU School of Medicine professor of medicine. "In my two decades of working as a clinician in nursing homes as well as a researcher, I have seen that often the information on symptoms that we want isn't available consistently in the data that's already collected or it isn't collected at the frequency that we need to measure the impact of programs and approaches. And the gold standard for knowing if someone has a symptom, for example, if someone has pain or anxiety, to ask that person directly to assess the symptom, isn't always possible for cognitively impaired residents. That's why we took steps to validate a commonly used instrument in a wider population -- individuals currently living with cognitive impairment -- and added additional needed data points. -- "While hospice care is typically available, there is widespread recognition that broader palliative care is needed in nursing homes. But there is no roadmap for how to provide it well. We hope that when we have our final results in 2026, UPLIFT-AD will prove to be a replicable model for implementing this much needed type of care."	H02 R02	1,169
2504-E025	Linking Canadian Wildfires To Arctic Ice Clouds: A New Discovery	Recent studies have demonstrated that aerosols from the 2023 Canadian wildfires have contributed to ice cloud formation over the Arctic, despite previous assumptions about temperature limitations. The research highlights the role of ice nucleating particles in influencing Arctic climate, emphasizing the complex interactions between wildfires and atmospheric phenomena in shaping weather patterns.	Research Organization of Information and Systems	Atmospheric Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Ice nucleating particles as a kind of aerosols have a significant impact on the Arctic climate by promoting the formation of ice clouds at a temperature above -38˚C. Wildfires in mid-latitudinal areas are a major source of these aerosols. However, a direct observation of wildfire-emitted aerosols facilitating ice cloud formation has never been documented. Now, using field and climate data, scientists from Japan have linked aerosols emitted by Canadian wildfires in 2023 to the formation of ice clouds over the Arctic Ocean. -- Clouds, composed of tiny water droplets or ice crystals, play a vital role in regulating Earth's climate by influencing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface. -- The cloud phase significantly impacts the surface energy balance as liquid water clouds reflect more radiation than ice clouds. -- Ice clouds typically form at temperatures below −38°C, but recent observations indicate their formation at higher temperatures in the Arctic. -- This phenomenon is facilitated by ice-nucleating particles (INPs), including mineral dust, organic aerosols and bioaerosols, which promote ice cloud formation above the usual freezing point. -- These INPs, primarily sourced from outsude of the Arctic refion, also include traces of organic carbon (OC) aerosols. -- Wildfires in Canada, Alaska, and Russia are major sources of these aerosols, contributing to higher concentrations of OC, black carbon, and other aerosols over the Arctic. -- However, despite extensive scientific evidence of aerosol transport from lower latitudes, a clear link between the transported aerosols and ice cloud formation in the Arctic remains unestablished. -- In a recent study led by Assistant Professor Kazutoshi Sato and involving Professor Jun Inoue from the National Institute of Polar Research, Japan, scientists set out to understand how wildfire aerosols influence ice cloud formation in the Arctic. -- The study was made available online on December 24, 2024 and is set to be published in Volume 315 of Atmospheric Research on April 1, 2025.	C01	1,170
2501-E002	Eco-Friendly Method Developed For Chlorine Integration In Essential Products.	Rice University chemists have created a more sustainable method to integrate chlorine into chemical compounds used in various products. By employing mild light and environmentally friendly catalysts, this new approach aims to minimize the environmental impact of chlorination processes traditionally requiring harsher conditions.	Rice University	Nat. Synth.	Press Rel	PubMed	Chlorine plays an essential part in daily life, from keeping pools clean to preserving food. Now, a team of chemists at Rice University has developed a more environmentally friendly way to integrate chlorine into chemical building blocks for medications, plastics, pesticides and other essential products while reducing costs. This research was published in Nature Synthesis on Jan. 2. -- Led by Julian West, assistant professor of chemistry and a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar, the research team developed a photocatalytic process that uses iron and sulfur catalysts activated by mild blue light to add chlorine atoms to organic molecules. -- This innovation eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or high temperatures typically required in chlorination, which can generate difficult-to-purify byproducts. -- "Our method uses sustainable, low-cost catalysts and operates at room temperature with gentle blue light," West said. -- "It provides a targeted, efficient way to chlorinate molecules without conventional approaches' environmental and purification challenges." -- One advantage of the team's method is its precise targeting of chlorine placement on molecules, a process called anti-Markovnikov hydrochlorination. -- This precision creates highly pure products by selectively attaching chlorine atoms to less-reactive parts of the starting molecules. -- With this approach, chemists can avoid extra purification steps that are often time-consuming and costly. -- The researchers also unveiled a novel addition to this process: using heavy water to incorporate deuterium, a stable hydrogen isotope. -- This step could make certain drugs last longer in the body by increasing their stability, potentially enhancing their effectiveness.	H01 R01 C01 T01	1,171
2502-E025	How Mating Practices Influence Bird Evolution And Survival	Researchers at Rice University have explored the evolution of bird mating behaviors, revealing that lekking—a practice where males display for females without forming lasting bonds—remains stable, while resource-defense polygamy is more unstable. Analyzing data from over 6,620 bird species, the study uncovers patterns influencing species survival and provides insights into broader evolutionary principles, shedding light on the factors that determine the persistence or disappearance of certain mating systems.	Rice University	Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new insights into the evolution of bird behavior, revealing why certain mating systems persist while others disappear over time. In a recent paper published in the journal Evolution, Rafael S. Marcondes and Nicolette Douvas reveal that lekking -- a mating system where males display for females without forming lasting bonds -- is an evolutionarily stable strategy. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy, where one sex -- usually but not always the male -- guards territories to attract mates, is highly unstable and often reverts to monogamy. -- "This research not only examines how mating behaviors influence species survival but also sheds light on larger evolutionary questions," said Marcondes, the corresponding author and a faculty fellow in ecology and evolutionary biology at Rice. "By studying birds, we're uncovering principles that may resonate across other species too." -- The study analyzed data from more than 60% of the world's bird species -- approximately 6,620 species -- making it one of the most comprehensive analyses of its kind. -- Marcondes and Douvas employed a detailed methodology to explore the evolution of bird mating systems. Species sampling and classification were based on data from authoritative sources like the "Handbook of Birds of the World." Bird species were categorized into three mating systems -- monogamy (strong and durable sociosexual bonds), resource-defense polygamy (weak and transient bonds) and lekking (absence of social bonds). The certainty and detail of these classifications were rated on a scale of 1 to 3. Marcondes said the rating scale was an important and novel aspect of the study, because while there is a lot of published information on animal behavior, it is often scattered and reported in a haphazard way. -- "We were some of the first researchers to try to systematize that scattered information and use it at a large scale," Marcondes said. -- To analyze evolutionary dynamics, they used large family trees of species and applied stochastic character mapping to address missing data. They further leveraged sophisticated evolutionary models to investigate diversification dynamics and transitions between mating systems. The researchers then modeled diversification rates to uncover correlations between mating systems and extinction/speciation rates and assessed whether transitions between systems followed predictable evolutionary pathways. -- The study uncovered several key findings about the evolution of bird mating systems. Lekking, characterized by elaborate male displays and selective female mate choice, was found to be remarkably stable and rarely evolves into other systems, often directly developing from monogamy rather than passing through intermediate stages of polygamy. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy was identified as fragile, frequently reverting to monogamy and associated with higher extinction rates likely due to challenges in optimizing parental care under this system. Monogamy, practiced by most bird species, was shown to be the most evolutionarily resilient system, providing strong sociosexual bonds that support parental investment and species survival. -- "This study bridges the gap between ecological and macroevolutionary perspectives," Marcondes said. "It shows how environmental pressures, mating behaviors and lineage diversification are intertwined over millions of years." -- Douvas, a senior premed student majoring in humanities, reflected on the study's impact -- both on her academic journey at Rice and on the particular field of study. -- "Through statistical analysis and evolutionary modeling, we uncovered surprising insights into the stability of lek mating behavior, a topic that had received little prior attention," Douvas said. "One of the most fascinating discoveries was that lekking behavior originated from monogamy, challenging my initial assumption that it evolved from polygamy. This research not only expanded my understanding of animal behavior but also provided a richer perspective on the intricacies of evolutionary patterns. It has been an incredible opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary research, broadening my academic experience far beyond the traditional focus of premed studies."	N01 N02	1,172
2502-E077	Carbon Nanotube Fibers Can Be Fully Recycled: A Sustainable Manufacturing Breakthrough	Recyclable Carbon Nanotube Fibers: A groundbreaking study from Rice University demonstrates that carbon nanotube fibers can be fully recycled without losing structural integrity. This discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials, offering significant potential for reducing waste and enhancing environmental sustainability in manufacturing.	Rice University	Carbon	Press Rel	PubMed	In a significant step toward creating a sustainable and circular economy, Rice University researchers have published a landmark study in the journalCarbon demonstrating that carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers can be fully recycled without any loss in their structure or properties. This discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals, polymers and the much larger carbon fibers, which are notoriously difficult to recycle. -- "Recycling has long been a challenge in the materials industry -- metals recycling is often inefficient and energy intensive, polymers tend to lose their properties after reprocessing and carbon fibers cannot be recycled at all, only downcycled by chopping them up into short pieces," said corresponding author Matteo Pasquali, director of Rice's Carbon Hub and the A.J. Hartsook Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Materials Science and NanoEngineering and Chemistry. "As CNT fibers are being scaled up, we asked whether and how these new materials could be recycled in the future so as to proactively avoid waste management problems that emerged as other engineered materials reached large-scale use. We expected that recycling would be difficult and would lead to significant loss of properties. Surprisingly, we found that carbon nanotube fibers far exceed the recyclability potential of existing engineered materials, offering a solution to a major environmental issue." -- The research team used solution-spun CNT fibers created by dissolving fiber-grade commercial CNTs in chlorosulfonic acid, a widely used industrial solvent. Because end-of-life recycling invariably brings together materials that were manufactured by different companies in different processes, it was important to assess the effect of multiple material sources on the fiber manufacturing process and fiber properties. Fibers made from different types of CNTs produced by different manufacturers were initially processed into separate single-source virgin fibers, then recycled by combining them and mixing in chlorosulfonic acid. Surprisingly, mixing the two fibers led to complete redissolution and no sign of separation of the two source materials into different liquid phases. This redissolved material was spun into a mixed-source recycled fiber that retained the same structure and alignment of the virgin fiber. -- "By using two different sources of carbon nanotubes, we ensured that our recycling process was representative of real-life conditions," said co-first author Michelle Durán-Chaves, a graduate student in chemistry. "Remarkably, the recycled fibers demonstrated equivalent mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and alignment, which is unprecedented in the field of engineered materials." -- The research revealed several significant findings that position CNT fibers as a promising material in the journey toward sustainable practices. Foremost among these is the full recyclability of CNT fibers. Unlike traditional materials, particularly polymers and carbon fibers that degrade in quality during recycling, CNT fibers retained 100% of their original properties after being recycled. -- "This preservation of quality means CNT fibers can be used and reused in demanding applications without compromising performance, thus extending their lifecycle and reducing the need for new raw materials," said co-first author Ivan R. Siqueira, a recent doctoral graduate in Rice's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who is now associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica in Rio de Janeiro. -- Equally significant is the efficiency of the recycling process. The researchers demonstrated that CNT fiber recycling is notably more efficient than traditional recycling methods for metals and polymers, which often involve high energy use, hazardous chemicals or labor-intensive sorting. CNT fibers, however, can be recycled without sorting as fibers from various sources can be combined to produce high-quality recycled materials. Once these materials reach scale, this simple recycling process will significantly reduce waste, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions associated with materials manufacturing. -- "The ability to fully recycle CNT fibers has broad implications for industries like aerospace, automotive and electronics," Durán-Chaves said. "We hope this could pave the way for fully recyclable composites in aircraft, vehicles, civil infrastructures and more, ultimately reducing environmental impacts across a wide range of sectors." -- Other co-authors of the paper include Rice graduate alumni Oliver Dewey, now of DexMat; Steven Williams; Cedric Ginestra, now of LyondellBasell; Yingru Song, now a postdoctoral fellow at Purdue University; Rice undergraduate alumnus Juan De La Garza, now of Axiom Space; and Geoff Wehmeyer, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. -- This research is part of the broader program of the Carbon Hub, a Rice-led initiative developing a zero emissions future, where advanced carbon materials and clean hydrogen are co-produced efficiently and sustainably from hydrocarbons.	R01 T01	1,173
2502-T037	Engineers Develop Scalable Method For Topography-Patterned Aluminum Surfaces To Improve Liquids	Engineers from Rice University and the University of Edinburgh have developed a scalable method to create patterned aluminum surfaces that enhance liquid transport properties. This innovative approach, combining vinyl masking techniques with surface treatments, aims to improve applications in electronics cooling and anti-icing systems. The research, published in Langmuir, demonstrates significant advancements in tailored surface engineering, leading to better performance in phase-change heat transfer technologies.	Rice University	Langmuir	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of engineers has developed an innovative, scalable method for creating topography-patterned aluminum surfaces, enhancing liquid transport properties critical for applications in electronics cooling, self-cleaning technologies and anti-icing systems. The research, published recently in Langmuir and conducted by groups at Rice University and the University of Edinburgh as part of the Rice-Edinburgh Strategic Collaboration Awards program, demonstrates how cost-effective vinyl masking techniques can produce surfaces with high-resolution wettability contrast, paving the way for improved phase-change heat transfer applications. -- The research team developed a novel technique using blade-cut vinyl masking and commercially available lacquer resin combined with scalable physical and chemical surface treatments to create patterned aluminum surfaces. -- These surfaces exhibit distinct wettability contrasts, significantly improving the droplet shedding during condensation. -- The patterns, with feature sizes as small as 1.5 mm, offer a range of wettability behaviors -- from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic -- depending on the treatment. -- "This method represents an important step in tailored surface engineering," said Daniel J. Preston, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rice and a co-corresponding author of the paper along with Geoff Wehmeyer, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rice, and Daniel Orejon from the University of Edinburgh. -- "By enabling precise control over surface wettability and thermal properties, we are opening new doors for scalable manufacturing of advanced heat transfer surfaces." -- The research employed a multistep methodology to develop and analyze the patterned aluminum surfaces. -- Vinyl masks were first applied to polished aluminum substrates, followed by a two-step etching process that created micro- and nanotextured zones. -- The team then used advanced imaging techniques to characterize the patterns' resolution and wettability properties. -- To evaluate performance, condensation visualization experiments demonstrated enhanced droplet shedding on the patterned surfaces compared to homogeneous ones.	A01 T01	1,174
2502-T039	New Study Explores Polaron Behavior In Tellurene, A Promising Nanomaterial For Technologies	Researchers have published findings on polarons in tellurene, a nanomaterial with promising applications in various technologies. The study, led by a team from Rice University, explores how polarons behave as the material's thickness is reduced, significantly affecting its electronic and optical properties. Understanding these quasiparticles can lead to advancements in sensing, electronics, and energy devices, illustrating the potential of nanomaterials in next-generation technologies.	Rice University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	To describe how matter works at infinitesimal scales, researchers designate collective behaviors with single concepts -- like calling a group of birds flying in sync a "flock" or "murmuration." Known as quasiparticles, the phenomena these concepts refer to could be the key to next-generation technologies. -- In a recent study published in Science Advances, a team of researchers led by Shengxi Huang, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and materials science and nanoengineering at Rice, describe how one such type of quasiparticle -- polarons -- behaves in tellurene, a nanomaterial first synthesized in 2017 that is made up of tiny chains of tellurium atoms and has properties useful in sensing, electronic, optical and energy devices. -- "Tellurene exhibits dramatic changes in its electronic and optical properties when its thickness is reduced to a few nanometers compared to its bulk form," said Kunyan Zhang, a Rice doctoral alumna who is a first author on the study. -- "Specifically, these changes alter how electricity flows and how the material vibrates, which we traced back to the transformation of polarons as tellurene becomes thinner." -- A polaron forms when charge-carrying particles such as electrons interact with vibrations in the atomic or molecular lattice of a material. -- Imagine a phone ringing in a packed auditorium during a lecture: Just as the audience shifts their gaze collectively to the source of the interruption, so do the lattice vibrations adjust their orientation in response to charge carriers, organizing themselves around an aura of polarization -- hence the name of the quasiparticle. -- Depending on the thinness of the layer of tellurene, the magnitude of this response -- i.e., the span of the aura -- can vary significantly. -- Understanding this polaron transition is important because it reveals how fundamental interactions between electrons and vibrations can influence the behavior of materials, particularly in low dimensions. -- "This knowledge could inform the design of advanced technologies like more efficient electronic devices or novel sensors and help us understand the physics of materials at the smallest scales," said Huang, who is a corresponding author of the paper. -- The researchers hypothesized that as tellurene transitions from bulk to nanometer thickness, polarons change from large, spread-out electron-vibration interactions to smaller, localized interactions.	C01 N01 T01	1,175
2505-091	Novel Relationships Discovered In Engineered Living Materials For Advanced Customization	Researchers at Rice University have uncovered new sequence-structure-property relationships for engineered living materials (ELMs), enhancing control over their properties and responses. This breakthrough, published in ACS Synthetic Biology, could revolutionize applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery by enabling the customization of these materials through genetic modifications.	Rice University	ACS Synthetic Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	The way the body ages could be more resilient than previously thought, a new study suggests. -- Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the work by researchers at King's College London and collaborators suggests that chromatin, the mix of DNA and protein that houses each cell's genome, is more resilient to aging than previously thought. Scientists believe this may reveal how the body can cope with the inevitable "wear-and-tear" of aging and where it may be more vulnerable to its effects, laying the groundwork for future anti-aging treatments throughout the body. -- Dr Luis Guerra explains: "Experiment after experiment showed that chromatin was tolerating quite well the presence of this "wear-and-tear." But when we zoomed-in and investigated biochemical processes that directly targeted these aged areas that we introduced, we saw massive effects." -- Proteins, much like the rest of the body, change when aging. This is especially the case for the histone proteins that make up chromatin, which may "live" for ~100 days before being replenished and replaced. During their lifetime, proteins are stretched and distorted, or experience processes that are similar to rusting. This damage results in naturally occurring chemical changes to the protein called post-translational modifications, or PTMs. -- By changing the physical and chemical structures of a protein, these processes can change their function and even lead them to fail. In some cases, this failure can lead to diseases like cancer but the mechanisms of just how this occurs is often unclear. Furthermore, because natural aging is slow, studying this process within proteins in the body can be difficult. -- To uncover the foundations of how proteins experience 'wear-and-tear' as they age, the team chemically built chromatin in a test tube at two distinct stages in its lifecycle -- recently formed and very old, with the latter containing a PTM associated with ageing. At approximately three million daltons, a unit of mass for atomic-scale objects like atoms, the team believe these chromatin models with controlled aging "scars" are the largest of their kind. -- They found that aging process had very disparate effects. Despite extreme local changes to the protein brought by aging-related PTMs, the overall structure and integrity of chromatin seemed unaffected. However, enzymes that typically interact with it could no longer recognise these aged regions as chromatin and failed to function. -- Dr Luis Guerra explains: "This suggests that chromatin, which sets out the structure of DNA, is more robust than we thought... This could mean that the functional integrity of certain parts of the body can be maintained until those faulty parts can be repaired or switched out." -- "This was a huge surprise for us. Experiment after experiment showed that chromatin was tolerating quite well the presence of this "wear-and-tear." But when we zoomed-in and investigated biochemical processes that directly targeted these aged areas that we introduced, we saw massive effects." -- "This suggests that chromatin, which sets out the structure of DNA, is more robust than we thought. Think of an old computer, while it may not have the latest graphics card or processor this modular piece of kit can still surf the web. It might even have a completely fried sound card, but at its core it still functions as a computer. This could mean that the functional integrity of certain parts of the body can be maintained until those faulty parts can be repaired or switched out."	A01 H01 H02 R01 T01	1,176
2506-002	New Study Reveals Surprising Collagen Structure That Could Transform Biomedical Research	A recent study challenges long-held beliefs about collagen, the body's primary structural protein. Researchers from Rice University and UVA discovered through advanced cryo-electron microscopy that collagen’s atomic structure exhibits unexpected variations, suggesting greater structural diversity than previously thought. This finding may alter the course of biomedical research and enhance our understanding of collagen's role in various bodily functions and diseases.	Rice University	ACS Central Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Collagen, the body's most abundant protein, has long been viewed as a predictable structural component of tissues. However, a new study led by Rice University's Jeffrey Hartgerink and Tracy Yu, in collaboration with Mark Kreutzberger and Edward Egelman at the University of Virginia (UVA), challenges that notion, revealing an unexpected confirmation in collagen structure that could reshape biomedical research. -- The researchers used advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to determine the atomic structure of a packed collagen assembly that deviates from the traditionally accepted right-handed superhelical twist. Published Feb. 3 in ACS Central Science, the study suggests collagen's structural diversity may be greater than previously believed. -- "This work fundamentally changes how we think about collagen," said Hartgerink, professor of chemistry and bioengineering. "For decades, we have assumed that collagen triple helices always follow a strict structural paradigm. Our findings show that collagen assemblies can adopt a wider range of conformations than previously thought." -- Unveiling a new collagen conformation -- To explore collagen assembly at an atomic level, the research team designed a system of self-assembling peptides based on the collagen-like region of C1q, a key immune protein. They then used cryo-EM, a technology that allows scientists to visualize biomolecules in unprecedented detail, to analyze the structure of the assembled peptides. The resulting model revealed a deviation from the canonical right-handed superhelical twist. -- This unexpected conformation enables unique molecular interactions, including hydroxyproline stacking between adjacent helices and forming a symmetrical hydrophobic cavity. Such features suggest that collagenous assemblies may be far more structurally diverse than previously believed. -- "The absence of the superhelical twist allows for molecular interactions not seen before in collagen," said Yu, a former graduate student of Hartgerink who is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Washington. -- Kreutzberger, the first author of this study, said that this discovery indeed questions previous beliefs. "It challenges the long-held dogma about collagen structure and opens the door to re-examining its biological roles," Kreutzberger said. -- Significance for medicine and biomaterials -- The implications of this discovery could extend beyond fundamental biology. Collagen is not just a structural protein -- it plays essential roles in cell signaling, immune function and tissue repair.	Z01	1,177
2506-042	Revolutionary Method Detects Harmful Chemicals In Placenta Rapidly And Accurately	A collaborative research effort has unveiled an innovative method for detecting toxic chemicals from tobacco smoke in human placenta using advanced light-based imaging and machine learning techniques. This method allows for rapid identification of harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, significantly improving maternal and fetal health monitoring and offering insights into the implications of these toxins on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in smokers.	Rice University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Rice University scientists and collaborators at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) have demonstrated a new method for detecting the presence of dangerous chemicals from tobacco smoke in human placenta with unprecedented speed and precision. -- The research team used a combination of light-based imaging techniques and machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify and label polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives (PACs) -- toxic compounds generated through the incomplete combustion of organic materials. Exposure to these chemicals during pregnancy can result in negative health outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight and developmental problems. -- "Our work addresses a critical challenge in maternal and fetal health by improving our ability to detect harmful compounds like PAHs and PACs in placenta samples," said Oara Neumann, a Rice research scientist who is the first author on a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. "The findings reveal that machine-learning-enhanced vibrational spectroscopy can accurately distinguish between placental samples from smokers and nonsmokers." -- The new method was used to analyze the placentas of women who reported smoking during pregnancy and self-reported nonsmokers, confirming that PAHs and PACs were present only in the samples collected from smokers. The findings offer a critical tool for environmental and health monitoring, enabling the identification and labeling of harmful toxins associated with smoking as well as other sources such as wildfires, conflagrations, Superfund sites and other high-pollution environments and contaminated products. -- "Measuring levels of environmental chemicals in the placenta can give us insight into the exposures that both mom and baby experienced during pregnancy," said Melissa Suter, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at BCM. "This information can help us understand how these chemicals can affect the pregnancy and the baby's development and help scientists inform public health measures." -- The research relied on surface-enhanced spectroscopy, a method that uses specially designed nanomaterials to amplify the way that specific light wavelengths interact with targeted compounds. In this case, the researchers leveraged the special optical properties of gold nanoshells designed in the Nanoengineered Photonics and Plasmonics research group led by Naomi Halas , University Professor and the Stanley C. Moore Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice. -- "We combined two complementary techniques -- surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced infrared absorption -- to generate highly detailed vibrational signatures of the molecules in the placental samples," said Halas, who is the corresponding author on the study. -- Halas together with Peter Nordlander, the Wiess Chair in Physics and Astronomy and professor of electrical and computer engineering and materials science and nanoengineering at Rice, have made significant contributions to plasmonics, the study of light-induced collective oscillations of free electrons on the surface of metallic nanoparticles. Surface-enhanced spectroscopy leverages plasmonics to make possible the in-depth study of molecular structures with very high resolution at the trace concentrations found in biological and environmental samples. -- The integration of ML algorithms -- characteristic peak extraction (CaPE) and characteristic peak similarity (CaPSim) -- revealed subtle patterns in the data that would otherwise have gone undetected. CaPE identified key chemical signatures from the complex datasets, while CaPSim matched these signals to known PAH chemical signatures. This outcome showcases the transformative impact of computational tools for medical and public health applications. -- Ankit Patel, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice and assistant professor of neuroscience at BCM, said that ML served to "tune out the 'noise' in the data."	A01 C01 T01	1,178
2506-T014	Research Identifies Optimal Size For Enhanced Performance Of Relaxor Nanomaterials	A new study from Rice University has examined how the miniaturization of relaxor ferroelectrics affects their energy-conversion properties. The research highlights a surprising "sweet spot" at small scales where the materials can actually improve before losing their unique capabilities. These insights could lead to advancements in nanoelectronic devices and applications in various technologies.	Rice University	Nature Nanotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by Rice University materials scientist Lane Martin sheds light on how the extreme miniaturization of thin films affects the behavior of relaxor ferroelectrics -- materials with noteworthy energy-conversion properties used in sensors, actuators and nanoelectronics. The findings reveal that as the film shrinks to dimensions comparable to the materials' internal polarization structures, their fundamental properties can shift in unexpected ways. -- The focus of the study published in Nature Nanotechnology is lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate, or PMN-PT, a widely used ceramic material found in applications ranging from medical imaging (ultrasounds) and energy harvesting to gas sensors and beyond. -- In their quest to shed light on how the internal polarization structure of PMN-PT evolves and acts at vanishingly small scales, the researchers made a surprising discovery: Before losing its special abilities, the material actually improved. -- This unexpected "sweet spot" could open the door to a new generation of nanoelectronic devices. -- As a ferroelectric relaxor, PMN-PT excels at converting energy from one form to another. -- For instance, pressing on a thin film of this material generates a voltage, while applying an external voltage to it makes it change shape. -- At the atomic level, its structure is made up of negative and positive atoms which can move relative to each other to create local dipoles. -- These dipoles do not align uniformly across the material; instead, they are subject to competing energies -- one that wants them pointing randomly and another that wants to align them pointing in the same direction. -- The result is that the material breaks up into polar nanodomains -- tiny clusters no bigger than a small virus, wherein all the dipoles point in roughly the same direction. -- "These self-assembled structures of polarization inside the material are highly responsive to external stimuli due to the chemical complexity of the material and the size of these regions -- at their smallest, PMN-PT nanodomains are only 5-10 nanometers," said Jieun Kim, assistant professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and the study's first author.	A01 R01 T01	1,179
2507-011	Breakthrough Gene-Editing Technique Enhances Liver Therapy Effectiveness For Genetic Disorders	A new gene-editing strategy developed at Rice University significantly enhances the effectiveness of gene therapies in the liver, potentially benefitting various genetic disorders. The method, named Repair Drive, increases the rate of correctly repaired liver cells, facilitating advancements in treatments for numerous conditions affecting this vital organ.	Rice University	Rice University	Press Rel	PubMed	The Rice University lab of bioengineer Gang Bao and collaborators at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) have developed a new gene-editing strategy that dramatically boosts the effectiveness of gene therapies in the liver, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for about 700 genetic disorders in this vital organ as well as in other organs and tissues. -- Gene-editing therapies are already being used to treat some rare genetic diseases, but aside from the often prohibitive costs of these therapies, the underlying mechanisms they rely on involve breaking or inactivating defective genes rather than fixing disease-causing mutations. -- The new method called Repair Drive makes it possible to not only repair liver cells, known as hepatocytes, at much higher rates than previously possible with conventional approaches but also equips the repaired cells with a selective advantage that allows them to outcompete incorrectly edited and unedited cells. -- The findings, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, show that Repair Drive increases the amount of correctly repaired cells from roughly 1% to more than 25% of the liver mouse models, enabling them to further divide and thus regenerate the liver. -- "The liver has this inherent regenerative capacity that a lot of other tissues don't; however, one of the biggest hurdles is editing a sufficient number of cells," said William Lagor, professor of integrative physiology at BCM and a senior author on the paper. -- "For example, homology directed repair is the preferred pathway for fixing genes, but it is only active in the roughly 1% of liver cells that are actively dividing. This limitation has made it nearly impossible to correct genetic mutations in a significant portion of the liver. Our approach is to take that small percentage of precisely repaired cells and give them a reason to divide so that they can replace the unhealthy liver cells." -- The new technique used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to temporarily inhibit an essential gene, known as FAH, that is required for the survival of hepatocytes. -- Next, the researchers delivered a modified version of FAH along with a therapeutic gene into a subset of cells. -- Because this new version of FAH was immune to the siRNA, only the gene-edited cells survived and multiplied. -- "This is like giving gene-edited cells a head start in a race," said Bao, Rice's A.J. Foyt Family Professor of Bioengineering, professor of chemistry, materials science and nanoengineering and mechanical engineering, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar and a senior author on the paper.	H01 R01	1,180
2507-T022	Innovating Wearable Tech: Harnessing Failure To Improve Soft Robotics And Device Functionality	Engineers at Rice University are exploring programmed failure in sheet-based fluidic devices as a means to enhance their performance and reliability. This research focuses on how deliberately designed failures can protect devices, enable intricate sequences of actions, and streamline control mechanisms, ultimately making soft robotics and wearable technology more versatile. Their findings point to a paradigm shift in designing flexible systems for various applications.	Rice University	Rice University	Press Rel	PubMed	In the world of soft robotics and wearable technology, sheet-based fluidic devices are revolutionizing how lightweight, flexible and multifunctional systems are designed. But with innovation comes challenges, particularly in understanding and controlling failure in these devices. A new study by mechanical engineers at Rice University's George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing explores how programmed failure in heat-sealable, sheet-based systems can be used to protect devices, enable complex sequencing of actions and even streamline control mechanisms. -- "Put simply, we are making soft, flexible machines smarter by designing their internal components to fail intentionally in a well-understood manner," said Daniel J. Preston, corresponding author and assistant professor of mechanical engineering. -- "In doing so, the resulting systems can recover from pressure surges and even complete multiple tasks using a single control input." -- The research, published in Cell Reports Physical Science, focuses on how thin, flexible sheets -- patterned and selectively bonded to form internal fluidic networks -- respond to pressure changes and, specifically, how they fail when internal pressures get too high. -- By studying adhesion between textile sheets, the research team was able to predict maximum operating pressures and determine how factors like bond geometry and material selection impact performance. -- "Our study provides a framework for predicting and leveraging failure in sheet-based fluidic systems," said Sofia Urbina, co-first author of the study, second-year doctoral student in Preston's lab and a GEM Associate Fellow. -- "Rather than seeing failure as a limitation, we explored how it can be used to enhance functionality, making these devices more intelligent and efficient." -- Through rigorous testing, including T-peel tests to evaluate adhesion strength and burst tests to assess failure at elevated pressures, the researchers identified three distinct failure regimes dictated by the thermal bonding step of the manufacturing process: an initial phase where bond strength increases with bonding temperature, a plateau where material strength dictates cohesive failure and a third phase where overheating during fabrication degrades material integrity. -- These findings allowed the researchers to engineer a novel "fluidic fuse" -- a protective component that relies on multiple bonds with different strengths and is designed to fail in a controlled manner to prevent damage from pressure spikes. -- This component, the researchers said, was one of the most exciting outcomes of the study.	A01 H01 T01	1,181
2508-T030	Bioelectronic Sensors Enhanced By New Method Using Organic Electrochemical Transistors	Researchers at Rice University have pioneered a method that enhances the sensitivity of microbial fuel cells and enzymatic sensors through organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). This breakthrough amplifies electrical signals significantly, enabling the development of highly sensitive biosensors for environmental and medical applications. The findings, published in the journal Device, provide a pathway for creating efficient, low-power biosensors that could revolutionize monitoring technologies across various fields.	Rice University	Device	Press Rel	PubMed	In a breakthrough that could transform bioelectronic sensing, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Rice University has developed a new method to dramatically enhance the sensitivity of enzymatic and microbial fuel cells using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). The research was recently published in the journal Device. -- The innovative approach amplifies electrical signals by three orders of magnitude and improves signal-to-noise ratios, potentially enabling the next generation of highly sensitive, low-power biosensors for health and environmental monitoring. -- "We have demonstrated a simple yet powerful technique to amplify weak bioelectronic signals using OECTs, overcoming previous challenges in integrating fuel cells with electrochemical sensors," said corresponding author Rafael Verduzco, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and materials science and nanoengineering. -- "This method opens the door to more versatile and efficient biosensors that could be applied in medicine, environmental monitoring and even wearable technology." -- Traditional biosensors rely on direct interactions between target biomolecules and the sensor device, which can pose limitations when the electrolyte environment is incompatible. -- This research circumvents that challenge by electronically coupling fuel cells with OECTs instead of introducing biomolecules directly into the sensor. -- "One of the biggest hurdles in bioelectronic sensing has been designing systems that work in different chemical environments without compromising performance," said corresponding author Caroline Ajo-Franklin, professor of biosciences, director of the Rice Synthetic Biology Institute and Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar. -- "By keeping the OECT and fuel cell separate, we ensured optimal conditions for both components while still achieving powerful signal amplification." -- OECTs are thin-film transistors that operate in aqueous environments and have gained attention for their high sensitivity and low-voltage operation. -- For the study, the team integrated OECTs with two types of biofuel cells to enhance their performance.	R01 T01	1,182
2509-E045	Rising Temperatures Impact Species Populations: A New Study Unveils Critical Insights	A study by Rice University uncovers a critical link between rising temperatures and species population declines, revealing how increased competition exacerbates population crashes. This research offers essential insights into the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impact on biodiversity.	Rice University	Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Rice University have uncovered a critical link between rising temperatures and declines in a species' population, shedding new light on how global warming threatens natural ecosystems. The study, published in Ecology and led by Volker Rudolf, revealed that rising temperatures exacerbate competition within populations, ultimately leading to population crashes at higher temperatures. It offers one of the first clear experimental confirmations that rising temperatures alter the forces that control population dynamics in nature. -- "Our research provides an essential missing piece in understanding the broader effects of warming on natural populations," said Rudolf, professor of biosciences. -- "Even when individual organisms seem to thrive at higher temperatures, the population as a whole may still suffer as competition for resources intensifies." -- To reveal how temperature influences competition and population growth, the team focused on Daphnia pulex, a small zooplankton species that plays a vital role in freshwater food webs and water quality. -- By manipulating temperature and population density in a controlled laboratory setting, the researchers isolated the effects of rising temperatures on population dynamics. -- The results were both fascinating and troubling. -- The experiment revealed that competition among the individuals became significantly stronger as temperatures rose. -- In fact, for every 7 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, competition effects doubled, causing a dramatic 50% population decline at the highest tested temperature. -- While moderate warming (12-19 C) initially boosted population growth by accelerating metabolism and reproduction, at higher temperatures these benefits vanished as the increase in competition took its toll, leading to sharp population declines even as individual organisms tolerated the higher temperatures. -- "We know warming temperatures increase metabolism and reproduction in ectotherms, but we found that warmer temperatures also create competition that limits survival and reproduction," said Lillie Stockseth, alumna and first author of the study.	H01 C01	1,183
2509-T015	Game-Changing Lithium Extraction: New Method Promises Sustainable Battery Supplies	Researchers from Rice University have innovatively repurposed solid-state electrolyte membranes to achieve near-perfect lithium extraction, a promising advancement for the electric vehicle industry. This method enhances lithium recovery from aqueous solutions, potentially transforming sustainable resource extraction and decreasing the environmental impact of traditional mining practices. Their findings could be pivotal in meeting the rising global demand for lithium.	Rice University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium -- a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles -- a team of researchers from Rice University's Elimelech lab has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. -- In their study published in Science Advances, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for aqueous lithium extraction. While originally designed for the rapid conduction of lithium ions in solid-state batteries -- where there are no other ions or liquid solvents -- the highly ordered and confined structure of SSEs was found to enable unprecedented separation of both ions and water in aqueous mixtures. -- This discovery presents a potential breakthrough in sustainable resource recovery, reducing reliance on traditional mining and extraction techniques that are both time-consuming and environmentally damaging. -- "The challenge is not just about increasing lithium production but about doing so in a way that is both sustainable and economically viable," said corresponding author Menachem Elimelech, the Nancy and Clint Carlson Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. -- To make lithium extraction more environmentally sustainable, researchers have been exploring direct lithium extraction technologies that recover lithium from unconventional sources such as oil- and gas-produced water, industrial wastewater and geothermal brines. These methods, however, have struggled with ion selectivity, particularly when trying to separate lithium from other ions of similar size or charge like magnesium and sodium. -- The novel approach developed by Elimelech and his team hinges on a fundamental difference between SSEs and conventional nanoporous membranes. Whereas traditional membranes rely on hydrated nanoscale pores to transport ions, SSEs shuttle lithium ions through an anhydrous hopping mechanism within a highly ordered crystalline lattice. -- "This means that lithium ions can migrate through the membrane while other competing ions, and even water, are effectively blocked," said first author Sohum Patel, who is now a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "The extreme selectivity offered by our SSE-based approach makes it a highly efficient method for lithium harvesting as energy is only expended towards moving the desired lithium ions across the membrane." -- The research team, which also includes Arpita Iddya, Weiyi Pan and Jianhao Qian -- postdoctoral researchers in Elimelech's lab at Rice -- tested this phenomenon using an electrodialysis setup, where an applied electric field drove lithium ions across the membrane. The results were striking: Even at high concentrations of competing ions, the SSE consistently demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity with no detectable competing ions in the product stream -- something conventional membrane technologies have been unable to achieve. -- Using a combination of computational and experimental techniques, the team investigated why the SSEs exhibited such remarkable lithium-ion selectivity. The findings revealed that the rigid and tightly packed crystalline lattice of the SSE prevented water molecules and larger ions like sodium from passing through the membrane structure. Magnesium ions, which have a different charge than lithium ions, were also found to be incompatible with the crystal structure and were thus rejected. -- "The lattice acts as a molecular sieve, allowing only lithium ions to pass through," said Elimelech. "This combination of highly precise size and charge exclusion is what makes the SSE membrane so unique."	A01	1,184
2510-T023	New Model Explains Formation Of Super-Earths And Mini-Neptunes In Space	Researchers at Rice University propose a new model for the formation of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes, suggesting these planets originate from distinct rings of planetesimals. This study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, challenges traditional views on planet formation by illustrating a more organized process. The findings contribute valuable insights into planetary evolution beyond our solar system, especially regarding the prevalence of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes throughout the galaxy.	Rice University	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by Rice University researchers Sho Shibata and Andre Izidoro presents a compelling new model for the formation of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes -- planets that are 1 to 4 times the size of Earth and among the most common in our galaxy. Using advanced simulations, the researchers propose that these planets emerge from distinct rings of planetesimals, providing fresh insight into planetary evolution beyond our solar system. The findings were recently published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. -- For decades, scientists have debated how super-Earths and mini-Neptunes form. -- Traditional models have suggested that planetesimals -- the tiny building blocks of planets -- formed across wide regions of a young star's disk. -- But Shibata and Izidoro suggest a different theory: These materials likely come together in narrow rings at specific locations in the disk, making planet formation more organized than previously believed. -- "This paper is particularly significant as it models the formation of super-Earths and mini-Neptunes, which are believed to be the most common types of planets in the galaxy," said Shibata, a postdoctoral fellow of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences. -- "One of our key findings is that the formation pathways of the solar system and exoplanetary systems may share fundamental similarities." -- Using advanced N-body simulations -- computer models that analyze how objects interact through gravity -- the researchers studied planet formation within two distinct regions: one inside 1.5 astronomical units (AU) of the host star and another beyond 5 AU, near the water snowline. -- The simulations tracked the collisions, growth and migration of planetesimals over millions of years. -- The results revealed that super-Earths primarily form through planetesimal accretion in the inner disk, while mini-Neptunes develop beyond the snow line, mainly via pebble accretion. -- "Our results suggest that super-Earths and mini-Neptunes do not form from a continuous distribution of solid material but rather from rings that concentrate most of the mass in solids," said Izidoro, an assistant professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences.	C01 T01	1,185
2511-057	New Discoveries About ADAR1 Protein Could Revolutionize Treatments For Cancer And Autoimmune Diseases	A study from Rice University has revealed key insights into how the ADAR1 protein regulates RNA-induced immune responses. By examining its mechanisms, researchers may open new avenues for treating autoimmune diseases and improving cancer therapies, enhancing our understanding of immune system functions.	Rice University	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Rice University's Yang Gao has uncovered new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ADAR1, a protein that regulates ribonucleic acid (RNA) induced immune responses. Their findings, published in Molecular Cell March 17, could open new pathways for treating autoimmune diseases and enhancing cancer immunotherapy. -- ADAR1 converts adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA, a process essential for preventing unwarranted immune responses, yet the molecular basis of this editing had remained unclear. -- Through detailed biochemical profiling and structural analysis, researchers found that ADAR1's editing activity depends on RNA sequence, duplex length and mismatches near the editing site. -- High-resolution structures of ADAR1 bound to RNA reveal its mechanisms for RNA binding, substrate selection and dimerization. -- "Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of how ADAR1 recognizes and processes RNA," said Gao, assistant professor of biosciences and a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Scholar. -- "These insights pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting ADAR1-related diseases." -- ADAR1's RNA editing mechanism -- Researchers used biochemical and RNA sequencing analyses to explore how disease-associated mutations affect ADAR1's function, demonstrating that specific mutations impair the editing of shorter RNA duplexes. -- The results could potentially contribute to defects observed in autoimmune disorders. -- This research underscores the essential role of RNA-binding domain 3, a key portion of ADAR1, in maintaining the protein's activity and stability.	H01 R01	1,186
2512-T034	The Future Of Haptic Technology: Multisensory Experiences Transforming Digital Interaction	Haptic technology has transformed digital interactions, moving from simple sensory feedback to sophisticated multisensory devices. A recent review highlights advances in wearable haptic technology, noting its applications in virtual reality, rehabilitation, and communication, while addressing ongoing challenges and future potential in enhancing user experiences.	Rice University	Nature Reviews Bioengineering	Press Rel	PubMed	From virtual reality to rehabilitation and communication, haptic technology has revolutionized the way humans interact with the digital world. While early haptic devices focused on single-sensory cues like vibration-based notifications, modern advancements have paved the way for multisensory haptic devices that integrate various forms of touch-based feedback, including vibration, skin stretch, pressure and temperature. Recently, a team of experts, including Rice University's Marcia O'Malley and Daniel Preston, graduate student Joshua Fleck, alumni Zane Zook '23 and Janelle Clark '22 and other collaborators, published an in-depth review in Nature Reviews Bioengineering analyzing the current state of wearable multisensory haptic technology, outlining its challenges, advancements and real-world applications. -- Haptic devices, which enable communication through touch, have evolved significantly since their introduction in the 1960s. -- Initially, they relied on rigid, grounded mechanisms acting as user interfaces, generating force-based feedback from virtual environments. -- But with advancements in sensing and actuation technology, haptic devices have become increasingly wearable. -- Today's innovations focus on cutaneous feedback -- stimulating the skin's receptors to provide realistic touch sensations -- rather than kinesthetic feedback, which mimics force exerted on the musculoskeletal system. -- "Wearable haptic devices are now integrated into consumer products such as smartwatches and gaming accessories, and they are serving more complex roles in health care, robotics and immersive media," said O'Malley, the Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Engineering and professor and chair of mechanical engineering. -- "A new shift toward multisensory haptic feedback, which means delivering more than one type of touch stimulus simultaneously, is enhancing user experience, but it presents new engineering and perceptual challenges. As this technology continues to evolve, we will see it move to a richer, multisensory experience -- one that bridges the gap between digital interaction and human touch." -- Designing effective, wearable multisensory haptic devices requires a deep understanding of human touch perception, and the research team identified several key challenges in the field today. -- One of the most significant hurdles is the variability in skin contact mechanics as differences in skin elasticity, receptor distribution and external factors like humidity can alter how haptic stimuli are perceived. -- Another issue is tactile masking, where multiple haptic sensations such as vibration and skin stretch can interfere with one another, reducing perceptual clarity.	R01 T01	1,187
2513-E014	Innovative Method Transforms 'Forever Chemicals' Into Valuable Resources For Environmental Remediation	Researchers at Rice University have developed an innovative technique to remove and eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals." Their study presents a method that not only addresses water contamination but also converts waste into valuable graphene, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation. This groundbreaking approach aims to mitigate the serious health risks associated with PFAS while reducing the environmental footprint of disposal methods.	Rice University	Nature Water	Press Rel	PubMed	Rice University researchers have developed an innovative solution to a pressing environmental challenge: removing and destroying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly called "forever chemicals." A study led byJames Tour, the T.T. and W.F. Chao Professor of Chemistry and professor of materials science and nanoengineering, and graduate student Phelecia Scotland unveils a method that not only eliminates PFAS from water systems but also transforms waste into high-value graphene, offering a cost-effective and sustainable approach to environmental remediation. This research was published March 31 in Nature Water. -- PFAS are synthetic compounds in various consumer products, valued for their heat, water and oil resistance. -- However, their chemical stability has made them persistent in the environment, contaminating water supplies and posing significant health risks, including cancer and immune system disruptions. -- Traditional methods of PFAS disposal are costly, energy-intensive and often generate secondary pollutants, prompting the need for innovative solutions that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. -- "Our method doesn't just destroy these hazardous chemicals; it turns waste into something of value," Tour said. -- "By upcycling the spent carbon into graphene, we've created a process that's not only environmentally beneficial but also economically viable, helping to offset the costs of remediation." -- The research team's process employs flash joule heating (FJH) to tackle these challenges. -- By combining granular activated carbon (GAC) saturated with PFAS and mineralizing agents like sodium or calcium salts, the researchers applied a high voltage to generate temperatures exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius in under one second. -- The intense heat breaks down the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS, converting them into inert, nontoxic fluoride salts. -- Simultaneously, the GAC is upcycled into graphene, a valuable material used in industries ranging from electronics to construction.	R01 C01	1,188
2513-T011	Breakthrough In Strange Metals May Transform Superconductor Energy Use, Physicists Discover	A groundbreaking study from Rice University has unveiled new insights into the behavior of strange metals—materials that defy traditional electrical and magnetic properties. By employing quantum information science tools, the research team found that electron entanglement intensifies at a critical tipping point. This discovery enhances our understanding of strange metals and could lead to advancements in superconductors, potentially revolutionizing energy consumption and technology in the future.	Rice University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have long sought to unravel the mysteries of strange metals -- materials that defy conventional rules of electricity and magnetism. Now, a team of physicists at Rice University has made a breakthrough in this area using a tool from quantum information science. Their study, published recently in Nature Communications, reveals that electrons in strange metals become more entangled at a crucial tipping point, shedding new light on the behavior of these enigmatic materials. The discovery could pave the way for advances in superconductors with the potential to transform energy use in the future. -- Unlike conventional metals such as copper or gold that have well-understood electrical properties, strange metals behave in much more complex ways, making their inner workings beyond the realm of textbook description. -- Led by Qimiao Si, the Harry C. and Olga K. Wiess Professor of Physics and Astronomy, the research team turned to quantum Fisher information (QFI), a concept from quantum metrology used to measure how electron interactions evolve under extreme conditions, to find answers. -- Their research shows that electron entanglement, a fundamental quantum phenomenon, peaks at a quantum critical point: the transition between two states of matter. -- "Our findings reveal that strange metals exhibit a unique entanglement pattern, which offers a new lens to understand their exotic behavior," Si said. -- "By leveraging quantum information theory, we are uncovering deep quantum correlations that were previously inaccessible." -- A new way to study strange metals -- In most metals, electrons move in an orderly fashion, following well-established laws of physics. -- Strange metals, however, break these rules, showing unusual resistance to electricity and behaving in unusual ways at very low temperatures. -- To explore this puzzle, the researchers focused on a theoretical model called the Kondo lattice, which describes how magnetic moments interact with surrounding electrons.	A01 N01 T01	1,189
2513-T019	New Fabrication Method Boosts Stability Of Bioelectronic Devices And Sensors	A collaborative research team from Rice University, the University of Cambridge, and Stanford University has streamlined the production of a key conductive polymer, which simplifies the manufacturing of bioelectronic devices and AI hardware. By serendipitously skipping a chemical crosslinker and increasing the preparation temperature for PEDOT:PSS, the team achieved stable results without the additive. This discovery not only enhances device quality but could also transform the feasibility of neural implants and biosensors.	Rice University	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A chance discovery led a team of scientists from Rice University, University of Cambridge and Stanford University to streamline the production of a material widely used in medical research and computing applications. -- For over two decades, scientists working with a composite material known as PEDOT:PSS, used a chemical crosslinker to make the conductive polymer stable in water. -- While experimenting with ways to precisely pattern the material for applications in biomedical optics, Siddharth Doshi, a doctoral student at Stanford collaborating with Rice materials scientist Scott Keene, skipped adding the crosslinker and used a higher temperature while prepping the material. -- To his surprise, the resulting sample turned out to be stable on its own -- no crosslinker needed. -- "It was more of a serendipitous discovery because Siddharth was trying out processes very different to the standard recipe, but the samples still turned out fine," Keene said. -- "We were like, 'Wait! Really?' This prompted us to look into why and how this worked." -- What Keene and his team found was that heating PEDOT:PSS beyond the usual threshold not only makes it stable without needing any crosslinker, but it also creates higher quality devices. -- This method, described in a recent study published in Advanced Materials, could make bioelectronic devices easier and more reliable to manufacture with potential applications in neural implants, biosensors and next-generation computing systems. -- PEDOT:PSS is a blend of two polymers: one that conducts electronic charge and does not dissolve in water and another that conducts ionic charge and is water-soluble. -- Because it conducts both types of charges, PEDOT:PSS bridges the gap between living tissue and technology.	T01	1,190
2504-T006	Breakthrough Discovery Of Ideal Weyl Semimetal Challenges Quantum Materials Research	An international research team has synthesized an ideal Weyl semimetal, solving a decade-long challenge in quantum materials. This breakthrough allows for the study of Weyl fermions without interference from unwanted electronic states, paving the way for new discoveries in quantum physics and potential applications in advanced electronics and materials science.	RIKEN	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of researchers led by the Strong Correlation Quantum Transport Laboratory of the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) has demonstrated, in a world's first, an ideal Weyl semimetal, marking a breakthrough in a decade-old problem of quantum materials. -- Weyl fermions arise as collective quantum excitations of electrons in crystals. -- They are predicted to show exotic electromagnetic properties, attracting intense worldwide interest. -- However, despite the careful study of thousands of crystals, most Weyl materials to date exhibit electrical conduction governed overwhelmingly by undesired, trivial electrons, obscuring the Weyl fermions. -- At last, researchers have synthesized a material hosting a single pair of Weyl fermions, and no irrelevant electronic states. -- The work, published this week in Nature, arose from a collaboration over four years between CEMS, the RIKEN Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences Program (iTHEMS), the Quantum-Phase Electronics Center (QPEC) of the University of Tokyo, the Institute for Materials Research of Tohoku University, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. -- The researchers engineered a Weyl semimetal from a topological semiconductor, revisiting a strategy which was first theoretically proposed in 2011, but then abandoned and largely forgotten by the community. -- Semiconductors have a small 'energy gap' which allows them to be switched between insulating and conducting states, forming the basis for the commercial transistor. -- Semimetals can be viewed as a kind of extreme limit of a semiconductor with zero 'energy gap', right at the threshold between insulator and metal. -- This extreme case remains exceedingly rare in real materials.	T01	1,191
2505-024	Larger Groups May Encourage Cooperation Thanks To Human Prosocial Instincts	Challenging long-held beliefs, researchers at RIKEN Center for Brain Science have discovered that larger social groups can enhance cooperation among individuals. In a study led by Rei Akaishi, participants in bigger groups displayed higher cooperative behaviors during a "prisoner's dilemma" experiment. This research emphasizes the role of memory and social instincts, suggesting that even in larger contexts, humans can effectively maintain cooperation, providing new insights into social dynamics and the evolution of human behavior.	RIKEN	Communications Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Personalized medicine aims to tailor treatments to individual patients. Until now, this has been done using a small number of parameters to predict the course of a disease. However, these few parameters are often not enough to understand the complexity of diseases such as cancer. A team of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE), LMU Munich, and the Berlin Institute for the Foundations of Learning and Data (BIFOLD) at TU Berlin has developed a new approach to this problem using artificial intelligence (AI). -- Based on the smart hospital infrastructure at University Hospital Essen, the researchers have integrated data from different modalities -- medical history, laboratory values, imaging, and genetic analyses -- to support clinical decision-making. -- "Although large amounts of clinical data are available in modern medicine, the promise of truly personalized medicine often remains unfulfilled," says Prof. -- Jens Kleesiek from the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (IKIM) at University Hospital Essen and the Cancer Research Center Cologne Essen (CCCE). Oncological clinical practice currently uses rather rigid assessment systems, such as the classification of cancer stages, which take little account of individual differences such as sex, nutritional status, or comorbidities. -- "Modern AI technologies, in particular explainable artificial intelligence (xAI), can be used to decipher these complex interrelationships and personalize cancer medicine to a much greater extent," says Prof. -- Frederick Klauschen, Director of the Institute of Pathology at LMU and research group leader at BIFOLD, where this approach was developed together with Prof. -- Klaus-Robert Müller. -- For the recent study published in Nature Cancer, the AI was trained with data from more than 15,000 patients with a total of 38 different solid tumors. -- The interaction of 350 parameters was examined, including clinical data, laboratory values, data from imaging procedures, and genetic tumor profiles. -- "We identified key factors that account for the majority of the decision-making processes in the neural network, as well as a large number of prognostically relevant interactions between the parameters," explains Dr. Julius Keyl, Clinician Scientist at the Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (IKIM).	A01 H02 R02 T01	1,192
2505-063	Positive Emotions Strengthened During Sleep Could Help Overcome Drug Addiction Challenges	A recent study from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science has explored how sleep enhances memories associated with positive emotions. By investigating the neurological mechanisms involved, the research could inform strategies for addressing addiction and other conditions influenced by emotional memory retention. The findings shed light on the critical role of sleep in memory consolidation, particularly for emotional experiences that leave lasting impressions.	RIKEN	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	Rice cultivation is responsible for around 12% of global methane emissions, and these emissions are expected to increase with global warming and as the human population continues to grow. Now, scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. On February 3 in the Cell Press journal Molecular Plant, they report that this information enabled them to breed a new strain of rice that emits up to 70% less methane. -- "This study shows that you can have low methane and still have a rice with high yields," says senior author Anna Schnürer, a microbiologist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. -- "And you can do it using traditional breeding methods, without GMO, if you know what you're looking for." -- The methane emitted by rice paddies is produced by microbes that break down organic compounds released from rice plant roots. -- Rice and other plants release these compounds, known as "root exudates," to feed soil microbes, which in turn aid plant growth by releasing nutrients that the plants can absorb. -- Though it's been long understood that soil microbes and root exudates are involved in methane emissions, it was unclear which chemical compounds in root exudates were responsible. -- To identify which root exudate compounds are converted into methane, the researchers compared root exudates from two different rice varieties -- SUSIBA2, a low-methane emitting GMO variety, and Nipponbare, a non-GMO cultivar with average methane emissions. -- They found that SUSIBA2 roots produced significantly less fumarate and noted a correlation between the amount of fumarate secreted and the abundance of methane-releasing archaea or "methanogens" in the surrounding soil. -- To confirm fumarate's role, the researchers added fumarate to the soil of rice plants grown in containers, which resulted in increased methane emissions. -- They also demonstrated that applying oxantel, a chemical that inhibits the enzymatic breakdown of fumarate, effectively reduced methane emissions.	H01 H02 R02	1,193
2505-E011	Enhancing Durability Of Perovskite Solar Cells With Barrier Film Technology	A comprehensive study on flexible perovskite solar cells has addressed their vulnerabilities to heat and humidity, critical factors for long-term durability. Researchers tested the stability of these solar modules under extreme conditions, identifying how water vapor transmission rates influence performance. This innovative research provides essential insights for enhancing the durability of perovskite solar cells, which are pivotal for the future of renewable energy technology due to their lightweight and efficient design.	Ritsumeikan University	Solar Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Young adults are a higher risk group for being in a crash while driving due likely to inexperience with driving, driving under the influence, and a greater propensity to take risks while driving. Although research has explored sociodemographic links of driver crashes based on age, sex and socioeconomic status, reports on the relationship between crashes and mental health are sparse. -- A new Florida Atlantic University study fills a notable gap by exploring the correlation between commuter college students' mental health status and being in a crash while driving. Commuter students, often lower-income, older, or balancing family responsibilities, face greater disruption from vehicle crashes, impacting their education and development. Researchers also studied this group due to South Florida's limited public transit options, which increase reliance on driving. -- As part of the baseline data obtained from a randomized controlled trial in 2022 by the FAU researchers to study interventions to change commuter behavior in college students, they also discovered a high prevalence of self-reported mental health challenges among students and a high proportion of self-reported crashes. For the current study, researchers gathered self-reported driver vehicle crashes from the past four months and self-reported mental health status over the past 30 days from a subset of commuter college students who drive. -- Results, published in the Journal of Transport & Health, revealed concerning trends in mental health among 289 respondents (ages cluster around the traditional college ages of 18 to 22 but span from 16 to 63). -- On average, participants reported: -- 9.9 days per month of poor mental health -- 8.7 days feeling depressed -- 12 days experiencing anxiety -- 12.7 days with insomnia -- 7.7 days with limited activity due to health issues	C01 T01	1,194
2510-E069	Water Movement Surfaces: Generating Unexpected Electrical Charges	A groundbreaking discovery reveals that water generates a significantly higher electrical charge than previously understood when it moves across surfaces. This phenomenon, observed during water droplets' movement, could lead to innovative designs for surfaces that harness this electrification, with potential applications in energy storage and safety systems.	RMIT University	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from RMIT University and the University of Melbourne have discovered that water generates an electrical charge up to 10 times greater than previously understood when it moves across a surface. -- The team, led by Dr Joe Berry, Dr Peter Sherrell and Professor Amanda Ellis, observed when a water droplet became stuck on a tiny bump or rough spot, the force built up until it "jumped or slipped" past an obstacle, creating an irreversible charge that had not been reported before. -- The new understanding of this "stick-slip" motion of water over a surface paves the way for surface design with controlled electrification, with potential applications ranging from improving safety in fuel-holding systems to boosting energy storage and charging rates. -- "Most people would observe that rainwater drips down a window or a car windscreen in a haphazard way, but would be unaware that it generates a tiny bit of electrical charge," said Sherrell, whose research at RMIT's School of Science specialises in capturing and using ambient energy from the environment. -- "Previously, scientists have understood this phenomenon as occurring when the liquid leaves a surface, which goes from wet to dry. -- "In this work we have shown that charge can be created when the liquid first contacts the surface, when it goes from dry to wet, and is 10 times stronger than wet-to-dry charging. -- "Importantly, this charge does not disappear. Our research did not pinpoint exactly where this charge resides, but clearly shows that it is generated at the interface and is probably retained in the droplet as it moves over the surface." -- Berry said an electric shock inside a fuel container with flammable liquids could be dangerous, so charge build-up on a solid surface needs to be safely discharged after a liquid has moved on. -- "Understanding how and why electric charge is generated during the flow of liquids over surfaces is important as we start to adopt the new renewable flammable fuels required for a transition to net zero," said Berry, who is a fluid dynamics expert from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Melbourne. -- "At present, with existing fuels, charge build-up is reduced by restricting flow, using additives or other measures, which may not be effective in newer fuels. This knowledge may help us to engineer coatings that could mitigate charge in new fuels."	Z01	1,195
2511-105	Dietary Fibers Reclassified To Improve Nutritional Guidance	Australian food scientists have reclassified dietary fibers to improve nutritional guidance and promote targeted health products. This new classification aims to better inform consumers on how different types of fibers can aid digestion and overall health, much like how varied medications target specific conditions.	RMIT University	Food Research International	Press Rel	PubMed	Australian food scientists have reclassified dietary fibres -- beyond just soluble and insoluble -- to better guide nutritional decisions and drive targeted health food products. -- Dietary fibres in fruit, vegetables, beans and whole grains are some of the most important food components for human health. -- They help digestion, weight management, blood sugar control, heart health, cancer prevention and more. -- But RMIT University food scientist Professor Raj Eri said consumer advice on how best to use them for these various benefits is sorely lacking. -- "Quite like how different medicines target different conditions, so too do different types of fibres," he said. -- "For example, apples and bananas are both rich in dietary fibre but the fibre in each works very differently. -- "Our research is helping to understand which type of fibres we should eat to help address certain ailments." -- A new model for more tailored diets -- In a new study published in Food Research International, the RMIT University team propose a more nuanced fibre classification based on five key features: backbone structure, water-holding-capacity, structural charge, fibre matrix and fermentation rate. -- Study lead author and RMIT PhD candidate Christo Opperman said by starting with the key active features of fibre, this 'bottom-up approach'more accurately described each fibre's health impacts.	H01 R01	1,196
2502-029	New Insights Into R-Loop Cytotoxicity Protection Mechanism Revealed In E. Coli Research	Recent research has shed light on how the RapA enzyme assists E. coli in maintaining genomic stability by preventing the formation of potentially harmful R-loops during transcription. R-loops can cause significant DNA damage, but RapA plays a critical role in mitigating this risk, highlighting essential cellular mechanisms that ensure the integrity of genomic information and the overall health of bacterial cells.	Rockefeller University	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Genetically speaking, it's a bacterium's worst-case scenario: during transcription, newly minted RNA sticks to its DNA template, forming a 3-stranded structure known as an R-loop. While these structures have some important roles to play in a cell, R-loops in the wrong place at the wrong time can be disastrous, leading to DNA breaks, mutations, and cell death. -- Now, new research in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology describes how the enzyme RapA prevents R-loop formation in E. coli, with far-reaching implications for how all cells maintain genomic stability. -- The findings demonstrate that, under certain circumstances, the RNA polymerase (RNAP) enzyme responsible for copying DNA into RNA can generate rampant R-loops -- if not for the intervention of a protein called RapA. -- "R-loops are generally bad news, so cells have many redundant mechanisms to prevent them from forming," says Seth Darst, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics. -- "We discovered that RapA, a protein that we've been curious about for years, is one of those key mechanisms." -- The jaws of life -- All living things rely on RNAP to transcribe DNA into RNA. In bacteria, researchers have long known that transcription begins when RNAP clamps onto a DNA strand and initiates the process after receiving the green light from sigma proteins. -- But the details of how transcription ends are still fuzzy. New studies have shown, for instance, that RNAP often remains clamped to the DNA even after the newly finished RNA transcript is released -- why and how was poorly understood. -- Back in the 1990s, the Darst lab had discovered RapA, a ATPase that clearly interacted with RNAP -- but with no obvious function. -- "At the time, we really couldn't figure out what RapA was doing," he says.	R02	1,197
2503-002	New Insights Into FLC: A Unique Form Of Liver Cancer Emerges	Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC), often overlooked as a rare liver cancer, is being recognized as a distinct illness. Researchers at Rockefeller University are testing a promising drug combination that targets FLC tumors, based on new findings identifying unique genetic characteristics of the disease, aiming to improve detection and treatment outcomes.	Rockefeller University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Like many rare diseases, fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) mounts a ferocious attack against an unlucky few -- in this case, children, adolescents, and young adults. Because its symptoms can vary from person to person, it's often missed or misdiagnosed until it has metastasized and becomes lethal. Moreover, drug therapies for common liver cancers are not just useless for FLC patients but actually harmful. -- But new insights about the disease, coupled with a just-launched clinical trial of a promising drug treatment, could significantly improve health outcomes. Researchers in Rockefeller University's Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, headed by Sanford M. Simon, has discovered that FLC has a distinct transcriptomic "signature" -- a set of activated genes -- that makes it unique among liver cancers. -- "Identifying which molecular changes characterize FLC is an important step to understanding how it arises and evolves, which may reveal potential therapeutical targets," says first author David Requena, a senior researcher in the lab. "Ideally, our findings will refine the detection of the disease, change the course of treatment, and increase patient survival rates." -- The findings, published in Nature Communications, come as Simon's lab begins a clinical trial that pairs two drugs into one treatment that preliminary results indicate is highly effective against FLC. -- A decade of insights -- In 2014, Simon's team -- led in part by his own then-teenage daughter, Elana, who had been diagnosed with FLC a few years before -- discovered that the disease was caused by the fusion of two genes, DNAJB1 and PRKACA, caused by a small deletion in chromosome 19. -- The lab recently determined that what is important is not formation of the fusion, but that the formation results in an increase of the amount of PRKACA -- the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A -- that is made. That is the true origin of the disease. FLC tumor cells essentially have a molecular imbalance: too many catalytic PKA proteins and not enough of the inhibitory ones that normally tamp down the protein and lock it into place. Unfettered, overabundant PKA is free to wreak havoc across the cell. -- For the current study, the researchers wanted to know if there is a common pathway of disease following the burst of PKA proteins. Some liver tumors are categorized as "FLC-like" but lack the fusion protein. Are they actually FLC? And since FLC is impervious to treatments that inhibit other liver cancers, what differentiates it from these other malignancies? -- The signature -- To find out, the researchers performed a massive analysis of multiomics sequencing data from 1,412 tumors caused by a variety of liver cancers. It was the largest such analysis to date, with 220 samples from FLC tumors -- more than six times as many as have been included in any prior study.	H01 R01	1,198
2504-078	Insights Into Nematodes Reveal How Glial Cells Protect Neurons	Recent findings on nematodes shed light on the vital role of glial cells in supporting neuronal health by maintaining and monitoring dendrites. These cells not only nourish and protect neurons but also have developed a mechanism to detect neuronal damage, potentially informing treatments for diseases related to cilia dysfunction. The research published in Nature Communications underscores the importance of glia in neurological health, as highlighted by Shai Shaham from Rockefeller University.	Rockefeller University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Neurons may get all the glory, but they would be nothing without glial cells. While brain cells do the heavy lifting in the nervous system, it's the glia that provide nutrients, clean up waste, and protect neurons from harm. -- Now, scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which these crucial supporting players detect and respond to neuron damage. -- Published in Nature Communications, the study describes how two key proteins allow glial cells to actively monitor the hair-like cilia that extend out of nematode dendrites, so that the glial cells can respond to injuries and prevent damage. -- The findings may have implications for treating diseases caused by defective cilia, such as polycystic kidney disease. -- "Fleshing out the pathway by which glia interact with dendrites was our major goal," says Shai Shaham, head of the Laboratory of Developmental Genetics at Rockefeller. -- "An important next question is whether one could manipulate these cells to address diseases related to cilia." -- Uncharted territory -- Neurons rely on axons and dendrites for communication; axons send messages out, while dendrites receive those incoming, some with the help of cilia extending from their tips. -- Cilia detect odors, light, and other stimuli. -- Scientists have studied how glial cells keep axons in shape.	R01 R02 T01	1,199
2504-083	New Findings Explore How Gut Immune Cells Differentiate Between Food And Pathogens	Groundbreaking research sheds light on how gut immune cells differentiate between food and harmful pathogens, providing insights into food allergies and intestinal diseases. This study identifies specific gut cell types that communicate with T cells to regulate immune responses. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists aim to improve our knowledge of gut health and the underlying causes of conditions like food allergies, as noted by lead author Maria C.C. Canesso.	Rockefeller University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	With every bite of food we take, our intestinal immune system must make a big decision. Tasked with defending us from foreign pathogens, these exquisitely sensitive cells somehow distinguish friend from foe -- destroying invaders while tolerating food and helpful bacteria. How the gut separates the good from the bad has long puzzled scientists. -- Now, new research identifies specific gut cell types that communicate with T cells -- prompting them to tolerate, attack, or simply ignore -- and explains how these opposing responses are triggered. -- The findings, published in Science, give scientists a new understanding of how the intestinal immune system keeps the gut in balance, and may ultimately shed light on the root causes and mechanisms of food allergies and intestinal diseases. -- "The big question is, how do we survive eating?" says lead author Maria C.C. Canesso, a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratories of Daniel Mucida and Gabriel D. Victora. -- "Why do our bodies normally tolerate food, and what goes wrong when we develop food allergies?" -- Gut decisions -- The intestinal immune system is complicated machinery. Tolerance to food begins with antigen presenting cells, or APCs, instructing T cells to stand down. -- This signal gives rise to pTregs, a special type of T cell that calms the immune response to food particles, and kicks off a cascade of activity involving additional immune cells that reinforce the message. -- But without knowing which specific APCs run the show, it's difficult to tease out the ins and outs of the body's eventual tolerance to food and intolerance to pathogens. -- "There are so many types of antigen-presenting cells," Canesso says.	H01 R01	1,200
2507-045	One Amino Acid's Role In Shaping Human Speech Evolution Explored	The origins of human speech may hinge on a single amino acid variant in the NOVA1 gene, according to research from The Rockefeller University. This protein, unique to humans, was shown to influence vocalizations in mice, suggesting its critical role in the development of complex speech. While close relatives like Neanderthals possessed some anatomical features for language, this study underscores the distinct evolutionary advantage of modern humans in communication capabilities.	Rockefeller University	Rockefeller University	Press Rel	PubMed	The origins of human language remain mysterious. Are we the only animals truly capable of complex speech? Are Homo sapiens the only hominids who could give detailed directions to a far-off freshwater source or describe the nuanced purples and reds of a dramatic sunset? -- Close relatives of ours such as the Neanderthals likely had anatomical features in the throat and ears that could have enabled the speaking and hearing of spoken language, and they share with us a variant of a gene linked to the ability to speak. -- And yet it is only in modern humans that we find expanded brain regions that are critical for language production and comprehension. -- Now researchers from The Rockefeller University have unearthed intriguing genetic evidence: a protein variant found only in humans that may have helped shape the emergence of spoken language. -- In a study published in Nature Communications, researchers in the lab of Rockefeller researcher Robert B. Darnell discovered that when they put this exclusively human variant of NOVA1 -- an RNA-binding protein in the brain known to be crucial to neural development -- into mice, it altered their vocalizations as they called to each other. -- The study also confirmed that the variant is not found in either Neanderthals or Denisovans, archaic humans that our ancestors interbred with, as is evidenced by their genetic traces that remain in many human genomes today. -- "This gene is part of a sweeping evolutionary change in early modern humans and hints at potential ancient origins of spoken language," says Darnell, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-Oncology. -- "NOVA1 may be a bona fide human 'language gene,' though certainly it's only one of many human-specific genetic changes." -- Three decades in the making -- Anatomical adaptations of the vocal tract and intricate neural networks enable our language capabilities.	R02 N01	1,201
2507-E025	Male Fruit Flies Use Sound Techniques In Courtship And Rivalry	Recent research into male fruit fly behavior indicates that they employ sound-cancelling wing flicks to enhance their mating success by overshadowing rival songs. This discovery offers a nuanced understanding of how male competition and courtship interact, shedding light on social behavior dynamics in fruit flies and potentially other species.	Rockefeller University	Rockefeller University	Press Rel	PubMed	For fruit flies, finding the right mate is all about the right song. Now, research shows that male flies don't just try to impress their valentine by serenading her with song -- they also go to great lengths to drown out the competition. By jamming their rivals' love songs with high-frequency wing flicks, male fruit flies boost the chances that they'll win the female over. -- The new study, published in Cell, explains how the fruit fly brain coordinates courtship and aggressive competition -- a framework which could ultimately help scientists understand how humans flexibly adapt their behavior to different social contexts and interactions. The results also suggest that mating decisions in flies are just as highly influenced by interactions between males as by female preference -- something that had not been appreciated in previous studies of individual male-female pairs. -- "It turns out that mating success is not just about whether a male fly is the most vigorous in his courtship," says Vanessa Ruta, head of the Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Behavior. "It is also whether he can successfully interweave courtship and aggression from moment to moment to achieve a competitive advantage over other males." -- Catching courtship in action -- In most previous research on how tiny Drosophila melanogaster fruit flies mate, researchers observed one male and one female together. This has led to insights into how a male fly's song makes a female receptive to mating. But Ruta and her colleagues suspected these experiments didn't fully reflect the true nature of fly courtship. -- "In the wild, flies choose mates in the context of a really complex social landscape. Lots of flies congregate on a piece of rotting fruit and there will likely be many males pursuing a female," says Ruta. "In the past, that kind of interplay has not been captured in lab experiments." -- Ruta's team, led by former Rockefeller graduate students Tom Hindmarsh Sten and Rufei Li -- both now postdoctoral research fellows at Stanford University-set up experiments with two male fruit flies vying for one female. They used pose-tracking software and computational tools to unpack the complex interplay and feedback between these three individuals. -- Typically, female flies are much less likely to mate with wingless males, who are mute and cannot produce songs. However, when the team put both a wingless male and a winged male with a female, the female sometimes mated with the wingless fly -- typically when he was close to her while the winged fly was singing. The experiment suggested that the quality of an individual fly's song was not as important as the mere presence of song. -- "It showed that the female isn't actually making a choice based on who has the most perfect song," says Li. "The wingless male can sneak in while the winged male is singing, and the female is just as receptive." Wingless males therefore can exploit the song of a rival -- a literal wing man, as it were. -- Blocking the Competition	R02	1,202
2509-070	Researchers Find Solution To Restore Leptin Sensitivity In Obese Mice	A new study has discovered that leptin resistance, a common issue in obese patients, can be reversed in mice, leading to weight loss. Researchers have unveiled a neural mechanism underlying this resistance, providing hope for new therapeutic strategies to combat obesity, as understanding and addressing leptin signaling holds potential for effective weight management interventions.	Rockefeller University	Cell Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Worldwide obesity rates have more than doubled since 1990, with nearly a billion people now falling into the category. Though a complex interplay of genes, diet, and environment contribute, 90% of cases share one thing in common: leptin resistance. -- In lean individuals, fat cells produce the hormone leptin, which suppresses appetite. -- But in most individuals with obesity, this signal fails to register. -- Why this happens has been a mystery for more than three decades, ever since Jeffrey M. Friedman's laboratory at the Rockefeller University cloned the leptin gene in 1994. -- But now Bowen Tan, Kristina Hedbacker, and other researchers in Friedman's Laboratory of Molecular Genetics have discovered a neural mechanism involved in leptin resistance -- and, crucially, a way to reverse it in mice using a well-known drug. -- As the researchers describe in a new paper in Cell Metabolism, the drug rapamycin restores leptin sensitivity to diet-induced obese mice, leading to significant loss of fat with only minimal effects on muscle. -- "Before our research, the cause of obesity in diet-induced obese mice was unknown, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of how leptin resistance develops and how it can be reversed," says Tan, co-first author and a graduate student in Friedman's lab. -- "Even though Jeff Friedman discovered this powerful hormone back in 1994, its full potential to help people lose weight hasn't been realized because most obese patients have acquired resistance to leptin," says co-first author Hedbacker, a research specialist at HHMI and a member of Friedman's lab. -- "It's really exciting to think that there may be means for addressing this." -- Too much of a good thing	H01	1,203
2511-063	New Insights Into B Cell Strategy Could Revolutionize Vaccine Design	A new study reveals that high-affinity B cells avoid the risk of harmful mutations by strategically retaining beneficial traits, improving vaccine design. When facing pathogens or vaccines, B cells engage in rapid mutation to produce effective antibodies, but this process can be risky. The research suggests that high-affinity B cells thrive by "banking" successful mutations, potentially leading to more effective vaccination strategies.	Rockefeller University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A vaccine's ability to generate long-lasting, high-affinity antibodies hinges on a delicate balance. Upon exposure to a vaccine or pathogen, B cells scramble to refine their defenses, rapidly mutating in hopes of generating the most effective antibodies. But each round of this process is a roll of the genetic dice—every mutation has the potential to improve affinity; far more often, however, it degrades or destroys a functional antibody. How do high-affinity B cells ever beat the odds? -- New research now suggests that B cells avoid gambling away good mutations by strategically banking successful ones. As described in Nature, successful high-affinity B cells can proliferate under special conditions that reduce risk of mutation. Capturing this mechanism in the lab may lead to more efficient vaccine strategies in the clinic. -- "Our work shows how high-affinity B cells can bank really advantageous mutations by essentially cloning themselves rather than continuing to mutate," says first author Julia Merkenschlager, visiting assistant professor in Michel C. Nussenzweig's Laboratory of Molecular Immunology at Rockefeller and member of the faculty of immunology at Harvard Medical School. "Perhaps we will soon be able to tailor vaccines to tip the scales either toward mutation or cloning." -- The downsides of evolution -- Vaccines and infections alike lead to the construction of germinal centers, specialized immune structures where B cells mutate and mature. Germinal centers rapidly introduce mutations into an otherwise average army of B cells. But since mutagenesis is random, the probability of B cells acquiring worthless or deleterious mutations far outweighs the chance they’ll acquire mutations that enhance their affinity for an antigen. -- As a consequence, high-affinity B cell lineages should frequently degrade. Yet studies have repeatedly shown that germinal centers produce high-affinity antibodies with remarkable efficiency. The existing model suggested, improbably, that B cells essentially win the lottery again and again, even while risking everything on the next ticket. "If we're imagining that antibodies get better over time through a process like Darwinian evolution, there should be negative consequences too," Merkenschlager says. "But that math doesn’t add up." -- Gambling shouldn't pay off so consistently. Unless the game is rigged. The team suspected that the system had a safeguard—some way for high-affinity B cells to pause mutating and hold onto their best traits. The question was how that safeguard worked. -- In vaccine development, the ability to tailor the body's immune response to a particular pathogen would be a game changer. If scientists could figure out how the immune system shifts from randomly generating antibodies to stabilizing its best ones, that knowledge could be harnessed to create vaccines that extend the "gambling" phase—mutating repeatedly to generate highly evolved antibodies for difficult targets, such as HIV—or accelerate to the "banking" phase to preserve effective antibodies. -- Different strategies for different outcomes -- The team started by mapping B cell lineages with single-cell RNA sequencing, to determine whether various populations of B cells were, in fact, mutating. They soon discovered that high-affinity B cells were somehow dividing more, but mutating less per division.	Z01	1,204
2511-064	New Mechanism Discovered For B Cells In Germinal Centers	Advanced imaging has uncovered a safeguard within germinal centers that allows B cell populations to evolve rapidly without introducing harmful mutations. This discovery clarifies a long-standing mystery about how B cells can simultaneously mutate and improve their effectiveness. The finding demonstrates how the immune system balances aggressive antibody refinement and quality control in a seemingly paradoxical manner.	Rockefeller University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Germinal centers are high-speed evolution machines. Tiny clusters in the lymph nodes, germinal centers refine antibodies through mutation and expansion until they produce high-affinity B cells adapted to keep different pathogens in check. But rapid evolution should come at a cost. Most mutations are deleterious, so constant mutation during every cell division, coupled with unchecked proliferation, should be a recipe for disaster. How B cells somehow rapidly mutate and improve all at once was a long-standing mystery. -- Now, advanced imaging techniques reveal the germinal center's secret weapon: the ability to suppress mutation during rapid proliferation. -- This built-in safeguard allows germinal centers to mass-produce successful clones without compromising antibody quality. -- The findings, published in Nature, solve the paradox of how the immune system balances speed and precision. -- "The germinal center is using a really smart strategy to do two things at once -- two things that are, at face value, incompatible," says Gabriel D. Victora, Head of the Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics. -- Mutate-and-check -- Since the early 1990s, scientists have known that B cell evolution is unusual. -- Mathematical modeling from that era suggested that germinal centers improve antibodies by alternating between mutation and selection -- mutations occur once every division cycle, followed by a testing phase, in which B cells with harmful mutations die out and those with the strongest antibodies multiply on. This mutate-and-check scheme shaped our understanding of B cell evolution for decades. -- "This particular model was one of the most important contributions of mathematical modeling to immunology," Victora says. -- But in 2016, the Victora lab discovered clonal bursting, a phenomenon in which a single B cell multiplies so rapidly that it takes over the entire germinal center.	A01 T01	1,205
2505-E033	New Algorithm Could Revolutionize Earthquake Detection Using The World’s Internet Network	A groundbreaking advance in earthquake detection has emerged from research that incorporates fiber optic networks into seismic monitoring. This innovative algorithm, detailed in a paper published in Geophysical Journal International, adapts physics-based models to utilize data from existing fiber optic cables. By potentially transforming these cables into thousands of seismic sensors, the study opens doors for enhanced early warning systems not just for earthquakes, but also for monitoring volcanic activity and other seismic events, according to lead researcher Dr. Thomas Hudson.	Royal Astronomical Society	Geophysical Journal International	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers using intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings from deep within the brain found that meditation led to changes in activity in the amygdala and hippocampus, key brain regions involved in emotional regulation and memory. -- The study, conducted by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published Tuesday, February 4, in PNAS, may help explain the positive impact these practices have and could contribute to the development of meditation-based approaches for improving memory and emotional regulation. -- Previous research has shown that meditation -- a set of mental techniques to focus attention and awareness -- can improve mental well-being and potentially help improve psychiatric diseases like anxiety and depression. In combination with its beneficial clinical effect, previous brain research has shown a connection between meditative practice and brain activity. Yet the specific neural activity underlying meditative practices and their positive effects is still not well understood. -- "Traditionally, it has been challenging to study these deep limbic brain regions in humans using standard methods like scalp EEG. Our team was able to overcome this challenge by leveraging data collected from a unique patient population: epilepsy patients with surgically implanted devices that allow for chronic EEG recording from electrodes implanted deep in the amygdala and hippocampus," said Christina Maher, a neuroscience PhD student in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine and first author of the paper. "It was quite amazing to uncover changes in brain wave activity in these key regions, even during first-time meditation." -- For this study, the research team studied eight neurosurgical patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were chronically implanted with a responsive neurostimulation system. Participants were self-reported novice meditators prior to the study and completed a five-minute audio-guided instruction (baseline) followed by 10 minutes of audio-guided "loving kindness" meditation. Loving kindness meditation is a specific type of meditative practice that involves focusing attention on thoughts of well-being for oneself and others. To evaluate the loving kindness meditation induction, participants were asked to report their experienced depth of meditation after the session on a scale of 1-10 (higher score = deeper meditation). On average, participants reported a high degree of deep meditation (mean = 7.43). -- "We found that loving kindness meditation is associated with changes in the strength and duration of certain types of brain waves called beta and gamma waves," said Ignacio Saez, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, and Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine and senior author of the paper. "These kinds of brain waves are affected in mood disorders like depression and anxiety, so the possibility of being able to willfully control these through meditation is pretty amazing, and may help explain the positive impact that these practices have on individuals." -- The study is unique in that it used advanced invasive neural recording techniques, which provide much more detailed and precise insight into the brain compared to traditional techniques like scalp EEG. The study took place in the Quantitative Biometrics Laboratory at Mount Sinai West, a lab designed to provide patients with a relaxing environment to receive therapeutic treatment that is free from typical distractions associated with a hospital setting or traditional lab. This naturalistic setting enabled study participants to meditate in a calm environment that is more reflective of real-world experiences, improving the study's ecological validity. -- The researchers acknowledged a few limitations of the study. The sample size was small and they only looked at the effects of one-time meditation without assessing the impact of repeated practice or following up over time to see if the effects last. -- "This study provides a foundation for future research that could contribute to developing meditation-based interventions to help individuals modulate brain activity in areas involved in memory and emotional regulation," said Dr. Saez. "Meditation is noninvasive, widely accessible, and doesn't require specialized equipment or medical resources, making it an easy-to-use tool for improving mental well-being. However, it is crucial to note that meditation is not a replacement for traditional therapies. Instead, it could serve as a complementary low-cost option for individuals experiencing challenged with memory or emotional regulation." -- The Mount Sinai research team plans to conduct follow-up studies that will explore the specific relationship between the brain activity observed and mood/mental health outcomes. The next step will be to gather more data on how ongoing medication impacts mental well-being, which will help illuminate the potential therapeutic benefit of meditation in real-world, long-term settings.	C01	1,206
2501-031	Membrane Anchor Reduces Protein Aggregation In Neurodegenerative Diseases, Offering New Hope.	A research team from Ruhr University Bochum has made significant findings related to prion diseases, showing that a lipid anchor on nerve cell membranes can inhibit protein aggregation. This discovery enhances the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and provides a potential therapeutic target.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have gained valuable insight into the development of prion diseases of the brain. -- Protein aggregation is typical of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion diseases such as Creutzfeld-Jakob disease. -- A research team headed by Professor Jörg Tatzelt from the Department of Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has now used new in vitro and cell culture models to show that a lipid anchor on the outer membrane of nerve cells inhibits the aggregation of the prion protein. -- "Understanding the mechanisms that cause the originally folded proteins to transform into pathogenic forms is of crucial importance for the development of therapeutic strategies," says Jörg Tatzelt. -- The team published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on December, 31, 2024. -- Hereditary and infectious forms of the disease -- Prion diseases are fatal degenerative diseases of the brain. -- They are associated with the transformation of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) from its healthy fold into pathological aggregates, i.e. scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). While such diseases are rare in humans, hereditary prion diseases are triggered by genetic mutations. -- Some gene mutations affect the anchoring of PrPC to the cell membrane. -- However, it is still not fully understood exactly how these changes can trigger prion diseases.	R02	1,207
2502-E059	Hybrid Catalysis Combines Enzyme And Electrocatalysis To Improve CO2 Reduction Efficiency	Researchers have developed a hybrid catalysis method that combines electrocatalysis and biocatalysis to efficiently convert CO2 into valuable products, like methanol. This innovative approach takes advantage of the strengths of both processes, improving selectivity while managing the downsides of each method. Published in Angewandte Chemie, this advancement presents a significant step forward in carbon capture technologies, offering a sustainable pathway to reduce climate-damaging emissions.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	In order to recover valuable substances from CO2, it must be reduced in many individual steps. If electrocatalysis is used for this, many potentially different potential molecules are formed, which cannot necessarily be used. Biocatalysts, on the other hand, are selective and only produce one product -- but they are also very sensitive. An international research team led by Professor Wolfgang Schuhmann from the Center for Electrochemistry at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany, and Dr. Felipe Conzuelo from the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, has developed a hybrid catalysis cascade that makes use of the advantages of both processes. The researchers report in the journal Angewandte Chemie Interational Edition from December 23, 2024. -- Advantages and disadvantages of electrocatalysis and biocatalysis -- Methanol is one of the substances that we would like to obtain from climate-damaging CO2. It is often used as a synthesis raw material in the chemical industry. -- "Many reduction steps are required to produce methanol, as carbon dioxide is the most highly oxidized form of carbon," explains Wolfgang Schuhmann. -- Electrocatalysis is able to initiate these steps. However, while it is still selective in the first step, the reaction path then branches out and up to 16 different products are formed, not necessarily methanol. -- The situation is different with biocatalysts: these natural enzymes catalyze just one reaction and therefore only yield one product. -- However, they are complicated to handle, very sensitive or require cofactors for the reaction. -- Combining both processes -- In order to combine the advantages of both processes, the team led by first authors Panpan Wang and Xin Wang married electrocatalysis and biocatalysis. While the first reaction step from CO2 to formate is electrocatalytic, the second and third steps are catalyzed by formaldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase. These enzymes require NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) as a cofactor, which is consumed by the catalytic reaction and must be regenerated. This regeneration is achieved by a third enzyme. Finally, the valuable substance methanol is produced. "The work proves that such hybrid cascades are in principle feasible and make complex, multi-step reactions selectively possible," summarizes Wolfgang Schuhmann.	A01 C01 T01	1,208
2509-004	Primary School Children Excel At Associative Learning: Key To Mental Health	A study conducted by Ruhr University Bochum has highlighted the critical role of associative learning in childhood, showing that primary school children excel in linking events to their consequences. This research sheds light on how these connections impact mental health and paves the way for better understanding and intervention strategies for associative learning disorders that may contribute to mental illness later in life.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Communications Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	The ability to make the connection between an event and its consequences -- experts use the term associative learning -- is a crucial skill for adapting to the environment. It has a huge impact on our mental health. A study by the Mental Health Research and Treatment Center (FBZ) at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, shows that children of primary school age demonstrate the highest learning performance in this area. The results pave the way for a fresh perspective on associative learning disorders, which are linked to the development of mental illness later in life. The researchers published their findings in the journal Communications Psychology on December 16, 2024. -- Adolescents benefit from multiple learning sessions -- Until now, it was unclear how associative learning develops over different stages of life. -- This is why the team headed by Professor Silvia Schneider, Professor of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Dr. Carolin Konrad conducted the first systematic study of this ability in infants, children, adolescents and adults. -- In the study, test participants had to learn to react to a stimulus with a specific response. -- The research team was surprised by the results: "We'd initially assumed that associative learning improves continuously with increasing age," says Dr. Carolin Konrad. -- In fact, however, there was a clear peak in performance at primary school age: "Children at this age achieved the best results, learned most consistently and showed the least variability in their learning behavior." Although adults and adolescents learned faster than infants, they didn't reach the performance level of primary school children. -- It also emerged that repeated exposure to the learned material plays a crucial role for infants and adolescents. -- An additional learning session led to an improvement in learning performance in these age groups. -- The basis for understanding anomalies in associative learning	H01 T01	1,209
2510-E016	New Salts Serve As Modular Building Blocks In Organocatalysis	A research team has developed catalysts using salts that control the production of chiral molecules, which are essential in pharmaceuticals. Their innovative approach focuses on ensuring the desired molecular variant is produced, opening new avenues in drug development and enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	There are certain molecules that exist twice, so to speak: as themselves and as their mirror image. "These so-called chiral molecules demonstrate a handedness of sorts," explains Stefan Huber. Despite sharing many similarities, they have very different properties, for example in terms of their biological effectiveness. When used as a component of medicines, for example, the original molecule can have the desired effect, while its mirror image can cause adverse effects. This is why the aim is usually to produce only one variant of the molecule. -- To this end, the team from Bochum and Mülheim adopted a novel approach. -- Their aim was to produce a molecule with interesting properties for medical application. -- The researchers used salts as catalysts in which both components (cation and anion) play an important role: The cation sets the reaction in motion via halogen bonds. -- "Halogen bonds are weak bonds formed between the cation and the substrate," explains Dominik Reinhard, PhD student from Bochum. -- For its part, the anion, produced by the Mülheim researchers, ensures the correct handedness of the resultant molecule. -- "The salt is introduced to the relevant substrates in a compatible solvent. The concerted action of the salt components then ensures the desired reaction, during which only the molecule with the desired handedness is formed," explains Dominik Reinhard. -- "What makes this approach so attractive is that, by using salts, we've created a modular system," points out Stefan Huber. By combining a wide range of different cations and anions, the researchers can thus create different salts and, consequently, catalyze different reactions going forward.	Z01	1,210
2511-043	Rubber Hand Illusion: A Unique Approach to Reducing Chronic Pain for Patients	The rubber hand illusion demonstrates a fascinating phenomenon where individuals can feel a rubber hand as part of their body when their own hand is hidden, potentially aiding chronic pain patients. Researchers from Germany have revealed that this illusion can reduce the perception of heat pain, suggesting new therapeutic avenues for pain management using innovative sensory techniques.	Ruhr-University Bochum	PAIN Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	If a person hides their own hand and focuses on a rubber hand instead, they may perceive it as part of their own body under certain conditions. What sounds like a gimmick could one day be used to help patients who suffer from chronic pain: Researchers at the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the LWL University Hospital in Bochum, Germany, have shown that pain caused by heat is experienced as less severe thanks to the rubber hand illusion. They published their findings in the journal PAIN Reports from April 2025. -- Heat creates illusion -- The rubber hand illusion occurs when the hidden hand and the rubber hand are touched at the same time, for example with a brush. -- In the experiment outlined here, the illusion was not evoked through touch, but through a heat stimulus and simultaneous illumination with red light: -- In the first step, the researchers determined the individual pain threshold for heat pain in all 34 right-handed test participants. -- The participants then placed their left hand behind a screen so that they could no longer see it. The hand hidden by the screen was placed on a thermode head, a small plate that can be heated under controlled conditions. -- Instead of their left hand, a rubber hand was placed in front of the participants, which could be illuminated with red light from below. -- The test participants' right hand was placed on a slider which they used during the experiment to continuously rate the painfulness of the heat on their left hand. -- The researchers carried out several test runs in which they heated the thermode to several temperature levels just below the respective pain threshold, exactly at the pain threshold and just resp. -- significantly above it. The rubber hand was simultaneously illuminated with red light.	H01	1,211
2511-T031	Decoding The Mysterious Structure Of Supercritical Water	Researchers from Ruhr University Bochum have clarified the complex structure of supercritical water, a state where liquid and gas properties coexist under extreme conditions. Through a combination of terahertz spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, the team disproved a longstanding theory about molecular clustering in supercritical water. Their findings have significant implications for understanding chemical processes in high-pressure environments, such as those found near hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, have shed light on the structure of supercritical water. In this state, which exists at extreme temperatures and pressures, water has the properties of both a liquid and a gas at the same time. According to one theory, the water molecules form clusters within which they are then connected by hydrogen bonds. The Bochum-based team has now disproved this hypothesis using a combination of terahertz spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. The results have been published in the journal Science Advances, online on 14 March 2025. -- The experimentalists Dr. Katja Mauelshagen, Dr. Gerhard Schwaab and Professor Martina Havenith from the Chair of Physical Chemistry II collaborated with Dr. Philipp Schienbein and Professor Dominik Marx from the Chair of Theoretical Chemistry. The project was supported by the Cluster of Excellence Ruhr Explores Solvation (RESOLV). -- Supercritical water of interest as a solvent -- Supercritical water occurs naturally on Earth, for example in the deep sea, where black smokers -- a type of hydrothermal vents -- create harsh conditions on the seabed. The threshold for the supercritical state is reached at 374 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 221 bar. "Understanding the structure of supercritical water could help us to shed light on chemical processes in the vicinity of black smokers," says Dominik Marx, referring to a recent paper published by his research group on this topic. "Due to its unique properties, supercritical water is also of interest as a "green" solvent for chemical reactions; this is because it is environmentally friendly and, at the same time, highly reactive." -- In order to improve the usability of supercritical water, it is necessary to understand the processes inside it in greater detail. Martina Havenith's team used terahertz spectroscopy for this purpose. While other spectroscopy methods can be employed to investigate H-bonds within a molecule, terahertz spectroscopy sensitively probes the hydrogen bonding between molecules -- and thus would allow to detect the formation of clusters in supercritical water, if there are any. -- Measuring cell under pressure -- "In experimental trials, applying this method to supercritical water was a huge challenge," explains Martina Havenith. "We need ten-fold larger diameters for our high pressure cells for terahertz spectroscopy than in any other spectral range because we work with longer wavelengths." While working on her doctoral thesis, Katja Mauelshagen spent countless hours designing and building a new, suitable cell and optimizing it so that it could withstand the extreme pressure and temperature despite its size. -- Eventually, the experimentalists managed to record data from water that was about to enter the supercritical state, as well as from the supercritical state itself. While the terahertz spectra of liquid and gaseous water differed considerably, the spectra of supercritical water and the gaseous state looked virtually identical. This proves that the water molecules form just as few hydrogen bonds in the supercritical state as they do in the gaseous state. "This means that there are no molecular clusters in supercritical water," concludes Gerhard Schwaab. -- A member of Dominik Marx's team, Philipp Schienbein, who calculated the processes in supercritical water using complex ab initio molecular dynamics simulations as part of his doctoral thesis, came to the same conclusion. Just like in the experiment, several hurdles had to be overcome first, such as determining the precise position of the critical point of water in the virtual lab. -- The ab initio simulations ultimately showed that two water molecules in the supercritical state remain close to each other only for a short time before separating. Unlike in a hydrogen bond, the bonds between hydrogen and oxygen atoms don't have a preferred orientation -- which is a key property of hydrogen bonds. The direction of the hydrogen-oxygen bond rotates permanently. "The bonds that exist in this state are extremely short-lived: 100 times shorter than a hydrogen bond in liquid water," stresses Philipp Schienbein. The results of the simulations matched the experimental data perfectly, providing now a detailed molecular picture of the structural dynamics of water in the supercritical state.	Z01	1,212
2512-E016	Innovative Method Uses Near-Infrared Light For Real-Time Environmental Monitoring	Researchers have developed a new, cost-effective method using near-infrared light to detect microplastics and assess plant stress in real-time. This innovative technology enables detailed spectral analysis of materials and biological samples, offering an efficient solution for environmental monitoring and plastic identification.	Ruhr-University Bochum	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Detecting microplastics and identifying plant stress at an early stage -- this and much more can now be done thanks to a new method based on near-infrared light measurements. It is inexpensive and works in real time. -- Researchers from Bochum, Duisburg, Karlsruhe and Münster have developed a new method for environmental monitoring. -- It is based on near-infrared (NIR) light and enables users to obtain detailed spectral information from various materials and biological samples. -- The team headed by Jan Stegemann and Professor Sebastian Kruss from the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, showed that the HyperNIR technology can be used for non-contact identification of different types of plastic, for example, which is useful for recycling processes and the detection of microplastics. -- The researchers have published a paper on the technology in the journal Advanced Science, online on March 4, 2025. -- Near-infrared light, which is invisible to humans, contains valuable information about the chemical composition of a sample. -- Previous methods displayed it either as a grayscale image or as a spectrum, i.e. as an intensity distribution for different wavelengths. -- The new method is based on hyperspectral imaging, i.e. the combination of spectral and spatial information. -- Using inexpensive and commercially available components, the researchers are able to transform any standard camera into a HyperNIR camera in order to convert spectral information into images. -- They use controllable polarization optics for this purpose. External markers, such as dyes, can also be captured, but are not required.	A01 H02 N02 T01	1,213
2505-007	Being Social Can Help Keep Your Brain Healthy As You Age	Engaging in social activities like visiting friends and attending events may help maintain brain health and delay dementia, according to new research from Rush University. The study indicates that individuals with more frequent social interactions experience a lower risk of cognitive decline. It underscores the importance of social connections in reinforcing neural circuits, providing valuable insights into preventative measures against dementia and promoting the significance of community engagement for older adults.	Rush University Medical Center	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Tatsuya Yoshida, Mikito Takefuji, and Toyoaki Murohara in the Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, identified an enzyme, alpha-kinase 2 (ALPK2) that is specifically expressed in the heart. They found that the enzyme may prevent a stiff heart through activating the gene TPM1 in heart muscle fibers. ALPK2 is a promising new therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure, especially heart failure with preserved ejection function (HFpEF). -- The number of heart failure patients is increasing worldwide. -- In particular, HFpEF is a growing global concern as it is incurable, potentially fatal, and there are limited drug therapy options. -- HFpEF patients are characterized by a heart that fails to relax properly during the filling phase, leading to insufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs. -- The process of protein phosphorylation is central to regulating various functions in the body, including how well the heart pumps blood out. -- The process is controlled by enzymes called protein kinases, which add a phosphate group to specific amino acids on target proteins. -- This modification changes the protein's structure causing changes in its activity and interactions with other molecules. -- Disruptions in the enzyme's activity play a key role in hearts becoming stiff. -- The group investigated the gene expression of 518 protein kinase enzymes, revealing ALPK2 as a heart-specific kinase of interest. -- To understand its role, they compared mice without the gene that creates the enzyme with those that had exceptionally high levels of the gene, leading to an abundance of ALPK2.	A01 H02 R02	1,214
2501-013	Non-Opioid Pain Relief Proves More Effective Than Opioids After Wisdom Tooth Surgery.	A Rutgers Health study finds that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen is more effective for post-wisdom tooth extraction pain than opioids. The trial's results could revolutionize pain management in dental practices by reducing reliance on opioid prescriptions, thus addressing the growing concerns surrounding opioid misuse and addiction.	Rutgers University	The Journal of the American Dental Association	Press Rel	PubMed	A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids, according to a Rutgers Health study that could change how dentists treat post-surgical pain. -- The trial in more than 1,800 patients found that those given a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen experienced less pain, better sleep and higher satisfaction compared with those receiving the opioid hydrocodone with acetaminophen. -- "We think this is a landmark study," said Cecile Feldman, dean of Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and lead author of the study. -- "The results actually came in even stronger than we thought they would." -- Dentists, who rank among the nation's leading prescribers of opioids, wrote more than 8.9 million opioid prescriptions in 2022. -- For many young adults, dental procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction are their first exposure to opioid medications. -- "There are studies out there to show that when young people get introduced to opioids, there's an increased likelihood that they're going to eventually use them again, and then it can lead to addiction," said study co-investigator Janine Fredericks-Younger, adding that opioid overdoses kill more than 80,000 Americans each year. -- To compare opioid and non-opioid pain relief, the researchers conducted a randomized trial on patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth, a common procedure that typically causes moderate to severe pain. -- Half the patients received hydrocodone with acetaminophen. The other half got a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. -- Patients rated their pain levels and other outcomes, such as sleep quality, over the week following surgery.	H02	1,215
2502-086	Allergy Medicine Shows Promise In Preventing Liver Transplants For Rare Disease	A study from Rutgers Health suggests that the antihistamine chlorcyclizine could offer new hope for patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare genetic condition leading to severe liver damage. By screening existing medications, researchers aim to provide effective alternatives to liver transplantation, addressing an unmet need for the small percentage of EPP patients who suffer from significant liver issues.	Rutgers University	Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology	Press Rel	PubMed	A common antihistamine may offer hope for patients with a rare genetic disease that can lead to severe liver damage and ultimately require transplantation, according to new research from Rutgers Health. -- The study in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that chlorcyclizine, a decades-old allergy medication, could potentially treat erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a condition that creates extreme skin light sensitivity and can produce toxic levels of protoporphyrin in the liver, bone marrow, red cells, and plasma. -- "There is an unmet need for these patients," said Bishr Omary, senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and research at Rutgers Health and senior author of the study. "The primary treatment for patients with severe liver damage is liver transplantation, which is a major and life-saving surgery that depends on available donor organs." -- EPP is a rare condition, affecting an estimated 4,000 people in the U.S. Of those, only a small percentage suffer enough liver damage to require transplantation. It is unlikely, therefore, that any company will develop a drug to treat the condition, which is why Omary and his colleagues tested existing medications. -- The research team screened more than 2,500 compounds, including many FDA-approved drugs, in a zebrafish larvae EPP experimental system previously described by Omary's lab. The tiny fish allow researchers to visualize the buildup of toxic compounds easily and test potential treatments. -- "The zebrafish are transparent at their larval stage, and that allows us to quantify and visualize the porphyrin, which is fluorescent," said Ning Kuo, the first author of the study who worked with Omary at the University of Michigan, then Rutgers before moving to the University of California, San Diego to pursue her PhD. "It was easy to evaluate each treatment under the microscope. If I saw glowing porphyrin, the treatment didn't work. If I didn't, the treatment had enabled the liver to excrete it into the fish culture medium." -- When the researchers tested chlorcyclizine in mice with EPP, they found that female mice, but not male mice, experienced reduced hepatic protoporphyrin accumulation and liver injury, decreased protoporphyrin in bone marrow and red cells and increased protoporphyrin excretion in stool. This sex-specific effect appears related to how quickly males metabolize the drug. -- "In rats, chlorcyclizine is metabolized eight times higher in male versus female livers," said Omary. "Fortunately, we're not aware of similar chlorcyclizine metabolism differences in humans." -- The study team, which included one researcher from Michigan, replicated their findings using an independent toxin-induced EPP mouse model. They also showed in EPP liver cell culture models that the histamine pathway promotes porphyrin accumulation, which is blocked by the over-the-counter antihistamine drug classes that treat allergy (e.g., chlorcyclizine or fexofenadine) or that limit acid production (e.g., cimetidine or ranitidine). -- Detailed analysis showed that chlorcyclizine appears to work through multiple mechanisms, including helping the liver clear toxic porphyrin buildup and reducing inflammation. It also decreased the presence of mast cells, a type of immune cell that produces histamine.	A01 H01 R01 C01 N01 N02	1,216
2502-T031	Ancient Galaxy Leo P Reveals Insights Into Star Formation History And Growth	Astronomers have gained valuable insights into star formation by studying the dwarf galaxy Leo P, which has recently exhibited renewed stellar activity. The research indicates that Leo P "reignited" during a crucial period in the universe's timeline, producing stars when many other small galaxies remained dormant. By examining such galaxies, scientists aim to deepen their understanding of cosmic evolution and the fundamental processes that contribute to galaxy development.	Rutgers University	The Astrophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Leo P, a small galaxy and a distant neighbor of the Milky Way, is lighting the way for astronomers to better understand star formation and how a galaxy grows. -- In a study published in the Astrophysical Journal, a team of researchers led by Kristen McQuinn, a scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute and an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Rutgers University-New Brunswick School of Arts and Sciences, has reported finding that Leo P "reignited," reactivating during a significant period on the timeline of the universe, producing stars when many other small galaxies didn't. -- By studying galaxies early in their formation and in different environments, astronomers said they may gain a deeper understanding of the universe's origins and the fundamental processes that shape it. -- McQuinn and other members of the research team studied Leo P through NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, a space-based apparatus that features a large, segmented mirror and an expansive sunshield, both of which enable it to capture detailed images of distant celestial objects. -- Leo P, a dwarf galaxy some 5.3 million light years from Earth, was discovered by McQuinn and other scientists in 2013. The celestial structure is far enough away from the Local Group, a clump of galaxies straddling the Milky Way, to be its neighbor without being affected by the gravitational fields of larger star systems. -- The galaxy, located in the constellation Leo, is about the same size as a star cluster within the Milky Way and is about the same age as the Milky Way. The "P" in Leo P refers to "pristine," because the galaxy has so few chemical elements beside hydrogen and helium. -- "Leo P provides a unique laboratory to explore the early evolution of a low-mass galaxy in detail," said McQuinn, who also is the mission head for the Science Operations Center for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore. -- The team started by looking deeply into the past. Since the stars detected by the team with the telescope are about 13 billion years old, they can serve as "fossil records" of star formation that occurred at earlier times. "Essentially, instead of studying the stars in-situ [in their original positions] as they are forming in the early universe, we study the stars that have survived over cosmic history and use their present-day properties to infer what was occurring at earlier times," McQuinn said. -- The team found that Leo P formed stars early on but then stopped making them for a few billion years. This stoppage happened during a period known as the Epoch of Reionization. It took a few billion years after the epoch for the galaxy to reignite and start forming new stars. -- "We have a measurement like this for only three other galaxies -- all isolated from the Milky Way -- and they all show a similar pattern," McQuinn said.	R01	1,217
2503-050	Alarming Rise In Sedative And Anti-Anxiety Disorder Diagnoses Among Young Adults	A Rutgers Health study reveals a significant rise in sedative, hypnotic, and anti-anxiety medication use disorders among adolescents and young adults since 2001. Analyzing national Medicaid data, researchers discovered a threefold increase in adolescents and a fivefold increase in young adults diagnosed with these disorders, highlighting a concerning trend in mental health that necessitates closer scrutiny and intervention.	Rutgers University	Addiction	Press Rel	PubMed	The prevalence of diagnosed disorders from recurrent use of sedative, hypnotic and antianxiety medications in adolescents and young adults has increased sharply since 2001, according to Rutgers Health researchers. -- Their study, published in Addiction, examined diagnoses of these disorders in adolescents and young adults between 2001 to 2019. -- Sedative, hypnotic and antianxiety medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including sleep and anxiety disorders. According to Harvard Health, consistent use of these drugs can lead to a higher tolerance for their effects, meaning patients require higher doses to achieve the intended effects. -- For some, a problematic pattern of use of these medications can lead to significant impairment and distress. When this happens, patients may be diagnosed with sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders, which are estimated to impact 2.2 million Americans, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. -- Using national Medicaid data from nearly 7 million adolescents and young adults in 2001 and 13 million adolescents and young adults in 2019, Rutgers Health researchers looked at trends in sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorder diagnoses. The prevalence increased threefold in adolescents and increased fivefold in young adults from 2001 to 2019. -- "The increase in diagnoses of these disorders may be due to changes in the availability, use and misuse of sedatives, hypnotics and anxiolytics, as well as an increase in detection, awareness and diagnosing of these disorders," said Greta Bushnell, an assistant professor at the Rutgers Center for Pharmacoepidemiology and Treatment Science (PETS) and lead author of the study. -- Sedative, hypnotic and anti-anxiety medications are accessed in number of ways, including through medical prescriptions as well as through nonmedical sources such as a friend or in a medicine cabinet. Researchers found the prevalence of a sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders to be elevated in youths with prescriptions. However, the majority of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with a sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorder didn't have a prescription for one of those medications. -- "Efforts to target nonmedical use of these drugs is important as a means to reduce this disorder," said Bushnell, who also is an assistant professor of epidemiology at Rutgers School of Public Health, "as is cautious prescribing in this young population." -- Researchers also found that most adolescents and young adults with sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic use disorders had another comorbid substance use disorder diagnosis; in adolescents, cannabis use disorder was the most common and opioid use disorder in young adults. -- "While sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic use disorders are less common than other substance use disorders, it warrants attention from clinicians and researchers given treatment difficulties and the association with other substance use issues," Bushnell said.	H01 H02	1,218
2503-075	Exercise Enhances Brain Insulin Signaling, Potentially Reducing Dementia Risk For Older Adults	A study from Rutgers University indicates that exercise activates specialized brain cells that respond to insulin, suggesting a direct link between physical activity and improved brain function. The research highlights potential therapeutic avenues to combat dementia, underscoring the significance of exercise in enhancing cognitive health through improved insulin signaling.	Rutgers University	Aging Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by scientists at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has shown that specialized cells involved in how the body responds to insulin are activated in the brain after exercise, suggesting that physical activity may directly improve brain function. -- A study, published in Aging Cell, a journal focused on the biology of aging, indicates that therapies targeting this insulin action may be developed to offset or even prevent dementia progression. -- "We believe this work is important because it suggests exercise may work to improve cognition and memory by improving the abilities of insulin to act on the brain," said Steven Malin, an associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. -- Conducted in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Aging, the researchers focused on the role of neuronal extracellular vesicles, specialized cells released by the brain. -- Extracellular vesicles, once dismissed by researchers as "cell dust," have in the past 15 years grown exponentially in recognition as important players in the microscopic world of the human body, facilitating transport of key molecules such as proteins between cells. -- For this study, the scientists targeted vesicles produced in the brain that ferry several proteins involved in insulin sensitivity -- one of which is called Akt. -- Insulin sensitivity is a measure of how well the body responds to insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar levels. -- People with high insulin sensitivity can use blood glucose more effectively in the body, such as in its muscles, which reduces blood sugar. -- People with diabetes, with its key symptom of low insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance, have brain cells that are less responsive to insulin. -- This can have negative impacts on cognition.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02	1,219
2504-075	Diabetes Drug Offers Alternative To Costly Daily Injections For Rare Condition	A study from Rutgers Health suggests that a weekly diabetes medication could replace painful daily hormone injections for patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), a rare genetic condition. The research highlights the severe health challenges these patients face due to extreme insulin resistance. By exploring alternative treatments, the study aims to enhance the quality of life for those affected by this rare metabolic disorder.	Rutgers University	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Rutgers Health researchers have found that a weekly injection of diabetes medication could replace painful daily hormone shots for people with a rare genetic form of lipodystrophy that leaves patients with almost zero fat tissue, according to a study in The New England Journal of Medicine. -- Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), which affects only a few thousand people worldwide, results in severe metabolic disease, diabetes, insulin resistance and reduced life expectancy. -- With no fat tissue for proper storage, fat accumulates in organs such as the liver, leading to extreme insulin resistance and diabetes. -- "These patients are severely ill and face markedly reduced life expectancy due to profound insulin resistance," said Christoph Buettner, chief of endocrinology, metabolism, and nutrition at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and senior author of the study. -- Currently, the standard treatment for CGL involves daily injections of metreleptin, a synthetic version of the hormone leptin, which is naturally produced exclusively by fat tissue. -- However, daily leptin shots are both expensive -- costing hundreds of thousands of dollars annually -- and particularly painful for CGL patients. -- "When you inject yourself with, for example, insulin, you inject into subcutaneous fat, but these patients don't have that," said Svetlana Ten, associate professor of pediatrics and first author of the study. -- "Each injection is painful." -- In the recent study, researchers explored if the diabetes and obesity drug tirzepatide(the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) could improve CGL, as it improves insulin resistance. -- Tirzepatide is administered through a weekly injection, potentially reducing the burden and pain associated with CGL treatment.	R01	1,220
2505-034	New Study Uncovers Genetic Risk Factors That Change Brain Behavior Related To Alcoholism	A recent study by Rutgers Health researchers unveils how brain immune cells from individuals at higher genetic risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) respond differently to alcohol exposure compared to those at lower risk. This groundbreaking research, published in Science Advances, indicates a potential pathway for developing more personalized treatment options for AUD by understanding the genetic factors that influence brain cell behavior in response to alcohol.	Rutgers University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have discovered a way to stop tumour growth before it starts for a subtype of medulloblastoma, the most common childhood malignant brain cancer. -- Brain cancer presents a unique set of challenges for researchers -- by the time a person experiences symptoms, the tumours are often so complex that the fundamental mechanisms driving the tumour growth are no longer easy to identify. -- A research team led by Dr. Peter Dirks is working to combat this challenge for sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma. -- In a new study published in Nature Communications, the researchers identify that a protein is responsible for the waking up of 'sleeping' stem cells and driving SHH medulloblastoma tumour formation and regrowth. -- By blocking this protein and preventing the stem cells from waking, the study demonstrates what could be a pivotal treatment strategy for the cancer, utilising cutting-edge genomic approaches in combination with functional experiments in a preclinical model. -- "Our findings offer a novel strategy to target cancer stem cells, providing hope for more effective treatments against aggressive brain tumors," says Dirks, Senior Scientist in the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology program and Chief of the Division of Neurosurgery. -- Cancer interception in action -- The research team began by examining cellular transitions that drove the development of SHH medulloblastoma tumours. -- They found that early in tumour development and after conventional treatments, a protein called OLIG2 would activate 'sleeping' stem cells, causing them to divide and grow into a tumour. -- "There is order to how the cancer initiating stem cells undergo fate changes to form tumours. We can target an early transition event and intercept the entire process -- essentially stopping the cancer in its earliest form," says first author Dr. Kinjal Desai, a postdoctoral researcher in the Dirks lab.	A01 H01 R02	1,221
2505-E030	Water Arrived Late In Earth's Formation: New Insight Into The Origins Of Life	A significant study from Rutgers University suggests that water did not arrive on Earth as early in its formation as previously believed, offering new insights into the origins of life. The research, published in Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, indicates that water likely arrived during the late stage of Earth's development. Understanding the timeline of water's arrival is crucial for deciphering when and how life began, as it is one of the essential components necessary for life, alongside energy and organic chemicals.	Rutgers University	Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta	Press Rel	PubMed	Graying hair is a hallmark of aging, often considered an inevitable part of growing older. However, recent research from Nagoya University in Japan led by Masashi Kato and Takumi Kagawa suggests that an antioxidant might suppress this process. The researchers identified luteolin, an antioxidant found in vegetables including celery, broccoli, carrots, onions, and peppers, as being a potential anti-graying agent. Their findings pave the way for potential applications in human hair care. -- The researcher's study focused on three antioxidants -- luteolin, hesperetin, and diosmetin -- to assess their anti-graying effects in mice that were bred to go gray like humans. -- The difference was startling, the mice that received luteolin retained their black fur, even as their cage mates' fur turned gray, regardless of whether the luteolin was given externally or internally. -- "This result was surprising," Professor Kato said. "While we expected that antioxidants may also have anti-graying effects, only luteolin, not hesperetin or diosmetin, demonstrated significant effects. This finding suggests that luteolin may have a unique medicinal effect that prevents graying." -- Luteolin's anti-graying effects are closely linked to its influence on endothelins -- proteins that play a crucial role in cellular communication. -- In the study, luteolin treatments preserved the expression of endothelins and their receptor. -- This preservation supports healthy signaling pathways, preventing the decline in melanocyte activity that typically accompanies graying. -- "Interestingly, luteolin had limited effects on hair cycles, indicating that its primary impact is on pigmentation rather than hair growth or shedding," Professor Kato said. -- "This targeted action makes luteolin a particularly intriguing candidate for addressing age-related hair graying." -- The similarities between the hair graying processes in the model mice and humans offer encouraging prospects for translating these findings into human applications.	R01 C01	1,222
2506-060	Microplastics Raise Toxicity Risks Of Arsenic And Pesticides In Lettuce And Humans	Two studies from Rutgers Health reveal that tiny plastic particles can significantly increase the absorption of harmful environmental toxins in both lettuce and human intestinal cells. This discovery raises serious concerns about food safety in relation to plastic pollution, suggesting a dangerous cycle of contamination that could affect human health and the food chain.	Rutgers University	NanoImpact	Press Rel	PubMed	Micro- and nanoscale plastic particles in soil and water can significantly increase how much toxic chemicals plants and human intestinal cells absorb, according to two new studies from Rutgers Health that raise fresh concerns about food safety from plastic pollution. -- The first study in NanoImpact found that lettuce exposed to both nanoscale plastic particles and common environmental pollutants such as arsenic took up substantially more of the toxic substances than plants exposed to the pollutants, alone confirming the risks of polycontamination of our food chain. A companion study in Microplastics journal showed similar effects in human intestinal tissue. -- The combination of both studies suggests micro and nano plastics, the byproduct of fragmentation of plastics in the environment over time, could be creating a dangerous cycle of contamination: making plants absorb more toxic chemicals that we might then eat, while making our bodies more likely to also absorb both those toxins and the plastics themselves and increasing risks for diseases, especially for susceptible populations. -- "We've already put about 7 billion metric tons of plastics into the environment that keep breaking apart," said Philip Demokritou, director of the Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Center at Environmental Occupational HealthSciences Institute at Rutgers University and senior author of both studies. "They pollute everything around us -- the water we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe." -- Using a cellular model of the human small intestine, coupled with a lab-based gastrointestinal apparatus that simulates the digestive system, the researchers found that nano-size plastic particles increased the absorption of arsenic by nearly six-fold compared with arsenic exposure alone. The same effect was seen with boscalid, a commonly used pesticide, said the researchers from Rutgers, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station (CAES) and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). -- The relationship, moreover, worked both ways: The presence of these environmental pollutants also significantly increased the amount of plastic absorbed by the intestinal tissue, with plastic uptake roughly doubling when toxins were present. -- "We know nanoscale materials can bypass biological barriers," said Demokritou, the Henry Rutgers Chair and professor in nanoscience and environmental bioengineering at the Rutgers School of Public Health and the Rutgers School of Engineering. "The smaller the particles, the more they can bypass biological barriers in our bodies that protect us." -- For the other paper, the researchers exposed lettuce plants to two sizes of polystyrene particles -- 20 nanometers and 1,000 nanometers -- along with arsenic and boscalid. They found the smaller particles had the biggest impact, increasing arsenic uptake into edible plant tissues nearly threefold compared to plants exposed to arsenic alone. -- The effects occurred in both hydroponic systems and more realistic soil conditions. Using advanced imaging and analytical techniques, the researchers showed the plastic particles themselves were also accumulating in plant tissues, with the smaller particles more likely to move from roots into shoots. -- Micro and nanoplastics come from the slow breakdown of larger pieces of plastic in the environment.	A01 H01 N02 T01	1,223
2506-T006	AI-Powered Whale Protection: Predicting Endangered Habitat Using Machine Learning	Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have developed an AI tool that creates a 'probability map' to predict the habitats of endangered whales, aiding in ship navigation along the Atlantic coast. This innovative approach combines whale monitoring data with environmental information to enhance conservation strategies and minimize deadly collisions. The study focuses on the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and represents a significant advancement in marine species monitoring.	Rutgers University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that will help predict endangered whale habitat, guiding ships along the Atlantic coast to avoid them. The tool is designed to prevent deadly accidents and inform conservation strategies and responsible ocean development. -- Using an AI-powered computer program that learns from patterns detected between two vast databases, the researchers said their method improved upon present abilities to monitor the ocean for the distribution of important marine species, such as the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. -- North Atlantic right whales have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970. -- There are approximately 370 individuals remaining, including about 70 reproductively active females, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. -- The researchers' report was published in Nature Scientific Reports. -- The effort was led by Ahmed Aziz Ezzat, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the School of Engineering, and Josh Kohut, a professor in marine sciences who in January became dean of research at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. -- Ezzat leads a research group on applied machine learning for engineering and physical sciences. -- Jiaxiang Ji, the paper's first author and a doctoral student in the School of Engineering, contributed significantly to the project. -- Kohut likened the output of the program to what might be learned by tracking the movements of people in a house as well as determining whether there is food in the kitchen and a television set on in the den. -- Such factors might determine why people are where they are at certain times of the day.	H01 T01	1,224
2507-102	Circadian Rhythms Influence Late-Day Eating Habits In Overweight Teens	New research challenges traditional notions of success in the workplace, suggesting that traits like maintaining the status quo can be as valuable as ambition and ingenuity. Findings indicate that teams with high envy levels may inadvertently sabotage productivity by ostracizing high performers, urging organizations to reconsider the dynamics of workplace behaviors for overall effectiveness.	Rutgers University	Rutgers University	Press Rel	PubMed	Confidence. Persistence. Ingenuity. Conventional wisdom tells us these are some of the traits needed for success at the office. But within teams, less laudable characteristics -- maintaining the status quo, for instance -- might be just as desirable, according to new Rutgers research. -- Cong Liu, an expert on organizational thinking at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, reports in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology that teams with high rates of envy often ostracize their best performers, in turn leading those standout employees to sabotage productivity. -- "In organizations, there are good soldiers who help facilitate workplace efficiency and effectiveness and bad apples who hinder productivity and well-being," Cong wrote. "Over the years, there has been mounting evidence that this distinction between good and bad behaviors … might not be as stark as we think." -- What's often overlooked is how workplace ostracism can blur this line. When high-performing employees -- good soldiers -- are excluded or undervalued by their peers, their motivation can shift from driving success to undermining it, Cong said. This exclusion can lead to frustration, disengagement, and even intentional underperformance, effectively turning them into bad apples. -- To illuminate this process, Cong and colleagues surveyed 630 workers in 131 workplace teams across a wide swath of industries based in China, including health care, finance, real estate and manufacturing. Participants worked in teams of three or more. More than two-thirds of respondents were women, and most participants had been on the job for about six years. While the study was conducted in China, its findings are universally applicable, especially in team-driven environments like those found in the American workforce. -- "If proactive employees are ostracized by their coworkers, organizations will bear a heavy toll," Cong said. -- Two in-person surveys were administered a month apart. In the first survey, employees rated perceived levels of proactivity, envy, coworker ostracism, negative emotions and job satisfaction. In the second, employees were asked to evaluate their own "production deviance," a measure of intentional underperformance. -- Through statistical modeling, the researchers found that teams with higher rates of envy were more likely to exclude proactive employees -- and that the targets of this exclusionary behavior exhibited greater production deviance. -- While the study didn't quantify productivity losses, Cong said previous work demonstrates that poorly managed workplace dynamics can lead to significant production fallout. In today's fast-paced work environment, where collaboration is key, even small disruptions in team dynamics can have far-reaching consequences. -- Addressing team-based ostracism and potential production declines is never easy, said Cong. Jealousy, envy and pride are human characteristics, as is so-called "upward comparison" -- the sense of inadequacy someone might feel when working with higher-yielding colleagues. In corporate America, where performance metrics are often public and competition is encouraged, these emotions can be amplified, making it even more critical for managers to intervene.	Z01	1,225
2509-012	Parenthood May Preserve Brain Connectivity Against Age-Related Changes	A new study reveals that parenting may provide protective benefits against age-related changes in brain connectivity. Research conducted by Rutgers and Yale found that parents show patterns of brain connectivity that oppose typical aging effects, suggesting that the experience of raising children strengthens cognitive functions, benefiting both mothers and fathers alike.	Rutgers University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Parents' brains may be getting an unexpected benefit from raising children: protection against some effects of aging, according to a new study of nearly 37,000 adults. -- The research from Rutgers Health and Yale University, published in the Proceedings of the Natural Academy of Sciences, found that parents show patterns of brain connectivity that directly oppose typical age-related changes, with the effect strengthening with each additional child. -- The finding held for both mothers and fathers, suggesting the benefits come from the experience of parenting rather than biological changes from pregnancy. -- "The regions that decrease in functional connectivity as individuals age are the regions associated with increased connectivity when individuals have had children," said senior study author Avram Holmes, associate professor of psychiatry at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and core faculty member of the Rutgers Brain Health Institute and the Center for Advanced Human Brain Imaging Research. -- The research analyzed brain scans and family information from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database and research source. The analysis showed how different brain regions communicate with each other. The team focused particularly on areas involved in movement, sensation and social connection. -- They found that parents with more children tended to have stronger connectivity in key brain networks, especially those involved in movement and sensation. These same networks typically show decreased connectivity as people age. -- "We're seeing a widespread pattern of functional alterations, where a higher number of children parented is associated with increased functional connectivity across somatosensory and motor networks," Holmes said. -- The effect appears to be cumulative: The more children parents had, the stronger the brain differences appeared. -- The findings challenge assumptions that having children primarily creates stress and strain. Instead, the research suggests parenting may provide a form of environmental enrichment that could benefit brain health through increased physical activity, social interaction and cognitive stimulation. -- "The caregiving environment, rather than pregnancy alone, appears important since we see these effects in both mothers and fathers," Holmes said.	A01 H01 H02 R02 T01	1,226
2509-081	Unique Fat Tissue May Enhance Fitness And Longevity In Older Adults	Rutgers Health researchers have found that manipulating a specific gene in mice enhances brown fat production, improving exercise capacity and potentially extending lifespan. This discovery suggests a promising avenue for developing therapies to help older adults maintain physical fitness, as brown fat is essential for calorie burning and regulating body temperature during activity.	Rutgers University	Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Rutgers Health researchers have made discoveries about brown fat that may open a new path to helping people stay physically fit as they age. -- A team from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found that mice lacking a specific gene developed an unusually potent form of brown fat tissue that expanded lifespan and increased exercise capacity by roughly 30%. The team is working on a drug that could mimic these effects in humans. -- "Exercise capacity diminishes as you get older, and to have a technique that could enhance exercise performance would be very beneficial for healthful aging," said Stephen Vatner, university professor and director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute in the medical school's Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine and senior author of the study in Aging Cell. "This mouse model performs exercise better than their normal littermates." -- Unlike white fat, which stores energy, brown fat burns calories and helps regulate body temperature. This study revealed brown fat also plays a crucial role in exercise capacity by improving blood flow to muscles during physical activity. -- The genetically modified mice produced unusually high amounts of active brown fat and showed about 30% better exercise performance than normal mice, both in speed and time to exhaustion. -- The discovery emerged from broader research into healthy aging. The modified mice, which lack a protein called RGS14, live about 20% longer than normal mice, with females living longer than males -- similar to the pattern seen in humans. Even at advanced ages, they maintain a healthier appearance, avoiding the typical signs of aging, such as loss of hair and graying that appear in normal elderly mice. Their brown adipose tissue also protects them from obesity, glucose intolerance, cardiovascular disorders, cancer and Alzheimer's disease, in addition to reduced exercise tolerance. -- To test whether the brown fat -- rather than some other result from the missing genes -accounted for the benefits, the researchers transplanted the brown fat to normal mice. They noted that the recipients gained similar benefits within days. Transplants using regular brown fat from normal mice, by contrast, took eight weeks to produce much milder improvements. -- The discovery could eventually improve human lifespans -- the total time when people enjoy good mental and physical health. -- "With all the medical advances, aging and longevity have increased in humans, but unfortunately, healthful aging hasn't," Vatner said. "There are a lot of diseases associated with aging -- obesity, diabetes, myocardial ischemia, heart failure, cancer -- and what we have to do is find new drugs based on models of healthful aging." -- Rather than develop a treatment that addresses aging broadly, which poses regulatory challenges, Vatner said his team plans to test for specific benefits such as improved exercise capacity and metabolism. This approach builds on their previous success in developing a drug based on a different mouse healthful longevity model.	A01 H01 R01 R02 N02	1,227
2512-E013	Capturing Continuous Cellulose Synthesis In Plants: Insights For Stronger, More Sustainable Products	A team from Rutgers University-New Brunswick has made significant strides in understanding cellulose synthesis in plants by capturing live images of cell-wall formation. This groundbreaking research reveals critical insights into plant robustness and has potential applications in various industries, including biofuels, textiles, and biodegradable materials.	Rutgers University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	In a groundbreaking study on the synthesis of cellulose -- a major constituent of all plant cell walls -- a team of Rutgers University-New Brunswick researchers has captured images of the microscopic process of cell-wall building continuously over 24 hours with living plant cells, providing critical insights that may lead to the development of more robust plants for increased food and lower-cost biofuels production. -- The discovery, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals a dynamic process never seen before and may provide practical applications for everyday products derived from plants including enhanced textiles, biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and new medical products. The research also is expected to contribute to the fundamental knowledge -- while providing a new understanding -- of the formation of cell walls, the scientists said. -- It represents over six years of effort and collaboration among three laboratories from differing but complementary academic disciplines at Rutgers: the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. -- "This work is the first direct visualization of how cellulose synthesizes and self-assembles into a dense fibril network on a plant cell surface, since Robert Hook's first microscopic observation of cell walls in 1667," said Sang-Hyuk Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and an author of the study. "This study also provides entirely new insights into how simple, basic physical mechanisms such as diffusion and self-organization may lead to the formation of complex cellulose networks in cells." -- The microscope-generated video images show protoplasts -- cells with their walls removed -- of cabbage's cousin, the flowering plant Arabidopsis, chaotically sprouting filaments of cellulose fibers that gradually self-assemble into a complex network on the outer cell surface. -- "I was very surprised by the emergence of ordered structures out of the chaotic dance of molecules when I first saw these video images," said Lee, who also is a faculty member at the Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine. "I thought plant cellulose would be made in a lot more of an organized fashion, as depicted in classical biology textbooks." -- Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer -- large molecules naturally produced by living organisms -- on Earth. A carbohydrate that is the primary structural component of plant cell walls, cellulose is widely used in industry to make a range of products, including paper and clothing. It also is used in filtration, trapping large particles more effectively and enhancing flow, and as a thickening agent in foods such as yogurt and ice cream. -- "This discovery opens the door for researchers to begin dissecting the genes that could play various roles for cellulose biosynthesis in the plant," said Eric Lam, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Biology in Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and an author on the study. "The knowledge gained from these future studies will provide new clues for approaches to design better plants for carbon capture, improve tolerance to all kinds of environmental stresses, from drought to disease, and optimize second-generation cellulosic biofuels production." -- The work is the culmination of a childhood dream for Shishir Chundawat, an associate professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering in the Rutgers School of Engineering and an author on the study. -- "I have always been fascinated by plants and how they capture sunlight via leaves into reduced carbon forms like cellulose that form cell walls," Chundawat said, who plans to explore new ways to produce new, sustainable biofuels and biochemicals from diverse feedstocks like terrestrial plants and marine algae. "I remember back in middle school when I had collected many leaves of different shapes, sizes and colors for a science class report, and being very curious about how plants produce all this myriad complexity and diversity in nature. I was inspired by that experience to delve deeper into the fundamental phenomena of biomass production and its utilization using sustainable engineering to produce valuable bioproducts for societal benefit."	H01 H02 N02	1,228
2513-006	Scientists Discover Mechanism Behind Deadly Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis	Researchers at Rutgers Health have identified a crucial mechanism driving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an aggressive lung disease. By studying immune cell networks within lung tissue, they discovered an abundance of plasma cells in disease-scarred areas. This finding, published in the European Respiratory Journal, may open new avenues for developing treatments for IPF, which currently has limited effective options and high mortality rates.	Rutgers University	European Respiratory Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Rutgers Health researchers have discovered that networks of misplaced immune cells drive an aggressive lung disease, potentially opening a path to new treatments for a condition that kills 80% of patients within a decade. -- Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) scars lung tissue and makes breathing increasingly difficult until patients can't get enough oxygen. -- Available drugs provide minimal benefit. Lung transplantation works for some patients, but transplants have a 50% five-year mortality rate. -- The study in the European Respiratory Journal used advanced spatial mapping techniques to compare healthy lung tissues and tissues from patients with fatal IPF. -- The researchers discovered that disease-scarred lung tissue abounds in plasma cells -- specialized immune cells that typically reside in bone marrow and produce antibodies. -- "What we found most striking in this study is that all the fibrotic regions of IPF patients' lungs are covered by antibody-producing plasma cells," Qi Yang, an associate pediatrics professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a senior author of the study. -- "In normal lungs, there are almost no plasma cells. But in IPF patients, the lungs are full of them." -- The researchers identified previously unknown cellular networks orchestrating this abnormal immune response. -- They discovered novel mural cells wrapping around blood vessels and producing signal proteins that organize immune responses. -- They also found unique fibroblasts secreting a protein that attracts plasma cells to damaged areas.	H01 R01 N02	1,229
2513-059	New Insights Into Polycystic Kidney Disease Offer Hope For Therapies	Geneticists at Rutgers University are uncovering new insights into polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder affecting millions worldwide. Their research, published in Nature Communications, focuses on how extracellular vesicles carry important proteins involved in the disease's progression. These findings could lead to innovative therapies, offering hope for better management of PKD and improving patients' quality of life.	Rutgers University	elegans.	Press Rel	PubMed	For patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a common genetic disorder that ravages the waste-removing organ with cysts, dialysis and transplantation are among the only treatments. -- More than 12.4 million people worldwide suffer from the dominant form of the condition. -- Now, Rutgers University geneticists have uncovered fresh details of how the disease progresses -- findings that could open the door to new therapies. -- In a study published in Nature Communications, Inna Nikonorova, a research assistant professor in the Department of Genetics within the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences, reports on a novel way to identify and track material carried by extracellular vesicles (EVs) -- sub-microscopic communication tools shed by cells that play a key role in the development of cancers, neurodegeneration and renal diseases such as PKD. -- "Inna was able to identify the other proteins that travel with polycystic proteins inside EVs, proteins that no one really knew about before," said Maureen Barr, a distinguished professor of genetics at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and a co-author of the study. -- "For researchers in the PKD field, this is very exciting." -- Once considered a waste product of cells, researchers now understand the health implications of extracellular vesicles. -- "Beneficial cargo within these transporters -- proteins, for instance -- aid in wound healing and tissue regeneration," Nikonorova said. -- "But they can also function diabolically to spread toxic cargoes and act as disease mediators." -- What has been unclear is how cargoes are selected and packaged into extracellular vesicles.	R01 N02	1,230
2513-T028	Scientists Create New Quantum Structure By Merging Previously Impossible Materials	An international collaboration has successfully merged two lab-synthesized materials into a synthetic quantum structure previously thought impossible, paving the way for new quantum materials essential for advanced computing. This unique structure, a combination of dysprosium titanate and pyrochlore iridate, challenges conventional quantum physics understanding. The groundbreaking work, published in Nano Letters, holds promise for future explorations at the atomic interface of these exotic materials.	Rutgers University	Nano Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team led by Rutgers University-New Brunswick researchers has merged two lab-synthesized materials into a synthetic quantum structure once thought impossible to exist and produced an exotic structure expected to provide insights that could lead to new materials at the core of quantum computing. -- The work, described in a cover story in the journal Nano Letters, explains how four years of continuous experimentation led to a novel method to design and build a unique, tiny sandwich composed of distinct atomic layers. -- One slice of the microscopic structure is made of dysprosium titanate, an inorganic compound used in nuclear reactors to trap radioactive materials and contain elusive magnetic monopole particles, while the other is composed of pyrochlore iridate, a new magnetic semimetal mainly used in today's experimental research due to its distinctive electronic, topological and magnetic properties. -- Individually, both materials are often considered "impossible" materials due to their unique properties that challenge conventional understanding of quantum physics. -- The construction of the exotic sandwich structure sets the stage for scientific explorations in what is referred to as the interface, the area where the materials meet, in the atomic scale. -- "This work provides a new way to design entirely new artificial two-dimensional quantum materials, with the potential to push quantum technologies and provide deeper insight into their fundamental properties in ways that were previously impossible," said Jak Chakhalian, the Claud Lovelace Endowed Professor of Experimental Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and a principal investigator the study. -- Chakhalian and his team are exploring a realm that follows the laws of quantum theory, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic level. -- Central to quantum mechanics is the concept of wave-particle duality where quantum objects can possess both wave-like and particle-like properties -- a foundational principle behind technologies such as lasers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transistors. -- Chakhalian highly praised the efforts of three Rutgers students who made major contributions to the research: Michael Terilli and Tsung-Chi Wu, both doctoral students, and Dorothy Doughty, who graduated in 2024 and worked on the study as an undergraduate. -- In addition, Mikhail Kareev, who is a materials scientist working with Chakhalian, made a main contribution to the new synthesis method, as well as Fangdi Wen, a doctoral student who recently graduated from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.	A01 T01	1,231
2512-T029	Smart Textiles: How Elastomer Films Are Transforming Interactive Technology	Innovative thin silicone films have been developed to create devices capable of mimicking touch sensations, providing haptic feedback in wearable technology and smart displays. Researchers from Saarland University and htw saar are showcasing this breakthrough at Hannover Messe, aiming to enhance user interaction in virtual reality and various applications.	Saarland University	Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Clothes that can mimic the feeling of being touched, touch displays that provide haptic feedback to users, or even ultralight loudspeakers. These are just some of the devices made possible using thin silicone films that can be precisely controlled so that they vibrate, flex, press or pull exactly as desired. And all done simply by applying an electrical voltage. The research teams at the Center for Mechatronics and Automation Technology in Saarbrücken (ZeMA) headed by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki (Saarland University) and John Heppe (htw saar -- University of Applied Sciences Saar) will be at the international trade fair Hannover Messe, where they will be demonstrating how their smart film actuator technology is being made even more efficient, stable, sensitive and responsive (31 March to 4 April, Hall 2, Saarland Innovation Stand B10). -- A research team led by Professors Stefan Seelecke and Paul Motzki from Saarland University are using a highly versatile film not much thicker than household cling film to impart new capabilities to objects while saving energy in the process. -- When used in wearable textiles, these films can move and press against the skin providing haptic feedback that can enhance the VR gaming experience by allowing players to feel textures, impacts and other physical sensations. -- When the thin polymer film is integrated into an industrial glove, it can respond to how the operator's hand and fingers move, thus enabling a computer to 'understand' specific hand motions and gestures. -- Applied to the top of a flat glass display screen, the film can create the transient sensation of a tactile button, switch or slider under the user's finger. -- Lightweight loudspeakers that use far less energy than their conventional counterparts, novel signal generators and noise cancelling textiles are just some of the other prototypes being developed by the experts in intelligent materials systems at Saarland University and the Center for Mechatronics and Automation Technology in Saarbrücken (ZeMA). -- But how do they bring these films to life? 'Each side of the film is coated with an electrically conducting layer', explains Paul Motzki, Professor of Smart Material Systems for Innovative Production at Saarland University and Scientific Director/CEO at ZeMA. -- When the researchers apply an electric voltage to the polymer film, these electrically conducting layers attract each other, compressing the polymer and causing it to expand out sideways, thus increasing its surface area. -- 'By varying the applied electric field, we can control the motion of the film, essentially creating a lightweight but highly efficient actuator,' says Paul Motzki. -- The researchers are able to precisely control the motion of these coated films, known as dielectric elastomers (DE), and can get them to perform slow or rapid flexing movements or to vibrate at a desired frequency.	C01 T01	1,232
2505-109	New Insights Into Brain Mechanisms That Help Overcome Fears	Scientists at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre have discovered the brain mechanisms that enable mice to overcome instinctive fears. This research could lead to innovative treatments for fear-related disorders like phobias and PTSD by mapping how the brain learns to suppress fear responses to previously threatening stimuli that are ultimately harmless.	Sainsbury Wellcome Centre	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Recycling lithium-ion batteries to recover their critical metals has significantly lower environmental impacts than mining virgin metals, according to a new Stanford University lifecycle analysis published in Nature Communications. On a large scale, recycling could also help relieve the long-term supply insecurity -- physically and geopolitically -- of critical battery minerals. -- Lithium-ion battery recyclers source materials from two main streams: defective scrap material from battery manufacturers, and so-called "dead" batteries, mostly collected from workplaces. -- The recycling process extracts lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and aluminum from these sources. -- The study quantified the environmental footprint of this recycling process, and found it emits less than half the greenhouse gases (GHGs) of conventional mining and refinement of these metals and uses about one-fourth of the water and energy of mining new metals. -- The environmental benefits are even greater for the scrap stream, which comprised about 90% of the recycled supply studied, coming in at: 19% of the GHG emissions of mining and processing, 12% of the water use, and 11% of the energy use. -- While it was not specifically measured, reduced energy use also correlates with less air pollutants like soot and sulfur. -- "This study tells us that we can design the future of battery recycling to optimize the environmental benefits. We can write the script," said William Tarpeh (BS '12), assistant professor of chemical engineering in the School of Engineering and the study's senior author. -- Location, location -- Battery recycling's environmental impacts depend heavily on the processing facility's location and electricity source. -- "A battery recycling plant in regions that rely heavily on electricity generated by burning coal would see a diminished climate advantage," said Samantha Bunke, a PhD student at Stanford and one of the study's three lead investigators.	H01 H02 R02	1,233
2507-083	Increased Buprenorphine Prescriptions Help Emergency Clinicians Aid Opioid Patients	Neuroscientists have uncovered how the brain separates internal motion caused by the observer's movement from external motion in the environment. This "motion-source separation problem" has perplexed researchers for years. The recent study highlights specific brain mechanisms and the role of individual neurons, providing insights into how sensory information is processed and perceived, which could inform future research on visual cognition.	Sainsbury Wellcome Centre	Sainsbury Wellcome Centre	Press Rel	PubMed	Neuroscientists have discovered how the brain distinguishes between visual motion occurring in the external world from that caused by the observer moving through it. Known as the "motion-source separation problem," researchers have long wondered how the brain achieves this critical sensory distinction. This is the first time scientists have pinpointed the precise mechanisms. -- Research, published today in Cell, outlines how scientists at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre (SWC) at UCL developed a novel experimental setup to isolate the fundamental elements of locomotion. -- They discovered that individual cells in the primary visual cortex of mice use motor and vestibular signals to determine whether visual flow on the retina might by due to visual motion in the external world or caused by the motion of the animal. -- "Every day we take for granted that we know whether we are moving or something is moving around us. But no one knows how the brain does this. We wanted to design an experiment that would allow us to solve this motion separation problem," said Professor Troy Margrie, Associate Director at SWC and lead author of the study. -- Together with engineers in the FabLab at SWC, the team developed a unique new system called the Translocator. -- This experimental setup consists of a passive treadmill that mice can choose to run on, while watching screens displaying a virtual moving corridor. -- The entire treadmill apparatus is also physically moved forward along a rail, synchronised with the speed at which the mouse chooses to run. -- "We built on the principles of virtual reality setups, where an animal runs on a treadmill while being shown visual flow that is coupled to its movement. But in addition, we added translation in the forward direction, so that animals could actually experience locomotion (i.e. moving from A to B) according to their own running speed. This is why we called it the Translocator," explained Dr Mateo Velez-Fort, Senior Research Fellow in the Margrie Lab at SWC, and first author on the paper. -- This experimental setup allowed the team to isolate the fundamental elements of locomotion. -- For example, the researchers recorded the speed profile of a mouse actively running over 1.2 metres.	R02 N01	1,234
2501-E042	New Insights Into Plant Roots’ Protective Layers And Carbon-Capturing Mechanisms.	A new single-cell genomic atlas provides insights into the protective layers of plant roots, known as the periderm. This research aims to enhance climate resilience in plants by understanding the genetic development of these cells, potentially improving their carbon-capturing abilities and overall robustness against environmental stress.	Salk Institute	Developmental Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Plants may burrow into the ground and stretch toward the sun, but they're ultimately stuck where they sprout -- at the mercy of environmental threats like temperature, drought, and microbial infection. To compensate for their inability to up and move when danger strikes, many plants have evolved ways to protect themselves by altering their physiology, such as building armor around parts of their body and roots called the periderm. However, since many plant biologists who study tissue development look at young plants, later-in-life periderm development has remained relatively unexplored. -- Salk Institute researchers have debuted the first comprehensive gene expression atlas of the plant periderm at the single-cell level. The atlas provides new information about the different kinds of cells that make up the periderm and which specific genes and biological processes control their development. This includes important insights into phellem cells, which are rich in suberin -- a molecule that helps capture and store excess carbon from the atmosphere for a long time. Scientists can now use this information to stimulate growth of the protective periderm in plants facing environmental stress due to climate change. They can also potentially boost phellem cell growth genes to produce plants with enhanced carbon-capturing and storing abilities -- a central goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative. -- The findings were published in Developmental Cell on January 9, 2025. -- "Plants play a crucial role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil," says Professor Wolfgang Busch, senior author of the study, director of the Harnessing Plants Initiative, and Hess Chair in Plant Science at Salk. "The protective outer layer of plant roots, called the periderm, is made up of many cells that can store carbon in a form that will be very durable. By creating a detailed map of how these root cells form and mature, we can better understand and potentially encourage this process to help plants hold on to more carbon in highly durable forms. In doing so, we can create more resilient plants with hardier roots that also help us fight climate change." -- When a plant first takes root, it dedicates itself to primarygrowth, focusing on the length of new roots. With maturity comes secondarygrowth, shifting the focus to thickening existing roots and creating periderm armor. This protective periderm contains phellem, phellogen, and phelloderm cells, each with distinct responsibilities and genetic profiles that had yet to be fully described in previous studies. -- Of these various periderm cells, the team was most interested in phellem cells because of their high suberin content. Suberin is central to Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative, in which scientists optimize plants to serve as a natural and sustainable method of carbon sequestration. Unfortunately, carbon stored in leaves and stems can degrade quickly and become easily re-released into the atmosphere. In contrast, the suberin in a plant's roots can hold carbon deep in the soil for long stretches of time. Suberin has also been shown to make plants more resistant to root rot, indicating that it serves a protective purpose in addition to carbon storage. -- Previous periderm studies consisted of bulk analyses that, despite providing valuable insights, were not able to capture cell type specificity. To correct this, the Salk team applied modern single-cell sequencing techniques that could capture the distinct genetic profiles of each periderm cell type. They also tracked how gene expression changed as each cell type developed in the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana -- a flowering weed in the mustard family commonly used in plant research. -- "Collecting this level of detail in mature plants across time has never been achieved before," says first author Charlotte Miller, a research scientist in Busch's lab. "Other studies grind up entire roots and study them in bulk, but single-cell analysis allowed us to understand the genetic development of each individual cell type in the periderm. This means we can be far more precise and efficient in engineering robust, resilient, climate change-fighting plants." -- The researchers' single-cell time-course sequencing revealed that phellem cell development can be dissected into multiple genetically distinct but interconnected phases. This stepwise development was marked by key genes like MYB67, which the team discovered was playing a large role in regulating the development process. -- By piecing together the cells' genetic profiles at different periods in their development, the team hopes to eventually determine a gene or set of genes that could be used to encourage plants to make more phellem cells, contain more suberin, and capture more durable carbon.	H02 C01 N02	1,235
2501-E049	New Plant Cell Atlas Reveals Immune Response Mechanisms Against Pathogens.	Researchers have discovered a new immune cell state in plants known as PRIMER, which plays a crucial role in initiating immune responses. The atlas of plant immune responses provides vital insights into how plant cells manage threats, enhancing our understanding of plant resilience amid growing environmental challenges.	Salk Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Human bodies defend themselves using a diverse population of immune cells that circulate from one organ to another, responding to everything from cuts to colds to cancer. But plants don't have this luxury. Because plant cells are immobile, each individual cell is forced to manage its own immunity in addition to its many other responsibilities, like turning sunlight into energy or using that energy to grow. How these multitasking cells accomplish it all -- detecting threats, communicating those threats, and responding effectively -- has remained unclear. -- New research from Salk Institute scientists reveals how plant cells switch roles to protect themselves against pathogens. -- When a threat is encountered, the cells enter a specialized immune state and temporarily become PRimary IMmunE Responder (PRIMER) cells -- a new cell population that acts as a hub to initiate the immune response. -- The researchers also discovered that PRIMER cells are surrounded by another population of cells they call bystander cells, which seem to be important for transmitting the immune response throughout the plant. -- The findings, published in Natureon January 8, 2025, bring researchers closer to understanding the plant immune system -- an increasingly important task amid the growing threats of antimicrobial resistance and climate change, which both escalate the spread of infectious disease. -- "In nature, plants are constantly being attacked and require a well-functioning immune system," says Professor Joseph Ecker, senior author of the study, Salk International Council Chair in Genetics, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. -- "But plants don't have mobile, specialized immune cells like we do -- they must come up with an entirely different system where every cell can respond to immune attacks without sacrificing their other duties. Until now, we weren't quite sure how plants were accomplishing this." -- Plants encounter a wide range of pathogens, like bacteria that sneak in through leaf surface pores or fungi that directly invade plant "skin" cells. -- Since plant cells are stationary, when they encounter any of these pathogens, they become singularly responsible for responding and alerting nearby cells. -- Another interesting side effect of immobile cells is the fact that different pathogens may enter a plant at different locations and times, leading to varying immune response stages occurring simultaneously across the plant.	R01 C01 N02	1,236
2502-056	New Drug Combinations Show Promise For Bladder Cancer Treatment Breakthroughs	Cancer researchers at the Salk Institute have identified PIN1 as a significant driver of bladder cancer, linking it to cholesterol synthesis essential for tumor growth. The team developed a treatment regimen combining a PIN1 inhibitor with an existing statin, demonstrating effectiveness in halting tumor growth in mouse models, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer.	Salk Institute	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	Like all cancers, bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells start to multiply out of control. But what if we could put a lid on their growth? -- Previous studies showed that a protein called PIN1 helps cancers initiate and progress, but its exact role in tumor development has remained unclear. -- Now, cancer biologists at the Salk Institute have discovered that PIN1 is a significant driver of bladder cancer and revealed that it works by triggering the synthesis of cholesterol -- a membrane lipid essential for cancer cells to grow. -- After mapping out the molecular pathway between PIN1 and cholesterol, the researchers developed an effective treatment regimen that largely halted tumor growth in their mouse model of cancer. -- The therapy consists of two drugs: a PIN1 inhibitor called sulfopin, an experimental drug not yet tested in humans, and simvastatin, a statin that is already used in humans for lowering cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. -- The findings were published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, on January 14, 2025. -- "We're excited to be the first to identify PIN1's role in bladder cancer and to describe the mechanism it uses to drive tumor growth," says senior author Tony Hunter, American Cancer Society professor and holder of the Renato Dulbecco Chair at Salk. -- "Given the high costs, morbidity, and mortality rates for bladder cancer, we're especially thrilled to discover that targeting the cholesterol pathway with this therapeutic combination was so effective in suppressing bladder tumor growth in mice, and we hope to see this approach explored in a future clinical trial, once a PIN1 inhibitor is approved for clinical use." -- Bladder cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers worldwide and the fourth most common cancer among men. -- It poses a serious threat to public health, as most cases result in either expensive, lifelong treatment, or rapid progression and mortality.	A01 H01 R01	1,237
2503-047	BCL6 Protein Boost May Help GLP-1 Users Retain Muscle While Losing Weight	The growing popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic has sparked scientific interest in muscle regulation, particularly concerning the protein BCL6. A recent study from the Salk Institute found that BCL6 plays a significant role in maintaining muscle mass, suggesting that therapies enhancing BCL6 levels may help individuals using GLP-1 medications retain muscle while losing fat, benefiting also older adults and patients with systemic diseases.	Salk Institute	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	About one in eight adults in the United States has tried or currently uses a GLP-1 medication, and a quarter of those users cite weight loss as their main goal. But weight loss doesn't discriminate between fat and muscle. Patients using GLP-1 drugs can experience rapid and substantial muscle loss, accounting for as much as 40% of their total weight loss. So how can we lose weight without also losing critical muscle? -- A new study from the Salk Institute has revealed that a protein called BCL6 is key to maintaining healthy muscle mass. -- The experiments showed that mice with lower levels of BCL6 had significantly reduced muscle mass and strength, but increasing BCL6 successfully reversed those losses. -- The results suggest that pairing GLP-1 medications with a BCL6-boosting drug may help counteract unwanted muscle loss. -- Similar therapies could also be used to treat other populations prone to muscle loss, such as older adults and patients with systemic diseases like sepsis or cancer. -- The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 22, 2025. -- "Muscle is the most abundant tissue in the human body, so its maintenance is critical to our health and quality of life," says Ronald Evans, professor and director of the Gene Expression Laboratory at Salk. -- "Our study reveals how our bodies coordinate the upkeep of all this muscle with our nutrition and energy levels, and with this new insight, we can develop therapeutic interventions for patients losing muscle as a side effect of weight loss, age, or illness." -- Going too long without eating puts your body in a fasted state. -- When this happens, your empty stomach sends a hormone called ghrelin to your brain to say, "I'm hungry!"The brain responds by releasing growth hormone into the rest of your body, where it regulates growth and metabolism in your many cells, tissues, and organs.	A01 H01 R01 R02	1,238
2505-065	Gene Therapy Offers Promising 'One Shot Stop' For Rare Bone Disease Treatment	For a decade, the only effective treatment for hypophosphatasia (HPP) has been enzyme replacement therapy requiring frequent injections. This life-saving treatment has vastly improved the prognosis for affected children but is invasive and may lead to complications. Researchers are now seeking alternatives to enhance patient comfort while maintaining effectiveness, addressing the need for less burdensome treatment options for this rare condition.	Sanford Burnham Prebys	Journal of Bone and Mineral Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new drug delivery system shows promise for treating a rare, aggressive form of cancer affecting pregnant women and new mothers, and it has potential with other cancers as well. -- Scientists led by Olena Taratula, a nanomedicine researcher at Oregon State University, have found a way to better ensure the drug used to combat the disease reaches tumor cells without damaging healthy tissue. -- Findings of the study into choriocarcinoma, which occurs in the United States at a rate of about four cases per 100,000 pregnancies, were published in Small Science. -- Typically starting in the uterus, choriocarcinoma develops from cells that were part of the placenta. It can occur after a miscarriage, abortion or ectopic pregnancy, one in which a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus. -- It can also happen following a molar pregnancy (no embryo forms, and the placental tissue grows abnormally) and even after a full-term pregnancy. -- Taratula and collaborators including OSU postdoctoral researcher Babak Mamnoon and Maureen Baldwin, a physician at Oregon Health & Science University, designed a type of drug nanocarrier known as a polymersome to specifically target a protein in choriocarcinoma cells. -- Polymersomes are hollow spheres that are synthetic versions of liposomes, lipid-based sacs found in all living cells. The protein the researchers aimed for is equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1, usually abbreviated as ENT-1, which is important for a range of cellular processes, among them DNA and RNA synthesis. -- In addition to being abundant in choriocarcinoma cells, ENT-1 is found in the brain, heart, liver and other tissues in the body. -- Mamnoon led the research team in mouse model testing that confirmed attaching guanosine, a building block of RNA, to the polymersome allowed it to deliver more of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate directly to tumor cells. -- "Given MTX's role as the mainstay treatment for choriocarcinoma, the critical goal now is to enhance its effectiveness, including faster response times, while simultaneously minimizing side effects," said Taratula, an associate professor in the OSU College of Pharmacy.	H01 R01	1,239
2510-011	Energy Transport Enzymes Might Open New Paths For Breast Cancer Treatments	Investigations into energy transport enzymes have revealed their critical role in breast cancer cell metabolism. By understanding how these enzymes function, researchers hope to develop new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients reliant on energy balance for tumor growth.	Sanford Burnham Prebys	Structure	Press Rel	PubMed	Cancer cells have an insatiable appetite for energy as they multiply more rapidly than normal cells. Greedy cancer cells hijack various cellular functions to find and exploit energy and other resources, including a group of enzymes that help normal cells maintain a balance of energy. -- These enzymes, called creatine kinases (CK), allow cells to transport energy produced at the mitochondria to where it is needed throughout the cell. -- Cancer cells rely on this machinery for shuttling energy to help meet their ravenous fuel demands. -- Studies of breast cancer cells have highlighted the importance of a type of CK called ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK). -- Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and the Mayo Clinic published findings February 3, 2025, in Structure that provide a detailed structure of human uMtCK and show how its structure changes when bound to the energy storage molecules creatine or adenosine triphosphate (ATP). To ascertain the structure of uMtCK, the scientists captured images using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). This technology enables investigators to create 3D images of proteins and their ligands by rendering individual atoms. -- These blueprints may help scientists design new treatments that can stop cancer cells from seizing control of the cells' energy supply chain to slow or stop tumor growth. -- In addition to uncovering the 3D structures of uMtCK and how it interacts with other players involved in energy transport, the research team also tested the only available CK inhibitor called CKi to determine its potential to interrupt abnormal energy transport in breast cancer cells. -- The scientists found that CKi successfully reduces breast cancer cell growth. -- The findings and tools used in this study helped validate that inhibition of the pathway can be effective for the treatment of breast cancer. -- However, CKi has been shown not to be selective for uMtCK, meaning it is likely to shut down other cellular processes that can lead to high toxicity.	H01 R01	1,240
2510-062	New Drug Fragments May Lead To Breakthrough Therapies For Treating Sepsis	A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys and CUNY Advanced Science Research Center explores innovative treatments for sepsis, a dangerous condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. By focusing on the Vaccinia-H1-related phosphatase (VHR) enzyme, researchers hope to develop effective therapies to address this life-threatening condition, which can quickly escalate to septic shock if untreated.	Sanford Burnham Prebys	ACS Omega	Press Rel	PubMed	The immune system typically can ramp up the body's defenses to clear out an invading threat without issue. Glitches can happen, however, with sepsis occurring when the mustered army of cells also attacks the body's own tissues and organs as if they were enemy combatants. -- Sepsis is dangerous, particularly when it isn't treated early, and it can lead to the even more deadly condition of septic shock -- a massive drop in blood pressure that can quickly damage organs by starving them of nutrients. -- Treatments for sepsis are limited to antibiotics and supportive care as researchers have found it difficult to develop other effective therapies for the condition. -- Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and CUNY Advanced Science Research Center published findings January 31, 2025, in ACS Omega demonstrating the promise of a new approach to uncovering potential treatments for sepsis. -- The research team focused on an enzyme called Vaccinia-H1-related phosphatase (VHR) due to its role in controlling how the immune system responds when sensing danger. -- Previous studies have shown that genetically modifying mice to produce less VHR provided a safeguard against sepsis and septic shock. -- Previous efforts to develop drugs that block VHR have not succeeded due to the nature of the "active site," the location where the enzyme binds to specific molecules to carry out its role in the immune system. -- In the new study, scientists took a different approach to uncovering ways to inhibit VHR. -- "We built a fragment-based drug discovery platform for VHR," said Lutz Tautz, PhD, research associate professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and senior and corresponding author of the study. -- "This strategy looks for small molecular fragments that can interact with the enzyme and then uses the best ones as building blocks to create effective drug candidates."	H01 R01	1,241
2511-008	Mitochondria Play Crucial Role In Controlling Chronic Inflammation From Aging Cells	New findings reveal that mitochondria influence a DNA repair protein's ability to combat inflammation caused by senescent cells, otherwise known as 'zombie-like cells.' As the immune system becomes less effective with age, understanding this relationship presents exciting opportunities for new treatments to combat chronic inflammation associated with aging.	Sanford Burnham Prebys	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In humans and other multicellular organisms, cells multiply. This defining feature allows embryos to grow into adulthood, and enables the healing of the many bumps, bruises and scrapes along the way. -- Certain factors can cause cells to abandon this characteristic and enter a zombie-like state known as senescence where they persist but no longer divide to make new cells. -- Our bodies can remove these senescent cells that tend to pile up as we age. -- The older we get, however, the less efficient our immune systems become at doing so. -- "In addition to no longer growing and proliferating, the other hallmark of senescent cells is that they have this inflammatory program causing them to secrete inflammatory molecules," said Peter Adams, PhD, director and professor in theCancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and senior and co-corresponding author of the study. -- Cells "running" this inflammatory program are considered to exhibit the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Too many cells with SASP secreting inflammatory molecules can contribute to chronic inflammation in the body. -- This pervasive inflammation -- called "inflammaging" -- has been linked to many age-related diseases. -- Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and collaborators across the country published findings March 5, 2025, in Nature Communications showing that the mitochondria powering our cells also control the ability of a DNA repair protein to suppress SASP, which may reduce or delay inflammaging. -- The research team turned human cells senescent by exposing them to radiation and then used those cells to demonstrate that DNA fixer tumor protein p53 suppressed SASP and one of its triggering events, the formation of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCF). These fragments are bits of damaged DNA that have been spewed from the cells' nuclei into the gel-like cytoplasm that occupies the space in the cell between the outer membrane and central nucleus. -- The presence of DNA where it does not belong can trigger the immune system and contributes to SASP.	A01 R01 N02	1,242
2512-020	New Antibody Generation Method Using Immune Protein Fusion Revealed	New Antibody Generation Method Using Immune Protein Fusion Revealed	Sanford Burnham Prebys	The Journal of Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	The Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 100 monoclonal antibodies to treat a range of diseases. Other antibodies are used by physicians to diagnose conditions or by scientists to advance research projects. -- Even with significant expansion in the global market for antibodies used in clinical care and research, scientists recognize that there is still untapped potential for finding new antibodies. Many proteins group together in what are called protein complexes to carry out biological functions. The traditional method of generating antibodies by immunizing animals struggles to make antibodies related to these protein complexes. -- The conventional method is prone to failure because protein complexes are unstable during immunization, disrupting the process by which immune system cells react and generate antibodies. -- Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys and Eli Lilly and Company published findings March 5, 2025, in the Journal of Immunology demonstrating that fusing protein complexes together adds stability during immunization and enables antibody generation. -- The study focused on two proteins that appear on the surface of immune cells, B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) and herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM). BTLA and HVEM form a protein complex as they interact with each other to influence the intensity of an immune system response. Scientists have shown that the ratio of these freestanding proteins and their conjoined form may play a role in diseases such as lupus, but it has been challenging to measure this mixture. -- The research team began developing a workaround by creating a fusion protein based on the complex formed by BTLA and HVEM. The increased stability from combining these proteins allowed the group to successfully generate monoclonal antibodies. The investigators determined which antibody was best able to specifically bind the fusion protein. They used this antibody to compare the amounts of freestanding BTLA and HVEM and their protein complex in several different immune cells. -- "Our study is the first to demonstrate this direct measurement on live cells using a complex-specific monoclonal antibody," said Carl Ware, PhD, professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. "These findings may help with diagnosing or monitoring lupus and cancers such as lymphoma that tend to have HVEM mutations." -- "In addition, this approach to generating monoclonal antibodies with fusion proteins may unlock opportunities to study other protein complexes linked to disease and potentially lead to new treatments."	H01 R01 N01	1,243
2513-013	Study Reveals How Cells Control Nuclear Pore Complexes For Genome Access	A recent study has shed light on how the creation and disposal systems of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are regulated, revealing potential implications for cancer and neurodegeneration. By screening the human genome, researchers discovered factors influencing NPC assembly, which serve as gateways for cellular communication. Understanding these dynamics could lead to new insights into cellular health and disease mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of NPCs in cellular function.	Sanford Burnham Prebys	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	The nuclei in our cells are miniature warehouses safeguarding the genetic blueprint for the body's biologic machinery. -- As warehouses go, nuclei are more like libraries than bank vaults. Too many cellular components need access to the genome to lock it down like Fort Knox. Instead, large groupings of more than 1,000 individual protein molecules called nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) pepper the dividing membrane, serving as gateways for materials and messages entering and exiting the nucleus. -- While the basic need for this shuttle service is constant, scientists have shown that cells dynamically adjust their amounts of NPCs like a retail store opening more or fewer checkout lines throughout the day. These fluctuations in genome access points have been observed in different cell types, stages of development, environmental conditions and in diseases such as neurodegeneration and cancer. -- "As important as NPCs are for sustaining healthy cells, and despite the connections we and others have found to disease, we still have a lot to learn about how cells control the production of these genome gateways," said Maximiliano D'Angelo, PhD, associate professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys. -- D'Angelo and his research team at Sanford Burnham Prebys published findings March 31, 2025, in Cell Reports revealing the results of screening the entire human genome to find factors influencing how many NPCs are assembled. -- "Our goal was to identify the modulators of pore formation," said Stephen Sakuma, PhD, postdoctoral researcher at the Salk Institute, former graduate student in the D'Angelo lab and lead author of the study. "By discovering the mechanisms cells use to modulate pore formation, we may find new therapeutic approaches." -- The research team found that the most influential players in the process were parts of opposing teams: the production crew making new proteins and the janitorial staff that recycle proteins and dispose of excess or misshapen proteins. -- "It caught our eye that top regulators were pieces of the protein translation or degradation machinery," said D'Angelo, senior and corresponding author of the study. "While it may seem intuitive because these processes would affect the number of nucleoporin proteins used to construct pores, this had not previously been investigated." -- The scientists also uncovered the role of cellular actors involved in maintaining the messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries codes for building proteins out of the nucleus. The investigators detailed the involvement of a grouping of proteins called the CCR4-NOT complex, which is responsible for triggering the disposal of mRNA. -- "We found that this complex reduces the mRNA levels, which diminishes the translation of NPC building blocks," said Sakuma. "This means it is possible to regulate the number of NPCs in different ways by altering protein translation or degradation, or by stabilizing or destabilizing mRNAs."	R01	1,244
2503-001	How Cultural Traits Shape Society: The Influence Of Conformity And Anti-Conformity	Cultural traits, which define populations, are shaped by the dynamics of conformity and anti-conformity. A mathematical model developed by a team of researchers, including Kaleda Denton from Stanford, enhances the understanding of how these behaviors influence cultural phenomena, providing insights into issues like political polarization and the spread of misinformation.	Santa Fe Institute	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Cultural traits -- the information, beliefs, behaviors, customs, and practices that shape the character of a population -- are influenced by conformity, the tendency to align with others, or anti-conformity, the choice to deliberately diverge. A new way to model this dynamic interplay could ultimately help explain societal phenomena like political polarization, cultural trends, and the spread of misinformation. -- A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences outlines this novel approach. Presenting a mathematical model, SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellow Kaleda Denton with colleagues at Stanford University -- former SFI Post-baccalaureate Fellow Elisa Heinrich Mora, SFI External Professor Marcus Feldman, and Michael Palmer -- expand on previous research to offer a more realistic representation of how conformist and anti-conformist biases shape the transmission of cultural traits through a population. -- "The idea behind this research was to come up with a better way to mathematically represent how individuals make decisions in the real world," says Denton. "If we can do that, we can then scale things up to see what would happen in a population of 10,000 people over the long run." -- Traditional models of conformity often assume individuals gravitate toward the average or "mean" trait in a population. This concept works well if the most popular traits are near this mean, which may be the case for, say, working hours or food portion sizes. However, the mean is a poor indicator of popularity in other cases; for example, if most people fall on either the far left or far right of a political spectrum, but the mean lies in the center. -- To address this gap, the authors designed a model that incorporates trait clustering. In this model, individuals conform by adopting traits that are more clustered together (e.g., variations of a far-left political belief) rather than the mean trait in the population (e.g., the centrist view). Anti-conformists, on the other hand, deliberately distance themselves from the traits of their peers, creating polarization. -- Using computer simulations, the team analyzed how traits spread across populations over multiple generations. Conformity often led to groups clustering around specific traits, but not necessarily the average. Anti-conformity created a starkly different pattern: a U-shaped distribution, with individuals clustering at the extremes and leaving the middle sparsely populated. -- One significant finding was that populations rarely converge to a single trait unless the unrealistic assumption of perfect behavioral copying is imposed. Instead, even small variations in how individuals interpret or adopt traits result in persistent diversity. -- "These outcomes align with what we observe in the real world, where cultural practices and ideologies don't simply average out but instead maintain significant variation," Denton says. -- The research also challenges the notion that conformity always leads to homogeneity. The model shows that under certain conditions, conformity can sustain diversity, while anti-conformity amplifies polarization. -- Denton sees broad implications for the study. "This framework could help explain voting behavior, social media trends, or even how people estimate values in group settings," she says. "It offers a way to understand how individual decisions aggregate into societal patterns, whether that's consensus-building or polarization." This model can be tested on real-world data in future studies.	H01 T01	1,245
2504-T010	Rethinking Parsimony In Scientific Models: Avoiding Mistakes And Seizing Opportunities	A new article critiques the longstanding reliance on the parsimony principle, commonly known as Ockham's razor, in scientific modeling. While simplicity has guided scientific thought, the emergence of complex AI models that outperform simpler ones suggests a need for reevaluation. The authors argue that an overdependence on parsimony limits scientific exploration and innovation, as exemplified by advanced models like AlphaFold and ChatGPT. The paper calls for a more nuanced approach to model building, one that recognizes the importance of complexity in understanding the world.	Santa Fe Institute	New perspectives on the principle of model parsimony.	Press Rel	PubMed	Medieval friar William of Ockham posited a famous idea: always pick the simplest explanation. Often referred to as the parsimony principle, "Ockham's razor" has shaped scientific decisions for centuries. -- But lately, incredibly complex AI models have begun outperforming their simpler counterparts. Consider AlphaFold for predicting protein structures, or ChatGPT and its competitors for generating humanlike text. -- A new paper in PNAS argues that by relying too much on parsimony in modeling, scientists make mistakes and miss opportunities. -- First author and SFI Complexity Postdoctoral Fellow Marina Dubova says overreliance on parsimony is historical. -- "Scientists need a tool to guide how they build models of the world. Parsimony was historically adopted as an easy tool to use. Since then, it's not been questioned enough. Educational programs teach parsimony as a key principle in scientific theory and model building. Most research tries to justify why parsimony is good, but those justifications haven't stood the test of time," she says. -- Dubova recently ran a computational simulation showing that random experiments generated better models than did scientific experiments chosen based on previous assumptions. -- Now Dubova, a cognitive scientist, is probing one of the biggest scientific assumptions of all: avoiding complex models. -- "Relying on parsimony alone as our guiding principle limits what we can learn about the world and potentially drives us in wrong directions," says Dubova. "Parsimony and complexity are complementary tools. Scientists need to use evidence, judgment, and context-specific demands to determine whether a more parsimonious or complex model suits their research goals." -- Dubova and co-authors discuss findings that suggest misapplied parsimony can make models biased and lead to bad predictions. For example, simple models for interpreting live brain scans often read periodic back-and-forth patterns when, in fact, brain activity is changing slowly over time. Leaving out key characteristics (like patient age) from a model evaluating untested new drugs could lead to poor predictions of who will and won't respond well. -- By contrast, complex models can be more flexible and accurate, as new approaches in climate change research have shown. Often in science, each lab develops its own model for making predictions about the phenomenon of interest, and the field eventually converges on the most parsimonious model that best fits the data. However, climate scientists have found that when they combine dozens of sometimes contradictory models from different labs into one ensemble, climate forecasts get better at predicting actual real-world phenomena.	H01 R02 C01 T01	1,246
2502-T018	Single-Atom Layers: New Insights Into Light-Matter Interaction	A team from the University of Tokyo has shown that light can interact with single-atom layers, creating a one-directional current flow in thallium-lead alloys. This groundbreaking discovery challenges previous assumptions about the transparency of single-atom layers and may lead to advancements in environmentally friendly data storage and ultra-fine spintronic devices, potentially revolutionizing electronics.	School of Science, The University of Tokyo	ACS Nano	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers Ibuki Taniuchi, Ryota Akiyama, Rei Hobara, and Shuji Hasegawa of the University of Tokyo have demonstrated that the direction of the spin-polarized current can be restricted to only one direction in a single-atom layer of a thallium-lead alloys when irradiated at room temperature. The discovery defies conventions: single-atom layers have been thought to be almost completely transparent, in other words, negligibly absorbing or interacting with light. The one-directional flow of the current observed in this study makes possible functionality beyond ordinary diodes, paving the way for more environmentally friendly data storage, ultra-fine two-dimensional spintronic devices, in the future. The findings were published in the journal ACS Nano. -- Diodes are fundamental building blocks of modern electronics by restricting the flow of currents to only one direction. -- However, the thinner the device the more complicated it becomes to design and manufacture these functional components. -- Thus, demonstrating phenomena that might make such developmental feats possible is critical. -- Spintronics is an area of study in which researchers manipulate the intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of electrons, for example, by applying light. -- "Spintronics had traditionally dealt with thicker materials," says Akiyama. -- "However, we had been more interested in very thin systems because of their inherently exciting properties. So, we wanted to combine the two and investigate the conversion of light to spin-polarized current in a two-dimensional system." -- The conversion of light to spin-polarized current is called the circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE). In the spin-polarized current, the spins of electrons align in one direction, restricting the flow of the electrical current to one direction depending on the polarization of light. -- The phenomenon is similar to conventional diodes in which the electrical current can only flow in one direction depending on the polarity of the voltage. -- The researchers used thallium-lead alloys to see if this phenomenon could be observed even in layers as thin as a single atom (two-dimensional systems). They conducted the experiments in an ultra-high vacuum to avoid adsorption and oxidation of the material so that they could reveal its "true colors." When the researchers irradiated the alloys with circular polarized light, they could observe the changes in direction and magnitude of the flowing electrical current.	C01 T01	1,247
2501-033	Virtual Chemistry Streamlines Drug Discovery Process For Complex Natural Compounds.	Chemists from Scripps Research have developed new computational tools to streamline the synthesis of complex plant-based compounds for drug development. Their innovative method allows for faster creation of picrotoxanes, which may have therapeutic potential, signaling a breakthrough in the manipulation of natural chemicals for medicine.	Scripps Research Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Among the hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds produced by plants, some may hold the key to treating human ailments and diseases. But recreating these complex, naturally occurring molecules in the lab often requires a time-consuming and tedious trial-and-error process. -- Now, chemists from Scripps Research have shown how new computational tools can help them create complex natural compounds in a faster and more streamlined way. They used their approach, described in Nature on December 23, 2024, to synthesize 25 different picrotoxanes, compounds which are originally found in plants and have the potential to alter pathways in the brain. -- "It has been incredibly hard to manipulate these types of complex plant compounds for the benefit of drug design," says senior author Ryan Shenvi, PhD, professor at Scripps Research. "The ability to now combine virtual predictions with real-world experimentation marks a turning point in how we design and build molecules." -- Picrotoxanes, found in the seeds of certain Asian and Indian shrubs, are known to affect the mammalian nervous system; they bind to the same brain receptors targeted by the anxiety and sleep medication Valium. They have been used in some cultures as pesticides or to kill fish. Because these compounds can be ingested orally and affect brain function, researchers like Shenvi have been interested in whether they might have therapeutic potential. However, scientists have only been able to make a few picrotoxanes in the lab, making it hard to manipulate and study them. -- "Like many other plant metabolites, the atoms of picrotoxanes are arranged in a complex way that makes their behavior hard to predict," says Shenvi. "We could not assume that a reaction that worked to synthesize one picrotoxane would work on another, even if it looked almost identical." -- Shenvi and Chunyu Li, a Scripps Research graduate student, were struggling to synthesize picrotoxanes and turned to advanced computer modeling to predict new ways to create picrotoxanes from basic chemical building blocks. They first generated a virtual library of possible intermediate compounds that could be formed during the synthesis of picrotoxanes. Then, they used a model known as Density Functional Theory (DFT) to analyze the behavior of these intermediates, flagging those that were likely to both succeed and quickly lead to neuroactive compounds.	H02 R02 N01 N02 T01	1,248
2504-057	New Findings Reveal Structures Of Transthyretin Protein Linked To Amyloidosis	Insights from a recent study reveal the molecular complexity of transthyretin, a protein linked to a progressive and fatal disease called transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). By uncovering new structures of this protein, researchers aim to inform drug development efforts targeting its stability, which could lead to better therapeutic options for individuals affected by this increasingly common condition, particularly among older men.	Scripps Research Institute	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	The tiny protein known as transthyretin can cause big problems in the body when it misfolds after secretion. While healthy transthyretin moves hormones through blood and spinal fluid, misfolded versions of the protein form dangerous clumps in the heart and along nerves -- triggering a progressive and fatal disease known as transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Up to a quarter of all men over the age of 80 have some degree of ATTR, which can cause shortness of breath, dizziness and tingling or loss of sensation in the extremities. -- Now, Scripps Research scientists have uncovered new structures of transthyretin. -- Their findings, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology onJanuary 22, 2025, show how the three-dimension asymmetry of the protein may contribute to its instability. -- This discovery could also contribute to the development of new drugs for ATTR. -- "We've unveiled a molecular complexity that has been hidden from researchers for decades, which enables us to design better medicines to stabilize transthyretin," says co-senior author Gabriel Lander, PhD, professor at Scripps Research. -- "The new structures reveal differences in two thyroid hormone binding sites previously thought to be identical, and help explain why a drug binding to one site changes the ability of drugs to bind the opposing site," adds Jeffery Kelly, PhD, the Lita Annenberg Hazen Professor of Chemistry at Scripps Research and a co-senior author of the study. -- To determine the three-dimensional structure of small proteins such as transthyretin, researchers often turn to crystallography, in which proteins are forced into a large, repetitive crystal structure before being imaged. -- However, the structure of a crystallized protein doesn't always reflect the conformation of individual free-floating proteins in the body. -- Another method, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), flash-freezes proteins to catch them in their more natural structures. -- However, these frozen proteins are then suspended in a liquid and small proteins like transthyretin tend to get stuck at the air-liquid boundary rather than remaining fully submerged.	A01 H01 R01	1,249
2509-001	How Air Pollution Impacts Brain Health Beyond Just Lungs And Heart Disease	Air pollution is an alarming global health issue, contributing to approximately 7 million premature deaths annually. Recent research from Scripps Research has revealed that pollutants can cause a chemical change in the brain—known as S-nitrosylation—which disrupts brain cell function and is linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and autism. Blocking this process may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.	Scripps Research Institute	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Air pollution contributes to nearly 7 million premature deaths each year, and its effects go far beyond the lungs. Breathing in wildfire smoke or automobile-related city smog doesn't just increase the risk of asthma and heart disease -- it may also contribute to brain conditions as diverse as Alzheimer's and autism. -- Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered how a chemical change in the brain -- which can be triggered by inflammation and aging as well as toxins found in air pollution, pesticides, wildfire smoke and processed meats -- disrupts normal brain cell function. Known as S-nitrosylation, this chemical change prevents brain cells from making new connections and ultimately results in cellular death, the team discovered. -- The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on February 27, 2025, showed that blocking S-nitrosylation in a key brain protein partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and in nerve cells produced from human stem cells. -- "We've revealed the molecular details of how pollutants can contribute to memory loss and neurodegenerative disease," says senior author and professor Stuart Lipton, MD, PhD, the Step Family Foundation Endowed Chair at Scripps Research and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California. "This could ultimately lead to new drugs that block these effects to better treat Alzheimer's disease." -- More than two decades ago, Lipton first discovered S-nitrosylation, a chemical process whereby a molecule related to nitric oxide (NO) binds to sulfur (S) atoms within proteins (producing "SNO"), altering their function and forming what Lipton has called a "SNO-STORM" in the brain. NO is found naturally within the body and produced in response to electrical stimulation or inflammation -- but it also forms in excess in response to small particulate material and nitrate-related compounds (designated PM2.5/NOx) present in or triggered by climate change and automobile-related air pollution, wildfire smoke, pesticides, and processed meats. Lipton's research group and colleagues have previously demonstrated that aberrant S-nitrosylation reactions contribute to some forms of cancer, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other conditions. -- In the new study, Lipton's group investigated the effect of S-nitrosylation on the protein CRTC1, which helps regulate genes that are critical for forming and maintaining connections between brain cells, an essential process for learning and long-term memory. -- Using cultured brain cells from mice and humans, the researchers first confirmed that excess NO leads to S-nitrosylation of CRTC1. They then discovered that this chemical modification prevented CRTC1 from binding to another critical brain regulatory protein, CREB. As a result, other genes necessary for forming connections between neurons failed to be stimulated. -- "This is a pathway that affects your memory and is directly implicated in human Alzheimer's disease," says Lipton. -- Indeed, the team observed high levels of S-nitrosylated CRTC1 at an early stage of disease in Alzheimer's mouse models and in human neurons derived from stem cells of Alzheimer's patients, further supporting the idea that the chemical change plays a key role in the development of disease symptoms. -- Next, the research team genetically engineered a version of CRTC1 that could no longer undergo S-nitrosylation, as the protein now lacked the sulfur-containing amino acid (called cysteine) required for the chemical reaction. In a petri dish, introducing this modified version of CRTC1 into human nerve cells derived from Alzheimer's patient stem cells prevented signs of disease, including withering of nerve cell connections and decreased nerve cell survival. In Alzheimer's mouse models, the re-engineered CRTC1 restored the activation of genes required for memory formation and synaptic plasticity -- the brain's ability to strengthen connections between neurons.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02 C01	1,250
2509-035	Understanding How DNA Repair Proteins Target Cancer Cells With BRCA1 And BRCA2 Mutations	Researchers at Scripps Research have made significant progress in understanding how cancer cells exploit a DNA repair enzyme known as polymerase theta (Pol-theta) for survival. By capturing the structural changes of Pol-theta when binding to DNA, they provide a roadmap for developing targeted cancer therapies, enhancing our understanding of its role in different cancers.	Scripps Research Institute	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	DNA repair proteinsact like the body's editors, constantly finding and reversing damage to our genetic code.Researchers have long struggled to understand how cancer cells hijack one of these proteins -- called polymerase theta (Pol-theta) -- for their own survival. But scientists at Scripps Research have now captured the first detailed images of Pol-theta in action, revealing the molecular processes responsible for a range of cancers. -- The findings, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology on February 28, 2025, illuminate how Pol-theta undergoes a major structural rearrangement when it binds to broken DNA strands. -- By unveiling Pol-theta's DNA-bound structure -- its active state -- the study provides a blueprint for designing more effective cancer drugs. -- "We now have a much clearer picture of how Pol-theta works, which will enable us to block its activity more precisely," says senior author Gabriel Lander, a professor at Scripps Research. -- Technically, Pol-theta is an enzyme -- a type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions, including those related to cell repair. -- DNA damage is a constant problem for cells, occurring millions of times per day collectively throughout our bodies. -- Cells normally use highly accurate mechanisms to fix these breaks, but some cancers -- particularly those arising from BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, such as certain breast and ovarian cancers -- lack this function. -- Instead, they depend on a more error-prone method, controlled by Pol-theta. -- "Pol-theta is an important target, and many pharmaceutical companies see it as a promising way to treat cancers that have defective DNA repair pathways," adds first author Christopher Zerio, a former postdoctoral fellow in Lander's lab. -- Although previous studies have mapped parts of Pol-theta's structure, the enzyme's interactions with DNA weren't well understood.	H01 R01	1,251
2510-032	Carnosic Acid From Herbs Shows Promise As An Alzheimer's Treatment	Scientists have synthesized a stable form of carnosic acid, a compound found in rosemary, that has shown promise in improving memory function in mice with Alzheimer's disease. By converting the compound for better stability, researchers discovered its potential to activate the body’s natural defenses against cognitive decline, paving the way for future therapeutic applications.	Scripps Research Institute	Antioxidants	Press Rel	PubMed	The herb rosemary has long been linked with memory: "There's rosemary, that's for remembrance," says Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet. So it is fitting that researchers would study a compound found in rosemary and sage -- carnosic acid -- for its impact on Alzheimer's disease. In the disease, which is the leading cause of dementia and the sixth leading cause of death in the US, inflammation is one component that often leads to cognitive decline. -- Carnosic acid is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that works by activating enzymes that make up the body's natural defense system. -- While pure carnosic acid is too unstable to be used as a drug, scientists at Scripps Research have now synthesized a stable form, diAcCA. -- This compound is fully converted to carnosic acid in the gut before being absorbed into the bloodstream. -- The research, published in Antioxidants on February 28, 2025, showed that when diAcCA was used to treat mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, it achieved therapeutic doses of carnosic acid in the brain and led to enhanced memory and synaptic density, or more synapses (representing the connections between nerve cells), in the brain. -- Because the decline of neuronal synapses is also closely correlated to dementia in Alzheimer's disease, this approach could counteract the progression of cognitive decline. -- Analysis of tissue samples showed the drug also markedly decreased inflammation in the brain. -- This unique drug is activated by the very inflammation that it then combats and thus is only active in areas of the brain undergoing inflammatory damage. -- This selectivity limits the potential side effects of carnosic acid, which is on the US Food and Drug Administration's "generally regarded as safe" (GRAS) list, easing the way for clinical trials. -- "By combating inflammation and oxidative stress with this diAcCA compound, we actually increased the number of synapses in the brain," says senior author and professor Stuart Lipton, MD, PhD, the Step Family Foundation Endowed Chair at Scripps Research and a clinical neurologist in La Jolla, California.	H01 H02 R01 R02	1,252
2512-088	Enzyme Engineering Offers New Hope For Treating Tough Protein-Linked Diseases	A new strategy from Scripps Research demonstrates the engineering of proteases to selectively degrade difficult-to-target proteins linked to serious illnesses. This promising proof of concept offers a novel approach to treating conditions like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, potentially transforming therapeutic strategies for diseases that currently lack effective treatments.	Scripps Research Institute	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have long struggled to target proteins that lack defined structure and are involved in cancer, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, and other serious illnesses. Now, a new study from Scripps Research demonstrates a proof of concept for a new strategy: engineering proteases -- enzymes that cut proteins at specific sites -- to selectively degrade these elusive targets with high precision in the proteome of human cells. -- Published on March 24, 2025, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study shows how to reprogram a protease from botulinum toxin to target α-Synuclein -- a protein with unstructured regions used here as a model. -- The study marks one proof point in a broader approach that could be applied to a wide range of targets across the proteome. -- "This work highlights how we can use the power of laboratory evolution to engineer proteases that offer a new way to treat diseases caused by hard-to-target proteins," says senior author Pete Schultz, the President and CEO of Scripps Research, where he also holds the L.S. "Sam" Skaggs Presidential Chair. -- "It's an exciting step toward developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases that lack effective treatments." -- The research builds on botulinum toxin, a bacterial protein best known for its use in Botox, a medication utilized for cosmetic purposes and certain medical conditions. -- This toxin naturally contains a protease. In its original form, the protease only targets SNAP-25 -- a protein essential for transmitting signals between nerve cells. -- By degrading SNAP-25, botulinum toxin disrupts nerve signaling, leading to the temporary paralysis effect seen after Botox treatments. -- To reprogram this precision for α-Synuclein, the research team modified the enzyme using directed evolution, a laboratory process that involves introducing mutations and selecting variants with improved function over multiple cycles. -- The result: Protease 5. The challenge, however, wasn't just reprogramming the protease to target α-Synuclein -- it was ensuring that it attacked only α-Synuclein and nothing else.	R01 R02	1,253
2503-E039	New Study Challenges Claims Of The World's Deepest Earthquake	A study examining the 7.9 magnitude Bonin Islands earthquake found that no aftershock extended into the lower mantle, contrary to previous claims. The research clarifies the aftershock distribution and suggests a deeper understanding of earthquake mechanics, contributing valuable insights into seismic activity and its geological implications.	Seismological Society of America	The Seismic Record	Press Rel	PubMed	The magnitude 7.9 Bonin Islands earthquake sequence, which ruptured deep within the earth near the base of the upper mantle, did not include an aftershock that extended to record depths into the lower mantle, according to a study in The Seismic Record. -- When Hao Zhang of the University of Southern California and colleagues re-examined the aftershock sequence of the May 2015 earthquake, they did not find evidence for a 751-kilometer-deep aftershock as reported by previous researchers. -- This aftershock has been called the deepest earthquake ever recorded. -- Instead, their study found a distribution of aftershocks that is compatible with a 12-kilometer sliver of a mantle mineral called olivine that could shed light on how deep earthquakes can occur. -- The Bonin Islands earthquake, which ruptured 1000 kilometers offshore of Japan in a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the deepest and largest earthquakes ever recorded. -- The earthquake took place within the Izu-Bonin subduction zone 680 kilometers below the Earth's surface. -- The mechanisms behind deep earthquakes -- those occurring 500 kilometers or deeper -- are something of a mystery to seismologists. -- Extremely high pressures and temperatures at these depths make rock more likely to bend or deform plastically, rather than break in the brittle fashion that causes earthquake rupture at shallower depths. -- These earthquakes also typically produce few aftershocks, Zhang noted, which could provide useful data to understand how these deep events are generated at subduction zones. -- Plastic deformation "limits the formation of extensive fracture networks that would typically generate aftershocks," he said.	R01 C01	1,254
2507-064	Earthquake Swarm Monitored In American Samoa: Scientists Use Innovative Sensor Technology	Between July and October 2022, residents of the Manu'a Islands in American Samoa experienced frequent earthquakes, raising fears of volcanic eruptions or tsunamis. Lacking a seismic monitoring network, a team from the U.S. Geological Survey leveraged machine learning and data from a distant sensor to identify the earthquake swarm's source, providing much-needed insights until local monitoring stations were established.	Seismological Society of America	Seismological Society of America	Press Rel	PubMed	In late July to October 2022, residents of the Manu'a Islands in American Samoa felt the earth shake several times a day, raising concerns of an imminent volcanic eruption or tsunami. -- An earthquake catalog for the area turned up nothing, because the islands lacked a seismic monitoring network that could measure the shaking and aid seismologists in their search for the source of the earthquake swarm. -- But the residents of the Ta'ū, Ofu, and Olosega islands needed answers, so Clara Yoon of the U.S. Geological Survey and her colleagues found another way to fill in the seismic blanks. -- They used machine learning and another technique called template matching on shaking data recorded from a single seismic sensor located 250 kilometers away from the American Samoa swarm. -- In The Seismic Record, Yoon and colleagues share how they tracked the swarm using these single-station data, combined with shaking reports from residents, until local permanent seismic stations were installed in American Samoa in August and September 2022. -- The non-eruptive volcanic earthquake swarm began in July 2022 about 15 kilometers offshore of Ta'ū Island. -- The Samoa volcanic islands arise as the Pacific tectonic plate moves over a hotspot in the south Pacific Ocean. -- Resident reports of the frequent shaking, occurring multiple times a day for a few seconds at a time, were the only information about the swarm at first. -- "When the earthquakes started, American Samoa had no instrumental geophysical monitoring, so even basic information about the source of the shaking-with implications for emergency decision-making and public safety-was nonexistent," said Yoon. -- To remedy this, the researchers turned to a remote seismic station on Upolu, Samoa, part of the Global Seismographic Network, that has data that can be downloaded in near-real time through the EarthScope data center, Yoon noted.	C01	1,255
2509-T036	Seismic Research In Singapore Aims To Shape Urban Growth And Renewable Energy	A seismic study of Singapore has identified areas at risk of ground shaking and potential geothermal energy reservoirs, guiding urban planning and renewable energy development. This research, which utilized advanced seismic data analysis, provides vital information for assessing seismic hazards in the densely populated city-state.	Seismological Society of America	Seismological Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A new seismic study of Singapore could guide urban growth and renewable energy development in the coastal city nation, where 5.6 million residents live within an area of 734 square kilometers. -- The study, published in Seismological Research Letters, identifies areas with increased risk of ground shaking and a possible reservoir for geothermal energy production, as well as a glimpse at Singapore's tectonic history. -- Jiayuan Yao of China University for Geosciences and colleagues analyzed teleseismic data captured by a few permanent seismic stations and a nodal seismic array deployed in 2019 around the city. -- Their results provide the first detailed look at the top-kilometer depth of sediment. -- "These data are invaluable for assessing potential seismic hazards," said Yao. -- "Our findings suggest that areas with soft sediments, especially the reclaimed land in eastern Singapore, are likely to experience higher seismic ground motion amplification." -- About 20% of urban Singapore consists of reclaimed land, where sand has been added and areas pumped dry to expand the amount of useable land. -- Seismic waves passing through these soft sediments grow stronger in amplitude, leading to stronger shaking that is more likely to damage infrastructure. -- Singapore lies a few hundred kilometers east of the high seismic hazard Sunda megathrust zone, which produced the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 230,000 people. -- Yao and colleagues note that a better understanding of ground shaking in Singapore can help prepare the nation for future large regional earthquakes.	C01	1,256
2511-E010	Earthquake Damage Forecasts Developed For Mexico City Regions	Recent studies by researchers from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México have modeled potential damage from moderate earthquakes in Mexico City, following recent seismic activity. Their findings highlight varying levels of damage in different city regions based on geological factors, with models predicting damage to buildings from ground shaking. The study published in the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America aims to inform urban planning and earthquake preparedness.	Seismological Society of America	Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent swarm of small shallow earthquakes in Mexico City in 2019 and 2023 caused surprisingly strong ground shaking, prompting researchers to wonder how shaking from a moderate sized earthquake might impact buildings across the city. -- In the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, Miguel Jaimes and Gerardo Suárez at Universidad Nacional Auto?noma de Me?xico describe potential damage forecasts from ground shaking scenarios for moderate earthquakes in three regions of the Mexico City basin. -- The three locations of the modeled earthquakes were based on recent seismic events: a 2023 earthquake in La Magdalena Contreras, the 2018 San Juan de Aragón earthquake, and the 1995 Milpa Alta and 1985 Juchitepec earthquakes. -- Their model earthquakes, up to magnitude 5.5, produced ground shaking that led to different amounts of damaged buildings, with the extent of the damage depending on the region's underlying geology, Jaimes and Suárez concluded. -- For instance, their study found that ground shaking from a moderate earthquake in the Juan de Aragón lake zone would damage 15% of one- to two-story buildings, due to the area's soft and supersaturated lakebed sediments. -- By contrast, shaking from an earthquake in the La Magdalena transition zone between the lake zone and the city's hill area would damage 13% of these buildings, while shaking from an earthquake in the Milpa Alta highlands to the southeast of the city would damage 5% of one- to two-story buildings. -- "We were somewhat surprised that the geographic effect was very dependent on the type of geotechnical region the earthquake occurred," said Suárez. -- "The potential damage is very different for earthquakes in the transition zone between the old lakebed and the highlands, than in the case of an earthquake in the lake region." -- Mexico City is no stranger to seismic events, feeling the effects of both shallow crustal earthquakes and deeper subduction earthquakes. -- "The large ground accelerations shown by the recent small earthquakes in the city had not been recorded before because the instrumentation was very sparse. Improved seismic instruments, in both numbers and quality, installed in recent years have increased our capacity to record these local microearthquakes and their resulting accelerations," said Suárez.	C01 T01	1,257
2502-T045	New 6D Pose Dataset Sets Industry Standard For Robotic Grasping Accuracy	6D Pose Dataset for Robotics: A novel 6D pose dataset developed by researchers in Japan significantly enhances robotic grasping accuracy to 98%. Integrating RGB and depth images, this resource improves robots' ability to perform precise pick-and-place tasks, addressing a critical need in industrial automation.	Shibaura Institute of Technology	Results in Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, have developed a novel 6D pose dataset designed to improve robotic grasping accuracy and adaptability in industrial settings. The dataset, which integrates RGB and depth images, demonstrates significant potential to enhance the precision of robots performing pick-and-place tasks in dynamic environments. -- Accurate object pose estimation refers to the ability of a robot to determine both the position and orientation of an object. -- It is essential for robotics, especially in pick-and-place tasks, which are crucial in industries such as manufacturing and logistics. -- As robots are increasingly tasked with complex operations, their ability to precisely determine the six degrees of freedom (6D pose) of objects, position, and orientation, becomes critical. -- This ability ensures that robots can interact with objects in a reliable and safe manner. -- However, despite advancements in deep learning, the performance of 6D pose estimation algorithms largely depends on the quality of the data they are trained on. -- A new study led by Associate Professor Phan Xuan Tan, College of Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, along with his team of researchers, Dr. Van-Truong Nguyen, Mr. Cong-Duy Do, and Dr. Thanh-Lam Bui from the Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam, Associate Professor Thai-Viet Dang from Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam, introduces a meticulously designed dataset aimed at enhancing the performance of 6D pose estimation algorithms. -- This dataset addresses a major gap in robotic grasping and automation research by providing a comprehensive resource that allows robots to perform tasks with higher precision and adaptability in real-world environments. -- This study was made available online on November 23, 2024, and published in Volume 24 of the journal Results in Engineering in December 2024. -- Assoc. Prof. Tan exclaims, "Our goal was to create a dataset that not only advances research but also addresses practical challenges in industrial robotic automation. We hope it serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers alike."	T01	1,258
2505-T029	Discovery Of Quasi-1D Dynamics In Quantum Spin Liquids Redefines Understanding Of Magnetism	Scientists have made an exciting discovery regarding quantum spin liquids, revealing a material that behaves like a one-dimensional system instead of the expected two-dimensional state. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of the unique properties of quantum spin liquids, offering new perspectives on magnetism and promising advancements in quantum materials and technologies within the field of condensed matter physics.	Shibaura Institute of Technology	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Pre-colonial people in Brazil may have gathered in summer months to feast on migratory fish and share alcoholic drinks, a new study suggests. -- An international team -- involving scientists from the University of York, UK; the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain, and the Universidade Federal de Pelotas in Brazil -- analysed pottery fragments dating back to between 2300 and 1200 years ago which were discovered around the Patos Lagoon in Brazil. -- The shores of the Lagoon are characterised by settled earthen mounds, known as "Cerritos" which were built by pre-colonial ancestors of Pampean Indigenous groups called the Charrua and Minuano. -- The researchers tentatively identified some of the earliest evidence of alcoholic drink production in the region, with cutting-edge analysis of the pottery revealing traces of beverages made using vegetables -- likely to have been tubers, sweetcorn and palm. -- Other pottery fragments contained evidence of the processing of fish. -- The discovery adds evidence to the researchers' belief that pre-colonial people may have gathered around the mounds -- which held symbolic significance as burials, territorial markers, and monuments -- to celebrate and feast on seasonally abundant fish. -- An earlier study using isotope analysis of ancient human remains unearthed in the area indicated that the inhabitants had diverse diets, suggesting that people may have travelled to the Lagoon from the wider region. -- Lead author of the study, Dr Marjolein Admiraal, who carried out the research while at the Bioarchaeology laboratory (BioArCh) at the University of York, suggests seasonal gatherings at the mounds were important cultural events, drawing dispersed communities together to exploit and celebrate the return of migrating fish -- such as the Whitemouth croaker -- which likely required collective effort to process. -- "We see examples of such practices around the world, often related to seasonal abundance of migratory species. These events provide an excellent opportunity for social activities, such as funerals and marriages, and hold great cultural significance," she says. -- "Our findings -- supported by a combination of biomolecular and isotopic approaches in organic residue analysis -- provide compelling evidence for the use of fermented beverages in these ancient communities and show that pottery played a crucial role in feasting and social activities."	R01 T01	1,259
2507-T040	Novel Controller Improves Navigation Of Ballbots For Robotics Applications	A recent study has integrated a proportional integral derivative controller with a radial basis function neural network to enhance the control of ballbots, versatile robots capable of moving in any direction. This innovation promises to improve stability and robustness, offering significant potential for applications in service and delivery robots while addressing challenges in real-world mobility.	Shibaura Institute of Technology	Shibaura Institute of Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Ballbot is a unique kind of robot with great mobility and possesses the ability to go in all directions. Obviously, controlling such a robotic device must be tricky. Indeed, ballbot systems pose unique challenges, particularly in the form of the difficulty of maintaining balance and stability in dynamic and uncertain environments. Traditional proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers struggle with these challenges, and other advanced methods, like sliding mode control, introduce issues like chattering. Therefore, there is a need to develop a controller that combines the simplicity and adaptability of PID with the learning capabilities of the now-popular neural networks, providing a robust solution to real-world robotic mobility problems. -- Recently, in a novel study, a team of researchers, led by Dr. Van-Truong Nguyen of Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam, has come up with a new robust and adaptive solution. -- Their innovative work was made available online on December 4, 2024 and published in Volume 61 of Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal on January 1, 2025. -- The team included Associate Professor Phan Xuan Tan from Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, Mr. Quoc-Cuong Nguyen and Mr. Dai-Nhan Duong from Hanoi University of Industry, Vietnam, Associate Professor Mien Van from Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom, Professor Shun-Feng Su from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and Associate Professor Harish Garg from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology (Deemed University), India. -- Their research introduces a novel adaptive nonlinear PID (NPID) controller integrated with a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) for ballbots, offering lightweight computation, superior stability, chattering reduction, and robustness against external disturbances. -- The initial settings of the proposed controller are selected through balancing composite motion optimization, and the adaptive control law is improved continuously during operation to handle the real-time estimation of the external force. -- In this study, the team underlines the stability of the system through the application of the Lyapunov theory. -- Through both simulations and real-world experiments, they demonstrate the efficacy of the NPID-RBFNN controller, which outperforms traditional PID and NPID controllers. -- Additionally, the proposed controller adapts to the surface variations through self-learning and self-adjusting capabilities. -- Dr. Nguyen envisions various applications for their innovative technology, including assistive robotics, service robotics, and autonomous delivery.	T01	1,260
2508-E032	Innovative Green Grout: Recycling Waste Fluids For Sustainable Construction	Scientists have developed an innovative, environmentally friendly grout made from waste fluids from geothermal energy plants, enhancing stability in construction, especially in seismic areas. This carbon-neutral material significantly improves liquefaction resistance compared to traditional grouts, addressing both construction needs and environmental challenges. Its application in ground improvement projects underscores the balancing act between infrastructure development and ecological responsibility.	Shibaura Institute of Technology	Case Studies in Construction Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Grouting is a widely used construction technique that involves injecting stabilizing materials into soil to ensure structural stability, which is especially beneficial in earthquake-prone regions. Now, scientists from Japan have developed an innovative, carbon-neutral grout made from waste fluids of geothermal energy harvesting systems. Their new material shows a 50% increase in liquefaction resistance compared to conventional grouts, while also addressing environmental concerns associated with the construction industry. -- In modern construction projects, ground improvement through grouting is commonly used to ensure structural stability and safety. -- This technique, which involves injecting stabilizing materials into the soil, is essential for buildings in earthquake-prone regions and areas with adverse ground conditions. -- From securing foundations and preventing soil erosion to strengthening underground structures, grouting plays a vital role in creating a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding environmental stresses and geological challenges. -- However, traditional grouting methods have long posed significant environmental challenges. -- The construction industry's heavy reliance on silica-based chemical grouts, produced through energy-intensive processes, contributes substantially to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. -- With growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, developing sustainable alternatives to conventional grouting materials has become a critical priority for scientists and engineers worldwide. -- Against this backdrop, a research team from the Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan, has developed an innovative solution that could revolutionize ground improvement through grouting. -- Led by Professor Shinya Inazumi of the College of Engineering, the research team developed a novel carbon-neutral grout called Colloidal Silica Recovered from Geothermal Fluids (CSRGF), that enhances soil stabilization while simultaneously reducing the environmental impact of construction and geothermal energy harvesting. -- Their study was made available online on January 22, 2025, and will be published in Volume 22 of Case Studies in Construction Materials in July 2025.	H02 C01 N02	1,261
2507-E028	Ice Algae May Accelerate Greenland Ice Melt Through Nutrient Storage	A novel bio-hybrid drone has been developed by researchers to enhance navigation using biological odor sensors from silkworm moths, merging robotic technology with nature's sensory capabilities. This innovation aims to overcome the limitations of traditional drones that rely solely on visual sensors, particularly in challenging environments. The bio-hybrid design shows promise for applications in disaster response, gas sensing, and other fields requiring precise navigation.	Shinshu University	Shinshu University	Press Rel	PubMed	Conventional drones use visual sensors for navigation. However, environmental conditions like dampness, low light, and dust can hinder their effectiveness, limiting their use in disaster-stricken areas. Researchers from Japan have developed a novel bio-hybrid drone by combining robotic elements with odor-sensing antennae from silkworm moths. Their innovation, which integrates the agility and precision of robots with biological sensory mechanisms, can enhance the applicability of drones in navigation, gas sensing, and disaster response. -- Technological advances have led to the development of drones with diverse applications, including navigation, gas sensing, infrastructure and transportation, imaging, and disaster response. Conventional navigation systems in drones rely on visual sensors like thermal imaging and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). However, environmental conditions such as low light, dust, and moisture can compromise their function, highlighting the need for more versatile alternatives. -- In nature, animals, birds, and insects have an inherent navigation system based on their sense of smell that helps them locate food sources, evade predators, and attract potential mates, thereby promoting their overall survival. Insects, in particular male moths, can detect windborne sex pheromones from distances that, in some cases, extend to several kilometers through a process known as odor-source localization. -- Bio-hybrid drones that integrate these biological sensory mechanisms with advanced artificial machinery hold significant promise in overcoming the challenges associated with existing robotic technologies. -- In this context, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Daigo Terutsuki from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Japan, along with Associate Professor Toshiyuki Nakata and Chihiro Fukui from Chiba University, Japan, have used silkworm moth antennae to develop a novel bio-hybrid drone capable of odor sensing and tracking. This study was published online in the journal npj Robotics on February 5, 2025. -- Explaining their motivation behind the study, Dr. Terutsuki says, "Our team is continuing to develop bio-hybrid drones that utilize living insect antennae as odor sensor elements. In this research, we strive to incorporate the dynamic movements and mechanisms of living organisms to dramatically enhance the performance of our odor-tracking drones. We initiated this study with the belief that these advancements will enable more effective odor detection and broaden applications in rescue operations." -- Previously, the researchers developed a bio-hybrid drone equipped with an electroantennography (EAG) sensor based on insect antennae with high sensitivity and specificity. However, its applications were limited by a short detection range of less than two meters. In the current study, the team has enhanced the primary version by further incorporating mechanisms that mimic the biological process in insects. Insects pause intermittently during the odor-tracking process to improve search precision. However, robotic odor-search models lack such pauses in their operation which may impact their range of detection. -- To address this, the researchers introduced a "stepped rotation algorithm" that mimics insect pauses during odor sensing, significantly improving detection accuracy. They also redesigned the electrodes and EAG sensor to more effectively accommodate the structure of silkworm moth antennae. The seamless interface between the gain-modulable (responsive to electrical signal intensities) EAG sensor and the insect antennae significantly improved the performance and operability of the system. -- Additionally, the team used a funnel-shaped enclosure to reduce airflow resistance and applied a conductive coating inside the enclosure to minimize noise interference from electrostatic charging. These modifications resulted in superior odor-source sensing under varied environmental conditions and odorant concentrations, with an effective detection range of up to 5 meters. -- The diverse applicability of the odor-sensing bio-hybrid drone could potentially revolutionize gas leak detection in critical infrastructures, early fire detection, enhance public security at airports by detecting hazardous substances like drugs and explosives, and enable better disaster response by improving rescue operations.	A01 H01 N01 T01	1,262
2503-E048	Super Enzyme Discovered: Regulating Testosterone In Unique Shore Bird Morphs	A fascinating new study has identified a single gene in ruffs, a unique shorebird species, that regulates testosterone levels and influences the development of three distinct male morphs. Researchers discovered that the super enzyme HSD17B2 allows these birds to control testosterone fluctuations, impacting their appearance and mating behaviors. This research sheds light on the genetic mechanisms driving sexual dimorphism in ruffs and enhances our understanding of animal behavior and evolution.	Simon Fraser University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A single gene that regulates testosterone levels in a "crazy" species of shore bird controls the development of three wildly different types of males, an international study involving researchers at Simon Fraser University has found. -- Ruffs have long fascinated scientists for their three types of males, known as morphs, that differ radically from each other in appearance and mating behaviours. -- A new study published on the cover of the journal Science this month has discovered that these morphs are produced by a super enzyme (HSD17B2) in the blood of the birds that's able to regulate testosterone levels in males and rapidly break down the hormone normally associated with male dominance and aggression. -- "The species is crazy, with three kinds of outlandish looking and behaving males," says David Lank, a biologist at SFU who has studied ruffs for 40 years and whose team first discovered the testosterone differences between the morphs. -- "This paper explains a lot about the genetic and physiological process that control the development of the three types." -- Most male ruffs are known as "independents" and are known for their striking, darker breeding plumage and aggressive defense of small mating areas to impress females, who provide all parental care. -- "Satellites" are smaller and have lighter coloured plumages, and form alliances with independents to co-display to females. -- Although they cooperate to some extent, each male is still attempting to mate with as many females as possible. -- A third morph, "faeders," take an ingenious approach. It forgoes plumage and display behaviour altogether, thereby disguising themselves as females, which lets them sneak unnoticed into mating arenas. -- For the satellites and faeders, whose strategies aren't based on aggressive behaviour, too much testosterone is counterproductive.	N01	1,263
2510-E027	Nearly Half Of Tropical Heliconia Plants Face Extinction Threats	A comprehensive analysis by the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History reveals that nearly half of the Heliconia genus is threatened with extinction. By utilizing previously collected plant specimens, researchers stress the urgency of conservation efforts for these ecologically significant plants, which are not adequately represented in protected areas.	Smithsonian	Plants, People, Planet	Press Rel	PubMed	A new analysis from researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History reveals that nearly half of the genus Heliconia, a group of tropical plants popular for their bright, beak-shaped flowers, are threatened with extinction. The findings, published today, March 7, in the journal Plants, People, Planet, reveal that many of these imperiled plants are not found within protected areas or botanical gardens, making additional conservation action crucial to saving these charismatic, horticulturally important and ecologically significant floras. -- The new work places Heliconia among a select group of plants to undergo a detailed, comprehensive conservation assessment. -- Traditionally such an effort requires countless hours of demanding fieldwork. -- Instead, the new project relied on previous field work conducted by research botanists like John Kress, an emeritus curator at the museum and one of the authors of the new study, who spent decades collecting Heliconia plants in the tropics. -- These efforts yielded thousands of dried specimens and data-rich labels that are housed in herbaria around the world, including the museum's United States National Herbarium. -- "The data that is stored in the herbarium is a scientific treasure that makes a project like this feasible," said botanist Gary Krupnick, who heads the museum's Plant Conservation Unit and is one of Kress' coauthors on the new study. -- "We built upon the valuable time and resources that past researchers have spent going out into the field and counting plant populations." -- Emblems of the Tropics -- The genus Heliconia contains 187 species of tropical plants related to bananas. -- While a handful of Heliconia species are native to western Pacific islands, the majority live in rainforests throughout tropical Central and South America.	H02 N02	1,264
2512-075	Dopamine's Role In Cognitive Flexibility: PET Imaging Reveals Brain's Adaptive Responses	New research has identified a neurobiochemical connection between dopamine levels in the brain and cognitive flexibility, demonstrating that dopamine production increases during complex tasks. This discovery, which links cognitive performance with dopamine release, could pave the way for targeted treatments for various neurological and psychiatric disorders, thus enhancing our understanding of cognitive functions.	Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging	Journal of Nuclear Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, scientists have confirmed a neurobiochemical link between dopamine and cognitive flexibility, according to new research published in the March issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. PET imaging shows that the brain increases dopamine production when completing cognitively demanding tasks, and that the more dopamine released, the more efficiently the tasks are completed. Armed with this information, physicians may soon be able to develop more precise treatment strategies for neurological and psychiatric disorders. -- Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt one's thinking and behavior appropriately to a changing environment and is considered an aspect of executive function. -- Cognitive flexibility differs among people and is reported to be impaired in several psychiatric and neurologic disorders, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, addiction, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. -- "At the neurotransmitter level, the dopamine system has been linked to cognitive flexibility. A direct neurochemical response to cognitive flexibility, however, has yet to be shown," said Isabelle Miederer, PhD, associate professor in experimental nuclear medicine in the department of nuclear medicine at University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. -- "In our study, we sought to examine the release of dopamine in real-time by performing PET scans while individuals completed behavioral flexibility tasks." -- Eighteen participants were scanned with the D2/3 receptor ligand 18F-fallypride in a two-part block study design. -- In the first part, participants performed two tasks consecutively on a computer screen without rule switching while undergoing PET imaging. -- In the second part of the PET scan, participants had to switch flexibly between two task rules. -- Dopamine release was calculated using the linearized simplified reference region model which compares the two task blocks with each other. -- PET imaging analysis showed a displacement of 18F-fallypride in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex during the task switching (higher cognitive demand) part of the study, which is assumed to be the release of dopamine.	A01 H02 R02 T01	1,265
2501-E015	New Models Suggest Pluto May Have Geologic Activity And Subsurface Ocean.	New models suggest that Pluto and Charon's formation resembles the Earth-Moon system, potentially supporting the idea of Pluto's ongoing geological activity and the existence of a subsurface ocean. This research offers fresh insights into the conditions and processes at play in the outer solar system.	Southwest Research Institute	Nature Geoscience	Press Rel	PubMed	A NASA postdoctoral researcher at Southwest Research Institute has used advanced models that indicate that the formation of Pluto and Charon may parallel that of the Earth-Moon system. Both systems include a moon that is a large fraction of the size of the main body, unlike other moons in the solar system. The scenario also could support Pluto's active geology and possible subsurface ocean, despite its location at the frozen edge of the solar system. -- "We think the Earth-Moon system initiated when a Mars-sized object hit the Earth and led to the formation of our large Moon sometime later," said Dr. Adeene Denton, who led the research, published in Nature Geoscience. "In comparison, Mars has two tiny moons that look like potatoes, while the moons of the giant planets make up a small fraction of their total systems." -- In 2005, SwRI Vice President Dr. Robin Canup performed simulations that first demonstrated that the Pluto-Charon pair could have originated with a giant collision. -- However, those simplified early models treated the colliding material as a strengthless fluid. -- In the last five years, advancements in impact formation models have included material strength properties. -- Integrating this information into the simulation results in Pluto behaving like it has a rocky core covered in ice, which changes the outcome significantly. -- "In previous models, when proto-Charon hit proto-Pluto, you have a massive shearing effect of fluids that looks like two blobs in a lava lamp that bend and swirl around each other," she said. -- "Adding in structural properties allows friction to distribute the impact momentum, leading to a 'kiss-and-capture' regime." -- When Pluto and Charon collide, they stick together in the shape of a snowman. -- They rotate as one body until Pluto pushes Charon out into a stable orbit.	C01	1,266
2504-T014	Understanding Titan's Atmosphere: Laboratory Experiments Mirror Saturn's Moon Gases	Scientists have conducted laboratory experiments to unravel the mystery of how Saturn's moon Titan maintains its nitrogen-rich atmosphere. Collaborating with the Carnegie Institution for Science, researchers found that Titan, despite its smaller size compared to Earth, has an atmosphere denser than ours, primarily composed of nitrogen. The origins and evolution of this unique atmosphere have intrigued scientists since its discovery, and understanding the role of methane is crucial to comprehending Titan's atmospheric dynamics and its potential for supporting life.	Southwest Research Institute	Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta	Press Rel	PubMed	Southwest Research Institute partnered with the Carnegie Institution for Science to perform laboratory experiments to better understand how Saturn's moon Titan can maintain its unique nitrogen-rich atmosphere. Titan is the second largest moon in our solar system and the only one that has a significant atmosphere. -- "While just 40% the diameter of the Earth, Titan has an atmosphere 1.5 times as dense as the Earth's, even with a lower gravity," said SwRI's Dr. Kelly Miller, lead author of a paper about these findings published in the journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta. -- "Walking on the surface of Titan would feel a bit like scuba diving." -- The origin, age, and evolution of this atmosphere, which is roughly 95% nitrogen and 5% methane, has puzzled scientists since it was discovered in 1944. -- "The presence of methane is critical to the existence of Titan's atmosphere," Miller says. -- "The methane is removed by reactions caused by sunlight and would disappear in about 30 million years after which the atmosphere would freeze onto the surface. Scientists think an internal source must replenish the methane, or else the atmosphere has a geologically short lifetime." -- Miller was also the lead author of a 2019 paper published in the Astrophysical Journal that proposed a theoretical model of how the atmosphere may have developed and is replenished over the years. -- The paper theorizes that large amounts of highly complex organic materials are heated up in Titan's rocky interior, releasing nitrogen as well as carbon gases like methane. -- The gas then seeps out at the surface, where it forms a thick atmosphere around the moon. -- This theory is corroborated by the recent experiments that heated organic materials to temperatures of 250 to 500 Celsius at pressures up to 10 kilobars to simulate the interior conditions of Titan.	C01 T01	1,267
2507-T008	Understanding Titan's Composition Through Tidal Energy Measurements	Scientists from Southwest Research Institute are investigating the tidal dissipation rate of Saturn's moon Titan, focusing on how this energy loss informs its internal structure and orbital history. Their research is crucial for understanding Titan's geophysical properties and implications for the moon's potential habitability.	Southwest Research Institute	Southwest Research Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) scientists are studying Saturn's moon Titan to assess its tidal dissipation rate, the energy lost as it orbits the ringed planet with its massive gravitational force. Understanding tidal dissipation helps scientists infer many other things about Titan, such as the makeup of its inner core and its orbital history. -- "When most people think of tides they think of the movement of the oceans, in and out, with the passage of the Moon overhead, said Dr. Brynna Downey. "But that is just because water moves more freely than anything else. -- When the Moon passes overhead, the rock is also responding, just less perceptively. -- But that little bit of gravity that the Moon is imposing is what we call tidal dissipation." Downey is a postdoctoral researcher at SwRI's Solar System Science and Exploration Division in Boulder, Colorado and is lead author of a paper on this topic published in the journal Science Advances. -- To measure tidal dissipation on the Moon, scientists shoot lasers from Earth at mirrors placed across its surface. -- This allows them to accurately measure the slightest movement. -- As this cannot be done on Titan, scientists have instead developed a way to infer dissipation rates based on the difference in Titan's spin axis rotation from what would be expected absent any such force. -- "Tidal dissipation in satellites affects their orbital and rotational evolution and their ability to maintain subsurface oceans," Downey says. -- "Now that we have an estimate for the strength of tides on Titan, what does it tell us about how quickly the orbit is changing? What we discovered is that it's changing very quickly on a geologic timescale." -- Downey and her co-author, Dr. Francis Nimmo of the University of California Santa Cruz, considered that the angle of Titan's spin pole orientation can only be due to friction and deduced a way to relate this angle to a tidal friction parameter.	C01	1,268
2509-E032	Innovative Burner Technology Dramatically Reduces Methane Emissions In Oil Production	A new study from Southwest Research Institute highlights an advanced methane flare burner that effectively eliminates 98% of methane emissions during oil production. Designed using additive manufacturing and machine learning, this innovation marks a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of methane venting, a potent greenhouse gas, in the energy sector.	Southwest Research Institute	Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and the University of Michigan (U-M) have published a new study showing an advanced new methane flare burner, created with additive manufacturing and machine learning, eliminates 98% of methane vented during oil production. The burner was designed by U-M engineering researchers and tested at SwRI. -- Oil producers can generate methane during oil production and typically use flare stacks to burn off this gas. -- However, wind blowing across conventional open flame burners reduces their effectiveness, releasing 40% or more of methane into the atmosphere. -- Over 100 years, methane has 28 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide and is 84 times more potent on a 20-year timescale. -- Flaring reduces overall global warming potential, but ineffective flaring dampens this strategy. -- SwRI collaborated with U-M engineers to leverage machine learning, computational fluid dynamics and additive manufacturing to create and test a burner with high methane destruction efficiency and combustion stability at the challenging conditions present in the field. -- "We tested the burner at an indoor facility at SwRI, where we could control the crosswind and measure burner efficiency under different conditions," said SwRI Principal Engineer Alex Schluneker, one of the paper's co-authors. -- "Even the slightest amount of crosswind significantly reduced the effectiveness of most burners. We found that the structure and motions of the fins inside the burner were essential for maintaining efficiency. The U-M team engineered it to significantly improve performance." -- The burner has a complex nozzle base that splits the flow of methane in three different directions. -- The impeller design guides the gas toward the flame. This novel design allows for the even mixing of oxygen and methane and provides time for the combustion to occur before crosswinds can affect it. This design is key to the burner's efficiency.	C01	1,269
2511-T019	NASA's Lucy Mission To Asteroid Donaldjohanson: What We Can Learn	NASA's Lucy mission is set to encounter asteroid Donaldjohanson on April 20, 2025, with new modeling suggesting it formed from the breakup of a larger parent body 150 million years ago. This encounter aims to gather data that could enhance our understanding of asteroid formation and evolution in the main belt.	Southwest Research Institute	The Planetary Science Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	New Southwest Research Institute-led modeling indicates the main belt asteroid (52246) Donaldjohanson may have formed about 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart; its orbit and spin properties have undergone significant evolution since. When NASA's Lucy spacecraft flies by this approximately three-mile-wide space rock on April 20, 2025, the data collected could provide independent insights on such processes based on its shape, surface geology and cratering history. -- "Based on ground-based observations, Donaldjohanson appears to be a peculiar object," said SwRI's Dr. Simone Marchi, deputy principal investigator of the SwRI-led Lucy mission and lead author of research published in The Planetary Science Journal. -- "Understanding the formation of Donaldjohanson could help explain its peculiarities." -- "Data indicates that it could be quite elongated and a slow rotator, possibly due to thermal torques that have slowed its spin over time," added David Vokrouhlický, a professor at the Charles University, Prague, and co-author of the research. -- Lucy's target is a common type of asteroid, composed of silicate rocks and perhaps containing clays and organic matter. -- The new paper indicates that Donaldjohanson is likely a member of the Erigone collisional asteroid family, a group of asteroids on similar orbits that was created when a larger parent asteroid broke apart. -- The family originated in the inner main belt not very far from the source regions of near-Earth asteroids (101955) Bennu and (162173) Ryugu, recently visited respectively by NASA's OSIRIS-REx and JAXA's Hayabusa2 missions. -- "We can hardly wait for the flyby because, as of now, Donaldjohanson's characteristics appear very distinct from Bennu and Ryugu. Yet, we may uncover unexpected connections," Marchi said. -- Donaldjohanson is named for the paleontologist who discovered Lucy, the fossilized skeleton of an early hominin found in Ethiopia in 1974, which is how the Lucy mission got its name. -- Just as the Lucy fossil provided unique insights into the origin of humanity, the Lucy mission promises to revolutionize our knowledge of the origin of humanity's home world.	H01 N01	1,270
2512-T005	Rapid Response To Cockpit Crack: Ensuring Safety In T-38 Talon Aircraft	Scientists at Southwest Research Institute collaborated with the U.S. Air Force to address safety concerns following the discovery of a significant crack in a T-38 Talon aircraft. Their risk analysis and inspection strategies aim to prevent critical failures, ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of the aging fleet.	Southwest Research Institute	Engineering Failure Analysis	Press Rel	PubMed	Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) collaborated with the U.S. Air Force to ensure fleet safety after a large crack was unexpectedly found near the cockpit of a T-38 Talon. A new study describes how SwRI's risk and damage tolerance analyses helped determine a more effective inspection schedule, allowing the Air Force to find cracks before they grow to critical size. -- For several decades, SwRI has provided engineering support to the Air Force to extend the life of aircraft that have exceeded their original design life. -- The Institute has been working to sustain the T-38, first introduced in 1961, for more than 40 years. -- This activity includes using SwRI-developed models to predict crack growth to determine optimal inspection and maintenance schedules. -- The Air Force also uses finite element models to help predict the potential crack locations of the aircraft. -- "Typically, our role involves predicting structural life and providing analysis used to help determine an inspection or repair schedule," said SwRI Lead Engineer Laura Hunt. -- "In the spring of 2017, when a large, unexpected crack was found by a crew chief in a longeron, a key structural component along the aircraft's fuselage, we were equipped for a rapid response." -- This discovery resulted in the immediate grounding of the entire T-38 fleet for visual inspections, which were completed within four days. -- SwRI assisted with performing risk, damage tolerance, and failure analyses. -- While the crack appeared in a location that full scale fatigue tests and finite element models did not predict, SwRI responded swiftly, minimizing downtime and maintaining safety, resulting from the Institute's prior analysis work with the T-38 and other aging aircraft.	A01 H01 C01	1,271
2501-096	Neuronal Maturation And Migration Are Key To Cognitive Function Development.	Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have made strides in understanding neuronal cell maturation and migration. Their research identifies multiple signaling pathways that work together to guide developing neurons from the germinal zone to their functional locations within the brain, revealing intricate biological processes crucial for cognitive function.	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but for developing neurons, this first step relies on collaboration from multiple signaling pathways. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital used fluorescent imaging techniques to track the sequence of molecular events that kickstart the migration of developing neurons, implicating an intricate circuit of cues in the process. The findings, which shed light on the processes that ensure proper cerebellum development, were published today in Nature Communications. -- Neurons develop in a region of the brain called the germinal zone, but to fulfill their functions, they must travel to other parts of the brain where they are needed to form circuits. The series of cues telling them to leave have not been fully understood, but David Solecki, PhD, St. Jude Department of Developmental Neurobiology, was well positioned to unravel how these cues come together to kickstart neuron migration. -- "In the past, people have looked at important cytoskeletal components and extrinsic signals from outside the cell, which tell neurons when and where to go," Solecki said. "But the key challenge becomes figuring out how they are integrated. How do multiple biological pathways come together to orchestrate this germinal zone exit event?" -- The results revealed that antagonism between the guidance molecule Netrin-1 "pushing" developed neurons out of the germinal zone and the ubiquitin ligase Siah2 "pulling" undeveloped cells back into the germinal zone is responsible. This previously unappreciated "coincidence detection circuit" highlights that the interplay of these opposing pathways ensures proper neuronal migration. -- Push-and-pull regulates neuron migration -- Solecki used super-resolution microscopy to reveal how this two-switch circuit worked. The researchers first noted that differentiated neurons appeared to migrate away from Netrin-1 in the germinal zone. This protein is detected and repulsed by the transmembrane receptor, Dcc. -- "Netrin-1 is secreted by the progenitor cells, and it tells the newly differentiated cells, 'You have to go away from us,'" Solecki explained. "The differentiated cells are essentially repulsed by their previous cohort of immature neurons." -- A deeper look at the basis of coincidence detection revealed a circuit between Netrin-1-Dcc signaling and two other proteins, Pard3 and JamC. These give Dcc clustering and adhesion cues at sites essential for migration. Pard3 promotes the movement and localization of Dcc receptors, while JamC anchors them at adhesion sites, enabling effective polarity and adhesion cue integration. This complex balances adhesion and guidance signaling to regulate neuronal migration timing and direction. -- This "push" signal is balanced by a "pull" signal, driven by the ubiquitin ligase, Siah2. Ubiquitin ligases facilitate the recycling of defunct proteins. Siah2 is the assigned ubiquitin ligase for Dcc and Pard3. The researchers demonstrated that Siah2 prevents premature migration of undeveloped neurons from the germinal zone by degrading Dcc, the Netrin-1 sensor, and Pard3, which regulates Dcc and JamC movement. This degradation precisely controls the interaction of adhesion and guidance cues within the coincidence detection circuit. -- The findings provided unique insight into how this collective system forms a coincidence detection circuit, wherein cell-cell contact and Netrin-1 sensing inputs must function for the correct output to be seen. "With other techniques such as single-cell sequencing, you look at the genes behind the systems, but eventually, the cell biology is something you must figure out," Solecki said. "And that's what this work was about: the intricate interplay of the molecules."	A01 H01 R02	1,272
2507-118	Promising Prenatal Therapy Shows Hope In Treating Spinal Muscular Atrophy	A groundbreaking study reveals the potential for prenatal treatment of spinal muscular atrophy using the drug risdiplam, showing no identifiable symptoms in a child more than two years post-treatment. This research supports the feasibility of early intervention strategies for this severe neurodegenerative disorder, emphasizing the importance of further investigation into prenatal therapeutic approaches.	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	Press Rel	PubMed	Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder set in motion before birth. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital led the first in uterotreatment of SMA with the orally administered drug risdiplam. More than two years after the child was born, no identifiable features of SMA have been observed. This study demonstrates the feasibility of treating SMA prenatally and supports further investigation into the approach. The findings were published today in a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine. -- "Our primary objectives were feasibility, safety and tolerability, so we're very pleased to see that the parent and child are doing well," said the study's corresponding author Richard Finkel, MD, St. Jude Center for Experimental Neurotherapeutics director and Department of Pediatric Medicine member. -- "The results suggest it would be worthwhile to continue investigating the use of prenatal intervention for SMA." -- SMA is caused by a lack of survival motor neuron protein and occurs in around 1 in every 11,000 births in the United States. -- If not treated, SMA type 1 (SMA-1), the most common and severe form, results in progressive muscle weakness that leads to death. -- Currently, treatments for SMA-1 have demonstrated improved survival and motor function in infants, especially if administered shortly after birth before symptoms begin, but is not a cure. -- N-of-1: A case study of prenatal risdiplam -- Survival motor neuron protein is most needed in the third trimester of fetal development and the first three months of life after birth. -- Symptom severity is, therefore, closely linked with the intervention time point. -- Due to this clinical need, the St. Jude researchers, as part of the Pediatric Translational Neuroscience Initiative, launched a unique clinical protocol to study risdiplam in a single patient.	H01	1,273
2509-055	Researchers Uncover How Retinoic Acid Effectively Targets Metastatic Neuroblastoma Cells	Scientists have uncovered how retinoic acid can selectively kill metastatic neuroblastoma cells while sparing primary tumors, resolving a long-standing mystery. Their findings indicate that the drug utilizes a normal developmental pathway to induce cell death, offering potential insights for future combination therapies in treating this aggressive childhood cancer.	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor that occurs in children. When high-risk, the disease has a poor prognosis. Decades ago, adding the drug retinoic acid to neuroblastoma treatment increased survival by 10-15%. However, this effect was only evident in post-chemotherapy consolidation after bulky primary tumors had largely been eliminated. Why retinoic acid is effective in this setting but not against primary tumors, has been speculated about for nearly 50 years. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists resolved the mystery in a new study, showing retinoic acid uses a novel mechanism to kill metastasized neuroblastoma. The drug "hijacks" a normal developmental pathway to trigger cancer cell death. The findings, which have implications for future combination therapy approaches, were published in Nature Communications. -- "We've come up with an explanation for a decades-long contradiction about why retinoic acid works in post-chemotherapy consolidation but has little impact on primary neuroblastoma tumors," said senior co-corresponding author Paul Geeleher, PhD, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology. "Retinoic acid's activity heavily depends on the cellular microenvironment." -- The cellular microenvironment is the soup of chemicals, proteins and other signals that surround a cell, and which is unique to that part of the body. For example, the bone marrow microenvironment contains signals to grow blood cells and restructure bone. Metastasized neuroblastoma cells often migrate to bone marrow, where the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway signaling is highly active. The researchers showed that BMP signaling makes neuroblastoma cells much more vulnerable to retinoic acid. -- "Unexpectedly, we found that cells expressing genes from the BMP signaling pathway were very sensitive to retinoic acid," said co-first and co-corresponding author Min Pan, PhD, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology. "However, since the bone marrow microenvironment causes neuroblastoma cells there to have higher BMP activity, it neatly explained why retinoic acid is very effective at treating those cells during consolidation therapy, but not the primary tumors during up-front treatment." -- Hijacking development to drive metastatic neuroblastoma cell death -- Using gene editing technology, the scientists uncovered the relationship between BMP signaling and retinoic acid. They assembled a group of neuroblastoma cell lines susceptible to retinoic acid, then cut out genes to find which were responsible for the drug's activity. Genes in the BMP pathway had the largest effect while providing a plausible explanation for retinoic acid's varying outcomes in patients. -- "We found that, in neuroblastoma, BMP signaling works with retinoic acid signaling in the same way as during development," said co-first author Yinwen Zhang, PhD, St. Jude Department of Computational Biology. Zhang characterized how transcription factors, the proteins that bind DNA to regulate gene expression, led to different results in highly retinoic acid-sensitive or insensitive neuroblastoma cells. "If there are a lot of BMP-signaling pathway transcription factors already on DNA, then retinoic acid signaling combines with it to promote downstream cell death-related gene expression. This occurs both in normal embryonic development and neuroblastoma cells in certain microenvironments." -- "We are the first to uncover such an example of 'hijacking' a normal embryonic developmental process preserved in cancer that we can exploit therapeutically," Geeleher said. "Now, we can look for similar processes in other diseases to design less toxic and more effective treatment strategies."	H01 R01	1,274
2510-025	Edaravone Drug Used In ALS Helps Detect Brain Damage Through Imaging	Researchers have enhanced PET imaging techniques by incorporating edaravone to detect oxidative stress linked to neurological diseases, providing a promising avenue for early diagnosis. This advancement could lead to better detection and management of conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's.	St. Jude Children's Research Hospital	Nature Biomedical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging technique used to diagnose conditions such as cancer. An innovative advance from scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is enhancing the technique's ability to check for signs of neurological disease. The researchers repurposed the drug edaravone, an antioxidant used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as a probe to be used with central nervous system PET imaging. With this technique, the researchers can detect oxidative stress, which leads to brain damage, offering a clear path to detecting neurological conditions. The findings were published today in Nature Biomedical Engineering. -- Neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and Alzheimer's disease, are largely diagnosed by physical symptoms that occur when treatment is often too late to be effective. -- Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are a group of chemically reactive molecules that play important roles in cell signaling and growth. -- However, accumulation of RONS can cause oxidative stress, leading to tissue injury and dysfunction. -- Oxidative stress is associated with diseases and conditions affecting the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, resulting in neurodegeneration. -- Detecting oxidative stress through a noninvasive imaging technique has the potential to shift the diagnosis, and thus treatment, of conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's disease much earlier when such care can be more beneficial. -- Radical burst helps track onset of brain damage -- In addition to neurodegenerative disease, oxidative stress is a factor in many other neurological diseases, such as stroke. -- In such cases, the harm does not just come from the initial injury. -- "It's the subsequent secondary injury, which usually comes from the immune response, which causes the most neurological damage," explained corresponding author Kiel Neumann, PhD, St. Jude Department of Radiology.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02 T01	1,275
2501-T016	AI Combines Medical Data To Predict Cancer Prognoses And Treatment Outcomes	A new AI tool developed at Stanford Medicine merges medical images and text data to improve predictions regarding cancer outcomes and treatment responses. By analyzing millions of pathology slides and related texts, it enables healthcare professionals to make better-informed treatment decisions for various cancer types.	Stanford Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The melding of visual information (microscopic and X-ray images, CT and MRI scans, for example) with text (exam notes, communications between physicians of varying specialties) is a key component of cancer care. But while artificial intelligence helps doctors review images and home in on disease-associated anomalies like abnormally shaped cells, it's been difficult to develop computerized models that can incorporate multiple types of data. -- Now researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed an AI model able to incorporate visual and language-based information. After training on 50 million medical images of standard pathology slides and more than 1 billion pathology-related texts, the model outperformed standard methods in its ability to predict the prognoses of thousands of people with diverse types of cancer, to identify which people with lung or gastroesophageal cancers are likely to benefit from immunotherapy, and to pinpoint people with melanoma who are most likely to experience a recurrence of their cancer. -- The researchers named the model MUSK, for multimodal transformer with unified mask modeling. MUSK represents a marked deviation from the way artificial intelligence is currently used in clinical care settings, and the researchers believe it stands to transform how artificial intelligence can guide patient care. -- "MUSK can accurately predict the prognoses of people with many different kinds and stages of cancer," said Ruijiang Li, MD, an associate professor of radiation oncology. "We designed MUSK because, in clinical practice, physicians never rely on just one type of data to make clinical decisions. We wanted to leverage multiple types of data to gain more insight and get more precise predictions about patient outcomes." -- Li, who is a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute, is the senior author of the study, which was published Jan. 8 in Nature. Postdoctoral scholars Jinxi Xiang, PhD, and Xiyue Wang, PhD, are the lead authors of the research. -- Although artificial intelligence tools have been increasingly used in the clinic, they have been primarily for diagnostics (does this microscope image or scan show signs of cancer?) rather than for prognosis (what is this person's likely clinical outcome, and which therapy is most effective for an individual?). -- Part of the challenge is the need to train the models on large amounts of labeled data (this is a microscope slide of a slice of lung tissue with a cancerous tumor, for example) and paired data (here are the clinical notes about the patient from whom the tumor was obtained). But carefully curated and annotated datasets are hard to come by. -- Off-the-shelf tool -- In artificial intelligence terms, MUSK is what's called a foundation model. Foundation models pretrained on vast amounts of data can be customized with additional training to perform specific tasks. Because the researchers designed MUSK to use unpaired multimodal data that doesn't meet the traditional requirements for training artificial intelligence, the pool of data that the computer can use to "learn" during its initial training is expanded by several orders of magnitude. With this head start, any subsequent training is accomplished with much smaller, more specialized sets of data. In effect, MUSK is an off-the-shelf tool that doctors can fine-tune to help answer specific clinical questions. -- "The biggest unmet clinical need is for models that physicians can use to guide patient treatment," Li said. "Does this patient need this drug? Or should we instead focus on another type of therapy? Currently, physicians use information like disease staging and specific genes or proteins to make these decisions, but that's not always accurate."	A01 H01 R01 N01 T01	1,276
2506-044	Breast Cancer Characteristics Defined By Genome Structure Offer New Therapeutic Possibilities	A study from Stanford Medicine reveals that breast cancers can be categorized into three main subgroups based on distinct structural variations in their DNA. These findings suggest that early intervention targeting these genetic processes could lead to more effective treatments, as understanding the genomic architecture of tumors may help in predicting patient outcomes and guiding therapeutic decisions.	Stanford Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Breast cancers can be classified into subgroups that hint at the aggressiveness of the cancer and the likelihood that the patient will experience a recurrence years after their initial diagnosis. -- Now researchers at Stanford Medicine have shown that these subgroups can be bundled into three main groups based on structural variations in their DNA -- including repeats, or amplifications, of cancer-associated genes called oncogenes on chromosomes and the presence of small DNA circles untethered to the rest of the genome. -- These variations are established early during cancer development and are maintained as the disease advances and metastasizes. -- Understanding the role these variations play in tumor evolution, and how to stop them, will aid physicians in making decisions and point to new targeted therapeutic interventions, the researchers believe. -- This robust classification system could also differentiate breast cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive early intervention from those who may be able to safely defer such aspects of treatment. -- "My lab has had a long-standing interest in understanding how aggressive breast tumors arise, why they are resistant to therapy and why they are prone to recur in distant organs," said Christina Curtis, PhD, the RZ Cao Professor and a professor of oncology, of genetics and of biomedical data science. -- "This research shows that breast tumors develop key structural variants that set the tumor on its course very early in its development. In short, some are born to be bad. It emphasizes the importance of robust biomarkers and of intervening early in the course of the disease." -- Curtis is the senior author of the research, which was published Jan. -- 8 in Nature. Formal postdoctoral scholar Kathleen Houlahan, PhD, postdoctoral scholar Lise Mangiante, PhD, former research assistant Cristina Sotomayor-Vivas and graduate student Alvina Adimoelja are the lead authors. -- Broad classification	H01 R01	1,277
2506-045	AI Chatbots Outperform Doctors In Clinical Decisions, Study Shows Promise	Research indicates that AI-powered chatbots can outperform doctors in nuanced clinical decision-making, yet when physicians utilize their own AI tools, they reach comparable performance levels. This suggests that while chatbots can effectively assist in complex diagnoses, the integration of AI technology alongside human expertise could enhance the quality of patient care, particularly in intricate treatment scenarios.	Stanford Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence-powered chatbots are getting pretty good at diagnosing some diseases, even when they are complex. But how do chatbots do when guiding treatment and care after the diagnosis? For example, how long before surgery should a patient stop taking prescribed blood thinners? Should a patient's treatment protocol change if they've had adverse reactions to similar drugs in the past? These sorts of questions don't have a textbook right or wrong answer -- it's up to physicians to use their judgment. -- Jonathan H. Chen, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine, and a team of researchers are exploring whether chatbots, a type of large language model, or LLM, can effectively answer such nuanced questions, and whether physicians supported by chatbots perform better. -- The answers, it turns out, are yes and yes. The research team tested how a chatbot performed when faced with a variety of clinical crossroads. -- A chatbot on its own outperformed doctors who could access only an internet search and medical references, but armed with their own LLM, the doctors, from multiple regions and institutions across the United States, kept up with the chatbots. -- "For years I've said that, when combined, human plus computer is going to do better than either one by itself," Chen said. -- "I think this study challenges us to think about that more critically and ask ourselves, 'What is a computer good at? What is a human good at?' We may need to rethink where we use and combine those skills and for which tasks we recruit AI." -- A study detailing these results published in Nature Medicine on Feb. -- 5. Chen and Adam Rodman, MD, assistant professor at Harvard University, are co-senior authors. -- Postdoctoral scholars Ethan Goh, MD, and Robert Gallo, MD, are co-lead author. -- Boosted by chatbots	H01 T01	1,278
2506-E011	New Blood Test Detects Deep Mold Infections, Reducing Need For Invasive Biopsies	A newly developed blood test from Stanford Medicine offers a non-invasive and efficient method for diagnosing mold infections in immunocompromised patients, potentially replacing the need for tissue biopsies. This innovative test detects mold genetic material in the bloodstream, providing a quicker and safer approach to identifying invasive infections that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.	Stanford Medicine	Clinical Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	For people with weakened immune systems, common molds lurking in the environment -- in the soil, along damp walls or on a forgotten apple -- can cause dangerous infections deep inside the body. These invasive mold infections can quickly become fatal without treatment, yet they are difficult to diagnose without invasive procedures such as a tissue biopsy. -- Now, a blood test developed at Stanford Medicine offers a safer, faster way to diagnose invasive mold disease. In a new study, published Jan.17 in Clinical Infectious Diseases, researchers found that the blood test, which detects genetic material from mold, could replace invasive tests in most cases. -- "We all breathe in a couple thousand mold spores a day," said Niaz Banaei, MD, professor of pathology and of medicine, and the study's senior author. "While our immune systems are intact, nothing happens to us." -- But when immune defenses are compromised, such as in transplant patients on immunosuppressants and patients undergoing chemotherapy, molds can set up shop inside the body, most often in the lungs. Banaei estimates that 5% to 10% of these patients develop invasive mold disease. -- These rapidly progressing infections often appear as lesions on a CT scan. -- The conventional way to diagnose these infections requires obtaining a sample of the mold, either from tissue biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage, in which a scope is inserted into the lungs to wash out the airways with saline solution. The mold sample is then identified in the lab to determine the appropriate antifungal medications. -- "A lot of immunocompromised patients are not stable enough to undergo these invasive procedures," Banaei said. "So they can't get a precise diagnosis." That could mean a delay in effective treatment. -- Detecting mold DNA -- For several years, Banaei and colleagues have been developing a non-invasive alternative -- a blood test that can detect tiny fragments of mold DNA that have been shed into the bloodstream. The underlying technique, known as cell-free DNA polymerase chain reaction, sometimes referred to as a liquid biopsy, has shown promise in detecting other types of infections, as well as cancer. -- The new blood test for mold infections debuted at Stanford Health Care in late 2020.	H01 R01 N02	1,279
2507-051	Researchers Identify Key DNA Mutations Linked To Inherited Cancer Risk	Stanford researchers have narrowed down thousands of single nucleotide mutations in DNA to under 400 that are directly associated with inherited cancer risk. This comprehensive screening sheds light on variants that contribute to the uncontrolled growth characteristic of cancer. By identifying essential mutations linked to critical biological pathways, the findings may inform future genetic screening and therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing or treating cancer more effectively.	Stanford Medicine	Stanford Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Thousands of single changes in the nucleotides that make up the human genome have been associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. But until now, it's not been clear which are directly responsible for the uncontrolled cellular growth that is the hallmark of the disease and which are simply coincidences or minor players. -- Stanford researchers have conducted the first large-scale screen of these inherited changes, called single nucleotide variants, and homed in on fewer than 400 that are essential to initiate and drive cancer growth. -- These variants control several common biological pathways, including those governing whether and how well a cell can repair damage to its DNA, how it produces energy, and how it interacts with and moves through its microenvironment. -- These common themes hint at new therapeutic targets aimed at preventing cancer or stopping its growth, the researchers believe. -- Understanding which variants contribute significantly to cancer risk may also enhance genetic screening meant to assess a person's lifetime risk of cancer. -- "We distilled large compendia of information from millions of people diagnosed with any of the 13 most common cancer types, which constitute over 90% of all human malignancies," said Paul Khavari, MD, PhD, chair of dermatology. -- "This enormous funnel of data allowed us to identify 380 variants that control the expression of one or more cancer-associated genes. Certain variants, if you are unlucky enough to inherit them from your parents, can increase your risk of developing many types of cancer." -- Khavari, who is the Carl J. Herzog Professor in Dermatology in the School of Medicine, is the senior author of the research, which was published on Feb. -- 17 in Nature Genetics. Former graduate student Laura Kellman, PhD, is the lead author of the study. -- The risks we inherit	R01	1,280
2508-030	Immune Cell Receptors Provide Clues To Autoimmune Disease Diagnosis	Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed an AI-driven diagnostic tool called Mal-ID, which utilizes immune system data from B and T cell receptors to identify various diseases, including autoimmune disorders. This innovative approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, leveraging the immune system's extensive historical data to improve disease detection and management.	Stanford Medicine	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Your immune system harbors a lifetime's worth of information about threats it's encountered -- a biological Rolodex of baddies. Often the perpetrators are viruses and bacteria you've conquered; others are undercover agents like vaccines given to trigger protective immune responses or even red herrings in the form of healthy tissue caught in immunological crossfire. -- Now researchers at Stanford Medicine have devised a way to mine this rich internal database to diagnose diseases as diverse as diabetes COVID-19 responses to influenza vaccines. -- Although they envision the approach as a way to screen for multiple diseases simultaneously, the machine-learning based technique can also be optimized to detect complex, difficult-to-diagnose autoimmune diseases such as lupus. -- In a study of nearly 600 people -- some healthy, others with infections including COVID-19 or autoimmune diseases including lupus and Type 1 diabetes -- the algorithm the researchers developed, called Mal-ID for machine learning for immunological diagnosis, was remarkably successful in identifying who had what based only on their B and T cell receptor sequence and structures. -- "The diagnostic toolkits that we use today don't make much use of the immune system's internal record of the diseases it has encountered," said postdoctoral scholar Maxim Zaslavsky, PhD. -- "But our immune system is constantly surveilling our bodies with B and T cells, which act like molecular threat sensors. Combining information from the two main arms of the immune system gives us a more complete picture of the immune system's response to disease and the pathways to autoimmunity and vaccine response." -- Zaslavsky and Erin Craig are the lead authors of the study published Feb. -- 20 in Science. Professor of pathology Scott Boyd, MD, PhD, and associate professor of genetics and computer science Anshul Kundaje, PhD, are the senior authors of the research. -- In addition to aiding diagnosis of tricky diseases, Mal-ID could track responses to cancer immunotherapies and subcategorize disease states in ways that could help guide clinical decision making, the researchers believe. -- "Several of the conditions we were looking at could be significantly different at a biological or molecular level, but we describe them with broad terms that don't necessarily account for the immune system's specialized response," said Boyd, who co-directs the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research.	A01 R01 T01	1,281
2510-E040	AI Helps Understand How Healthy Cells Influence Cancer Behavior	Researchers are harnessing artificial intelligence to explore how non-cancerous cells surrounding tumors influence cancer cell behavior and treatment responses. The study, led by scientists at Stanford Medicine, introduces the concept of the "colocatome," which details the interactions between malignant and non-malignant cells in tumors. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the entire cellular ecosystem within tumors, as it plays a critical role in tumor biology and cancer treatment strategies.	Stanford Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Even cells experience peer pressure. -- Scientists have long studied the ins and outs of cancer cells to learn more about the disease, but they're increasingly finding that noncancerous cells near the cancer cells exert a powerful influence over a tumor's trajectory. -- "Not all cells in a tumor are cancer cells -- they're not even always the most dominant cell type," said Sylvia Plevritis, PhD, chair of Stanford Medicine's department of biomedical data science. "There are many other cell types that support tumors." -- To better capture the whole picture of cells' locations and interactions, Plevritis and a team of researchers have developed something that they call the "colocatome," (pronounced co-locate-ome). Modeled after the nomenclature that describes other classes of molecules and facets of human biology (collective information about genes is called the genome; proteins, the proteome; metabolites, the metabolome, etc.) the colocatome documents the details of malignant cells on their neighbors -- what those cells are and how many of them are present. -- "We've been studying cancer cells for so long, but the picture is still incomplete," said Gina Bouchard, PhD, instructor of biomedical data science. "Understanding tumor biology is not only about cancer cells; there's a whole ecosystem that needs to be studied. Cancer cells need help to survive, to resist, to thrive and even sometimes to die." -- A study describing the findings was published in Nature Communications last month. Bouchard is the lead author, and Plevritis is the senior author. -- Mapping influence -- Cancer cells are surprisingly dependent on their surroundings. Depending on the location, type and quantity of noncancerous cells surrounding the tumor, the cells' behavior can change, whether through faster growth, decreased susceptibility to drugs or heightened cell metabolism. -- "The questions we're asking are very simple. We want to know who the neighbors are for each cell. Who likes whom? Who doesn't like whom? It's all about which cells tend to be together, and which ones are rarely found together," Bouchard said. Cells that attract each other are described as "colocalizing" while those that seem to repel each other form "anti-colocalizations." Those colocalizations are then linked to the state of the cancer -- aggressive, resistant, susceptible to drugs -- and logged in the colocatome. -- The team developed experimental models of lung cancer in the lab, then used artificial intelligence to analyze them, identifying noncancerous cells and how they organized within and around the tumor cells. They then compared the colocalizations with those from patient tumor biopsies. After mapping hundreds of cell configurations, they confirmed that the majority of colocalizations in the primary patient tumors are observed in the experimental models. (That overlap is key, said Bouchard. It means that the models are a valuable and accurate representation of what's happening in someone who has lung cancer.)	H01 R01 T01	1,282
2510-T034	New Gel Effectively Prevents Abdominal Adhesions In Animal Trials	A novel gel has shown promise in preventing surgical adhesions in both mice and pigs, a common complication arising post-abdominal surgery. By blocking the formation of scar tissue without hindering normal healing, this gel could revolutionize post-surgical care, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes significantly.	Stanford Medicine	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Surgical adhesions -- common, sometimes life-threatening complications that arise after open or laparoscopic abdominal surgery -- can be prevented in mice and pigs by a gel impregnated with a molecule that blocks a key signaling pathway in the formation of scar tissue. -- The gel can be applied as a spray or a wash to the inside of the abdominal cavity immediately after surgery. -- Over a period of two weeks, the gel releases a small molecule, T-5224, that blocks the activation of adhesion-forming cells called fibroblasts without affecting normal wound healing. -- A practical, simple way to prevent or reduce the formation of post-surgical abdominal adhesions in humans, which are currently unpreventable and largely untreatable, could save billions of dollars in health care costs each year and significantly reduce the incidence of chronic pain, infertility and bowel obstructions that arise when adhesions are severe, the researchers believe. -- Showing success in large animals such as pigs is a key step toward human clinical trials. -- "Adhesions happen primarily when you injure or interact with the bowel during surgery, whether the surgery is open or laparoscopic," said professor of surgery Michael Longaker, MD. "This gel reduces the likelihood of adhesions without compromising the ability of the animal to heal after surgery. And, as a surgeon, I'm already used to washing out the surgical site at the end of the procedure, so this would be easy to incorporate into our normal workflow." -- Longaker, the Deane P. and Louise Mitchell Professor in the School of Medicine, and assistant professor of surgery Daniel Delitto, MD, PhD, are the senior authors of the study, which was published March 12 in Science Translational Medicine. Former postdoctoral scholar and surgical resident Deshka Foster, MD, PhD, and postdoctoral scholar Jason Guo, PhD, are the lead authors of the research. -- The problem with scar tissue -- Abdominal adhesions form in the weeks after surgery as the body heals. -- Between 50% and 90% (depending upon the type and location of the surgery) of abdominal surgeries result in adhesions, characterized by excessive scar tissue that tethers organs and tissues to one another or to the abdominal wall.	N01	1,283
2512-025	AI Improves Nutritional Support For Premature Infant Patients	AI Improves Nutritional Support For Premature Infant Patients	Stanford Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial intelligence can improve intravenous nutrition for premature babies, a Stanford Medicine study has shown. The study, which will publish March 25 in Nature Medicine, is among the first to demonstrate how an AI algorithm can enable doctors to make better clinical decisions for sick newborns. -- The algorithm uses information in preemies' electronic medical records to predict which nutrients they need and in what quantities. -- The AI tool was trained on data from almost 80,000 past prescriptions for intravenous nutrition, which was linked to information about how the tiny patients fared. -- Using AI to help prescribe IV nutrition could reduce medical errors, save time and money, and make it easier to care for preemies in low-resource settings, the researchers said. -- IV nutrition, also known as total parenteral nutrition, is the only way to feed preemies who are born before their digestive systems are mature enough to absorb nutrients. -- "Right now, we come up with a TPN prescription for each baby, individually, every day. We make it from scratch and provide it to them," said senior study author Nima Aghaeepour, PhD, associate professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine and of pediatrics. -- "Total parenteral nutrition is the single largest source of medical error in neonatal intensive care units, both in the United States and globally." -- Not only is the process error-prone but it also makes it difficult for doctors to know if they've gotten the formula right. -- There's no blood test to measure whether a preemie received the right number of calories each day, for example, and unlike full-term babies, preemies don't necessarily cry when they are hungry and show contentment when they are full. -- "Nutrition is one of the areas of neonatal intensive care where we are weakest," said study coauthor David Stevenson, MD, a neonatologist and the Harold K. Faber Professor in Pediatrics.	T01	1,284
2513-011	Glucose Emerges As A Key Regulator Of Tissue Development In Health	A study from Stanford Medicine reveals glucose's unexpected role as a master regulator of tissue differentiation, in addition to being the primary energy source for cells. Glucose interacts with proteins to influence gene expression and tissue maturation, highlighting its significance in both diabetes and cancer research. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about glucose's function, suggesting its dual role may provide new avenues for therapeutic strategies.	Stanford Medicine	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	The sugar glucose, which is the main source of energy in almost every living cell, has been revealed in a Stanford Medicine study to also be a master regulator of tissue differentiation -- the process by which stem cells give rise to specialized cells that make up all the body's tissues. -- It does so not by being catabolized, or broken down, to release the energy sequestered in its chemical bonds, but instead by binding in its intact form to proteins that control which genes in the genome are made into proteins and when. -- The discovery of glucose's undercover double life was so surprising the researchers spent several years confirming their findings before publishing their results. -- "At first we just didn't believe it," said Paul Khavari, MD, PhD, chair of dermatology. -- "But the results of extensive follow-up experiments were clear: Glucose interacts with hundreds of proteins throughout the cell and modulates their function to promote differentiation." -- Understanding this new role for glucose has implications for the treatment of diabetes, in which blood sugar levels are elevated, and cancers, which are often made up largely of undifferentiated cells. -- Khavari, who is the Carl J. Herzog Professor in Dermatology in the School of Medicine and a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute, is the senior author of the research, which was published online March 21 in Cell Stem Cell. Research scientist Vanessa Lopez-Pajares, PhD, is the lead author of the study. -- A serendipitous finding -- Khavari and Lopez-Pajares didn't have glucose in their crosshairs when they began looking for molecules that drive cellular differentiation. -- Coupling a technique called mass spectrometry with high-throughput screening methods, they studied the rise and fall of thousands of biomolecules in human skin stem cells as the cells differentiated into mature keratinocytes -- the main type of cell in the outermost layer of our skin.	R01	1,285
2513-E017	Shingles Vaccine Linked To 20% Reduction In New Dementia Diagnoses	A study from Stanford Medicine reveals that the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia diagnoses by 20%, suggesting that vaccination could be a preventive measure against cognitive decline. By analyzing health records from older adults in Wales, researchers highlight the connection between viral infections affecting the nervous system and increased dementia risk, offering a promising intervention strategy.	Stanford Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	An unusual public health policy in Wales may have produced the strongest evidence yet that a vaccine can reduce the risk of dementia. In a new study led by Stanford Medicine, researchers analyzing the health records of Welsh older adults discovered that those who received the shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over the next seven years than those who did not receive the vaccine. -- The remarkable findings, to be published April 2 in Nature, support an emerging theory that viruses that affect the nervous system can increase the risk of dementia. If further confirmed, the new findings suggest that a preventive intervention for dementia is already close at hand. -- Lifelong infection -- Shingles, a viral infection that produces a painful rash, is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox -- varicella-zoster. After people contract chicken pox, usually in childhood, the virus stays dormant in the nerve cells for life. In people who are older or have weakened immune systems, the dormant virus can reactivate and cause shingles. -- Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide, with an estimated 10 million new cases every year. Decades of dementia research has largely focused on the accumulation of plaques and tangles in the brains of people with Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. But with no breakthroughs in prevention or treatment, some researchers are exploring other avenues -- including the role of certain viral infections. -- Previous studies based on health records have linked the shingles vaccine with lower dementia rates, but they could not account for a major source of bias: People who are vaccinated also tend to be more health conscious in myriad, difficult-to-measure ways. Behaviors such as diet and exercise, for instance, are known to influence dementia rates, but are not included in health records. -- "All these associational studies suffer from the basic problem that people who get vaccinated have different health behaviors than those who don't," said Pascal Geldsetzer, MD, PhD, assistant professor of medicine and senior author of the new study. "In general, they're seen as not being solid enough evidence to make any recommendations on." -- A natural experiment -- But two years ago, Geldsetzer recognized a fortuitous "natural experiment" in the rollout of the shingles vaccine in Wales that seemed to sidestep the bias. The vaccine used at that time contained a live-attenuated, or weakened, form of the virus. -- The vaccination program, which began Sept. 1, 2013, specified that anyone who was 79 on that date was eligible for the vaccine for one year. (People who were 78 would become eligible the next year for one year, and so on.) People who were 80 or older on Sept. 1, 2013, were out of luck -- they would never become eligible for the vaccine.	A01 H01 R01 R02	1,286
2502-E036	Microbes Beneath Sandy Beaches Play Key Role In Protecting Ocean Health	A Stanford-led study reveals that microbial communities beneath sandy beaches play a crucial role in filtering groundwater and maintaining ocean health. By investigating how these communities respond to rising sea levels, the research highlights the importance of understanding beach ecosystems, which act as natural filters for chemicals and pollutants before they reach the ocean.	Stanford University	Environmental Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Beneath sandy beaches, microbes filter chemicals from groundwater and safeguard ocean health. A Stanford-led study reveals that sneaker waves provide a lens to explore the impending impacts of sea level rise on beach hydrology, chemistry, and microbiology. -- A hidden world teeming with life lies below beach sands. New Stanford-led research sheds light on how microbial communities in coastal groundwater respond to infiltrating seawater. -- The study, published Dec. 22 in Environmental Microbiology, reveals the diversity of microbial life inhabiting these critical ecosystems and what might happen if they are inundated by rising seas. -- "Beaches can act as a filter between land and sea, processing groundwater and associated chemicals before they reach the ocean," said study co-first author Jessica Bullington, a Ph.D. student in Earth system science in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability. -- "Understanding how these ecosystems function is key to safeguarding their services in the face of sea level rise." -- The research team conducted the intensive study at Stinson Beach, north of San Francisco. -- Stinson Beach is representative of a "high-energy" beach, which has only a handful of previous papers on the microbiome worldwide. -- Microbial guardians -- Microbial communities living in groundwater within beach sand play a crucial role in maintaining coastal water quality. -- These microbes help break down chemicals, including excess nutrients like nitrogen, which can come from natural sources, such as decomposing plant matter, or human sources, like agricultural runoff and wastewater.	N02	1,287
2505-E037	Recycling Lithium-Ion Batteries Proves More Sustainable Than Mining New Materials	A recent Stanford University study reveals that recycling lithium-ion batteries is far more environmentally friendly than mining new materials, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water, and energy usage. By analyzing the recycling process, which recovers critical metals from manufacturing scraps and discarded batteries, the researchers found that it uses a fraction of the resources needed for traditional mining. This recycling approach not only alleviates supply insecurities of essential battery minerals but also offers a more sustainable solution to meet growing demands for electric vehicle infrastructure.	Stanford University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Depression affects 280 million people worldwide. The mental illness has been proven to lead to changes in eating behavior. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB), the University of Bonn and the University Hospital Tübingen have discovered that although patients with depression generally have less appetite, they prefer carbohydrate-rich foods. The results have now been published in the journal Psychological Medicine. -- Every depression is different. Some people affected by it can no longer leave the house; others are restricted but can continue with their regular lives. -- These differences are also evident in appetites. Patients, especially those with severe depression, often report changes in their appetite. -- "Many people with depression suffer from a general loss of appetite. Others have more appetite during a depressive episode and even develop food cravings -- especially for sweets. These changes can then lead to a change in body weight," explains corresponding author Prof. -- Nils Kroemer, who works at the University Hospital of Tübingen in the Department of Translational Psychiatry at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and is also Professor of Medical Psychology at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the UKB and thus conducts research at the University of Bonn. -- "Despite these reports, little is known about the eating preferences of patients with depression, even though this information could perhaps promote new therapeutic approaches." -- Carbohydrates are craved even in combination -- The study now shows for the first time that depression is associated with specific changes in eating preferences, which can be explained by the composition of the foods shown. -- Crucial components for preferences are so-called macronutrients, which make up our diet: carbohydrates, proteins and fats. -- Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for human cells.	C01	1,288
2505-E072	Genetic Pathways In Corn Enhance Water-Seeking, Potentially Increasing Drought Resistance	A Stanford-led study has identified key genetic pathways that enable corn roots to branch out for water, revealing important differences among varieties. With climate change exacerbating drought conditions, these findings may lead to the development of more drought-resistant corn strains, enhancing agricultural resilience and productivity. Understanding how corn adapts to its environment is crucial for future food security.	Stanford University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A new drug-free, minimally invasive intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in spinal muscle atrophy (SMA), an inherited neuromuscular disease. An intervention, which involves electrical stimulation of the sensory spinal nerves, can gradually reawaken functionally silent motor neurons in the spinal cord and improve leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA. The findings were reported by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers in Nature Medicine today. -- Early results from a pilot clinical trial in three human volunteers with SMA show that one month of regular neurostimulation sessions improved motoneuron function, reduced fatigue and improved strength and walking in all participants, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. -- The study is first to show that a neurotechnology can be engineered to reverse degeneration of neural circuits and rescue cell function in a human neurodegenerative disease. -- "To counteract neurodegeneration, we need two things -- stop neuron death and restore function of surviving neurons," said co-corresponding author Marco Capogrosso, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurosurgery at Pitt. -- "In this study we proposed an approach to treat the root cause of neural dysfunction, complementing existing neuroprotective treatments with a new approach that reverses nerve cell dysfunction." -- SMA is a genetic neurodegenerative disease that manifests in progressive death and functional decline of motor neurons -- nerve cells that control movement by transmitting signals from the brain and the spinal cord to the muscles. -- Over time, the loss of motor neurons causes gradual muscle weakness, and leads to a variety of motor deficits, including for the participants in this trial, difficulty in walking, climbing stairs and standing up from chairs. -- While there is no cure for SMA, several promising neuroprotective treatments have become available in the last decade. -- These include gene replacement therapies and medications, both of which stimulate the production of motoneuron-supporting proteins that prevent neuronal death and that slow down -- though do not reverse -- disease progression. -- Studies show that movement deficits in SMA emerge before widespread motoneuron death, suggesting that underlying dysfunction in spinal nerve circuitry may contribute to disease onset and symptom development.	H01 C01	1,289
2505-T007	Eliminating Coal Emissions Could Boost India’s Crop Yields By $820 Million Annually	Research indicates that eliminating coal emissions from power plants near Indian farmland could significantly boost wheat and rice production, with an estimated annual benefit of $820 million. Nitrogen dioxide pollution from coal-fired plants has been shown to decrease grain yields by over 10%, resulting in economic losses exceeding $800 million per year. This study emphasizes the trade-offs between coal energy generation and food security, highlighting the urgent need for cleaner energy alternatives in India.	Stanford University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the intestine, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation, or both. Although this condition affects about a tenth of the global population, the underlying causes and mechanisms of IBS remain unclear. Consequently, treatments for IBS primarily focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the disorder. -- At Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh and his research group have spent the past decade exploring this topic. This study published online in the British Journal of Pharmacology on December 25, 2024, discovered that a class of drugs called opioid delta-receptor (DOP) agonists may help alleviate IBS symptoms by targeting the central nervous system rather than acting directly on the intestine. This study was co-authored by Toshinori Yoshioka, a third-year PhD student at TUS. -- One of the main motivations for this study was the growing evidence linking IBS closely to psychological stress. Saitoh's group aimed to address this potential root cause by focusing on finding a novel animal model for this condition. In a study published in 2022, they developed a mice model repeatedly exposed to psychological stress -- using a method called chronic vicarious social defeat stress (cVSDS) -- which developed symptoms similar to a type of IBS called IBS-D. These symptoms included overly active intestines and heightened sensitivity to abdominal pain, even though their organs showed no physical damage. The cVSDS animal model involved having the subject mouse repeatedly witness a territorial, aggressive mouse defeating a cage mate, inducing indirect chronic stress. -- Using the cVSDS model, the researchers sought to determine whether DOP in the brain, which is closely linked to pain and mood regulation, could serve as promising drug targets for treating stress-induced IBS. To achieve this, they performed a series of detailed experiments to observe the effects of DOP agonists on IBS symptoms and chemical signaling in the brain. Some experiments involved measuring the speed of a charcoal meal through the intestine to assess gastrointestinal motility and evaluate the impact of stress or treatments on bowel movement speed, along with directly measuring neurotransmitter concentrations using in vivo brain microdialysis. This revealed that re-exposure to VSDS increased glutamate levels in the insular cortex, but these elevated levels were normalized with DOP agonists. -- According to the results, the administration of DOP agonists helped relieve abdominal pain and regulated bowel movements in cVSDS mice. Interestingly, applying the DOP agonists directly to a specific brain region called the insular cortex had similar effects on IBS symptoms as systemic treatment. "Our findings demonstrated that DOP agonists acted directly on the central nervous system to improve diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms in mice, and suggest that the mechanism of action involves the regulation of glutamate neurotransmission in the insular cortex," highlights Saitoh. -- Taken together, the continued research by Saitoh's group on this topic could pave the way for effective treatments for IBS. "DOP agonists could represent a groundbreaking new IBS treatment that not only improves IBS-like symptoms but also provides anti-stress and emotional regulation effects. In the future, we would like to conduct clinical developments with the goal of expanding the indication of DOP agonists for IBS, in addition to depression," remarks Saitoh. -- Compared to currently available IBS treatments, such as laxatives, antidiarrheals, analgesics, and antispasmodics, targeting the underlying stress with DOP agonists may offer a more definitive solution with minimal adverse effects. Further clarification of the roles of stress and brain chemistry in the development of IBS will be essential in achieving this much-needed medical breakthrough. With promising prospects, future studies will translate Saitoh's group's findings to humans, bringing great relief to those affected by IBS.	H01 C01	1,290
2507-T015	Discover How Common Minerals Can Rapidly Absorb And Store Carbon Dioxide From Air	Stanford University chemists have devised a low-cost method to convert common minerals into materials that can rapidly absorb and sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This innovative approach addresses a significant challenge in mitigating climate change by enhancing the natural weathering process to efficiently remove CO2. The technique is scalable and could be applied in various industries, contributing to efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.	Stanford University	Stanford University	Press Rel	PubMed	Stanford University chemists have developed a practical, low-cost way to permanently remove atmospheric carbon dioxide, the main driver of global warming and climate change. -- The new process uses heat to transform common minerals into materials that spontaneously pull carbon from the atmosphere and permanently sequester it. These reactive materials can be produced in conventional kilns, like those used to make cement. -- "The Earth has an inexhaustible supply of minerals that are capable of removing CO2 from the atmosphere, but they just don't react fast enough on their own to counteract human greenhouse gas emissions," said Matthew Kanan, a professor of chemistry in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences and senior author of the Jan. -- 19 study in Nature. "Our work solves this problem in a way that we think is uniquely scalable." -- Enhanced weathering -- In nature, common minerals called silicates react with water and atmospheric CO2 to form stable bicarbonate ions and solid carbonate minerals -- a process known as weathering. -- However, this reaction can take hundreds to thousands of years to complete. -- Since the 1990s, scientists have been searching for ways to make rocks absorb carbon dioxide more rapidly through enhanced weathering techniques. -- Kanan and Stanford postdoctoral scholar Yuxuan Chen developed and demonstrated in their lab a new process for converting slow-weathering silicates into much more reactive minerals that capture and store atmospheric carbon quickly. -- A grant from the Sustainability Accelerator at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability is now supporting efforts to move the research into practical applications.	C01	1,291
2509-083	New Antibodies Could Effectively Neutralize All COVID-19 Variants In Lab Tests	A Stanford-led team has identified two antibodies that effectively neutralize all known variants of the COVID-19 virus in laboratory settings. This promising discovery paves the way for developing durable treatments that can adapt to the virus's mutations, offering hope for long-term solutions against ever-evolving strains of SARS-CoV-2.	Stanford University	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A Stanford-led team has found two antibodies that can work together to defeat all SARS-CoV-2 variants. More research is needed, but the approach could help in the development of treatments to keep pace with evolving viruses. -- The virus that causes COVID-19 has been very good at mutating to keep infecting people -- so good that most antibody treatments developed during the pandemic are no longer effective. Now a team led by Stanford University researchers may have found a way to pin down the constantly evolving virus and develop longer-lasting treatments. -- The researchers discovered a method to use two antibodies, one to serve as a type of anchor by attaching to an area of the virus that does not change very much and another to inhibit the virus's ability to infect cells. This pairing of antibodies was shown to be effective against the initial SARS-CoV-2 virus that caused the pandemic and all its variants through omicron in laboratory testing. The findings are detailed in the journal Science Translational Medicine. -- "In the face of an ever-changing virus, we engineered a new generation of therapeutics that have the ability to be resistant to viral evolution, which could be useful many years down the road for the treatment of people infected with SARS-CoV-2," said Christopher O. Barnes, the study's senior author, an assistant professor of biology in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences and a scholar at Stanford'sSarafan CheM-H. -- An overlooked option -- The team led by Barnes and first author Adonis Rubio, a doctoral candidate in the Stanford School of Medicine, conducted this investigation using donated antibodies from patients who had recovered from COVID-19. Analyzing how these antibodies interacted with the virus, they found one that attaches to a region of the virus that does not mutate often. -- This area, within the Spike N-terminal domain, or NTD, had been overlooked because it was not directly useful for treatment. However, when a specific antibody attaches to this area, it remains stuck to the virus. This is useful when designing new therapies that enable another type of antibody to get a foothold and attach to the receptor-binding domain, or RBD, of the virus, essentially blocking the virus from binding to receptors in human cells. -- The researchers designed a series of these dual or "bispecific" antibodies, called CoV2-biRN, and in laboratory tests they showed high neutralization of all the variants of SARS-CoV-2 known to cause illness in humans. The antibodies also significantly reduced the viral load in the lungs of mice exposed to one version of the omicron variant. -- More research, including clinical trials, would have to be done before this discovery could be used as a treatment in human patients, but the approach is promising -- and not just for the virus that causes COVID-19. -- Next, the researchers will work to design bispecific antibodies that would be effective against all coronaviruses, the virus family including the ones that cause the common cold, MERS, and COVID-19. This approach could potentially also be effective against influenza and HIV, the authors said.	H01 R01	1,292
2511-049	Nature And Nurture Together Shape Infant Brain Development: New Insights Revealed	Researchers at Stanford have found that a balance between inherent brain structure and adaptable learning shapes our specialized visual processing areas. By studying infant brain connectivity, they bridge two competing theories about brain specialization, revealing a nuanced understanding of how experience and genetics collaborate in brain development.	Stanford University	Nature Human Behaviour	Press Rel	PubMed	Riddle me this: how can it be that reading these words activates nearly identical word-sensitive patches of the brain's visual system in you and nearly every other reader of this story? And that a different set of face-sensitive visual regions -- again in almost identical positions in each reader's brain -- would activate to process the faces of the researchers, should you meet them? -- For years, researchers have debated how our brains consistently develop areas specialized for recognizing faces, objects, words, and places, despite individuals having vastly different life experiences. -- Two competing theories have dominated this discussion. One proposes that these specialized brain regions are fully "hard-wired" from birth, predetermined by our genetic code. -- The other suggests that the brain begins as a "blank slate," with specialization emerging entirely through experience and environmental input. -- Now, a groundbreaking study from researchers at Stanford's Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and international collaborators offers a nuanced perspective that bridges these two extremes. -- The research emerged from the laboratory of Kalanit Grill-Spector, the Susan S. and William H. Hindle Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences and a Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute affiliate, and was led by psychology graduate student Emily Kubota, an alum of Wu Tsai Neuro's Mind, Brain, Computation and Technology program. -- The findings, published March 17 in Nature Human Behaviour, reveal that while key aspects of brain organization are present from birth, there's also significant capacity for flexibility and development through experience. -- "I was really curious about the idea that some things about humans are already set from birth, and then the environment and experience can change quite a lot as we develop," Kubota explained. -- "I really wanted to know what is set from birth and what has the capacity to change." -- The research focused on the ventral temporal cortex (VTC), a brain region crucial for visual recognition of objects, faces, words, and places.	R02 T01	1,293
2511-E014	Microlightning In Water May Have Sparked The Origins Of Life On Earth	A study from Stanford University reveals that microlightning in water sprays can produce organic molecules, potentially shedding light on the origins of life on Earth. This research supports the notion that smaller electrical charges, rather than singular lightning strikes, may have played a critical role in forming essential biological compounds.	Stanford University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Life may not have begun with a dramatic lightning strike into the ocean but from many smaller "microlightning" exchanges among water droplets from crashing waterfalls or breaking waves. -- New research from Stanford University shows that water sprayed into a mixture of gases thought to be present in Earth's early atmosphere can lead to the formation of organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds, including uracil, one of the components of DNA and RNA. -- The study, published in the journal Science Advances, adds evidence -- and a new angle -- to the much-disputed Miller-Urey hypothesis, which argues that life on the planet started from a lightning strike. -- That theory is based on a 1952 experiment showing that organic compounds could form with application of electricity to a mixture of water and inorganic gases. -- In the current study, the researchers found that water spray, which produces small electrical charges, could do that work all by itself, no added electricity necessary. -- "Microelectric discharges between oppositely charged water microdroplets make all the organic molecules observed previously in the Miller-Urey experiment, and we propose that this is a new mechanism for the prebiotic synthesis of molecules that constitute the building blocks of life," said senior authorRichard Zare, the Marguerite Blake Wilbur Professor of Natural Science and professor of chemistry in Stanford'sSchool of Humanities and Sciences. -- Microlightning's power and potential -- For a couple billion years after its formation, Earth is believed to have had a swirl of chemicals but almost no organic molecules with carbon-nitrogen bonds, which are essential for proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, chlorophyll, and other compounds that make up living things today. -- How these biological components came about has long puzzled scientists, and the Miller-Urey experiment provided one possible explanation: that lightning striking into the ocean and interacting with early planet gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen could create these organic molecules. -- Critics of that theory have pointed out that lightning is too infrequent and the ocean too large and dispersed for this to be a realistic cause.	A01 R02 N01 T01	1,294
2512-E039	Melting Ice And Rain Contribute To Southern Ocean Cooling Trend Over Decades	Researchers at Stanford University have identified that increased meltwater and rainfall explain a significant cooling trend in the Southern Ocean, contradicting climate models predicting warming. The study highlights the need for improved climate models that incorporate glacial meltwater effects, which are crucial for accurate projections of future climate scenarios and sea level rise.	Stanford University	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Global climate models predict that the ocean around Antarctica should be warming, but in reality, those waters have cooled over most of the past four decades. -- The discrepancy between model results and observed cooling, Stanford University scientists have now found, comes down mainly to missing meltwater and underestimated rainfall. -- "We found that the Southern Ocean cooling trend is actually a response to global warming, which accelerates ice sheet melting and local precipitation," said Earle Wilson, an assistant professor of Earth system science in the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and senior author of the March 27 study in Geophysical Research Letters. -- As rising temperatures melt Antarctica's ice sheet and cause more precipitation, the Southern Ocean's upper layer is growing less salty -- and thus, less dense. This creates a lid that limits the exchange of cool surface waters with warmer waters below. "The fresher you make that surface layer, the harder it is to mix warm water up," Wilson explained. -- But this freshening is not fully represented in state-of-the-art climate models -- a flaw that scientists have long recognized as a major source of uncertainty in projections of future sea level rise. "The impact of glacial meltwater on ocean circulation is completely missing from most climate models," Wilson said. -- Reconciling global discrepancies -- The mismatch between observed and simulated sea surface temperatures around Antarctica is part of a larger challenge for scientists and governments seeking to prepare for climate impacts. Global climate models generally do not accurately simulate the cooling observed over the past 40 years in the Southern Ocean and the eastern Pacific around the equator or the intensity of the warming observed in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. There is also a discrepancy between simulations and the observed frequency of La Niña weather conditions, defined by the eastern Pacific being colder than average. -- Warming events in the Southern Ocean over roughly the past eight years have somewhat diminished the 40-year-long cooling trend. But if sea surface temperature trends around the globe continue to resemble patterns that have emerged in recent decades, rather than shifting toward the patterns predicted in simulations, it would change scientists' expectations for some near-term impacts from climate change. "Our results may help reconcile these global discrepancies," Wilson said. -- Oceans globally have absorbed more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities and more than 90% of the excess heat trapped in our climate system by greenhouse gases. "The Southern Ocean is one of the primary places that happens," said lead study author Zachary Kaufman, a postdoctoral scholar in Earth system science. -- As a result, the Southern Ocean has an outsized influence on global sea level rise, ocean heat uptake, and carbon sequestration. Its surface temperatures affect El Niño and La Niña weather patterns, which influence rainfall as far away as California.	A01	1,295
2511-E009	Critically Endangered Killifish Species Discovered In Kenyan Forest	A critically endangered new killifish species, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been identified in an ancient forest in Kenya, marking it as the first known endemic killifish to thrive in such an environment. This significant discovery was detailed in Zootaxa, where researchers utilized physical trait analysis and DNA sequencing to confirm the species' uniqueness. Their research emphasizes the importance of preserving delicate ecosystems that harbor such rare biodiversity.	Stellenbosch University	Zootaxa	Press Rel	PubMed	A critically endangered new species of killifish sampled from an ancient forest in Kenya in 2017 and 2018 has been described in the journal Zootaxa. -- Nothobranchius sylvaticus, from the Latin meaning "pertaining to the forest," is also the first known endemic killifish to persist in a forest. -- Prof. Dirk Bellstedt, emeritus professor of biochemistry at Stellenbosch University (SU), was part of the team of international scientists who sampled the fish from ephemeral swamps in the Gongoni Forest in south-eastern coastal Kenya. -- These expeditions in 2017 and 2018 were part of an "Off the beaten track" research project, supported by the Volkswagen Foundation in Germany. -- The team performed both a principal component analysis, based on the physical traits of the fish, as well as DNA sequencing, to confirm that it is indeed a new species. -- A dated phylogenetic analysis, the most comprehensive for the genus, indicated that the N. sylvaticus lineage diverged from its sister species about 7.09 million years ago. -- According to Bellstedt, this finding indicates that the Gongoni Forest itself is more than 7.09 million years old. -- Comprising only about 8.2 square kilometers, this ancient forest is a typical example of the East African Mosaic -- a combination of savannah interspersed with forest patches that stretches from as far south as Pondoland in South Africa to as far north as southern coastal Somalia. -- Since 2015, the team has been combining next-generation DNA sequencing of fish groups, such as Africa's famous cichlid fishes, with high precision rock dating of key landforms in eastern Africa. -- The aim is to reconstruct the tectonic development of central Africa over the past 20 million years.	C01	1,296
2511-T038	Record-Breaking Quantum Satellite Link Established In The Southern Hemisphere	A collaborative effort has led to the establishment of the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever quantum satellite communication link, achieving the longest intercontinental ultra-secure connection to date. Utilizing China's quantum microsatellite Jinan-1, this milestone enables real-time generation of quantum keys for secure image transmission between ground stations in China and South Africa. The project demonstrates the potential of quantum communication technology for secure information transfer, marking a significant advancement in global communications.	Stellenbosch University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from South Africa and China have successfully established the world's longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link, spanning 12,900 km. Using the Chinese quantum microsatellite Jinan-1, launched into low Earth orbit, this milestone marks the first-ever quantum satellite communication link established in the Southern Hemisphere. -- In this demonstration, quantum keys were generated in real-time through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), enabling the secure encryption of images transmitted between ground stations in China and South Africa via one-time pad encryption -- considered unbreakable. -- The results from this pioneering experiment from a collaborative research initiative between scientists from Stellenbosch University (South Africa) and the University of Science and Technology of China were published in Nature today -- Stellenbosch's ideal environmental conditions -- clear skies and low humidity -- allowed the local ground station to achieve an exceptional key generation rate of 1.07 million secure bits during a single satellite pass. -- Quantum communication leverages fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, guaranteeing highly secure information transfer. -- Quantum Key Distribution, a critical component, employs single photons to encode and transmit secure keys. -- Because single photons cannot be intercepted, copied, or measured without altering their quantum states, this technology provides unparalleled security, even against powerful adversaries. -- China has impressive accomplishments in quantum communication technology, guided by quantum physicist Prof Jian-Wei Pan. -- The country's extensive quantum infrastructure includes a 2,000 km terrestrial fibre-based quantum network connecting 32 trusted nodes across major cities, from Beijing to Shanghai. -- Prof Juan Yin was instrumental in developing China's first quantum satellite, Micius, previously demonstrated groundbreaking satellite-based quantum links, including a notable 7,600 km intercontinental link between China and Austria in 2017.	C01 T01	1,297
2506-E012	AI Reveals Vulnerabilities Of Solar-Powered Homes During Extreme Weather Events	Research at Stevens Institute of Technology utilizes AI tools to assess the vulnerabilities of solar-powered and electrified homes to extreme weather, providing critical insights for emergency management. As climate change intensifies, understanding how these homes respond to harsh conditions is essential for ensuring the resilience of energy systems and maintaining public safety during power disruptions.	Stevens Institute of Technology	Journal of Smart Cities and Society	Press Rel	PubMed	As winter storms and summer heat waves increasingly stress the nation's power grids, Stevens researchers have developed a new way to identify the homes most vulnerable to blackouts -- without even visiting them. -- The timing couldn't be more critical. With more than a quarter of U.S. homes already fully electric, and solar installations set to triple during the next five years, understanding vulnerabilities has become critical for emergency planning and public safety. -- "We're racing toward electrification to combat climate change, but we must also understand the risks involved," says Stevens professor Philip Odonkor, who led the research project. -- "So, what happens to these solar and electric homes when the power goes out?" -- Summer strength, winter blues -- Odonkor, with recent graduates and AI summer fellows Andrew Majowicz M.Eng. -- '24 and Chetan Popli M.S. '24, set out to answer that question. -- In a new study published in the Journal of Smart Cities and Society, they explore the future of electrified American homes by leveraging AI and analyzing Department of Energy (DOE) building-stock data. -- The team dug deep into the energy patterns of 129,000 single-family homes across eight states. -- Their goal? Uncover the hidden energy "signatures" that distinguish fully electrified homes -- those powered entirely by electricity -- from those that use a mix of energy sources.	A01 H02 C01 T01	1,298
2506-061	Discover Your Relationship Satisfaction With The New Valentine's Scale Self-Test	Just in time for Valentine's Day, researchers have introduced the 'Valentine's Scale', a new tool that scientifically gauges relationship satisfaction. By answering seven questions, individuals can quickly assess the state of their romantic partnerships. This scale could aid in enhancing mental well-being by providing insights into relationship dynamics.	Stockholm University	Cognitive Behaviour Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	Answer seven questions and get an indication of how your relationship is right now. Just in time for Valentine's Day, researchers at Stockholm University are publishing a new study in the journal Cognitive Behaviour Therapy that introduces a scientifically validated scale, the 'Valentine's Scale'. The scale measures how satisfied you are in your love relationship. -- Romantic relationships are one of the most important factors in people's psychological well-being and can contribute to improving quality of life and preventing mental health problems. -- Despite this, there is often a lack of reliable and easily accessible tools to measure the state of romantic relationships. -- This is where the Valentine Scale plays an important role, says Per Carlbring, professor of psychology at Stockholm University and one of the researchers behind the study. -- "This scale makes it possible to quickly and efficiently get an idea of how a relationship is doing, without having to go through long and complicated interviews or questionnaires. It can even be used during couples counselling to monitor progress over time," he says. -- The Valentine's Scale consists of seven questions that touch on key aspects of a relationship, such as emotional closeness, trust and conflict resolution. -- The results are accompanied by concrete tips on exercises in everyday life that can help strengthen the relationship. -- Scientific basis and credibility -- Two extensive studies with over 1,300 participants show that the Valentine Scale has high reliability over time. -- It was also found to have strong correlations with other established measures of relationship satisfaction, such as the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and Quality of Dyadic Relationships.	H01	1,299
2507-E046	Sustainable Hair Conditioner Developed Using Biobased Lignin Gel Emulsions	Stockholm University researchers have created a fully biobased hair conditioner using lignin gel emulsions, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional products. This innovative formulation stabilizes natural oils while minimizing synthetic components, emphasizing lignin's potential in eco-friendly haircare solutions, as detailed in a study published in Science Advances.	Stockholm University	Stockholm University	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a fully biobased hair conditioner using lignin gel emulsions, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional haircare products. -- Hair conditioners typically contain 20-30 ingredients, many derived from petroleum and oleochemicals, raising concerns about sustainability and environmental impact. -- A new study published in Science Advances, demonstrates that micellar lignin gels can effectively stabilize emulsions with natural oils, reducing the need for synthetic surfactants and complex stabilizers commonly used in commercial formulations. -- The research team, led by Mika Sipponen at Stockholm University, sought to explore lignin, a common and renewable component in wood biomass, as a multifunctional component for hair conditioning. -- "Our findings highlight lignin's potential as a stabilizer in oil-in-water emulsions, enabling a more natural and sustainable approach to hair conditioning," says Mika Sipponen. -- "By using wood-derived lignin directly without any chemical modification, we not only simplify the ingredient list but also eliminate the need for organic solvents, making the process more eco-friendly." -- Comparable to commercial hair conditioners -- The lignin gel-based conditioner was tested against a commercial hair conditioner, showing comparable emulsion stability, viscosity, and conditioning performance. -- A formulation with 6 percent coconut oil effectively lubricated damaged hair, reducing wet combing force by 13 percent, as confirmed by combing force measurements and multiscale microscopy analysis. -- Importantly, the product was easily rinsed off from paper and skin with cold water despite its dark color, demonstrating practical usability.	Z01	1,300
2511-E042	Study Reveals Insights Into 'Selfish' Genes And Their Effects	A recent study uncovers the behavior of 'selfish' genes, which are passed down through generations without benefiting the host organism, sometimes even harming fertility. Researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research investigated these genes in fission yeast, revealing how they cheat inheritance mechanisms. The study highlights the evolutionary success of these genes and provides insights into their potential impacts on various life forms, deepening our understanding of genetics and inheritance.	Stowers Institute for Medical Research	PLOS Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Lurking within the genomes of nearly all species -- including plants, fungi, and even humans -- are genes that are passed from generation to generation with no clear benefit to the organism. Called "selfish" genes, they can sometimes be harmful or even lethal. A recent study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research sheds new light on how selfish genes "cheat" inheritance to ensure they are passed to the next generation, often at the expense of an organism's fertility. -- The collaboration between the labs of Associate Investigators SaraH Zanders, Ph.D., and Randal Halfmann, Ph.D., investigated these selfish genes in fission yeast, a single-celled organism and powerful system for genetic research. -- The teams uncovered common principles in how the widely variable wtf selfish gene family harms cells, and these properties likely exist across many forms of life. -- Published in PLoS Genetics, the findings reveal that the ability of these selfish genes to rapidly evolve contributes to their long-term evolutionary success yet can also occasionally lead to their own self-destruction. -- Selfish genes operate by "driving" or favoring their own transmission during reproduction. -- The most extreme class, called killer meiotic drivers, create toxic proteins that destroy reproductive cells -- except for those that inherit the gene that are saved by also making a protein "antidote." -- This research expands on a previous study describing how one wtf gene (wtf4) is passed on from generation to generation. -- The current study, led by Predoctoral Researcher Ananya Srinivasa Nidamangala from the Zanders Lab, explored whether all functional wtf genes -- there are hundreds -- rely on similar molecular mechanisms and which protein features were necessary for function. -- Several key discoveries emerged. The killing ability of wtf genes originates from the way Wtf poison proteins aggregate or form clusters. -- Their matching antidotes also cluster together, and the poison and antidote must co-assemble to rescue developing gametes, or reproductive cells.	A01 H01 R02 N01 T01	1,301
2510-008	Can Finger Length And Height Predict Lactate Levels In Female Footballers?	New research aims to predict lactate production in female professional footballers during exercise by examining physical attributes like finger length and height. Understanding lactate levels is crucial for evaluating athletic performance, especially with the upcoming 2025 Euros drawing attention to women's football.	Swansea University	Early Human Development	Press Rel	PubMed	With the 2025 Euros just a few months away, attention continues to grow around women's football. Now new research involving Swansea University is focusing on female professional footballers and the levels of lactate they produce during exercise. -- Regarded as the preferred fuel for nerve and muscle cells, vigorous exercise results in the release of lactate into the blood stream but high levels may indicate that the body is in a state of stress. -- Scientists are trying to find out if it is possible to predict just how much lactate a person will produce based on the physical attributes of finger length and height. -- The relationship between the length of a person's index and ring fingers, known as the 2D:4D ratio, has already been correlated with their performance in distance running, age at heart attack and severity of Covid-19. -- Now Professor John Manning, of Swansea's Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine (A-STEM) research team, has been working with colleagues in Cyprus, Poland and Spain to monitor the performance of male and female professional footballers. -- Two recent studies have shown a rapid accumulation of lactate in both male and female players during treadmill tests with running speeds up to 16 Km/h. -- The team's latest findings highlighting the females' results have just been published by journal Early Human Development and follow on from last year's paper examining male players. -- Some footballers showed very small increases in lactate while others registered a rapid increase. -- In males, digit ratio or 2D:4D -- the relative length of the index (or second finger) and ring finger (4th) -- was the strongest predictor of lactate. -- Professor Manning said: "Men with a long ring finger relative to their index finger produced little in the way of lactate. For women, there were two predictors, height and 2D:4D. Lactate levels were low for tall women and women with a long ring finger relative to their index finger. The link here is thought to be testosterone-oestrogen balance in the womb and at puberty."	H01 H02 R01	1,302
2502-E005	Innovative Fungal Battery Requires Feeding, Representing A Breakthrough In Sustainable Power Solutions	Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery that can generate electricity while being environmentally friendly. This innovative battery, which provides power for agricultural sensors and other applications, demonstrates the potential for using living materials in energy production, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional batteries that are often harmful to the environment.	Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Fungi are a source of fascination. This kingdom of life -- more closely related to animals than to plants -- encompasses an enormous variety. Everything can be found here: from edible mushrooms to molds, from single-celled life to the largest organism on Earth, from disease-causing pathogens to superheroes that produce medicines. Now, Empa researchers have coaxed another ability out of fungi: generating electricity. -- As part of a three-year research project, supported by the Gebert Rüf Stiftung as part of their Microbials funding program, researchers from Empa's Cellulose and Wood Materials laboratory have developed a functioning fungal battery. -- The living cells do not produce a whole lot of electricity -- but enough to power a temperature sensor for several days, for example. -- Such sensors are used in agriculture or in environmental research. -- The biggest advantage of the fungal battery: Unlike conventional batteries, it is not only completely non-toxic but also biodegradable. -- Fungi from the printer -- Strictly speaking, the cell is not a battery, but a so-called microbial fuel cell. -- Like all living things, microorganisms convert nutrients into energy. -- Microbial fuel cells make use of this metabolism and capture part of the energy as electricity. -- Until now, they have mostly been powered by bacteria. "For the first time, we have combined two types of fungi to create a functioning fuel cell," says Empa researcher Carolina Reyes.	C01 N01 N02	1,303
2507-T011	A Molecular Solution To The Non-Repeating Tiling Problem Discovered	Researchers have provided a chemical solution to the 'Einstein problem,' revealing a molecule that forms aperiodic patterns on surfaces. This discovery not only advances our understanding of complex arrangements in nature but may also lead to novel physical properties, bridging the gap between mathematics and chemistry.	Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)	Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)	Press Rel	PubMed	Is it possible to tile a surface with a single shape in such a way that the pattern never repeats itself? In 2022, a mathematical solution to this "einstein problem" was discovered for the first time. Empa researchers have now also found a chemical solution: a molecule that arranges itself into complex, non-repeating patterns on a surface. The resulting aperiodic layer could even exhibit novel physical properties. -- Standing at the intersection between mathematics and the tiler's trade is the so-called Einstein problem. Despite its name, this mathematical question has nothing to do with the Nobel Prize winner Albert Einstein. It asks: Can you seamlessly tile an endless surface with a single shape (an "Einstein") in such a way that the resulting pattern is never repeated? Such a "proto-tile" was first discovered in 2022 by the English amateur mathematician David Smith. -- Empa researcher Karl-Heinz Ernst is neither a mathematician nor a tiler. As a chemist, he researches the crystallization of molecules on metal surfaces. He never expected to deal with the Einstein problem in his professional life -- until his doctoral student Jan Voigt approached him with the unusual results of an experiment. When a certain molecule crystallized on a silver surface, instead of the expected regular structure, irregular patterns were formed that never seemed to repeat themselves. Even more surprising: Each time he repeated the experiment, different aperiodic patterns emerged. -- Like all good researchers, Ernst and Voigt initially suspected an experimental error. But it soon became clear that the strange finding was real. The next step was to find out why the molecules behaved in such a unique way. The researchers recently published the answer to this question in the journal Nature Communications. -- Unexpected effects -- Ernst and Voigt are interested in so-called chirality, the "handedness" that characterizes many organic molecules. Although chiral structures are chemically identical, they cannot be rotated into one another -- similar to our right and left hands. This property is particularly important in the pharmaceutical industry. More than half of all modern medicines are chiral. Since biomolecules such as amino acids, sugars and proteins in our body all have the same handedness, active pharmaceutical ingredients must also be chiral. A drug with the wrong handedness is ineffective at best and at worst even harmful. -- Controlling handedness during the synthesis of organic molecules is therefore of enormous interest in chemistry. One of the possibilities is the crystallization of chiral molecules. It is cheap, effective and widely used -- and yet not fully understood. The Empa researchers originally wanted to further this understanding with their experiment. To do this, they took a very special molecule, one that easily changes its handedness at room temperature -- something that most chiral molecules practically never do. -- "We expected the molecules to arrange themselves in the crystal according to their handedness," explains Karl-Heinz Ernst, "that is, either alternating or in groups with the same handedness." Instead, the molecules seemingly randomly arranged themselves into triangles of different sizes, which in turn formed irregular spirals on the surface -- the non-repeating or aperiodic structure that the researchers initially thought was a mistake. -- From puzzle pieces to physics -- After a lot of puzzling, Voigt and Ernst finally managed to decipher the molecular patterns -- not only through physics and mathematics, but also by trying them out with actual puzzle pieces on the computer or even at home at the kitchen table. The arrangement of the molecules is not completely random. They form triangles that measure between two and 15 molecules per side. In each experiment, one triangle size dominated. What's more, triangles one size larger and one size smaller were also represented -- but no others.	T01	1,304
2510-T020	3D Printed Artificial Muscles Aim To Mimic Real Muscle Movement	Empa researchers have developed a new method for creating artificial muscles that closely mimic the properties of real muscles through 3D printing. These soft, elastic structures hold promise for applications in medicine and robotics, potentially aiding movement for those in need. The challenge lies in balancing the materials' electrical properties during the printing process to achieve actuators capable of converting electrical impulses into smooth, muscle-like movements.	Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)	Advanced Materials Technologies	Press Rel	PubMed	Empa researchers are working on artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic, yet powerful structures using 3D printing. One day, these could be used in medicine or robotics -- and anywhere else where things need to move at the touch of a button. -- Artificial muscles don't just get robots moving: One day, they could support people at work or when walking, or replace injured muscle tissue. However, developing artificial muscles that can compare to the real thing is a major technical challenge. In order to keep up with their biological counterparts, artificial muscles must not only be powerful, but also elastic and soft. At their core, artificial muscles are so-called actuators: Components that convert electrical impulses into movement. Actuators are used wherever something moves at the push of a button, whether at home, in a car engine or in highly developed industrial plants. However, these hard mechanical components do not have much in common with muscles just yet. -- Reconciling contradictions -- A team of researchers from Empa's Laboratory for Functional Polymers is working on actuators made of soft materials. Now, for the first time, they have developed a method for producing such complex components using a 3D printer. The so-called dielectric elastic actuators (DEA) consist of two different silicone-based materials: a conductive electrode material and a non-conductive dielectric. These materials interlock in layers. "It's a bit like interlacing your fingers," explains Empa researcher Patrick Danner. If an electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes, the actuator contracts like a muscle. When the voltage is switched off, it relaxes to its original position. -- 3D printing such a structure is not trivial, Danner knows. Despite their very different electrical properties, the two soft materials should behave very similarly during the printing process. They should not mix but must still hold together in the finished actuator. The printed "muscles" must be as soft as possible so that an electrical stimulus can cause the required deformation. Added to this are the requirements that all 3D printable materials must fulfill: They must liquefy under pressure so that they can be extruded out of the printer nozzle. Immediately thereafter, however, they should be viscous enough to retain the printed shape. "These properties are often in direct contradiction," says Danner. "If you optimize one of them, three others change … usually for the worse." -- From a VR glove to a beating heart -- In collaboration with researchers from ETH Zurich, Danner and Dorina Opris, who leads the research group Functional Polymeric Materials, have succeeded in reconciling many of these contradictory properties. Two special inks, developed at Empa, are printed into functioning soft actuators using a nozzle developed by ETH researchers Tazio Pleij and Jan Vermant. The collaboration is part of the large-scale project Manufhaptics, which is part of the ETH Domain's strategic area Advanced Manufacturing. The aim of the project is to develop a glove that makes virtual worlds tangible. The artificial muscles are designed to simulate the gripping of objects through resistance. -- However, there are far more potential applications for soft actuators. They are light, noiseless and, thanks to the new 3D printing process, can be shaped as required. They could replace conventional actuators in cars, machinery and robotics. If they are developed even further, they could also be used for medical applications. Dorina Opris and Patrick Danner are already working on it. Their new process can be used to print not only complex shapes, but also long elastic fibers. "If we manage to make them just a little thinner, we can get pretty close to how real muscle fibers work," says Opris. The researcher believes that in future it may be possible to print an entire heart from these fibers. However, there is still a lot to do before such a dream becomes a reality.	R01 N02 T01	1,305
2511-T011	Quantum Spin Model Experiment Recreated Using Nanographene Molecules	In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers have recreated a fundamental quantum physics model using nanographenes, paving the way for further exploration into quantum technologies. The successful experimental demonstration of both alternating and homogeneous spin chain models provides valuable insights that could drive future breakthroughs in the field.	Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2024, Empa researchers and their partners successfully for the first time realized a so-called one-dimensional alternating Heisenberg model with a synthetic material. This theoretical quantum-physical model, known for nearly a century, describes a linear chain of spins -- a type of quantum magnetism. Now, the researchers led by Roman Fasel, head of Empa's nanotech@surfaces laboratory, have also been able to reconstruct the model's "sibling" in the lab. -- In the alternating model, spins are linked in a pattern of alternating strong and weak couplings. -- In the new model, however, the spins are evenly connected. This seemingly minor difference results in fundamentally different properties: The spins in the homogeneous chain are strongly entangled and exhibit long-range correlations, with no energy gap between the ground state and the excited states. -- In contrast, the alternating chain develops an energy gap, and its spins tend to form strong pairwise bonds, with correlations rapidly decreasing (exponentially). The researchers were able to precisely confirm these predictions of theoretical quantum physics in their nanographene spin chains. -- The corresponding findings have just been published in the latest edition of Nature Materials. -- Both models were realized with nanographenes, tiny fragments of the two-dimensional carbon material graphene. -- By precisely controlling the shape of these fragments, the researchers can manipulate their (quantum) physical properties. -- The goal is to develop a material platform that allows various quantum models and effects to be experimentally studied. -- Moving quantum technologies a (tiny) step closer to practical applications -- The two Heisenberg experiments highlight this approach. For the alternating spin chain model, the researchers used so-called Clar's goblets as their starting material, hourglass-shaped nanographene molecules consisting of eleven carbon rings.	C01	1,306
2501-032	Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Strains Spread, Threatening Global Health Efforts.	A study from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute reveals concerning trends in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) spreading among patients. The findings underscore the urgent need for improved surveillance and control measures to combat the rising threat of antibiotic resistance in TB treatment.	Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's biggest infectious disease killer with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) posing a particular threat to global health. A study led by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) shows that resistance to the new MDR-TB treatment regimen recently recommended by the World Health Organization is already spreading between patients. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlight the urgent need for better surveillance and infection control to counteract the rise in antimicrobial resistance. -- Multidrug-resistant TB is a major concern -- More than 10 million people fall sick with tuberculosis (TB) every year. The disease remains the world's biggest infectious disease killers with an estimated 1.25 million annual deaths. The disease is still found in every country, but certain regions, such as India, Central Asia and Southern Africa, bear a particularly high burden. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) continues to pose a major public health threat, adding to the growing concern of rising antimicrobial resistance. -- The traditional treatment regimen for MDR-TB is lengthy, expensive, and comes with severe adverse event. In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed a new 6-month regimen -- the BPaL(M) -, based on evidence of its improved safety and efficacy from numerous clinical studies, including TB-PRACTECAL. -- Monitoring the implementation of a new treatment regimen -- "While this new regimen is a game changer for patients suffering from MDR-TB, we knew that it will be difficult to outsmart Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria causing TB," said Sébastien Gagneux, Head of the Department Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology at Swiss TPH and senior author of the study. "It was therefore crucial to study how the TB bacteria would react to the global roll-out of this new regimen." -- A study led by Swiss TPH in collaboration with the National Centre for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Tbilisi, Georgia, published yesterday in the New England Journal of Medicine now examined in detail whether resistance to the drugs in the new regimen has already emerged since its introduction, and whether this resistance is transmitting between patients. -- Over a quarter of resistant strains result from transmission between patients -- The researchers analysed the genomes of close to 90,000 M. tuberculosis strains from Georgia and many other countries around the world. They identified a total of 514 strains that were resistant to TB drugs, including both the old and the new treatment regimens. These highly drug-resistant strains were found in 27 countries across four continents. -- Alarmingly, 28% of these strains were transmitted directly from one patient to another. "We already had anecdotal evidence of resistance emerging to the new regimen, but we did not know to what extent transmission was responsible for the spread of these highly drug-resistant strains," said Galo A. Goig, postdoctoral collaborator at Swiss TPH and first author of the study.	H01 R01	1,307
2504-T015	Record-Breaking Bandwidth Achieved With Innovative Ultra-Thin Absorbers	A research team from Syracuse University has proposed a groundbreaking design for ultra-thin absorbers that achieve an unprecedented bandwidth-to-thickness ratio, far surpassing conventional absorbers. These innovative materials are pivotal for advancements in energy harvesting, stealth technology, and communication networks, as they efficiently capture electromagnetic waves across a wide frequency range. The potential applications of this technology could lead to the development of sustainable, self-powered devices and significantly enhance the performance of networks by minimizing electromagnetic interference in our interconnected world.	Syracuse University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A Syracuse University research team has introduced a new concept for designing ultra-thin absorbers that enables absorbing layers with a record-high bandwidth-to-thickness ratio, potentially several times greater than that of absorbers designed using conventional approaches. -- Absorbing layers have been fundamental to advancements in technologies like energy harvesting, stealth systems, and communication networks. -- These absorbers efficiently capture electromagnetic waves across broad frequency ranges, enabling the development of sustainable, self-powered devices such as remote sensors and internet of things (IoT) systems. -- In addition to energy applications, these layers are pivotal in stealth technology, where they minimize radar visibility and enhance the performance of aircraft and naval systems. -- They also play a crucial role in improving communication networks by reducing stray signals and mitigating electromagnetic interference, making them essential in our increasingly interconnected world. -- Advancements in these technologies requires modules with greater functionality and broader bandwidths, all within smaller footprints, driving the demand for ultra-thin absorbing layers with significantly higher absorption bandwidths. -- However, a theoretical upper bound exists on the bandwidth-to-thickness ratio of metal-backed, passive, linear, and time-invariant absorbing layers. -- Absorbers developed to date, irrespective of their operational frequency range or material thickness, significantly underperform when compared to this upper bound, failing to exploit the full potential that passive, linear, and time-invariant systems can provide. -- In a new research paper published in Nature Communications, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Professor Younes Ra'di and his research team introduced a new concept for designing ultra-thin absorbers that enables absorbing layers with a record-high bandwidth-to-thickness ratio, potentially several times greater than that of absorbers designed using conventional approaches. -- Absorbers designed based on this concept can achieve a bandwidth-to-thickness ratio arbitrarily close to the ultimate bound.	T01	1,308
2505-113	New Method Detects Congestive Heart Failure With Incredible Precision	Researchers at Tampere University have developed a novel method for detecting congestive heart failure with greater precision by analyzing heartbeats. This multidisciplinary study combines insights from cardiology and computational physics, potentially enabling reliable detection using accessible tools like smartwatches, revolutionizing heart disease diagnostics.	Tampere University	Heart Rhythm O2	Press Rel	PubMed	Ever notice how much more tempting it is to pick up fast food for dinner after being stuck in traffic? It's not just you. New University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research shows that traffic delays significantly increase visits to fast food restaurants, leading to unhealthier eating for millions each year. -- "In our analysis focusing on Los Angeles County, unexpected traffic delays beyond the usual congestion led to a 1% increase in fast food visits. That might not sound like a lot, but it's equivalent to 1.2 million more fast food visits per year in LA County alone. We describe our results as being modest but meaningful in terms of potential for changing unhealthy food choices," said study author Becca Taylor, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Taylor and her co-authors had access to daily highway traffic patterns over more than two years in Los Angeles, along with data showing how many cell phone users entered fast-food restaurants in the same time period. -- With these data, the team created a computational model showing a causal link between unexpected traffic slow-downs and fast food visits. -- This pattern held at various time scales, including 24-hour cycles and by the hour throughout a given day. -- When analyzed by the day, traffic delays of just 30 seconds per mile were enough to spike fast-food visits by 1%. -- "It might not be intuitive to imagine what a 30-second delay per mile feels like," Taylor said. -- "I think of it as the difference between 10 a.m. traffic and 5 p.m. traffic." -- When the researchers broke the day into hour-long segments, they found a significantly greater number of fast food visits when traffic delays hit during the evening rush hour. -- At the same time, grocery store visits declined slightly.	A01 T01	1,309
2508-040	Innovative Drug Screening Method Targets Specific Molecules For Better Treatment Efficacy	A research group at Tampere University has created a new drug screening method that targets specific molecules for tissue penetration through the bloodstream. This innovative approach could significantly improve drug delivery systems, particularly for challenging conditions like cancer and brain diseases, enhancing overall treatment efficacy.	Tampere University	Life Science Alliance	Press Rel	PubMed	A method developed by a research group at Tampere University seeks specific molecules that can target desired tissues through the bloodstream and penetrate tissues by passing through cells. This innovation could help solve issues related to drug treatments for, for example, cancer and brain diseases, particularly as regards drug efficacy. -- The study led by Professor Tero Järvinen at Tampere University has developed a new drug screening method. -- The method enables the screening of billions of molecules and helps to solve problems related to drug delivery in the body. -- The study was published in the journal Life Science Alliance on 11 February 2025. -- The screening method is based on combining phage display and microdialysis performed in a living organism with modern high throughput sequencing technologies. -- Phage display is a true 'golden goose' of drug development. It is a laboratory technique whose development earned its inventor a Nobel Prize and has been used to discover most of the top 100 best-selling drugs in the world. -- In phage display, billions of protein fragments, or peptides, can be screened based on their desired characteristics. -- Such a property could be, for example, their ability to bind to a specific receptor or cell type. -- Microdialysis, on the other hand, is a method that can collect and analyse small molecules from tissue fluid, for example, directly from diseased tissue. -- The novelty in the new screening method is that the microdialysis catheter can be used to capture bacteriophages expressing the screened peptides.	H01 R01 R02	1,310
2508-T011	Self-Imaging Light Applications: New Dimensions In Optical Communication	A team of researchers has applied the centuries-old phenomenon of light self-imaging to cylindrical systems, opening new avenues for controlling light structures. Their findings could facilitate advancements in optical communication technologies. By exploring space-time duality in optics, the study offers exciting possibilities for creating more efficient and sophisticated optical systems.	Tampere University	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers of photonics from Tampere University, Finland, and Kastler-Brossel Laboratory, France, have demonstrated how self-imaging of light, a phenomenon known for nearly two centuries, can be applied to cylindrical systems, facilitating unprecedented control of light's structure with great potential for advanced optical communication systems. In addition, a new type of space-time duality is explored for powerful analogies bridging different fields of optics. -- In 1836, Henry F. Talbot performed an experiment, where he observed light patterns that naturally reappear after some propagation without the use of any lenses or imaging optics -- a self-imaging phenomenon nowadays of then termed the Talbot effect. -- Recently, researchers interested in sculpting light from the Experimental Quantum Optics Group (EQO) in Tampere University, as well as the Complex Media Optics group at Kastler Brossel Laboratory, in Ecole Normale Supérieure, Paris, have teamed up and investigated the self-imaging Talbot effect in cylindrical systems in greater depth than ever before. -- The presented interesting fundamental physics and powerful applications in optical communications have now been published in the journal Nature Photonics. -- Exploring the effect of self-imaging in cylindrical geometries -- Light travelling in a so-called ring-core fiber experiences a self-imaging process, albeit in angular position. -- "As light enters the fiber at a specific angular position of the ring-like fiber core, it first spreads around the entire cylindrical core and then perfectly recombines to form the original field via the self-imaging process" explains Doctoral researcher Matias Eriksson, one of the leading authors of the study. -- Importantly, this self-imaging in angular positions is only half of the fundamental phenomenon in cylindrical geometries. -- A similar interference effect also appears in a closely related property of light known as orbital angular momentum, which allows light to rotate particles around the optical axis, i.e., make them orbit on a ring-like path. -- Fundamentally, both properties, angular position and orbital angular momentum are considered complementary variables, which means that the precise definition of one leads to imprecision of the other property.	A01 T01	1,311
2502-016	Traumatic Brain Injury Mortality Rates Disproportionately Affect Older Adults And Minorities	An analysis of U.S. mortality data reveals significant disparities in traumatic brain injury (TBI) deaths across demographics, particularly affecting older adults and men. The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention strategies to address the higher risks faced by specific groups, including racial and ethnic minorities.	Taylor & Francis Group	Brain Injury	Press Rel	PubMed	A new analysis of U.S. mortality data reveals the disproportionate impact of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on older adults, males and certain racial and ethnic groups. -- The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Brain Injury, provides a comprehensive analysis of TBI-related deaths across different population groups across the U.S. in 2021. -- The findings indicate that suicides remain the most common cause of TBI-related deaths, followed by unintentional falls, and specific groups are disproportionately affected by these tragedies. -- Men, in particular, were found to be most likely to die from a TBI -- more than three times the rate of women (30.5 versus 9.4). The reasons observed were multifactorial and could reflect differences in injury severity following a fall or motor vehicle crash, to the interaction of sex and age -- with TBI outcomes in men worsening with age, while postmenopausal women fare better than men of similar age. -- "While anyone is at risk for getting a TBI, some groups have a higher chance than others of dying from one. We identified specific populations who are most affected. In addition to men, older adults are especially at risk, with unintentional falls being a major cause of TBI-related death. American Indian or Alaska Native people also have higher rates of these fatal injuries," says lead author Alexis Peterson PhD., of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. -- "These findings highlight the importance of tailored prevention strategies to reach groups who may be at higher risk and the role healthcare providers can play in reducing TBI-related deaths through early intervention and culturally sensitive care." -- TBI remains a leading cause of injury-related death in the U.S. In 2020, TBIs were associated with around a quarter of all injury-related deaths. -- These injuries can result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function, whether unintentional (such as motor vehicle crashes or accidental falls), self-inflicted harm, or related to an assault. -- Using data from the National Vital Statistics System, the new analysis identified 69,473 TBI-related deaths among U.S. residents during 2021 -- an average of 190 deaths per day. -- The age-adjusted TBI-related mortality rate was 19.5 per 100,000, representing an 8.8% increase from 2020.	A01	1,312
2507-E017	Discovery Of New Apex Predator Species From Ancient Egyptian Findings	A remarkable discovery in the Egyptian desert has unveiled a new 30-million-year-old species of Hyaenodonta, identified from a nearly complete skull. This ancient apex predator, named 'Bastetodon,' was adept at hunting early mammals in lush forests, challenging previous assumptions about the ecological dynamics of its era. The findings underscore the significance of meticulous excavation efforts in paleontological research.	Taylor & Francis Group	Taylor & Francis Group	Press Rel	PubMed	A rare discovery of a nearly complete skull in the Egyptian desert has led scientists to the "dream" revelation of a new 30-million-year-old species of the ancient apex predatory carnivore, Hyaenodonta. -- Bearing sharp teeth and powerful jaw muscles, suggesting a strong bite, the newly-identified 'Bastetodon' was a leopard-sized "fearsome" mammal. It would have been at the top of all carnivores and the food chain when our own monkey-like ancestors were evolving. -- Findings, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, detail how this ferocious creature would have likely preyed on primates, early hippos, early elephants, and hyraxes in the lush forest of Fayum, Egypt, which is now home to a desert. -- Describing the discovery, palaeontologist and lead author Shorouq Al-Ashqar, from Mansoura University and the American University in Cairo, says: "For days, the team meticulously excavated layers of rock dating back around 30 million years. -- "Just as we were about to conclude our work, a team member spotted something remarkable -- a set of large teeth sticking out of the ground. His excited shout brought the team together, marking the beginning of an extraordinary discovery: a nearly complete skull of an ancient apex carnivore, a dream for any vertebrate paleontologist." -- Bastetodon belongs to a species in an extinct group of carnivorous mammals called hyaenodonts. Hyaenodonts evolved long before modern-day carnivores such as cats, dogs, and hyenas. These predators with hyena-like teeth hunted in African ecosystems after the extinction of the dinosaurs. -- The team -- who go under the title 'Sallam Lab' -- named the specimenafter the cat-headed ancient Egyptian goddess Bastet, who symbolized protection, pleasure, and good health. The name acknowledges the region where the specimen was found, famous for its fossils and Ancient Egyptian artifacts. The name is also a nod to the short, cat-like snout and teeth of this fearsome, leopard-sized carnivore ("-odon" means "tooth"). -- Its skull was unearthed on Sallam Lab's expedition to the Fayum Depression, an area where digs reveal an important time window into about 15 million years of evolutionary history of mammals in Africa. This timespan not only captures the transition from the Eocene's global warming to the Oligocene's global cooling, but also reveals how these climate shifts played a crucial role in shaping ecosystems that we still see today. -- Beyond just a new ancient creature discovery, the finding of Bastetodon has already allowed the research team to reevaluate a group of lion-sized hyaenodonts that was discovered in the rocks of the Fayum over 120 years ago. In their paper the team also construct the genus Sekhmetops to describe this century-old material and to honor Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of wrath and war in ancient Egyptian mythology ("-ops" means "face"). In 1904, Sekhmetops was placed within a European group of hyaenodonts. The team demonstrated Bastetodon and Sekhmetops both belonged to a group of hyaenodonts that actually originated in Africa. In ancient Egypt, Bastet was often associated with Sekhmet, making the two genera scientifically and symbolically connected. -- The study demonstrates the relatives of Bastetodon and Sekhmetops spread from Africa in multiple waves, eventually making it to Asia, Europe, India, and North America. By 18 million years ago, some relatives of these hyaenodonts were among the largest mammalian meat-eaters to ever walk the planet.	H01 C01 N01 N02	1,313
2510-E032	AI Technology Could Revolutionize Wildfire Detection And Mitigation Efforts	Innovative AI technology may enhance wildfire detection efforts, offering a potential solution for mitigating fire damage. By integrating satellite imagery with deep learning algorithms, researchers report a 93% success rate in identifying wildfires, emphasizing the need for rapid responses to protect crucial ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest.	Taylor & Francis Group	International Journal of Remote Sensing	Press Rel	PubMed	A type of Artificial Intelligence that mimics the functioning of the human brain could represent a powerful solution in automatically detecting wildfires, plummeting the time needed to mitigate their devastating effects, a new study finds. -- The new technology uses an 'Artificial Neural Networks' model that combines satellite imaging technology with deep learning (a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning). -- Findings, published in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Remote Sensing, report a 93% success rate when training the model via a dataset of images of Amazon rainforest with, and without, wildfires. -- The technology, it is stated, could be used in a complementary nature with existing AI systems to enhance early warning systems and improve wildfire response strategies. -- "The ability to detect and respond to wildfires is crucial for preserving the delicate ecological balance of these vital ecosystems, and the future of this Amazon region depends on decisive rapid action," explains lead author Professor Cíntia Eleutério of the Universidade Federal do Amazonas, in Manaus. -- "Our study's findings could improve wildfire detection in the Amazonian ecosystem and elsewhere in the world, significantly assisting authorities in combating and managing such incidents." -- In 2023 there were 98,639 wildfires in the Amazon alone. The Amazon rainforest, too, accounts for a significant portion (51.94%) of wildfires in the Brazilian biomes. -- In recent years this area has experienced a notable increase in such incidents. -- Currently, monitoring in the Amazon is provided with near, real-time data -- however, it has moderate resolutions and the ability to detect details in remote areas or smaller fire outbreaks is limited. -- This new technology uses a type of artificial neural network (a machine learning algorithm that uses a network of interconnected nodes to process data in a way that mimics the human brain) called a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify areas of the rainforest affected by wildfires and improve the issue.	A01 R02 N02 T01	1,314
2511-018	Nostalgia Tied To Stronger Friendships: Study Insights	A study finds that individuals who invest in maintaining close friendships tend to be more nostalgic. This nostalgic tendency correlates with healthier social connections, revealing the psychological benefits of nostalgia in fostering strong relationships, which are essential for overall well-being.	Taylor & Francis Group	Cognition and Emotion	Press Rel	PubMed	Do you have lots of close friends -- and work hard to keep it that way? If you've answered "yes," you are probably nostalgic. -- People who are prone to nostalgia have more close friends and put more effort into maintaining their friendships and other relationships than less sentimental sorts. -- That's the finding of a new study of almost 1,500 individuals in the U.S. and Europe, published in the peer-reviewed journal Cognition and Emotion. -- The finding is important because maintaining close relationships with others is essential for our health and wellbeing, say the researchers from the University at Buffalo, in the U.S., and Kyoto University, in Japan. -- Previous studies have found that people who have friends and confidants are happier with their lives and less likely to suffer from depression. -- They are also less likely to die prematurely. Having strong ties with others also provides valuable support during difficult times. -- Close relationships seem particularly important. However, our social circles tend to shrink as we get older. -- In this new first study of its kind, the authors carried out three pieces of research into the links between nostalgia and the size of a person's social network. -- For the first experiment, a group of undergraduate students in the U.S. was surveyed about how nostalgic they were and about their friendships. -- Nostalgia was measured by asking questions such as "how important is it for you to bring to mind nostalgic experiences?" and "how often do you experience nostalgia?."	A01	1,315
2512-E024	Study Reveals Wealth Disparities In Air Travel Contribute To Energy Justice Issues	A study published in Climate Policy reveals that current tax policies during the energy transition may perpetuate social inequalities, as the wealthiest 1% in the EU contribute to 66% of air travel. The findings indicate the need for more equitable energy policies, as a significant portion of the population remains largely unaffected by air travel emissions.	Taylor & Francis Group	Climate Policy	Press Rel	PubMed	Existing tax policies during the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources will lead to major energy injustices and skewed priorities, new research published in Climate Policyshows. -- The peer-reviewed study found that electricity serving primary needs, such as heating or lighting, ultimately costs three times more than electricity for tertiary needs such as long-distance mobility -- mostly due to taxation policies. -- Further highlighting the ongoing social inequalities of fuel and related policies, the findings also demonstrate within the European Union (EU), the wealthiest 1% of all its population is responsible for 66% of the distance currently travelled by air. -- In fact, air travel is almost non-existent for 50%, and even quite limited for 90% of EU citizens the paper shows. -- This 90% of people, therefore, emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per person, per year. -- Meanwhile the top 1% emit more than 22 tons per person/year. -- Dr Jean-Baptiste Jarin, from the TREE laboratory (Energy and Environment Transitions) at the University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour, who carried out the research, used France as an example of current and future electricity use as a basis for similar countries worldwide -- especially across Europe. -- And although based on EU regulations applied to France, the methodology and conclusions of this study can be transposed to other countries, and to other energy carriers based on electricity, such as hydrogen. -- To evaluate the impacts of these electricity tax schemes and final prices, he collected data on electricity consumption for primary (household), secondary (electric vehicle local mobility) and tertiary (e-fuel long distance mobility) needs, and then compared electricity prices, before and after taxation. -- Results demonstrate:	Z01	1,316
2507-116	Increased Mpox Virus Infectivity Poses Risks For Rapid Cross-Border Transmission	Researchers warn of the heightened risk of mpox spreading internationally due to a newly mutated and more infectious variant, clade 1b. The variant, first identified in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has shown a capacity to spread rapidly, prompting concerns about its implications for public health, including a potential increased risk of miscarriage associated with the variant.	Technical University of Denmark	Technical University of Denmark	Press Rel	PubMed	International researchers, including from DTU National Food Institute, warn that the ongoing mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has the potential to spread across borders more rapidly. The mpox virus has mutated, and the new variant, clade 1b, has become more infectious. -- Genetic analyses of clade 1b, first detected in September 2023 in Kamituga, DRC, show that this variant has since undergone mutations making it more easily transmissible between humans. -- Scientists have identified three new subvariants, one of which has spread beyond Kamituga to other cities in the DRC, neighbouring countries, and even internationally to e.g. Sweden and Thailand. -- The new data may also suggest that clade 1b entails a high risk of miscarriage. -- This new research has been published as an accelerated scientific publication in the journal Nature Medicine. -- Originally, mpox was considered a zoonotic disease that primarily spread from animals to humans. -- However, in 2022, the world witnessed an outbreak primarily affecting men who have sex with men. -- The new clade 1b differs as both men and women are now contracting the virus. -- Additionally, an increasing number of infections are being reported among healthcare workers and children. -- "It's somewhat like SARS-CoV-2 -- the virus undergoes mutations as it spreads. For clade 1b, we see that one particular subvariant appears to have become better at transmitting between humans, and it has now been detected in several countries outside East Africa. In addition, the number of infected pregnant women who miscarry is high among those we have tested," says Professor Frank Møller Aarestrup from DTU National Food Institute, who leads the GREAT-LIFE project	H01 R01 N01	1,317
2507-E043	Biochar Feed Additive Significantly Reduces Campylobacter Levels In Free-Range Chickens	New trials show that adding biochar to chicken feed can cut Campylobacter levels by up to 80%, potentially enhancing food safety. This research highlights biochar's effectiveness in reducing bacterial contamination in free-range chickens, providing a significant public health benefit and offering viable solutions for organic farming practices.	Technical University of Denmark	Technical University of Denmark	Press Rel	PubMed	DTU National Food Institute researchers have conducted trials in a commercial free-range chicken farm in Denmark. They achieved an 80% reduction in campylobacter in the chickens by supplementing their feed with biochar. -- "Campylobacter causes numerous cases of illness in humans every year. Reducing bacterial levels in chickens can make a significant difference in public health. Our findings highlight biochar's potential -- particularly for free-range and organic chickens, where controlling bacteria is more challenging than in conventionally raised poultry," says senior researcher Brian Lassen from DTU National Food Institute, who leads the SafeChicken project. -- Many studies of this kind are conducted in laboratories and show positive outcomes, but they often struggle to replicate these findings under actual farm management conditions. -- "We demonstrate that it's possible to significantly reduce campylobacter in free-range chickens slaughtered at two months of age without finding adverse effects on their health. This is significant for production systems where chickens have access to outdoor areas, which typically increases their exposure to campylobacter from the environment," says PhD student Cristina Calvo-Fernandez, who has worked on the project as part of her doctoral studies. -- Potential for organic farming -- The researchers tested feed and water additives on the free-range chickens that had previously shown evidence of potentially reducing campylobacter under experimental conditions. -- The trials were conducted three times on the same farm. -- "The best results came from using biochar, which is made from organic waste material, such as wood, transformed into biochar through pyrolysis. In addition to reducing campylobacter, biochar can help lower CO2 emissions and has the potential for becoming part of a circular economy," says Brian Lassen. -- Biochar could potentially be used in organic chicken production and implemented quickly, as it is a substance that can be used in this production type, which is otherwise more restricted in what can be added to feed than other production types. -- Researchers also tested organic acids added to the chickens' drinking water.	H01	1,318
2513-012	Innovative AI Models Transform Protein Science And Medical Research	New AI models are significantly advancing the field of protein science, offering improved accuracy in discovering protein-related data crucial for medical applications. These models, designed to tackle challenges in personalized medicine, drug discovery, and diagnostics, leverage vast protein databases to enhance disease identification and treatment monitoring. As AI tools become more prevalent, they hold the promise of transforming biotechnology research and clinical practices.	Technical University of Denmark	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed new AI models that can vastly improve accuracy and discovery within protein science. Potentially, the models will assist the medical sciences in overcoming present challenges within, e.g. personalised medicine, drug discovery, and diagnostics. -- In the wake of broadly available AI tools, most technical and natural sciences fields are advancing rapidly. This is particularly true in biotechnology, where AI models power breakthroughs in drug discovery, precision medicine, gene editing, food security, and many other research areas. -- One sub-field is proteomics -- the study of proteins on a large scale -- where vast amounts of protein data are gathered in databases against which a sample can be compared. These databases enable scientists to discern which proteins -- and, thereby, microorganisms -- are present in a sample. They allow a doctor to diagnose diseases, monitor the effectiveness of a treatment, or identify pathogens present in a patient's sample. -- Although these tools are very useful and effective, there are limits to what they can do, says Timothy Patrick Jenkins, an Associate Professor at DTU Bioengineering and corresponding author: -- "First off, no database includes everything, so you need to know which databases are relevant to your particular needs. Then deep searches are very time-consuming and demand a lot of computer power. And, finally, it's nearly impossible to identify proteins that haven't been registered yet." -- For this reason, some groups have worked on so-called 'de novo sequencing algorithms' that improve accuracy and lower computational costs with increasing database size. Still, according to Jenkins and colleagues from DTU, Delft University in the Netherlands and the British AI company InstaDeep, their performance remained "underwhelming." -- Exceeding state-of-the-art -- In a , they propose two novel AI models to assist researchers, medical practitioners, and commercial entities in finding exactly the necessary information in the vast amounts of data. These are called InstaNovo and InstaNovo+ and are available to researchers through the InstaDeep website (see fact box). -- "Seen together, our models exceed state-of-the-art and are significantly more precise than currently available tools. Furthermore, as we show in the paper, our models are not specific to a particular research area. Instead, these tools could propel significant advances in all fields involving proteomics," says Kevin Michael Eloff, a research engineer at InstaDeep and co-first author of the paper. -- To assess the usefulness of their models, the researchers have trained and tested them on several specific tasks within major areas of interest.	H01 T01	1,319
2501-094	Early Therapeutic Interventions Can Safeguard Individuals Against Developing Clinical Depression Symptoms.	A recent meta-study shows that therapeutic interventions can be beneficial even for individuals whose symptoms don't meet the clinical depression threshold. Analyzing data from 30 studies, researchers found that early interventions significantly reduce the likelihood of developing clinical depression within the first year, challenging the traditional approach of delaying treatment until symptoms worsen.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	The Lancet Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Even individuals whose symptoms do not yet meet the criteria for clinical depression benefit from therapeutic interventions. This conclusion comes from a new meta-study led by researchers from Munich and Magdeburg who analyzed data from 30 studies. Participants who received interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year. -- Common symptoms of depression include lack of motivation, difficulty sleeping, loss of interest, and persistent sadness. -- Doctors will diagnose individuals with clinical depression when these symptoms reach a predefined threshold. -- "Typically, treatment for depression only starts, when the symptoms meet the clinical criteria," says David Ebert, Professor of Psychology and Digital Mental Health Care at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). "However, in recent years, there has been a shift in thinking. We examined the existing scientific studies on the subject to determine whether early interventions can prevent depressive disorders." -- To this end, the research team reviewed more than 1,000 international studies. -- "For the first time, we compiled and analyzed anonymized data on individual patients from 30 of these studies," says Claudia Buntrock, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research at Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg. -- The study was published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry. -- Risk of depression reduced by 42 percent -- The meta-study includes data from around 3,600 people in both treatment and control groups. -- Those in the treatment group participated in therapeutic interventions for "subclinical symptoms" of a clinical depression.	H02	1,320
2503-049	Machine Learning Unlocks Secrets Of Millions Of Individual Cells In Biomedical Research	In a quest to understand cellular functions, researchers have harnessed machine learning to analyze over 20 million cells, distinguishing between healthy and diseased states. This innovative approach utilizes self-supervised learning, enabling researchers to reinterpret existing datasets and derive meaningful insights about how diseases like lung cancer and COVID-19 alter cellular structures, thus enhancing our understanding of individual cell behavior.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	In recent years, researchers have made considerable progress with single-cell technology. This makes it possible to investigate tissue on the basis of individual cells and simply to determine the various functions of the individual cell types. The analysis can be used, for instance, to make comparisons with healthy cells to find out how smoking, lung cancer or a COVID infection change individual cell structures in the lung. -- At the same time, the analysis is generating ever-increasing quantities of data. -- The researchers intend to apply machine learning methods to support the process of re-interpreting existing datasets, deriving conclusive statements from the patterns and applying the results to other areas. -- Self-supervised learning as a new approach -- Fabian Theis holds the Chair of Mathematical Modelling of Biological Systems at TUM. -- With his team, he has investigated whether self-supervised learning is more suitable for the analysis of large data quantities than other methods. -- The study was recently published in Nature Machine Intelligence. -- This form of machine learning works with unlabelled data. No classified sample data are required in advance. -- That means that it is not necessary to pre-assign the data to certain groups in advance. -- Unlabelled data are available in large quantities and permit the robust representation of enormous data volumes.	R01 T01	1,321
2505-108	Early Immune Changes In Cystic Fibrosis Lead To Lung Damage	Researchers from the Technical University of Munich have unveiled that cystic fibrosis leads to early immune system changes, resulting in chronic inflammation that is unaffected by current mucus-targeting medications. This highlights the need for new therapeutic strategies to address the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to lung damage in cystic fibrosis patients.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A microbe found in the lower part of the gut that is associated with good health has been comprehensively analysed and found to have a focused diet breaking down sugars locked away in mucus.. -- The new study, published in Nature Microbiology today (Friday 31 January) is a complete systematic analysis of how the human colonic beneficial microbe, Akkermansia muciniphila (AM) feeds on types of sugar found in the mucus secreted in the digestive system. -- The study focused on 66 enzymes that the AM microbe uses to break down mucus that is an essential part of the mucus layer that lines the human gastrointestinal tract. -- Using mucus taken from a pig model, the team led by Dr Lucy Crouch from the University of Birmingham found that a combination of enzymes from AM were able to completely break down the mucin. -- This establishes the first comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind how any microbe breaks down the O-linked sugars. -- Dr Lucy Crouch, Sir Henry Dale Fellow at the University of Birmingham and corresponding author of the study said: -- "This is the first time that we have comprehensively seen how microbes break down the food source O-linked sugars in the gut. This is the first time that a set of enzymes has been used to completely break down the glycan part of mucin. These newly characterised enzymes may be used in characterising the different glycans that humans produce, which can be indicative of disease. -- "These glycans, and others like them, are receptors for a variety of pathogens and their toxins, such as Shiga toxin. So, if we can modify the glycans, we may be able to change the severity of disease. -- "AM proteins and outer membrane extracts of AM have been shown exert positive effects on the host e.g. a positive effect on metabolism. Some of these proteins interact with host receptors to likely suppress an immune response. AM is relatively close the host as it wants the mucus we produce so we probably interact with it in many different ways. -- "We know that AM is a hugely important microbe, and levels of the microbe can be a good indicator of overall health. The bacteria are always beneficial for the gut, and lower levels of it are associated with inflammatory diseases and diabetes. AM is hugely sensitive to decreasing levels of fibre in the diet too."	A01 H01 R01	1,322
2505-T008	Plants Utilize Quantum Mechanics For Highly Efficient Energy Conversion Process	Photosynthesis, primarily conducted by plants, exemplifies a highly efficient energy conversion process where sunlight is captured and transmitted with minimal loss. Recent research indicates that quantum mechanical effects significantly enhance this process. This foundational biological mechanism, essential for converting solar energy into chemical forms, underscores the intersection of physics and biology, revealing that quantum phenomena are crucial for understanding energy transfer in photosynthetic organisms.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Chemical Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Ibogaine -- a psychoactive plant derivative -- has attracted attention for its anti-addictive and anti-depressant properties. But ibogaine is a finite resource, extracted from plants native to Africa like the iboga shrub (Tabernanthe iboga) and the small-fruited voacanga tree (Voacanga africana). Further, its use can lead to irregular heartbeats, introducing safety risks and an overall need to better understand how its molecular structure leads to its biological effects. -- In a study appearing in Nature Chemistry, researchers at the University of California, Davis Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics (IPN) report the successful total synthesis of ibogaine, ibogaine analogues and related compounds from pyridine -- a relatively inexpensive and widely available chemical. -- The team's strategy enabled the synthesis of four naturally occurring ibogaine-related alkaloids as well as several non-natural analogues. Overall yields ranged from 6% to 29% after only six or seven steps, a marked increase in efficiency from previous synthetic efforts to produce similar compounds. -- "Ibogaine's complex chemical structure makes it hard to produce in significant quantities, and this challenging chemistry has historically limited medicinal chemistry efforts to develop improved analogues," said the study's corresponding author David E. Olson, director of the IPN and a professor of chemistry and biochemistry and molecular medicine at UC Davis. "Performing total synthesis solves both problems. We can make it without having to harvest tons and tons of plant material and we can also make analogues, several of which are demonstrating really interesting properties." -- Despite the cardiac risk of ibogaine, Olson noted that the compound is gaining popularity as a treatment for substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury and other conditions. -- "Some people want to find ways to administer ibogaine more safely and you might be able to mitigate risk with careful cardiac monitoring and magnesium supplementation," he said. "But maybe we just need ibogaine 2.0, a better version that still produces these profound anti-addictive and anti-depressent effects but doesn't have that cardiac risk." -- Analogues of interest -- Olson highlighted two ibogaine analogues of interest from the study. -- The first analogue was the mirror image of ibogaine. In chemistry, this mirror image trait is referred to as chirality. Like your left and right hands, such molecular compounds can't be superposed on each other. -- "Nature only produces one version and if the therapeutic effects of ibogaine are coming from interactions with another chiral entity, like an enzyme or receptor, then you would expect only the natural version to have an effect," Olson said. "But if it's non-specific, then both compounds would produce an effect."	C01 T01	1,323
2506-029	Exclusive Enteral Nutrition Therapy Explored For Better Crohn’s Disease Treatment	Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) has been established as a crucial therapy for Crohn’s disease; however, the underlying mechanisms of its effectiveness were previously unclear. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have illuminated these mechanisms and are initiating a clinical study that combines EEN with fecal microbiome transfer to improve patient outcomes further.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	A special liquid diet, known as exclusive enteral nutrition, is an essential therapy for Crohn's disease. Patients consume only this formula for six to eight weeks, completely avoiding solid foods. However, the exact reasons why this is helpful were previously unclear. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the LMU University Hospital Munich have now been able to decipher the mechanism behind this dietary therapy. Based on these results, they are launching a clinical study combining dietary therapy with faecal microbiome transfer to further enhance treatment outcomes. -- Vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids: the formula for exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) contains all essential nutrients and is highly effective for managing Crohn's disease, often improving symptoms within a few days and without additional medical treatment. -- This dietary therapy has been used successfully for decades, particularly in children and adolescents, as it not only reduces inflammation but also supports growth and healing of the intestine. -- It is also effective in adults. However, while this approach can induce remission, symptoms often return within a year after the therapy ends. -- So how can the effect of this dietary therapy be prolonged? Dirk Haller, Professor of Nutrition and Immunology at TUM and Director of the ZIEL Institute for Food and Health, and Tobias Schwerd, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, have developed a new therapeutic approach. -- The researchers demonstrated how the gut microbiome -- the complex community of all microbes in the intestine -- changes as a result of dietary therapy and contributes to the treatment success. -- They found that the medium-chain fatty acids in the diet positively affect certain gut bacteria, which proliferate and reduce inflammation. -- The study reveals even more: in an artificial intestinal model, researchers treated patients' stool with the formula, thus adapting the microbiome. -- When this adapted microbiome was transferred to mice, no inflammation developed. -- However, when the microbiome was not pre-adapted by the formula, the mice developed typical inflammatory symptoms.	A01 H01 R01 T01	1,324
2506-064	Study Shows Age Impacts Intermittent Fasting Outcomes For Young People And Teenagers	Intermittent Fasting and Age: A study from researchers in Germany indicates that age significantly affects intermittent fasting outcomes. In young mice, chronic fasting disrupts the development of insulin-producing beta cells, prompting concerns about similar risks for teenagers and children. While intermittent fasting has recognized benefits, the potential dangers, particularly for younger populations, are increasingly under scrutiny.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study reveals that age plays a significant role in the outcomes of intermittent fasting. Researchers from Technical University of Munich (TUM), LMU Hospital Munich, and Helmholtz Munich discovered that chronic intermittent fasting disrupted the development of insulin-producing beta cells in young mice. The findings raise concerns about potential risks for humans, especially teenagers. -- "Intermittent fasting is known to have benefits, including boosting metabolism and helping with weight loss and heart disease. But until now, its potential side effects weren't well understood," says Alexander Bartelt, the Else Kröner Fresenius Professor and Chair of Translational Nutritional Medicine at TUM. -- In a recently published study, the team shows that intermittent fasting during adolescence could have long-term negative effects on metabolism. -- Fasting improves metabolism in older mice, but not in the young -- The researchers studied three groups of mice: adolescent, adult, and older animals. -- The mice remained without food for one day and were fed normally on two days. -- After ten weeks, insulin sensitivity improved in both the adult and older mice, meaning that their metabolism responded better to insulin produced by the pancreas. -- This is key to regulating blood sugar levels and preventing conditions like type 2 diabetes. -- However, the adolescent mice showed a troubling decline in their beta cell function, the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. -- Insufficient insulin production is linked to diabetes and disrupted metabolism.	A01 H01 R01 N01	1,325
2508-T024	Introducing Nuclear Spin Microscopy: A New Frontier In Imaging Technology	Researchers at TUM have pioneered nuclear spin microscopy, enabling the visualization of magnetic signals associated with nuclear magnetic resonance on a microscopic scale. This novel technique uses quantum sensors to convert magnetic resonance signals into light, allowing for high-resolution imaging and extending the capabilities of traditional magnetic resonance imaging.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have invented an entirely new field of microscopy, nuclear spin microscopy. The team can visualize magnetic signals of nuclear magnetic resonance with a microscope. Quantum sensors convert the signals into light, enabling extremely high-resolution optical imaging. -- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are known for their ability to look deep into the human body and create images of organs and tissues. -- The new method, published in the journal Nature Communications, extends this technique to the realm of microscopic detail. -- "The quantum sensors used make it possible to convert magnetic resonance signals into optical signals. These signals are captured by a camera and displayed as images," explains Dominik Bucher, Professor for Quantum Sensing and researcher at the Cluster of Excellence Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST). -- Diamond chip acts as a quantum sensor -- The resolution of the new MRI microscope reaches ten-millionths of a meter -- that is so fine that even the structures of individual cells can be made visible in the future. -- At the heart of the new microscope is a tiny diamond chip. This diamond, specially prepared at the atomic level, serves as a highly sensitive quantum sensor for MRI magnetic fields. -- When irradiated with laser light, it generates a fluorescent signal containing the MRI signal's information. -- This signal is recorded with a high-speed camera and enables images with a significantly higher resolution down to the microscopic level. -- A wide range of practical applications are possible	A01 R01 T01	1,326
2510-038	AI Learning System Provides Tailored Math Support By Analyzing Eye Movements	An AI-based learning system developed by researchers at TUM and the University of Cologne uses eye-tracking technology to identify students' strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. This innovative approach enables teachers to provide personalized support, enhancing educational outcomes and fostering better learning experiences for students who struggle with math.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Educational Studies in Mathematics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the University of Cologne have developed an AI-based learning system that recognizes strengths and weaknesses in mathematics by tracking eye movements with a webcam to generate problem-solving hints. This enables teachers to provide significantly more children with individualized support. -- An up-to-date PC, a good graphics card and a standard webcam: according to research by Prof. Achim Lilienthal, that's all you need to identify pupils' strengths and weaknesses in mathematics. The principle: a webcam tracks the eye movements. Depending on the task, specific patterns emerge that can be displayed digitally on a heatmap, with red indicating areas where the children look frequently and green the areas where they glance only briefly. This helps the researchers analyze the data. "The AI system classifies the patterns," says the TUM robotics professor. On this basis, the software selects learning videos and exercises for the pupil. -- Identify learning strategies via heat maps -- "Tracking eye movements in a single system using a webcam, recognizing learning strategies via patterns and offering individual support, and finally creating automated support reports for teachers is completely new," says Maike Schindler. The Professor of Mathematics in Inclusive and Special Education Contexts at the University of Cologne has worked with TUM Professor Lilienthal for ten years. She also heads the recently completed KI-ALF research project, which was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and in which the webcam-based eye-tracking system was developed. Her research focuses on pupils "who have great difficulties in learning mathematics." Prof. Lilienthal believes that "individually customized lessons" for high-achieving children are also possible in the future. -- Prof. Schindler -- who holds a teaching degree -- and her team have defined hundreds of tasks in which children add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers, or have to recognize or represent them. "Tasks involving visually presented, digital learning materials are particularly suitable for this approach," says Schindler. For example, the children are asked to count the dots in a ten-row table with a few dots missing only in the bottom row. -- The pupils who catch on quickly jump to the bottom row and only count backwards. Those who count the rows and dots individually are among the ones who need support. The digital system uses a heat map to show where the children look and the AI translates the patterns into individual practice programs. -- Simplified, high-precision eye tracking -- To develop the simplified eye tracking system, which now registers eye movements, TUM Professor Lilienthal benefits from the fact that he also works with corresponding systems in robotics research. In that work, he currently uses eye trackers with the small humanoid robot Nao. This enables it to communicate better with humans. However, these very precise systems cost many thousands of euros. -- To find a more cost-effective solution for schools, the researchers cleverly combined technical expertise with knowledge from mathematical didactics. While advanced systems work with a maximum deviation of one degree, webcams have a lower accuracy of three to four degrees. The solution: "With the AI-ALF math tasks, we know that the students are ultimately looking at the on-screen display of the problems," says Lilienthal. "We use this to automatically readjust the eye tracking with the webcam." The system has gradually learned to deal with inaccuracy. "Today it makes no difference to our application whether we work with our webcams or high-end eye trackers," says the professor. This makes the AI system developed with Prof Maike Schindler affordable and, therefore, increasingly important for school use. -- Wulfen Comprehensive School: first school in Germany to use the system	H01 T01	1,327
2510-T018	Innovative Light-Based Method Purifies Proteins More Efficiently And Gently	Scientists at the Technical University of Munich have developed an innovative method for protein purification using short-wave, UV light, which is more efficient and gentle than traditional chemical techniques. This advancement could significantly enhance the production and availability of proteins for biotechnological applications, ultimately advancing research in molecular biology and pharmaceuticals.	Technical University of Munich (TUM)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Proteins play a key role in the life sciences -- from basic research and biotechnological applications to the development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a method that relies on physics rather than conventional chemistry to obtain the proteins that are needed for this purpose. Using short-wave, UV light invisible to humans, they have succeeded in purifying proteins from cell extracts or cultures. This technique is more efficient and gentler than previous methods. -- Scientists engaged in molecular biology or molecular medicine require proteins in their pure form for various purposes, to serve for investigation or as active substances. -- Such proteins are isolated from natural sources or produced with the help of genetically modified cells. -- To this end, affinity chromatography has been the method of choice since 50 years. -- In this method, the cell extract or culture medium is passed through a chromatography column filled with a porous carrier material. -- The target protein is bound to this carrier material and separated from other proteins and impurities by washing with solvent. -- Finally, the isolated protein is detached from the column using acids or other auxiliary reagents. -- However, this process has a disadvantage: the purified target protein can be damaged in particular during the last step. -- A team led by Arne Skerra, Professor of Biological Chemistry at TUM, has therefore developed a new approach: "We use a physical mechanism instead of chemical reagents. Our technology is fundamentally different from the conventional method, being both more gentle and more efficient," says Arne Skerra. -- The "Azo-tag": a molecular appendix serves as an anchor	Z01	1,328
2507-020	Self-Healing Electronic Skin Developed For Wearable Health Technology	A significant advancement in wearable health technology has been achieved with the development of self-healing electronic skin (E-Skin) that can repair itself in seconds. This innovative technology enhances personal health monitoring by combining rapid self-repair capabilities with precise health assessments, marking a transformative leap in wearable electronics.	Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation	Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have achieved a breakthrough in wearable health technology by developing a novel self-healing electronic skin (E-Skin) that repairs itself in seconds after damage. This could potentially transform the landscape of personal health monitoring. -- In a study published in Science Advances, scientists demonstrate an unprecedented advancement in E-Skin technology that recovers over 80% of its functionality within 10 seconds of being damaged -- a dramatic improvement over existing technologies that can take minutes or hours to heal. -- The technology seamlessly combines ultra-rapid self-healing capabilities, reliable performance in extreme conditions, advanced artificial intelligence integration, and highly accurate health monitoring systems. -- This integration enables real-time fatigue detection and muscle strength assessment with remarkable precision. -- "This self-healing technology represents a fundamental shift in wearable electronics," says Professor Yangzhi Zhu. -- "By achieving healing times of just seconds rather than minutes or hours, we've overcome one of the major barriers to practical, everyday use of electronic skin devices." -- The technology shows particular promise in muscle strength monitoring and fatigue assessment, offering potential applications in athletics, rehabilitation, and general health monitoring. -- Its ability to function in various environmental conditions makes it particularly versatile for real-world use. -- "What makes this breakthrough particularly exciting is its immediate practical implications," notes Professor Ali Khademhosseini. -- "We've created a technology that not only survives daily wear and tear but continues to provide accurate health monitoring even in challenging conditions like underwater environments. This durability opens up entirely new possibilities for personal health monitoring."	T01	1,329
2512-E034	New Research Explores Effective Locust Control Strategies Amidst Swarm Phenomena	New Research Explores Effective Locust Control Strategies Amidst Swarm Phenomena	Texas A&M AgriLife Communications	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	New research published in Science is reshaping our understanding of one of nature's most stunning yet destructive phenomena -- massive locust swarms moving together. -- A team of researchers, including Greg Sword, Ph.D., Regents Professor and Charles R. Parencia Chair in Cotton Entomology in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Entomology, is challenging the long-standing theories about how order emerges from disorder in animal collectives. -- Sword, along with a team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behavior at the University of Konstanz, Germany, recently published "The behavioral mechanisms governing collective motion in swarming locusts." This study proposes that locusts move in an uncoordinated version of follow-the-leader behavior rather than a synchronized collective motion, as previously believed. -- Greg Sword, Ph.D., studies desert locusts and other swarming insects like crickets and is a researcher in the Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute at Texas A&M University. -- New research provides a new, science-based theory about how these pests move as a collective. -- (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife) -- Finding patterns in locust swarm behavior -- Environmental factors like topography or food availability may influence the direction of travel for locusts at the head of the swarm, Sword said. -- But the swarm movement is ultimately dictated by individual locusts reacting to their nearest neighbors. -- Desert locusts, one of 20 locust species, undergo a dramatic transformation called locust phase polyphenism -- a density dependent shift that alters their biology, morphology, color and behavior.	H01 C01 N01	1,330
2502-E016	Flame Retardant Coating: A Safer Solution For Cotton Textiles	Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that significantly reduces the flammability of cotton fabric, commonly used in textiles. This innovative polyelectrolyte complex coating can be applied in a single step, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. By providing a flame-retardant solution, the technology aims to enhance safety in everyday materials, potentially saving lives and property while addressing the challenges of fire hazards in various environments.	Texas A&M University	ACS Applied Polymer Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Although extremely flammable, cotton is one of the most commonly used textiles due to its comfort and breathable nature. However, in a single step, researchers from Texas A&M University can reduce the flammability of cotton using a polyelectrolyte complex coating. The coating can be tailored for various textiles, such as clothing or upholstery, and scaled using the common pad-dry coating process, which is suitable for industrial applications. This technology can help to save property and lives on a large scale. -- "Many of the materials in our day-to-day lives are flammable, and offering a solution to protect from fire benignly is difficult," said Maya D. Montemayor, a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M and the publication's lead author. -- "This technology can be optimized to quickly, easily, and safely flame retard many flammable materials, offering vast protection in everyday life, saving money and lives of the general population." -- Current studies developing flame retardant coatings deposited via polyelectrolyte complexation require two or more steps, increasing the time and cost to coat a material effectively. -- In contrast, this study recently published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials hopes to achieve the same results using only one step. -- The researchers address this issue by incorporating a volatile base, a molecule that evaporates under ambient conditions. -- Using ammonia as the volatile base, the base evaporates to reduce the pH and induce complexation (a chemical reaction that forms a stable complex) on the cotton's surface. -- Until now, this technique has been proposed but never used to prepare a flame-retardant treatment. -- This research can be utilized to deposit polyelectrolyte-based flame-retardant coatings in a scalable and efficient manner. -- Other positive attributes of the technology include that it is aqueous (water-based) and non-toxic, unlike many other flame-retardant treatments.	Z01	1,331
2505-106	Curcumin Activates Light To Target And Kill Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria	A study from Texas A&M reveals that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By feeding curcumin to these microbes and activating it with light, researchers found it triggers harmful reactions that reduce antibiotic resistance, making conventional antibiotics effective again. This discovery is particularly significant given the rising threat of superbugs in public health.	Texas A&M University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of researchers, led by physicists from the University of Vienna, has achieved a breakthrough in data processing by employing an "inverse-design" approach. This method allows algorithms to configure a system based on desired functions, bypassing manual design and complex simulations. The result is a smart "universal" device that uses spin waves ("magnons") to perform multiple data processing tasks with exceptional energy efficiency. Published in Nature Electronics, this innovation marks a transformative advance in unconventional computing, with significant potential for next-generation telecommunications, computing, and neuromorphic systems. -- Modern electronics face critical challenges, including high energy consumption and increasing design complexity. -- In this context, magnonics -- the use of magnons, or quantized spin waves in magnetic materials -- offers a promising alternative. -- Magnons enable efficient data transport and processing with minimal energy loss. -- With the growing demand for innovative computing solutions, ranging from 5G and upcoming 6G networks to neuromorphic computing (mimicking functions of the brain), magnonics represents a paradigm shift that redefines how devices are designed and operated. -- Developing an innovative magnonic processor that enables highly adaptive and energy-efficient computing was a challenge that Andrii Chumak of the University of Vienna's Nanomagnetism and Magnonics Group and his collaborators successfully met. -- Success Through Trial and Error -- Noura Zenbaa, first author of the study, together with her colleagues around Dieter Süss, Physics of Functional Materials at the University of Vienna, built a unique experimental setup using 49 individually controlled current loops on an yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) film. -- These loops created tunable magnetic fields to control and manipulate magnons. -- Using an "inverse-design" approach, the team allowed algorithms to determine the optimal configurations to achieve desired device functionalities, significantly streamlining the design process.	H01	1,332
2509-T025	Can AI Assist In Evaluating Respiratory Disease In Pigs?	A research team at Texas A&M is investigating the role of artificial intelligence in evaluating respiratory diseases in pigs, specifically focusing on pneumonia detection. While the AI currently lacks the accuracy of veterinarian evaluations, it shows promise in mimicking human assessment behaviors, potentially streamlining disease monitoring in livestock production.	Texas A&M University	Veterinary Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A Texas A&M Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach (VERO) program-led research team is studying whether artificial intelligence (AI) could play a supportive role in the evaluation of respiratory disease in pigs. -- In their recently published study, the team, led by Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin, an assistant professor at VERO in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences' (VMBS) Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, assessed the capabilities of an AI to detect lesions in pig lungs, which can be a sign of pneumonia-causing bacteria. -- The team found that while the AI is not yet as accurate as a veterinarian evaluator, it has behaviors that are very similar to a person. -- Particularly in European food animal production, it is common for vaccine manufacturers to send veterinarians to the processing plants to monitor the success rates of their vaccines, such as those that prevent respiratory disease. -- "Veterinarian evaluators provide important technical assistance in food production," Valeris-Chacin said. -- "But it requires a highly trained individual to detect lungs with bacterial pneumonia. One of our three goals was to test the accuracy of an AI to see if it can increase the efficiency and accuracy of this process." -- Their other two goals included measuring the agreement and consistency of expert evaluators and comparing them to the AI, understanding that some conditions of the study would be different from real life, where veterinarians in the field can also touch the lungs to aid in the detection of pneumonia. -- "In our study, we asked our experts to evaluate a series of hundreds of images, but we repeated some images to see if the experts would score them the same way each time," Valeris-Chacin said. -- "What we learned is that human evaluators were very consistent as individuals -- compared to each other, the evaluators disagreed somewhat often, but the same evaluator was very likely to score repeat images the same way. -- "What's exciting is that the AI also had perfect consistency, even though multiple people were involved in its training," he said. "The company behind this AI wanted to create an AI that would mimic the way human evaluators score the lungs, and the AI is very promising in this regard."	H01 R01 N01 N02 T01	1,333
2510-E020	AI Could Support Respiratory Disease Evaluation In Swine	Researchers at Texas A&M are exploring artificial intelligence's role in diagnosing respiratory diseases in pigs. While not yet as reliable as human evaluators, AI has shown promising potential in detecting lung lesions, indicating a future where technology supports veterinary medicine and animal health monitoring.	Texas A&M University	Veterinary Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A Texas A&M Veterinary Education, Research, & Outreach (VERO) program-led research team is studying whether artificial intelligence (AI) could play a supportive role in the evaluation of respiratory disease in pigs. -- In their recently published study, the team, led by Dr. Robert Valeris-Chacin, an assistant professor at VERO in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences' (VMBS) Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, assessed the capabilities of an AI to detect lesions in pig lungs, which can be a sign of pneumonia-causing bacteria. -- The team found that while the AI is not yet as accurate as a veterinarian evaluator, it has behaviors that are very similar to a person. -- Particularly in European food animal production, it is common for vaccine manufacturers to send veterinarians to the processing plants to monitor the success rates of their vaccines, such as those that prevent respiratory disease. -- "Veterinarian evaluators provide important technical assistance in food production," Valeris-Chacin said. -- "But it requires a highly trained individual to detect lungs with bacterial pneumonia. One of our three goals was to test the accuracy of an AI to see if it can increase the efficiency and accuracy of this process." -- Their other two goals included measuring the agreement and consistency of expert evaluators and comparing them to the AI, understanding that some conditions of the study would be different from real life, where veterinarians in the field can also touch the lungs to aid in the detection of pneumonia. -- "In our study, we asked our experts to evaluate a series of hundreds of images, but we repeated some images to see if the experts would score them the same way each time," Valeris-Chacin said. -- "What we learned is that human evaluators were very consistent as individuals -- compared to each other, the evaluators disagreed somewhat often, but the same evaluator was very likely to score repeat images the same way. -- "What's exciting is that the AI also had perfect consistency, even though multiple people were involved in its training," he said. "The company behind this AI wanted to create an AI that would mimic the way human evaluators score the lungs, and the AI is very promising in this regard."	H01 N01 T01	1,334
2510-E047	Early Signs Detected For Dogs At High Risk Of Gastrointestinal Disease	Researchers at Texas A&M have discovered early indicators that may help identify dogs at high risk for gastrointestinal diseases before symptoms manifest. This breakthrough, aimed at addressing a common issue that leads to over 10% of veterinary visits, will inform future studies on dietary interventions to prevent disease onset in susceptible breeds. The findings promise to improve the health management of dogs predisposed to serious gastrointestinal conditions.	Texas A&M University	Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Texas A&M Gastrointestinal Laboratory (GI Lab) have discovered signs that can be used to identify dogs with a high risk of gastrointestinal disease -- which causes more than 10% of all new visits to a veterinarian -- before they develop symptoms. -- That team will now use this discovery -- published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine -- to research whether specific dietary interventions can help prevent at-risk dogs from developing GI disease, which may be lifesaving for breeds that are prone to diseases with a high mortality rate. -- Soft-coated wheaten terriers, for example, often develop a disease called protein-losing enteropathy (PLE), which causes the intestines to stop functioning normally, sometimes leading to death in less than six months after diagnosis. -- Other breeds that are prone to GI disease are German shepherds, Yorkshire terriers and Staffordshire bull terriers. -- "Sometimes, dogs that are predisposed to GI disease can go their whole lives without having any clinical signs. For others, signs develop after some kind of stressor in the gut, like an unbalanced diet or having to take antibiotics, triggers the GI disease to develop," said Dr. Katie Tolbert, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, small animal internist and associate professor in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences' (VMBS) Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. -- "In this study, we found that certain biomarkers start to show up before symptoms are present, and we think this can help us identify dogs before they actually have the disease," she said. -- Importantly, the researchers found multiple signs that indicate a high risk of disease -- not just one. -- "There are all sorts of things going on in the gut that turn out to be markers for high risk," Tolbert said. -- "Some dogs may have inflammation, while others have leaky guts. Any of these signs can contribute to the development of GI disease if enough changes are present." -- Tolbert and her collaborators have received funding to conduct a new study to see if diet changes can help prevent or slow down the development of GI disease in soft-coated wheaten terriers.	H01 H02 R01 N01	1,335
2512-089	Super-Turing AI Mimics Human Brain Function For Enhanced Energy Efficiency	Engineers from Texas A&M University have developed "Super-Turing AI," a new form of artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain's efficiency in processing data. This innovative AI design integrates processes rather than separating them, potentially revolutionizing energy consumption in AI technology and improving its overall performance.	Texas A&M University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial Intelligence (AI) can perform complex calculations and analyze data faster than any human, but to do so requires enormous amounts of energy. The human brain is also an incredibly powerful computer, yet it consumes very little energy. -- As technology companies increasingly expand, a new approach to AI's "thinking," developed by researchers including Texas A&M University engineers, mimics the human brain and has the potential to revolutionize the AI industry. -- Dr. Suin Yi, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Texas A&M's College of Engineering, is on a team of researchers that developed "Super-Turing AI," which operates more like the human brain. This new AI integrates certain processes instead of separating them and then migrating huge amounts of data like current systems do. -- The Energy Crisis In AI -- Today's AI systems, including large language models such as OpenAI and ChatGPT, require immense computing power and are housed in expansive data centers that consume vast amounts of electricity. -- "These data centers are consuming power in gigawatts, whereas our brain consumes 20 watts," Suin explained. "That's 1 billion watts compared to just 20. Data centers that are consuming this energy are not sustainable with current computing methods. So while AI's abilities are remarkable, the hardware and power generation needed to sustain it is still needed." -- The substantial energy demands not only escalate operational costs but also raise environmental concerns, given the carbon footprint associated with large-scale data centers. As AI becomes more integrated, addressing its sustainability becomes increasingly critical. -- Emulating The Brain -- Yi and team believe the key to solving this problem lies in nature -- specifically, the human brain's neural processes. -- In the brain, the functions of learning and memory are not separated, they are integrated. Learning and memory rely on connections between neurons, called "synapses," where signals are transmitted. Learning strengthens or weakens synaptic connections through a process called "synaptic plasticity," forming new circuits and altering existing ones to store and retrieve information.	H02 R02 T01	1,336
2513-040	Age And Fecal Score Are Key In Dog Giardia Screening	A study by Texas A&M University reveals that age and fecal score are critical indicators for screening dogs for subclinical Giardia infections. As Giardia and Cryptosporidium pose serious health risks, especially to vulnerable populations, researchers aimed to identify factors linked to infection in kennel-housed dogs. This evidence-based insight could enhance screening protocols and reduce the risk of these pathogens in canine facilities and potentially in human populations.	Texas A&M University	Comparative Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	The pathogens Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium are common causes of sometimes-fatal intestinal diseases in humans, other mammals and birds worldwide. -- Now, findings from researchers at Texas A&M University provide new, evidence-based insight into minimizing the risk of these diseases at canine facilities. -- "In adult, healthy humans and animals, these diseases usually cause diarrhea and occasionally other minor ailments, but for infants, puppies and the immunocompromised, infection could be deadly," said Loni Taylor, PhD, DVM, an epidemiologist with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, who led the study. -- "We wanted to identify the factors associated with kennel-housed dogs in Texas that test positive for both diseases." -- For their study, published in Comparative Medicine, Taylor and five colleagues with Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences sought to find out if a dog's score on the Purina Fecal Scoring chart, breed, sex or age was associated with testing positive on a fecal screening test for either Giardia, Cryptosporidium or both organisms together. -- To accomplish this, they tested fecal samples collected from a census sample of 153 clinically normal dogs housed at Texas kennels between March and October 2021. -- Breeds included golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, beagles and a variety of large hounds and hound mixes. -- The sex, age, breed and location were noted for the 153 dogs studied. -- In addition, fecal scores were determined by a single researcher using visual assessment of the samples, based on the Purina Institute metric (where 1 is hard and 7 is watery). -- A secondary data analysis and statistical analysis found that dogs were significantly more likely to test positive for Giardia (45%) than Cryptosporidium (7%) (P < 0.01), although no clear link was found between sex or breed and these infections.	N01	1,337
2513-T013	Preventing Embankment Failures: Practical Solutions For Highway Stability	Texas A&M researchers investigated the collapse of an embankment slope on a Houston highway, identifying practical solutions to prevent future failures. Their study emphasizes the importance of using stabilizing agents and drainage systems to protect vital infrastructure, highlighting the need for ongoing maintenance and innovative engineering solutions.	Texas A&M University	Transportation Geotechnics	Press Rel	PubMed	Roads and highways are the lifeline of a country. The United States has over 4 million miles of public roads, including the Interstate Highway System. It's critical to prevent damage and maintain roads and highways to support the longevity of the sprawling transportation infrastructure within the United States. -- Toward that effort, Texas A&M researchers recently published a report in the journal Transportation Geotechnics on a forensic investigation of a collapsed slope of a Texas highway embankment using a variety of methods, including numeric modeling and laboratory tests. -- "Failures of embankment slopes are quite common every year," said Dr. Anand Puppala, professor in the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. -- "Repairing these failures involves a tremendous amount of work, especially if the highways are in the middle of a city, for example. In our study, we investigated the reasons for failure of embankment slopes and the best way to repair such damages." -- According to the Federal Highway Administration, embankments are structures that are made of compacted earthen materials, like soil, rock or aggregate. -- They raise roadways above the level of the existing surrounding ground surface to provide structural support, prevent flooding and improve drainage from roads by directing water through defined paths. -- But even embankments can fail over time due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, seismic activity and construction defects. -- These failures can lead to loss of life and property damage. -- Highway embankments made of heavy materials are often built over soft ground and this can sometimes lead to settlement and instability of the embankment. -- "Most of the embankments in Texas, for example, are built with the local clayey soils," said Puppala.	H01 C01	1,338
2502-048	New Bird Flu Mutations Discovered: Potentially More Dangerous But Antivirals Still Work	A team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute has identified nine mutations in a Texas bird flu strain that enhance its ability to cause disease and replicate in human cells. While the strain poses a greater threat, existing antiviral treatments remain effective. This research underscores the importance of monitoring H5N1 strains as they evolve in new hosts, including humans.	Texas Biomedical Research Institute	Emerging Microbes & Infections	Press Rel	PubMed	One of the earliest strains of bird flu isolated from a human in Texas shows a unique constellation of mutations that enable it to more easily replicate in human cells and cause more severe disease in mice compared to a strain found in dairy cattle, researchers from Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) report in Emerging Microbes & Infections. -- The finding highlights a key concern about the H5N1 strains of bird flu currently circulating in the U.S.: the speed at which the virus can mutate when introduced to a new host. -- Naturally found in wild birds and lethal in chickens, H5N1 has spread to a wide variety of mammals and began infecting dairy cows for the first time in spring 2024. -- As of early 2025, the outbreak had spread through herds across multiple states in the U.S. and infected dozens of people, mostly farm workers. -- So far, most people infected experience mild illness and eye inflammation and the virus is not spreading between people. -- The first H5N1 death in the U.S. was reported in January 2025 following exposure to infected chickens. -- "The clock is ticking for the virus to evolve to more easily infect and potentially transmit from human to human, which would be a concern," said Texas Biomed Professor Luis Martinez-Sobrido, Ph.D., whose lab specializes in influenza viruses and has been studying H5N1 since the outbreak began last year. -- The team has developed specialized tools and animal models to test prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic antivirals. -- Human vs. bovine -- In the recent study, they compared H5N1 strains isolated from a human patient and from dairy cattle in Texas.	R01 N01	1,339
2510-E037	New TB Vaccine Candidate Shows Promise In Immune Response Effectiveness	Preclinical research indicates that a new live-attenuated tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate generates a more effective immune response than the currently used vaccine. Developed at Texas Biomedical Research Institute, this innovative approach has shown success in providing 100% protection in animal models. As immunological techniques advance, researchers aim to understand the underlying mechanisms, potentially leading to a superior TB vaccine that could significantly improve public health outcomes.	Texas Biomedical Research Institute	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A live-attenuated tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate in development at Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) elicits a much more balanced and effective immune response compared to the existing vaccine used across much of the world, according to preclinical research published in Nature Communications. -- The vaccine candidate, being developed by Professor Deepak Kaushal, Ph.D., involves a weakened or "attenuated" strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacterium that causes TB. -- Dr. Kaushal has been working to develop a better TB vaccine for more than 15 years. -- In 2015, he showed that this vaccine candidate was 100% protective against a lethal dose of Mtb in rhesus macaques. -- "Immunology has changed a lot in 10 years and now we can do much more in-depth experiments that show not just that this vaccine works, but why it is working," Dr. Kaushal said. -- "That is what I am most excited about with this paper -- showing the mechanisms that provide this elite protection, which can inform not only our work but any next-generation TB vaccine." -- New TB vaccines are needed -- TB is the leading killer worldwide by a single infectious agent, claiming more than 1.25 million lives in 2023 and infecting more than 10.6 million, according to the World Health Organization. -- The only licensed vaccine on the market -- the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine -- was invented more than 100 years ago and its effectiveness is limited in adults. -- Dr. Kaushal's vaccine candidate is called delta sigmaH -- he has modified the bacterium by deleting the gene needed to make a protein called sigmaH (sigH). Without sigH, the bacterium is unable to fight off oxidative stress properly and cannot survive in the lungs.	H02 R01 N01	1,340
2506-014	Bats Offer Insights Into Immune Systems That Could Help Fight Viruses	An international research team has identified genetic adaptations in bats that enhance their immune responses, potentially offering insights into combating viral diseases. A study from Texas Tech University highlights a gene that can significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral production, showcasing bats' unique resilience to infections that severely affect humans.	Texas Tech University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Five years removed from the COVID-19 outbreak, scientists around the world are still studying its effects and, more importantly, ways those effects can be mitigated in the future. An international team of researchers may have just found a critical clue in the quest, and a laboratory at Texas Tech University played a key role. -- The Ray Laboratory, led by Department of Biological Sciences Professor and Associate Chair David Ray, as part of a study on bat genomes published by the scientific journal Nature, helped identify the components of a genome in a specific species of bats that have shown more genetic adaptations in their immune systems than other animals. -- The study revealed that a gene common in some bats can reduce the production of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by up to 90%, which could help lead to new medical approaches to combating viral diseases. -- "Bats have an amazing ability to resist some of the worst effects of viral infection that make us so vulnerable to certain diseases," Ray said. -- "While we get very sick, the bats barely blink an eye when exposed to the same pathogens." -- Ray said his laboratory aided in the annotation of the genome assemblies in the bats. -- Genome annotation is how scientists characterize all component parts of the genome -- the genes, regulatory sequences and non-coding and coding regions. -- The Texas Tech lab identified the transposable element (TE) regions of the assemblies, where bits of DNA can create new copies of themselves and introduce variations within the genome. -- Ray said bats have a unique TE repertoire among mammals, presenting a potentially powerful way to generate new genetic pathways to deal with pathogens like the coronavirus. -- "If every individual of a species was genetically identical, they would all have the same risk associated with infection -- if one dies, they all die," Ray said.	R01 N01	1,341
2505-057	Yo-Yo Dieting Increases Kidney Disease Risk In Type 1 Diabetes Patients	New research indicates that yo-yo dieting significantly heightens the risk of kidney disease in individuals with type 1 diabetes, irrespective of traditional risk factors like BMI. This study sheds light on the health implications of body-weight cycling, revealing a concerning association with diabetic kidney disease progression. The findings underscore the need for more comprehensive dietary management strategies for people with type 1 diabetes to mitigate these risks.	The Endocrine Society	The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Could the key to easing anxiety be hidden in our gut? Scientists from Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Neuroscience Institute have discovered a crucial connection between gut microbes and anxiety-related behaviour. Their research, published today in EMBO Molecular Medicine, suggests that microbial metabolites- specifically indoles-play a direct role in regulating brain activity linked to anxiety. This finding opens up exciting possibilities for new probiotic-based therapies to improve mental health. -- The prevalence of mental health disorders has been rising over the years. -- According to the latest nationwide study, 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mental health disorder, which includes depressive and anxiety disorders[1]. In 2019, mental health disorders were one of the top four leading causes of disease burden in Singapore[2]. -- The research team thus set out to investigate the role microbes play in anxious behaviour. -- In pre-clinical studies, the scientists observed that in a germ-free environment, those which were not exposed to live microbes, showed significantly more anxiety-related behaviour than those with typical resident live microbes. -- Further investigation revealed that the increased anxiety was associated with heightened activity in a brain region involved in processing emotions such as fear and anxiety, the basolateral amygdala (BLA). This was further identified to be related to specialised proteins within brain cells known as the calcium dependent SK2 channels, associated with anxiety behaviour. -- In conditions when the body and brain are exposed to live microbe metabolites, the SK2 channels act like a clutch, thus preventing neurons from becoming overly excited and firing too frequently. -- Associate Professor Shawn Je from Duke-NUS' Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders Programme and one of the lead authors, explained: -- "Our findings reveal the specific and intricate neural process that link microbes to mental health. Those without any live microbes showed higher levels of anxious behavior than those with live bacteria. Essentially, the lack of these microbes disrupted the way their brains functioned, particularly in areas that control fear and anxiety, leading to anxious behavior." -- To better understand the role of microbes in this process, the researchers introduced live microbes into germ-free mice[3]. This reduced the elevated neuronal activity in the basolateral amygdala and thus SK2 channel activity.	H01 R01	1,342
2508-025	Hormones Might Prevent Signs Of Aging Like Wrinkles And Hair Graying	A recent study has identified certain hormones as potential treatments for aging-related skin conditions, such as wrinkles and hair graying. Traditionally, only a few hormones were utilized for skin rejuvenation, but this research highlights new hormonal pathways that could lead to innovative strategies for preventing and reversing the signs of aging.	The Endocrine Society	Endocrine Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	Hormones may be leveraged to treat and prevent signs of aging such as wrinkles and hair graying, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society journal Endocrine Reviews. -- Until now, only a limited number of hormones, mainly topical retinoids (retinol and tretinoin) and estrogen which is typically used to treat side effects of menopause, have been used in clinical practice as anti-skin aging compounds. -- This study reviews a new class of hormones and their anti-aging properties. -- "Our paper highlights key hormone players that orchestrate pathways of skin aging such as degradation of connective tissue (leading to wrinkling), stem cell survival and loss of pigment (leading to hair graying)," said lead author Markus Böhm, M.D., of the University of Münster in Münster, Germany. -- "Some of the hormones we studied have anti-aging properties and may be used in the future as agents to prevent skin aging." -- The skin is the largest organ and undergoes both intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic aging which is caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure. -- "Skin is not only a target for various hormones that control pathways of skin aging but itself is certainly the largest and richest site for hormone production besides classical endocrine glands," Böhm said. -- To better understand the connection between hormones and skin aging, the researchers studied the pivotal hormones controlling skin aging, including insulin-like growth factor 1, growth hormone, estrogens, retinoids and melatonin. -- Melatonin is especially interesting as a potential anti-skin aging substance as it is a small molecule, inexpensive, well-tolerated and a direct and indirect antioxidant as well as a regulator of mitochondrial metabolism. -- Some of the studied hormones, moreover, have astonishing and unexpected biological effects on skin function and hair aging as highlighted by distinct genetic deficiency syndromes.	A01	1,343
2501-083	Ancient DNA Analysis Reveals Insights Into Human Migration Patterns In Europe.	A study led by the Francis Crick Institute presents a new method for analyzing ancient DNA, shedding light on human migration patterns across Europe during the first millennium AD. By applying a novel data analysis technique, researchers were able to uncover previously unknown migratory details among genetically similar populations, enriching our understanding of historical population dynamics during significant eras like the Viking Age.	The Francis Crick Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers can bring together a picture of how people moved across the world by looking at changes in their DNA, but this becomes a lot harder when historical groups of people are genetically very similar. -- In research published today in Nature, researchers report a new data analysis method called Twigstats1, which allows the differences between genetically similar groups to be measured more precisely, revealing previously unknown details of migrations in Europe. -- They applied the new method to over 1500 European genomes (a person's complete set of DNA) from people who lived primarily during the first millennium AD (year 1 to 1000), encompassing the Iron Age, the fall of the Roman Empire, the early medieval 'Migration Period' and the Viking Age. -- Germanic-speaking people move south in the early Iron Age -- The Romans -- whose empire was flourishing at the start of the first millennium -- wrote about conflict with Germanic groups outside of the Empire's frontiers. -- Using the new method, the scientists revealed waves of these groups migrating south from Northern Germany or Scandinavia early in the first millennium, adding genetic evidence to the historical record. -- This ancestry was found in people from southern Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, and southern Britain, with one person in southern Europe carrying 100% Scandinavian-like ancestry. -- The team showed that many of these groups eventually mixed with pre-existing populations. -- The two main zones of migration and interaction mirror the three main branches of Germanic languages, one of which stayed in Scandinavia, one of which became extinct, and another which formed the basis of modern-day German and English. -- Finding a Roman gladiator?	Z01	1,344
2502-019	ORACLE Test Enhances Lung Cancer Survival Predictions At Diagnosis, Aiding Treatment Decisions	A new test called ORACLE has been shown to more accurately predict survival rates for patients diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer than current clinical risk factors. This advancement may facilitate more informed treatment decisions, potentially improving outcomes for these patients by guiding their therapeutic approaches.	The Francis Crick Institute	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, the UCL Cancer Institute and UCLH have shown that a test called ORACLE can predict lung cancer survival at the point of diagnosis better than currently used clinical risk factors. This could help doctors make more informed treatment decisions for people with stage 1 lung cancer, potentially reducing the risk of the cancer returning or spreading. -- In research published in Nature Cancer, the team tested ORACLE in 158 people with lung cancer as part of the Cancer Research UK-funded TRACERx study. -- They found that ORACLE could better predict patient survival than currently used clinical standards like tumour stage. -- ORACLE was developed in 2019 to overcome the lack of biological markers in lung cancer, which can indicate to doctors who might be at a greater risk of their cancer coming back or spreading to another part of the body1. -- This is particularly important for people with stage 1 lung cancer, who are normally given surgery without chemotherapy. -- For a quarter of stage 1 patients, their cancer returns, suggesting they may have benefitted from more frequent monitoring or chemotherapy. -- When doctors take a sample from a tumour, they typically only capture less than 1% of the tumour, and the genetics can vary massively from region to region within the same tumour. -- ORACLE overcomes this by looking at genes expressed at a high or low level in every part in the tumour. -- The new findings show that ORACLE could predict which patients with stage 1 lung cancer had a lower chance of survival, and might benefit from chemotherapy as well as surgery. -- Currently used clinical standards weren't able to give this information for stage 1 patients.	H01 R01	1,345
2502-081	CD74 Protein Levels May Predict Bowel Cancer Immunotherapy Success	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have determined that the levels of the protein CD74 in bowel cancer patients can predict their response to immunotherapy. This discovery could revolutionize treatment protocols, enabling better patient selection and potentially expanding immunotherapy access to a broader group of patients, particularly in the context of colorectal cancer, which represents a significant health challenge in the UK.	The Francis Crick Institute	Cancer Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, have shown that the amount of a protein called CD74 can indicate which people with bowel cancer may respond best to immunotherapy. -- If integrated into the clinic, testing for this protein could potentially allow hundreds of previously ineligible patients to benefit from this type of treatment. -- Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, and the second most common cause of cancer death. The disease falls into two types: one where proteins that repair errors in DNA are missing or deficient (the deficient subtype), and one where this machinery is intact (the proficient subtype). -- Cancer immunotherapy drugs, which boost the immune system to fight the tumour, have revolutionised the treatment of the deficient subtype of colorectal cancer. -- However, these drugs only work in about half of these individuals, and people with the proficient subtype, who represent ~90% of all cases, currently aren't eligible for immunotherapy treatment. -- In a study published today in Cancer Cell, the researchers investigated why immunotherapy only works for certain people with bowel cancer, and how we might increase the number of patients who can benefit from this treatment. They found that the levels of expression of a protein called CD74 can predict response to immunotherapy, independent of subtype. -- The importance of the immune environment -- The team first studied the immune cells surrounding different tumours, as the presence or absence of these cells can play a major role in a person's response to immunotherapy. They examined samples from both subtypes, and from people who responded to immunotherapy drugs versus people who didn't. -- They found that three types of immune cells needed to be present for the tumour to respond to treatment: fighter cells called T and NK cells, and cells called macrophages, which present flags on their surfaces to highlight a threat to the body. -- When all three immune cell populations were present and near to cancer cells, the T cells produced molecules called interferons, which triggered a signal in macrophages and tumour cells.	H01 R01	1,346
2502-093	Circulating Tumor DNA Testing Can Predict Lung Cancer Outcomes: New Findings	Researchers have discovered that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing can effectively predict lung cancer outcomes. A study published in Nature Medicine employed the NeXT Personal platform to measure minimal quantities of ctDNA in plasma samples, finding that lower pre-surgery ctDNA levels correlate with better survival rates, marking a significant advancement in cancer prognosis and monitoring.	The Francis Crick Institute	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from the Francis Crick Institute, UCL, UCLH and Personalis have found that a test to detect circulating tumour DNA can predict lung cancer outcome in a Cancer Research UK-funded study. -- Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) is fragments of DNA released into the blood by tumours. It's known to be important for disease prognosis but can be difficult to measure precisely. -- In research published today in Nature Medicine, Crick and UCL scientists worked with Personalis to test a platform called NeXT Personal, which can detect very small amounts -- 1 part per million -- of ctDNA. This builds on the Crick team's discovery of signals in the blood that detect cancer cells after treatment, which could indicate a potential for relapse. -- They applied the platform to blood plasma samples from 171 people with early-stage lung cancer in the TRACERx cohort, finding that people with a low level of ctDNA before surgery were less likely to relapse and had improved overall survival rates than people with a high level of ctDNA1. -- The high sensitivity of the test meant that smaller amounts of ctDNA could be detected, which prevented people with a lower amount of ctDNA from being incorrectly labelled ctDNA negative2. -- Early-stage lung cancer is usually treated by removing the tumour by surgery and with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, depending on the stage of the tumour, which aims to achieve the highest chance of cure. -- The test will next be assessed on samples from patients that have undergone surgery with the earliest stages of lung cancer, to evaluate if the presence of ctDNA post-operatively in blood can be used to infer future risk of relapse. This could allow doctors to offer additional therapy after surgery, increasing the chance of curing patients. -- James Black, Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow at the Francis Crick Institute and the CRUK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence at UCL, said: "We've shown that the presence or absence of tumour DNA in the blood was strongly predictive of prognosis. ctDNA testing, especially using ultrasensitive platforms, could help clinicians make more informed decisions about treatment and give patients a more accurate idea of how their disease might progress. More research to validate these tests will help to get them on the agenda for regular clinical use." -- Charles Swanton, Deputy Clinical Director and Head of the Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory at the Crick, medical oncologist at University College London Hospitals, Chair in Personalised Cancer Medicine at the UCL Cancer Institute, Chief Investigator for TRACERx, and senior author of the study, said: "Lung cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, but it's hard to treat with a high relapse rate. It's vital to understand who would benefit from more aggressive treatment, especially for patients with Stage 1 disease who are often diagnosed during CT screening for those at a higher risk. Using sensitive ctDNA tests is one way to do this, which we hope will maximise clinical benefit and minimise unnecessary treatment for individual patients." -- Richard Chen, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of R&D at Personalis, said: "We designed NeXT Personal to detect residual or recurrent cancer in its earliest stages, and this study shows the clinical importance of that ultra-sensitive detection in early-stage lung cancer. A more sensitive test like NeXT Personal offers the potential of earlier detection and earlier treatment for patients. Similarly, as we see in this study, a negative test can potentially reassure patients, and offer the hope of avoiding unnecessary therapy in the future."	H01 R01	1,347
2503-048	Y Chromosome Genes Uncovered: Insights Into Male Fertility And Sperm Development In Mice	Researchers at the Crick Institute have identified critical genes on the Y chromosome that govern sperm development and fertility in male mice. This discovery sheds light on male infertility issues, revealing that certain Y chromosome genes are essential for sperm production and normal fertility, thus advancing our understanding of male reproductive health and potential therapeutic strategies.	The Francis Crick Institute	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Crick have uncovered which genes on the Y chromosome regulate the development of sperm and impact fertility in male mice. This research could help us understand why some men don't produce enough sperm and are infertile. -- Males typically have one copy of the Y chromosome and one copy of the X chromosome, whereas females typically have two X chromosomes. Scientists know that the Y chromosome is essential for male fertility, but which genes are the most important and how they work is less clear. -- In research published today in Science, a research team at the Crick resolved this question by generating thirteen different mouse models, each with different Y genes removed, and investigated their fertility. -- The researchers studied the ability of these adult mice to reproduce, including looking at the number of offspring, number of sperm produced and the appearance and motility of the sperm. -- They found that several Y genes were critical for reproduction. If these genes were removed, the mice couldn't produce young, due to absence or reduced number of sperm, failure to produce a reservoir of sperm stem cells or abnormal sperm shape or movement. -- Interestingly, some other genes had no impact when removed individually, but did lead to the production of abnormal sperm when removed together. -- This was the case for a group of three genes which model a region of the chromosome called AZFa in humans. AZFa deletions are a common cause of the most severe cases of male infertility, but it has been hard to tell which genes in the region are responsible. -- The results suggest that many Y genes play a role in fertility and can compensate for each other if one gene is lost. This also means that some cases of infertility likely result from multiple genes being deleted at the same time. -- As well as regulating sperm generation, some Y genes are also active in other organs, like the heart and the brain, where they may be very important. Also, as they age, some men can lose their Y chromosomes in blood due to errors in cell division. This loss is associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease or cancer, so the lab is now aiming to understand what happens in other organs in the mice with Y gene deletions. -- Jeremie Subrini, Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory at the Crick, and first author, said: "Our research has shown that more Y genes are required for mouse fertility than first thought. We saw that some genes are crucial, but others have a cumulative effect. Historically, the Y chromosome has been misunderstood. For a long time, it wasn't thought to be essential in adults, and some even hypothesised that it was going to disappear altogether. We now know that this is clearly not the case!"	R01 R02	1,348
2507-026	Aggressive Lung Cancer Cells Create Their Own Electric Network	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered that aggressive lung cancer cells can form their own electrical networks, similar to the body's nervous system. This unique finding could help explain the cancer's aggressive behavior and potential for metastasis, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.	The Francis Crick Institute	The Francis Crick Institute	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Francis Crick Institute have found that some particularly aggressive lung cancer cells can develop their own electric network, like that seen in the body's nervous system. -- This unique property could make them less dependent on the environment surrounding the tumour and even spread more easily. -- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is one of the hardest types of cancer to treat and has often already spread by the time people are diagnosed. -- It mainly arises from neuroendocrine (NE) cells, which help regulate air and blood flow in the lungs. -- In research published in Nature, the team at the Crick looked for electrical activity in human and mouse SCLC samples, aiming to determine whether such activity may underpin the aggressiveness of this cancer type. -- Using neuroscience techniques, they found that the SCLC cells had gone 'off grid'. They were able to generate their own electrical activity, building their own electrical network within the tumour, and becoming independent of the body's main electrical supply, including the nerves surrounding the tumour. -- Keeping cancer cells fueled -- Because firing electrical signals requires a lot of energy, the researchers investigated how this energy was being generated. -- Over time, the team noted important changes in gene expression as the cancer progressed, resulting in some cells losing their NE identity and becoming non-neuroendocrine (non-NE) cancer cells. -- They also observed that together, these cancer cells collaborated to promote tumour development.	R01	1,349
2510-055	Genetic Changes In Blood Donors Could Help Prevent Blood Cancers As We Age	A study conducted by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute reveals that genetic alterations in blood stem cells from regular blood donors enhance the production of non-cancerous cells. By examining how mutations accumulate in these cells as we age, the findings aim to provide insights into the development of blood cancers and identify potential interventions before clinical symptoms arise. Understanding the emergence of specific cell clones, which can lead to diseases like leukemia, is crucial in this research.	The Francis Crick Institute	Blood Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified genetic changes in blood stem cells from frequent blood donors that support the production of new, non-cancerous cells. -- Understanding the differences in the mutations that accumulate in our blood stem cells as we age is important to understand how and why blood cancers develop and hopefully how to intervene before the onset of clinical symptoms. -- As we age, stem cells in the bone marrow naturally accumulate mutations and with this, we see the emergence of clones, which are groups of blood cells that have a slightly different genetic makeup. Sometimes, specific clones can lead to blood cancers like leukaemia. -- When people donate blood, stem cells in the bone marrow make new blood cells to replace the lost blood and this stress drives the selection of certain clones. -- In research published today in Blood, the team at the Crick, in collaboration with scientists from the DFKZ in Heidelberg and the German Red Cross Blood Donation Centre, analysed blood samples taken from over 200 frequent donors -- people who had donated blood three times a year over 40 years, more than 120 times in total -- and sporadic control donors who had donated blood less than five times in total. -- Samples from both groups showed a similar level of clonal diversity, but the makeup of the blood cell populations was different. -- For example, both sample groups contained clones with changes to a gene called DNMT3A, which is known to be mutated in people who develop leukaemia. Interestingly, the changes to this gene observed in frequent donors were not in the areas known to be preleukemic. -- To understand this better, the Crick researchers edited DNMT3A in human stem cells in the lab. They induced the genetic changes associated with leukaemia and also the non-preleukemic changes observed in the frequent donor group. -- They grew these cells in two environments: one containing erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production which is increased after each blood donation, and another containing inflammatory chemicals to replicate an infection. -- The cells with the mutations commonly seen in frequent donors responded and grew in the environment containing EPO and failed to grow in the inflammatory environment. The opposite was seen in the cells with mutations known to be preleukemic.	H02 R01	1,350
2511-108	Pregnancy Triggers Growth Of Small Intestine In Mice	Research from the Francis Crick Institute reveals that pregnancy induces significant growth in the small intestines of mice. This adaptive change may facilitate nutrient absorption during pregnancy and prepare the organism for subsequent pregnancies, contributing to our understanding of reproductive physiology in mammals.	The Francis Crick Institute	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have found that the small intestine grows in response to pregnancy in mice. This partially irreversible change may help mice support a pregnancy and prepare for a second. -- The organs of many female animals are remodelled by reproduction, but the underlying mechanisms behind the response of the gut to pregnancy have only recently begun to be investigated. -- For example, scientists previously identified that the fruit fly gut expands during reproduction. -- In research published today in Cell, the same team found that pregnant mice had a longer small intestine from just seven days into the pregnancy. -- By the end of the pregnancy, around day 18, the small intestine was 18% longer. -- Interestingly, the small intestine remained longer after birth, even up to 35 days after the mice had finished lactating, suggesting that this change isn't reversible. -- They also observed that the small intestine was even longer after a second pregnancy than the first. -- Inside the small intestine, the villi (protrusions that absorb nutrients) and crypts (where the cells supplying the villi are produced) became longer and deeper at the same time as the gut lengthened, but both returned to pre-pregnancy values just seven days after weaning. -- The villi also didn't grow more during a second pregnancy. -- The team think that a longer small intestine and villi may support increased nutrient uptake needed to support the mother and offspring during pregnancy.	R01 N01	1,351
2507-007	Key Differences Found In Gut Microbiomes Of Infants With Cystic Fibrosis	A Dartmouth-led study examines the gut microbiome differences in infants with cystic fibrosis compared to healthy infants. The research reveals how these differences may adversely affect health, emphasizing the importance of understanding microbiome maturation processes in CF infants to inform future treatments and interventions.	The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth	The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth	Press Rel	PubMed	Findings from a new Dartmouth-led study, published in the journal mBio, highlight key differences in the gut microbiome (communities of bacteria) of infants with cystic fibrosis (CF) compared to that of healthy infants, and how these alterations may adversely affect their health. CF is a multi-organ genetic disease that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, as well as heightened inflammation in the gut and at other body sites. -- "It's been known that in healthy infants, the intestinal microbiome is very dynamic and changes over time as a consequence of how they're delivered at birth, whether they're breastfed or not, and when they transition to solid food, among other factors. Then at three to five years of age, these changes stabilize into an adult-like microbiome. This process is key to healthy development," explains lead author Benjamin Ross, PhD, an assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. -- "We didn't really know how that process played out in infants with CF, so we set out to study how the gut microbiome of infants with the disease matured and if that maturation process was different compared to healthy kids," says Ross, whose collaborators at Geisel and Dartmouth Health included George O'Toole, PhD, Juliette Madan, MD, MS, and Julie Sanville, DO. -- For their study, the investigators recruited a cohort of 40 infants with CF from the Northern New England area who were cared for and followed at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center between 2009 and 2019. -- The team used DNA sequencing techniques to analyze the bacterial composition of stool samples of the infants from birth to three years. -- They then compared the types of bacteria found in the microbiomes of the local CF infant cohort with those found in healthy infants -- which were taken from large, publicly available data sets across the U.S. and in Northern Europe. -- "Our major conclusion was that in CF the microbiome really doesn't change very much, so it's essentially stunted or delayed in its maturation compared to healthy kids, and this failure to mature may contribute to poor health," says Ross. -- "For example, we found a depletion of health-associated bacteria in the CF kids, including Faecalibacterium Prausnitzii, which is a bacterium that specializes in using dietary fiber as an energy source and is known to stimulate anti-inflammatory responses." -- Ross and his colleagues are planning follow-up studies using mouse models to better understand why these alterations in the gut microbiome occur in CF and what the consequences are on health. -- "We hope this work can include testing and developing interventions, such as probiotics or dietary changes, that may help mitigate the effect of the disease on the microbiome or supplement it with aspects that will help rescue microbiome deficiencies," he says.	H01 R01	1,352
2507-096	New Therapy Reduces Violent Behavior In Male Antisocial Offenders	Dartmouth-led research indicates that even minimal exposure to the herpes simplex virus (HSV) in infant mice can lead to cognitive decline later in life, echoing emerging links between HSV and Alzheimer’s in humans. This study emphasizes the need for further investigation into asymptomatic HSV infections and their long-term neurological effects on vulnerable populations.	The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth	The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth	Press Rel	PubMed	Very early exposure to even a very small dose of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in infant mice can lead to cognitive decline later in life, according to findings from a new Dartmouth-led study, in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and published in the journal PLoS Pathogens. This is significant because of emerging data in human studies showing an association between HSV and Alzheimer's disease in humans. -- HSV infections are very common, typically affecting the skin and the nervous system. -- While these infections often lay dormant in the body and usually don't pose serious health risks, HSV can be much more dangerous for those with underdeveloped immune systems such as newborns. -- Neonatal HSV, which is associated with high rates of disease and death, affects about 14,000 newborns worldwide each year. -- "Clinical outcomes of neonatal HSV infections, where symptoms have been readily apparent, have been well-studied. But little has been known about the frequency of, or outcomes following, asymptomatic neonatal HSV and how it may contribute to long-term neurological damage," explains David Leib, PhD, chair and professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, who served as a corresponding author on the study in a collaboration with Katherine Nautiyal, PhD, assistant professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth. -- The research project was led by first-and-second authors Abigail Dutton and Evelyn Turnbaugh, MD/PhD and PhD candidates, respectively, at Geisel and the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth. -- To assess potential neurological outcomes associated with asymptomatic neonatal HSV infections, with no overt signs of infection present, the research team developed a very low-dose intranasal HSV infection model. -- They introduced the virus to one-day-old mouse pups, waited six months for them to mature, and then ran them through a range of cognitive and memory tests, some which are derived from tests given to patients with Alzheimer's disease to track disease progression. -- "What Abby and Evelyn discovered was that mice who had received a miniscule dose of HSV when they were a day old, weren't able to learn as well as those that were in the control group and were uninfected. This reinforces the idea that low-level infections in neonates can have major consequences later in life despite causing little to no symptoms at the time of infection -- a slightly scary concept," says Leib. -- On a more positive note, the team, building on work previously done at Dartmouth, was able to show that maternal vaccination (in mice) can prevent this cognitive decline.	H01 H02 R01 R02	1,353
2502-T029	Innovative Mechanism Ejects Freezing Droplets, Promising Cost-Effective Solutions For Icy Surfaces	Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed a self-powered mechanism that ejects freezing droplets from surfaces to combat ice accumulation, a costly and inefficient issue. Their innovative design allows water droplets to propel themselves away from surfaces, addressing practical challenges in various applications. This breakthrough, published in Nature Chemical Engineering, offers promising technological advancements for improving energy efficiency in environments prone to ice and frost.	The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	Nature Chemical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Water droplets under freezing conditions do not spontaneously detach from surfaces as they do at room temperature due to stronger droplet-surface interaction and lack of an energy transformation pathway. Since accumulated droplets or ice have to be removed manually or with mechanical equipment, which is costly and inefficient, preventing droplet accretion on surfaces is both scientifically intriguing and practically important. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have invented a ground-breaking self-powered mechanism of freezing droplet ejection that allows droplets to shoot themselves away, paving the way for cost-efficient and promising technological applications. -- Published in Nature Chemical Engineering as the cover feature for its last December issue, the research project "Freezing droplet ejection by spring-like elastic pillars" is led by Prof. -- Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof. -- Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering. -- First co-authors include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan ZHANG, PhD student Mr Wei ZHANG, Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai JIN, and PhD student Mr Chenyang WU. -- The discovery of the self-ejection phenomenon in freezing droplets was inspired by a fungus capable of shooting its spores away through osmosis-induced volume expansion. -- Noting that a similar volume expansion occurs when water droplet is freezing, the research team has replicated the self-shooting mechanism found in the fungi and developed a structured elastic surface (SES) with spring-like pillars and wetting contrast that allows for the spontaneous ejection of freezing water droplets. -- The SES structure is designed to accelerate the ejection velocity and enlarge the kinetic energy transformation of freezing droplets. -- When the freezing droplet undergoes volume expansion, it compresses the pillar of SES. -- The volume expansion work is first converted to and stored as elastic energy in the pillar within tens of seconds, and then to be transformed into the droplet's kinetic energy rapidly within milliseconds.	R02 T01	1,354
2510-E058	Researchers Map Aluminium Atoms In Zeolite Structures To Enhance Catalyst Efficiency	A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has pinpointed the exact location of aluminum atoms within zeolite frameworks, a breakthrough that could lead to the development of more efficient and stable catalysts. This discovery is pivotal for enhancing the yield of petrochemical products and improving renewable energy storage and air quality.	The Hong Kong Polytechnic University	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Zeolites, crystalline materials widely used in the petrochemical industry, serve as pivotal catalysts in the production of fine chemicals, with aluminium being the source of active sites within zeolite structures. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has revealed the precise location of aluminium atoms in the zeolite framework. This discovery could facilitate the design of more efficient and stable catalysts, aimed at increasing the yield of petrochemical products, achieving efficient renewable energy storage, and controlling air pollution. This advancement will further promote the application of zeolites in relevant fields. The findings have been published in the international journal Science. -- The research is led by Prof. Shik Chi Edman TSANG, Chair Professor of Catalysis and Materials of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology. -- He is joined by Prof. Tsz Woon Benedict LO, Associate Professor, along with first author Dr Guangchao LI, Research Assistant Professor, both from the same department. -- The team collaborated with researchers from the University of Oxford and the Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. -- The unique properties of zeolites, characterised by their well-defined microporous structure, high surface area, and tuneable acidity and basicity, make them indispensable in petrochemical refining, environmental catalysis and fine chemical synthesis. -- The distribution of substitutional aluminium atoms within the zeolite framework influences the geometry of molecular adsorbates, catalytic activity, and shape and size selectivity. -- However, accurately locating these aluminium atoms and understanding their impact on the catalytic behaviour of zeolites has posed challenges for the scientific community for decades. -- In their research, the team focused on both lab-synthesised and commercial H-ZSM-5 zeolites to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical application, optimising H-ZSM-5 for advanced catalytic processes. -- Notably, the team introduced an innovative approach that integrates synchrotron resonant soft X-ray diffraction -- a powerful tool for studying atomic structure -- with probe-assisted solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and molecular adsorption methods. -- This integration revealed the interactions of molecules at the active sites of aluminium atoms.	T01	1,355
2504-025	New Findings Suggest Gene Blocking May Slow Childhood Brain Tumor Growth	Researchers at SickKids have pinpointed the KCNB2 gene as a critical factor in controlling tumor growth in medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children. By targeting this gene, they aim to improve treatment efficacy against tumor-propagating cells that resist conventional therapies, potentially leading to more effective, next-generation treatments for this challenging pediatric cancer.	The Hospital for Sick Children	Developmental Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have identified a key gene that could lead to next-generation treatments for medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumour in children. -- Within cancerous tumours, there are special cells, called tumour-propagating cells, that drive tumour formation and growth. -- Since these cells can survive standard treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, the tumour can potentially grow back and cause a relapse. -- New research published in Developmental Cell provides evidence that targeting the KCNB2 gene could enhance current cancer treatments, tackling medulloblastoma tumour growth. -- "Tumour-propagating cells are the main reason tumours grow and come back. By targeting a specific potassium channel, we were able to reduce tumour growth without impacting surrounding healthy cells," says Dr. Xi Huang, one of the lead authors and Senior Scientist in the Developmental, Stem Cell & Cancer Biology program. -- "This discovery opens the door to developing new therapies that could transform how we treat this common childhood brain cancer." -- Narrowing down tumour growth genes -- Using a genetically engineered preclinical model, researchers in Dr. Michael Taylor's lab uncovered a list of genes linked to tumour growth. -- Two of these genes were involved in potassium channels, which are pathways that allow potassium to flow out of cells. -- Simultaneously, an analysis of the medulloblastoma transcriptome (all the genes expressed by the tumour) show that potassium channels were present in humans above expected levels.	H01 R01 R02	1,356
2505-053	Key Event Discovered That Drives Medulloblastoma Tumor Growth And Potential Blockade	Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have made significant strides in understanding and potentially treating a specific subtype of medulloblastoma, a prevalent childhood brain cancer. By identifying a protein responsible for activating dormant stem cells associated with tumor growth, the team proposes a novel approach to inhibit this process. Their findings could revolutionize treatment strategies for this challenging condition, emphasizing the role of genomic research in advancing pediatric cancer therapies.	The Hospital for Sick Children	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Hitting the current national 2030 quotas for solar and wind energy could reduce the volatility of electricity markets by an average of 20% across 29 European countries, according to a new study from the University of Cambridge. -- The intensity of spikes in power prices are predicted to fall in every country by the end of the decade if commitments to green energy are met, as natural gas dependency is cut. -- The UK and Ireland would be the biggest beneficiaries, with 44% and 43% reductions in the severity of electricity price spikes by 2030, compared with last year. -- Germany could experience a 31% decline in electricity price volatility, with the Netherlands and Belgium seeing price spikes ease by 38% and 33% respectively. -- The simulations conducted for the new study show that scaling up renewable energy minimises the market impact of fluctuations in natural gas price -- increasing stability even when considering the reliance of renewable technologies on weather. -- Some EU leaders and energy ministers have called for renewables targets on grounds of energy security as well as decarbonisation, particularly since Putin's war on Ukraine stemmed the flow of Russian gas. -- The study, published in the journal Nature Energy, calculates in detail how such aims would affect the volatility of wholesale electricity prices in energy markets across Europe. -- "The volatility of energy prices is a major cause of damage to national economies," said Laura Diaz Anadon, the University of Cambridge's Professor of Climate Change Policy. -- "Consumers are still reeling from sharp increases in electricity prices brought about by natural gas shortages following Russia's invasion of Ukraine," said Anadon. "We show that hitting renewables targets reduce the likelihood of such price spikes in the future." -- Daniel Navia, a researcher with the University's Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance (CEENRG), said: "Meeting renewable energy targets is not only good for carbon neutrality, but we can see it is a boost to economic resilience"	H01 H02 R01 R02 C01	1,357
2511-013	New Mechanism Found For Potential Cystic Fibrosis Treatments	Insights from a study at SickKids reveal the significance of protein clustering on cell membranes, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis (CF). Understanding how proteins aggregate provides a fresh avenue for developing effective treatments for the genetic condition that's currently limited by existing therapeutic options.	The Hospital for Sick Children	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) reveals the process underlying protein organization on cell membranes, a finding which could pave the way for innovative cystic fibrosis treatments. -- Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs, caused by variations on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator?(CFTR) gene. -- There are around 700 known variants that cause CF, but current treatments address only a few, and none offer a cure. -- "Therapeutics for cystic fibrosis have hit a plateau, demanding that we uncover new ways of looking at the science behind the condition. By studying protein organization, we've uncovered a brand-new avenue for developing therapeutics for cystic fibrosis," says Dr. Jonathon Ditlev, Scientist in the Molecular Medicine and Cell & Systems Biology programs. -- Phase separation key to CFTR protein -- Rather than looking solely at the function of the CFTR protein, the study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examined how CFTR proteins are organized on the cell membrane. -- In healthy children, the proteins form clusters, helping to regulate water and salt intake. -- In people with CF, those clusters are disrupted. -- The process that forms the clusters is called phase separation, a well-known process that has recently been appreciated for its role in biological organization and that Dr. Julie Forman-Kay, Program Head and Senior Scientist in the Molecular Medicine program and co-lead author of the paper, proposed might be relevant to CFTR in 2017. -- "Our findings establish CFTR as a phase-separating protein, opening up a previously unexplored mode of protein regulation and a new target for future therapies," explains Forman-Kay.	H01 R01 T01	1,358
2503-062	Smartwatches Offer New Digital Biomarkers To Predict Depression Symptoms In Users	A collaborative research team from Korea and the US has developed a digital biomarker using smartwatch data to predict symptoms of depression. This technology aims to provide insights into mental health by analyzing biometric information, enabling earlier detection and intervention for individuals experiencing mood disorders amid rising mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	The CORONA virus pandemic also brought about a pandemic of mental illness. Approximately one billion people worldwide suffer from various psychiatric conditions. Korea is one of more serious cases, with approximately 1.8 million patients exhibiting depression and anxiety disorders, and the total number of patients with clinical mental diseases has increased by 37% in five years to approximately 4.65 million. A joint research team from Korea and the US has developed a technology that uses biometric data collected through wearable devices to predict tomorrow's mood and, further, to predict the possibility of developing symptoms of depression. -- KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 15th of January that the research team under Professor Dae Wook Kim from the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and the team under Professor Daniel B. Forger from the Department of Mathematics at the University of Michigan in the United States have developed a technology to predict symptoms of depression such as sleep disorders, depression, loss of appetite, overeating, and decreased concentration in shift workers from the activity and heart rate data collected from smartwatches. -- According to WHO, a promising new treatment direction for mental illness focuses on the sleep and circadian timekeeping system located in the hypothalamus of the brain, which directly affect impulsivity, emotional responses, decision-making, and overall mood. -- However, in order to measure endogenous circadian rhythms and sleep states, blood or saliva must be drawn every 30 minutes throughout the night to measure changes in the concentration of the melatonin hormone in our bodies and polysomnography (PSG) must be performed. As such treatments requires hospitalization and most psychiatric patients only visit for outpatient treatment, there has been no significant progress in developing treatment methods that take these two factors into account. In addition, the cost of the PSG test, which is approximately $1000, leaves mental health treatment considering sleep and circadian rhythms out of reach for the socially disadvantaged. -- The solution to overcome these problems is to employ wearable devices for the easier collection of biometric data such as heart rate, body temperature, and activity level in real time without spatial constraints. However, current wearable devices have the limitation of providing only indirect information on biomarkers required by medical staff, such as the phase of the circadian clock. -- The joint research team developed a filtering technology that accurately estimates the phase of the circadian clock, which changes daily, such as heart rate and activity time series data collected from a smartwatch. This is an implementation of a digital twin that precisely describes the circadian rhythm in the brain, and it can be used to estimate circadian rhythm disruption. -- The possibility of using the digital twin of this circadian clock to predict the symptoms of depression was verified through collaboration with the research team of Professor Srijan Sen of the Michigan Neuroscience Institute and Professor Amy Bohnert of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Michigan. -- The collaborative research team conducted a large-scale prospective cohort study involving approximately 800 shift workers and showed that the circadian rhythm disruption digital biomarker estimated through the technology can predict tomorrow's mood as well as six symptoms, including sleep problems, appetite changes, decreased concentration, and suicidal thoughts, which are representative symptoms of depression. -- Professor Dae Wook Kim said, "It is very meaningful to be able to conduct research that provides a clue for ways to apply wearable biometric data using mathematics that have not previously been utilized for actual disease management." He added, "We expect that this research will be able to present continuous and non-invasive mental health monitoring technology. This is expected to present a new paradigm for mental health care. By resolving some of the major problems socially disadvantaged people may face in current treatment practices, they may be able to take more active steps when experiencing symptoms of depression, such as seeking counsel before things get out of hand." -- This study was conducted with the support of the KAIST's Research Support Program for New Faculty Members, the US National Science Foundation, the US National Institutes of Health, and the US Army Research Institute MURI Program.	H02 R01 R02 T01	1,359
2503-T005	Insect-Inspired Imaging: A Camera Capturing Unprecedented Speed And Clarity	KAIST researchers have developed a groundbreaking bio-inspired camera that mimics insect eyes to achieve ultra-high-speed imaging with enhanced sensitivity. By employing multiple optical channels and temporal signal integration, this camera can capture high-quality images in challenging conditions. This advancement addresses shortcomings in conventional high-speed cameras and opens new avenues for applications requiring detailed imaging of fast-moving objects in low-light environments.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The compound eyes of insects can detect fast-moving objects in parallel and, in low-light conditions, enhance sensitivity by integrating signals over time to determine motion. Inspired by these biological mechanisms, KAIST researchers have successfully developed a low-cost, high-speed camera that overcomes the limitations of frame rate and sensitivity faced by conventional high-speed cameras. -- KAIST (represented by President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 16th of January that a research team led by Professors Ki-Hun Jeong (Department of Bio and Brain Engineering) and Min H. Kim (School of Computing) has developed a novel bio-inspired camera capable of ultra-high-speed imaging with high sensitivity by mimicking the visual structure of insect eyes. -- High-quality imaging under high-speed and low-light conditions is a critical challenge in many applications. -- While conventional high-speed cameras excel in capturing fast motion, their sensitivity decreases as frame rates increase because the time available to collect light is reduced. -- To address this issue, the research team adopted an approach similar to insect vision, utilizing multiple optical channels and temporal summation. -- Unlike traditional monocular camera systems, the bio-inspired camera employs a compound-eye-like structure that allows for the parallel acquisition of frames from different time intervals. -- During this process, light is accumulated over overlapping time periods for each frame, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio. -- The researchers demonstrated that their bio-inspired camera could capture objects up to 40 times dimmer than those detectable by conventional high-speed cameras. -- The team also introduced a "channel-splitting" technique to significantly enhance the camera's speed, achieving frame rates thousands of times faster than those supported by the image sensors used in packaging. -- Additionally, a "compressed image restoration" algorithm was employed to eliminate blur caused by frame integration and reconstruct sharp images.	A01 R02 T01	1,360
2503-T015	Self-Learning Semiconductor Chip Developed For Advanced AI Tasks	A research team at KAIST has developed an advanced computing chip that mimics brain functions, capable of learning and correcting errors while processing AI tasks. This innovative memristor-based system integrates data processing and storage, enhancing efficiency for complex applications like real-time image analysis. By enabling devices such as smart security cameras to operate independently without cloud reliance, this breakthrough represents a significant advancement in neuromorphic computing technology and AI applications.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Nature Electronics	Press Rel	PubMed	Existing computer systems have separate data processing and storage devices, making them inefficient for processing complex data like AI. A KAIST research team has developed a memristor-based integrated system similar to the way our brain processes information. It is now ready for application in various devices including smart security cameras, allowing them to recognize suspicious activity immediately without having to rely on remote cloud servers, and medical devices with which it can help analyze health data in real time. -- KAIST (President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 17th of January that the joint research team of Professor Shinhyun Choi and Professor Young-Gyu Yoon of the School of Electrical Engineering has developed a next-generation neuromorphic semiconductor-based ultra-small computing chip that can learn and correct errors on its own. -- What is special about this computing chip is that it can learn and correct errors that occur due to non-ideal characteristics that were difficult to solve in existing neuromorphic devices. -- For example, when processing a video stream, the chip learns to automatically separate a moving object from the background, and it becomes better at this task over time. -- This self-learning ability has been proven by achieving accuracy comparable to ideal computer simulations in real-time image processing. -- The research team's main achievement is that it has completed a system that is both reliable and practical, beyond the development of brain-like components. -- The research team has developed the world's first memristor-based integrated system that can adapt to immediate environmental changes, and has presented an innovative solution that overcomes the limitations of existing technology. -- At the heart of this innovation is a next-generation semiconductor device called a memristor. The variable resistance characteristics of this device can replace the role of synapses in neural networks, and by utilizing it, data storage and computation can be performed simultaneously, just like our brain cells. -- Memristor: A compound word of memory and resistor, next-generation electrical device whose resistance value is determined by the amount and direction of charge that has flowed between the two terminals in the past. -- The research team designed a highly reliable memristor that can precisely control resistance changes and developed an efficient system that excludes complex compensation processes through self-learning.	R01 R02 T01	1,361
2504-021	Key Proteins Drive Gene Expression Networks Influencing Cancer And Cellular Functions	The KAIST research team has made a significant discovery by identifying essential gene expression networks influenced by specific proteins that play pivotal roles in critical biological processes, such as cancer progression and neural activation. This breakthrough not only enhances our understanding of these mechanisms but also paves the way for innovative therapeutic developments aimed at combating various diseases.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Nucleic Acids Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at KAIST has identified the core gene expression networks regulated by key proteins that fundamentally drive phenomena such as cancer development, metastasis, tissue differentiation from stem cells, and neural activation processes. This discovery lays the foundation for developing innovative therapeutic technologies. -- On the 22nd of January, KAIST (represented by President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced that the joint research team led by Professors Seyun Kim, Gwangrog Lee, and Won-Ki Cho from the Department of Biological Sciences had uncovered essential mechanisms controlling gene expression in animal cells. -- Inositol phosphate metabolites produced by inositol metabolism enzymes serve as vital secondary messengers in eukaryotic cell signaling systems and are broadly implicated in cancer, obesity, diabetes, and neurological disorders. -- The research team demonstrated that the inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK) enzyme, a key player in the inositol metabolism system, acts as a critical transcriptional activator within the core gene expression networks of animal cells. -- Notably, although IPMK was previously reported to play an important role in the transcription process governed by serum response factor (SRF), a representative transcription factor in animal cells, the precise mechanism of its action was unclear. -- SRF is a transcription factor directly controlling the expression of at least 200-300 genes, regulating cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and motility, and is indispensable for organ development, such as in the heart. -- The team discovered that IPMK binds directly to SRF, altering the three-dimensional structure of the SRF protein. -- This interaction facilitates the transcriptional activity of various genes through the SRF activated by IPMK, demonstrating that IPMK acts as a critical regulatory switch to enhance SRF's protein activity. -- The team further verified that disruptions in the direct interaction between IPMK and SRF lead to the reduced functionality and activity of SRF, causing severe impairments in gene expression. -- By highlighting the significance of the intrinsically disordered region (IDR) in SRF, the researchers underscored the biological importance of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Unlike most proteins that adopt distinct structures through folding, IDPs, including those with IDRs, do not exhibit specific structures but play crucial biological roles, attracting significant attention in the scientific community.	R01 N01	1,362
2505-T023	AI Model Developed To Predict Performance Of Space Propulsion Technology	A research team at KAIST has created an AI-based method to improve the performance of Hall-effect ion thrusters, essential for satellite propulsion. Set to be tested on the KAIST-Hall Effect Rocket Orbiter, this innovative technology promises enhanced efficiency and minimal propellant use, crucial for future space exploration missions. The study highlights the role of advanced AI techniques in optimizing electric propulsion systems in space technology.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Advanced Intelligent Systems	Press Rel	PubMed	Studies of sediment cores from the sea floor and the coastal regions surrounding the Aegean Sea show that humans contaminated the environment with lead early on in antiquity. A research team led by geoscientists from Heidelberg University conducted the analyses, which revealed that human activity in the region resulted in lead contamination of the environment approximately 5,200 years ago -- much earlier than previously known. Combined with the results of pollen analyses from the sediment cores, this contamination also offers insights into socioeconomic change in the Aegean, even reflecting historical events such as the conquest of Greece by the Romans. -- The Aegean region gave rise to some of the earliest cultures of ancient Europe. -- The research team investigated when and to what extent early human activities in the region affected ecosystems both on land and in the marine environment. -- To this end, the team analyzed 14 sediment cores from the floor of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding coastline. -- One core from a peat bog offered up the earliest known evidence of environmental contamination with lead. -- The researchers dated this lead signal to approximately 5,200 years ago, about 1,200 years before the previously earliest known evidence of environmental contamination with the heavy metal that is traceable to human activity. -- "Because lead was released during the production of silver, among other things, proof of increasing lead concentrations in the environment is, at the same time, an important indicator of socioeconomic change," states Dr Andreas Koutsodendris, a member of the Palynology & Paleoenvironmental Dynamics research group of Prof. -- Dr Jörg Pross at Heidelberg University's Institute of Earth Sciences. -- The sediment cores the Heidelberg scientists analyzed contained lead as well as pollen, which allowed them to reconstruct vegetation development in the Aegean region. -- The pollen content pointed to how the land was used. "The combined data on lead contamination and vegetation development show when the transition from agricultural to monetary societies took place and how that impacted the environment," stresses Jörg Pross.	T01	1,363
2512-E047	New Bio-Based Plastic Developed Using Microorganisms To Replace Traditional Plastics	KAIST researchers have developed a novel bio-based plastic, poly(ester amide), utilizing microorganisms to create eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Collaborating with KRICT, the study showcases how engineered microbial strains can produce diverse poly(ester amide)s from renewable biomass sources, presenting a solution to the environmental concerns associated with petroleum-based plastics.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Nature Chemical Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Poly(ester amide) amide is a next-generation material that combines the advantages of PET (polyester) and nylon (polyamide), two widely used plastics. However, it could only be produced from fossil fuels, which posed environmental concerns. Using microorganisms, KAIST researchers have successfully developed a new bio-based plastic to replace conventional plastic. -- KAIST (represented by President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 20th of March that a research team led by Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has developed microbial strains through systems metabolic engineering to produce various eco-friendly, bio-based poly(ester amide)s. The team collaborated with researchers from the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT, President Young-Kook Lee) to analyze and confirm the properties of the resulting plastic. -- Professor Sang Yup Lee's research team designed new metabolic pathways that do not naturally exist in microorganisms, and developed a platform microbial strain capable of producing nine different types of poly(ester amide)s, including poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-ran-3-aminopropionate) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-ran-4-aminobutyrate). -- Using glucose derived from abundant biomass sources such as waste wood and weeds, the team successfully produced poly(ester amide)s in an eco-friendly manner. -- The researchers also confirmed the potential for industrial-scale production by demonstrating high production efficiency (54.57 g/L) using fed-batch fermentation of the engineered strain. -- In collaboration with researchers Haemin Jeong and Jihoon Shin from KRICT, the KAIST team analyzed the properties of the bio-based plastic and found that it exhibited characteristics similar to high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This means the new plastic is not only eco-friendly but also strong and durable enough to replace conventional plastics. -- The engineered strains and strategies developed in this study are expected to be useful not only for producing various poly(ester amide)s but also for constructing metabolic pathways for the biosynthesis of other types of polymers. -- Professor Sang Yup Lee stated, "This study is the first to demonstrate the possibility of producing poly(ester amide)s (plastics) through a renewable bio-based chemical process rather than relying on the petroleum-based chemical industry. We plan to further enhance the production yield and efficiency through continued research."	N02	1,364
2513-074	New Drug Successfully Restores Vision Through Retinal Nerve Regeneration	Researchers at KAIST have developed a pioneering drug capable of restoring vision through retinal nerve regeneration, a significant breakthrough for those suffering from retinal diseases. By blocking a specific protein that inhibits regeneration, they've successfully demonstrated vision recovery in mice for over six months, offering new hope to individuals with previously untreatable vision loss issues.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Vision is one of the most crucial human senses, yet over 300 million people worldwide are at risk of vision loss due to various retinal diseases. While recent advancements in retinal disease treatments have successfully slowed disease progression, no effective therapy has been developed to restore already lost vision -- until now. KAIST researchers have successfully developed a novel drug to restore vision. -- KAIST (represented by President Kwang Hyung Lee) announced on the 30th of March that a research team led by Professor Jin Woo Kim from the Department of Biological Sciences has developed a treatment method that restores vision through retinal nerve regeneration. -- The research team successfully induced retinal regeneration and vision recovery in a disease-model mouse by administering a compound that blocks the PROX1 (prospero homeobox 1) protein, which suppresses retinal regeneration. -- Furthermore, the effect lasted for more than six months. -- This study marks the first successful induction of long-term neural regeneration in mammalian retinas, offering new hope to patients with degenerative retinal diseases who previously had no treatment options. -- As the global population continues to age, the number of retinal disease patients is steadily increasing. -- However, no treatments exist to restore damaged retinas and vision. -- The primary reason for this is the mammalian retina's inability to regenerate once damaged. -- Studies on cold-blooded animals, such as fish -- known for their robust retinal regeneration -- have shown that retinal injuries trigger Müller glia cells to dedifferentiate into retinal progenitor cells, which then generate new neurons. -- However, in mammals, this process is impaired, leading to permanent retinal damage.	H01 N01	1,365
2513-E003	Industrial Microorganisms Identified For Sustainable Production Of Valuable Chemicals	In response to the pressing need for sustainable chemical production, researchers from KAIST utilized in silico analysis to identify optimal microbial strains for generating 235 valuable chemicals. This innovative approach, leveraging genome-scale metabolic models, bypasses traditional experimental challenges, paving the way for effective metabolic engineering strategies that enhance the efficiency of microbial cell factories.	The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels have raised the global need for sustainable chemical production. In response to these environmental challenges, microbial cell factories are gaining attention as eco-friendly platforms for producing chemicals using renewable resources, while metabolic engineering technologies to enhance these cell factories are becoming crucial tools for maximizing production efficiency. However, difficulties in selecting suitable microbial strains and optimizing complex metabolic pathways continue to pose significant obstacles to practical industrial applications. -- KAIST (President Kwang-Hyung Lee) announced on 27th of March that Distinguished Professor Sang Yup Lee's research team in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering comprehensively evaluated the production capabilities of various industrial microbial cell factories using in silico simulations and, based on these findings, identified the most suitable microbial strains for producing specific chemicals as well as optimal metabolic engineering strategies. -- Previously, researchers attempted to determine the best strains and efficient metabolic engineering strategies among numerous microbial candidates through extensive biological experiments and meticulous verification processes. -- However, this approach required substantial time and costs. Recently, the introduction of genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs), which reconstruct the metabolic networks within an organism based on its entire genome information, has enabled systematic analysis of metabolic fluxes via computer simulations. -- This development offers a new way to overcome limitations of conventional experimental approaches, revolutionizing both strain selection and metabolic pathway design. -- Accordingly, Professor Lee's team at the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, KAIST, evaluated the production capabilities of five representative industrial microorganisms -- Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Pseudomonas putida -- for 235 bio-based chemicals. -- Using GEMs, the researchers calculated both the maximum theoretical yields and the maximum achievable yields under industrial conditions for each chemical, thereby establishing criteria to identify the most suitable strains for each target compound. -- The team specifically proposed strategies such as introducing heterologous enzyme reactions derived from other organisms and exchanging cofactors used by microbes to expand metabolic pathways. -- These strategies were shown to increase yields beyond the innate metabolic capacities of the microorganisms, resulting in higher production of industrially important chemicals such as mevalonic acid, propanol, fatty acids, and isoprenoids. -- Moreover, by applying a computational approach to analyze metabolic fluxes in silico, the researchers suggested strategies for improving microbial strains to maximize the production of various chemicals.	A01 C01 T01	1,366
2501-063	New Insights Into Monoamine Neurotransmitters Could Guide Brain Health Solutions.	A collaborative study from Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has uncovered mechanisms by which monoamine neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, regulate brain physiology through bonding with histone proteins. This groundbreaking research, published in Nature, reveals how these modifications influence circadian gene expression and behavior, potentially guiding future therapies for conditions like insomnia and depression, highlighting the intricate relationship between neurotransmitters and brain function.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaborative effort between Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has shed valuable light on how monoamine neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and now histamine help regulate brain physiology and behavior through chemical bonding of these monoamines to histone proteins, the core DNA-packaging proteins of our cells. -- By uncovering how these histone modifications influence the brain, the team has identified a novel mechanism for controlling circadian gene expression and behavioral rhythms. -- The team's findings, published in Nature, on Wednesday, January 8, could eventually guide the development of targeted therapies for conditions involving circadian rhythm disruptions, such as insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, and neurodegenerative disease. -- "Our findings emphasize that the brain's internal clock is influenced by chemical monoamine neurotransmitters in a manner not previously appreciated, such that monoamines can directly modify histones, which in turn regulate brain circadian gene expression patterns, neural plasticity, and sleep or wakefulness activity," says lead author Ian Maze, PhD, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator, Professor of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Director of the Center for Neural Epigenome Engineering at Mount Sinai. -- "This groundbreaking mechanism reveals, for the first time, how circadian events that stimulate neurotransmitter signaling (or vice versa) in the brain can exert dynamic effects on neurons by directly altering DNA structure," adds Yael David, PhD, a chemical biologist who leads The Yael David Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and co-lead author of the study. -- "We're committed to gaining a more comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms so that this work can eventually contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating circadian-related and other brain disorders." -- Past work by the Maze Laboratory found that serotonin and dopamine, in addition to their role as neurotransmitters -- chemical messengers that carry signals between nerve cells, controlling a multitude of vital bodily functions -- can also attach to histone proteins, specifically H3. These proteins directly modulate gene expression programs in the brain that contribute to complex biological processes and behavior (including neurodevelopment, drug relapse vulnerability and stress susceptibility) and contribute to disease, when perturbed. -- The lab further learned that the enzyme responsible for modifying histones with serotonin and dopamine is transglutaminase 2 (TG2). -- In their latest study, researchers from the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and The Friedman Brain Institute at Mount Sinai and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center used a highly interdisciplinary approach to decipher the biochemical mechanism of TG2. -- The teams found that TG2 acts as a regulator of intracellular monoamine neurotransmitters with an ability to not only add monoamines to histone H3 but also erase and exchange one monoamine neurotransmitter for another on H3, with different monoamines controlling gene expression patterns through independent mechanisms.	A01 H02 R01 R02 T01	1,367
2501-087	AI Algorithm Enhances Diagnosis Of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Through Video Analysis.	An advanced AI-powered algorithm has been developed to analyze clinical sleep test videos, improving the diagnosis of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). This condition, which affects millions worldwide, is challenging to diagnose due to its subtle symptoms. The study aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, potentially aiding in early detection of related neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Annals of Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	A Mount Sinai-led team of researchers has enhanced an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered algorithm to analyze video recordings of clinical sleep tests, ultimately improving accurate diagnosis of a common sleep disorder affecting more than 80 million people worldwide. The study findings were published in the journal Annals of Neurology on January 9. -- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep condition that causes abnormal movements, or the physical acting out of dreams, during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep. -- RBD that occurs in otherwise healthy adults is called "isolated" RBD. -- It affects more than one million people in the United States and, in nearly all cases, is an early sign of Parkinson's disease or dementia. -- RBD is extremely difficult to diagnose because its symptoms can go unnoticed or be confused with other diseases. -- A definitive diagnosis requires a sleep study, known as a video-polysomnogram, to be conducted by a medical professional at a facility with sleep-monitoring technology. -- The data are also subjective and can be difficult to universally interpret based on multiple and complex variables including sleep stages and amount of muscle activity. -- Although video data is systematically recorded during a sleep test, it is rarely reviewed and is often discarded after the test has been interpreted. -- Previous limited work in this area had suggested that research-grade 3D cameras may be needed to detect movements during sleep because sheets or blankets would cover the activity. -- This study is the first to outline the development of an automated machine learning method that analyzes video recordings routinely collected with a 2D camera during overnight sleep tests.	H01 H02 R02 T01	1,368
2502-077	Predict Inflammatory Bowel Disease Flare-Ups With Wearable Technology: A New Study	Research from Mount Sinai has unveiled the potential of wearable technology in predicting flare-ups in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) up to seven weeks in advance. Unlike traditional monitoring methods which are often invasive and sporadic, devices like smartwatches can provide real-time insights and continuous monitoring, thus revolutionizing care for over 2.4 million IBD patients in the U.S. This study, published in Gastroenterology, signals a shift towards more accessible and efficient disease management strategies.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Gastroenterology	Press Rel	PubMed	Wearable devices can identify, differentiate, and predict flare-ups, or the worsening of symptoms and inflammation, in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Mount Sinai researchers have shown in a first-of-its-kind study. -- The findings, published in the journal Gastroenterology on January 16, suggest that wearable technology can predict the subsequent development of flares in IBD, enabling continuous disease monitoring through widely available commercial devices. -- "Current disease-monitoring methods rely on patients directly interacting with their doctors, either through office visits, blood or stool testing, or by undergoing a colonoscopy. These methods also only assess the disease at one point in time, and can often be invasive or inconvenient," said first author Robert Hirten, MD, Clinical Director of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health; and Associate Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), and Artificial Intelligence and Human Health, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- "Our study shows that commonly used wearable devices such as Apple Watches, Fitbits, and Oura Rings can be effective tools in monitoring chronic inflammatory diseases like IBD. This creates an opportunity to monitor the disease remotely outside the health care setting, in a continuous manner, and potentially in real time." -- IBD is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the intestines and affects more than 2.4 million people in the United States. -- Mount Sinai researchers enrolled more than 300 participants with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, the two major types of IBD, from 36 states. -- The participants wore devices, answered daily symptom surveys, and provided blood and stool assessments of inflammation. -- The researchers found that circadian patterns of heart rate variability (a marker of nervous system function), along with heart rate, oxygenation, and daily activity, all measured by the wearable devices, were significantly altered when inflammation or symptoms were present. -- Moreover, these physiological markers could detect inflammation even in the absence of symptoms and distinguish whether symptoms were driven by active inflammation in the intestines. -- Importantly, the researchers found that these metrics measured by wearables changed up to seven weeks before flares developed.	R01 T01	1,369
2505-061	Meditation Changes Deep Brain Areas Linked To Memory And Emotional Well-Being	A groundbreaking study published in PNAS has revealed how meditation affects brain activity, particularly in the amygdala and hippocampus, areas critical for emotional regulation and memory. Conducted on epilepsy patients with implanted EEG devices, the research demonstrated measurable changes in brain wave activity during meditation. These insights could lead to new therapeutic approaches aimed at enhancing emotional well-being and improving memory through meditation practices.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) -- commonly known as bad cholesterol -- have long been on scientists' radar as a major contributor to heart disease. But these microscopic troublemakers have hidden their inner workings behind a maze of complexity. That is, until now. -- In a new study published in Nature, University of Missouri researchers have, for the first time, revealed the specific shape and structure of one of the body's most important yet complicated proteins: ApoB100. Acting as a kind of molecular exoskeleton, this protein wraps around LDL particles, allowing them to travel through the bloodstream, researchers found. -- The discovery may one day lead to the design of new drugs that target LDL, providing more precise treatments for high cholesterol and heart disease and potentially reducing the side effects of widely prescribed medications such as statin drugs. -- Major tools for a microscopic protein -- Researchers Zachary Berndsen and Keith Cassidy were recruited to Mizzou because of their knowledge of cryo-electron microscopy, a technique that uses electrons to determine the 3D structure of biological molecules. -- That expertise, combined with significant infrastructure investments at Mizzou -- particularly in the Electron Microscopy Core at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building -- made their latest finding possible. -- "These cryo-electron microscopes allow us to see things at a much higher resolution than the traditional microscopes familiar to most of us," said Berndsen, an assistant professor in the MU School of Medicine. "Instead of just seeing a cell's shape, for instance, these tools allow us to now see what individual proteins are shaped like, which are thousands of times smaller than a typical cell, and that is how we made our recent discovery. What this technology means for scientific advancement is incredible, and we are thankful Mizzou invested in both us and our research." -- After Berndsen, a biochemist, used the nearly two-story tall cryo-electron microscope to discover how ApoB100 was structured, his co-author, Cassidy, a physicist in the College of Arts and Science, painted an even more detailed picture of the protein using a combination of artificial intelligence and Mizzou's collection of high-powered supercomputers called Hellbender, which allows researchers to process huge amounts of data at record speeds. -- "We often think of cholesterol as purely bad, but in general it is actually a very useful and beneficial molecule involved in numerous important processes throughout the body, such as building hormones and maintaining cell membrane fluidity," Cassidy, an assistant professor of biological physics, said. "By integrating an AI neural network called AlphaFold with the cryo-electron microscopy images, we were able to get an even more detailed and higher-resolution picture of the structure of ApoB100. Ideally, this can lead to more targeted treatments that reduce heart disease-related risks without interfering with all the benefits cholesterol brings throughout the body." -- Basic science, big-picture impact	A01 H02 R02 T01	1,370
2506-012	Gradual Peanut Butter Doses Help Children Safely Overcome High-Threshold Peanut Allergies	A study reveals that children with high-threshold peanut allergies can achieve significant desensitization through gradual peanut butter exposure. Led by researchers at Mount Sinai, the findings suggest a safe, cost-effective treatment pathway for managing peanut allergies, particularly for children already tolerating small amounts, opening doors for personalized food allergy treatments.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	NEJM Evidence	Press Rel	PubMed	Children with high-threshold peanut allergy who ate gradually larger doses of store-bought peanut butter achieved significantly higher and long-lasting rates of desensitization compared to those who avoided peanuts, according to a new study led by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- Results of the trial, sponsored and funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, appear in the Monday, February 10 issue of NEJM Evidence. -- "Our study results suggest a safe, inexpensive and effective pathway for allergists to treat children with peanut allergy who can already tolerate the equivalent of at least half a peanut, considered a high-threshold peanut allergy," said Scott Sicherer, MD, Director of the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, Chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology in Mount Sinai's Department of Pediatrics, and lead author of the paper. -- "Our findings open the gateway to personalized threshold-based treatments of food allergy and will encourage additional studies that delve deeper into peanut and other foods for this approach that might be a game-changer for the majority of people with food allergies." -- The most common approach to a food allergy is to avoid the food, but in recent years peanut oral immunotherapy -- medically supervised, very gradual daily feeding of increasing amounts of pharmaceutical-grade peanut protein -- has become an option for individuals with peanut allergies.. However, studies that led to Food and Drug Administration approval of an injected biologic and oral peanut immunotherapy have specifically focused on people who react to very small amounts of food allergens, such as half a peanut or less (considered a low-thershold peanut allergy). There are an estimated 800,000 children in the United States with high threshold peanut allergy who might benefit from the treatment strategy examined in this study. -- "Years ago, when people with milk and egg allergies were advised to undertake strict avoidance, our team initiated studies that found most people with milk and egg allergies could tolerate these foods in baked goods, which changed the global approach to these allergies," said Julie Wang, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine, clinical researcher at the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, and co-senior author of the paper. -- "The research team recognized that more than half of people with peanut allergy can tolerate half a peanut or more, and thought that this group of people might be treatable if we took a different approach to peanut oral immunotherapy. We were thrilled to find that this treatment strategy was even more successful than we had anticipated." -- To test this hypothesis, the study team recruited 73 children ages 4 to 14 years old. -- Study participants were assigned, at random, to either test the new treatment strategy or continue avoiding peanuts. -- The children in the peanut-ingestion group began with a minimum daily dose of 1/8 teaspoon of peanut butter and gradually increased their dose every eight weeks over the course of 18 months, ending at one tablespoon of peanut butter or an equivalent amount of a different peanut product.	A01 H01 T01	1,371
2507-027	RNA Inhibitor Could Lower High-Risk Cholesterol In Cardiovascular Patients	A Mount Sinai analysis highlights the potential of the RNA inhibitor olpasiran in reducing lipoprotein(a), a type of "bad cholesterol," by over 95% in participants with cardiovascular disease. This groundbreaking study reveals olpasiran's ability to lower oxidized phospholipids, thus providing a promising future therapy to prevent fatal cardiac events and enhance heart health.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	The RNA inhibitor olpasiran significantly reduces a type of "bad cholesterol" that's associated with a high risk of cardiovascular events, according to results from an analysis by a Mount Sinai researcher of a phase 2 trial. The study reported that higher doses of olpasiran lowered the type of cholesterol called lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] by more than 95 percent in participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Findings were published February 12, 2025, in JAMA Cardiology. -- "Our study is the first clinical trial to investigate the association between oxidized phospholipids on lipoprotein(a) and inflammatory mediators," says Robert Rosenson, MD, Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and lead author of the analyses. -- "We found that in addition to its beneficial effects on lowering lipoprotein(a), olpasiran reduced levels of oxidized phospholipids, which are presumed to promote atherosclerosis." -- Lipoprotein(a) is believed to be a major carrier of oxidized phospholipids, considered a potent driver of inflammation and atherosclerosis. -- Olpasiran (manufactured by Amgen), a small interfering RNA, blocks Lp(a) production by inducing degradation of apolipoprotein(a) messenger RNA (mRNA). Apolipoprotein(a) is a major protein component of lipoprotein(a), along with apolipoprotein B (apoB). -- OCEAN(a)-DOSE, the randomized phase 2 clinical trial, enrolled 282 patients with cardiovascular disease and Lp(a) levels greater than 150 nmol/L (60 mg/dL) -- levels that are believed to promote clotting and inflammation, significantly increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, aortic stenosis, and peripheral artery disease. -- The reason for that danger is that Lp(a) can accumulate in the walls of blood vessels, forming plaques that are similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a known risk factor for cardiovascular events. -- In fact, Lp(a) is believed to carry a cardiovascular risk five to six times that of LDL cholesterol. -- Specifically, the research team reported that patients who received 75 mg or higher of olpasiran every 12 weeks had a 95 percent or greater reduction in Lp(a) compared to the placebo group at 36 weeks. -- Moreover, at week 36, Lp(a) increased by an average of 3.6 percent in the placebo group, while there were substantial reductions of Lp(a) levels in all of the olpasiran groups.	H01 H02 R01 T01	1,372
2507-052	New System Delivers mRNA To The Brain, Expanding Treatment Options For Diseases	Scientists at Mount Sinai have created a lipid nanoparticle system that delivers messenger RNA to the brain, overcoming the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier. This innovative method may pave the way for new treatments for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The research highlights the potential for this technology to facilitate mRNA-based therapies, enabling targeted treatment strategies for diseases traditionally difficult to address.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a lipid nanoparticle system capable of delivering messenger RNA (mRNA) to the brain via intravenous injection, a challenge that has long been limited by the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier. -- The findings, in mouse models and isolated human brain tissue, were published in the February 17 online issue of Nature Materials. They demonstrate the potential of this technology to pave the way for future treatments for a wide range of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain cancer, and drug addiction. -- The blood-brain barrier serves as a protective shield, preventing many substances -- including potentially beneficial therapies -- from reaching the brain. -- While previous research from Mount Sinai introduced a platform for transporting large biomolecules such as proteins and oligonucleotides into the central nervous system, this new study focuses on a different approach: using specially designed lipid nanoparticles to transport mRNA across the barrier. -- Getting mRNA into the brain could allow scientists to instruct brain cells to produce therapeutic proteins that can help treat or prevent disease by replacing missing proteins, reducing harmful ones, or activating the body's defenses. -- "Our study shows that these blood-brain barrier-crossing lipid nanoparticles (BLNPs) can safely and efficiently deliver mRNA into the brain," says co-corresponding senior author Yizhou Dong, PhD, Professor of Immunology and Immunotherapy -- and a member of the Icahn Genomics Institute --and the Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- "This could open up opportunities to use mRNA-based therapies for a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders." -- The research team designed and tested a library of lipids to optimize their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. -- Through a series of structural and functional analyses, they identified a lead formulation, termed MK16 BLNP, that exhibited significantly higher mRNA delivery efficiency than existing lipid nanoparticles approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This system takes advantage of natural transport mechanisms within the blood-brain barrier, including caveolae- and γ-secretase-mediated transcytosis, to move nanoparticles across the barrier, say the investigators. -- In studies using mouse models of disease, the BLNP platform successfully delivered therapeutic mRNAs to the brain, demonstrating its potential for clinical application.	H01 R01 R02 T01	1,373
2507-054	Sotagliflozin: The First Drug To Significantly Reduce Heart Attacks And Strokes In Patients	A study led by Mount Sinai researchers demonstrates that sotagliflozin, a newly approved drug, offers significant cardiovascular benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. Unlike other SGLT2 inhibitors, sotagliflozin effectively blocks SGLT1, contributing to reduced rates of heart attacks and strokes. The findings from this international clinical trial underscore the drug's unique profile and potential to improve outcomes for patients facing multiple health challenges.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Sotagliflozin, a drug recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat type 2 diabetes and kidney disease with additional cardiovascular risk factors, can significantly reduce heart attack and stroke among these patients, according to results from an international clinical trial led by a Mount Sinai researcher. -- Sotagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitor. -- It blocks the function of two proteins, known as SGLT1 and SGLT2, which move glucose and sodium across cell membranes and help control blood sugar levels. -- Other SGLT2 inhibitors do not as significantly block SGLT1. -- The study, published February 14 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, is the first to show that an SGLT inhibitor has these unique cardiovascular benefits. -- The results mean that sotagliflozin could become more widely used to reduce the risk of deadly cardiovascular events globally. -- "These results demonstrate a new mechanism of action -- combined blockade with sotagliflozin of the SGLT1 receptors (found in the kidney, gut, heart, and brain) and SGLT2 receptors (found in the kidney) -- to reduce heart attack and stroke risk," says study chair Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, MBA, FACC, FAHA, FESC, MSCAI, Director of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital and the Dr. Valentin Fuster Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- "The benefits seen here are distinct from those seen with the other very popular SGLT2 inhibitors in widespread clinical use for diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease." -- The randomized, multicenter trial, known as SCORED, analyzed the ability of sotagliflozin to reduce the risks of life-threatening cardiovascular outcomes. -- Researchers enrolled 10,584 patients with chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and additional cardiovascular risk factors; randomly assigned them to sotagliflozin or placebo; and followed them for an average of 16 months.	H01 R01 T01	1,374
2507-115	Novel Genetic Interactions Linked To Congenital Heart Disease Uncovered	A study from Mount Sinai has identified novel genetic interactions that may contribute to congenital heart disease, emphasizing the concept of digenic inheritance where two genes work together to influence disease. This research uncovers hidden genetic risks and has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy, offering new pathways for personalized treatment strategies for the millions affected by congenital heart defects.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have identified novel genetic interactions that may contribute to congenital heart disease (CHD), a common birth defect. Details on their findings were reported in the February 20 online issue of The American Journal of Human Genetics. -- "Our research reveals the potential for digenic inheritance -- where two genes work together to cause disease -- expanding our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of congenital heart disease," says co-corresponding senior author Yuval Itan, PhD, Associate Professor of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, a core member of The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, and a member of The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He co-supervised the study with Bruce Gelb, MD, Gogel Family Professor and Director of The Mindich Institute. "By identifying these gene pairs and their combined effects, we uncover previously hidden genetic risks, which could improve diagnostic precision and open new avenues for personalized treatment strategies." -- Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital anomaly, affecting millions worldwide. Despite decades of research, more than half of CHD cases still lack a molecular diagnosis. By analyzing trio exome sequencing data from affected and unaffected children in the Pediatric Genomic Consortium (PCGC), the team identified 10 novel gene pairs potentially linked to the development of CHD. -- "Our work demonstrates that genetic interactions, rather than single-gene causes alone, could play a significant role in congenital heart disease. By developing a method to uncover these interactions, we are broadening the scope of genetic research, which could lead to improved diagnosis, enhanced risk assessment, and more informed genetic counseling," says first author Meltem Ece Kars, MD, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in The Bronfman Institute. "As clinical genetic testing advances, integrating digenic models could significantly improve diagnostic yield, offering patients and their families greater clarity about their condition and guiding the development of targeted therapies and interventions." -- The research team used a robust computational method to identify gene pairs that may act together to cause CHD. This innovative approach could transform how genetic studies are conducted for complex diseases, providing deeper insights into the role of genetics in disease development, say the investigators. -- The study also paves the way for advancing genetic diagnoses in other complex disorders. "With the tools we've developed, our research provides a framework for future studies into genetic interactions that could affect a wide range of human diseases," says Dr. Itan. -- Next, the researchers plan to apply the digenic approach to other disease groups that have traditionally been studied using the monogenic model, potentially explaining some of the missing heritability in these disorders. Ultimately, they aim to extend the digenic approach into a robust polygenic framework capable of identifying multiple disease-causing variants and genes in patients. -- "Our findings hold promise for improving genetic diagnoses, offering better risk assessments, and ultimately guiding more personalized treatments for individuals with congenital heart disease," says Dr. Kars. -- The paper is titled "Deciphering the digenic architecture of congenital heart disease using trio exome sequencing data." -- The remaining authors are David Stein (PhD student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai); Peter D. Stenson, (Cardiff University, UK); David N. Cooper, PhD (Cardiff University, UK); Wendy K. Chung, MD, PhD (Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School); Peter J. Gruber, MD, PhD (Yale School of Medicine); Christine E. Seidman, MD, (Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute); Yufeng Shen, PhD (Columbia University Irving Medical Center); and Martin Tristani-Firouzi, MD (University of Utah School of Medicine).	H01 R01 T01	1,375
2507-124	Cardiac Stress Test Results Provide Critical Insight Into Patient Mortality Risk	A study conducted by Mount Sinai researchers highlights the life-saving benefits of physical fitness, revealing that individuals who can exercise effectively during cardiac stress tests have a lower mortality risk. The findings underscore the critical importance of evaluating exercise ability in patients and promoting regular physical activity as part of cardiovascular health management.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	People who can exercise sufficiently on a treadmill during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality risk regardless of their overall level of heart disease, a Mount Sinai-led team of researchers has found. -- The results of their study, reported February 19 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, underscore the potential life-saving benefits of physical fitness, a finding which researchers encouraged physicians to share with their patients. -- "Our data show that assessing a person's ability to exercise during cardiac stress testing and their exercise capacity provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients than any other clinical risk factors evaluated at the time of cardiac stress testing," says Alan Rozanski, MD, Professor of Medicine (Cardiology) at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and lead author of the study. -- "Our results highlight the importance of evaluating patients' exercise ability during testing and promoting physical activity or corrections to exercise limitations among those with limited exercise ability." -- The study offers the most comprehensive evaluation to date of how known risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and cardiac-related comorbidities such as peripheral vascular disease synergistically affect the mortality risk of patients undergoing cardiac stress testing. -- The team analyzed and followed for nearly seven years 15,562 patients who were given SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging, a test that assesses blood flow to the heart during both stress and rest to identify areas with reduced flow. -- Patients were divided into those who could perform treadmill exercise and those who could not, with the latter undergoing medication-induced coronary artery dilation as an alternative for detecting blockages. -- Researchers found that among those who performed treadmill exercise, the mortality rate was less than one percent a year, regardless of the patient's burden of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors and comorbidities. -- By contrast, the annual rate of mortality was markedly higher among pharmacologically tested participants, and increased synergistically with a higher burden of CAD risk factors and comorbidities. -- "While these findings do not definitively establish causality due to the observational nature of our data, the magnitude of the results strongly suggest a highly protective role for physical fitness," notes Dr. Rozanski, who is widely recognized for his novel research integrating the fields of preventive cardiology with health physiology and behavioral medicine.	A01 H01 R01 T01	1,376
2507-141	Innovative Computational Tool Predicts Effective Drug Combinations Faster	A new computational tool called iDOMO, developed by researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, enhances the prediction of drug synergy for combination therapies. This innovative approach, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics, significantly improves the identification of effective drug pairings, which is crucial for addressing complex diseases like cancer.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a powerful computational tool, named iDOMO, to improve the prediction of drug synergy and accelerate the development of combination therapies for complex diseases. -- The study, published in Briefings in Bioinformatics on February 20, highlights iDOMO’s ability to identify synergistic drug combinations using gene expression data, outperforming existing methods. -- Advancing Drug Discovery Through Computational Approaches -- Combination therapies, which use multiple drugs to target different pathways involved in disease, are increasingly critical for treating complex conditions such as cancer. -- However, the process of experimentally identifying effective drug pairs is costly and time-consuming. -- iDOMO provides a computational solution by analyzing gene expression data—which measures the activity levels of genes in a given biological sample—and gene signatures, which are distinct patterns of gene activity associated with a specific condition, such as a disease state or drug response. -- By comparing gene signatures of drugs and diseases, iDOMO predicts the beneficial and detrimental effects of drug combinations. -- "Our approach offers a more effective way to predict drug combinations that could serve as novel therapeutic options for treating human diseases," said senior author Bin Zhang, PhD, Willard T.C. Johnson Research Professor of Neurogenetics and Director of the Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling. -- "This could significantly expand treatment options for clinicians and improve outcomes for patients who do not respond to standard therapies." -- Validation in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer	H01 R01 T01	1,377
2509-069	New Findings Reveal How To Protect Insulin-Producing Cells From Diabetes Damage	Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine have made significant strides in safeguarding insulin-producing beta cells from glucolipotoxicity, a condition influencing type 2 diabetes progression. Their novel approach could lead to targeted therapies that protect these crucial cells, potentially slowing diabetes advancement and enhancing blood sugar management, marking a pivotal advancement in diabetes treatment strategies.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York have discovered a novel approach to protecting insulin-producing beta cells from the damaging effects of glucolipotoxicity -- a harmful condition linked to the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). These findings, published on March 2, 2025 in Nature Communications, could lead to promising treatments targeting beta cell dysfunction. -- For patients, this research could lead to new treatments that protect the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, potentially slowing or even preventing the progression of diabetes, thus reducing the need for insulin therapy and improving long-term blood sugar control. -- Unlike current therapies that primarily manage blood sugar levels, this approach would allow doctors to directly target beta cell loss, which could improve long-term disease outcomes for their patients. -- "This is an exciting step forward in our understanding of beta cell protection and the prevention of diabetes deterioration," said lead author Liora S. Katz, PhD-Associate Professor of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease) at the Icahn School of Medicine. -- "For the first time, we've shown that it's possible to use small molecules to fine-tune carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) activity in a way that could have major therapeutic implications." -- More than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance and/or beta cell failure. -- In T2D, long-term exposure to high glucose and fatty acid levels (glucolipotoxicity) can ultimately lead to beta cell dysfunction and death. -- ChREBP is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism. -- It exists in two main isoforms: ChREBPα and ChREBPβ. This is the first study to identify and develop small molecules -- termed "molecular glues" -- that enhance the interaction between ChREBPα and 14-3-3 proteins in pancreatic beta cells. -- The molecular glues in this case increase the binding between 14-3-3 proteins and ChREBPα, which is anchored in the cytoplasm of the beta cell by the 14-3-3 proteins.	A01 H01 R01 T01	1,378
2510-E061	New Pathway Uncovered For Potential HIV Treatment Targeting Dormant Cells	Mount Sinai researchers have made significant strides in uncovering hidden immune cells that harbor HIV, a major advancement towards finding a potential cure for the virus affecting millions. Their innovative method of marking these cells could lead to strategies that eliminate dormant HIV reservoirs, offering hope for improved treatments and ultimately a cure for HIV infection.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Mount Sinai researchers have developed a method to uncover the hidden immune cells that harbor the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a discovery that brings medical experts one step closer to a cure for the infection affecting nearly 40 million people globally. The findings were published in Nature Communications on March 6. -- HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the body fighting off infections, thus weakening the immune system. -- Antiretroviral therapies can treat the HIV infection by halting the spread of the virus and protecting the immune system, but do not cure the virus. -- Mount Sinai researchers have developed a method to genetically mark immune cells that carry HIV, an important milestone that could potentially lead to approaches that eliminate the dormant HIV-infected cells and cure the virus. -- The team created a novel cell lineage-tracing model to reveal where the virus hides, and developed genetic profiles of T cells, or white blood cells that are crucial to immune response and retain either active or inactive HIV. -- The researchers said their genetic analysis of the dormant HIV-infected cells provides a new gene pathway for potential treatment. -- "The main obstacle to cure the infection is the virus hides in immune cells that are difficult to identify and study. If we can identify the cells infected with HIV, it will help bring us closer to figuring out how to eliminate them," said corresponding author Benjamin K. Chen, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Microbiology, Pharmacological Sciences, and Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- The researchers developed a genetic system to mark HIV-infected cells and then study both infected and dormant cell populations. -- They used humanized mice models to develop a fluorescent red-to-green switch triggered by the HIV infection that persists even if the virus is dormant. -- This switch results in the permanent marking of HIV-infected cells in mice and enables lineage tracing of the HIV infection.	H01 R01 T01	1,379
2511-054	AI Tool Analyzes Sleep Patterns, Opening Doors For Detecting Sleep Disorders	Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine have developed an AI tool for comprehensive sleep analysis that can detect sleep disorders and health risks. This innovative model, analyzing over a million hours of sleep data, streamlines traditional sleep studies, enabling more effective and standardized assessments for clinical use.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	SLEEP	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine have developed a powerful AI tool, built on the same transformer architecture used by large language models like ChatGPT, to process an entire night's sleep. To date, it is one of the largest studies, analyzing 1,011,192 hours of sleep. Details on their findings were reported in the March 13online issue of the journal Sleep. -- The model, called patch foundational transformer for sleep (PFTSleep), analyzes brain waves, muscle activity, heart rate, and breathing patterns to classify sleep stages more effectively than traditional methods, streamlining sleep analysis, reducing variability, and supporting future clinical tools to detect sleep disorders and other health risks. -- Current sleep analysis often relies on human experts manually scoring short segments of sleep data or using AI models that are not capable of analyzing a patient's entire night of sleep. -- This new approach, developed using thousands of sleep recordings, takes a more comprehensive view. -- By training on full-length sleep data, the model can recognize sleep patterns throughout the night and across different populations and settings, offering a standardized and scalable method for sleep research and clinical use, say the investigators. -- "This is a step forward in AI-assisted sleep analysis and interpretation," says first author Benjamin Fox, a PhD candidate at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in the Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Training Area. -- "By leveraging AI in this way, we can learn relevant clinical features directly from sleep study signal data and use them for sleep scoring and, in the future, other clinical applications such as detecting sleep apnea or assessing health risks linked to sleep quality." -- The model was built using a large dataset of sleep studies (polysomnograms) that measure key physiological signals, including brain activity, muscle tone, heart rate, and breathing patterns. -- Unlike traditional AI models, which analyze only short, 30-second segments, this new model considers the entire night of sleep, capturing more detailed and nuanced patterns. -- Further, the model is trained via a method known as self-supervision, which helps learn relevant clinical features from physiological signals without using human labeled outcomes.	A01 H02 R01 R02 T01	1,380
2512-013	Exploring Immune Cell Dysfunction As A Factor In Crohn's Disease Inflammation Onset	A research team from Mount Sinai has identified abnormal immune cell functions that may trigger inflammation in Crohn's disease, as reported in Science Immunology. This new understanding could pave the way for innovative therapies designed to prevent inflammation from developing, addressing the chronic gastrointestinal issues faced by patients suffering from this inflammatory bowel disease.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	Science Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Mount Sinai has uncovered mechanisms of abnormal immune cell function that may lead to Crohn's disease, according to findings published in Science Immunology on March 21. The researchers said their discovery provides better understanding of disease development and could inform the development and design of new therapies to prevent inflammation before it starts in the chronic disorder. -- Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, anemia, and fatigue. -- Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injury, but prolonged and untreated inflammation may cause damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. -- White blood cells in the GI tract known as intraepithelial lymphocytes express the gamma delta T cell receptor (gamma delta IELs), which prevent infection and provide surveillance for the intestinal barrier. -- These gamma delta IELs are often reduced in patients with active Crohn's disease. -- The researchers said their study is the first to show that gamma delta IELs are critical to maintain a balance between pro-inflammatory and regulatory immune responses, and these cells are impaired during the onset and progression of long-term inflammation in the lower small intestine. -- "Previous studies assessing patient biopsies revealed a decrease in gamma delta IELs in those with active IBD. However, it was unknown whether the loss of these cells was a cause or consequence of disease," said corresponding author Karen Edelblum, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. -- "Our findings now show that gamma delta IELs are substantially decreased weeks before clinical or histological evidence of disease in a mouse model of Crohn's disease-like ileitis. Furthermore, we were able to generate a timeline of events leading to the dysregulation of gamma delta IELs that mirrored findings from prior studies in patients with IBD." -- The researchers used a mice model of Crohn's disease-like inflammation in the lower small intestine to analyze human disease. -- Before tissue damage began, they found that pro-inflammatory proteins impaired the communication between gamma delta IELs and neighboring intestinal epithelial cells.	T01	1,381
2513-053	New Software Platform Simplifies Biomedical Research Data Analysis For Scientists	The Playbook Workflow Builder is a groundbreaking software platform that empowers biomedical researchers to perform complex data analyses without needing advanced programming skills. Developed by a team led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, this user-friendly web-based platform allows scientists to independently analyze and visualize their data through an intuitive interface, potentially transforming data-driven discovery in biomedical research.	The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine	PLOS Computational Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A powerful new software platform called the Playbook Workflow Builder is set to transform biomedical research by allowing scientists to conduct complex and customized data analyses without advanced programming skills. An article that describes the new platform was published in the April 3online issue of the journal PLOS Computational Biology. -- Developed by a multi-institutional team that was led by Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai investigators as part of the National Institutes of Health Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE) program, researchers from across the United States developed the web-based platform that enables scientists to analyze and visualize their own data independently through an intuitive, interactive interface. -- Traditionally, experimental biologists rely heavily on bioinformaticians to process and analyze the large datasets they collect. The new software platform changes this paradigm by offering a modular, user-friendly system where scientists can design custom workflows using pre-built analytical components -- akin to assembling "LEGO® pieces," say the investigators. -- "This approach could fundamentally reinvent data analysis in biomedical research and beyond. By allowing researchers to conduct sophisticated analyses without requiring advanced programming skills, it removes a major barrier to data-driven discovery," says first author Daniel J.B. Clarke, MS, a data scientist in the lab of senior corresponding author Avi Ma'ayan, PhD, Professor, Pharmacological Sciences, and Director of the Mount Sinai Center for Bioinformatics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "With greater accessibility and efficiency, scientists across disciplines can explore complex datasets more easily, uncover new insights faster, and ultimately accelerate the pace of scientific publication and discovery." -- Users of the Playbook Workflow Builder engage with an intuitive user interface, clicking on cards to construct their data analysis workflows. Alternatively, users can interface with a large language model-powered chatbot to design and build their data analysis pipelines. As they upload their data and input their instructions, the system automatically generates detailed documentation, including interactive figures, clear figure legends, and step-by-step automatically generated method descriptions. -- This ensures that the entire workflow is well-organized and easy to follow. Additionally, researchers can export their workflows in multiple formats, making it easier to share their work with colleagues, which also enhances reproducibility across different studies. -- Currently, the team is actively working to expand the platform's capabilities by adding more analytical components, refining the user experience, and fostering a larger community of users and contributors. -- "We see this as just the beginning. By reducing reliance on bioinformatics specialists, this platform has the potential to dramatically accelerate the pace of research by enabling experimental biologists to perform sophisticated analyses independently," says Dr. Ma'ayan "As more scientists adopt this tool, we expect it to streamline workflows, speed up the sharing of findings, and inspire new AI-driven systems that further enhance scientific reasoning and data interpretation. In the years to come, this could become an essential resource for biomedical research, unlocking new insights and driving innovation across the field."	T01	1,382
2501-097	Choanoflagellates Exhibit Electrical Signaling: A Clue To Early Multicellular Life.	A new study on choanoflagellates has uncovered evidence of electrical signaling and coordinated behavior among these organisms, providing insights into early animal evolution. The findings reveal how cell communication within colonies influences behavior and adaptation, shedding light on the origins of multicellularity and nervous systems.	The University of Bergen	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals. This elaborate example of cell communication offers key insights into the early evolution of animal multicellularity and nervous systems. -- Researchers from the Burkhardt group at the Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen, uncovered a remarkable diversity of behaviors within the rosette-shaped colonies of the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta -- and the small organisms held even more surprises. -- "We found communication among the cells of the colonies, which regulates shape and ciliary beating across the rosette," explains first author Jeffrey Colgren. -- "We didn't have clear expectations of what we would see in the cultures before putting them under the microscope, but when we did, it was very exciting." -- Multicellularity is a defining characteristic of all animals, enabling them to interact with their environment in unique ways by integrating the input of highly specialized cell types, such as neurons and muscle cells. -- For choanoflagellates, flagellated organisms found in marine and aquatic environments all over the globe, the boundary between uni- and multicellularity is less distinct. -- Some species, including S.rosetta, exhibit complex life cycles that include colonial stages. -- While the colonies are formed through cell divisions, much like the developing embryos of animals, they lack specialized cell types and are more akin to a group of individual cells than a cohesive organism. -- "S. rosetta is a powerful model for investigating the emergence of multicellularity during animal evolution," says last author Pawel Burkhardt. -- "Since our study reveals that colonial choanoflagellates coordinate their movements through shared signaling pathways, it offers fascinating insights into early sensory-motor systems."	N01	1,383
2501-002	Clozapine's Risk Of Blood Cancer Is Lower Than Previously Assumed, Study Suggests.	A research team from the University of Hong Kong has conducted a significant study on the safety of clozapine, an antipsychotic drug known for its efficacy. Their findings reveal that the risk of blood cancer due to clozapine usage is relatively low, suggesting that current monitoring practices may suffice and further restrictions might not be necessary, potentially aiding in the treatment of mental illness.	The University of Hong Kong	PLOS Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	An inter-departmental research team at the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) has conducted the world's first analytic real-world cohort study on the association of clozapine, a highly efficacious antipsychotic drug, with the incidence of blood cancer. Their findings show that the risk of blood cancer associated with the use of clozapine is very low, with an average increase of less than six cases per 10,000 persons using clozapine for one year. Therefore, the clinical significance of such a risk is plausibly low. While previous preliminary Western studies have shown a potentially significant increase in risk, this study suggests that with stringent blood monitoring measures before and during clozapine use in Hong Kong and around the world, it may not be necessary to further restrict the use of clozapine or issue special warnings by the Department of Health or local drug regulatory authorities, thus facilitating early and effective treatment of mental illness. The study was published in PLOS Medicine. -- Background -- Clozapine is currently the only antipsychotic drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. -- It is widely known for its high efficacy in reducing symptoms, relapse rate, and all-cause mortality in schizophrenia and is widely regarded as a drug of last resort. -- Recent Finnish and American studies suggested that clozapine may be associated with a significantly increased risk of blood cancer. -- However, owing to data restrictions and study design, the additional number of blood cancer cases associated with prior clozapine exposure could not be estimated and remained unclear. -- The clinical significance of this risk, therefore, had yet to be determined. -- Research methods and findings -- The research team utilised territory-wide electronic health records from the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong to comb through 400,000 patient records to construct a retrospective cohort of approximately 10,000 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia between 2001 and 2022 and followed up for a median of seven years since their drug initiation. -- The team's observations of the patients showed the following:	H01 R01	1,384
2502-071	Research Uncovers Connection Between Loneliness, Rumination, And Depression	Research from The University of Hong Kong has found a significant link between loneliness, rumination, and depression. The study suggests that individuals who dwell on their loneliness are at a greater risk of developing depression. By utilizing network analysis, the team emphasizes the importance of addressing loneliness to mitigate escalating depressive symptoms, underscoring the need for targeted therapeutic interventions for isolated populations.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature Mental Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Loneliness is more likely to cause depression if one keeps ruminating on how lonely they are. This is the essence of a study by The University of Hong Kong (HKU) that has therapeutic implications for treating isolated individuals or populations. -- Past studies have identified a loneliness-rumination-depression nexus. Rumination is defined as repetitive and intrusive negative thoughts and feelings, and loneliness as a gap between desired and actual social connections. -- Given a widely reported high co-occurrence between loneliness and depression, a research team led by the Director of the State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Professor Tatia M.C. Lee, Chair Professor of Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology and May Professor in Neuropsychology at HKU, sought to understand the underlying mechanisms. -- The research team's hypothesis for their study, entitled "A network analysis of rumination on loneliness and the relationship with depression," which was recently published in Nature Mental Health, aimed to examine the connections that rumination would mediate the relationship between loneliness and depression, where a higher level of loneliness would be associated with more rumination, which would, in turn, link to a higher severity of depressive symptoms. -- "Our study examined the relationship between loneliness, rumination, and depressive symptoms using the network analysis methodology. The findings revealed that ruminating on the feeling of loneliness poses a significant risk of developing depression. Consequently, focusing interventions for loneliness could potentially be a pivotal strategy for curbing the escalating incidence of depression." Professor Lee says. -- The research team studied 900 adults in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Fuzhou, China, between 2021 and 2023 during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Strict COVID-19 lockdowns in Hong Kong and China provided the cohort of individuals to study. The team used a network analysis approach to construct the Loneliness-Depression and Loneliness-Rumination-Depression network using a cross-sectional design in the adult sample. Network analysis focuses on how individual items connect within and across the larger variable and how these connections influence the behavior of the network to explain larger phenomenon. -- The findings indicated that ruminating on the feeling of loneliness was the key underlying factor that modulated the loneliness-depression relationship. Specifically, a connection between a specific ruminative thought ("think about how alone you are") and a particular item of loneliness ("how often do you feel alone") is indeed essential in maintaining the loneliness-rumination-depression network.'' -- Based on the findings, the research team suggests interventions for depression should focus on ameliorating ruminative thoughts, especially the feeling of loneliness. Therapies should target at disrupting the link between frequently feeling lonely and ruminating on loneliness, which then would deactivate the network of loneliness, rumination, and depression; thereby minimizing the adverse effects of loneliness on causing depression.	R01	1,385
2502-E038	Wildlife Trade Study Reveals Over 30,000 Species Traded, Impact On Survival Unknown	A comprehensive study using 22 years of wildlife trade data from the U.S. reveals alarming statistics about the scale of species exploitation. The research indicates nearly 30,000 wild species and over 2.85 billion individual animals have been traded, emphasizing the urgent need for better regulations and monitoring to protect endangered species from unsustainable trade practices.	The University of Hong Kong	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Wildlife trade poses one of the greatest threats to the survival of numerous species. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) at least 50,000 species are involved in trade. However, while this figure already seems huge, it risks overlooking less traditional sectors of wildlife trade, such as the pet or fashion trade. For instance, recent data shows that the number of butterflies traded exceeds the total number of terrestrial arthropods in the IPBES assessment. This raises a critical question: How many wild species are actually being traded globally? -- This question remains hard to answer. While species classified as potentially endangered by trade may be monitored under the auspices of CITES, most wildlife trade is legal and falls outside the scope of any overarching international legislation or monitoring. -- One notable exception is in the United States, where the US Fish and Wildlife Service tracks traded wildlife through the Law Enforcement Management Information System (LEMIS). -- Using 22 years of LEMIS data, a recent study led by Professor Alice C. HUGHES, Associate Professor of the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with international researchers, explores the dimensions of wildlife trade and obtain one of the most comprehensive overviews to date. -- Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study reveals striking findings: between 2000 and 2022, the US traded almost 30,000 wild species and over 2.85 billion individuals, with over 50% of individuals from most taxa sourced directly from the wild. -- These findings are significant as the impact of trade on most of these species has never been assessed. -- While the US provides detailed records of traded species, comparable data is lacking in most other countries. -- For most species in trade, we lack data on offtake or wild population size, making it impossible to assess the sustainability of the trade. -- However, in cases where assessments have been made, the majority of populations subjected to harvesting have shown declines. -- This paper highlights the true scale and diversity of legal wildlife trade.	C01 N01	1,386
2502-E079	Genetic Insights For Conservation Of Cockatoo Species: Ecologists Make Key Discoveries	Cockatoo Conservation Genetics: Groundbreaking genetic studies on Sulphur-crested and critically endangered Yellow-crested cockatoos have provided crucial insights for their conservation. By revealing genetic distinctions previously overlooked, the research offers new hope for protecting these species against habitat loss and illegal trapping.	The University of Hong Kong	Molecular Biology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Ecologists at the School of Biological Sciences of The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have made valuable discoveries that could transform the conservation of two iconic cockatoo species: the Sulphur-crested cockatoos and the critically endangered Yellow-crested cockatoos -- with only 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild for the latter. -- Until now, no whole-genome research had been conducted on either species, which were identified solely by subtle morphological differences. -- Through two innovative studies, the team uncovered new genetic insights, reshaping our understanding of these species and offering fresh hope for their survival amid severe threats from habitat loss and illegal trapping. -- These findings, recently published in scientific journals Molecular Biology and Evolution, and Molecular Ecology, will be highly influential in guiding future conservation efforts. -- Triton Cockatoo reconfirmed as a distinct species after a century in obscurity -- Although originally believed to be two distinct species, for over a century the Triton Cockatoo (Cacatua triton) has been thought to be the same species as the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) due to their similar appearance and with the distribution of the singular species including Australia and New Guinea. -- However, the study in Molecular Biology and Evolution, using cutting-edge genomic analysis, has reconfirmed that the Triton Cockatoo is, in fact, a distinct species occurring across the majority of New Guinea, with the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo now known to be restricted to just Australia and very small portion of southern New Guinea. -- This finding has profound implications for conservation, particularly in New Guinea where both species exist and where programmes led by the Indonesian government and NGOs aim to reintroduce surrendered pet birds into the wild on the western part of the island to counter the effects of climate change, land-use change, and poaching. -- Dr Arthur SANDS, an expert on cockatoos from SBS and the main author of the study in Molecular Biology and Evolution, emphasised the importance of this distinction, he said, 'Introducing the wrong species in the wrong place could jeopardise their long-term survival in the wild through hybridisation or competition between the Triton Cockatoo and the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, potentially even disrupting ecosystems in the long term.' He stressed that such reintroduction programmes must incorporate genetic data moving forward to avoid this. -- Recognising the Triton Cockatoo as a distinct species will now also require updates to global legislation, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which aims to protect these and many other parrot species, and may require new levels of protection being issued given the split.	H02 N01	1,387
2503-045	PICH Protein Critical For DNA Protection During Cell Division, Cancer Insights	Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have illuminated the role of the protein PICH in safeguarding DNA during cell division, which is vital for preventing genetic errors linked to diseases like cancer. Their findings underscore the importance of cellular mechanisms in maintaining genomic integrity, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies to combat cancer and genetic disorders.	The University of Hong Kong	Nucleic Acids Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have made an exciting discovery about how human cells protect DNA during cell division, offering new insights into combating diseases such as cancer. -- Led by Professor Gary Ying Wai CHAN from the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, and Professor Ken Hoi Tang MA from the Department of Pathology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the research uncovers the vital role of a protein called PICH in preventing genetic errors that can lead to diseases such as cancer. -- Their findings were recently published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research. -- Ultrafine Anaphase Bridges -- A Hidden Threat to Our Genome -- Every time a cell divides, it must ensure that its DNA is accurately copied and split between the two new cells. -- However, tiny threads of DNA, known as ultrafine anaphase bridges (UFBs), can sometimes form and cause problems if not properly managed. -- These UFBs can be thought of as invisible enemies that tangle up our genetic material. -- Through their research, the HKU team discovered that the protein PICH acts like a radar, detecting these UFBs and helping to resolve them. -- They found that when PICH is missing or not functioning properly, cells experience severe genetic damage, including broken DNA, the formation of small DNA-containing structures called micronuclei, and activation of the cell's emergency response systems, which ultimately leads to cell death. -- Moreover, their findings revealed that such damage can trigger rearrangements of chromosomes -- hallmarks of cancer.	R01 T01	1,388
2503-E015	Hybrid Groupers Impact Study: Assessing Ecological Consequences Of Religious Practices	A team of ecologists from The University of Hong Kong has raised concerns over the ecological risks posed by releasing hybrid groupers into local waters, often linked to religious practices. Their study of the Tiger Grouper-Giant Grouper hybrid highlights its potential to disrupt marine ecosystems by exploiting ecological niches. This research underscores the need for public awareness and conservation initiatives to mitigate these unintended impacts on biodiversity.	The University of Hong Kong	Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries	Press Rel	PubMed	Ecologists from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) and the Swire Institute of Marine Science (SWIMS) at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) have identified significant ecological risks associated with the release of hybrid groupers into Hong Kong's coastal waters, a practice often linked to religious 'mercy release' rituals. -- Their study highlights how the Tiger Grouper-Giant Grouper hybrid (TGGG), also known as the Sabah grouper, disrupts local marine ecosystems by exploiting unique ecological niches and potentially becoming a dominant predator. -- This research, the first to use advanced DNA metabarcoding to analyse the diet of this hybrid species, underscores the urgent need for public education and conservation measures to mitigate unintended ecological impacts. -- The findings have been published in the journal Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries. -- Hybrid Groupers: A Popular Market Species with Hidden Ecological Threats -- The TGGG is a hybrid species bred through aquaculture by crossing the Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) with the Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus). Valued for its large size and rapid growth, it is a common sight in Hong Kong's fish markets. -- Its affordability and impressive size have also made it a popular choice for local mercy release practices, where animals are released into the wild as an act of spiritual merit. -- However, this seemingly benevolent act has significant ecological consequences. -- To explore the potential ecological effects of releasing hybrid groupers into Hong Kong's coastal waters, our research team utilised DNA metabarcoding to analyse the diet of TGGG. -- Becoming the first to apply this method to study the dietary habits of this hybrid species, the team extracted and sequenced DNA from the hybrid's stomach contents, allowing them to identify its prey, even when the prey was fully digested or fragmented.	H01 R01 N01	1,389
2503-T018	Visualizing Quantum Matter: Pioneering Entanglement Microscopy Algorithm Developed	Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed a groundbreaking 'entanglement microscopy' algorithm, enabling the visualization of quantum entangled particles at a microscopic scale. This innovative approach allows for a deeper understanding of quantum matter’s hidden structures and interactions, potentially leading to transformative advancements in technology and our fundamental understanding of the universe. The study highlights the progress being made in quantum physics and its implications for future research.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Quantum entanglement -- a phenomenon where particles are mysteriously linked no matter how far apart they are -- presents a long-standing challenge in the physical world, particularly in understanding its behaviour within complex quantum systems. -- A research team from the Department of Physics at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and their collaborators have recently developed a novel algorithm in quantum physics known as 'entanglement microscopy' that enables visualisation and mapping of this extraordinary phenomenon at a microscopic scale. -- By zooming in on the intricate interactions of entangled particles, one can uncover the hidden structures of quantum matter, revealing insights that could transform technology and deepen the understanding of the universe. -- This study, led by Professor Zi Yang MENG and co-authored by his PhD students Ting-Tung WANG and Menghan SONG of HKU Department of Physics, in collaboration with Professor William WITCZAK-KREMPA and PhD student Liuke LYU from the University of Montreal, unveils the hidden structures of quantum entanglement in many-body systems, offering a fresh perspective on the behaviour of quantum matter. -- Their findings were recently published in the journal Nature Communications. -- A Breakthrough in Mapping Quantum Entanglement -- Quantum entanglement describes a deep connection between particles, where the state of one particle is instantly linked to another, even across vast distances. -- Imagine rolling two dice in different locations -- quantum entanglement is like finding that the outcome of one die always determines the outcome of the other, no matter how far apart they are. -- This phenomenon, famously called 'spooky action at a distance' by Albert Einstein, is not just a theoretical curiosity but underpins technologies like quantum computing, cryptography, and the study of exotic materials and black holes. -- However, it is intrinsically difficult to obtain the entanglement information in quantum many-body systems both analytically and numerically due to the exponentially large degree of freedoms.	T01	1,390
2508-010	GLP-1 Medications Primarily Reduce Fat Mass In Type 2 Diabetes Patients	Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, utilized for treating type 2 diabetes, have been shown to facilitate weight loss primarily through fat mass reduction. A genetic study conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong highlights the medication's efficacy, clarifying concerns about muscle mass loss and paving the way for better obesity management strategies.	The University of Hong Kong	Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Diabetes and obesity have become pressing health issues worldwide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medications widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), have shown significant effectiveness in both lowering blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss due to their unique pharmacological mechanisms. A research team from the School of Public Health, in the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) assessed the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist in weight loss through genetic studies, aiming to understand whether the use of these medications reduces weight due to muscle or fat mass loss. This genetic study revealed that GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce weight by reducing more fat mass than muscle mass. The research findings were published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. -- GLP-1 receptor agonists are pharmaceutical treatments primarily for T2D and more recently, obesity. -- They function by mimicking the action of GLP-1 hormone, which plays a crucial role in stimulating insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon secretion, and delaying gastric emptying to suppress appetite, thereby regulating blood sugar levels and resulting in weight loss. -- Their application as a pharmacological intervention for weight reduction has gained popularity worldwide. -- However, concerns have been raised over whether GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce weight (often measured by body mass index, or BMI) mainly via muscle mass loss, which could lead to physical frailty or sarcopenia. -- To study how GLP-1 receptor agonists affect muscle and fat, the HKUMed research team used genetic data of over 800,000 European participants from different genome wide association studies (GWAS). They identified a specific genetic variant (rs877446) linked to lower BMI that mimicked the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists. -- The team examined the effect of this variant on different types of lean mass, including appendicular lean mass, whole body fat-free mass, and trunk fat-free mass, as well as various measures of body fat, such as whole-body fat mass, trunk fat mass, trunk fat percentage, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio. -- The research team found that participants with genetic makeup mimicking the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists leads to reductions in both lean mass (whole-body fat-free mass and trunk fat-free mass) and body fat (whole-body fat mass, trunk fat percentage and body fat percentage). Specifically, for each unit reduction in BMI, whole-body fat mass decreases by about 7.9 kg, while muscle mass reduces by about 6.4 kg. This indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists lead to greater reduction in overall body fat than that in muscle mass, resulting in an overall body fat percentage decrease of around 4.5%. This supports the effectiveness of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing fat more than muscle. -- This study clarifies the controversy regarding the effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists on body composition as a weight-management medication, and showcases how a genetic approach can enhance our understanding of how medications work. -- 'This study highlights the use of genetics in understanding medication effects, especially when corresponding clinical experimental evidence is limited,' said Professor Ryan Au Yeung Shiu-lun, Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health, HKUMed.	R01	1,391
2508-T003	Exploring The Evolutionary Dynamics Of Urban Systems In Africa	A collaborative study on urban systems in Africa reveals essential principles governing their evolution, providing insights into complex systems dynamics. Conducted by an international team, the research identifies universal patterns and mathematical rules, enhancing our understanding of urban development. The findings could inform future urban planning and policy decisions, addressing challenges faced by rapidly growing cities across the continent.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature Cities	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Wuhan University and other institutions published a research paper titled "Underlying rules of evolutionary urban systems in Africa" in leading international research journal Nature Cities. From the perspective of complex systems, the study reveals the universality, specificity, and explanatory power of underlying rules governing urban system evolution. -- Professor Peng Gong, Vice-President (Academic Development) of HKU, and Professor Limin Jiao of Wuhan University are the corresponding authors of the paper. -- Gang Xu and Mengyan Zhu of Wuhan University are the co-first authors. -- Other contributors include Assistant Professor Bin Chen and Professor Xiaoling Zhang from the Faculty of Architecture at HKU, Assistant Researcher Zhibang Xu of the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Xuecao Li of China Agricultural University, Dr Muhammad Salem of Cairo University, Associate Professor Patrick Brandful Cobbinah of the University of Melbourne, and Dr Neema Simon Sumari of Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. -- Urban systems are typically complex systems, and their evolution follows a series of universal laws that can be expressed through concise mathematical models, such as the rank-size rule (Zipf's law), the law of proportionate growth (Gibrat's law), and scaling laws. -- However, previous studies have primarily focused on the universality of these laws, paying insufficient attention to how these rules might vary at different stages of urbanisation or how these models can convey the changes in city systems over time. -- Africa, recognised as one of the most rapidly urbanising regions worldwide, boasts a rich array of natural geographical features. -- The influences of colonial history, socio-economic structures, and multiculturalism have shaped the unique urbanisation processes within African countries. -- This diversity has led to considerable variations in urban evolution across the continent, offering a multifaceted sample for the study of urban system development. -- Starting from a unified urban definition, the research team utilised remote sensing data on urban population and land use to comprehensively analyse the evolution of over 9,200 towns and cities across Africa over the past 70 years (1950-2020). Applying the theories of Zipf's law, Gibrat's law, and scaling laws, the study first verified the universality of urban system laws in African cities and then focused on their specificity and the explanatory power of model parameters.	Z01	1,392
2509-E028	Disparities In Global Conservation Funding Threaten Biodiversity Efforts	The loss of biodiversity is a pressing global crisis, prompting researchers from the University of Hong Kong to evaluate conservation funding effectiveness. Their study underscores the urgent need for increased financial resources dedicated to species protection, revealing that current funding levels are alarmingly low compared to other significant budget allocations, which threatens conservation efforts.	The University of Hong Kong	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The extensive loss of biodiversity represents one of the major crises of our time, threatening not only entire ecosystems but also our current and future livelihoods. As scientists realise the magnitude and scale of ongoing extinctions, it is vital to ascertain the resources available for conservation and whether funds are being effectively distributed to protect species most in need. -- A team of researchers from the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU), addressed these questions in a recent paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), USA, by compiling information on nearly 15,000 funded projects focused on species conservation. -- Professor Benoit GUÉNARD, the lead author of the study, noted that, "Our first conclusion is that funding for species conservation research remains extremely limited with only US$ 1.93 billion allocated over 25 years in the projects we assessed." -- The international conservation funding from 37 governments and NGOs represented a mere 0.3% and 0.01% of the annual budget of the NASA or US military, respectively. -- This stark comparison underscores the urgent need to dramatically increase such funding to slow global biodiversity loss. -- The authors also examined the allocation of this funding to specific species or groups of organisms based on their conservation needs as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, often called the 'barometer of life'. Professor Guénard explains, "Based on previous literature-based studies, we expected biases towards vertebrates and, whilst this was true, we found the situation much worse than previously estimated. Even within vertebrates, many of the most threatened groups, like amphibians, were largely underfunded with declining funding trends over time." -- Another striking example can be found in reptiles, particularly lizards and snakes, where over a thousand species have been identified as threatened, yet 87% of the funding towards reptile conservation is directed towards the seven species of marine turtles. -- Professor Guénard states, "This highlights an important mismatch between scientific assessment of conservation and allocation of funding by conservation stakeholders, which appears to rely on the 'charisma' of species. This leads to nearly a third of the funding directed to non-threatened species while almost 94% of threatened species have not received any support." -- Some groups, like plants or insects, received a mere 6% each of the funding despite their vast diversity and the number of threatened species they include, while other major groups, such as fungi or algae, received virtually no funding. -- Professor Alice HUGHES, a co-author of the study, echoed, "Our traditional view of what is threatened often does not align with species genuinely at threat, leaving many smaller, or 'less charismatic' species neglected. We urgently need to reframe this perspective and better allocate funding across taxa if we want any hope of redressing widespread population declines and the continued loss of biodiversity."	A01 N02	1,393
2509-T033	Innovative Neuromorphic System Enhances Machine Vision For Extreme Lighting Conditions	Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have introduced a groundbreaking neuromorphic exposure control system that enhances machine vision under extreme lighting conditions. By mimicking human peripheral vision and integrating event cameras, this innovative system achieves rapid and robust perception, overcoming limitations of traditional automatic exposure systems and advancing applications in dynamic environments.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by Professor Jia Pan and Professor Yifan Evan Peng from the Department of Computer Science and Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering under the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with the researcher at Australian National University, has recently developed a groundbreaking neuromorphic exposure control (NEC) system that revolutionizes machine vision under extreme lighting variations. Published in Nature Communications, this biologically inspired system mimics human peripheral vision to achieve unprecedented speed and robustness in dynamic perception environments. -- Traditional automatic exposure (AE) systems rely on iterative image feedback, creating a chicken-and-egg dilemma that fails in sudden brightness shifts (e.g., tunnels, glare). The NEC system solves this by integrating event cameras -- sensors that capture per-pixel brightness changes as asynchronous "events" -- with a novel Trilinear Event Double Integral (TEDI) algorithm. -- This approach: Operates at 130 million events/sec on a single CPU, enabling edge deployment. -- "Like how our pupils instantly adapt to light, NEC mimics biological synergy between retinal pathways," explained Mr. Shijie Lin, the first-author of the article. -- "By fusing event streams with physical light metrics, we bypass traditional bottlenecks to deliver lighting-agnostic vision." -- In tests, the team has validated NEC across mission-critical scenarios: -- 1. Autonomous Driving: Improved detection accuracy (mAP +47.3%) when vehicles exit tunnels into blinding sunlight. -- 2. Augmented Reality (AR): Achieved 11% higher pose estimation (PCK) for hand tracking under surgical lights. -- 3. 3D Reconstruction: Enabled continuous SLAM in overexposed environments where conventional methods fail. -- 4. Medical AR Assistance: Maintained clear intraoperative visualization despite dynamic spotlight adjustments.	H01 R01 T01	1,394
2510-047	Poor Sleep Disrupts Brain's Waste Removal System In Older Adults	A study from The University of Hong Kong reveals that poor sleep quality in older adults disrupts the brain's glymphatic system, which is crucial for waste removal. Researchers, led by Professor Tatia M.C. Lee, emphasize that this dysfunction contributes to cognitive decline and memory issues, particularly in aging populations, underscoring the importance of sleep for brain health.	The University of Hong Kong	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Poor sleep among older adults is linked to disruptions in the brain's "waste removal system," according to researchers at The University of Hong Kong (HKU). A recent study led by Professor Tatia M.C. Lee, Chair Professor of Psychological Science and Clinical Psychology and May Professor in Neuropsychology at HKU, offers valuable insight into how sleep quality impacts brain functioning. -- Many studies have linked poor sleep with a decline in brain functioning. -- Professor Lee's team focused on the glial-lymphatic (glymphatic) system, a fluid transport pathway that plays a vital role in clearing waste from the brain. -- The system's efficiency is a critical determinant of brain health, particularly in ageing populations. -- Professor Lee and her team sought to understand the glymphatic-brain relationship in poor sleepers, which underlies memory decline. -- Dysfunction of the glymphatic system leads to the accumulation of toxic proteins, and this process has recently been implicated in several neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. -- "Sleep quality, brain activities, and glyphamtic functioning are related. Understanding how sleep quality influences the glymphatic system and human brain networks offers valuable insight into the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning age-related memory change," Professor Lee said. -- The research team studied 72 older adults using functional MRI scans and sleep recordings. -- The findings indicate that poor sleep quality adversely affects normal brain function by deactivating the restorative glymphatic system. -- "The results clearly reveal the effect of sleep on the human brain's network through the glymphatic system, which in turn affects memory performance in older adults," said Professor Lee.	A01 H02 R02	1,395
2511-T028	Eco-Friendly Breakthrough Converts Methane To Ethanol With High Efficiency	An international team of scientists has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in low-carbon chemical conversion, successfully developing a photocatalytic method to convert methane into ethanol with impressive selectivity and conversion rates. This work, led by prominent professors from various universities, and published in Nature, offers a sustainable solution in the quest for green energy alternatives, demonstrating the potential for using methane, a common gas, as a source for valuable chemical feedstocks.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In advancing sustainable energy solutions, an international collaborative team of scientists has achieved a significant milestone in low-carbon chemical conversion. In their recent publication in Nature, the team, led by Professors Zhengxiao GUO of Department of Chemistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU), Weixin HUANG of University of Science and Technology of China, Richard CATLOW of University College London and Junwang TANG of Tsinghua University, have discovered a photocatalytic approach to converting methane to ethanol with high selectivity of around 80% and a methane conversion rate of 2.3% in a single run using a packed-bed flow reactor. The system achieves an impressive apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 9.4%, which measures how effectively it converts incident photons into electrons that participate in the reaction under specific wavelength conditions. -- Background -- Ethanol is well known to spirit up many celebratory occasions, but more significantly, it serves as an ideal liquid hydrogen carrier and a chemical feedstock for a wide range of applications towards carbon neutrality. -- The global market for ethanol exceeds USD 100 billion, with a current compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7%. Methane, the primary constituent of natural and shale gas, is often flared for heating. -- Despite its potential as a carbon source for chemical synthesis, its inherent chemical inertness poses substantial hurdles to its efficient conversion. -- Traditional industrial methane conversion is typically conducted via syngas under high temperatures and pressures, a process that is energy-intensive and exhibits poor product selectivity. -- Efforts to directly convert methane into ethanol often encounter challenges in controlling highly selective carbon-carbon (C-C) coupling to produce a specific C2+ chemical, such as ethanol. -- Innovative Catalytic Conversion -- The efficient conversion is achieved through a unique intra-molecular junction formed between alternate benzene and triazine units within a covalent triazine framework (CTF-1) polymer. -- The intra-molecular junction enhances the life-time and the efficient separation of photo-generated charges while enabling preferential adsorption of O2 and H2O to the benzene and triazine units, respectively, to facilitate C-C coupling.	C01	1,396
2513-022	Innovative Brain-Computer Interface Enhances Energy Efficiency With Neuromorphic Decoding	Groundbreaking research from the University of Hong Kong explores the potential of memristor-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to adapt to fluctuating brain signals. Led by Professors Ngai Wong and Zhengwu Liu, the study introduces energy-efficient neuromorphic decoders that promise advancements in assistive technologies and neurological rehabilitation, shedding light on the challenges presented by the dynamic nature of brain signal processing.	The University of Hong Kong	Nature Electronics	Press Rel	PubMed	Professor Ngai Wong and Dr Zhengwu Liu from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), in collaboration with research teams at Tsinghua University and Tianjin University, have conducted groundbreaking research on memristor-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Published in Nature Electronics, this research presents an innovative approach for implementing energy-efficient adaptive neuromorphic decoders in BCIs that can effectively co-evolve with changing brain signals. -- A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a computer-based system that creates a direct communication pathway between the brain and external devices, such as computers, allowing individuals to control these devices or applications purely through brain activity, bypassing the need for traditional muscle movements or the nervous system. -- This technology holds immense potential across a wide range of fields, from assistive technologies to neurological rehabilitation. -- However, traditional BCIs still face challenges. -- "The brain is a complex dynamic system with signals that constantly evolve and fluctuate. This poses significant challenges for BCIs to maintain stable performance over time," said Professor Wong and Dr Liu. -- "Additionally, as brain-machine links grow in complexity, traditional computing architectures struggle with real-time processing demands." -- The collaborative research addressed these challenges by developing a 128K-cell memristor chip that serves as an adaptive brain signal decoder. -- The team introduced a hardware-efficient one-step memristor decoding strategy that significantly reduces computational complexity while maintaining high accuracy. -- Dr Liu, a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at HKU, contributed as a co-first author to this groundbreaking work. -- In real-world testing, the system demonstrated impressive capabilities in a four-degree-of-freedom drone flight control task, achieving 85.17% decoding accuracy -- equivalent to software-based methods -- while consuming 1,643 times less energy and offering 216 times higher normalised speed than conventional CPU-based systems.	R02 T01	1,397
2505-129	Targeting S6K2 Gene Offers New Hope Against Treatment-Resistant Melanoma	Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified a promising new approach to combat treatment-resistant melanoma by inhibiting the gene S6K2. Their study suggests that targeting this gene could improve treatment outcomes for this challenging form of skin cancer. With melanoma rates on the rise, this finding offers hope for developing more effective therapies aimed at enhancing patient survival and addressing this critical public health issue.	The Wistar Institute	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Many U.S. forests are privately owned, particularly in the Eastern and North Central part of the country. This makes control of invasive plants and pests challenging because efforts must be coordinated across landowners. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores how differences in ownership motivation affects willingness to control, and how economic incentives can be implemented most efficiently. -- "Some own the land for recreational purposes, some own it because they want to produce timber, and some are a combination of both. If one landowner controls invasive species but their neighbor does not for some reason, that could be problematic because the bioinvasion will spread over space and time," said study author Shadi Atallah, associate professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Currently, conservation cost-share programs reimburse forest landowners for up to 75% of the cost of controlling invasive species. -- However, this is not necessarily the most efficient use of funds, Atallah noted. -- "When you're incentivizing someone to do something, you would like to know they weren't going to do it without the incentive, or you have wasted your money. Would it make sense to change who qualifies for these payments in a way that optimizes the effect?" -- Atallah employed game theory to explore these questions, using the example of glossy buckthorn in U.S. Eastern white pine forests. -- Glossy buckthorn is a fast-growing shrub that is exotic and invasive in North America. -- It can form a dense, persistent layer in forest understories, interfering with the growth of young pine trees and affecting wildlife habitat. -- In a previous study, Atallah surveyed Maine and New Hampshire family forest landowners to understand how their willingness to control glossy buckthorn was motivated by the shrub's effects on timber, trail recreation, and wildlife viewing. -- For the current study, he developed a theoretical modeling framework that estimated how each type of landowner would act and how their neighbor would respond, given various circumstances over a period of time.	R01	1,398
2509-058	New Mechanism Discovered: Brain Cancers Reprogram Immune Cells For Tumor Growth	A team at The Wistar Institute has uncovered a previously unknown mechanism whereby aggressive brain cancers reprogram immune cells, converting them from tumor fighters into enablers of cancer growth. This research indicates that tumor-associated neutrophils, while initially protective, can hinder immunotherapy effectiveness. Published in "Cancer Discovery," the study highlights the complexities of immune response in severe brain cancers, particularly glioblastomas.	The Wistar Institute	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	The lab of Filippo Veglia, Ph.D., at The Wistar Institute has discovered a previously unknown mechanism for how aggressive brain cancers reprogram immune system cells from fighting cancer to enabling further tumor growth. The team's findings were published in the paper "Functional reprogramming of neutrophils within the brain tumor microenvironment by hypoxia-driven histone lactylation," from Cancer Discovery. -- Brain and nervous system tumors are some of cancer's most lethal forms; someone diagnosed with this type of cancer has a roughly one in three chance of surviving the next five years. -- Certain immunotherapies that stimulate the immune system to target specific cancer markers have shown progress against several brain cancers, but in many cases (and even more frequently in the most severe forms of brain cancer, like glioblastoma), the presence of tumor-infiltrating neutrophils is the key factor that has prevented these therapies from working. -- Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that the immune system uses to attack cancer in its early stages. -- However, scientists have discovered that, if a tumor survives the body's initial defenses and continues to grow, these tumor-associated neutrophils actually start to work for the tumor rather than against it by suppressing further anti-cancer interventions from the immune system. -- Now, scientists know how glioblastoma reprograms tumor-infiltrating neutrophils. -- In their new paper, Wistar's Dr. Filippo Veglia and his team set out to understand the mechanisms behind brain cancer's reprogramming of neutrophils -- and how to stop it. -- Researchers investigated the subset of neutrophils found almost exclusively within the brain tumor in preclinical models of brain cancer. -- Analysis showed that 25-30% of these tumor-infiltrating neutrophils expressed the CD71 protein, which was notably absent from most of the other neutrophils outside the brain tumor. -- The team tested the immunosuppressive activity of intra-tumor CD71 positive (CD71+) neutrophils and found that they reduced immune system activity where CD71 negative (CD71-) neutrophils did not.	H01 R01 R02	1,399
2501-T008	Studying Neuronal Networks Reveals Structure-Function Relationships In Complex Systems	Researchers at Tohoku University have utilized microfluidic devices to study neuronal networks, aiming to clarify the relationship between structural connectivity and functional activity in brain networks. Through lab-grown neurons with controlled connections, the team developed mathematical models to predict how directional connections influence neuronal dynamics. Their findings could advance our understanding of brain function and offer alternatives to traditional animal studies.	Tohoku University	Neural Networks	Press Rel	PubMed	Uncovering the relationship between structure (connectivity) and function (neuronal activity) is a fundamental question across many areas of biology. However, investigating this directly in animal brains is challenging because of the immense complexity of their neural connections and the invasive surgeries that are typically needed. Lab-grown neurons with artificially-controlled connections have the possibility of becoming a useful alternative to animal testing, particularly as we learn how to accurately characterize their behaviour. -- A research team at Tohoku University used microfluidic devices to reveal how directional connections shape the complex dynamics of neuronal networks. -- They also developed mathematical models based on experimental data to predict how connectivity influences activity across space and time. -- The results were published in Neural Networks on November 28, 2024. -- Like a river current, directional connections in neuronal networks propagate signals in a downstream flow from one area to another. -- A microfluid device has tiny channels that can precisely direct the flow, which can help fabricate neurons that react more similarly to in-vivo models. -- By studying in-vitro neurons in a lab environment, the research team was able to efficiently and constructively explore whether one-way connections play other fundamental roles in shaping brain dynamics. -- "The brain is difficult to understand, in part, because it is dynamic -- it can learn to respond differently to the same stimuli over time based on a number of factors," says lead author Nobuaki Monma. -- The research team fabricated neuronal networks bearing modular connectivity (as observed in animals' nervous systems) and embedded directional connections between modules using microchannels. -- The connections were embedded in a feedforward manner to minimize excessive excitatory reactions.	R02 N01 T01	1,400
2502-073	New Method Helps Assess Cancer Patients' Likelihood Of Treatment Response Or Relapse	Researchers from Iwate Medical University and Tohoku University propose a new method for assessing cancer patients' treatment responses and relapse risks by measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Their study suggests that combining ctDNA monitoring with comprehensive genomic profiling can tailor advanced treatment recommendations, enhancing personalized medicine approaches in oncology and ultimately improving patient outcomes.	Tohoku University	Cancer Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Iwate Medical University and Tohoku University have revealed that it is possible to predict cancer relapse and treatment response by measuring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), in tandem with data from comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). -- CGP test results can be used to tailor recommendations for advanced cancer treatment, with the goal of matching individual patients with the most effective option to prolong survival. -- This study retrospectively looked at the CGP and clinical data of 219 patients of Iwate Medical University with advanced cancer registered with the Center for Personalized Medicine at Tohoku University Hospital. -- Of these patients, only 14 (6.4%) received a tailored treatment based on their CGP results. -- The research team proposed that patients who underwent CGP could undergo ctDNA monitoring by using digital PCR (dPCR) (Off The Shelf-assay, hereafter OTS-Assay). The OTS-Assay was originally developed at Iwate Medical University, and has been clinically validated for a number of different cancers. -- Strengthening our knowledge and further testing the validity of this system is crucial, so that it can potentially become more commonplace in clinical practice. -- "First, we complete CGP to recommend an ideal treatment. Then, we can further predict and monitor the efficacy of that treatment using a relevant ctDNA -- a measure of tumor DNA in the blood that can pick up even minimal hints that the cancer is still persisting," explains Satoshi Nishizuka (Iwate Medical University). -- The clinical validity of the OTS-Assay was evaluated for "early relapse prediction," "treatment response evaluation," and "no relapse/regrowth corroboration." Monitoring of ctDNA by dPCR was performed in 11 patients. -- Overall, 10 of 11 patients (90.9%) achieved at least one of the following validated outcomes: "early relapse prediction," "treatment response evaluation," and "no relapse/regrowth corroboration." -- This study demonstrated that ctDNA monitoring using the OTS-Assay system can be used effectively in conjunction with CGP data in order to predict patient outcomes for a broad range of cancer types. This finding represents a step forward for personalized precision medicine. Importantly, the majority of patients who receive CGP but do not actually receive a recommended treatment (the remaining 93.6%) can still undertake ctDNA monitoring using the OTS-Assay system to evaluate their disease progression. This type of personalized medical care could improve clinical management techniques, and ultimately help cancer patients around the world.	R01 C01	1,401
2504-T034	Novel Acoustic Wave Discovery Opens New Possibilities For Communication Devices	A groundbreaking discovery regarding the nonreciprocal diffraction of acoustic waves may lead to advancements in communication technologies. This research, conducted by Tohoku University and other institutions, explores the unique propagation of surface acoustic waves, which are critical for modern communication devices. By deepening our understanding of these waves, researchers aim to innovate future acoustic-based technologies that could transform how signals are processed.	Tohoku University	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A unique propagation phenomenon of acoustic waves has been discovered, paving the way for developing advanced communication technologies using acoustic devices. The research was led by the Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University, in collaboration with the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science. -- Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) -- elastic vibrations that travel along the surface of materials like ripples on a pond -- play a crucial role in modern communication technologies. -- These are key components in frequency filters used in everyday devices such as mobile phones. -- These devices convert electrical signals into vibrations, or "ripples," through the piezoelectric effect, enabling efficient signal processing. -- Therefore, a deeper understanding of SAW behaviour is essential for advancing future technologies. -- In the experiment, the team used advanced nanofabrication techniques to create a periodic array of nanoscale magnetic materials. -- The magnetic nanoscale array can be thought of as a specialized grating that the waves go through. -- To their surprise, instead of the typical symmetric diffraction pattern, the research team observed a completely novel, asymmetrical diffraction phenomenon of SAWs called "nonreciprocal diffraction." -- "This phenomenon has previously been observed only in optics," remarks Yoichi Nii, "so we are very excited to confirm that it extends beyond optics to other wave phenomena." -- Through theoretical analysis, the research team identified this asymmetrical behavior as arising from the unique interaction between SAWs and magnetic materials, specifically related to their angular momenta.	T01	1,402
2505-E020	Multiferroics That Withstand 160 Degrees: A Breakthrough In Materials Science	Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully demonstrated that terbium oxide can function as a multiferroic material at temperatures up to 160 degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the previous limit of room temperature. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation of multiferroics, which typically lose functionality at higher temperatures, potentially paving the way for advanced applications in spintronics and energy-efficient device technologies.	Tohoku University	Communications Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Constructed wetlands do a good job in their early years of capturing carbon in the environment that contributes to climate change -- but that ability does diminish with time as the wetlands mature, a new study suggests. -- Researchers examined soil core samples taken from two constructed freshwater wetlands and compared them to data from previous studies of the same wetlands over 29 years to determine how well human-made wetlands sequester -- or capture and store -- carbon as they age. -- Findings showed both wetlands captured similar amounts of carbon over the decades, but neither has shown a net gain or loss since year 15. -- But their value in sequestering carbon is remarkable, the researchers said. -- "Wetlands are generally thought of as the kidneys of our world because they can clean water naturally and sequester carbon well," said Jay Martin, a distinguished professor in food, agricultural and biological engineering at The Ohio State University and a co-author of the study. -- "As we try to combat climate change, they also provide habitat for many species that are important to us." -- The researchers analyzed data from the Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park (ORWRP), a site ideal for long-term study due to the overwhelming amount of environmental data it generated over the past three decades. -- Previous studies of the park revealed that its soil has shown an increase in carbon levels. -- But by using detailed measurements taken in the wetland's 29th year post-construction, Martin's team found that wetlands' ability to sequester carbon diminishes as they mature. -- The study was recently published in the journal Ecological Engineering.	H02 T01	1,403
2505-E090	2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reveals Insights Into Landscape Changes	Researchers investigating the aftermath of the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake have theorized that seismic activity significantly shapes land topography. By examining the region's geomorphology and using satellite data, they found that recurring earthquakes could explain the area's distinctive features, such as its steep cliffs and gentle slopes, providing insights into how geophysical events sculpt the landscape over time.	Tohoku University	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists from the Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has unveiled how the hippocampus orchestrates multiple memory processes, including encoding new information, forming memories, and retrieving them. This study was led by SHIM Won Mok, associate professor of Biomedical Engineering at Sungkyunkwan University and YOO Michael Seng Bum, assistant professor of Biomedical Engineering at the same university. By applying advanced dimensionality reduction techniques to fMRI data, the researchers demonstrated the hippocampus's critical role in coordinating these processes. -- The human brain processes and integrates diverse information simultaneously to form memories. -- For example, while watching a movie, the brain integrates multiple pieces of information, such as identifying the characters and understanding the evolution of their relationships, to later recall the storyline. -- Previous studies have mainly explored how the hippocampus supports individual memory processes -- like recognizing new information, forming memories, and recalling them -- but how the hippocampus coordinates these processes has remained unclear. -- To address this, the research team designed an experiment in which participants watched a movie and later recalled its content while undergoing fMRI scans. -- They analyzed two types of novelty in each movie scene. First, co-occurrence novelty measures how many new combinations of characters appear together in a scene. -- Meanwhile, valence novelty measures how the relationships between characters change in a scene. -- Additionally, they measured how well participants remembered the scenes ("memorability"). Interestingly, the study revealed that participants remembered scenes with lower novelty more accurately, shedding light on how novelty encoding interacts with memory formation. -- Furthermore, by analyzing how the hippocampus processed novelty and memorability during movie viewing, the team explored its role in coordinating these processes. -- The team hypothesized that the hippocampus coordinates these processes by aligning low-dimensional subspaces of neural activity, which represent different memory functions.	C01	1,404
2506-E036	Updated Standards Developed To Address Urban Wildfire Risks And Protect Communities	Recent wildfires in urban areas, like the LA fires, highlight the increasing threat of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires. Tohoku University professor Samuel L. Manzello is updating international standards to address this growing challenge, which differs from traditional wildfires due to the presence of human-made fuels. The revised standards aim to improve safety and management strategies for combating these potentially devastating fires.	Tohoku University	Fire and Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Large-scale fire events are on the rise, from the flames that raged for days across LA, to the widespread devastation seen in Greece in 2023 and 2024. The blurred line between urban and wildland areas means these events will continue to proliferate. -- Scientists dub these types of fires wildland urban interface fires (WUI), and they differ from traditional wildfires. -- While wildfires are limited to vegetative fuels combusting in uninhabited areas, WUI fires comprise vegetative fuel combustion as well as human-made fuel combustion: gasoline cars; EV battery cells vehicles, and the gas we use to cook or to heat our home exasperate threats not seen in wildfires. -- In light of this threat, Tohoku University visiting professor Samuel L. Manzello is working to harmonize international testing standards for large outdoor fires, including WUI Fires. -- Details were published in the journal Fire and Materials on December 8, 2024. -- "Even though many countries are experiencing a spike in WUI fires, very few have any standards or codes for these fires," says Manzello. -- "Without better preparation, we can expect greater destruction, as was seen in Maui in 2023." -- Harmonizing International Standards -- After a spate of fire events in California in the early 2000s, the Office of the State Fire Marshal began to explore WUI fires in more detail. -- They wanted to develop building codes standards akin to those in urban fire prevention.	Z01	1,405
2506-T010	Cost-Effective Pearlescent Pigments: Mimicking Nature’s Beauty With Innovative Science	To address the high demand for pearls, researchers have developed a low-cost alternative by creating substrate-free pearlescent pigments using plate-like particles. This innovative approach aims to mimic the natural beauty of pearls without the complexities and expenses associated with traditional substrate-based pigments. The study, published in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds, highlights the potential for these new pigments to meet consumer demand while maintaining aesthetic appeal and affordability.	Tohoku University	Journal of Alloys and Compounds	Press Rel	PubMed	One thing that will never go out of style is the class and elegance of a pearl. To attempt to recreate the rare beauty of the pearl, a low-cost alternative is needed to keep up with the demand of consumers -- Thanks to their special iridescence and unmatched beauty, pearls have been highly sought after throughout history. -- Due to their rarity and demand, the development of pearlescent pigments to mimic the natural beauty of a true pearl became inevitable. -- Here, researchers utilize plate-like particles to create substrate-free pearlescent pigments, a low-cost and straightforward solution to the issue of substrate-based pigments which can be complex and expensive. -- Researchers published their results in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds in November 2024. -- Traditional mica-based pearlescent pigments are expensive and require specialized equipment to be synthesized, as well as the involvement of complicated chemical reactions which can be difficult to control. -- Pearlescent pigments are used in a variety of applications including cosmetics, automotive paints, decor and more. -- Their popularity and demand call for a simpler, more straightforward process to take over the traditional method of using a substrate-based method using mica to achieve the appearance of a pearlescent or satin finish. -- "Since ancient times, natural pearls have been treasured for their rich color and gorgeous luster. Their unique optical characteristics arise from a layered structure of alternating calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and protein layers," said Shu Yin, author and researcher of the study. -- Attempting to match the unique characteristics of a pearl is no simple task, yet researchers found a way to streamline the substrate-free process to make the entire process more accessible and cheaper.	C01	1,406
2507-037	Early Kindergarten Enrollment Benefits Toddler Development, Challenging 'Three-Year-Old Myth'	A recent study challenges the "Three-Year-Old Myth" in Japan, showing that enrolling children in childcare before age three can enhance their developmental skills. The research indicates that early childcare positively affects communication, motor skills, and problem-solving, contradicting long-held beliefs about maternal care during early childhood.	Tohoku University	Tohoku University	Press Rel	PubMed	For about 60 years, the prevailing wisdom in Japan, so-called "Three-Year-Old Myth," has held that children should be raised at home by their mothers until the age of three for healthy development. But new research from the Graduate School of Medicine at Tohoku University shows that raising kids at childcare in early childhood doesn't hinder their development, and might even help with their social, motor, and problem-solving skills. -- Belief in the "Three-Year-Old Myth" persisted despite Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare insisting it has no rational basis. -- Still, Japanese mothers often struggle with guilt and anxiety over their decision to send their children to childcare when returning to work. -- In a new study, published in Scientific Reports, a research team led by Dr Keita Kanamori, a graduate student and Professor Chiharu Ota, from the Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, found that children who started childcare when they were six months old exhibited improved development by the age of three compared with children raised at home. -- Improvements were across five areas: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. -- They analysed data from approximately 40,000 participants in the government-administered Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), the large-scale birth cohort study in Japan, where child-rearing values differ from those of Western countries. -- The JECS, which enrolled participants between 2011 and 2014, followed 100,000 mother-child pairs across Japan to identify the impact of environmental factors on the children's health and development. -- The biggest developmental gaps between these toddlers and those raised at home were in communication and personal-social skills. -- The toddlers in early childcare also had better motor skills -- the ability to control and coordinate their movements. -- The authors speculated that this may stem from more time spent playing with others.	H01 H02	1,407
2507-137	No Link Found Between Housing Damage And Long-Term Mortality After Earthquake	A Japanese research team has investigated the health impacts of housing damage from the Great East Japan Earthquake, revealing no significant correlation with all-cause mortality over the long term. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the broader health consequences of natural disasters and was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.	Tohoku University	Tohoku University	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists know that natural disasters have negative health effects on survivors, but long-term observations are lacking. To help fill this gap, a Japanese research team has investigated the connection between the degree of housing damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and all-cause mortality, using the data from a cohort study conducted by the Tohoku Medical Megabank (TMM) Project. Using long-term observation periods, this research project shows no significant relationship between the degree of house damage and all-cause mortality. -- The work is published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health on January 15, 2025. -- On March 11, 2011, the GEJE and tsunami that followed devastated the northeastern coast of Japan. -- By March 1, 2021, there were 22,318 people dead or missing because of the earthquake and tsunami. -- The team wanted to understand the negative health effects the disaster had on the survivors, with a focus on the relationship between housing damage the people experienced and all-cause mortality. -- For their research, the team used data from community-based cohort study conducted by the TMM Project in disaster-stricken areas. -- The TMM Project conducted their baseline survey from May 2013 to March 2016 using questionnaires, blood and urine tests, and detailed examinations. -- More than 59,000 participants took part in the survey. The GEJE survivors had experienced a wide range of physical and mental health challenges including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, liver dysfunction, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease, as already revealed by many previous reports. -- The research team analyzed their data using the Cox proportional hazards model. -- This method allows researchers to examine the survival time of patients, where there are several variables present.	H01 H02 R01	1,408
2507-T024	MRI Techniques Could Lead To Longer Lifespan For Lithium Battery Performance	Researchers at Tohoku University are investigating the dissolution of metal ions in lithium-ion batteries, a key factor in performance decline over time. By developing advanced imaging techniques, they aim to track the dissolution process more precisely, ultimately leading to improvements in battery longevity and safety. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for enhancing the efficiency of rechargeable batteries used in countless modern technologies.	Tohoku University	Tohoku University	Press Rel	PubMed	Many of the devices that make modern life convenient and efficient rely on rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, one of the more common types used, are low cost and work at a high operating voltage, which makes them ideal for many electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, they have recurring issues with declining performance over repeated use and there are rising concerns about the safety of using these batteries as they age -- One of the causes of this decline in performance is the dissolution of the metal ion in the cathode into the electrolyte in the battery. -- However, it has been difficult to study this process as the amounts in the dissolution are very small. -- Consequently, to understand what is happening in the battery at the cathode, researchers need to know where, when and how much dissolution is occurring before they can address the problem. -- Researchers at Tohoku University have been working on a method to detect and investigate the dissolution of the metal ion in the cathode. -- Using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), they were able to directly observe the dissolution in real time. -- The results of their research were published in Communications Materials on February 13, 2025. -- According to Nithya Hellar, a researcher at the Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials (IMRAM) at Tohoku University, "the results of the present study show that the dissolution of a very small amount of manganese (Mn) can be detected with high sensitivity by MRI and visualized in real time, which can greatly accelerate the speed of research." -- An MRI is a medical imaging technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce imaging scans. -- To enhance the visibility of areas of interest in an MRI image, contrast agents such as gadolinium are used.	A01 T01	1,409
2508-T025	Mars' Soil Reveals Water Storage Secrets Through Regolith Research	Researchers from Tohoku University are examining Martian regolith to uncover its water storage capabilities, shedding light on the planet's climatic evolution. By enhancing existing climate models to reflect the diverse properties of Martian soil, the study aims to improve understanding of subterranean water distribution. Their findings may have vital implications for future energy exploration and the sustainability of potential life on Mars, addressing the planet's shifting water scenarios over time.	Tohoku University	Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets	Press Rel	PubMed	Mars, the next frontier in space exploration, still poses many questions for scientists. The planet was once more hospitable, characterized by a warm and wet climate with liquid oceans. But today Mars is cold and dry, with most water now located below the surface. Understanding how much water is stored offers critical information for energy exploration, as well as life sustainability on the planet. -- A research group from Tohoku University has helped shed light on this by improving an existing Mars climate model. -- The enhanced model accommodates the various properties of Martian regolith, or the loose deposits of solid rock that comprise Martian soil. -- Mirai Kobayashi says current models fail to account for the fact that laboratory experiments have demonstrated that the water-holding capacity of the regolith is strongly influenced by its adsorption coefficient. -- "Models to date that estimate the distribution of surface and subsurface water on Mars assume that its regolith properties are uniform. This contrasts with observations made by orbiters and landers, which suggest that Martian regolith has globally non-uniform physical properties." -- The model estimated Mars's subsurface water distribution down to 2 meters from the surface. -- Like a sponge, highly absorptive regolith in Mars's mid- and low latitudes retains substantial amounts of absorbed water. -- Some of this water, the findings showed, remains on the surface of the regolith as stable adsorbed water. -- The study also showed that the soil on Mars could keep ice near the surface in the middle and lower areas because water vapor moves more slowly there. -- This means the soil helps trap water for a long time by slowing down how water vapor spreads, which is important for understanding the change in water on Mars over time.	C01 T01	1,410
2509-038	AI-Powered Screening Tool Aims To Catch Glaucoma Early And Preserve Vision	Glaucoma, often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight,' could potentially be detected earlier thanks to an innovative AI-based screening method. Developed by researchers at Tohoku University, this technology allows for rapid, portable eye screenings, making early detection of glaucoma possible in various public spaces without requiring prior appointments.	Tohoku University	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine walking into a supermarket, train station, or shopping mall and having your eyes screened for glaucoma within seconds -- no appointment needed. With the AI-based Glaucoma Screening (AI-GS) network, this vision could soon become a reality. -- Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Japan and worldwide. Early detection is critical, as the disease progresses silently, slowly constricting one's peripheral field of vision. Patients often don't notice this loss of vision at first, which means that extensive and irreversible damage can occur before a patient even thinks about booking a doctor's appointment. As a result, many cases remain undiagnosed due to the limited availability of ophthalmologists and the challenges of conducting mass screenings, particularly in resource-limited regions. -- "This is why we developed a new, quick, portable testing method. It analyzes multiple key indicators of glaucoma, integrates the findings, and determines the presence of the disease with unprecedented precision," explains Professor Toru Nakazawa (Tohoku University). -- The AI-GS was developed by a research team led by Nakazawa and Associate Professor Parmanand Sharma at the Graduate School of Medicine (Tohoku University). -- The AI-GS network was tested on a dataset of 8,000 fundus images of the back of the eye (where glaucomatous damage occurs), achieving an impressive 93.52% sensitivity at 95% specificity -- a level comparable to expert ophthalmologists. Unlike traditional AI models, this system excels at detecting early-stage glaucoma, even in cases where fundus abnormalities are subtle and difficult to recognize. -- A major challenge in AI-driven healthcare is its lack of interpretability -- the so-called "black box" problem where it's unclear what steps the AI made to come to a conclusion. AI-GS solves this by providing numerical values for each diagnostic feature, allowing ophthalmologists to understand and verify its decision-making process. This transparency enhances trust and facilitates seamless integration into clinical practice. -- Another important aspect of making practical implementation as simple as possible was size. At just 110 MB, the AI-GS network is designed for portability and efficiency. It requires minimal computational power and delivers diagnostic results in under a second. -- "AI-GS brings expert-level glaucoma screening to your pocket, complementing specialist evaluations," says Associate Professor Parmanand Sharma (Tohoku University), "It can be run on a mobile device and used in all sorts of public places because of its portability. You can run screenings at train stations or even remote regions that otherwise have limited access to ophthalmologists." -- "This AI technology bridges a critical gap in glaucoma detection by making specialist-level diagnostics accessible to underserved communities," remarks Professor Nakazawa, "By enabling early detection on a large scale, we have the potential to prevent blindness for millions worldwide." -- With its high accuracy, AI explainability, and lightweight design, the AI-GS network represents a major breakthrough in AI-driven ophthalmology, bringing glaucoma screening out of hospitals and into everyday life. Large-scale implementation of this system could revolutionize glaucoma care, ensuring that no patient is left undiagnosed due to a lack of access to specialists.	T01	1,411
2509-T007	A New Lightweight Alloy Could Transform Space Exploration And Medical Technology	Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a pioneering titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al) alloy with remarkable superelastic properties, capable of functioning across extreme temperature ranges. This lightweight and strong material holds great potential for applications in space exploration and medical technology, particularly in environments with fluctuating temperatures. The alloy's unique capabilities may lead to advancements in fields that require durable and flexible materials.	Tohoku University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a groundbreaking titanium-aluminum (Ti-Al)-based superelastic alloy. This new material is not only lightweight but also strong, offering the unique superelastic capability to function across a broad temperature range -- from as low as -269°C, the temperature of liquid helium, to +127°C, which is above the boiling point of water. This discovery holds significant potential for a variety of applications, including those in space exploration and medical technology. -- Sheng Xu, an Assistant Professor at Tohoku University's Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, emphasized the importance of the alloy's wide operational temperature range. -- "This alloy is the first of its kind to maintain superelasticity at such an extreme range of temperatures while remaining lightweight and strong, which opens up a variety of practical applications that were not possible before. The alloy's properties make it ideal for future space missions, such as creating superelastic tires for lunar rovers to navigate the extreme temperature fluctuations on the Moon's surface." -- The alloy's flexibility at extremely low temperatures makes it a promising material for applications in the forthcoming Hydrogen Society and various other industries. -- Of course, the alloy can be used in everyday applications requiring flexibility, such as medical devices like stents. -- Currently, most shape-memory alloys -- materials capable of regaining their original shape after force is removed -- are limited to specific temperature ranges. -- The new Ti-Al-based alloy overcomes this limitation, offering wide applicability in fields that require materials with exceptional strength and flexibility, from space exploration to everyday medical tools. -- The research team employed advanced techniques such as rational alloy design and precise microstructure control. -- By using phase diagrams, the researchers were able to select alloy components and their proportions. -- Additionally, they optimized processing and heat treatment methods to achieve the desired material properties.	H02	1,412
2509-T019	Chiral Technology Breakthrough: Exploring Electric Flow's Magnetic Twist	A collaborative research effort has made strides in understanding how chirality influences electric flow at the microscopic level, potentially leading to advances in chiral information technology. This breakthrough could enable new methods for digital information storage, leveraging the unique properties of materials that exhibit chirality, particularly helimagnets, to innovate future computing technologies.	Tohoku University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Tohoku University, the University of Manchester, and Osaka University have made a breakthrough that has the potential to ignite the development of next-gen chiral information technology. -- Chirality is a property of materials where their mirror image is not identical to the original -- just like our left and right hands. -- This unique characteristic creates two distinct states, which researchers believe could one day be used to store digital information, much like the "0" and "1" states in conventional computing. -- "Among various materials, helimagnets are particularly interesting because they exhibit chirality through their magnetic structure," says Alex Hiro Mayo (Tohoku University), "However, a major challenge in using these materials for information storage lies in how to effectively read out their chirality." -- One promising solution comes from an unusual effect called nonreciprocal electronic transport, where electric current flows more easily in one direction than the other. -- This one-way electric flow, known as rectification, directly reflects the chirality of the material and could serve as a way to "read" magnetic information. -- "If we can find a way to accurately use chirality to store data, it would mean a new era for information storage devices. However, the microscopic mechanism behind this rectification effect in chiral magnets is not yet fully understood. Unraveling this mechanism is essential for establishing material design principles that enable efficient chirality detection and enhanced readout performance," explains Mayo. -- This collaborative research project addresses this knowledge gap by focusing on a unique quantum material -- α-EuP3 -- which is a helimagnetic material where the local magnetic moments of europium (Eu) atoms create a chiral magnetic texture. -- They carefully controlled the magnetic structure using external magnetic fields, which in turn manipulated the material's electronic behavior to reveal the microscopic origins of nonreciprocal transport. -- These findings are described in a study recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) on January 23, 2025.	A01 T01	1,413
2510-E012	Porous Organic Polymers Could Help Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions	Researchers have developed porous organic polymers that can absorb pollutants, offering promising solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These materials, dubbed POPs, have high stability and porosity, making them valuable in various applications, including energy storage and gas separation, addressing climate change concerns.	Tohoku University	Small	Press Rel	PubMed	A group of researchers from Tohoku University developed a method for synthesizing a special type of polymer that has applications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions -- a major concern amidst a period of rapid climate change. -- Porous organic polymers (POPs) are like sponges. Their high porosity allows them to soak up harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2). They also boast high thermal and chemical stability, giving POPs the potential to be applied to a wide range of fields, such as gas separation and energy storage. -- Previously, POPs were synthesized via oxidation reactions using metal salts as oxidants or coupling reactions using organometallic catalysts. -- However, these oxidants and catalysts usually remain as metal impurities within the pores of POPs -- decreasing its porosity and overall usefulness. -- It would be like trying to clean dishes with a sponge that is already dirty. -- To avoid this, we need a way to produce highly pure (squeaky clean) POPs with no residual impurities. -- A group of researchers from Tohoku University developed a method for synthesizing POPs using iodine as an oxidant to minimize residual impurities. -- They found that iodine and iodine-derived impurities were completely removed by washing it with ethanol after synthesis, and highly pure POPs (polytriphenylamine derivatives) with no residual impurities were successfully obtained. -- The obtained POPs exhibited the highest specific surface area among reported POPs containing triphenylamine. -- "As expected, reducing the impurities improved the porosity, which lead to better performance in measures such as CO2 adsorption capacity," explains Kouki Oka (Tohoku University), "Furthermore, they exhibited their inherent functionalities for the first time, such as proton conductivity and unique gas adsorption behavior accompanied by the gate-opening phenomenon. This is exciting because it indicates the potential for novel applications of POPs as fuel cells and adsorbents."	C01	1,414
2512-E055	Exploring Tin Sulfides: The Quest For Better Solar Energy Materials	Researchers from Tohoku University are exploring tin sulfide (SnS) as an eco-friendly alternative for solar cell production. By developing a novel method to control SnS thin films' composition, the team aims to enhance their electrical properties for more sustainable energy solutions, addressing concerns about toxic materials in solar technology.	Tohoku University	APL Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Solar cells convert sunlight into clean energy -- but if the solar cells themselves are made of toxic materials, it almost defeats the purpose. That's where tin sulfide (SnS) comes in. SnS is an environmentally friendly, naturally abundant, and relatively inexpensive semiconductor material that is a promising candidate for use in solar cells and thermoelectric conversion devices. -- In order to improve its performance in these applications, researchers from Tohoku University systematically investigated how deviations in the 1:1 ratio of Sn to S influence the electrical properties and morphology of SnS thin films. -- Until now, achieving precise compositional control of this ratio during thin-film deposition has been a major challenge due to the high volatility of sulfur. -- The research team, led by Issei Suzuki (senior assistant professor) and Taichi Nogami (PhD candidate), developed a novel sulfur plasma-assisted sputtering method to precisely control the sulfur content in SnS thin films. -- In conventional sputtering, a SnS sintered target is atomized and deposited onto a substrate. -- In this study, the researchers introduced plasma-activated sulfur into this process, enabling precise compositional control of SnS. -- Using this approach, they fabricated p-type SnS thin films with Sn:S ratios of 1:0.81, 1:0.96, 1:1, and 1:1.04 and analyzed their structural and electrical properties. -- "We found that even slightly changing the composition of Sn and S significantly affected the morphology," explains Suzuki. -- Specifically, the study found that sulfur-rich compositions (S > 50%) lead to a drastic increase in carrier density, while sulfur-deficient compositions (S < 50%) exhibit almost no change in carrier density. -- Additionally, non-stoichiometric films exhibited rough and porous morphologies, whereas stoichiometric SnS thin films (1:1) displayed a dense structure with high hole mobility, making them highly suitable for solar cell applications.	T01	1,415
2512-T018	Quantum Computers Take A Dive Into Self-Analysis: A New Frontier	A collaborative study from Tohoku University and St. Paul's School has created a new algorithm that allows quantum computers to analyze and secure their own quantum entanglement. This advancement enhances understanding of quantum systems and is a significant step towards optimizing quantum technologies, illustrating the potential for quantum self-analysis akin to human introspection.	Tohoku University	Physical Review Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Similar to humans going on journeys of self-discovery, quantum computers are also capable of deepening their understanding of their own foundations. -- Researchers from Tohoku University and St. Paul's School, London, have developed a new algorithm that allows quantum computers to analyze and protect quantum entanglement -- a fundamental underpinning of quantum computing. -- These findings contribute to advancing our understanding of quantum entanglement and quantum technologies. -- The study was published in Physical Review Letters on March 4, 2025. -- Characterized by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance," quantum entanglement is a unique phenomenon in which particles remain interconnected regardless of the distance between them. -- This feature is one reason why quantum computers are so powerful. -- "Quantum computers are built upon entanglement and now they themselves can also be used to study and understand entanglement," said Le Bin Ho, an assistant professor at the Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences and Graduate School of Engineering at Tohoku University, and lead author of this study. -- The team introduced a method called variational entanglement witness (VEW), using a quantum algorithm that optimizes entanglement detection. -- Unlike traditional methods, which often fail to identify all entangled states, the VEW enhances detection accuracy while better differentiating between separable (not entangled) and entangled states. -- Detecting entanglement, however, is only part of the challenge.	T01	1,416
2502-024	Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists Show Promise As Rapid-Acting Antidepressants With Fewer Side Effects	Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind the antidepressant effects of delta opioid receptor agonists. This study presents potential new avenues for rapid-acting antidepressant therapies with fewer side effects, addressing the need for more effective treatments for depression in the population.	Tokyo University of Science	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Depression continues to grapple a large proportion of the population. Given the side effects associated with the long-term use of conventional antidepressants, there is a need for novel rapid acting therapeutics with minimal side effects. Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have previously demonstrated antidepressant-like effects of delta opioid receptor agonists in rodents. In their latest study, they uncover the molecular and cellular mechanism underlying its action that can advance its therapeutic development. -- The global burden of anxiety- and depression-related disorders is on the rise. -- While multiple drugs have been developed to treat these conditions, current medications have several limitations, including slow action and adverse effects with long-term use. -- This underscores the urgent need for novel, rapidly-acting therapeutic agents with minimal side effects. -- The delta opioid receptor (DOP) plays a key role in mood regulation, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention. -- Studies have shown that selective DOP agonists (compounds that activate DOP), such as SNC80 and KNT-127, exert antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (anti-anxiety) in animal models. -- However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying their actions remain unclear. -- Understanding the neurological mechanisms that underpin mood regulation and DOP action is crucial for advancing DOP agonists as therapeutic agents. -- To this end, Professor Akiyoshi Saitoh and Mr. Toshinori Yoshioka from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, conducted a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular processes contributing to the antidepressant-like effects of KNT-127. -- Providing further insight into their work published online on December 6, 2024 in Molecular Psychiatry, Prof.	H01 H02 N01	1,417
2503-E024	Green Tea Films Show Promise As Local Treatment For Oral Mucositis	Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a mucoadhesive film using xyloglucan and green tea extract to treat painful oral inflammation, particularly from cancer therapies. This innovative film adheres directly to affected areas, providing localized relief. Green tea's antioxidants, especially catechins, alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing patients' quality of life during treatment. The research aligns with global health goals, emphasizing accessible solutions for oral mucositis.	Tokyo University of Science	ACS Omega	Press Rel	PubMed	Green tea shines as a natural powerhouse of antioxidants, with catechins leading the charge among its polyphenols, which protect cells from oxidative stress. These powerful compounds neutralize harmful free radicals generated during cancer treatment. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea can alleviate oral mucositis, a painful inflammation of the mouth lining often caused by chemotherapy and radiation. -- Building on these benefits, researchers at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, have explored the potential of tea catechins in developing a novel treatment for oral mucositis that minimizes patient discomfort. -- Their findings were made available online on January 14, 2025 and published in Volume 10 and Issue 1 of ACS Omega on December 19, 2024. -- The research team, led by Professor Takehisa Hanawa, included Assistant Professor Kaoru Hirose, Ms. Rieko Nitto, and Mr. Shotaro Yokota from TUS, in collaboration with Dr. Yayoi Kawano (former lecturer at TUS, now Professor at Nagoya City University, Japan), as well as Dr. Akira Tabuchi, Ms. Yumeo Suzuki, and Dr. Kazuhiko Yamatoya from MP Gokyo Food & Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan. -- In line with TUS's commitment to advancing research that supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the team sought to develop an innovative and accessible treatment for oral mucositis, aligning with SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure). "Our goal was to create a formulation for oral mucositis that patients could use easily and comfortably, helping to prevent the decline in quality of life and difficulties with eating caused by cancer treatments," explains Prof. -- Hanawa. -- Oral mucositis, a common and painful side effect of cancer treatments, affecting 30-40% of the patients, results from damage to rapidly dividing mucosal cells. -- This condition causes significant discomfort and interference with vital activities, such as eating and sleeping. -- To address this, the researchers designed a thin mucoadhesive film enriched with tea catechins, which can be applied directly to affected areas for prolonged relief. -- This film is a thin, flexible material that adheres to the inside of the mouth to deliver active ingredients, like medications, directly to the affected area.	H01 H02 R01	1,418
2505-080	Targeting Stress: New Hope For IBS Treatment Through Opioid Delta-Receptor Agonists	A study from Tokyo University of Science suggests that opioid delta-receptor agonists can alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms linked to stress. By focusing on a novel stress-induced mouse model, researchers demonstrated that these drugs can target the central nervous system to reduce abdominal pain and regulate bowel movements, offering new insights into potential treatments for IBS.	Tokyo University of Science	British Journal of Pharmacology	Press Rel	PubMed	Rutgers Health researchers have discovered that brain immune cells from people with a high genetic risk for alcohol use disorder (AUD) behave differently than cells from low-risk people when exposed to alcohol. -- Their study in Science Advances could help explain why some people are more susceptible to developing drinking problems and potentially lead to more personalized treatments. -- "This is the first study to show how the genetic variations that increase the risk of AUD affect the behavior of some brain cells," said Zhiping Pang, a professor of neuroscience and cell biology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a resident scientist at the Child Health Institute of New Jersey and a core member at the Rutgers Brain Health Institute. -- "We started with a simple model, but as the models get more complex, we'll learn more about what's happening in the brain," said Pang, the senior author of the study. -- "Hopefully, our discoveries will suggest treatment approaches because we don't currently have great treatments for AUD." -- According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 28.9 million people ages 12 and older in the United States struggle with alcohol use disorder. -- While scientists have known the condition runs in families -- with genetic factors accounting for 40% to 60% of risk -- the biological mechanisms behind this hereditary component have remained unclear. -- The research team took blood samples from two groups of people: those with both high genetic risk for AUD and diagnosed alcohol problems and those with low genetic risk and no alcohol problems. -- They transformed these blood cells into stem cells and made them develop into a type of brain-based immune cell called microglia. -- They then exposed these two groups of cells, one from the people with a high genetic risk for AUD and one from the people with a low risk of AUD, to alcohol levels that mimicked those seen in the blood following alcohol use.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02	1,419
2505-E012	Innovative Tracking Technology Enhances Dairy Cow Health Monitoring In Barns	Researchers have developed a multi-camera tracking system to monitor dairy cows within barns, improving health management practices. This innovative method enhances the detection of illnesses and the management of breeding cycles without the need for invasive devices. As demand for high-quality milk rises, this technology offers a non-intrusive solution for efficient dairy farming, ensuring that cow health is prioritized while maintaining productivity.	Tokyo University of Science	Computers and Electronics in Agriculture	Press Rel	PubMed	Low vitamin D levels in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length, according to a new study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences. This research provides evidence that early pregnancy or even preconception may represent critical time points for intervening with women who have low vitamin D status, to optimize pregnancy outcomes. -- Celeste Beck, who earned her doctorate in nutritional sciences from Penn State in 2023 and currently works as associate research scientist lead at Heluna Health, and Alison Gernand, Beck's doctoral adviser and associate professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State, led the study. -- Their results were recently published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. -- "More than 25% of women who are pregnant or lactating have lower than recommended levels of vitamin D," Gernand said, explaining that prior research has demonstrated the effect of vitamin D on fetal skeletal growth, maternal immune function at the fetal interface, and the development of the placenta in pregnant women. -- "A lot of the development early in pregnancy requires vitamin D, so we conducted this study to better understand how early-pregnancy vitamin D status is related to pregnancy outcomes." -- Most prior studies on vitamin D status in pregnant women have measured vitamin D concentrations starting in the second trimester or later, the researchers said. -- The researchers said this study, to their knowledge, is the first to examine both first and second trimester maternal vitamin D status in relation to longitudinal fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes. -- The researchers at Penn State partnered with colleagues at the University of Utah to test blood samples from 351 women collected as part of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be, which was funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and recruited pregnant women across the United States between 2010 and 2013. -- Vitamin D was measured in terms of nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) of blood. -- According to the Institute of Medicine, less than 50 nmol/L represents an insufficiency of vitamin D. When the researchers compared outcomes for women with vitamin D insufficiency (less than 50 nmol/L) to women with sufficient vitamin D (more than or equal to 50 nmol/L), they found no statistical differences in pregnancy outcomes.	A01 H02 T01	1,420
2506-026	Innovative Synthesis Method Revolutionizes Triazole Development For Medicine And Science	Recent advancements in click chemistry have led to the development of innovative trivalent platforms for synthesizing functional triazoles efficiently. This new method promises significant applications in drug development and materials science, addressing challenges associated with synthesizing large molecules while adhering to sustainable chemistry practices, as highlighted by researchers from Tokyo University of Science.	Tokyo University of Science	Chemical Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Middle molecules with a molecular weight of more than 1,000 are difficult to synthesize due to multiple steps and time-consuming nature, demanding the development of a new approach that can overcome these disadvantages. Click chemistry has become an essential tool in applied chemistry due to its simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. This approach to chemical synthesis allows for quick and reliable joining of small molecules into larger, more complex structures, often with minimal side reactions and byproducts. By definition, click chemistry reactions are highly selective and efficient, making them ideal for creating specific compounds in a controlled and predictable manner. -- By taking this idea two steps further, chemists have been developing molecular platforms that allow for triple click chemistry -- the development of stable molecules with three different functional groups that serve as distinct, targetable reaction sites. -- Although these "trivalent" platforms enable the efficient synthesis of complex compounds, the selective formation of triazoles using platforms with azide and alkyne moieties remains an unsolved challenge. -- Against this backdrop, a research team led by Associate Professor Suguru Yoshida from Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, set out to develop novel trivalent platforms capable of producing highly functional triazoles. -- The team ensured coordination with the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) -- SDG 3 (good health and wellbeing), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure). This study, which was published in Chemical Communications on January 7, 2025, was co-authored by Mr. Takahiro Yasuda, a master's degree student, and Mr. Gaku Orimoto, who completed a master's degree in 2023, both from TUS. -- The researchers succeeded in creating stable trivalent platforms for triple click chemistry, thanks to a longer linker in the central scaffold. -- The research team demonstrated how a wide variety of molecules could be produced by sequentially targeting each functional moiety in the trivalent platform. -- For example, they leveraged the sulfur-fluoride exchange reaction to target the fluorosulfonyl moiety and produce different alcohols in high yields without affecting the azide and alkyne moieties. -- Then, they performed diverse transformations on the azide moiety, including hallmarks like copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition, and Bertozzi-Staudinger ligation. -- Finally, through a broad range of possible third transformations targeting the remaining alkyne moiety, the researchers successfully synthesized complex triazoles.	Z01	1,421
2509-E026	Low-Cost Palladium Catalyst Achieves Platinum-Level Performance In Hydrogen Production	Researchers have developed a low-cost nanosheet catalyst made from palladium that matches platinum's efficiency for hydrogen production, addressing the high cost of traditional catalysts. This breakthrough could revolutionize hydrogen energy production, offering a more affordable and sustainable alternative for the industry while promoting the transition towards cleaner energy sources.	Tokyo University of Science	Chemistry – A European Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Hydrogen energy is emerging as a key driver of a clean, sustainable future, offering a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels. Although it is promising, the large-scale production of hydrogen relies heavily on expensive platinum-based catalysts, and hence affordability remains a major challenge for the industry. -- To surpass this, researchers from the Tokyo University of Science (TUS) have developed a novel hydrogen evolution catalyst, bis(diimino)palladium coordination nanosheets (PdDI), that offers platinum-like efficiency at a fraction of the cost. -- Their groundbreaking study, which was published on November 28, 2024, and made available online on January 27, 2025, in Volume 31, Issue 6 of Chemistry -- A European Journal, has also been selected as a "Cover Feature" for the journal. -- The study was led by Dr. Hiroaki Maeda and Professor Hiroshi Nishihara from TUS in collaboration with high-profiled researchers from the University of Tokyo, Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Kyoto Institute of Technology, RIKEN SPring-8 Center, and the National Institute for Materials Science, Japan. -- The discovery marks a breakthrough in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) technology, which is a key process in green hydrogen energy generation. -- HER occurs in the process of electrolytic splitting of water for the generation of hydrogen. -- The HER catalyst electrodes, traditionally made of platinum, facilitate the conversion of nascent hydrogen ([H]) -- generated at the electrode surface during water splitting -- into hydrogen gas (H2). While platinum (Pt) as a HER catalyst is highly effective, its scarcity and high cost significantly increase manufacturing expenses, limiting its large-scale application. -- Using a simple synthesis process and limited amounts of precious metals, the research team offered a highly efficient alternative for Pt catalysts. -- The team fabricated palladium-based nanosheets that could maximize catalytic activity while minimizing metal usage, drastically lowering the costs associated with H2 production. -- "Developing efficient HER electrocatalysts is key to sustainable H2 production. Bis(diimino)metal coordination nanosheets, with their high conductivity, large surface area, and efficient electron transfer, are promising candidates," says lead researcher, Dr. Maeda.	T01	1,422
2510-019	Novel Enzyme Discovered In Gut Could Revolutionize Prebiotic Research	Researchers have discovered a novel enzyme in the human gut that breaks down specific glycans with potential prebiotic benefits, opening new avenues in prebiotic research. This finding emphasizes the importance of understanding glycan mechanisms to improve human health and nutrition.	Tokyo University of Science	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Certain glycans -- sugar-like compounds with carbohydrate chains -- containing galactose, may exhibit potential prebiotic properties that support human health. Identifying enzymes capable of breaking down these glycans is essential for unlocking their full potential. In a new study, researchers discovered a novel enzyme in the human gut that specifically targets a previously unexplored glycan called β-1,2-galactooligosaccharide, known for their prebiotic benefits. This discovery can open new avenues in prebiotic research, potentially enhancing human health. -- Carbohydrate chains, or glycans, are complex sugar-like compounds that play important roles in various biological processes and structures in our bodies. Galactosides are a type of glycan found in plants, animals, and microorganisms. For example, galactosides are present in plant cell walls and in certain types of beneficial sugars known as prebiotic oligosaccharides, which support gut health. Many glycans containing galactose are also added to processed foods like juice and powdered milk due to their potential health benefits. Studying the enzymes that break down these glycans is essential for understanding their prebiotic mechanisms and for improving the way they can be used in food and health products. -- β-Galactosidases are enzymes that release galactose from galactosides. However, different β-galactosidases target specific galactosides. These enzymes are found in the intestines of mammals, such as in the human gut bacteria Bifidobacterium, which helps digest complex carbohydrates. Recent studies have shown that another gut bacterium, Bacteroides xylanisolvens, has the potential to utilize a broad range of carbohydrates, though little is known about its exact abilities. -- In a groundbreaking study, a research team led by Associate Professor Masahiro Nakajima from the Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology at the Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, discovered a novel β-galactosidase enzyme in B. xylanisolvens. This enzyme specifically targets unique galactose-containing glycans which may possess prebiotic properties. The team included Mr. Yutaka Nakazawa from TUS, Associate Professor Hiroyuki Nakai from Niigata University, and Assistant Professor Tomohiko Matsuzawa from Kagawa University. This study was published online in Communications Biology on January 16, 2025. -- Discussing the motivation behind their study, Dr. Nakajima explains, "Although there are numerous types of glycans with diverse and complex structures, many glycans still have unknown functionality and potential uses. Since enzymes are essential for the synthesis of glycans, the search for new enzymes is extremely important. Our novel enzyme could be used to synthesize large amounts of unique glycans with prebiotic properties that may be beneficial to human health." -- B. xylanisolvens contains multiple genes encoding β-galactosidases. The researchers identified that one of these genes, Bxy_22780, encodes a novel β-galactosidase. Initially, the enzyme showed no activity towards natural β-galactosides. However, when reactions were conducted in the presence of a nucleophile mutant, α-D-galactosyl fluoride (α-GalF) as a donor substrate, and galactose or D-fucose as an acceptor substrate, the team successfully detected reaction products. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies confirmed that the disaccharide produced in the reactions was β-1,2-galactobiose. -- Further studies on the specificity of the Bxy_22780 enzyme revealed that it is highly specific for galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which is a mixture of oligosaccharides with various linkages. Notably, this enzyme exclusively targets GOS that have a specific type of chemical bond, called β-1,2-galactosidic linkages. Kinetic analysis also revealed that this enzyme effectively acts on β-1,2-galactobiose and β-1,2-galactotriose. To understand why the enzyme is selective, the researchers examined the structure of the enzyme using X-ray diffraction studies. They discovered that the enzyme binds to a molecule called methyl β-galactopyranose at a key site called subsite +1. The structure showed that the molecule's chemical group is positioned in a way that is perfectly suited for breaking down these particular sugar chains. This unique structure explains why the enzyme is highly specific for β-1,2-galactooligosaccharides. -- "β-1,2-Galactooligosaccharides and the enzymes are rarely reported. Our discovery is a crucial step toward understanding the functions of these unique glycans, whose roles are largely unknown," explains Dr. Nakajima. "Furthermore, while there is currently no evidence that β-1,2-galactooligosaccharides possess prebiotic properties, they hold potential in this regard. This enzyme could also open new therapeutic avenues for treating diseases like Chagas disease, caused by a parasite that produces glycans containing these structures.This novel enzyme could therefore not only help improve human gut health but also contribute to developing new life-saving drugs." -- The discovery of Bxy_22780 marks a significant breakthrough in prebiotic research, unlocking exciting opportunities for improving human health. This enzyme could drive the development of innovative prebiotic products to enhance gut health and support digestive functions, offering new opportunities in the food and supplement industries.	H01 R01 N01 N02 T01	1,423
2511-E021	Spider Mite Proteins Influence Plant Defense: A Breakthrough For Sustainable Agriculture	A recent discovery by scientists reveals that proteins secreted by spider mites can significantly influence plant defense mechanisms. With increasing resistance to chemical pesticides among pests like the two-spotted spider mite, the identification of elicitor proteins in mite saliva may provide new avenues for sustainable pest management, vital for maintaining agricultural productivity amidst rising global food demand and environmental concerns.	Tokyo University of Science	The Plant Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	As global food demand continues to increase, effective pest control remains one of agriculture's most pressing challenges. Worldwide, farmers apply nearly 4 million tons of chemical pesticides annually to protect their crops, representing a $60 billion industry. While these compounds have significantly boosted agricultural productivity, their widespread use has raised concerns regarding environmental impact, health risks, and the long-term sustainability of modern farming. -- The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, exemplifies the limitations of conventional pesticide-based pest management in agriculture and horticulture. -- These microscopic arachnids infest a wide range of crops and fruit trees and can reproduce extremely quickly. -- More importantly, unlike many other pests, they rapidly develop resistance to chemical pesticides, making control efforts increasingly challenging. -- With pesticide resistance on the rise, farmers worldwide are urgently seeking alternative, sustainable pest control strategies. -- A research team led by Professor Gen-ichiro Arimura from the Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Japan, closely examined the fine molecular interplay that occurs between T. urticae mites and their host plants. -- Their study was published online in The Plant Journalon March 4, 2025. -- The team focused on specific substances called elicitors, secreted by T. urticae, and examined their biological effects on various crops. -- "An elicitor is a molecule that plants or pests possess that can enhance the defense response of plants," explains Prof. -- Arimura. "In our previous research, we identified two tetranins, labeled Tet1 and Tet2, as elicitors in the salivary glands of two-spotted spider mites; these substances induce defense responses in the common bean and other commercially important crops."	C01	1,424
2511-T012	Understanding Enhanced Magnetism In Iridium-Doped Iron-Cobalt Alloys Through New Methods	Scientists have unveiled the mechanisms behind the enhanced magnetic properties of machine-learning-identified iridium-doped iron-cobalt alloys. By employing high-throughput measurements, the research clarifies how this innovative doping enhances magnetization, laying the groundwork for developing advanced materials for applications in data storage and spintronics.	Tokyo University of Science	Physical Review Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Magnetic materials have become indispensable to various technologies that support our modern society, such as data storage devices, electric motors, and magnetic sensors. High-magnetization ferromagnets are especially important for the development of next-generation spintronics, sensors, and high-density data storage technologies. Among these materials, the iron-cobalt (Fe-Co) alloy is widely used due to its strong magnetic properties. However, there is a limit to how much their performance can be improved, necessitating a new approach. -- Some of the earlier studies have shown that epitaxially grown films made up of Fe-Co alloys doped with heavier elements exhibit remarkably high magnetization. -- Moreover, recent advances in computational techniques, such as the integration of machine learning with ab initio calculations, have significantly accelerated the search for new material compositions. -- Iridium (Ir)-doped Fe-Co alloy (Fe-Co-Ir) is one such material, identified through machine learning, that has been shown to possess large magnetic moments, representing the strength and orientation of magnetic fields, exceeding even those of conventional Fe-Co alloys. -- However, identifying the source of these enhanced magnetic properties has been a significant challenge. -- In particular, the effect of Ir-doping on the magnetic properties of Fe-Co alloys remains poorly understood. -- To overcome this challenge, a research team led by Assistant Professor Takahiro Yamazaki from the Department of Material Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science (TUS) implemented a novel approach. -- They utilized high-throughput X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) on compositionally graded single-crystal thin films. -- Asst. Prof. Yamazaki explains, "Unlike previous studies which used polycrystalline thin films, we utilized compositionally graded single-crystal Fe-Co-Ir thin films, offering a more controlled environment for probing the mechanisms behind their enhanced magnetic properties. Furthermore, using the world's largest synchrotron radiation facility, SPring-8, we performed XMCD measurements to systematically investigate their magnetic properties." -- The team also included Mr. Takahiro Kawasaki and Prof. Masato Kotsugi from TUS, Dr. Yuma Iwasaki and Dr. Yuya Sakuraba of the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS), Dr. Naomi Kawamura of the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, and Prof.	T01	1,425
2511-T036	New AI Model Optimizes Dendritic Growth In Thin Films	Researchers have developed a machine learning model to predict dendritic growth in thin films, addressing a substantial obstacle in large-area fabrication processes. This AI tool incorporates topology analysis and free energy to optimize growth conditions, moving beyond traditional subjective methods. Given the critical role of thin films in various technologies, including semiconductors, this advancement could enhance production efficiency and performance of future electronic devices.	Tokyo University of Science	Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Thin film devices, composed of layers of materials a few nanometers thick, play an important role in various technologies, from semiconductors to communication technologies. For instance, graphene and hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) multilayer thin films, deposited on copper substrates, are promising materials for next-generation high-speed communications systems. Thin films are grown by depositing tiny layers of materials onto a substrate. The growth process conditions significantly influence the microstructure of these films, which in turn influences their function and performance. -- Dendritic structures, or tree-like branching patterns that emerge during growth, pose a major challenge to large-area fabrication of thin-film devices, a key step toward commercial application. -- They are commonly observed in materials like copper, graphene, and borophene, particularly in the early growth stage and multilayer films. -- Since the microstructure directly impacts device performance, reducing dendritic formation is, therefore, critical. -- However, methods for studying dendrites have largely relied on crude visual analysis and subjective interpretation. -- Understanding the conditions that drive dendritic branching is essential for optimizing the thin-film growth process, but existing approaches often require considerable trial and error. -- To address these challenges, a research team, led by Professor Masato Kotsugi from the Department of Material Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science (TUS), Japan, developed an innovative explainable artificial intelligence (AI) model for analyzing dendritic structures. -- The team included Misato Tone, also from TUS, and Ippei Obayashi from Okayama University. -- The team developed a novel method that bridges structure and process in dendritic growth by integrating persistent homology and machine learning with energy analysis."Our approach provides new insights into growth mechanisms and offers a powerful, data-driven pathway for optimizing thin-film fabrication," explains Prof. -- Kotsugi. Their study was published online in Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods on March 7, 2025.	C01 T01	1,426
2502-094	Programmable Molecules: The Future Of Targeted Drug Delivery In Chemistry	Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have made pivotal advances in programming molecular self-assembly, akin to creating 'Malteser-like' structures. This breakthrough in chemistry could lead to a variety of applications, including targeted drug delivery and sophisticated sensors, by allowing precise control over molecular organization in complex biological systems.	Trinity College Dublin	Chem	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have taken a major step forwards in tackling one of the greatest abiding challenges in chemistry, by learning how to programme the self-assembly of molecules in such a way that the end result is predictable and desirable. Their "Malteser-like" molecules could one day have a suite of applications -- from highly sensitive and specific sensors, to next-gen, targeted drug delivery agents. -- Virtually all the components of biological systems show an extraordinary and precise ability to self-assemble in the exact way they need to in order to produce the molecules that do the billions of vital things that allow organisms to not only survive, but to thrive, in ever-changing environments. -- But despite tremendous scientific advances, researchers are still largely in the dark as to precisely how these processes are governed. The challenge -- and tremendous opportunity -- for chemists is to decode these processes and then exert control over them to reproducibly programme molecules to do certain things. -- The work was performed by a team of scientists led by Prof. Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson, based in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI), in collaboration with Prof. John Boland, based in CRANN. Both groups are part of Trinity College Dublin's School of Chemistry and the AMBER Research Ireland Centre; while Prof. Robert Pal, Department of Chemistry, Durham University, was also a key collaborator. -- First author, Aramballi Savyasachi, a former PhD student in Trinity's School of Chemistry, who is based in TBSI, said: "We have been able to make amino-acid-based 'ligands' whose self-assembly structures vary -- predictably and reproducibly -- depending on which amino acid we use. Amino acids are known as the building blocks of life, as they combine to make proteins. Different sequences of amino acids build a huge diversity of different proteins, which have billions of different functions. -- "With that in mind, it is perhaps unsurprising that different amino acids produce different self-assembly results -- sometimes giving a soft, gel-like material, and other times giving much harder, 'Malteser molecules'. What did surprise -- and delight -- us was the discovery that we can largely govern the process and the outcome by selecting specific amino acids. And when we added other molecules, like lanthanide ions, we can tap into luminescence applications." -- Prof. Gunnlaugsson, from the TBSI team, said: "There are so many potential applications of this work and as always, a lot more to learn. But the molecules we have developed already could one day be useful in photonics and optical systems, where highly specific sensors are prized, or in highly targeted drug delivery applications. -- "For example, key enzymes appear in greater numbers when the body is fighting an infection and start to break molecules down. The products of this molecular breakdown could stimulate activity in such a way that a drug is released where and when it is needed, which would minimise some of the side effects that come with many, less targeted therapeutics." -- An additional benefit is that you could potentially monitor activity in the body, in real time, based on luminescence. -- Dr Oxana Kotova, Trinity, from the TBSI team, added: "Luminescence is a very useful product of some molecular interactions from a biomedical perspective. In collaboration with Professor Robert Pal at the University of Durham we found that our "Malteser-like" assemblies functionalised with lanthanide ions emit circularly polarised light. This property can allow for visualisation of site-specific interactions within biological media or find an application in optoelectronic devices.	R01 T01	1,427
2503-T006	Exocomet Belts Revealed: Astrophysicists Capture Stunning Images Of Celestial Structures	Astrophysicists from Trinity College Dublin have successfully imaged numerous exocomet belts around 74 nearby stars, revealing tiny pebbles within those belts. This significant milestone in astronomy showcases where these pebbles, which represent the building blocks of comets, are located in various planetary systems, including our Solar System. The findings provide valuable insights into the structure and composition of these celestial systems and their potential ice reservoirs, enhancing our understanding of planetary formation.	Trinity College Dublin	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	Astrophysicists led by a team from Trinity College Dublin have -- for the first time -- imaged a large number of exocomet belts around nearby stars, and the tiny pebbles within them. The crystal-clear images show light being emitted from these millimetre-sized pebbles within the belts that orbit 74 nearby stars of a wide variety of ages -- from those that are just emerging from birth to those in more mature systems like our own Solar System. -- The REASONS (REsolved ALMA and SMA Observations of Nearby Stars) study marks such a significant milestone in the study of exocometary belts because its images and analyses reveal where the pebbles, and hence the exocomets, are located. They are typically tens to hundreds of au (the distance from Earth to the Sun) from their central star. -- In these regions, it is so cold (-250 to -150 degrees Celsius) that most compounds including water are frozen as ice on these exocomets. What the astrophysicists are therefore observing is where the ice reservoirs of planetary systems are located. REASONS is the first program to unveil the structure of these belts for a large sample of 74 exoplanetary systems. -- The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) is an array of 66 radio telescopes in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, while the Submillimeter Array (SMA) is a similar eight-element array in Hawaii. Both observe electromagnetic radiation at millimetre and submillimetre wavelengths. This study used both to produce the images that have provided more information on populations of exocomets than ever before. -- "Exocomets are boulders of rock and ice, at least 1 km in size, which smash together within these belts to produce the pebbles that we observe here with the ALMA and SMA arrays of telescopes. Exocometary belts are found in at least 20% of planetary systems, including our own Solar System," said Luca Matrà, Associate Professor in Trinity's School of Physics, and senior author of the research article that has just been published in thel journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. -- Dr Sebastián Marino, Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, and coauthor in this study, added: "The images reveal a remarkable diversity in the structure of belts. Some are narrow rings, as in the canonical picture of a 'belt' like our Solar System's Edgeworth-Kuiper belt. But a larger number of them are wide, and probably better described as 'disks' rather than rings." -- Some systems have multiple rings/disks, some of which are eccentric, which provides evidence that yet undetectable planets are present and their gravity affects the distribution of pebbles in these systems. -- "The power of a large study like REASONS is in revealing population-wide properties and trends," explained Prof. Matrà. -- "For example, it confirmed that the number of pebbles decreases for older planetary systems as belts run out of larger exocomets smashing together, but showed for the first time that this decrease in pebbles is faster if the belt is closer to the central star. It also indirectly showed -- through the belts' vertical thickness -- that unobservable objects as large as 140 km to Moon-size are likely present in these belts. -- Dr David Wilner, Senior Astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics \| Harvard & Smithsonian, underlined:"Arrays like the ALMA and SMA used in this work are extraordinary tools that are continuing to give us incredible new insights into the universe and its workings. The REASONS survey required a large community effort and has an incredible legacy value, with multiple potential pathways for future investigation.	A01 C01	1,428
2504-E030	Polar Bears' Greasy Fur Provides Fascinating Anti-Icing Benefits For Survival	Scientists have discovered that the unique sebum found in polar bear fur prevents ice from adhering, an adaptation that is crucial for their survival in harsh climates. This finding not only enhances our understanding of polar bear ecology but also has potential applications in developing anti-icing materials for various industries.	Trinity College Dublin	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of scientists has discovered the anti-icing secret of polar bear fur -- something that allows one of the planet's most iconic animals to survive and thrive in one of its most punishing climates. That secret? Greasy hair. -- After some polar sleuthing, which involved scrutiny of hair collected from six polar bears in the wild, the scientists homed in on the hair "sebum" (or grease) as the all-important protectant. -- This sebum, which is made up of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids, makes it very hard for ice to attach to their fur. -- While this finding sheds fascinating new light on our understanding of polar bear -- and even Inuit -- ecology, it may also have a suite of unrelated applications, with a similar concoction of artificially made sebum promising to be useful as an anti-ice surface coating, or in next-gen ski skins used by skiers and snowboarders. -- Julian Carolan, PhD Candidate from Trinity College Dublin's School of Chemistry and the AMBER Research Ireland Centre, is the first author of the journal article, which has been published today as the cover story in leading international journal Science Advances. -- He said: "We measured ice adhesion strength, which is a useful measure of how well ice sticks to fur; hydrophobicity, which dictates whether water can be shed before it freezes; and freezing delay time, which simply shows how long it takes for a drop of water to freeze at certain temperatures on a given surface. We then compared the performance of the polar bear hair with that of human hair and two types of specialist human-made 'ski skins'. -- "The sebum quickly jumped out as being the key component giving this anti-icing effect as we discovered the adhesion strength was greatly impacted when the hair was washed. Unwashed, greasy hair made it much harder for ice to stick. In contrast when the polar bear hair was washed and the grease largely removed it performed similarly to human hair, to which ice sticks easily whether it is washed or greasy." -- That finding led the team to perform a detailed chemical analysis of polar bear sebum. -- As well as identifying the key components (cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids), they were surprised to find "squalene" was absent. -- This fatty metabolite is present in human hair, and in the hair of other aquatic animals, like sea otters, which suggests its absence in polar bear hair is very important from an anti-icing perspective.	C01 N01 T01	1,429
2505-E004	Ancient DNA Reveals 11,000-Year Connection Between Sheep Domestication And Humanity	A multidisciplinary team of geneticists has traced the cultural evolution of sheep herding in Eurasia, uncovering that sheep domestication began over 11,000 years ago. By analyzing ancient genomes, researchers found evidence of early selective breeding for desirable traits, such as coat color. This genetic analysis not only sheds light on the historical relationship between humans and sheep but also emphasizes the importance of livestock management in early agricultural societies across regions from Mongolia to Ireland.	Trinity College Dublin	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Following a change in screening guidelines, the incidence went up across the state, even more than it has nationally. -- The incidence of advanced prostate cancer in California rose markedly in the decade since doctors stopped routinely screening all men for the disease, according to a new study by UC San Francisco. -- After declining for many years, the death rate from the disease also plateaued in most regions across the state. -- The findings reinforce the need for screening that can identify potentially fatal tumors without raising false alarms about ones that pose no threat to the patient. -- The study appears Jan. 27 in JAMA Network Open. -- "This overall rising trend is alarming and has occurred across age groups, regions of California, races and ethnicities," said lead author Erin L. Van Blarigan, ScD, UCSF associate professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Urology. -- "Our data point to how urgent this problem is," said Van Blarigan, who is also with the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Figuring out the best way to screen for prostate cancer continues to be a challenge for researchers and doctors. Without screening, the number of men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer -- when treatments are less effective -- increases fast." -- The challenge of screening for prostate cancer -- Among men in the U.S., prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths. While some tumors are aggressive and can lead to death, the majority are low-grade and never spread. -- The most frequently used screening tool is PSA testing (prostate specific antigen), which does not differentiate between aggressive or non-aggressive tumors, leading many men to be diagnosed with cancers that would not hurt them in the long run.	A01 H01	1,430
2507-047	New Biomarker Panel Aims To Improve Early Detection Of Pancreatic Cancer	Researchers are focusing on pancreatic cystic lesions to identify patients at high risk for pancreatic cancer (PC), aiming for earlier detection and improved survival rates. Despite being a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, PC symptoms are often vague, complicating timely diagnosis. By studying these lesions, scientists hope to create effective strategies for identifying at-risk individuals, contributing to better outcomes in this challenging area of cancer research, as mentioned in their recent publication.	Trinity College Dublin	Trinity College Dublin	Press Rel	PubMed	Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the worst prognosis cancer globally, with just 13% of patients who are diagnosed with PC surviving for 5 years or more after initial diagnosis. In Ireland, there are approximately 900 cases of PC per year, and 820 PC-related deaths. Early detection of PC is the primary concern of most PC research, as it has the potential to make a substantial difference to the treatment and survival of patients. -- Survival rates, however, remain poor due to the vague nature of the symptoms associated with early-stage PC, and subsequently the late-stage of the disease at diagnosis. -- Now researchers from the Maher lab group, School of Medicine at Trinity College Dublin are focussing on pancreatic cystic lesions to tackle the crucial issue of identifying patients who are at high-risk of developing pancreatic cancer, to improve survival rates. -- Their study was recently published in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports. -- Pancreatic cystic lesions are fluid-filled sacs that can be found on or inside the pancreas. -- There are many different types of pancreatic cystic lesions, with some being benign and others having the potential to develop into PC. Unfortunately, our ability to identify the pancreatic cystic lesions most likely to progress to PC, and therefore termed 'high-risk,' is quite poor. -- Research from the Maher lab has identified a number of factors within the patients' blood and the fluid in their pancreatic cystic lesions, which can be found at different levels in patients who are at a low-risk or a high-risk of PC development. -- These factors, or 'biomarkers,' have been combined in this study to create a unique biomarker panel that shows high accuracy in its ability to distinguish between low-risk and high-risk patients. -- At present, there are several sets of clinical guidelines worldwide used to separate patients into risk groups based on their clinical presentation and symptoms. -- However, the existence of several sets of guidelines worldwide indicates the lack of agreement among clinicians as to the best way to separate patients into risk groups.	R01	1,431
2511-079	Climate Change's Impact: A Growing Mental Health Crisis For Youth	Research from Trinity College Dublin shows that climate change significantly impacts adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar, leading to heightened anxiety and depression. The study underscores the urgent need for mental health support as part of climate adaptation strategies, aiming to address the growing crisis facing young people in the most affected regions.	Trinity College Dublin	The Journal of Climate Change and Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change is not just an environmental issue -- it's a mental health crisis impacting on adolescent wellbeing right now in areas most affected by climate change, according to new research from Trinity College Dublin. -- The authors of the study published this week in the Journal of Climate Change and Health have called for mental health supports to be built into climate adaptation efforts to help young people facing an uncertain future. -- We already know that climate change is threatening child and adolescent health worldwide, but there is limited research on its effects on mental health in the low- and middle-income countries that are most affected by climate crisis. -- The study reveals that climate change is having a severe impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar. The mixed-methods study gathered survey data from 83 adolescents and focus groups with 48 participants across six rural villages in March 2024. -- Young people in the region report extremely high levels of anxiety, depression, and climate change worry, with many describing a sense of hopelessness about the future. Participants described feeling powerless, with one adolescent saying, "I have no idea what I can do to be happy" and another indicating "life is a misery." -- "Young people in southern Madagascar are the unwilling pioneers of the impact of climate change. They can provide important insights into the way climate changes impact on adolescent mental health," explains lead author on the paper Dr Kristin Hadfield, Associate Professor in the School of Psychology and Trinity Centre for Global Health at Trinity College Dublin. -- "This research makes it clear that climate change is not just an environmental issue -- it is a mental health issue as well. We found that chronic climate stressors -- not just extreme weather events -- are already shaping adolescent mental health. In higher-income countries, climate anxiety often focuses on future risks, but in Madagascar, young people are already living the reality." -- The study, conducted led by researchers in Trinity's School of Psychology with colleagues in the Catholic University of Madagascar, Queen Mary University of London, University College London, and CBM Global, found that climate change affected adolescent mental health through three main pathways: loss of household resources, uncertainty about the future, and disruption of coping mechanisms. -- Food insecurity is particularly severe -- 90% of households had run out of food in the past year, and 69% of adolescents had gone an entire day without eating. The mixed-methods study gathered survey data from 83 adolescents and focus groups with 48 participants across six rural villages in March 2024. -- Many expressed deep distress over their families' struggles, and most had witnessed people in their communities starve to death. As one adolescent put it: "so many died … there were many elders, but they died because of the malnutrition." Another stated simply: "there is no water and when sunlight is burning, we are suffering."	H01 H02 C01	1,432
2501-073	Head Injury May Activate Latent Viruses, Linking To Neurodegenerative Diseases.	Research from Tufts and Oxford universities has uncovered mechanisms linking head injuries to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that latent viruses in the brain may activate following trauma. This study points to the potential of antiviral drugs as preventive treatments for individuals suffering from concussions or repetitive head trauma. Published in Science Signaling, the findings underscore the serious health risks associated with head injuries and the importance of proactive treatment strategies to mitigate long-term effects.	Tufts University	Science Signaling	Press Rel	PubMed	Concussions and repetitive head trauma in sports like football and boxing, once accepted as an unpleasant consequence of intense athletic competition, are now recognized as serious health threats. Of particular concern is the connection between head injuries and neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, prompting sports governing bodies to adjust protective equipment and rules of play to minimize the risk. -- Researchers at Tufts University and Oxford University have now uncovered mechanisms that may connect the dots between trauma event and the emergence of disease, pointing to latent viruses lurking in most of our brains that may be activated by the jolt, leading to inflammation and accumulating damage that can occur over the ensuing months and years. -- The results suggest the use of antiviral drugs as potential early preventive treatments post-head injury. -- The findings are published in a study in Science Signaling. -- The microbiome -- which includes many hundreds of bacterial species that inhabit our bodies -- provides aid in digestion, immune system development, and protection against harmful pathogens. -- But the microbiome also includes dozens of viruses that swarm within our bodies at any given time. -- Some of these can be potentially harmful, but simply lie dormant within our cells. -- Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), found in over 80% of people, and varicella-zoster virus, found in 95% of people, are known to make their way into the brain and sleep within our neurons and glial cells. -- Dana Cairns, research associate in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University and lead author of the study, had found evidence in earlier studies suggesting that activation of HSV-1 from its dormant state triggers the signature symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in lab models of brain tissue -- amyloid plaques, neuronal loss, inflammations, and diminished neural network functionality. -- "In that study, another virus -- varicella -- created the inflammatory conditions that activated HSV-1," said Cairns.	H01 H02 R01 R02	1,433
2510-T017	Morpho Software Enables Efficient Modeling Of Soft Materials For Various Applications	The Morpho software, created by a team at Tufts University, allows for the optimization of shape in soft materials for applications ranging from artificial hearts to soft robotics. This open-source, programmable environment addresses the unique challenges posed by soft materials, enabling researchers and engineers to solve complex design problems involving materials that respond dynamically to various forces.	Tufts University	Nature Computational Science	Press Rel	PubMed	When mechanical and structural engineers design machines, bridges, and buildings, they calculate loads, stresses, and deformation of metal, steel, concrete, glass, wood, and plastic to find the optimal geometry that bears loads with the minimum cost of material. -- Designing for relatively hard materials that do not deform too much is commonly handled by software that calculates and optimizes structures using mathematical models that are well understood and easily applied. -- But there is an expanding class of design challenges for things that incorporate soft materials -- biological materials, engineered tissues, membranes, and even shape-shifting fluids that respond to electromagnetic fields. Predicting how these soft and fluidic materials respond to forces is more challenging than predicting the behavior of hard materials. Real world applications can include design of artificial hearts and heart valves or robot materials that mimic flesh and soft tissue. -- To meet this challenge, a team of Tufts researchers led by Tim Atherton, professor of physics, created Morpho, an open-source programmable environment that enables researchers and engineers to solve shape optimization problems for soft materials. The software recently described in Nature Computational Science is meant to be easy to use, free to use, and applicable to a broad range of scenarios. Among the team developing the software were James Adler, professor of mathematics, and Chaitanya Joshi, postdoctoral scholar in physics. -- "Many things that are interesting in science and engineering are shape optimization problems," said Atherton. That might mean coming up with the best possible contours for a city to accommodate traffic and pedestrians, or the shape of a riverbed with water flowing over it. The question then is, how to make flexible materials that respond in different ways to forces, light, temperature. -- "Traditional modeling packages are used for geometric optimization of rigid structures, and are not usually designed to solve shape optimization problems for soft materials," he said. "Engineers typically have to come up with their own mathematical formulations for soft materials, which can be challenging. Morpho provides a set of tools to help anyone conveniently solve these problems." -- Soft materials have an inherent complexity in their response to their environment. Membranes, for example, can be susceptible to compression, liquid flows, pressure, and vibrations. Particulate material can experience random turbulence when in motion. Their final shape can be very different than their starting point, and less predictable relative to rigid structures. -- The Morpho program models the soft materials with a process known as finite elements, mathematically dividing them into small, simple shapes (2D or 3D shapes like triangles or tetrahedrons), while equations modeling material properties, forces, and boundary constraints are generated for each node around the shapes. Then the whole system of equations is solved to predict the optimal shape of the system. -- In addition to soft materials, the program can model packing problems as well, whether it's the flow of granular particles in pharmaceutical manufacturing, coffee, or wine (yes, their properties are due mostly to the particles in these fluids) or how companies can optimally pack and ship products to minimize use of space and packing materials. -- Morpho can also model heterogeneous systems, which include both hard and soft components. For example, a cardiovascular stent is a metal mesh surrounded by the soft tissue of the heart and arteries. Researchers can get a better idea of a stent's expected performance using the Morpho modeling software.	H02 R01 T01	1,434
2504-041	Unique Genetic Signature Predicts Antibiotic Resistance In Bacteria For Precision Treatment	New research highlights the discovery of a genetic signature in bacteria that can predict the development of antibiotic resistance, a crucial finding in the fight against a global health crisis responsible for over a million deaths yearly. By identifying this signature, researchers aim to enhance precision treatments for pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its multidrug resistance. The ability to predict resistance early could lead to more effective therapeutic strategies, potentially saving countless lives.	Tulane University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotic resistance is a global public health crisis responsible for more than a million deaths annually. By 2050, the World Health Organization estimates it could surpass cancer and heart disease as the leading cause of death as more bacteria develop defenses to the drugs designed to combat them. -- Now Tulane University researchers have identified a unique genetic signature in bacteria that can predict their likelihood of developing antibiotic resistance, according to a new study published in Nature Communications. The findings could help researchers more quickly identify precision-based treatments that are more effective against the deadly, treatment-resistant pathogens. -- "If we see this pattern when we sequence its genome, we can expect it to become drug-resistant if you try to treat it," said lead author Kalen Hall, PhD, who spearheaded the research before graduating from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2024. -- At the center of the study is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria with a known history of multidrug resistance and a common cause of infection in hospitals. The bacteria are prone to deficiencies in a specific DNA repair pathway, a condition known to spur rapid mutations in bacteria, which increase the odds of drug resistance developing. -- After analyzing the bacterial genomes for mutational signatures -- a technique typically used in cancer research to map genetic changes in tumors -- the team found a distinct pattern associated with these DNA repair deficiencies that accurately predicted bacteria's potential to develop antibiotic resistance. -- "It's essentially a fingerprint that's able to predict the presence of potential multidrug-resistant bacteria," said Zac Pursell, PhD, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Tulane University School of Medicine. -- Resistance can only be acquired when bacteria are treated with an antibiotic that fails to kill them, underscoring the need to identify the proper path of treatment. Making matters worse, the findings show that bacteria acquire resistance to drugs not involved in initial treatment. -- "Over 50% of antibiotics prescribed are either unnecessary or the wrong treatment, and if you provide the wrong antibiotic, you're promoting more and more resistance," Hall said. -- Importantly, the same DNA sequencing technology that can identify bacterial "fingerprints" can also identify points of attack for clinicians. The researchers found success identifying separate resistance pathways and administering specific combinations of antibiotics that target these pathways, preventing the bacteria from acquiring drug resistance. -- Though the findings are still in their early stages, successful creation of a diagnostic tool could reduce the overuse of antibiotics and allow for more precise treatment of bacterial infections. Hall is now CEO and cofounder of Informuta Inc., a San Diego-based startup that aims to develop a machine learning model that can scan bacteria samples and predict the development of antibiotic resistance.	H01 R01	1,435
2507-E054	Nickel-Enhanced Silver Catalysts Could Revolutionize Ethylene Oxide Production	Chemical engineers have made significant strides in creating a greener production method for ethylene oxide by integrating nickel atoms into silver catalysts. This innovative approach eliminates the need for toxic chlorine and could drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the $40 billion industry, while offering a safer and more efficient way to manufacture this essential chemical used in a wide array of products.	Tulane University	Tulane University	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have discovered a potentially greener way to produce a crucial industrial chemical used to make many everyday products from plastics and textiles to antifreeze and disinfectants, according to a new study published in Science and co-authored by Tulane University chemical engineer Matthew Montemore. -- The breakthrough could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacture of ethylene oxide, which has an estimated $40 billion global market. The current production process requires chlorine, which is toxic and emits millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. -- The research team, led by Montemore, as well as Tufts University chemistry professor Charles Sykes and University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) chemical engineering professor Phillip Christopher, found that adding small amounts of nickel atoms to silver catalysts can maintain production efficiency while eliminating the need for chlorine in the process. -- "If industry does try this out and they find it to be useful and are able to commercialize it, the twin benefits are you can save a lot of CO2 and a lot of money at the same time," Montemore said. -- Getting rid of toxic chlorine could also make production safer, Montemore added. -- The discovery was six years in the making. Sykes and Montemore first discussed exploring selective oxidation reactions in 2018. They focused on ethylene oxide production, which converts ethylene and molecular oxygen using silver as the primary catalyst. -- "We were surprised because we couldn't find anything in the scientific or patent literature about nickel despite it being a common and inexpensive element used in many other catalytic processes," Sykes said. -- The breakthrough came through applying Sykes' single-atom alloy concept, a fundamental approach to understanding and controlling chemical reactions that he pioneered over a decade ago. Montemore thought this approach could be applied to oxidation reactions, even though Sykes had not had much success with oxidation in the past. -- Montemore performed calculations to screen for promising combinations of metals. Based on these calculations, PhD students Elizabeth Happel and Laura Cramer at Tufts conducted initial experiments that showed promising results. -- The team then enlisted Christopher, an expert on catalytic reactor studies, to develop a practical formulation of the silver catalyst with nickel additions.	C01 T01	1,436
2509-036	Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury: Study Reveals Causes Linked To COVID-19 Pandemic	A study from Tulane University investigates ventilator-induced lung injury, highlighting how the repeated opening and closing of alveoli during mechanical ventilation can cause microscopic damage. This research sheds light on a significant complication that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a better understanding of lung injuries associated with mechanical ventilation.	Tulane University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from Tulane University suggests that repeated collapse and reopening of tiny alveoli -- air sacs in the lungs essential for breathing -- during mechanical ventilation may cause microscopic tissue damage, playing a key role in ventilator-related injuries that contribute to thousands of deaths annually. -- Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study sheds light on ventilator-induced lung injury, a complication that gained increased attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. -- These devices pump oxygen-rich air into a patient's airways when they are unable to breathe adequately on their own. -- The study identified that alveolar recruitment/derecruitment -- when collapsed air sacs in the lungs repeatedly open and close -- accounts for only 2-5% of energy dissipation during ventilation but correlates directly with lung injury in a model of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). -- "It's like a tiny explosion at the delicate lung surface," said lead author Donald P. Gaver, a biomedical engineering professor at Tulane University School of Science and Engineering. -- "Though small in magnitude, it creates a power intensity of about 100 watts per square meter -- comparable to sunlight exposure." -- ARDS is a severe lung condition that affects roughly 10% of intensive care unit patients and carries a mortality rate of 30-40%, even with modern ventilation techniques. -- Using a pig model of ARDS, the team examined how ventilator energy is transferred and dissipated in the lungs. -- The researchers found that reducing this type of energy dissipation led to rapid recovery, while patients continued to deteriorate when 5-10% of alveoli underwent repetitive recruitment/derecruitment. -- The study suggests that minimizing these repetitive collapse-and-reopening cycles could significantly reduce ventilator-induced lung injury.	H02 R01	1,437
2504-E004	The Borealis Mud Volcano: A Hidden Sanctuary For Unique Marine Life	The Borealis Mud Volcano, located in the Barents Sea, serves as an unexpected sanctuary for marine life despite its inhospitable appearance. Initial discoveries by researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway highlighted its ecological significance, revealing that carbonate crusts on the volcano floor provide stable habitats for various marine species. This interdisciplinary investigation underscores the unique biodiversity supported by such geological features in deep-sea environments.	UiT The Arctic University of Norway	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	One would think that a volcano was not the most hospitable place for living organisms. However, the Borealis Mud Volcano, at 400 m water depth, acts as a sanctuary for a number of marine species. -- The underwater volcano Borealis Mud Volcano is located in the Barents Sea and was first discovered by researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway in 2023. -- The discovery received a lot of attention, and images of the volcano circulated around the world. -- Now researchers from UiT, in collaboration with REV Ocean, have finally published the results from an interdisciplinary investigation showing that Borealis mud volcano has a unique ecological role as a natural sanctuary for several marine species in the Barents Sea. -- While some parts of the crater floor of Borealis appear inhospitable to a variety of organisms, the carbonate crusts -- a type of mineral formed thousands of years ago -- that characterized Borealis provide a suitably hard substrate for species of anemones, serpulids, demosponges, and sparse octocoral colonies. -- "Important for maintaining biodiversity" -- In addition, the carbonates offer both shelter and feeding opportunities, playing an important role in sustaining the local fish populations. -- The researchers observed large schools of commercially valuable species like saithe and various demersal species such as spotted wolffish, cod, four-bearded rockling, and redfish (Sebastes spp.) clustering around the jagged carbonate formations. -- "The redfish, for instance, is red listed, and we don't know the consequences if it would disappear. Borealis is an oasis where different species can thrive and flourish. Thus, preserving ecosystems such as the Borealis Mud Volcano is essential for maintaining biodiversity and understanding the interactions between geology, geochemistry and biology in marine environments. We need that understanding, among other things, considering that the Arctic seabed plays an important role in oil and gas extraction activities and the emerging deep-sea mining industry," says Professor Giuliana Panieri, lead author of the study recently published in Nature Communications. -- Methan has leaked out, probably for thousands of years	C01 N01	1,438
2507-E030	Eastern Monarch Butterflies Exhibit Migration Delays Amid Climate Change	New research reveals that Arctic glaciers are leaking significant amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This process, involving glacial melt rivers and groundwater springs, has potential implications for Arctic climate feedback loops, possibly accelerating global warming. The study highlights an important and previously unrecognized source of methane emissions, adding to concerns about the potential impacts of climate change in the Arctic region.	UiT The Arctic University of Norway	UiT The Arctic University of Norway	Press Rel	PubMed	Gabrielle Kleber and Leonard Magerl, postdoctoral researchers at iC3,* have discovered that Arctic glaciers are leaking significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. -- They found that glacial melt rivers and groundwater springs are transporting large volumes of methane from beneath the ice to the atmosphere. -- This previously unrecognised process could contribute to Arctic climate feedbacks, accelerating global warming. -- A surprising source of methane -- Methane emissions from Arctic wetlands, permafrost, and geological seeps are well known. -- However, until now, the role of glacial meltwater in mobilising methane had been largely overlooked. -- Gabrielle and Leonard focused on Vallåkrabreen, a small valley glacier in central Svalbard, where they measured methane levels in groundwater springs and the melt river draining from the glacier. -- Their results were striking. Methane concentrations in the melt river were found to be up to 800 times higher than the atmospheric equilibrium level, with peak levels of 3,170 nanomolar recorded early in the melt season. -- This methane was not produced by microbial activity beneath the ice, as previously suspected in other glacial settings, but instead came from thermogenic sources -- methane that has been trapped in the region's ancient geological formations for millions of years. -- Gabrielle explains:	C01	1,439
2504-E014	Climate Change Might Open Doors For New Crop Varieties In The UK	A study predicts that climate change may enable the cultivation of traditionally warmer-climate crops, such as chickpeas and oranges, across the UK by 2080. Researchers from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the University of East Anglia have mapped the future suitability for various food crops under warming scenarios, offering insights into agricultural opportunities and challenges that could arise as temperatures rise.	UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology	Climate Resilience and Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	While climate change is likely to present significant challenges to agriculture in coming decades, it could also mean that crops such as chickpeas, soyabeans and oranges are widely grown across the UK, and home-produced hummus, tofu and marmalade are a common sight on our supermarket shelves by 2080. -- A new study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA) predicts that future warmer temperatures in this country would be suitable for a variety of produce such as oranges, chickpeas and okra that are traditionally grown in warmer parts of the world. -- Scientists investigated the future suitability for over 160 existing and new food crops in different regions of the UK under warming scenarios of 2 and 4 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial times. -- The modelling study, part of the OpenCLIM research project, is the most comprehensive research of its kind to date and is also the first to show how suitability for certain produce will vary across the UK. It provides mapped projections for every 1km square in the UK, giving valuable information to the farming and food sectors on the future opportunities and challenges of cultivating new crops here. -- Need for resilience -- Lead author Dr John Redhead, a Spatial Ecologist at UKCEH, said: "Our climate is expected to change substantially over coming decades at a time when there will be rising demand for food due to population growth. It is therefore essential that arable farming becomes more resilient; one possible solution is growing different crops that are more suited to the new local conditions." -- Climate change is already having a major impact on UK agriculture, either affecting crop plants or the ability of farmers to manage them effectively. There have been several years of record low yields caused by extreme weather, often in combination, such as a wet winter followed by a particularly dry spring, while new agricultural pests and diseases are becoming established or increasing with climate change. -- Winners and losers -- Many new crops highlighted in the UKCEH-led study -- funded by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and published in the journal Climate Resilience and Sustainability - are not only more tolerant of hotter, drier summers but also benefit from milder, wetter winters. -- The research looked at whether future climate scenarios would be more or less suitable for crops, compared with recent average UK temperatures, estimated at being around 0.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times. The key findings were:	H01 C01 N02	1,440
2507-E045	Reduction In Metal Pollution Boosts Freshwater Biodiversity In England’s Rivers	An analysis links improved freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers to reductions in zinc and copper pollution, primarily from decreasing coal use. The findings highlight the significant impact of environmental regulations on river health and underscore the need for continued efforts to monitor and limit pollution levels to support aquatic life.	UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology	UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology	Press Rel	PubMed	An improvement in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers was linked to reductions in pollution of zinc and copper, largely due to the decline of coal burning and heavy industry, say researchers. -- Invertebrates are used as an important measure of a river's biodiversity and health, and Environment Agency data show there was a widespread, significant increase in species richness across England in the 1990s and early 2000s. -- However, there has been little significant further improvement since then. -- Therefore, a team of scientists led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) looked for the possible reasons for this, using statistical modelling to investigate a wide range of different chemical and physical factors, such as temperature, river flow and landscape. -- They examined a wealth of Environmental Agency data -- 65,000 individual observations relating to pollutant measurements and invertebrates from 1,457 sites between 1989 and 2018. -- The study, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, has been published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. It found that although concentrations of ammonia and organic matter -- strongly associated with sewage effluent -- were important to influencing invertebrate diversity, the correlation with zinc and copper was strongest. -- Decline in coal buring and heavy industry -- The researchers say there are likely to be several reasons for the reductions in the amount of zinc and copper entering our rivers after the 1980s: -- 1. Reduction in coal burning, an important source of atmospheric metals pollution that ends up in rivers through acid rain -- 2. Decline in heavy industry, which emits metals into the atmosphere and discharges sewage containing pollutants that end up in rivers through treated and untreated effluent.	C01	1,441
2513-E041	Groundbreaking Study Reveals Soil Conditions Increase Rainfall In Tropical Storm Hotspots	Groundbreaking research indicates that contrasts in wet and dry soil can enhance rainfall by as much as 30%, transforming storm forecasting. This study emphasizes the importance of land surface conditions in predicting severe weather patterns, particularly in tropical areas, where changes in soil moisture lead to increased rainfall, potentially aiding communities in better preparing for the impacts of climate change on their environments.	UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology	Nat.	Press Rel	PubMed	Storm forecasting is traditionally based on studying atmospheric conditions but ground-breaking research that also looks at land surface conditions is set to transform early warning systems in tropical regions. This will enable communities to better adapt to the destructive impacts of climate change. -- The new study led by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) has shown that a large contrast in soil moisture levels over a range of hundreds of kilometres results in atmospheric changes that increase rainfall area and amount in several megastorm hotspots globally. -- This increase ranges from 10 to 30% depending on the region and size of the storm. -- The research focused on mesoscale convective systems, which bring severe flash flooding and mudslides in parts of Africa, Asia, Americas and Australia that collectively have a population of nearly four billion people (see recent examples, below). -- These weather systems, which can be larger in size than England and travel hundreds of kilometres, bring intense storms that kill people and livestock, as well as destroying homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. -- Impacts of climate change -- The study, by UKCEH, the University of Leeds (UK) and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (USA), has been published in Nature Geoscience. -- Lead author Dr Emma Barton, a meteorologist at UKCEH, said: "Mesoscale convective systems are some of the most intense thunderstorms on the planet, and are increasing in severity due to climate change. Rising temperatures could increase the contrast between wet and dry areas of soils, further intensifying thunderstorms in already severely impacted regions. -- "Understanding how soil moisture influences storm activity, and how this may change in the future, will be essential for more accurate short-term forecasting to warn communities about approaching storms, as well as making longer-term projections." -- Widespread damage	C01	1,442
2509-086	Aspirin's Mechanism Revealed: Could Help Prevent Some Cancers From Spreading	New research has uncovered how aspirin may reduce cancer metastasis by stimulating the immune system. This discovery not only supports ongoing clinical trials but also opens avenues for targeted aspirin use to prevent the spread of certain cancers while cautioning about potential side effects, emphasizing the need for safe usage guidelines.	UK Research and Innovation	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have uncovered the mechanism behind how aspirin could reduce the metastasis of some cancers by stimulating the immune system, in a new study primarily funded by the Medical Research Council. -- In the study, published in Nature, the scientists say that discovering the mechanism will support ongoing clinical trials, and could lead to the targeted use of aspirin to prevent the spread of susceptible types of cancer, and to the development of more effective drugs to prevent cancer metastasis. -- The scientists caution that, in some people, aspirin can have serious side-effects and clinical trials are underway to determine how to use it safely and effectively to prevent cancer spread, so people should consult their doctor before starting to take it. -- Studies of people with cancer have previously observed that those taking daily low-dose aspirin have a reduction in the spread of some cancers, such as breast, bowel, and prostate cancers, leading to ongoing clinical trials. -- However, until now it wasn't known exactly how aspirin could prevent metastases. -- In this study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the scientists say their discovery of how aspirin reduces cancer metastasis was serendipitous. -- They were investigating the process of metastasis, because, while cancer starts out in one location, 90% of cancer deaths occur when cancer spreads to other parts of the body. -- The scientists wanted to better understand how the immune system responds to metastasis, because when individual cancer cells break away from their originating tumour and spread to another part of the body they are particularly vulnerable to immune attack. -- The immune system can recognise and kill these lone cancer cells more effectively than cancer cells within larger originating tumours, which have often developed an environment that suppresses the immune system. -- The researchers previously screened 810 genes in mice and found 15 that had an effect on cancer metastasis.	H01 R01	1,443
2501-T012	Discoveries In Molecular Pathways Lead To New Material Applications	Researchers led by Professor Wonyoung Choe have achieved a significant milestone in molecular science by developing foldable molecular paths within solid-state frameworks. This breakthrough mimics the flexibility of folding paper at the molecular level, enabling dynamic control of gas flow through zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. Their work could have transformative applications in molecular metamaterials, offering new possibilities in material science and engineering.	Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	The inspiration for this work stems from the elegant simplicity of folding paper -- a concept that led researchers to explore the possibility of replicating this flexibility at the molecular level. After extensive experimentation, they unveiled foldable molecular paths capable of react dynamically to their environment. -- Led by Professor Wonyoung Choe in the Department of Chemistry at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), South Korea, the research team achieved a significant breakthrough in this field. -- They developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a type of highly porous material. -- These frameworks can adjust their size, shape, and alignment at the nanoscale in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. -- This unique capability allows them to regulate gas flow in a manner similar to how valves control water flow in pipelines. -- The team chose ZIFs due to their exceptional flexibility. Unlike traditional materials, the tetrahedral zinc centers within ZIFs function as hinges, enabling the structure to fold and adapt dynamically. -- Using advanced X-ray diffraction techniques, the researchers observed how the framework responded to various stimuli, showcasing its potential for real-world applications. -- These materials are not just scientific curiosities -- they possess considerable practical potential. -- They could be employed to create filters that adapt in order to capture harmful gases more efficiently or to design purification systems capable of selectively removing contaminants. -- The study also highlighted a simplified version of the "Plumber's Nightmare," a complex pore network, suggesting that the foldable design holds the key to mastering such intricate structures.	Z01	1,444
2508-047	Genomics Approach Provides Insights Into Metabolic Network Functions	Two recent papers in the journal Nature mark a critical advancement in understanding the intricate functions of metabolic networks. Led by Dr. Marian Walhout, the research investigates how organisms adjust their metabolism in response to nutrient intake through a series of chemical reactions. This study aims to uncover the implications of these metabolic changes for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and obesity, especially when normal information flow is disrupted.	UMass Chan Medical School	elegans.	Press Rel	PubMed	Two papers published today in the journal Nature describe a significant advance in understanding the complex functions of the metabolic network. The research is from the lab of Marian Walhout, PhD, the Maroun Semaan Chair in BioR01 and chair and professor of systems biology, which has been engaged with fundamental questions of metabolism for more than a decade. -- According to Dr. Walhout, organisms constantly monitor their nutrient intake and adjust their metabolism to generate biomass and energy; their metabolism takes place through a series of chemical reactions that together make up the metabolic network. -- The Walhout lab has sought to understand how these reactions work together and what happens when the normal flow of information within the network is disrupted. -- Do cells have the capacity to find alternate routes through the network? -- And how do they do this? The answers to these questions have broad implications as many diseases and health-related issues such as cancer, diabetes and obesity have root causes that stem from altered metabolism. -- While single reactions and metabolic pathways have been studied in detail, it has been painstaking to determine which are active or 'carry flux' in a given cell, at a given moment. -- The first paper published today, "Systems-level design principles of metabolic rewiring in an animal" employs a systems approach to understanding the principles whereby the animal changes the flow of metabolism when metabolic reactions are disrupted. -- The second paper, "A systems-level, semi-quantitative landscape of metabolic flux in C. elegans," uses data obtained from the first paper to infer the 'natural' wiring of the metabolic circuit in an animal, describing which reactions are active and which are turned off in a normal state. -- Both studies were enabled by "Worm Perturb-Seq" (WPS), a novel high-throughput method used to deplete the expression of around 900 metabolic genes individually in C. elegans. -- WPS uses RNA sequencing to unveil how changes in different parts of the metabolic network (flux) affect gene expression and shows that gene expression can be used to learn how an organism deals with alterations in its metabolism.	R01 N01	1,445
2510-020	New Insights Into BRCA Genes Could Lead To Innovative Cancer Therapies	New research highlights how mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes create vulnerabilities in breast cancer cells that might be exploited for new therapies. By understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair in these cells, scientists aim to develop more effective treatment strategies.	UMass Chan Medical School	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Research by UMass Chan Medical School scientists Sharon Cantor, PhD, and Jenna M. Whalen, PhD, poses a new explanation for how cancer-fighting drugs attack and destroy BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumor cells. Published in Nature Cancer, their work illustrates how a small DNA nick -- a break in one strand of the DNA -- can expand into a large single-stranded DNA gap, killing BRCA mutant cancer cells, including drug-resistant breast cancer cells. These findings identify a novel vulnerability that may be a potential target for new therapeutics. -- Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 -- tumor suppressor genes that play a crucial role in DNA repair -- substantially increase the likelihood of cancer. These cancers are, however, quite sensitive to anticancer drugs such as poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). When successful, these cancer treatments cause enough DNA damage to trigger cancer cell death. However, the array of different damages potentially induced by these drugs makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of cell death. Additionally, PARPi resistance does occur, complicating treatment and leading to recurrent cancer. -- "The conventional thinking has been that single-stranded DNA breaks from PARPi ultimately generated DNA double-strand breaks, and that was what was killing the BRCA mutant cancer cells," said Dr. Cantor, the Gladys Smith Martin Chair in Oncology and professor of molecular, cell and cancer biology. "Yet, there wasn't much in the literature that experimentally confirmed this belief. We decided to go back to the beginning and use genome engineering tools to see how these cells dealt with single-strand nicks to their DNA." -- Using CRISPR technology, Cantor and Dr. Whalen, a postdoctoral researcher in the Cantor lab, introduced small, single strand breaks into several breast cancer cell lines, such as those with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, as well BRCA-proficient cells. They found that cells with BRCA1 or BRCA2 deficiency were uniquely sensitive to nicks. They also found that breast cancer cells that lose components of the complex that protects DNA from unnecessary DNA end cuts become resistant to chemotherapy drugs such as PARP inhibitors. However, restoring double strand DNA repair functions in breast cancer cells did not save the cells from dying, thus demonstrating that these repair functions are not critical for breast cancer cell survival. Instead, the cells become even more sensitive to single strand nicks, which then accumulate and form large gaps. -- "Our findings reveal that it is the resection of a nick into a single-stranded DNA gap that drives this cellular lethality," said Whalen. "This highlights a distinct mechanism of cytotoxicity, where excessive resection, rather than failed DNA repair by homologous recombination, underpins the vulnerability of BRCA-deficient cells to nick-induced damage." -- The findings suggest that PARPi may also work by generating nicks in BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer cells, exploiting their inability to effectively process these lesions. For cancers that have developed PARPi-resistance, nick-inducing therapies provide a promising mechanism to bypass resistance and selectively target resection-dependent vulnerabilities. -- "Importantly, our findings suggest a path forward for treating PARPi-resistant cells that regained homologous recombination repair: to kill these cells, nicks could be induced such as through ionizing radiation," said Cantor. "By targeting nicks in this way, therapies could effectively exploit the persistent vulnerabilities of these resistant cancer cells."	H01	1,446
2505-012	Advanced Light-Controlled Tools Allow Real-Time Protein Control In Living Cells	Innovative light-controlled tools have been developed to enable real-time protein manipulation within living cells. Researchers from Umeå University have created a method that allows precise control over cellular processes, offering significant potential for advancements in medicine and synthetic biology. By combining chemical and optical techniques, these tools facilitate the study of complex cellular interactions, enhancing our understanding of dynamic biological systems and paving the way for new therapeutic applications.	Umea University	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a cosmic bullseye! The gargantuan galaxy LEDA 1313424 is rippling with nine star-filled rings after an "arrow" -- a far smaller blue dwarf galaxy -- shot through its heart. Astronomers using Hubble identified eight visible rings, more than previously detected by any telescope in any galaxy, and confirmed a ninth using data from the W. M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. Previous observations of other galaxies show a maximum of two or three rings. -- "This was a serendipitous discovery," said Imad Pasha, the lead researcher and a doctoral student at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. "I was looking at a ground-based imaging survey and when I saw a galaxy with several clear rings, I was immediately drawn to it. I had to stop to investigate it." The team later nicknamed the galaxy the "Bullseye." -- Hubble and Keck's follow-up observations also helped the researchers prove which galaxy plunged through the center of the Bullseye -- a blue dwarf galaxy to its center-left. This relatively tiny interloper traveled like a dart through the core of the Bullseye about 50 million years ago, leaving rings in its wake like ripples in a pond. A thin trail of gas now links the pair, though they are currently separated by 130,000 light-years. -- "We're catching the Bullseye at a very special moment in time," said Pieter G. van Dokkum, a co-author of the new study and a professor at Yale. "There's a very narrow window after the impact when a galaxy like this would have so many rings." -- Galaxies collide or barely miss one another quite frequently on cosmic timescales, but it is extremely rare for one galaxy to dive through the center of another. The blue dwarf galaxy's straight trajectory through the Bullseye later caused material to move both inward and outward in waves, setting off new regions of star formation. -- How big is the Bullseye? Our Milky Way galaxy is about 100,000 light-years in diameter, and the Bullseye is almost two-and-a-half times larger, at 250,000 light-years across. -- The researchers used Hubble's crisp vision to carefully to pinpoint the location of most of its rings, since many are piled up at the center. "This would have been impossible without Hubble," Pasha said. -- They used Keck to confirm one more ring. The team suspects a 10th ring also existed, but has faded and is no longer detectable. They estimate it might lie three times farther out than the widest ring in Hubble's image. -- A One-to-One Match with Predictions -- Pasha also found a stunning connection between the Bullseye and a long-established theory: The galaxy's rings appear to have moved outward almost exactly as predicted by models.	Z01	1,447
2513-078	Understanding Bacterial Resistance: Unraveling How Genes Protect Against Viral Infections	Researchers from Umeå University, Sweden, are shedding light on the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, which could surpass cancer mortality rates within decades. Their study reveals that specific genes in bacteria, which build defenses against viral infections, may play a pivotal role in this resistance. Understanding these mechanisms could guide new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections by potentially breaking down bacterial defenses.	Umea University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotic resistance is a global health challenge that could overtake cancer mortality within a few decades. In a new study, researchers at Umeå University, Sweden, show that the emergence of resistance can be understood in the mechanism of how bacteria build up defences against being infected by viruses. It is about genes in the bacterium that interfere with the attacking virus's ability to multiply. -- "A key to antibiotic resistance might be the use of viruses to kill bacteria, however, the systems that bacteria employ to defence themselves against viruses are unknown. Understanding these systems opens up for research into how we can break down the defence so that serious infection disease can be treated in the future," says Ignacio Mir-Sanchis, Assistant Professor at Umeå University and the study's lead author. -- The Umeå researchers have studied the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which is a common but potentially fatal bacterium in cases such as septic shock and pneumonia. -- A subgroup of S. aureus has become multi-resistant to antibiotic treatment and thus poses a major danger to public health. -- In some countries, a quarter of S. aureus is now multi-resistant, in Sweden only one percent. -- However, the bacteria themselves are vulnerable to infection by a type of virus called bacteriophages, or just phages. -- Throughout evolution, bacteria and phages have undergone an arms race in which phages infect bacteria, which in turn develop mechanisms to resist the attacks. -- Much of this defence is encoded in the part of the bacteria's genome that can easily be transferred between bacteria, the so-called mobilome. -- Such a transfer can mean that otherwise harmless bacteria can turn into lethal. -- This is because the mobilome often carries genes that are responsible for the production of toxins, i.e. toxic substances, and for resistance to antibiotics.	R01	1,448
2502-E076	Weather-Responsive Facade System Inspired By Pine Cones: A Sustainable Innovation	Energy-Autonomous Facade System: Researchers have created an innovative facade system modeled after pine cones, which passively adapts to weather changes without energy consumption. This bio-inspired design leverages natural material responsiveness and promises to revolutionize architectural shading systems with minimal environmental impact.	Universitaet Stuttgart	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Pine cones as a model: Researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed a new, energy-autonomous facade system that adapts passively to the weather. The journal Nature Communications has published the research results. -- "Most attempts at weather responsiveness in architectural facades rely heavily on elaborate technical devices. Our research explores how we can harness the responsiveness of the material itself through advanced computational design and additive manufacturing," says Professor Achim Menges, head of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) and spokesperson for the Cluster of Excellence Integrative Computational Design and Construction for Architecture (IntCDC) at the University of Stuttgart. -- "We are achieving a shading system that opens and closes autonomously in response to changes in the weather, without the need for operational energy or any mechatronic elements. The bio-material structure itself is the machine." -- Using bioinspired design, natural materials, and widely accessible technologies, researchers at the universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed the "Solar Gate" facade system -- the first weather-responsive, adaptive shading system that operates without electrical energy. -- The scientists used the movement mechanisms of pine cones as a model for the "Solar Gate," which opens and closes in response to changes in humidity and temperature without consuming any metabolic energy. -- The team succeeded in replicating the anisotropic (direction-dependent) structure of cellulose in plant tissues using standard 3D-printers. -- The research results have been published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Biobased hygromorphic materials and bioinspired 4D-printing -- Cellulose is a natural, abundant, and renewable material that swells and shrinks with variations in humidity. -- This property, known as hygromorphism, is frequently observed in nature, for example in the opening and closing of the scales of pine cones or the inflorescences of the silver thistle.	N02 T01	1,449
2502-T013	DNA Origami: A New Approach To Target Drug Delivery	Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have utilized DNA origami to manipulate the structure and function of biological membranes, potentially improving the transportation of therapeutic loads into cells. This groundbreaking approach adds a powerful tool to synthetic biology, enhancing targeted drug delivery, and may lead to significant advancements in therapeutic interventions and the development of functional synthetic cells.	Universitaet Stuttgart	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of "DNA origami." The system they developed may facilitate the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. This opens up a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic interventions. Thus, a very valuable instrument can be added to the toolbox of synthetic biology. Prof. Laura Na Liu and her team published their findings in the journal Nature Materials. -- The shape and morphology of a cell play a key role in the biological function. This corresponds to the principle of "form follows function," which is common in modern fields of design and architecture. The transfer of this principle to artificial cells is a challenge in synthetic biology. Advances in DNA nanotechnology now offer promising solutions. They allow the creation of novel transport channels that are large enough to facilitate the passage of therapeutic proteins across cell membranes. In this emerging field, scientists such as Prof. Laura Na Liu, Director of the 2nd Physics Institute at the University of Stuttgart and Fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research (MPI-FKF), have developed an innovative tool for controlling the shape and permeability of lipid membranes in synthetic cells. These membranes are made up of lipid bilayers that enclose an aqueous compartment and serve as simplified models of biological membranes. They are useful for studying membrane dynamics, protein interactions, and lipid behavior. -- A milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology -- This new tool may pave the way for the creation of functional synthetic cells. The scientific work of Laura Na Liu aims to significantly influence the research and development of new therapies. Liu and her team have succeeded in using signal-dependent DNA nanorobots to enable programmable interactions with synthetic cells. "This work is a milestone in the application of DNA nanotechnology to regulate cell behavior," Liu says. The team works with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), which are simple, cell-sized structures that mimic living cells. Using DNA nanorobots, the researchers were able to influence the shape and functionality of these synthetic cells. -- New transport channels for proteins and enzymes -- DNA nanotechnology is one of Laura Na Liu's main research areas. She is an expert in DNA origami structures -- DNA strands that are folded by means of specifically designed shorter DNA sequences, so-called staples. The team of Liu used DNA origami structures as reconfigurable nanorobots that can reversibly change their shape and thereby influence their immediate environment in the micrometer range. The researchers found that the transformation of these DNA nanorobots can be coupled with the deformation of the GUVs and the formation of synthetic channels in the model GUV membranes. These channels allowed large molecules to pass through the membrane and can be resealed if necessary. -- Fully artificial DNA structures for biological environments -- "This means that we can use DNA nanorobots to design the shape and configuration of GUVs to enable the formation of transport channels in the membrane," says Prof. Stephan Nussberger, who is a co-author of this work. "It is extremely exciting that the functional mechanism of the DNA nanorobots on GUVs has no direct biological equivalent in living cells," adds Nussberger. -- The new work raises new questions: Could synthetic platforms -- such as DNA nanorobots -- be designed with less complexity than their biological counterparts, which would nevertheless function in a biological environment? -- Understanding disease mechanisms and improving therapies	R01 C01 T01	1,450
2504-E039	Ancient Amazon Society Crafted Advanced Irrigation For Year-Round Maize Cultivation	Recent research challenges prior assumptions about pre-Columbian agricultural practices in the Amazon, revealing that the Casarabe society had advanced techniques for year-round maize production. This groundbreaking discovery uncovers a sophisticated agricultural engineering system that transformed flooded savannahs into productive fields, thereby reshaping our understanding of ancient economic practices in the region.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A pre-Columbian society in the Amazon developed a sophisticated agricultural engineering system that allowed them to produce maize throughout the year, according to a recent discovery by a team of researchers from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA-UAB) and the Department of Prehistory at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, (Spain); the Universities of Exeter, Nottingham, Oxford, Reading and Southampton (UK); the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and Bolivian collaborators. This finding contradicts previous theories that dismissed the possibility of intensive monoculture agriculture in the region. -- The study, published today in the journal Nature, describes how the pre-Hispanic Casarabe society of the Llanos de Moxos in Bolivia designed and implemented an innovative landscape engineering system, including the construction of extensive drainage canals and farm ponds. -- This advancement allowed the transformation of flooded tropical savannahs into highly productive fields, thereby driving the development of the "Neolithic Revolution" in the Amazon, understood as the process towards an economy based on grain production. -- This region, inhabited by the Casarabe people between 500 and 1400 A.D., is a tropical lowland savannah marked by intense rainy seasons and flooding, as well as very dry seasons. -- The discovery, led by Umberto Lombardo, an environmental archaeologist at the UAB, has identified a unique agricultural infrastructure previously undocumented anywhere else in the world.. This system enabled them to drain excess water from flooded fields during the rainy season, facilitating agricultural productivity. -- In addition to the drainage canals, the Casarabe people constructed clusters of farm ponds that served as water reservoirs. -- These ponds enabled pot-irrigation, allowing maize cultivation to continue throughout the dry season. -- This dual water management system enabled at least two harvests of maize per year, ensuring a stable food supply year-round, which was essential for sustaining a relatively large population. -- "This intensive agricultural strategy indicates that maize was not only cultivated but was likely the staple crop of the Casarabe culture," explains Lombardo. -- This agricultural model did not rely on traditional slash-and-burn techniques used to create fertile fields.	H01	1,451
2505-116	Distinct Effects Of Alzheimer’s Proteins On Brain Circuits Offer New Treatment Insights	Research from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona has uncovered that tau protein and beta-amyloid, two key hallmarks of Alzheimer's, affect brain circuits responsible for memory and emotions. This discovery suggests a need for comprehensive treatment strategies that address the combined impact of these pathologies on brain health.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	A study of fruit flies shows some species are highly susceptible to a wide range of viruses. -- In the study -- by the University of Exeter -- 35 fruit fly species were exposed to 11 different viruses of diverse types. -- As expected, fly species that were less affected by a certain virus also tended to respond well to related viruses. -- But the findings also show "positive correlations in susceptibility" to viruses in general. -- In other words, fly species that were resistant to one virus were generally resistant to others -- including very different types of virus. -- "Large-scale tests like this help us understand how pathogens shift to new host species, with findings broadly applicable to other animals -- including humans," said Dr Ryan Imrie, now at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. -- "These flies shared a common ancestor 50 million years ago, giving them equivalent diversity to mammals, and so we are asking questions over the evolutionary distances which host shifts typically occur. -- "Lots of people are trying to predict the next pandemic. -- "It's impossible to test every virus, so we need to try and understand general rules about how viruses behave in new hosts." -- Professor Ben Longdon, of the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, added: "Information about new viruses can partly be inferred from their relatedness to existing viruses.	H02 R02	1,452
2508-070	Genetic Risk For Schizophrenia Affects Men And Women In Distinct Ways	A joint study from UAB and UB investigates the connection between genetic risk factors for schizophrenia and mild subclinical traits in the general population, revealing gender-based differences in these effects. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these differences when studying psychosis, highlighting a continuum from mild traits (schizotypy) to clinical symptoms. The study draws on a large sample of university students, contributing to the understanding of how genetic predispositions manifest in various subclinical expressions.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	A joint research study conducted by the UAB and the UB has analysed the relation between the genetic risk of having schizophrenia and mild subclinical traits in people of the general population. According to the study, the way the genetic risk of having this disorder affects these subclinical traits is different in men and women. The research, published in Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry, highlights the importance of considering gender differences in this relation. -- According to the dimensional view of mental disorders, psychosis is expressed on a continuum ranging from mild subclinical traits and experiences present in the general population (schizotypy) to clinical symptoms in patients diagnosed with the disorder. -- Numerous studies have explored the genetic relation between schizophrenia and its subclinical expressions, but the results have been inconsistent. -- A collaborative and interdisciplinary research team led by Dr Neus Vidal-Barrantes from the UAB and Dr Araceli Rosa from the UB, researchers at the CIBERSAM Mental Health Research Centre, has tackled this question by analysing the role of sex in this relation between genetics and subclinical expressions of schizophrenia in a sample of almost 1200 university students. -- The study found no clear association between schizophrenia-related genetic load (estimated through polygenic risk scores, an individual risk measurement in developing the disorder given by the presence of multiple schizophrenia-related genetic risk variants) and subclinical traits. -- However, when analysing sex differences, researchers observed that in men, genetic risk of schizophrenia was specifically associated with the positive dimension of schizotypy, which includes aspects such as bizarre beliefs and unusual perceptual experiences. -- This pattern was not observed in women, suggesting that the subclinical expression of genetic risk may differ by sex. -- Importance of considering sex differences -- These results, which form part of the PhD thesis Patricia Mas-Bermejo, highlight the need to consider differences between men and women in future genetic and clinical studies. -- As the authors point out, "the specific association observed in men could be related to differences in non-genetic factors, such as the environment, which would modulate the expression of genetic risk. In addition, these differences reflect patterns observed in patients with schizophrenia, in which men tend to present different clinical symptoms than women, poorer premorbid functioning, and earlier onset of the disease."	Z01	1,453
2508-c010	Iberian Nailed Head Rituals Vary Among Communities: New Insights	Recent research reveals that the nailed heads ritual among Iberian communities displayed diverse symbolism across different settlements in northeastern Spain. The practice, analyzed by a team from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, varied in meaning, with some communities using nailed heads for intimidation and others prioritizing local veneration. This study offers valuable insights into Iron Age societal complexities and the significance of such rituals in their cultural contexts.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	The nailed heads ritual did not correspond to the same symbolic expression among the Iberian communities of the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula, but rather a practice that differed in each settlement. In some, external individuals were used as symbols of power and intimidation, while other settlements could have given priority to the veneration of members of the local community. -- This is the conclusion reached by a study led by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) which analyses the mobility patterns of these human communities existing in the Iron Age of the last millenium BCE. Researchers studied seven nailed skulls of men found in two sites dating back to this period: the city of Ullastret (found in the same town of the province of Girona) and the settlement of Puig Castellar (Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona). -- The study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, was coordinated by researchers from the Department of Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology of the UAB and also included the collaboration of researchers from the Museum of Archaeology of Catalonia (MAC), the Museum Torre Balldovina and the universities of Lleida, Bordeaux (France), and Tübingen (Germany). -- Severed heads: more than just simple war trophies -- Severed heads were a unique funerary practice within the Iberian world and represent an exceptional opportunity to analyse these communities, of which very little archaeological record exists since cremation was the predominant burial ritual. This practice consisted of the public exhibition of the skulls of certain individuals, subjected to a post-mortem treatment. Some of these skulls have been recovered with signs of nailing and in some cases with an iron nail still in place. -- "Who were these individuals and for what were their heads used?" Traditionally, archaeologists have debated whether the skulls were war trophies -- to intimidate their enemies -- or venerated relics of important community members. These hypotheses, however, based on oral and ethnographic sources, have not yet been verified, nor has there been in-depth studies on the relationship between these groups and the land they inhabited. "Our premise in approaching the study was that if they were war trophies they would not come from the sites analysed, while if they were venerated individuals, these would most likely be local," explains Rubén de la Fuente-Seoane, archaeologist at the UAB and first author of the study. -- "Our results reveal that the individuals from Puig Castellar and Ullastret would not have been randomly selected. There would have been a homogeneous trend towards men in these rituals. However, the mobility and localisation patterns suggest a greater diversity, which could also imply social and cultural differences among the individuals of the two communities," says the UAB researcher. -- Isotope analysis reveals differences between the sites -- To carry out the study, the research team combined bioarchaeology and the analysis of stable strontium and oxygen isotopes in the dental enamel of seven severed skulls of men recovered from Puig Castellar and Ullastret, together with archaeozoological data and a detailed sampling of sediment and vegetation collected in the vecinity of the sites. The results of the strontium isotopes of the sediment and vegetation allowed researchers to define the reference range of the strontium in the area near each site (bioavailable strontium). This in turn made it possible to discern which individuals coincided or not with this range and, therefore, identify whether they were local or not. -- "At Puig Castellar the isotope values of three of the four individuals differ significantly from the local strontium reference, which suggests that they were probably not from the local community. In contrast, Ullastret revealed a mixture of local and non-local origins. This result suggests that the practice of severed heads was applied in a different way at each site, which seems to rule out a homogeneous symbolic expression. But more research is needed to be sure," says de la Fuente-Seoane.	N01 N02	1,454
2511-E020	Economic Borders Of Ancient Communities: New Research On El Argar And Its Neighbors	Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Max Planck Institute have unraveled the economic and political borders that defined El Argar, the first state-society in the Iberian Peninsula, about 4,000 years ago. By analyzing pottery production and circulation, they illustrated the complex interactions with neighboring Bronze Age communities, shedding light on the formation of early states across Europe and enhancing our understanding of prehistoric societal dynamics.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology have identified the economic and political borders separating El Argar, considered to be the first state-society in the Iberian Peninsula, from its La Mancha and Valencia Bronze Age neighbours some 4,000 years ago. These communities, with less centralised social structures, maintained complex relations with the Argaric culture. The study, based on an innovative analysis of pottery production and circulation, opens the door to identifying similar border dynamics in other European societies contemporary to El Argar, and understand how the first states were formed in prehistory. -- The research is based on the analysis of the production and circulation of pottery vessels in the northern part of present-day Murcia, a borderland region between El Argar and the Valencian and La Mancha Bronze Age groups (2200-1550 BCE), in order to reconstruct the interaction dynamics between these groups. -- This has made it possible to delineate the frontier regions and social relations among these groups. -- The study was published in the Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory. -- It represents a pioneering study on prehistoric frontiers. "Any effort to understand the consolidation of the first states in recent prehistory must take into account how political boundaries were created and maintained. Nevertheless, in archaeology, borders have received relatively little attention, even though one of their key structuring concepts, 'archaeological cultures', implies spatial limits between social, economic and political entities," explains Roberto Risch, lecturer of the Department of Prehistory at the UAB and coordinator of the study. -- The analysis has allowed identifying clear interaction patterns between the core area of El Argar and its neighbours which demonstrate the existence of socioeconomic and political boundaries. -- "We have been able to observe active zones of exchange and negotiation, in which power relations and social differences could be traced through the circulation of pottery vessels," explains Adrià Moreno Gil, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology and the Saxony-Anhalt State Heritage Office, Germany, and first author of the study. -- The borderlands identified are marked by significant differences in the clay and pottery techniques used in different regions of the Segura river basin. -- In all the settlements of the southern half, there is predominance of typical Argaric ceramics made with clay found more than 100 kilometres further south, in the coastal mountains of Murcia and Almeria. -- This implies the existence of a distribution network of Argaric ceramics on a regional scale, controlled by the villages of the Argaric core area.	R01	1,455
2512-079	Human Urine Could Revolutionize Sustainable Fertilizers For Urban Agriculture And Environment	A study from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona reveals that reusing human urine as a fertilizer could significantly benefit urban agriculture by promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. By recovering nitrogen from wastewater, this approach not only addresses the rising demand for fertilizers but also minimizes reliance on non-renewable resources, thereby lowering CO2 emissions and water consumption.	Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona	Resources, Conservation and Recycling	Press Rel	PubMed	The reuse of human urine would allow for the production of sustainable fertilizers for urban agriculture, with significant environmental benefits. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB), which evaluates the environmental impact of nitrogen recovery from the yellow waters of buildings. In addition to promoting sustainable agriculture, it would reduce CO2 emissions and water consumption. -- The global demand for fertilizers in agriculture is growing every day, making it necessary to reduce dependence on non-renewable sources. -- According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global demand for nitrogen as a fertilizer grows annually by 1%, which amounts to an increase of 1.074 million tons each year. -- The production of these fertilizers relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources such as natural gas, oil, and coal, representing significant energy consumption and CO2 emissions. -- This new study, led by the Sostenipra group of ICTA-UAB in collaboration with the GENOCOV group of the Department of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering, presents human urine nutrient recovery as a solution to transforming urban agriculture. -- The article, published in the scientific journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling, explains that the use of urine allows exploiting local resources and minimizes the use of external inputs, contributing to the sustainability of the agricultural process. -- Furthermore, it reduces dependence on limited resources and supports a more environmentally responsible cycle. -- In this context, human urine or "yellow water" is a rich source of nutrients, particularly nitrogen, essential for agricultural production. -- In addition to its benefits as a fertilizer, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from water sources such as rivers and aquifers. -- To assess its feasibility, researchers tested the process in the bioclimatic building of ICTA-UAB, which houses a pilot plant for nitrogen recovery and a greenhouse integrated into the roof, where the impact of the recovered nitrogen on tomato crops is tested.	H01 N02	1,456
2504-033	Innovative Numbering System Enhances Understanding Of Adhesion GPCRs In Disease Research	Scientists have created a new numbering system for the GAIN domain in adhesion GPCRs, a group of proteins linked to various diseases. This development, aimed at improving understanding of these proteins, could facilitate more precise therapeutic approaches in the future, addressing the challenge of exploiting adhesion GPCRs for medical treatments.	Universität Leipzig	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Adhesion GPCRs are a group of cell-surface sensors associated with many body functions and diseases. However, they are not yet sufficiently understood to be exploited for therapies. Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1423 at Leipzig University aims to change this. Scientists at the Faculty of Medicine have now developed an innovative numbering system for the GAIN domain, a protein domain common to all adhesion GPCRs. It should help to better understand the role of this protein domain in disease and pave the way for more precise experimental approaches. The research has been published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors are a large class of membrane proteins that detect chemical and mechanical stimuli in the body. -- The GAIN domain plays a central role in the activation of adhesion GPCRs. -- Until now, research has been limited by the low similarity of the amino acid sequences of different GAIN domains, which has hampered knowledge transfer and comparative analysis. -- The new numbering system, developed by researchers at Leipzig University, provides a standardised basis for the accurate transfer of research results between different model systems and humans. -- It is based on the analysis of over 14,000 modelled structures in the GAIN domain, generated using the latest AI techniques. -- Peter Hildebrand, Professor of Membrane and Cell Biophysics at Leipzig University, who led the international study, says: "Our new numbering system is an important step forward in GPCR research. It will facilitate basic research and encourage comparative studies. It provides a solid foundation for further research in biochemistry, bioinformatics and structural biology." For example, the newly developed system enables a better understanding of disease-relevant mutations in GAIN domains, providing a deeper insight into their role in diseases such as cancer. -- Analysis useful for kidney disease -- In the new study, the scientists found that their numbering system also made it possible to analyse and compare the GAIN domains of polycystic kidney disease proteins. -- This genetic disease causes fluid-filled cysts to form in the kidneys and other organs.	R01 T01	1,457
2506-027	New Mechanism Discovered For Male Hormone’s Role In Muscle Strength	A study has identified a novel mechanism through which the male sex hormone 5α-dihydrotestosterone enhances muscle strength and bone function. Researchers discovered how this hormone activates a specific receptor to improve skeletal muscle contractility, potentially leading to new therapeutic drugs with fewer side effects compared to traditional androgen treatments, particularly for patients with limited mobility.	Universität Leipzig	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Androgens are hormones that control the development of male sexual characteristics. The most powerful of the androgens is called 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT). Among other things, it is essential for bone and muscle function and for the development of secondary male sexual characteristics during puberty. As a driver of bone and muscle formation, 5α-DHT increases bone mineral density and promotes skeletal muscle growth to increase muscle strength. -- In this international study, the scientists were able to show that one of the adhesion G protein- coupled receptors -- GPR133 -- is activated by the androgenic steroid hormone 5α-DHT. "This activation can, among other things, increase the contractile force of skeletal muscles, and our study also uses a newly developed, potent activator of this receptor to specifically trigger this effect," says Professor Ines Liebscher, Professor of Signal Transduction at Leipzig University and co-leader of the study. -- Increasing muscle strength with the chance of significantly fewer negative effects of androgens -- Activation of GPR133 by the novel agonist AP503 increases muscle strength without triggering a specific negative effect that is otherwise observed when androgens are administered. For example, increased and prolonged exposure to testosterone can promote the development of prostate cancer, as evidenced by tissue changes in the prostate in mice after only two weeks of androgen administration. This side effect has not yet been observed with AP503. -- In addition, the current study uses structural biology methods to elucidate the molecular basis of the interaction between the steroid hormone, the substance AP503 and GPR133. This will allow the activator to be specifically optimised and further developed into a new therapeutic agent. This could lead to the development of new muscle-strengthening drugs with a lower side-effect profile. -- This publication is the result of a long-standing and successful collaboration between the Rudolf Schönheimer Institute of Biochemistry and the research group of Professor Jin-Peng Sun at Shandong University in China. The researchers are currently working on several follow-up studies to further investigate the use of AP503 in disease processes and the role of GPR133 in the organism. Here the data were analysed in animal models. Further studies are needed to investigate the applicability of the findings to humans.	H01 R01 N01	1,458
2506-E046	Fruit Flies Display Playful Behavior With Carousel Interaction	Play Behavior in Flies: For the first time, scientists have observed play-like behavior in fruit flies, demonstrating their capacity for voluntary, repetitive actions on a carousel. This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for understanding the evolution of play behavior across species and may provide insights into self-awareness and cognitive processes in both insects and humans.	Universität Leipzig	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	In a recent study, scientists at Leipzig University have for the first time demonstrated play-like behaviour in flies. They found that fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) voluntarily and repeatedly visited a carousel. "Until now, play-like behaviour has mainly been described in vertebrates," says Professor Wolf Huetteroth, who led the study at the Institute of Biology at Leipzig University and recently moved to Northumbria University in Newcastle, England, as an associate professor. He and his colleagues have just published their findings in the journal Current Biology. -- The play-like behaviour of the flies described by the researchers, involving voluntary passive movements such as swinging, bobbing, sliding or turning, has now been demonstrated in insects for the first time. -- "This could help us to find out how we humans also develop efficient self-awareness of our bodies," explains Huetteroth, whose study was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). -- In collaboration with Northumbria University, the researchers conducted a detailed analysis of how the flies interacted with the carousel. -- While many flies avoided the carousel, others visited it repeatedly and for long periods. -- When two carousels rotated alternately, the flies even actively followed the stimulation. -- The scientists placed a total of 190 individual flies in a carousel arena, a glass dome about one centimetre high, and then filmed them for 3 to 14 days. -- The positions of the flies in the recordings were then automatically recognised and tracked using special software. -- Only a fraction of the data generated was included in the study. -- "Using several carousels, we generated and analysed a total of around seven years of film data," says Dr Tilman Triphan, the first author of the study.	Z01	1,459
2508-011	Researchers Identify Rare Side Effect Of New Blood Cancer Therapy	Research has identified a rare side effect of CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers, where genetically modified T cells can develop into T cell lymphoma. This case study from the University Hospital of Cologne illuminates potential risks associated with this innovative treatment, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of patients undergoing CAR-T therapy.	Universität Leipzig	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Some forms of blood cancer, such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma, are malignant diseases that originate from immune cells, specifically lymphocytes. In recent years, CAR-T cell therapies have become an essential part of the treatment of patients whose lymphoma or multiple myeloma has relapsed. This involves genetically modifying the patient's own T lymphocytes (T cells) in order to specifically recognise and eliminate the cancer cells using a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). -- A special case is the subject of the current scientific publication. -- A 63-year-old patient with multiple myeloma developed T cell lymphoma in the blood, skin and intestine nine months after undergoing CAR-T cell therapy at the University Hospital of Cologne. -- The tumour developed from the genetically modified T cells that were used in the treatment. -- The initiators of this collaborative project, Professor Marco Herling, managing senior physician at the University of Leipzig Medical Center and Dr Till Braun, research group leader at the University Hospital of Cologne, have expertise in understanding the rare but difficult-to-treat T cell lymphomas. -- "This is one of the first documented cases of such lymphoma following CAR-T cell therapy. The findings of this study will help us to better understand the risks associated with the therapy and possibly prevent them in the future," says Professor Maximilian Merz, who led the current study as corresponding author together with Professor Marco Herling from the University of Leipzig Medical Center. -- The researchers discovered that it was not just current genetic alterations of the T cells that caused the tumour. -- Pre-existing genetic changes in the patient's haematopoietic cells also played a role. -- The researchers used cutting-edge technologies to study the tumour's development in detail. -- Various methods of next-generation sequencing -- an advanced, high-throughput technology for analysing DNA and RNA sequences -- were used to study the phenomenon.	A01 H01 R01 C01	1,460
2505-075	Depression Alters Eating Habits: Researchers Find Carb Preferences Among Affected Individuals	A study led by researchers at the University Hospital Bonn has revealed that while individuals with depression often experience a reduced appetite, they may still prefer carbohydrate-rich foods. This investigation highlights the diverse ways depression can alter eating behaviors and underscores the importance of individualized treatment approaches based on the varying appetite patterns observed among depressed individuals.	Universitatsklinikum Bonn	Psychological Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers report that all nine patients in a clinical trial being treated for stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma (a form of kidney cancer), generated a successful anti-cancer immune response after initiation of a personalized cancer vaccine. The vaccines were administered after surgery to remove the tumor and are designed to train the body's immune system to recognize and eliminate any remaining tumor cells. At the time of data cut-off (median of 34.7 months), all patients remained cancer-free. -- The results of this phase 1 trial were reported today in Nature. -- "We're very excited about these results, which show such a positive response in all nine patients with kidney cancer," says co-senior author and co-principal investigator Toni Choueiri, MD, Director of the Lank Center for Genitourinary Cancer at Dana-Farber. -- "This study was the result of a close partnership between our NeoVax team, our colleagues at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and our colleagues at the Lank Center for Genitourinary Cancer at Dana-Farber," says co-senior author Catherine Wu, MD, chief of the Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapies at Dana-Farber and an institute member at Broad, who developed the NeoVax vaccine technology used to create the personalized cancer vaccines for this trial. -- "We are thrilled to report these results." -- Patrick Ott, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Cancer Vaccines at Dana-Farber, and Derin Keskin, PhD, immunologist at the Center for Cancer Vaccines at Dana-Farber, are also co-senior authors. -- David A. Braun, MD, PhD, formerly of Dana-Farber and Harvard Medical School, and now a medical oncologist and physician-scientist at Yale Cancer Center and Yale School of Medicine is first author. -- Standard treatment for patients with stage III or IV clear cell renal cell carcinoma is surgery to remove the tumor. -- Surgery can be followed by immunotherapy with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. -- Pembrolizumab induces an immune response that reduces the risk of the cancer coming back.	H01	1,461
2506-021	Neurons Have Unique Energy-Saving Strategies That Are Key To Their Function	Researchers have uncovered that nerve cells employ sophisticated strategies to conserve energy while ensuring efficient protein synthesis and transport. Their focus is on how the energy conservation program influences the distribution and quantity of mRNA and proteins based on molecular characteristics. This study conducted by experts from University Hospital Bonn and other institutions highlights the energy limitations inherent in neuronal functions and is published in Nature Communications.	Universitatsklinikum Bonn	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Nerve cells have amazing strategies to save energy and still perform the most important of their tasks. Researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn as well as the University Medical Center Göttingen found that the neuronal energy conservation program determines the location and number of messenger RNA (mRNA) and proteins, and differs depending on the length, longevity and other properties of the respective molecule. The work has now been published in the journal Nature Communications. -- We have all experienced the need to save energy in recent years. To do this, we all had to come up with strategies to save energy while still meet our most important needs. "Our nerve cells are facing a similar dilemma: They have to supply their synapses, i.e. their contact points with other neurons, but also organize their protein synthesis in such a way that they don't produce too much or too little proteins. At the same time, they have to transport the proteins over long distances to the synapses and also pay attention to their energy budget. How do they manage this?" asked the research team led by corresponding author Prof. Prof. Tatjana Tchumatchenko, research group leader at the Institute for Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Researchat the UKB and member of the Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRA) "Life and Health" and "Modeling" at the University of Bonn. -- Energy-saving measures explain protein distributions -- Despite its relatively small size, the brain consumes around 20 percent of the body's total energy. As with all cells, neuronal functions are subject to strict energy constraints, which are particularly pronounced in the brain due to its high energy requirements. The research team was able to show that the synthesis and degradation of all neuronal molecules represents a particularly high cellular energy expenditure and therefore requires energy-saving measures. All cells, including neurons, require proteins to function properly. These are produced through a process known as gene expression, in which the relevant information is copied from a gene into messenger RNA (mRNA). The mature mRNA is then translated into the required protein. Thanks to advances in biochemistry and microscopy, it is now possible to precisely map the location of individual mRNA copies and the corresponding proteins in cells and quantify the number for thousands of mRNA and protein species. For the first time, this enables researchers to study complex organizational principles that control spatial gene expression patterns and apply across all types of molecules. -- The research team combined experimental data from more than ten large-scale mRNA and proteomics screens involving tens of thousands of molecular species. "We found that the drive to conserve energy determines mRNA and protein number and location, affecting each molecular species differently depending on the length, lifetime and other properties of the molecule," explains first author Cornelius Bergmann, a PhD student of the University Bonn at the Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research at the UKB. -- The results show that the energetic costs for synthesis, transport and degradation of molecules, their spatial localization and the total number are limited to energy-efficient solutions. "If certain short-lived proteins were synthesized in the cell body, a large proportion of them would not arrive alive at the synapses due to the long travel time," adds Prof. Tchumatchenko. "This would be a waste of energy on proteins that cannot fulfill their task." The model calculations in the present study show that proteins are therefore preferably synthesized in the branched, tapering extensions of a nerve cell, the so-called dendrites, if the energy loss "on the way" from the cell body to the synapses is greater than the energy required to transport the mRNA into the dendrites. -- New perspective on gene expression studies -- However, the research team's findings go beyond energy conservation. "Our results shed light on the organizational principles of gene expression in cells that act across different molecular species and go beyond individual regulatory mechanisms," says co-author Prof. Silvio Rizzoli, Director of the Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology at the University Medical Center Göttingen, spokesperson of the Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration (BIN) and member of the Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: from molecular machines to networks of excitable cells" (MBExC). -- The most surprising result for the research team was that the physical properties of proteins, such as length or lifetime, and not their specific function, have such a strong influence on the energy budget and thus on the site of their synthesis. Co-author Kanaan Mousaei, a doctoral student of the University Bonn at the Institute of Experimental Epileptology and Cognition Research at the UKB, emphasizes: "Our model offers a new perspective for correlating dozens of existing data sets from different laboratories."	A01 R02 T01	1,462
2512-006	New Toolbox Revolutionizes Research On Cellular IRESes For Gene Expression Control	After decades of stagnation, researchers have established a new toolbox for studying cellular internal ribosome entry sites (IRESes), which regulate gene expression. This significant advancement could facilitate the discovery of important IRES elements relevant to synthetic biology and mRNA therapeutics, addressing gaps in reliable characterization methods in this field.	Universitatsklinikum Bonn	The EMBO Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	The research field of "cellular IRESes" lay dormant for decades, as there was no uniform standard of reliable methods for the clear characterization of these starting points for the ribosome-mediated control of gene expression. Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn, in collaboration with Stanford University in California (USA), have now developed a toolbox as a new gold standard for this field. They hope to discover strong IRES elements that are directly relevant for synthetic biology and for application in emerging mRNA therapeutics. The results of their work have been published in The EMBO Journal. -- Only recently has the ribosome -- one of the oldest molecular machines in evolutionary terms -- been recognized as an active regulator of gene expression at the level of protein biosynthesis. -- This is an important process for the development and function of cells, in which genetic information is converted into proteins. -- The final step, in which the information encoded on the messenger RNA (mRNA) is transferred, is known as translation. -- The "Immunobiochemistry" research group led by Prof. Kathrin Leppek at the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology (IKCKP) at the UKB is investigating the control of translation using the direct interaction of the ribosome with mRNAs. -- "As the central translation machinery that is essential for all life, the ribosome and the factors associated with it, such as proteins or RNA structures, are the focus of our research interest," says Prof. -- Leppek, a member of the ImmunosSensation2 Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn. -- "There is increasing evidence that ribosome composition influences selective translation such that customized ribosomes preferentially bind and translate certain mRNAs." -- Role of IRESes in gene expression -- As an example of such structures, which play an important role in the initiation of translation and thus in the regulation of gene expression, the Bonn researchers have now investigated internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESes). The abbreviation IRES is short for "Internal Ribosomal Entry Sites." These are specialized, folded sequences within an RNA strand that are particularly well known in the genetic material of viruses in order to hijack the ribosomes of the host after an infection.	R01 C01	1,463
2502-023	Hepatitis E Vaccine Effective In Epidemics, But Administration Challenges Remain In Crisis Contexts	A collaborative study has shown that the hepatitis E vaccine can be effectively administered in two doses rather than three, addressing challenges in regions like South Sudan where outbreaks are frequent. This finding promises to enhance vaccination strategies and improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations.	Université de Genève	The Lancet Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	Hepatitis E, a potentially serious viral liver disease, is transmitted through contaminated water. The risk is particularly high in populations with limited access to safe water and sanitation. In South Sudan, outbreaks have regularly ravaged camps for internally displaced persons and their host populations. Although a vaccine has been available since 2011, its 3-dose regimen makes it difficult to administer in such a context. A team from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), MSF Epicentre, Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the South Sudanese Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) conducted clinical and lab studies after a vaccination campaign to assess its effectiveness in protecting individuals and helping to control the epidemic. Their results showed that the vaccine was effective with just the first two doses. These results can be read in the Lancet Infectious Diseases. -- Hepatitis E is a viral infection that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, with a mortality rate of up to 10-50 %. ''Symptoms of hepatitis E are similar to other diseases that cause acute jaundice, making it difficult to detect. -- While we don't have precise estimates of the global burden, some have put it at around 50,000 deaths a year,'' explains Andrew Azman, epidemiologist at the UNIGE-HUG Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, MSF and JHU, who led this research. -- ''The Bentiu camp in South Sudan, home to more than 100,000 people who have been displaced due to civil war, is a regular victim of hepatitis E and other waterborne disease outbreaks, likely due to the poor sanitation conditions and frequent flooding." -- The Hecolin vaccine, developed in China and licensed in some countries since 2011, has been recommended as a potential tool in outbreaks by the WHO. -- However, until this use in an outbreak, it had only been used in the context of controlled clinical trials and travel medicine in China. -- ''That's why it was essential to study the vaccine's effectiveness on other populations and in regions where the type of virus circulating is different from China, as well as the logistical feasibility of such a campaign,'' adds Isabella Eckerle, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the UNIGE-HUG Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases. -- ''In particular, it was important to understand its effectiveness after just two doses, whereas it is usually administered in three doses 6 months apart.'' -- An original research partnership -- The Centre for Emerging Viral Diseases, a specialist centre run jointly by the HUG and the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, provided scientific support to the MSF field teams in charge of the clinical aspect of the study.	R01	1,464
2502-T034	New Study Challenges Hot Jupiter Migration Theory: Discovering Complex Planetary Systems	Recent observations have overturned the previous belief that hot Jupiters ejected neighboring planets during their migration toward stars. A study led by the University of Geneva has identified the planetary system WASP-132, which includes a hot Jupiter alongside an inner super-Earth and an icy giant. This unexpected finding suggests that these giant planets can coexist with other bodies during migration, reshaping our understanding of planetary system dynamics.	Université de Genève	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	Hot Jupiters are giant planets initially known to orbit alone close to their star. During their migration towards their star, these planets were thought to accrete or eject any other planets present. However, this paradigm has been overturned by recent observations, and the final blow could come from a new study led by the University of Geneva (UNIGE). A team including the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) PlanetS, the Universities of Bern (UNIBE) and Zurich (UZH) and several foreign universities has just announced the existence of a planetary system, WASP-132, with an unexpected architecture. It not only contains a Hot Jupiter but also an inner Super-Earth and an icy giant planet. These results are published in Astronomy & Astrophysics. -- Hot Jupiters are planets with masses similar to that of Jupiter, but orbit close to their star, at a much smaller distance than Mercury is to the Sun. -- It is difficult for these giant planets to form where they are observed, because there is not enough gas and dust close to the star. -- They must therefore form far from it and migrate as the planetary system evolves. -- Until recently, astronomers observed that Hot Jupiters were isolated around their star, with no other planets in their vicinity. -- This observation seemed all the more solid as there was a theory to explain it. The processes involved in the migration of giant planets towards their star lead to the accretion or ejection of any planets in an inner orbit. -- But recent observations suggest other scenarios. -- A team led by the Astronomy Department of the UNIGE Faculty of Science, in partnership with UNIBE and UZH, as part of the NCCR PlanetS, and with other international institutions such as the University of Warwick, has just confirmed this trend. -- The scientists have discovered the existence of a multi-planetary system made up of a Hot Jupiter, an inner Super-Earth (even closer to the star than the hot Jupiter) and an outer massive giant planet (much further away from the star than the Hot Jupiter). If Hot Jupiters are not always alone in their planetary system, then their migration process must be different in order to preserve the architecture of the system. -- A unique multi-planetary system	Z01	1,465
2504-049	Proteins Find Stability Through Early Interactions During Synthesis, Like Soulmates	A study from the University of Geneva and the Weizmann Institute reveals that protein assembly often begins during their synthesis, ensuring stability and functionality. By comparing this process to supportive relationships, the research provides a framework for understanding assembly errors linked to various pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting such errors in protein complexes.	Université de Genève	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A study by UNIGE and the Weizmann Institute reveals how certain proteins assemble as soon as they are synthesized, ensuring their stability and efficiency. -- Proteins, the pillars of cellular function, often assemble into "complexes" to fulfill their functions. -- A study by the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Weizmann Institute, in collaboration with the Technion, reveals why this assembly often begins during the very process of protein synthesis or ''birth''. These early interactions involve proteins whose stability depends on their association. -- They can be compared to a couple in which each partner supports the other. -- This model paves the way for new strategies to understand and correct assembly errors, which are often associated with pathologies, including neurodegenerative disorders and certain cancers. -- These findings are published in the journal Cell. -- Proteins are large molecules composed of a chain of amino acids. -- They are produced by the ribosome, a cellular ''machine'' that reads the instructions contained in messenger RNAs. -- Once the protein is formed, interactions between the amino acids induce the chain to fold onto itself and adopt a specific structure. -- While some proteins function independently, many must assemble with specific partners into complexes to fulfill their roles.	R01	1,466
2507-034	New Enzyme Discovery Could Enhance Tumor Immunotherapy Effectiveness	A team from the University of Geneva has discovered an enzyme in lymphatic cells that supports immune function in response to tumors. This finding complicates the understanding of lymphangiogenesis, suggesting that while it may promote metastasis, it also plays a crucial role in enhancing anti-tumor immunity.	Université de Genève	Université de Genève	Press Rel	PubMed	When a tumour develops, it creates a structure around itself called the tumour stroma, within which blood and lymphatic vessels ensure nutritional and respiratory biological exchanges. Lymphangiogenesis, i.e. the development of lymphatic vessels, is generally associated with a poor prognosis, as it favours the spread of metastases to other organs. By studying the cells that make up the wall of lymphatic vessels, a team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has made an unexpected discovery: an enzyme they express appears to play a key role in supporting immune cells, particularly when they are activated by anti-tumour treatments. These results, published in Nature Communications, could pave the way for improving the effectiveness of immunotherapies. -- Blocking lymphangiogenesis to limit the risk of metastasis? The idea seemed promising but turned out to be disappointing. -- ''While it is true that lymphatic vessels promote metastasis, they are also essential for transporting immune cells and activating the anti-tumour immune response," explains Stéphanie Hugues, a full professor in the Department of Pathology and Immunology and at the Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research in UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, who led this research. ''Their role is therefore more complex than we imagined, which is why we wanted to understand how the cells that make them up respond to the tumour microenvironment in order to influence the immune response." -- An enzyme that blocks the tumour's defences -- The research team measured the gene expression of lymphatic endothelial cells, the cells that make up the wall of lymphatic vessels, in melanoma and in healthy mouse skin. -- They detected an over-expression of an enzyme called CH25H in the lymphatic endothelial cells associated with the tumours, a result they confirmed in human beings: the more lymphatic vessels the melanomas contained, the more this enzyme was over-expressed. -- ''What's more, patients with high levels of this enzyme had a better prognosis, an effect that was even more pronounced in those treated with a particular type of immunotherapy, the immune checkpoint inhibitors,'' explains Stéphanie Hugues. -- This enzyme's function is to convert cholesterol into 25-hydroxycholesterol, a cholesterol metabolite important in antiviral immunity. -- In melanoma, this enzyme seems to also have an impact on the immune system, probably by undermining the tumour's defence mechanisms. -- Indeed, the tumour microenvironment naturally produces factors that inhibit the activation of immune cells.	H01	1,467
2507-090	New Insights Into Molecular Mechanisms Driving Insulin Resistance	Researchers at the University of Geneva have developed a novel tool that activates molecules with precise light pulses, potentially revolutionizing medical treatment by targeting specific locations within the body. This technique, tested on a critical cell division protein, offers vast applications for improving existing therapies and minimizing side effects, addressing the challenges of systemic medication effects.	Université de Genève	Université de Genève	Press Rel	PubMed	Acting in the right place at the right time is the key to effective medical treatment with minimal side effects. However, this feat remains difficult to achieve. Biologists and chemists at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have succeeded in developing a tool that controls the location at which a molecule is activated by a simple pulse of light lasting only a few seconds. Tested on a protein essential for cell division, this system could be applied to other molecules. The potential applications are vast, both in basic research and in improving existing medical treatments, such as those for skin cancer. These results are published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Regardless of how it is administered, a medication does not only act on the organ affected but has a systemic effect on the entire body. -- This lack of precision carries risks: it may miss its target and not have the desired effect, or it may cause potentially serious side effects. -- In Switzerland alone, thousands of people suffer from severe drug-related side effects each year. -- The solution, simple in theory but highly complex in practice, would be to activate drugs only at the location where they are needed. -- This challenging research task would however make it possible to activate or inactivate a protein in a living organism at a specific location to better understand its functions. -- ''Everything started from this methodological question,'' recalls Monica Gotta, Professor in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism at UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, who initiated and coordinated this research with Nicolas Winssinger, Professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry at UNIGE Faculty of Science. -- ''We were looking for a way to inhibit a protein involved in cell division, the Plk1 protein, when and where we wanted, to better understand its function in the development of an organism''. -- Breaking a biological lock -- By combining their expertise in chemistry and biology, the scientists were able to modify a Plk1 inhibitor molecule so that it would be activated by a pulse of light.	H01 R01	1,468
2512-024	ADHD Linked To Neurological Changes Similar To Dementia, Study Reveals	ADHD Linked To Neurological Changes Similar To Dementia, Study Reveals	Université de Genève	Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences	Press Rel	PubMed	An adult brain affected by attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) presents modifications similar to those observed in individuals suffering from dementia. These are the findings of a study conducted by the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) which shows that, compared with healthy individuals, patients with an ADHD diagnosis have more iron in certain regions of their brain along with higher levels of neurofilaments[1] (NfL) in their blood. These markers have been consistently reported to be characteristic of old age-related dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and can be measured in its early stages. The study confirms that ADHD may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life and it provides first evidence for a neurological mechanism possibly involved. This significant step forward is described in the journal Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. -- ADHD is a frequent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects about 3.5% of adults according to a 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) study. -- It is characterized by an inability to maintain attention along with inappropriate levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity. -- Although symptoms generally manifest during childhood and significantly affect educational development and social interactions, its effects can persist and adversely affect daily functioning in adult life. -- Old age-related dementias affect about 55 million people globally, with almost 10 million new cases each year according to WHO statistics from 2023. -- Alzheimer's disease represents 60 to 70% of these dementia cases. -- "Recent epidemiological studies show that adults suffering from ADHD have an increased risk of dementia at an advanced age, but the mechanism through which ADHD constitutes a risk is not known," states Professor Paul G. Unschuld, Head of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry of the HUG, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine and the initiator of the study. -- Iron and neurofilaments as indicators -- The research team used an advanced brain imaging method, known as quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine iron content in the brain of 32 adults between 25 -- 45 years of age affected by ADHD and 29 healthy individuals in the same age bracket. -- Neurofilament light chain protein (NfL) levels in the blood of the participants were measured in parallel.	A01 H01 R02 T01	1,469
2512-E038	Genes' Role In Feather Development Uncovered, Linking Birds To Dinosaurs	Genes' Role In Feather Development Uncovered, Linking Birds To Dinosaurs	Université de Genève	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Feathers, essential for thermoregulation, flight, and communication in birds, originate from simple appendages known as proto-feathers, which were present in certain dinosaurs.By studying embryonic development of the chicken, two researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have uncovered a key role of a molecular signalling pathway (the Shh pathway) in their formation. This research, published in the journal PLOS Biology, provides new insights into the morphogenetic mechanisms that led to feather diversification throughout evolution. -- Feathers are among the most complex cutaneous appendages in the animal kingdom. -- While their evolutionary origin has been widely debated, paleontological discoveries and developmental biology studies suggest that feathers evolved from simple structures known as proto-feathers. -- These primitive structures, composed of a single tubular filament, emerged around 200 million years ago in certain dinosaurs. -- Paleontologists continue to discuss the possibility of their even earlier presence in the common ancestor of dinosaurs and pterosaurs (the first flying vertebrates with membranous wings) around 240 million years ago. -- Proto-feathers are simple, cylindrical filaments. They differ from modern feathers by the absence of barbs and barbules, and by the lack of a follicle -- an invagination at their base. -- The emergence of proto-feathers likely marked the first key step in feather evolution, initially providing thermal insulation and ornamentation before being progressively modified under natural selection to give rise to the more complex structures that enabled flight. -- The laboratory of Michel Milinkovitch, professor at the Department of Genetics and Evolution in the Faculty of Science at UNIGE, studies the role of molecular signaling pathways (communication systems that transmit messages within and between cells), such as the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway, in the embryonic development of scales, hair, and feathers in modern vertebrates. -- In a previous study, the Swiss scientists stimulated the Shh pathway by injecting an activating molecule into the blood vessels of chicken embryos and observed the complete and permanent transformation of scales into feathers on the bird's feet. -- Recreating the first dinosaur proto-feathers	C01 N01	1,470
2513-T022	James Webb Telescope Reveals Early Galaxies Stopped Star Formation Sooner Than Expected	Observations from the James Webb Space Telescope are challenging existing theories about early galaxy formation, revealing that some galaxies ceased star formation earlier than previously believed. An international team, led by astronomers from the University of Geneva, has identified a remarkable galaxy that stopped forming stars during a period when rapid growth was expected. These findings, shared in the Astrophysical Journal, reveal complex dynamics in cosmic evolution, highlighting the need for reevaluating theoretical models.	Université de Genève	The Astrophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	For a long time, scientists thought that only actively star-forming galaxies should be observed in the very early Universe. The James Webb space telescope now reveals that galaxies stopped forming stars earlier than expected. A recent discovery by an international team, led by astronomers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), deepens the tension between theoretical models of cosmic evolution and actual observations. Among hundreds of spectra obtained with the Webb program RUBIES, the team has found a record-breaking galaxy that had already stopped forming stars during an epoch where galaxies are normally growing very rapidly. This study is published in the Astrophysical Journal. -- In the early Universe, a typical galaxy accretes gas from the surrounding intergalactic medium and turns that gas into stars. -- This process increases its mass, leading to even more efficient gas accretion and accelerated star formation. -- However, galaxies do not grow indefinitely, due to a process astronomers refer to as ''quenching''. -- In the local Universe, about half of the observed galaxies have stopped forming stars -- they have quenched and ceased growing. -- Astronomers refer to them as quiescent, quenched, or ''red and dead'' galaxies. -- They appear red because they no longer contain young, bright blue stars -- only older, smaller red stars remain. -- A particularly high fraction of quiescent galaxies is found among massive galaxies, which are often observed to have elliptical morphologies. -- It normally takes a long time to form such red and dead galaxies because they must first build up a large number of stars before the star-formation process finally shuts down. -- It is still a major puzzle what actually causes quenching in galaxies.	A01	1,471
2509-024	New Findings Reveal Protein's Role In Resilience Against Chronic Stress And Anxiety	A new study has identified cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) as a critical factor in why some individuals develop anxiety and depression under chronic stress while others remain resilient. Researchers found that the presence of CB1 receptors at the blood-brain barrier alters the brain's response to stress, indicating a potential target for understanding and treating stress-related disorders.	Université Laval	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	When faced with chronic stress, why do some people develop anxiety and depressive symptoms while others show resilience? A protein that acts as a cannabinoid receptor and is present in the structure controlling exchanges between the bloodstream and the brain could be part of the answer, according to a study published today in Nature Neuroscience. -- "The protein, called cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), is part of the blood-brain barrier, the dynamic structure that protects the brain by regulating the passage of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain," explains study leader Caroline Ménard, a professor at Université Laval's Faculty of Medicine and researcher at the CERVO Brain Research Centre. -- In the context of chronic social stress, the integrity of this barrier is altered, inflammatory molecules make their way into the brain, and anxiety and depressive symptoms appear." -- CB1 receptors are abundant in neurons, but they're also found in astrocytes, star-shaped cells allowing communication between the brain's blood vessels and neurons. -- "Astrocytes are an essential component of the barrier, explains Prof. Ménard. We noticed that mice resilient to stress had more CB1 receptors in the barrier than mice with depressive-like behavior or mice not exposed to stress. That gave us the idea to investigate the role of astrocytic CB1 receptors in the response to chronic stress." -- The research team first induced an increase in CB1 receptor abundance in mouse astrocytes by developing a viral vector that contained the genetic material coding for the CB1 receptor as well as a mechanism that limited its expression only to astrocytes. -- When injected, this virus increased the levels of CB1 receptors in the mice's astrocytes but not in their neurons. -- These mice were then subjected to chronic social stress. "Each day, for five minutes, they were brought into direct contact with a dominant male. The rest of the time, a transparent divider was placed in the cage. The mice could see their bully without any physical interaction so it was essentially a psychosocial stress," says Ménard. -- Three weeks after the injections, the level of CB1 receptors had more than doubled in the astrocytes of mice in the experimental group. -- "In these mice, baseline anxiety levels -- those observed in the absence of stress -- were reduced, as were symptoms of anxiety and depression-like behaviors induced by social stress. Overexpression of CB1 receptors leads to resilience by promoting vascular health in the brain," summarizes the researcher.	H02 R01 R02	1,472
2504-E036	Revolutionary Process Turns Polycotton Waste Into Renewable Feedstock For Plastics	Researchers have developed a novel technique to recycle poly-cotton textile waste into renewable feedstock for bioplastics. This method separates cotton from polyester using environmentally friendly processes, turning the cotton into glucose that can be used for various biobased applications, thereby addressing both textile waste and the need for sustainable plastics.	Universiteit van Amsterdam	Nat. Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	In a paper just published in Nature Communications, researchers at the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) present a solution to the challenging problem of recycling polycotton textile waste. The process, developed in cooperation with the company Avantium, starts with fully removing all cotton from the fabric using superconcentrated hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The cotton is converted into glucose, which can be used as a feedstock for biobased products such as renewable plastics. The remaining polyester fibres can be reprocessed using available polyester recycling methods. -- The research was led by Prof. Gert-Jan Gruter, who heads the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group at the UvA's Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) as a parttime professor. Gruter is Chief Technology Officer at Avantium where he leads the development of renewable and circular polymer materials and technologies that are key to transforming our fossil-based economy into a renewable, bio-based economy. "Being able to recover glucose from the cotton in textile waste is a crucial contribution to this, as glucose is a key bio-based feedstock. Currently, it is produced from starch from corn and wheat. If and when we will be producing plastics from biomass on a large scale, the world will need a lot of non-food glucose." -- Equally important, the process now presented in the Nature Communications paper provides a solution to the mammoth problem of recycling textile waste. According to Gruter, it is the first effective method for recycling both cotton and polyester components of polycotton with high efficiency. Gruter's PhD student Nienke Leenders, first author of the paper, performed many tests under the four-year MiWaTex project that has been funded by the Dutch Research Council NWO and is now about halfway. The project entails cooperation with textile sorting and recycling company Wieland, workwear producer Groenendijk Bedrijfskleding, Modint, the trade association for the Dutch clothing and textile industry, and CuRe, developer of advanced technology for chemical recycling of polyester. -- Scalability and cost-effectiveness -- The Nature Communications paper describes how Leenders performed experiments using Avantium's pilot plant for its proprietary Dawn Technology which was originally developed to convert non-food plant-based feedstock (e.g wood) into glucose and lignin. Its key feature is using highly concentrated hydrochloric acid (43% by weight) at room temperature. Leenders tested batches of actual post-consumer polycotton waste textiles in Avantium's Dawn pilot plant. It turned out the cotton cellulose could be fully hydrolyzed into glucose under industrially relevant conditions. The polyester part of the fabric remained intact and could be easily separated. The trials demonstrated high glucose yields, indicating scalability and cost-effectiveness. -- The cotton-derived glucose from the process can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, including polymers, resins and solvents. It can for example be used by Avantium to produce its lead product 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a crucial component in the production of the biobased PEF polyester (polyethylene furanoate) that offers a renewable alternative to PET bottles. -- The process also enables the complete recycling of polyester from polycotton. It can be chemically recycled to form new virgin polyester, as was established by tests performed by CuRe. -- Favorable techno-economic analysis -- According to Gruter, the research lays the foundation for actual industrial-scale recycling of polycotton textiles and the first commercial availability of non-food glucose. "Many parties are trying to get either of these things done but no one has succeeded yet. Our techno-economic analysis looks rather favourable and Avantium has already invested substantially in this development. Our ambition is to advance this technology to the next phase of commercialization, together with partners. So we might very well be the first to market non-food glucose obtained through a bio-refinery approach."	H01 N02	1,473
2507-E026	Hydrogen Economy's Role In Achieving A Sustainable Future	An international study has analyzed the potential of the hydrogen economy in the European decarbonization landscape, concluding that electrification is the most cost-efficient energy source. Researchers emphasize that while hydrogen may play a role, it is likely to contribute only 10% of energy consumption, challenging the prevailing narrative around its centrality in climate solutions.	Universiteit van Amsterdam	Universiteit van Amsterdam	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of researchers led by Prof. Bob van der Zwaan of the University of Amsterdam and TNO Energy and Materials Transition has quantified the role of the 'hydrogen economy' in making our society more sustainable. In a paper in Nature Communications, they present the results of extensive modelling of pathways to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050. They conclude that when it comes to providing a sustainable primary source of energy, electrification will prove to be the most cost-efficient route for most economic sectors with an average total share of around 60% in final energy consumption. In contrast, the projected share of direct hydrogen use will be 10% at the highest. -- In the public and scientific debate, the 'hydrogen economy' is at times presented as the ultimate solution to mitigating climate change. -- According to Prof. Van der Zwaan, this notion is both over-sold and under-appreciated. -- 'Our research shows that it will most likely be renewable-based electrification that offers the most cost-efficient decarbonization route for most sectors of the economy. -- We substantiate and quantify, for the first time, the role of direct hydrogen use as an alternative clean fuel. -- With just 6 to 10%, this projected share is relatively small. -- However, we do see a critical role for hydrogen in specific decarbonization pathways, in particular for heavy industry and transportation." -- Modelling challenges -- The research led by Van der Zwaan is part of a multi-institution collaborative research project led by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. -- Called the European Climate and Energy Modelling Forum (ECEMF), it aims to establish a coherent and unified evidence base for policy development in reducing CO2 emissions.	C01	1,474
2512-T022	Controlled Iron Release Using Green Light: A Breakthrough In Molecular Design	A collaborative team from the Universities of Amsterdam and Zurich has created a novel molecular system that utilizes ferrocene enclosed in a carbon nanohoop to release iron ions under green light activation. The research, featured in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, highlights potential therapeutic applications for photocaged molecules while paving the way for controlled iron release in biological systems.	Universiteit van Amsterdam	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Universities of Amsterdam and Zurich have developed a molecular system for controlled release of iron. They integrated ferrocene, a molecular sandwich that encloses an iron atom, with a carbon ‘nanohoop’. As a result, the system allows for the release of Fe2+ ions upon activation with benign green light. It has recently been presented in a paper in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) and is now featured on the front cover of the latest JACS issue. -- The research was carried out by the groups of Dr Tomáš Šolomek at the University of Amsterdam’s Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences and Dr Peter Štacko at the University of Zurich (Department of Chemistry). Their expertise is in photocages, molecular photochemical tools that offer precise control over substrate activity in time and space using light as a bio-orthogonal stimulus. Photocages permit activation of biologically significant molecules such as proteins, nucleotides, or drugs. Not only are they a great tool to study mechanisms and dynamics of biochemical processes, they also have potential for therapeutic applications such as photoactivated chemotherapy. -- In the research now published in JACS, the researchers shifted their focus from controlling the activity of organic molecules to another crucial component in many biological systems: iron. Renowned for its role in oxygen transport in the human body, it also has a pivotal role in the energy-providing redox processes in mitochondria, in the synthesis of deoxyribonucleotides, or in protecting cells from oxidative stress. -- Strain-induced photorelease -- Nature has developed a protein-based system to tightly regulate iron’s uptake and balance. In their paper, the researchers present a less sophisticated yet fully functional synthetic equivalent that stores iron and releases it ‘on demand’. -- The system is based upon the use of ferrocene as the iron carrier, and enables controlling its function by integrating it into a carbon nanohoop. Ferrocene is an organometallic ‘sandwich complex’ that tightly holds an iron atom between two cyclopentadienyl rings. On itself, it is chemically rock stable and resistant to light. Incorporating it into a molecular nanohoop, however, changes this. When the two cyclopentadienyl rings are connected by means of six coupled benzene rings (a cycloparaphenylene nanohoop), a system emerges that enables control over the iron containment. Although conformationally stable, the integration twists the entire nanohoop structure and exerts a large mechanical stress on the ferrocene. As a result, the system becomes susceptible to irradiation with green light, which results in release of the iron. -- In their paper, the researchers describe how the iron can be released with high efficiency upon irradiation. They expect this strategy of introducing mechanical stress in molecules to offer great promise also beyond the realm of photocages. For instance, it can potentially enable the development of new responsive materials in supramolecular, organometallic, or polymer chemistry. -- Abstract, as published with the paper -- We present the synthesis, structural analysis and remarkable reactivity of the first carbon nanohoop that fully incorporates ferrocene in the macrocyclic backbone. The high strain imposed on the ferrocene by the curved nanohoop structure enables unprecedent photochemical reactivity of this otherwise photochemically inert metallocene complex. Visible light activation triggers a ring-opening of the nanohoop structure fully dissociating the Fe–cyclopentadienyl bonds in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline. This process uncages Fe2+ ions captured in the form of [Fe(phen)3]2+ complex in high chemical yield and can operate efficiently in a water-rich solvent with green light excitation. The measured quantum yields of [Fe(phen)3]2+ formation show that embedding ferrocene into a strained nanohoop boosts its photoreactivity by three orders of magnitude compared to an unstrained ferrocene macrocycle or ferrocene itself. Our data suggest that the dissociation occurs by intercepting the photoexcited triplet state of the nanohoop by the nucleophilic solvent or external ligand. The strategy portrayed in this work proposes that new, tunable reactivity of analogous metallamacrocycles can be achieved with spatial and temporal control, which will aid and abet development of responsive materials for metal ions delivery and supramolecular, organometallic, or polymer chemistry.	A01 H01 H02 R01 C01 T01	1,475
2513-E011	Worms Defy Expectations By Moving Faster In Crowded Environments With Obstacles	Contrary to typical behavior observed in crowded environments, a study reveals that worms tend to move faster in settings with more obstructions. Researchers at the University of Amsterdam examined this surprising phenomenon, suggesting that active organisms exhibit unique movement patterns that challenge conventional wisdom about navigation in complex environments.	Universiteit van Amsterdam	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	In a crowded room, we naturally move slower than in an empty space. Surprisingly, worms can show the exact opposite behaviour: in an environment with randomly scattered obstacles, they tend to move faster when there are more obstructions. Viewing the worms as 'active, polymerlike matter', researchers at the University of Amsterdam have now explained this surprising fact. -- The behaviour of worms in complex environments challenges what we thought we knew about movement in crowded spaces. -- Common sense suggests that the more obstacles there are, the slower things should move -- think of trying to make your way through a packed metro station. -- However, the research of the UvA team shows that active worms defy intuition. -- In environments with disordered obstacles, they spread faster as obstacle density increases, contradicting the usual "the crowdier, the slower" trend. -- The research was published in the Physical Review Letters this week, and was selected by the editors of that journal as an "Editors' Suggestion." -- Active, polymer-like behaviour -- One way in which worms differ from humans is, of course, their shape: a worm's length is much larger than its width (i.e., it is spaghetti-like), and moreover it is wiggly -- or in more scientific terms: it behaves like an active polymer. -- The researchers suspected that this active, polymer-like behaviour is what makes the worms behave in their counterintuitive way. -- Polymerlike worms wriggle their way through mazes	Z01	1,476
2501-T002	New Research Reveals PFAS's Impact On Brain Function Through Genetic Insights	A study from the University at Buffalo has identified 11 genes that could provide insights into the neurotoxic effects of PFAS, compounds that accumulate in various environments including the human brain. These genes, linked to neuronal health, show consistent changes upon PFAS exposure, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for monitoring neurotoxicity. This research highlights the urgent need for understanding the health risks associated with these widely used chemicals.	University at Buffalo	ACS Chemical Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) earn their "forever chemical" moniker by persisting in water, soil and even the human brain. -- This unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain tissue makes PFAS particularly concerning, but the underlying mechanism of their neurotoxicity needs to be studied further. -- To that end, a new study by University at Buffalo researchers has identified 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding the brain's response to these pervasive chemicals commonly found in everyday items. -- These genes, some involved in processes vital for neuronal health, were found to be consistently affected by PFAS exposure, either expressing more or less, regardless of the type of PFAS compounds tested. For example, all compounds caused a gene key for neuronal cell survival to express less, and another gene linked to neuronal cell death to express more. -- "Our findings indicate these genes may be markers to detect and monitor PFAS-induced neurotoxicity in the future," says lead co-corresponding author G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen, PhD, Dr. Marjorie E. Winkler Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry, within the UB College of Arts and Sciences. -- Still, the study, published in the Dec. 18 issue of ACS Chemical Neuroscience, found hundreds more genes whose expression changed in different directions based on the compound tested. Plus, there was no correlation between the level at which PFAS accumulates in a cell and the extent to which it causes differential gene expression. -- Taken together, this suggests that distinct molecular structures within each type of PFAS drives changes in gene expression. -- "PFAS, despite sharing certain chemical characteristics, come in different shapes and sizes, leading to variability in their biological effects. Thus, knowledge on how our own biology reacts to the different types of PFAS is of major biomedical relevance," says the study's other co-corresponding author, Diana Aga, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Henry M. Woodburn Chair in the Department of Chemistry, and director of the UB RENEW Institute. -- "Depending on their chain length or headgroup, PFAS can have very different effects on cells," Atilla-Gokcumen adds. "We should not be viewing them as one large class of compounds, but really as compounds that we need to investigate individually." -- Other authors include Omer Gokcumen, PhD, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. The study was supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).	R02	1,477
2503-T017	Bacteria Found Capable Of Breaking Down Forever Chemicals	In a remarkable breakthrough, a University at Buffalo-led team has discovered a strain of bacteria capable of breaking down multiple types of PFAS, the persistent chemicals known for their environmental impact. Their study, published in Science of the Total Environment, indicates that Labrys portucalensis F11 can metabolize over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in just 100 days, providing a potential solution for remediating harmful pollutants and addressing environmental concerns linked to these "forever chemicals."	University at Buffalo	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	In the quest to take the "forever" out of "forever chemicals," bacteria might be our ally. -- Most remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) involves adsorbing and trapping them, but certain microbes can actually break apart the strong chemical bonds that allow these chemicals to persist for so long in the environment. -- Now, a University at Buffalo-led team has identified a strain of bacteria that can break down and transform at least three types of PFAS, and, perhaps even more crucially, some of the toxic byproducts of the bond-breaking process. -- Published in this month's issue of Science of the Total Environment, the team's study found that Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11) metabolized over 90% of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) following an exposure period of 100 days. -- PFOS is one of the most frequently detected and persistent types of PFAS and was designated hazardous by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last year. -- The F11 bacteria also broke down a substantial portion of two additional types of PFAS after 100 days: 58% of 5:3 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid and 21% of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate. -- "The bond between carbon and fluorine atoms in PFAS is very strong, so most microbes cannot use it as an energy source. The F11 bacterial strain developed the ability to chop away the fluorine and eat the carbon," says the study's corresponding author, Diana Aga, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor and Henry M. Woodburn Chair in the Department of Chemistry, within the UB College of Arts and Sciences, and director of the UB RENEW Institute. -- Unlike many prior studies on PFAS-degrading bacteria, Aga's study accounted for shorter-chain breakdown products -- or metabolites. -- In some cases, F11 even removed fluorine from these metabolites or broke them down to minute, undetectable levels. -- "Many previous studies have only reported the degradation of PFAS, but not the formation of metabolites. We not only accounted for PFAS byproducts but found some of them continued to be further degraded by the bacteria," says the study's first author, Mindula Wijayahena, a PhD student in Aga's lab.	C01	1,478
2507-057	Increased Air Pollution Exposure During Pregnancy Linked To Higher NICU Admission Risks	A study highlights the risks associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy, showing that higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) correlate with increased neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Researchers from the University at Buffalo found that exposure to NO2 and PM2.5 can significantly raise the risk of adverse outcomes for newborns, underscoring the importance of addressing air quality issues to protect vulnerable populations during pregnancy.	University at Buffalo	University at Buffalo	Press Rel	PubMed	Air pollution caused by auto emissions, wildfires and other sources is problematic for many people. It's of particular concern for pregnant people due to the impact pollutants can have on the fetus, especially in the final month before birth. -- A new study from the University at Buffalo offers insight into air pollution's effects during this vulnerable time by measuring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and satellite-based air pollution data. -- The researchers focused on common pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is caused primarily by the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, industrial processes and power plants, and PM2.5, which refers to fine inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller. -- They also studied ozone (O3), which is a secondary pollutant that is formed from oxygen and other gases in the presence of sunlight. -- The findings, published in January in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, show that newborns exposed in the last month of pregnancy to higher levels of NO2 have a 30-35% higher risk of NICU admission and an 11-22% increased risk associated with PM2.5. -- "Our findings highlight the critical impact of air pollution during the final weeks of pregnancy, a time of heightened fetal vulnerability, and emphasize the significance of addressing air pollution exposure, even at lower levels," says the study's first author, Yohane V.A. Phiri, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health in UB's School of Public Health and Health Professions. -- Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to several adverse neonatal outcomes including birth defects, preterm delivery and altered fetal growth, according to Phiri. -- "While our findings are not causal, limiting direct inference, they support local and national initiatives aimed at further reducing air pollution and improving air quality," he said. -- "Such efforts could ultimately benefit pregnant women by minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants and reducing associated neonatal health risks." -- Despite advancements in maternal and child health care, NICU admissions remain high in the U.S., with 8.1% of infants admitted in 2018, the year on which the study is focused.	H01 N02	1,479
2503-052	Non-Industrial Diets May Lower Chronic Disease Risk — Exciting New Recipes Coming Soon	A novel diet inspired by non-industrialized societies has shown promise in significantly reducing chronic disease risks, according to recent research. The study published in Cell highlights the adverse health effects of industrialized diets, emphasizing the benefits of traditional eating habits, and aims to share practical recipes to encourage healthier dietary choices in affluent countries like Ireland.	University College Cork	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have found that a newly developed diet inspired by the eating habits of non-industrialised societies can significantly reduce the risk of a number of chronic diseases -- and are to share recipes with the public. -- Industrialised diets -- high in processed foods and low in fiber -- have contributed to a substantial rise in chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, in affluent countries such as Ireland. -- A paper published today in the scientific journal Cell shows that a newly developed diet that mimics eating habits in non-industrialissed communities led to significant metabolic and immunological improvements in a human intervention study. -- In just three weeks the diet: -- Promoted weight loss -- decreased bad cholesterol by 17% -- reduced blood sugar by 6% -- reduced C-reactive Protein (a marker of inflammation and heart disease) by 14% -- These improvements were linked to beneficial changes in the participants' gut microbiome, the home to trillions of bacteria that play a vital role in our health, influencing digestion, immunity, and metabolism. -- The research was conducted by an international teams of scientists led by Professor Jens Walter, a leading scientist at University College Cork where he holds a Research Ireland Professorship.. The human trial was performed at the University of Alberta in Canada, Prof.	H01 R01	1,480
2510-E004	Plants Endured Catastrophic Climate Changes Over Millions Of Years	Scientists have revealed insights into the plant responses to severe climate change during the End-Permian Event 250 million years ago. Collaborating institutions examined fossilized evidence to understand the lengthy ecosystem recovery process following this mass extinction event, shedding light on how plant life adapted and recovered from one of Earth's most significant warming periods.	University College Cork	Geological Society of America Bulletin	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists from University College Cork (UCC) , the University of Connecticut, and the Natural History Museum of Vienna have uncovered how plants responded to catastrophic climate changes 250 million years ago. Their findings, published in GSA Bulletin, reveal the long, drawn-out process of ecosystem recovery following one of the most extreme periods of warming in Earth's history: the 'End-Permian Event'. -- With more than 80% of ocean species wiped out, the end-Permian event was the worst mass extinction of all time. -- But the impacts of this event for life on land have been elusive. -- By examining fossil plants and rocks from eastern Australia's Sydney Basin, researchers have pieced together a multi-million-year story of resilience, recovery, and the long-term effects of climate change. -- The long, unsteady path to ecosystem recovery -- The fossils from these Australian rocks show that conifers, like modern pines, were some of the earliest to colonize the land immediately after the End-Permian catastrophe. -- But the recovery back to flourishing forests was not smooth sailing. -- The researchers discovered that even higher temperatures during the 'Late Smithian Thermal Maximum' caused the collapse of these conifer survivors. -- In turn, they were replaced by tough, shrubby plants resembling modern clubmosses. -- This scorching period lasted for about 700,000 years and made life challenging for trees and other large plants.	C01 N02	1,481
2501-011	Childhood Maltreatment Increases Long-Term Risk Of Intimate Partner Violence, Study Finds.	A study has found a concerning link between childhood maltreatment and an increased risk of intimate partner violence later in life. By analyzing data from the Twins Early Development Study, researchers discovered that individuals with a history of childhood abuse were more likely to experience such violence, underscoring the long-term effects of early trauma.	University College London	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	For the study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, researchers analysed data from 12,794 participants born in England and Wales from the Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). -- TEDS began in 1994 and has followed twins born in England and Wales throughout their childhood, adolescence and into early adulthood. -- The twins and their families complete questionnaires and take part in interviews about different environmental and individual factors that might have been influencing them throughout their lives. -- By studying the differences between identical and non-identical pairs of twins, researchers use the data to understand how genes and environments affect abilities, behaviours and mental health. -- In the new study, the researchers found that participants who reported childhood maltreatment (such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse, and emotional or physical neglect) were three times more likely to experience intimate partner violence at the age of 21 compared to their peers. -- However, the risk of domestic abuse continued to grow over time. -- And by the time the participants reached the age of 26, they were four times more likely to have encountered intimate partner violence if they had experienced childhood maltreatment earlier in life compared to peers of the same age. -- Lead author Dr Patrizia Pezzoli (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences) said: "Our findings are in line with past research, which generally reports a three to six times higher risk for intimate partner violence victimisation among those with a history of childhood maltreatment. -- "However, our finding that this risk may accumulate over time is novel. We interpreted this escalation in light of previous evidence that individuals exposed to maltreatment often face gradual restrictions in social networks -- for example as a result of having less opportunities to socialise when growing up -- potentially heightening their vulnerability to unsafe relationships over time." -- As part of their study, the researchers also looked at the reasons why people who experience childhood maltreatment often face a greater risk of abuse in their adult relationships.	H01	1,482
2501-058	High Aircraft Noise Linked To Increased Risk Of Heart Issues Near Airports.	A study conducted by researchers at University College London indicates that individuals living near airports and exposed to high levels of aircraft noise are at an increased risk of heart-related issues. The analysis of heart imaging data from over 3,600 participants revealed that higher exposure to noise correlated with stiffer and thicker heart muscles. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study suggests that nighttime aircraft noise may particularly impair heart function, emphasizing the need for addressing environmental health factors.	University College London	Journal of the American College of Cardiology	Press Rel	PubMed	People who live close to airports and are exposed to high aircraft noise levels could be at greater risk of poor heart function, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms and strokes, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers. -- The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), looked at detailed heart imaging data from 3,635 people who lived close to four major airports in England. -- Within this group, the research team compared the hearts of those who lived in areas with higher aircraft noise with those who lived in lower aircraft noise areas. -- They found that those who lived in areas with higher than recommended aircraft noise levels had stiffer and thicker heart muscles* that contracted and expanded less easily and were less efficient at pumping blood around the body. -- This was especially the case for people exposed to higher aircraft noise at night, potentially due to factors such as impaired sleep and the fact that people are more likely to be at home at night and therefore exposed to the noise. -- The researchers found in separate analyses of people not exposed to aircraft noise, that these types of heart abnormalities could result in two- to four-fold increased risks of a major cardiac event such as a heart attack, life-threatening heart rhythms, or stroke when compared to the risk of persons without any of these heart abnormalities. -- Senior author Dr Gaby Captur (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and consultant cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital, London) said: "Our study is observational so we cannot say with certainty that high levels of aircraft noise caused these differences in heart structure and function. -- "However, our findings add to a growing body of evidence that aircraft noise can adversely affect heart health and our health more generally. -- "Concerted efforts from government and industry are needed to reduce our exposure to aircraft noise and mitigate its impact on the health of millions of people who live close to airports or under flight paths." -- Professor Anna Hansell from the University of Leicester added: "We are concerned that the type of abnormalities we saw with night-time aircraft noise might result in increased risk of heart problems and stroke. Aircraft noise at night has been shown to affect sleep quality and this may be an important factor affecting health.	A01 H02 R01	1,483
2501-076	'Sandwich Carers' Experience Decline In Mental And Physical Health Over Time.	A study from UCL indicates that 'sandwich carers,' who care for both children and elderly relatives, experience a decline in mental and physical health over time. Analyzing data from 4,000 individuals, the research highlights the growing pressure on this demographic due to longer life expectancies and changing family structures in the UK. It aims to deepen the understanding of how these dual responsibilities impact caregivers' well-being.	University College London	Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	People who care for both their children and older family members -- also known as 'sandwich carers' -- suffer from deterioration in both their mental and physical health over time, finds a new study by UCL researchers. -- The research, published in Public Health, analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers and 2,000 non-sandwich carers from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020. -- Sandwich carers juggle the responsibilities of caring for ageing parents or older relatives while raising dependent children (aged under 16). The number of people in this situation is growing due to longer life expectancy and women having children later in life. -- In the UK it is estimated that 1.3 million people are sandwich carers. -- To reflect this increasing issue, the researchers wanted to address the gap in understanding how becoming a sandwich carer affects mental and physical health over time. -- They tracked the health of both groups over nine years using questionnaires, focusing on the period before, during and after becoming a sandwich carer. -- They then used statistical models to predict health changes and compared the two groups. -- The average age of the sandwich carers studied was 36.8 years old. -- This is because people aged 30-49 are the most likely to be sandwich carers. -- The researchers looked at how health changed during the transition into sandwich care and tested if these changes were different between the two groups.	A01 H01	1,484
2502-015	Gender Bias In Heart Disease Diagnosis: Why More Men Are Identified Than Women	A study from University College London suggests that women may be misdiagnosed for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy due to guidelines that fail to consider sex and body size differences. By implementing a more personalized diagnostic approach, researchers found a significant increase in accurate diagnoses, particularly among women.	University College London	Journal of the American College of Cardiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Women may be missing a diagnosis of a potentially deadly heart condition due to guidelines that don't account for natural differences in sex and body size, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers. -- The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology andfunded by the British Heart Foundation, details how current guidelines might be changed after showing a new personalised approach improves diagnosis accuracy. -- When they tested their updated approach in 1,600 patients with clinically diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the researchers found that it was particularly beneficial for women, increasing identification by 20 percentage points. -- The new method takes people's age, sex and size into account to determine whether their heart muscle is dangerously large. As well as preventing people being missed, it could also reduce the number of people mis-diagnosed with HCM. -- Around one in 500 people in the UK have HCM, a genetic condition where the muscular wall of the heart becomes thickened, making it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body. It can cause life-threatening problems like abnormal heart rhythms, which can lead to cardiac arrest and sudden death. -- Typically, two-thirds of people currently diagnosed with HCM are men, but researchers say women are just as likely to have the condition. There is no single gold standard test used to diagnose HCM. Doctors review a variety of tests and scan results. The most important of these involves measuring the thickness of the wall of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber. -- For 50 years the threshold for diagnosing HCM this way has been 15 millimetres for everyone -- if the muscle is thicker than this, a patient is considered likely to have HCM. -- Dr Hunain Shiwani (UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and St Bartholomew's Hospital), who led the research, said: "It is clear that this threshold, which is based on the results of studies from the 1970s, needs to be reconsidered. Having the same cut off for everyone regardless of age, sex or size completely ignores the fact that heart wall thickness is strongly influenced by these factors. -- "Our research provides a long-overdue update, showing that a personalised approach improves the accuracy of diagnosis. Effective treatments for HCM are starting to be used for the first time, making it more important than ever that we can correctly identify those who need them." -- The team used an AI tool they developed to analyse MRI heart scans with greater precision and in much less time than a human can. The tool was given 5,000 MRI scans of healthy hearts and measured the thickness of the left ventricle wall in each. From these data, the researchers were able to determine what normal ventricle wall thickness is for people of different ages, sexes, and sizes -- measured by body surface area.	H01 R01 T01	1,485
2502-E013	How Chimpanzees Adapt Genetically To Fight Malaria And Survive In Their Habitats	A study led by researchers at UCL has found that chimpanzees possess genetic adaptations that help them thrive in diverse habitats, offering insights into malaria resistance. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity among chimpanzees, our closest relatives, and shed light on their evolutionary history. The study underscores the need for conservation efforts, as climate and land use changes threaten different chimpanzee populations across their varied landscapes.	University College London	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Chimpanzees bear genetic adaptations that help them thrive in their different forest and savannah habitats, some of which may protect against malaria, according to a study by an international team led by UCL researchers. -- Chimpanzees are our closest living relatives, sharing over 98% of their DNA with humans, and the scientists say that their findings, published in Science, can not only teach us about our own evolutionary history, but also about the biology of malaria infection in humans. -- Chimpanzees are endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching and infectious disease. -- The results of this study could also inform conservation as they suggest that climate and land use changes will likely have different impacts on different chimpanzee groups. -- Lead author Professor Aida Andrés (UCL Genetics Institute) said: "There are just a few hundred thousand chimpanzees alive, but they are found across very different landscapes from east Africa to the far west of the continent, including dense tropical rainforests and open areas of woodland and savannah. This makes them quite unique, because except for humans, all other apes live exclusively in forests. -- "Here we have shown that besides acquiring behavioural adaptations, different chimpanzee populations have evolved genetic differences to survive in their different local habitats. -- "As chimpanzees are facing threats across their range, including environmental changes to the climate and displacement due to human pressures, it is important that their genetic diversity is conserved to maintain their resilience and ensure the long-term survival of this intelligent and fascinating species." -- To study genetic adaptation, the international team of researchers, from institutions across Africa, Europe and North America, needed to obtain DNA from the endangered and highly elusive wild chimpanzees without disturbing them. -- To do so, they used faecal samples that were collected as part of the Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee (PanAf). State-of-the-art laboratory and computational methods enabled the scientists to study the chimpanzee DNA in these samples and perform the largest study of local adaptation in wild endangered mammals to date. -- The researchers analysed the exomes (the protein-coding part of the genome) from 828 wild chimpanzees, 388 of which were included in the final analysis, representing 30 different populations of chimpanzees across the geographic and ecological range of the four chimpanzee subspecies.	C01 N01 N02	1,486
2502-T003	Oil Extraction Linked To Small Earthquakes: A Surrey Case Study	A study suggests that over 100 small earthquakes in Surrey, UK, may have been triggered by oil extraction activities nearby. Researchers at UCL linked the seismic events, which caused minor damage in local homes, to operations at the Horse Hill well. Utilizing extensive simulations, the study found correlations between the volume of oil extraction and the frequency of earthquakes, contributing to ongoing discussions about the environmental impacts of fossil fuel extraction.	University College London	Geological Magazine	Press Rel	PubMed	A series of more than 100 small earthquakes in Surrey in 2018 and 2019 might have been triggered by oil extraction from a nearby well, suggests a new study by UCL researchers. -- The earthquakes, which occurred in Newdigate and surrounding areas from April 2018 until early 2019, were recorded as being between 1.34 and 3.18 magnitude, and were linked to cracks in walls and ceilings and other damage to people's homes, with reports of houses and beds shaking. -- Geologists have been divided over whether these earthquakes could have been triggered by extraction at the Horse Hill well in Horley about 5km to 10km away. -- Previously, some researchers had argued that the pattern of earthquakes did not correspond to the oil extraction, with periods of increased extraction not followed directly by an increase in seismic activity. -- The new study, published in Geological Magazine, ran more than a million simulations estimating the frequency of earthquakes based on the timing and volume of oil extraction and found the model predictions roughly matched what occurred, suggesting a link between the extraction of the oil and the earthquakes. -- Lead author Dr Matthew Fox (UCL Earth Sciences) said: "Our study suggests there is a link between the earthquakes and oil extraction at Horse Hill but we cannot rule out that this link is a coincidence. More work needs to be done to understand if this is cause and effect. However, our findings indicate it is plausible that oil extraction triggered the earthquakes." -- Oil extraction at Horse Hill was stopped in October after planning permission was quashed in a landmark legal case. Supreme Court judges ruled that the full climate impact of the project should have been considered before Surrey County Council approved it. -- However, another project has received council approval to conduct exploratory oil drilling in Balcombe, West Sussex. This is subject to a legal challenge by a residents' group, with the case expected to be heard by the Court of Appeal this month [January 2025].* -- Extracting oil changes the fluid pressure in the rock the oil is extracted from. This change in pressure can potentially diffuse through tens of kilometres underground to intersect a fault (a shear fracture between two rock blocks). The speed that this change in pressure moves depends on the rock's permeability (how quickly fluids can pass through it). As faults are often under considerable strain, even a small change in stress can cause the rapid movement of rock that leads to an earthquake. -- For the new study, the researchers used a mathematical model to predict the number of earthquakes that might occur based on how much oil had been extracted, accounting for the two different rock types that oil was extracted from.	H02 C01	1,487
2503-011	Detecting Brain Changes: Huntington's Disease Shows Signs Two Decades Before Diagnosis	A new study reveals that subtle brain changes indicating Huntington's disease can occur up to twenty years before clinical diagnosis. This research offers hope for early intervention strategies that could potentially preserve brain function in those at risk, paving the way for future preventative trials.	University College London	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Subtle changes in the brain, detectable through advanced imaging, blood and spinal fluid analysis, happen approximately twenty years before a clinical motor diagnosis in people with Huntington's disease, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. -- The research, published in Nature Medicine, was in collaboration with experts at the Universities of Glasgow, Gothenburg, Iowa, and Cambridge. -- The team found that although functions such as movement, thinking or behaviour remained normal for a long time before the onset of symptoms in Huntington's disease, subtle changes to the brain were taking place up to two decades earlier. -- These findings pave the way for future preventative clinical trials, offer hope for earlier interventions that could preserve brain function and improve outcomes for individuals at risk of Huntington's disease. -- Huntington's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition affecting movement, thinking and behaviour. It is a genetic disease and people with an affected parent have a 50% chance of inheriting the Huntington's disease mutation, meaning they will develop disease symptoms -- typically in mid-adulthood. -- The disease is caused by repetitive expansions of three DNA blocks (C, A and G) in the huntingtin gene. This sequence tends to continually expand in certain cells over a person's life, in a process known as somatic CAG expansion. This ongoing expansion accelerates neurodegeneration, making brain cells more vulnerable over time. -- For the new study, the researchers studied 57 people with the Huntington's disease gene expansion, who were calculated as being on average 23.2 years from a predicted clinical motor diagnosis. -- They were examined at two time points over approximately five years to see how their bodies and brains changed over time. Their results were compared to 46 control participants, matched closely for age, sex and educational level. -- As part of the study, all participants volunteered to undergo comprehensive assessments of their thinking, movement and behaviour, alongside brain scans and blood and spinal fluid sampling. -- Importantly, the group with Huntington's disease gene expansion showed no decline in any clinical function (thinking, movement or behaviour) during the study period, compared to the closely matched control group.	A01 R02 T01	1,488
2503-053	New Study Reveals ADHD Patients May Have Shorter Life Expectancies Than Expected	A groundbreaking study led by UCL researchers indicates that adults diagnosed with ADHD may have shortened life expectancies. By analyzing data from over 30,000 adults, the study found that men with ADHD could live 4.5 to 9 years less and women 6.5 to 11 years less than their counterparts, raising critical concerns about the long-term impacts of ADHD on health outcomes.	University College London	The British Journal of Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Adults who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be living shorter lives than they should, finds a world-first study led by UCL researchers. -- The research, published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, analysed anonymised primary care data from 30,029 adults across the UK with diagnosed ADHD. -- They then compared this group with 300,390 participants without ADHD, who were matched by age, sex, and primary care practice. -- The researchers found an apparent reduction in life expectancy for men with diagnosed ADHD of between 4.5 and 9 years, and between 6.5 and 11 years for women. -- Senior author, Professor Josh Stott (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences), said: "It is deeply concerning that some adults with diagnosed ADHD are living shorter lives than they should. -- "People with ADHD have many strengths and can thrive with the right support and treatment. However, they often lack support and are more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, negatively impacting their health and self-esteem." -- The study also found that fewer than one in nine adults with ADHD had been diagnosed -- meaning that only a fraction of the total population of adults with ADHD could be studied. -- Professor Stott added: "We know from studies of traits in the community and from studies of childhood diagnosis that the rate of ADHD in our sample is just a fraction of what it should be." -- People with ADHD experience differences in the way they focus their attention. They often have high energy and an ability to focus intensely on what interests them. However, they may find it difficult to focus on mundane tasks. -- This can lead to more impulsiveness, restlessness, and differences in planning and time management, which may make it harder to succeed at school and work, leading to longer-term challenges. ADHD is present from childhood and is increasingly recognised to persist in adults.	H01	1,489
2503-058	Rising Mental Health Admissions Among Children And Young People Over The Last Decade	A study led by UCL researchers found a staggering 65% increase in mental health-related admissions for children and young adults in England from 2012 to 2022. Analyzing ten years' worth of data, the researchers highlight the urgent need for improved mental health services in light of the rising trend in hospital admissions due to mental health concerns.	University College London	The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health	Press Rel	PubMed	There was a 65% increase in the number of children and young people being admitted to general acute medical wards in hospitals in England because of a mental health concern between 2012 and 2022, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. -- The study, published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR GOSH BRC), analysed data on all admissions of five- to 18-year-olds to medical wards in England from April 1st 2012 to March 31st 2022. -- General acute medical wards are specialised hospital wards designed to provide rapid assessment, treatment, and care for patients. These units serve as a bridge between the emergency department, general practitioners, and other hospital wards and are separate to specialised mental health wards such as eating disorder units. -- Children and young people are most commonly admitted to general wards from Accident and Emergency because they are too unwell, or it is not safe, for them to go home. -- The researchers found that over the course of 10 years, mental health admissions increased from 24,198 to 39,925 (a 65% increase). This was in comparison to just a 10.1% increase in all cause admissions -- which rose from 311,067 to 342,511. -- Increases in admissions were greatest among girls aged 11-15, rising from 9,091 to 19,349 (112.8% increase), and for eating disorders, rising from 478 to 2,938 (514.6% increase). -- This study is the first to analyse national trends in mental health admissions of children and young people to acute medical wards. As the study looked at admissions of up to 18 years of age, the acute medical wards included both children's wards and adult wards. -- Senior author, Dr Lee Hudson (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital) said: "Over the past decade, we've observed a significant rise in mental health admissions among children and young people to acute medical wards. Although there has been attention paid to increased referrals to community mental health services and inpatient mental health settings, admissions to general acute medical settings feels like a piece of the jigsaw missing in the story. -- "Acute medical wards are important places for caring for young people with mental health concerns -- especially those with co-existing physical health problems like starvation from an eating disorder. -- "However, the increased intensity we describe is presenting real challenges for acute wards, both for patients and their families and the staff supporting them. They may not be set up with an appropriate ward environment for this care, and sometimes staff working there need more training and support with relevant skills. This calls for better co-working between physical and mental health professionals across hospital and community teams, including, for example, adequate provision of psychiatrists and mental health trained nurses to support physical medical care on the actual ward."	H01	1,490
2503-E033	Uncovering The Origins Of Dinosaurs: New Findings From South America And Africa	A new study suggests that the earliest dinosaur remains may be found in equatorial regions of South America and Africa. By analyzing gaps in the fossil record, researchers propose that dinosaurs evolved much earlier than previously thought, indicating the potential for undiscovered fossils in these tropical areas.	University College London	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	The remains of the earliest dinosaurs may lie undiscovered in the Amazon and other equatorial regions of South America and Africa, suggests a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers. -- Currently, the oldest known dinosaur fossils date back about 230 million years and were unearthed further south in places including Brazil, Argentina and Zimbabwe. -- But the differences between these fossils suggest dinosaurs had already been evolving for some time, pointing to an origin millions of years earlier. -- The new study, published in the journal Current Biology, accounted for gaps in the fossil record and concluded that the earliest dinosaurs likely emerged in a hot equatorial region in what was then the supercontinent Gondwana -- an area of land that encompasses the Amazon, Congo basin, and Sahara Desert today. -- Lead author and PhD student Joel Heath (UCL Earth Sciences and the Natural History Museum, London) said: "Dinosaurs are well studied but we still don't really know where they came from. The fossil record has such large gaps that it can't be taken at face value. -- "Our modelling suggests that the earliest dinosaurs might have originated in western, low-latitude Gondwana. This is a hotter and drier environment than previously thought, made up of desert- and savannah-like areas. -- "So far, no dinosaur fossils have been found in the regions of Africa and South America that once formed this part of Gondwana. However, this might be because researchers haven't stumbled across the right rocks yet, due to a mix of inaccessibility and a relative lack of research efforts in these areas." -- The modelling study drew on fossils and evolutionary trees of dinosaurs and their close reptile relatives, as well as the geography of the period. -- It accounted for gaps in the fossil record by treating areas of the globe where no fossils had been found as missing information rather than areas where no fossils exist. -- Initially, early dinosaurs were vastly outnumbered by their reptile cousins.	C01 N02	1,491
2503-E044	Wild Baboons Show No Signs Of Visual Self-Recognition In Reflection Test	A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B revealed that wild baboons do not exhibit visual self-recognition, as they failed to react to laser marks on their faces seen in mirrors. Researchers observed Chacma baboons in Namibia, finding that while they acknowledged marks on their limbs, they did not recognize their reflection. This study provides new insights into self-awareness in non-hominid primates, reinforcing previous findings that suggest many primates lack the ability to recognize themselves visually.	University College London	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Published today in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the study found that while the baboons noticed and responded to a laser mark shone on their arms, legs and hands, they did not react when they saw, via their mirror reflection, the laser on their faces and ears. -- It was the first time a controlled laser mark test has been done on these animals in a wild setting and strengthens the evidence from other studies that monkeys don't recognise their own reflection. -- The researchers observed 120 Chacma baboons in Tsaobis Nature Park, Namibia, between May and October 2021 to better understand self-awareness among wild non-hominid primates, who have previously been tested almost exclusively in captivity. -- Study author Dr Alecia Carter (UCL Anthropology) said: "We define self-awareness as 'the capacity to become the object of your own attention' and we test this capacity by assessing an individual's ability to identify an image of themselves. -- "The Chacma baboons we observed in Tsaobis Nature Park certainly enjoyed using the mirrors as a new toy, but throughout our study they didn't quite understand that the mirror's reflection represented their own bodies and that the laser mark in the mirror image was, indeed, on themselves. -- Dr Carter continued: "Anthropologists have been trying to measure self-awareness in animals for 50 years, but studies have lacked control conditions and focused on small numbers of animals raised in captivity. Our study is the first controlled laser mark test to be conducted in a wild setting and we hope it will act as a framework for future visual self-recognition studies." -- In Namibia, the researchers began by allowing the baboons a period of mirror exposure to learn about the reflective surface. Reflective surfaces are uncommon in the baboons' arid natural habitat, in contrast to primates raised in captivity who may have had more exposure to their own reflection. -- As shown in the footage, a red or green laser pointer was first shone on a visible part of the baboon's body, such as their hand or foot, to determine whether the baboon would investigate a mark visible on their own bodies. The baboons found the mark visually compelling, showing their curiosity by touching and scratching the mark. -- The laser was then shone on a part of their body the baboon could not see unaided, such as their ear or cheek. While sat in front of a mirror, the baboons did not react or respond to the laser mark in the same way, suggesting they did not identify the baboon in the mirror as themselves. -- Overall, interest in the lasers decreased with the age of the baboons and was greater among males than females. They also found that the baboons responded more to the green, rather than the red laser mark. The researchers compared a total of 361 laser experiments across 120 baboons.	N01	1,492
2504-063	Ventilation In Hospitals May Unintentionally Spread Viruses Further, According To Recent Study	A recent study from UCL and UCLH highlights that while increased ventilation and air cleaners in hospitals aim to reduce viral infection spread, they may inadvertently cause greater dispersion of viral particles. The research, published in Aerosol Science & Technology, simulated various scenarios in a clinic, revealing that, under certain conditions, the use of portable air cleaners could increase particle transmission by 29%, indicating a complex relationship between air quality measures and airborne viral transmission.	University College London	Aerosol Science and Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Increased use of ventilation and air cleaners, designed to mitigate the spread of viral infections in hospitals, is likely to have unpredictable effects and may cause viral particles to move around more, according to a new study from researchers at UCL and UCLH. -- In the study, published in Aerosol Science & Technology, researchers investigated the effect of using built-in mechanical ventilation and portable air cleaners (PACs)1 upon the spread of airborne particles, which are similar to those breathed out by a person with a viral respiratory infection such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza. -- The team tracked the movement of airborne particles around a typical hospital outpatients' clinic at UCLH in central London using an aerosol generator and particle counters2. A variety of scenarios were simulated, including particle movement to a neighbouring room, throughout the whole clinic, and from one room to another room at the far side of the clinic. -- They also tested whether factors such as closing doors, or the position of ventilation and PACs within a room, had an effect on the spread of particles. -- The researchers found that while use of built-in ventilation and PACs can reduce particle spread in some scenarios, in some experiments the use of PACs increased aerosol spread by up to 29% between neighbouring rooms. Built-in ventilation potentially increased aerosol migration across the clinic by up to 5.5 times more than if no ventilation was used. -- Professor Laurence Lovat, senior author of the study from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and UCLH, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted the risk of picking up airborne viral infections in hospitals, which naturally led to efforts to reduce this risk. In many hospitals, the use of ventilation systems and portable air cleaners has increased. -- "While the urgency of the situation demanded a rapid response, since then we've been studying precisely how viral particles move around in real spaces and have been surprised by what we've found. -- "Putting air cleaners in rooms led to unexpected increases in the circulation of aerosols in some cases, but it took months to understand what we were seeing. Each scenario produced different, unexpected results, depending on the spaces and airflow sources involved. -- "Even at UCLH, a modern hospital built less than 20 years ago, airflow patterns were not predictable. In older hospitals, which often have natural draughts, the situation would likely be even more complex." -- The study concluded that using airflow devices in hospitals to try to limit the movement of airborne pathogens requires careful consideration of airflow dynamics and device placement to reduce the risk of exacerbating the problem.	A01 R01 T01	1,493
2506-T005	Dimensional Distortions: How Variable Stars Affect Our Planetary Observations	A new study suggests that the variability of 'temperamental' stars might skew our understanding of exoplanets, as fluctuations in starlight can distort key data. Researchers found that starlight variability affected the atmospheric data of nearly half the 20 planets analyzed, potentially leading to misinterpretations regarding their sizes and compositions. Published in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, this research emphasizes the need for careful analysis of stellar behavior when studying distant worlds.	University College London	The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series	Press Rel	PubMed	Most of the information we have about planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) comes from looking at dips in starlight as these planets pass in front of their host star. -- This technique can give clues about the planet's size (by looking at how much starlight is blocked) and what its atmosphere is made of (by looking at how the planet changes the pattern of starlight that passes through it). -- But a new study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series, concluded that fluctuations in the starlight due to hotter and colder regions on a star's surface may be distorting our interpretations of planets more than we previously thought. -- The researchers looked at the atmospheres of 20 Jupiter- and Neptune-sized planets and found that the host stars' changeability distorted the data for about half of them. -- If researchers did not properly account for these variations, the team said, they could misinterpret a range of features such as the planets' size, temperature and the composition of their atmospheres. -- The team added that the risk of misinterpretation was manageable if researchers looked at a range of wavelengths of light, including in the optical region where effects of stellar contamination are most apparent. -- Lead author Dr Arianna Saba (UCL Physics & Astronomy), who did the work as part of her PhD at UCL, said: "These results were a surprise -- we found more stellar contamination of our data than we were expecting. This is important for us to know. By refining our understanding of how stars' variability might affect our interpretations of exoplanets, we can improve our models and make smarter use of the much bigger datasets to come from missions including James Webb, Ariel and Twinkle." -- Second author Alexandra (Alex) Thompson, a current PhD student at UCL Physics & Astronomy whose research focuses on exoplanet host stars, said: "We learn about exoplanets from the light of their host stars and it is sometimes hard to disentangle what is a signal from the star and what is coming from the planet. -- "Some stars might be described as 'patchy' -- they have a greater proportion of colder regions, which are darker, and hotter regions, which are brighter, on their surface. This is due to stronger magnetic activity. -- "Hotter, brighter regions (faculae) emit more light and so, for instance, if a planet passes in front of the hottest part of the star, this might lead researchers to over-estimate how large the planet is, as it will seem to block out more of the star's light, or they might infer the planet is hotter than it is or has a denser atmosphere. The reverse is true if the planet passes in front of a cold starspot, making the planet appear 'smaller'.	A01 C01	1,494
2507-035	Mothers Continue Leading Conversations On Parental Duties Despite Equal Earnings	A study by UCL researcher Dr. Clare Stovell reveals that discussions about parental responsibilities predominantly involve mothers, even among dual-income couples. This lack of communication reinforces traditional gender roles, as women often bear the burden of childcare decisions despite earning comparable incomes to their partners.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	Conversations about parental duties continue to be led by mothers, even if both parents earn the same amount of money, finds a new study by a UCL researcher. -- A new study by Dr Clare Stovell (IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education & Society), published in the Journal of Family Studies, highlights how a lack of discussion between parents about important choices such as parental leave, work and childcare is perpetuating traditional gender roles. -- The study found that women usually lead the conversations and there is little discussion about the man's work schedule, even in cases where the woman earns as much or more than her partner. -- Dr Stovell said: "These interviews indicate there are engrained and unquestioned expectations for fathers to work full-time, while mothers take on the primary carer role through long maternity leaves, followed by a reduction in working hours, even where women are equal or higher earners." -- Dr Stovell interviewed 25 professional couples in the UK in 2017-2018 and found that they rarely discussed or negotiated important decisions about work and family after becoming parents. -- Instead, women usually led the conversations, focusing on non-parental childcare options and how they may be able to adapt their own work patterns. -- The research found that there were four key reasons for this: -- Traditional ideas about gender roles (i.e. the expectation that the mother does the bulk of the childcare provided a default for parents to follow.) -- Not realising the risk of falling into traditional gender roles (i.e. not being aware of the need for active discussions to achieve equitable outcomes when becoming parents. Couples regretted not having discussed more, only realising later that it was necessary.) -- No strong reason to discuss the man's work schedule (i.e. decisions tended to be initiated by external factors, like nursery waiting lists and employer deadlines,which were not focused on fathers.)	H01	1,495
2507-044	Immune Cell Count Linked To Cancer Survival Rates In Groundbreaking Study	A pioneering study from UCL and the Francis Crick Institute reveals that cancer patients with a higher count of immune cells in their blood have better survival rates. Utilizing a new technique called ImmuneLENS, which analyzes blood samples via whole genome sequencing, researchers discovered that a higher proportion of vital immune cells, particularly T cells, can lead to significantly improved outcomes for patients, showcasing the importance of immune health in cancer survival.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	The immune systems of cancer patients are highly disrupted, with those who have a higher number of immune cells in their blood having a better survival rate, finds a new study that uses a pioneering technique developed by researchers at UCL and the Francis Crick Institute. -- The tool, described in Nature Genetics, is called Immune Lymphocyte Estimation from Nucleotide Sequencing (ImmuneLENS). It enables researchers to calculate the proportion of T cells and B cells (types of immune cell) from whole genome sequencing (WGS) data for the first time. -- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) uses a blood sample to create a complete record of an individual's DNA, the genetic instructions that determine who they are. By understanding these instructions, scientists can find out important information such as how many immune cells a person has, if there are any changes in their genes, and how their body is combating disease. This can be helpful for studying genetic illnesses such as cancer. -- The team used ImmuneLENS to analyse over 90,000 WGS samples from the 100,000 Genomes Project, a study led by Genomics England and NHS England, which included the genomes of healthy individuals and cancer patients. -- They found that cancer patients had a lower proportion of T cells circulating in the blood compared to healthy individuals. Further, T cell proportion was found to be a strong predictor of cancer outcomes, with higher proportions associated with 47% fewer deaths over a five-year period after surgery. This effect was still significant when accounting for age, cancer stage and across all cancer types1. -- The team say that these biological markers could be easily added to current genetic diagnostic tests, which would provide clinicians with more information on which to base treatment plans. -- Professor Nicholas McGranahan, senior author of the study from UCL Cancer Institute, said: "Most immune system analysis until now has focused on the tumour itself, so the results we're seeing using this new technique -- which examines the number of immune cells in a person's blood -- are of considerable interest. What's going on with immune cells in the blood seems to have a huge impact on cancer survival and may be able to predict how long a cancer patient will survive better than the number of T cells in the tumour alone. -- "There have been hints in previous research that this might be important, but being able to analyse immune system information at this scale is game changing. The ability to compare immune cell changes in the blood and to what's happening in the tumour environment opens up new avenues for cancer research, as well as healthcare research more widely. -- "In terms of patient diagnosis and treatment, knowing whether a patient has relatively high or low numbers of immune cells in the blood, and how this corresponds to their prognosis, could help clinicians to decide on the best course of treatment for the individual." -- Cancer is a disease primarily caused by genetic mutations in the body's cells, with certain mutations associated with particular types of cancer. While immune cells can recognise and eliminate dangerous mutations, cancer often evades this response and disrupts the immune system.	A01 H01 R01	1,496
2507-067	Inconsistent Methane Emission Reporting Underestimates Global Greenhouse Gas Footprints	A recent study by UCL and Imperial College London reveals that companies worldwide may be significantly underreporting their methane emissions due to inconsistent accounting standards. The analysis suggests that methane emissions could be underestimated by up to 3.3 billion tons over a decade, emphasizing the urgent need for standardized reporting to accurately address climate change and mitigate financial implications.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	Companies around the world are underestimating their total greenhouse gas footprints because of inconsistent accounting standards for methane emissions, finds a new study by researchers from UCL and Imperial College London. -- The new study, published in Nature Communications, found that methane emissions are being underreported by at least the equivalent of between 170 million and 3.3 billion tons of carbon over a decade, depending on the metric used in calculating the shortfall. -- This means that each year, on average, companies around the world have potentially underestimated their carbon footprint by as much in total as the annual carbon emissions of the UK in 2022. -- This represents a significant methane emissions gap that could cost between $1.6 billion (£1.3 billion) and $40 billion (£32 billion) to fix. -- Lead Author Dr Simone Cenci (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources) said: "The cumulative emission gap we have documented in this work shows how important it is to standardise the reporting of methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and the first step towards properly addressing its effect on climate is to make sure that it's accounted for properly. Adopting a global standard is in principle easy for companies as it essentially only requires the adjustment of a few conversion factors when calculating their greenhouse gas footprint. However, it requires global coordination as companies are currently often subject to fragmented regulations." -- Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming at levels comparable to carbon dioxide. -- Though methane is emitted in much smaller quantities than carbon dioxide, it's more efficient at trapping heat in the atmosphere. -- However, methane is also short-lived in the atmosphere, with a half-life of only about 10 years versus 120 years for carbon dioxide. -- How much total heat a greenhouse gas traps is called its Global Warming Potential (GWP) and measured in CO2 equivalent units, or the amount of carbon dioxide gas that would cause the same amount of warming. -- Because of methane's short lifespan, the conversion to CO2 is not straightforward and debate persists about how best to represent it in terms of carbon dioxide.	C01	1,497
2507-099	Workplace Success: Balancing Innovation With Less Desirable Team Traits	A new psychological therapy developed by UCL researchers shows promise in reducing violence and aggression among male offenders with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). The modified mentalisation-based treatment (MBT-ASPD) enhances emotional understanding, potentially improving interpersonal interactions and decision-making. This innovative approach addresses the challenges posed by ASPD, aiming for better rehabilitation outcomes.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	A new psychological therapy designed by a team of UCL-led researchers has been found to reduce rates of violence and aggression among male offenders with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). -- The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), investigated whether aggression and antisocial behaviours could be improved by a modified form of mentalisation-based treatment (MBT). -- Mentalisation-based treatment is a type of therapy that helps people to understand their own thoughts and feelings, as well as those of others. -- The new treatment, known as MBT-ASPD, aims to enhance the ability of male offenders with ASPD to recognise and reflect on both their own and others' thoughts and feelings, helping to improve interpersonal interactions and decision-making. -- Antisocial Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by a persistent pattern of disregarding or violating the rights of others. -- Symptoms include deceitfulness, impulsivity, aggression, recklessness and a lack of remorse. -- It frequently involves criminality. -- For the largest study of its kind, 157 male offenders on probation with ASPD in England and Wales received a 12-month course of MBT-ASPD alongside standard probation services. -- A control group of 156 participants received probation services without MBT-ASPD. -- The treatment involved weekly 75-minute group therapy sessions led by two trained MBT clinicians, often supported by an expert by experience.	H01	1,498
2507-E037	Breakthrough Wireless Charging Technology Enhances Power Delivery Efficiency	A groundbreaking study reveals that ancient Egyptian mummified bodies emit distinct scents described as woody, spicy, and sweet, providing new insights into mummification practices. Researchers employed innovative techniques to analyze these smells, enhancing our understanding of embalming materials and their evolution over time. This research not only enriches our knowledge of ancient practices but also aids in the conservation of historical artifacts.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	Ancient Egyptian mummified bodies smell 'woody,' 'spicy' and 'sweet', finds a new study led by researchers from UCL and the University of Ljubljana, revealing new details about mumification practices. -- The research, published in Journal of the American Chemical Society, is the first time that the smells of mummified bodies have been systematically studied combining a mix of instrumental and sensory techniques, including an electronic 'nose' and trained, human 'sniffers.' Nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies were studied. -- This new data offers clues about the materials used in mummification and how practices and ingredients evolved, as well as reveal details about how museums have subsequently conserved the remains. -- It's hoped that using this kind of chemical analysis can help keep conservators safe, protect ancient artifacts and preserve their olfactory heritage. -- Lead author, Professor Matija Strli? (UCL Bartlett School Environment, Energy & Resources and the University of Ljubljana) said: "The smell of mummified bodies has for years attracted significant interest from experts and the general public, but no combined chemical and perceptual scientific study has been conducted until now. This ground-breaking research really helps us better plan conservation and understand the ancient embalming materials. It adds another layer of data to enrich the museum exhibition of mummified bodies." -- Dr Cecilia Bembibre (UCL Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources), added: "Two aspects of this study stand out to me. First, new information was revealed by the smells, highlighting the importance of using our senses to understand the past. -- "Secondly, while most of the studies on mummified bodies have taken place in European museums so far, here we worked closely with Egyptian colleagues to ensure their expertise and perceptual experience were represented, and we jointly developed an ethical and respectful approach to studying the mummified bodies." -- Odours are chemical molecules suspended in air that have been given off by a substance. -- The researchers used a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer to measure and quantify chemicals emitted by nine ancient Egyptian mummified bodies on display and in storage in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. -- In addition, a panel of trained human 'sniffers' described the smells in terms of quality, intensity, and pleasantness.	Z01	1,499
2507-T032	New Technique Reduces Imperfections In 3D Printed Safety Components	Engineers have developed a revolutionary 3D printing technique aimed at producing safety-critical components for aircraft and Formula 1 racing cars. By observing manufacturing imperfections through advanced imaging, this research opens the door to more durable and reliable parts, potentially transforming production processes across various industries and enhancing the safety of critical machinery.	University College London	University College London	Press Rel	PubMed	Safety critical components for aircraft and Formula 1 racing cars could one day be 3D printed via a new technique, developed by researchers at UCL and the University of Greenwich, that substantially reduces imperfections in the manufacturing process. -- The technique was developed after the team used advanced X-ray imaging to observe the causes of imperfections that formed in complex 3D printed metal alloy components. -- If this technique becomes widely deployed it could make a range of these components, from artificial hip joints to aircraft parts, stronger and more durable. -- The study, published in Science, observes the forces at play during the laser-based 3D printing of metal alloys in unprecedented detail and in real time. -- To do this, the team performed high-speed synchrotron X-ray imaging of the manufacturing process at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) synchrotron in Chicago, to record the complex interaction between the laser beam and the metal raw material over timescales of much less than a thousandth of a second. -- This allowed them to see the creation of small keyhole-shaped pores in the component as a result of the vapour generated when the laser melted the metal alloys, and the cause of instabilities in the keyhole that leads to defects in 3D printed parts. -- The team then observed the manufacturing process with a magnetic field applied to the metal alloys as the part is formed, which they hypothesised might help to stabilise the point at which the laser hits the molten metal, reducing imperfections. -- This theory proved correct, with an 80% reduction in pore formation in components printed while an appropriate magnetic field was applied. -- Dr Xianqiang Fan, first author of the study from UCL Mechanical Engineering, said: "When the laser heats up the metal it becomes liquid, but also produces vapour. This vapour forms a plume that pushes the molten metal apart, forming a J-shaped depression. Surface tension causes ripples in the depression and the bottom of it breaks off, resulting in pores in the finished component. -- "When we apply a magnetic field to this process, thermoelectric forces cause a fluid flow that helps to stabilise the hole so that it resembles an 'I' shape, with no tail to break off when it ripples."	A01 T01	1,500
2508-007	Innovative Intervention For Older Adults Could Reduce Hospital Visits By A Third	A new personalized support service for frail elderly individuals could significantly reduce emergency hospital admissions, according to a clinical trial by UCL researchers. The service, which includes tailored home visits, addresses various needs to enhance well-being and independence, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving health outcomes for older adults facing mild frailty.	University College London	The Lancet Healthy Longevity	Press Rel	PubMed	A new service aimed at supporting older people who are starting to become frail, could reduce emergency hospital admissions by more than a third and save the NHS money, finds a new study led by UCL researchers. -- The results from the clinical trial, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), evaluated the effect and cost-effectiveness of a new service, consisting of six personalised home-based visits from a support worker, tailored to each person to identify what they need to stay well and independent. -- Interventions could include home exercise programmes, nutritional support to improve energy levels, improving mental wellbeing and increasing social connections. -- The researchers tested the service with 388 people, who were over the age of 65 and assessed as having "mild frailty," across three areas of the UK (London, Hertfordshire and Yorkshire). Of these participants, 195 people were randomly allocated to receive the service, while 193 received their usual care, with no additional support. -- Frailty is when someone is less able to recover after a health problem. -- It is common in people over 65 and increases disability, hospitalisations and care needs. -- Participants in the trial were followed up for one year. -- The researchers found that people who received the service had a 35% reduction in unplanned hospital admissions, leading to an average saving of £586 per person to the NHS over the year of the study. -- Lead author, Professor Kate Walters (UCL Epidemiology & Health Care) said: "We developed the new service in partnership with experts, older people and carers, with the hope of helping people with mild frailty to maintain their independence and stay healthy for longer. -- "We found that by providing personalised home-based support to those in need, we can significantly reduce emergency hospital admissions and potentially free up hospital resources. Our study demonstrates the impact of tailored interventions on maintaining independence and improving overall well-being."	A01 H01	1,501
2508-051	Blood Test Could Predict Organ Aging And Associated Disease Risks	A groundbreaking study from University College London proposes a blood test to assess the varying aging rates of organs, which could predict long-term health risks, such as lung cancer and heart disease. This research indicates that accelerated aging in specific organs can signal broader health issues across the body. The findings suggest that early intervention could improve prevention strategies for age-related diseases in the future.	University College London	The Lancet Digital Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Our organs age at different rates, and a blood test determining how much they've each aged could predict the risk of conditions like lung cancer and heart disease decades later, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers. -- The findings, published in The Lancet Digital Health, show how accelerated ageing in specific organs can predict not only diseases affecting that organ, but diseases across the rest of the body as well. -- Lead author Professor Mika Kivimaki (UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences) said: "Our organs function as an integrated system, but they can age at different rates. Ageing in particular organs can contribute to numerous ageing-related diseases, so it's important for us to take care of all aspects of our health. -- "We found that a quick and easy blood test can identify whether a specific organ is ageing faster than expected. In years to come, blood tests like this could play a crucial role in preventing numerous diseases. -- "I believe that in the future of healthcare, the prevention of age-related diseases could begin much earlier, prioritising those who would benefit most and tailoring interventions to individual risk profiles." -- The research team, led by scientists from UCL Brain Sciences, the UCL Institute of Healthy Ageing, Stanford University, Inserm, and the University of Helsinki, analysed data from participants from the British Whitehall II study, a longitudinal cohort study that has been running since 1985 and is now led by Professor Kivimaki as Director. -- The researchers analysed blood samples collected in the late 1990s from over 6,200 middle-aged adults to determine the biological age of nine organs (heart, blood vessels, liver, immune system, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, intestines, and the brain) and for the entire body. -- They measured the gap between a person's chronological (actual) age, and the assessed biological age of each of their organs as determined by markers of ageing specific to that organ, finding that organs often aged at different rates in the same person. -- Participants' health status was tracked for 20 years through national health registries. -- By the end of the follow-up period, they were aged 65-89, and many had been diagnosed with at least one of the ageing-related diseases investigated in this study.	A01 H01 R01	1,502
2510-023	Genomics Blood Tests Could Transform Childhood Epilepsy Treatment	Research shows that rapid genomic sequencing could revolutionize the treatment of childhood epilepsy, yet calls for increased investment to ensure equitable access and data integration. Understanding the genetic factors behind epilepsy can significantly enhance patient care and treatment options.	University College London	npj Genomic Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A simple genomics blood test could improve treatment and care for childhood epilepsy, but more investment is needed to make access fair and securely join up the data, finds a new study involving researchers at University College London (UCL) and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH). -- The International Precision Child Health Partnership (IPCHiP), operating at sites across the UK, Canada, the US and Australia, has shown that rapid genomic sequencing (rGS) can revolutionise care for children with rare diseases. -- It can improve diagnoses, enhance treatment plans and allows patients, families and doctors to make more informed decisions. -- Rapid genome sequencing is a technique that quickly reads and analyses a person's genetic material by breaking it into small fragments and sequencing them all at once. -- Many childhood epilepsies are caused by genetics. With over 1,000 epilepsy genes identified, knowing which (if any) genetic variants are responsible for a child's epilepsy can help to guide treatment and care. -- Early detection and diagnosis are important to support children and families as early as possible. -- The results from Gene-STEPS, the first project from IPCHiP, are published in npj Genomic Medicine and explore the use of rGS for children with newly-diagnosed epilepsy. -- The teams found that not only was rGS feasible from a standard blood test across the four countries' different health systems, it also provided a genetic diagnosis for 43% of children in under three weeks. -- Importantly, for 98% of children with a genetic diagnosis there was a significant impact on their treatment, such as a choice of antiseizure medication. -- Lead investigator from the UK partner, Dr Amy McTague (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and GOSH) said: "It was fantastic to see that we could so quickly advance precision child health in this way in our pilot project. We have learnt a great deal from this process about international collaboration and the need for wholesale adoption of this into clinical care.	H01	1,503
2510-059	Existing Drug Can Prevent Liver Cell Damage From Ammonia Build-Up	A recent study led by UCL researchers has uncovered that high levels of ammonia can damage liver cells by harming their mitochondria, posing significant health risks. However, this damage can be prevented using an existing drug that is soon to enter clinical trials. The research sheds light on the mechanisms of hyperammonaemia's harmful effects on liver cells, highlighting the need for effective treatments for liver disease patients facing poor prognoses.	University College London	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	High levels of ammonia kill liver cells by damaging the mitochondria that power the cells. But this can be prevented using an existing drug due to start clinical trials, finds a new study in mice led by researchers from UCL. -- The study, published in Science Advances, is the first to observe that build-up of ammonia (hyperammonaemia) can harm liver cells and describe how this damage occurs in mouse models that are clinically relevant for humans. -- Hyperammonaemia is known to cause brain dysfunction in those with liver disease, but a lack of effective treatments for the condition has meant the prognosis for patients is often poor. -- Professor Rajiv Jalan, senior author of the study from the UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health, said: "Ammonia is a toxin that is usually cleared from the body via the urea cycle, which takes place in the liver. We know that liver disease patients accumulate ammonia and that this can lead to problems, including in the brain. But until now we didn't understand exactly how this occurred. -- "In this study we've demonstrated that ammonia kills liver cells by damaging the mitochondria, which apart from their role in clearing ammonia from the body also act as the powerhouse of cells. It's a vicious cycle where the more the mitochondria are damaged, the more ammonia builds up, which snowballs into complete system breakdown." -- Of the 100 million people in the world with cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), about three million are hospitalised with an episode of confusion or coma that is associated with elevated ammonia levels in blood and brain tissues, with 10-15% of these expected to die within three months of the episode. -- In promising news for these patients, the research demonstrated that an existing drug, called YAQ-005 (previously known as TAK-242), can halt damage to the mitochondria in liver cells, allowing them to do their job of converting ammonia into urea so that it can be excreted as urine (a process called the urea cycle). -- YAQ-005, which has been patented by UCL Business (UCLB), the commercialisation company for UCL, and licensed to UCL spinout company Yaqrit, is currently in a phase II clinical trial for acute-on-chronic liver failure, a condition related to cirrhosis. -- The authors believe that the drug may also be effective for children with urea-cycle disorders and other genetic diseases that lead to increased levels of ammonia by causing mitochondrial dysfunction (hepatic mitochondriopathies). -- In the study, the researchers observed that in two mouse models, elevated levels of ammonia caused an increase in two proteins, called RIPK1 and RIPK3, which leads to mitochondrial damage and a dangerous form of cell death that not only harms the liver but also other organs, including the immune system.	A01 H01 R01 R02	1,504
2510-060	Online Reaction Time Tests May Predict Future Cognitive Issues In Women	A new study led by UCL researchers indicates that online reaction time tests can provide valuable insights into cognitive function among women over 40, potentially contributing to early dementia research. Published in BMJ Open, the study emphasizes the convenience of remote testing, allowing women to participate in dementia prevention research without the need for clinic visits. The findings highlight the effectiveness of these tests in gathering data on cognitive health in an accessible manner.	University College London	BMJ Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Online tests of women's reaction times offer insights into cognitive function and could help fill data gaps on early cognitive problems, potentially shedding light on dementia development later in life, finds a new study led by researchers at UCL and other universities. -- The new paper, published in BMJ Open, finds that online tests can be an easy and effective way for women in their 40s and older to volunteer for dementia prevention research from their homes instead of visiting clinics. -- It shows that these tests can provide researchers with useful data about people's cognitive functions by testing their reaction times. -- Lead author, Dr Gareth Hagger-Johnson (UCL Geography) said: "Women have long been under-represented in healthy aging research, despite making up more than half the population. We developed an easy way to measure cognitive function in the home, without the need for individuals to travel to clinics or receive home visits. Our research shows that testing of cognitive function in the home largely acceptable, easy and convenient." -- Measuring a person's reaction time is the simplest way to measure their cognitive function. -- Although reaction time is not currently used to screen for problems with cognitive function, existing research shows that slower reaction times could predict future cognitive decline and dementia. -- To specifically reach women for the study, the researchers drew upon data collected from participants in the UK Women's Cohort Study, a longitudinal study originally designed to assess nutritional health, which has expanded to track other components of women's health. -- The researchers drew on data collected from 2010 to 2011 during a follow-up study of 768 participants aged 48 to 85. -- The online test measured users' reactions on their home computers by having them correctly tap a number key as quickly as possible in response to the digit appearing on screen. -- The users also filled in an online questionnaire about their health literacy, education level, overall health and other traits.	A01 H01 R02	1,505
2510-088	Study Reveals How Our Brains Use Building Blocks To Navigate Social Interactions	A study from University College London reveals that our brains utilize basic 'building blocks' to process social interactions during complex group dynamics. Researchers monitored brain activity while participants engaged in a game, finding that specific brain regions respond to interaction patterns rather than individual performances, emphasizing how humans navigate intricate social landscapes.	University College London	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Our brains use basic 'building blocks' of information to keep track of how people interact, enabling us to navigate complex social interactions, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers. -- For the study, published in Nature, the researchers scanned the brains of participants who were playing a simple game involving a teammate and two opponents, to see how their brains were able to keep track of information about the group of players. -- The scientists found that rather than keeping track of the performance of each individual player, specific parts of the participants' brains would react to specific patterns of interaction, or 'building blocks' of information that could be combined to understand what was going on. -- Lead author Dr Marco Wittmann (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences and Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research) said: "Humans are social creatures that are capable of keeping track of highly complex and fluid social dynamics, requiring a massive amount of brain power to remember not only individual people but also the various relationships between them. -- "In order to keep up with a group social interaction in real time, our brains must be using heuristics -- mental shortcuts that help people make decisions quickly -- to compress and simplify the wealth of information involved, with a system that minimises complexity while still allowing flexibility and detail. -- "In this research, we found that our brains appear to use a set of basic 'building blocks' that represent fundamental aspects of social interactions, enabling us to quickly figure out new and complex social situations." -- For the study, the team of scientists from UCL and the University of Oxford used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to record the brain activity of 88 participants who were playing a simple game. -- While in the scanner, the study participants were given a series of information about how they, a partner, and their opponents were faring in a game, and needed to keep track of the information in order to answer a question comparing performances of different players. -- Dr Wittmann explained: "We were interested to see whether our brains would use an 'agent-centric' frame of reference where specific parts of the brain keep track of each player's performance, or a 'sequential' frame of reference tracking the information in the order it was received. We found that people actually do both, but our brains are able to simplify all of this information into bite-sized chunks." -- The scientists were able to pinpoint specific patterns of activity in the brain that represented a few specific 'building blocks', each representing a pattern of interaction between the players.	A01 R02 T01	1,506
2510-E051	Prehistoric Bone Tools Suggest Early Humans Had Advanced Abstract Reasoning	A groundbreaking study reveals that a collection of prehistoric bone tools, created 1.5 million years ago, indicates advanced abstract reasoning in human ancestors earlier than previously thought. Researchers at UCL and CSIC discovered that these mass-produced tools showcase systematic manufacturing techniques, challenging existing timelines of human cognitive development and demonstrating that early hominins engaged in complex tool-making behaviors earlier than believed.	University College London	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The oldest collection of mass-produced prehistoric bone tools reveal that human ancestors were likely capable of more advanced abstract reasoning one million years earlier than thought, finds a new study involving researchers at UCL and CSIC- Spanish National Research Council. -- The paper, published in Nature, describes a collection of 27 now-fossilised bones that had been shaped into hand tools 1.5 million years ago by human ancestors. -- It's the earliest substantial collection of tools made from bone ever found, revealing that they were being systematically produced one million years earlier than archaeologists once thought. -- Early human ancestors known as hominins (human ancestors who could walk upright) had already been making tools out of stone in some capacity for at least a million years, but there's been scant evidence of widespread toolmaking out of bones before about 500,000 years ago. -- The hominins who shaped the recently-discovered bone tools did so in a manner similar to how they made tools out of stone, by chipping away small flakes to create sharp edges -- a process called 'knapping'. -- This transfer of techniques from one medium to another shows that the hominins who made the bone tools had an advanced understanding of toolmaking, and that they could adapt their techniques to different materials, a significant intellectual leap. -- It could indicate that human ancestors at that time possessed a greater level of cognitive skills and brain development than scientists thought. -- Co-author Dr Renata F. Peters (UCL Archaeology) said: "The tools show evidence that their creators carefully worked the bones, chipping off flakes to create useful shapes. We were excited to find these bone tools from such an early timeframe. It means that human ancestors were capable of transferring skills from stone to bone, a level of complex cognition that we haven't seen elsewhere for another million years." -- Lead author Dr Ignacio de la Torre of the CSIC-Spanish National Research Council added: "This discovery leads us to assume that early humans significantly expanded their technological options, which until then were limited to the production of stone tools and now allowed new raw materials to be incorporated into the repertoire of potential artifacts. -- "At the same time, this expansion of technological potential indicates advances in the cognitive abilities and mental structures of these hominins, who knew how to incorporate technical innovations by adapting their knowledge of stone work to the manipulation of bone remains."	R02	1,507
2511-005	Postnatal Depression May Disrupt Oxytocin's Role In Breastfeeding	A new study published by UCL researchers highlights that mothers with postnatal depression might experience disruptions in the oxytocin system during breastfeeding, a hormone fundamental for milk release and maternal bonding. The research offers insights into how maternal mood can affect oxytocin pathways, suggesting that addressing these factors could enhance breastfeeding experiences for mothers and their infants.	University College London	Psychoneuroendocrinology	Press Rel	PubMed	The oxytocin system -- which helps release breast milk and strengthens the bond between mother and baby -- may be affected during breastfeeding in mothers experiencing postnatal depression, finds a new study by UCL researchers. -- The new research, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology, investigated the link between maternal mood and the oxytocin pathway during breastfeeding, in mothers with and without symptoms of postnatal depression. -- Oxytocin is a hormone that is released in both the brain and body. -- It plays a central role in childbirth and breastfeeding, and is involved in social relationships, especially intimacy, and the attachment process during infancy. -- In breastfeeding, oxytocin triggers the 'let-down' reflex that releases the mother's milk and is stimulated in both mothers and their baby by skin-to-skin touch. -- Oxytocin release also interacts with specific brain regions to reduce stress and stimulate reward associated with this, facilitating mother-infant bonding and early infant development. -- Mothers experiencing postnatal depression report increased stress during breastfeeding and early weaning. -- Although the social context related to a mother's depression likely contributes to this, it has not been known whether the oxytocin system may also be affected. -- In the UK, postnatal depression affects more than one in every 10 women within a year of giving birth, symptoms include persistent low mood, feeling agitated or irritable, and trouble sleeping, -- For the new study, 62 new mothers aged between 23 and 44 years old, who had an infant between three and nine months old, were each given a nasal spray prior to breastfeeding, containing either oxytocin or a placebo.	H01 H02 R02	1,508
2511-099	Neurologists Identify Brain Parts Critical For Word Memory	A UCL study has identified specific brain regions crucial for word memory and how these are affected by epilepsy. Findings show that shrinkage in certain brain areas correlates with difficulties in word recall, offering insights that could guide neurosurgical treatments and improve outcomes for patients with epilepsy.	University College London	Brain Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The parts of the brain that are needed to remember words, and how these are affected by a common form of epilepsy, have been identified by a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons at UCL. -- The new study, published in Brain Communications, found that shrinkage in the front and side of the brain (prefrontal, temporal and cingulate cortices, and the hippocampus) was linked to difficulty remembering words. -- The new discovery highlights how the network that is involved in creating and storing word memories is dispersed throughout the brain. -- This is particularly crucial for helping to understand conditions such as epilepsy, in which patients may have difficulty with remembering words. The researchers hope that their findings will help guide neurosurgical treatment for patients with epilepsy by helping surgeons to avoid parts of the brain important for language and memory, that may otherwise be affected, when doing operations. -- Corresponding author, Professor John Duncan (UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology) said: "Being able to remember and recall words is important for day-to-day memory to work well. -- "Detailed MRI brain scans are used to find out the causes of epilepsy and can show if any parts of the brain are shrunken. By measuring the parts of the brain that are shrunken and how well a person can remember words, we can work out which parts of the brain are used for making and storing memories. -- "In addition, if medication has not stopped seizures occurring, this helps us to guide neurosurgical treatment for a person's epilepsy, to avoid damaging the parts of the brain that are needed for memory to work well." -- In the first study of its kind, the researchers examined 84 people with temporal lobe epilepsy (epilepsy arising from the temporal lobe at the sides of the head) and hippocampal sclerosis (a condition in which part of the brain is scarred, and memory is affected) and 43 healthy people. -- The patients were divided into those with left-sided and right-sided hippocampal sclerosis. -- High-resolution MRI scans were used to measure the size and shape of different parts of the brain, including the cerebral cortex (the outer layer of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, attention, perception, awareness, and language) and specific areas within the hippocampus (the part of the brain that helps with learning, memory, and spatial navigation).	A01 H02 R02	1,509
2513-095	Visual And Memory Changes In Alzheimer's Linked To Brain Protein Distribution Differences	A new study by UCL researchers suggests that variations in brain protein distribution may clarify why some individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience vision changes before memory loss. This insight into posterior cortical atrophy, a rare form of Alzheimer's, enhances understanding of the disease's progression and could inform future diagnostic and treatment strategies.	University College London	Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Differences in the distribution of certain proteins and markers in the brain may explain why some people first experience vision changes instead of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease, finds a new study by UCL researchers. -- Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) is a rare form of Alzheimer's disease that, rather than causing problems with memory, leads to difficulties with reading, navigating, and recognising objects. -- Studies suggest that one in 10 patients with Alzheimer's disease have a form which is visual, rather than memory led. -- As well as presenting with unusual symptoms, individuals with PCA typically develop symptoms younger than most people with Alzheimer's disease, with onset usually in their 50s and 60s. -- In a new study, published in Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology and supported by Alzheimer's Society, researchers studied brain tissues from 26 people with PCA and 27 people with typical Alzheimer's disease who had donated their brains for research to the Queen Square Brain Bank at UCL. -- The researchers looked at specific proteins and markers in different parts of the brain to see how they were affected. -- They measured the amount and distribution of amyloid and tau (proteins related to Alzheimer's disease) and microglia (a key part of the brain's immune system involved in clearing damaged brain cells and proteins). -- The study found that in people with PCA, the distribution of amyloid and tau was more widespread at the back of the brain (the parietal region), where visual information is processed and integrated. -- They also found that microglial activity was elevated in PCA particularly in brain areas typically vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease, e.g. the sides of the brain (temporal region), the part of the brain characteristically vulnerable in typical memory-led Alzheimer's disease. -- By contrast, the temporal region of patients with more typical memory-led Alzheimer's had the lowest amount of microglial activity and highest amount of tau compared to other brain regions.	H02 R02	1,510
2501-E031	New Genomic Evidence Uncovers Early Human Migration Into Wallacea Region.	New genomic evidence from a study reveals early migration patterns from New Guinea into the Wallacea archipelago, addressing gaps in human genetic history. Analyzing 254 genomes, researchers connect genetic data with linguistic and archaeological findings to illustrate the region's rich biological and cultural diversity over the last 3,500 years.	University of Adelaide	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from the University of Adelaide and The Australian National University (ANU) has outlined the first genomic evidence of early migration from New Guinea into the Wallacea, an archipelago containing Timor-Leste and hundreds of inhabited eastern Indonesian islands. -- The study, published in PNAS, addresses major gaps in the human genetic history of the Wallacean Archipelago and West Papuan regions of Indonesia -- a region with abundant genetic and linguistic diversity that is comparable to the Eurasian continent -- including the analysis of 254 newly sequenced genomes. -- In combination with linguistic and archaeological evidence, the study shows that Wallacean societies were transformed by the spread of genes and languages from West Papua in the past 3,500 years -- the same period that Austronesian seafarers were actively mixing with Wallacean and Papuan groups. -- "My colleagues at the Indonesian Genome Diversity Project have been studying Indonesia's complex genetic structure for more than a decade, but this comprehensive study provides confirmation that Papuan ancestry is widespread across Wallacea, pointing to historical migrations from New Guinea," says lead author Dr Gludhug Ariyo Purnomo, from the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences. -- "By connecting the dots between genetics, linguistics, and archaeology, we now recognise West Papua as an important bio-cultural hub and the launching place of historical Papuan seafarers that now contribute up to 60% of modern Wallacean ancestry." -- Genomic research is also becoming increasingly important for developing new medicines tailored to specific genetic backgrounds. -- "In the era of precision medicine, understanding the genetic structure of human groups is vital for developing treatments that are helpful rather than harmful, with Wallacea and New Guinea having been poorly represented in past genomic surveys," Dr Purnomo says. -- Associate Professor Ray Tobler, from ANU, says Wallacea had been isolated for more than 45,000 years since the arrival of the first human groups, and the more recently arriving Papuan and Austronesian migrants reconfigured Wallacean culture by introducing new languages that diversified and intermingled to create its rich linguistic landscape. -- "Our findings suggest that the Papuan and Austronesian migrations were so extensive that they have largely overwritten the ancestry of the first migrants, making the recovery of these ancient migrations from genetic data challenging," says Professor Tobler, who is also an Adjunct Fellow at the University of Adelaide's Australian Centre for Ancient DNA. -- According to the researchers, there are challenges in reconstructing past movements of people using modern genetic data due to historical migrations and movements.	Z01	1,511
2502-E008	Nearly 30,000 Wild Species Traded In The U.S. Uncovered By International Research	An extensive international study has identified nearly 30,000 wild species traded in the U.S., raising concerns about the lack of regulation in wildlife trade. This research underscores the need for legal reforms to protect vulnerable species and ensure sustainable practices in the wildlife trade, as a significant portion of the traded species lack proper oversight.	University of Adelaide	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	International research involving the University of Adelaide has found almost 30,000 wild species have been traded in the United States, according to data captured by US wildlife trade monitoring organisation Law Enforcement Manage Information System. -- Led by the University of Hong Kong, the study examined trade data captured over 22 years, during which time more than 2.85 billion individuals were traded. Fifty per cent of these individuals were taxa sourced from the wild. -- "The United States is one of the world's largest wildlife importers and is unique in documenting trade in species not covered by international regulation," says Freyja Watters, a PhD student at the University of Adelaide's Wildlife Crime Research Hub. -- "We uncovered tens of thousands of wild species and billions of individual animals entering trade, most without any global oversight." -- Published in PNAS, the study also found that less than 0.01 per cent of the wildlife trade was illegal, highlighting the need for law reform to better protect more species not covered by law or regulation. -- "Current international regulations focus on only a fraction of wildlife, often biased toward charismatic species. Although most of this trade is legal, the majority of species are not subject to assessments ensuring sustainable harvest," says Watters. -- "This reveals a major gap in our ability to measure the true impact of wildlife trade and underscores the need for stronger global monitoring and management." -- While the US is one of the world's largest wildlife traders, it is a global problem. Wildlife trade represents one of the greatest threats to the survival of myriad species, with an Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services assessment stating there are 50,000 species in trade around the world. -- "While we can monitor the number of species and individuals coming into the US, comparable data is not available for anywhere else in the world," says Dr Alice Catherine Hughes, from the University of Hong Kong, who led the study. -- "For most species in trade, as we have no data on offtake or wild populations, we cannot assess sustainability of that trade. However, where assessments have been made, the majority of populations where harvest was occurring have shown declines.	N01	1,512
2502-E057	Discovery Of Ancient 3D Map In Paris Basin Reveals Insights Into Prehistoric Water Flow	Researchers have potentially uncovered the oldest three-dimensional map within a quartzitic sandstone formation in the Paris Basin. This discovery, which includes a miniature representation of the surrounding landscape, adds depth to understanding Palaeolithic artistry and its connection to ancient human activity. The study sheds light on how early humans interacted with their environment, showcasing their ability to manipulate geological features for practical and artistic purposes.	University of Adelaide	Oxford Journal of Archaeology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered what may be the world's oldest three-dimensional map, located within a quartzitic sandstone megaclast in the Paris Basin. -- The Ségognole 3 rock shelter, known since the 1980s for its artistic engravings of two horses in a Late Palaeolithic style on either side of a female pubic figuration, has now been revealed to contain a miniature representation of the surrounding landscape. -- Dr Anthony Milnes from the University of Adelaide's School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, participated in the research led by Dr Médard Thiry from the Mines Paris -- PSL Centre of Geosciences. -- Dr Thiry's earlier research, following his first visit to the site in 2017, established that Palaeolithic people had "worked" the sandstone in a way that mirrored the female form, and opened fractures for infiltrating water into the sandstone that nourished an outflow at the base of the pelvic triangle. -- New research suggests that part of the floor of the sandstone shelter which was shaped and adapted by Palaeolithic people around 13,000 years ago was modelled to reflect the region's natural water flows and geomorphological features. -- "What we've described is not a map as we understand it today -- with distances, directions, and travel times -- but rather a three-dimensional miniature depicting the functioning of a landscape, with runoff from highlands into streams and rivers, the convergence of valleys, and the downstream formation of lakes and swamps," Dr Milnes explains. -- "For Palaeolithic peoples, the direction of water flows and the recognition of landscape features were likely more important than modern concepts like distance and time. -- "Our study demonstrates that human modifications to the hydraulic behaviour in and around the shelter extended to modelling natural water flows in the landscape in the region around the rock shelter. These are exceptional findings and clearly show the mental capacity, imagination and engineering capability of our distant ancestors." -- Thanks to his extensive research on the origins of Fontainebleau sandstone, Dr Thiry recognised several fine-scale morphological features that could not have formed naturally, suggesting they were modified by early humans. -- "Our research showed that Palaeolithic humans sculpted the sandstone to promote specific flow paths for infiltrating and directing rainwater which is something that had never been recognised by archaeologists," Thiry says.	A01	1,513
2503-E031	Australian Plantago Seeds Enhance Elasticity In Gluten-Free Bread Dough	Research led by the University of Adelaide reveals that mucilage from two native Plantago species can enhance gluten-free bread dough elasticity, leading to fluffier loaves. The study, focusing on the varying mucilage content and chemistry, demonstrates how these natural additives improve dough resilience during fermentation. The findings suggest that certain Plantago species can outperform commercial alternatives, offering promising solutions for enhancing the texture and quality of gluten-free baked goods.	University of Adelaide	Food Hydrocolloids	Press Rel	PubMed	Seeds of two native species of Plantago have been identified as producing mucilage that can be used as a natural additive to make gluten-free bread dough more elastic, resulting in fluffier loaves. -- The research was conducted by a team led by the University of Adelaide's Dr James Cowley, who discovered the differences in mucilage content and chemistry of each Plantago species affected its suitability for use as a food ingredient. -- "The differences in mucilage led to wildly different impacts when added to gluten-free breads," says Dr Cowley. -- "Adding Plantago flour made the doughs more elastic, making them more resistant to collapsing during fermentation, which made breads with better appearance and texture. -- "We believe this comes down to the differing chemistries of the mucilage, as the amount alone did not explain the effects. For example, two native species, P. cunninghamii and P. turrifera, produced similar or better-quality breads to commercial P. ovata, despite having much lower mucilage content." -- Mucilage is a sticky gel of pure dietary fibre that is produced by many seeds when they are wetted. An example of this is chia seed pudding, which has a gooey texture thanks to the mucilage they produce. -- Dr Cowley has studied Plantago seeds for more than a decade and says desire is increasing among coeliacs and non-coeliac gluten-avoiders for better gluten-free bread products that don't have such long ingredients lists. -- "Consumers are increasingly looking for 'clean label' products that are perceived as 'healthier' or 'more natural'," says Dr Cowley. -- "Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, known as HPMC or E464, is one of the most common gluten replacements in bread but is often met negatively, as it is perceived as 'artificial' or 'unnatural'. -- "Psyllium husk, which is extracted from Plantago ovata for use in gluten-free doughs, can be included on ingredient labels as vegetable fibre without the need for an E number, allowing it to be more 'clean label'."	H01 N02 T01	1,514
2508-T012	Mapping Forces Within Protons: A Groundbreaking Study On Subatomic Particles	An international team has mapped the forces acting inside a proton, revealing how quarks respond to high-energy photons. Utilizing lattice quantum chromodynamics, they created a detailed force field map within the proton, contributing to our understanding of subatomic matter and the fundamental forces governing the universe.	University of Adelaide	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have now mapped the forces acting inside a proton, showing in unprecedented detail how quarks -- the tiny particles within -- respond when hit by high-energy photons. -- The international team includes experts from the University of Adelaide who are exploring the structure of sub-atomic matter to try to provide further insight into the forces that underpin the natural world. -- "We have used a powerful computational technique called lattice quantum chromodynamics to map the forces acting inside a proton," said Associate Professor Ross Young, Associate Head of Learning and Teaching, School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences, who is part of the team. -- "This approach breaks down space and time into a fine grid, allowing us to simulate how the strong force -- the fundamental interaction that binds quarks into protons and neutrons -- varies across different regions inside the proton." -- The team's result is possibly the smallest-ever force field map of nature ever generated. -- They have published their findings in the journal Physical Review Letters. -- University of Adelaide PhD student, Joshua Crawford's calculations led the work together with the University of Adelaide team and international collaborators. -- "Our findings reveal that even at these minuscule scales, the forces involved are immense, reaching up to half a million Newtons, the equivalent of about 10 elephants, compressed within a space far smaller than an atomic nucleus," said Joshua. -- "These force maps provide a new way to understand the intricate internal dynamics of the proton, helping to explain why it behaves as it does in high-energy collisions, such as those at the Large Hadron Collider, and in experiments probing the fundamental structure of matter." -- The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and highest-energy particle accelerator.	C01 T01	1,515
2510-079	Quantum Cameras Capture Early Embryonic Development In Groundbreaking Imaging Study	A team at the University of Adelaide has successfully conducted the first embryo imaging using advanced quantum measurement cameras. These ultrasensitive cameras can detect individual light packets, crucial for observing biological processes naturally. Professor Kishan Dholakia emphasized the importance of minimizing illumination damage when studying live cells, showcasing the potential of modern imaging technology in life sciences.	University of Adelaide	APL Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Adelaide have performed the first imaging of embryos using cameras designed for quantum measurements. -- The University's Centre of Light for Life academics investigated how to best use ultrasensitive camera technology, including the latest generation of cameras that can count individual packets of light energy at each pixel, for life sciences. -- Centre director Professor Kishan Dholakia said the sensitive detection of these packets of light energy, termed photons, is vitally important for capturing biological processes in their natural state-allowing researchers to illuminate live cells with gentle doses of light. -- "Damage from illumination is a real concern which can often be overlooked. Using the lowest level of light possible, together with these very sensitive cameras is important for understanding biology in live and developing cells," said Professor Dholakia. -- "Modern imaging technology is very exciting with what it enables us to see." -- The research team, which also included Zane Peterkovic, Dr Avinash Upadhya, Ramses Bautista Gonzalez, Dr Megan Lim, Dr Chris Perrella, Admir Bajraktarevic and Associate Professor Kylie Dunning, who also leads the Reproductive Success Group with the Robinson Research Institute, tested the technology to image embryos as part of a pre-clinical trial, and published their findings in APL:Photonics. -- "These samples are living, developing specimens that serve as a foundation for studies supporting advancements in clinical IVF," said Professor Dholakia. -- Digital camera technology has advanced to the point where fundamental physics concepts like quantum mechanics become important and relevant, said lead author and PhD student Mr Peterkovic. -- "A lot of natural compounds in cells light up when illuminated, and this can tell us a lot about what we're looking at, but unfortunately the signal is very weak," he said. -- "It's exciting to apply these quantum cameras and use it to get the most out of our microscopes.	A01 T01	1,516
2511-074	Embryo Development Crucial For Lifelong Health Outcomes	A study from the University of Adelaide reveals that early embryo development influences future health and aging, particularly concerning telomere length. The research indicates that cellular processes during fertilization play a crucial role in determining telomere size, which is linked to chronic disease risks. This insight could reshape our understanding of developmental health and its long-term implications.	University of Adelaide	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Adelaide have discovered that the earliest days of embryo development have a measurable impact on a person's future health and ageing. -- Professor Rebecca Robker, Discipline Lead of Reproduction and Development within the University of Adelaide's School of Biomedicine and Robinson Research Institute, co-led a team which conducted a pre-clinical trial and found that cellular processes within the egg at the time of fertilisation determine the telomere length in the offspring. -- "Telomeres are the parts of chromosomes that influence growth and rejuvenation of our tissues," said Professor Robker. -- "Some babies are born with shorter telomeres than others, increasing their lifetime risk of chronic diseases associated with ageing. -- "As just one example, shorter telomeres are observed in children of women with obesity or metabolic syndrome. As adults, these individuals are at increased risk of premature mortality from cardiovascular events, like a heart attack or stroke, even when they are not obese themselves. -- "Until now it has not been clear how the length of telomeres is determined before birth." -- Reduced telomere length can be caused by embryonic cellular damage. -- "There are specific types of cellular damage during the very first days of embryo development which cause the defect in the telomeres of the embryo, which causes them to be shorter at the time of birth," said study co-lead Dr Yasmyn Winstanley. -- "The process is highly responsive to signals from the mother's body. Our findings show maternal health and environmental conditions at the time of conception can have long-term consequences and can even influence the offspring's susceptibility versus resilience to ageing-associated diseases in later life. -- "These findings highlight that the health of the women and girls should be a major focus of public health policies."	A01 H01 R01	1,517
2512-E030	Citizen Science Projects Teach Kids About Bugs And Boost Environmental Awareness	Citizen Science Projects Teach Kids About Bugs And Boost Environmental Awareness	University of Adelaide	Austral Entomology	Press Rel	PubMed	Pro-environmental behaviour increases among school students who participate in insect-related citizen science projects, according to new research from the University of Adelaide. -- Students who participated in citizen science project Insect Investigators, which engages students in the discovery of new insects, not only expressed an intention to change their personal behaviour but also to encourage others to protect nature. -- "As a result of their involvement in this program, students expressed intentions to further engage in insect-science-nature activities," says the University of Adelaide's Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries, who contributed to the study. -- "In addition, teachers reported increased intentions to include insect-related topics in their teaching, which was positively associated with students' own intentions for pro-environmental behaviour change. -- "This suggests students' response to the project influenced their teacher's decision to include citizen science in their lessons." -- School-based citizen science projects facilitate authentic scientific interactions between research and educational institutions while exposing students to scientific processes. -- "Teachers' motivations for providing citizen science experiences to students was to create hands-on learning opportunities and to connect students with real science and scientists," says Professor Patrick O'Connor AM, Director of the University's School of Economics and Public Policy. -- "Teachers reported interactions with researchers as invaluable. These interactions could take the form of in-person visits by team members, or even instructional videos and curriculum-linked teacher lesson plans." -- Incorporating insects into school-based citizen science projects can challenge widespread human misconceptions about insects and their roles in ecosystems, and foster human-insect connections. -- "Given global concerns of rapid insect declines and the overarching biodiversity crisis, insect-focused, school-based citizen science projects can ultimately contribute towards equipping students with knowledge of, and actions to promote, insect conservation," says lead author Dr Andy Howe, from the University of the Sunshine Coast.	Z01	1,518
2501-067	Bioengineered Cell Injection Significantly Improves Heart Function Post-Heart Attack In Pigs.	A study using a pig model of heart attacks has found that injecting bioengineered heart muscle cell spheroids can significantly enhance heart recovery. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham demonstrated that these spheroids, derived from human stem cells, reduced infarct size and improved function after ischemic injury. The findings, published in Circulation Research, underscore the potential clinical relevance of this approach for treating heart disease.	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Circulation Research	Press Rel	PubMed	In a large-animal model study, researchers have found that heart attack recovery is aided by injection of heart muscle cell spheroids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, or hiPSCs, that overexpress cyclin D2 and are knocked out for human leukocyte antigen classes I and II. This research, published in the journal Circulation Research, used a pig model of heart attacks. Pig hearts more closely resemble the human heart in size and physiology, and thus have a higher clinical relevance to human disease, compared to studies in mice. -- University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers, led by Jianyi "Jay" Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., and Lei Ye, M.D., Ph.D., generated the human leukocyte antigen-knockout and cyclin D2-overexpressing hiPSCs, called KO/OEhiPSCs. -- When KO/OEhiPSCs were differentiated into cardiomyocyte spheroids and implanted into the pig hearts that had undergone ischemia/reperfusion injury, the KO/OEhiPSC-cardiomyocyte implantation resulted in significantly improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size after four weeks. -- "It is widely acknowledged that the infarct size is linearly related to the severity of post-infarction left ventricle remodeling and the occurrence of heart failure," Zhang said. -- "In our current study, at week 4 after ischemia/reperfusion, we observed a significant 35.8 percent decrease in the infarct area in the hearts treated with the KO/OEhiPSC-cardiomyocyte spheroids compared with those treated with basal medium, and a significant reduction compared with wildtype-hiPSC-cardiomyocyte spheroid-treated pigs." -- These improvements were due to a surprising finding -- proliferation of endogenous heart muscle cells in the pig hearts. -- This is particularly noteworthy because shortly after birth mammalian heart muscle cells lose their ability to divide. -- Thus, a damaged heart after a heart attack cannot repair itself by growing new muscle cells in the scar area left by the heart attack. -- Many previous pig model preclinical trials to inject new heart muscle cells into the damaged heart have been blunted by general failure of the cells to engraft and grow. -- In the current study, the spheroids that the UAB researchers injected failed to persist, despite finding significant improvement in heart function and infarct size in the damaged pig hearts.	H01 R01 N01 N02	1,519
2503-040	AI Speeds Up Protein Redesign For Better Drug Delivery And Diagnostics	Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed ProteinReDiff, an AI-based method to streamline the redesign of ligand-binding proteins for various applications, including therapeutics and diagnostics. This innovative approach simplifies the process by requiring only initial protein sequences, thus eliminating the need for extensive structural details and allowing faster, more efficient protein engineering.	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Structural Dynamics	Press Rel	PubMed	In biology, the binding of cellular proteins to molecules called ligands produces a myriad of functions essential for life, including cell signaling and enzymatic action. In biotechnology and medicine, the ability of researchers to alter proteins to refine control over binding affinity and specificity can create tailored therapeutics with reduced side effects, highly sensitive diagnostic tools, efficient biocatalysis, targeted drug delivery systems and sustainable bioremediation solutions. -- Various approaches to such protein redesign have drawbacks. Traditional methods include time-consuming trial and error efforts, and many models in the emerging field of computational design demand extensive information about the protein structure and the pocket where a ligand binds. -- Researchers led by Truong Son Hy, Ph.D., from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, offer a simplified method they call ProteinReDiff that uses artificial intelligence to speed the redesign of ligand-binding proteins. -- "Our framework enables the design of high-affinity ligand-binding proteins without reliance on detailed structural information," said Hy, an assistant professor in the UAB Department of Computer Science. -- "We rely solely on initial protein sequences and ligand SMILES strings." -- SMILES, or the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System, is a longstanding specification of the structure of molecules using only computer-readable ASCII characters. -- "A key feature of our method is blind docking, which predicts how the redesigned protein interacts with its ligand without the need for predefined binding site information," Hy said. -- "This streamlined approach significantly reduces reliance on detailed structural data, thus expanding the scope for sequence-based exploration of protein-ligand interactions." -- The researchers -- including Viet Thanh Duy Nguyen, FPT Software AI Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Nhan D. Nguyen, University of Chicago, trained the artificial intelligence framework ProteinReDiff on numerous known structures of proteins and their binding ligands. -- They then were able to redesign selected protein-ligand pairs by stochastically masking amino acids and equivariantly denoising the diffusion model to capture the joint distribution of ligand and protein complex conformations.	T01	1,520
2504-042	Consensus Recommendations Accelerate Research On Mitochondrial Transfer And Transplantation Methods	Researchers have emphasized the evolutionary importance of mitochondria, descendants of ancient bacteria, and their critical roles in cellular functions, including energy production. To further therapeutic advancements in mitochondrial transfer between cells, a team has proposed standardized terminology, facilitating more effective communication among researchers and streamlining future studies on mitochondrial transplantation, which may help address age-related diseases and enhance overall cellular health.	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Most animal, plant and fungal cells contain organelles called mitochondria. These descendants of a primordial bacterial endosymbiont still preserve distinct genes and are known for their ability to create ATP as chemical energy. They also have other important functions, including cell signaling, viral and bacterial sensing, cell division, cell death, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Consequently, impairment in mitochondrial function can result in aging and age-related diseases. -- An emerging area of research is the evolutionarily conserved transfer of mitochondria between cells. -- Yet researchers have lacked unique and universally accepted terms and practices to describe such transfers. -- Absent an agreed nomenclature and standard practices, different researchers may use different methods and terminology to describe the same event, or they may employ the same term that actually describe two different processes. -- "Over the past few years, we have come to understand that mitochondria can be transferred from one cell to another, and that isolated mitochondria can be transplanted like an organ transplant," said Keshav K. Singh, Ph.D., professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Genetics. -- "Though the origins of mitochondria transfer are unclear, it has been observed in evolutionarily diverse eukaryotes, including yeast, mollusks, fish and rodents, as well as human cells. We are just beginning to understand how alterations in this process contribute to disease pathogenesis and how to harness mitochondria transfer and transplantation biology to develop new therapies." -- In 2024, Singh and Jonathan Brestoff, M.D., Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, set up an international consortium on mitochondria transfer and transplantation and led an international team of 31 researchers to develop consensus and recommendations about how to advance the field by providing common terminology and characterizations for the transfer or transplantation of mitochondria. -- Their consensus paper, "Recommendations for mitochondria transfer and transplantation nomenclature and characterization," is published in the journal Nature Metabolism. -- The paper begins with a brief history of the field -- some foundational early discoveries, recent studies of mitochondrial transfer and development of therapeutic approaches, including cell engineering and clinical trials for children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. -- The paper defines types of mitochondria transfer and mitochondria transplantation, and when both the donor and acceptor cell types are established in vivo, that defines a mitochondria transfer axis.	A01 H01 N01 N02	1,521
2502-E051	Northern Pike Invasion: New Study Documents Their Movement Through Saltwater Estuaries	A groundbreaking study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks has documented the unusual movement of northern pike through saltwater estuaries to invade freshwater habitats in Southcentral Alaska. By analyzing otoliths from captured fish, researchers found evidence that these invasive predators are capable of transitioning through brackish waters, marking the first known instance of such behavior in this region. This discovery sheds light on the pike's expanding range and ecological impact on native species.	University of Alaska Fairbanks	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Northern pike are moving through salt water to invade freshwater habitats in Southcentral Alaska, according to a new study. -- Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game made the discovery by collecting and analyzing tiny ear stones called otoliths from northern pike caught in the region. -- It's the first known documentation that northern pike are traveling through estuaries, where fresh water from rivers mixes with the ocean, to colonize new territory in North America. -- The discovery offers new insights into the ongoing spread of northern pike throughout Southcentral Alaska. -- A native species in Interior and Western Alaska, northern pike were illegally introduced to the Susitna River basin in the 1950s. -- Since then, the predatory fish has become established in more than 150 lakes and rivers in the region. -- Until now, the spread of northern pike was thought to be limited to freshwater corridors or illegal introductions by people. -- "They're a freshwater fish, and it was thought that Cook Inlet represented a marine barrier stopping them from moving from watershed to watershed," said Matthew Wooller, a professor at the UAF College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and lead author of the paper. -- Wooller, who is also director of the Alaska Stable Isotope Facility at UAF, led the team's efforts to reconstruct the movements of pike by analyzing otoliths collected by ADFG since 2019. -- The composition of strontium isotopes in the layers of an otolith can be matched with chemical signatures in various waterways, showing where a fish traveled during its life.	C01 N01	1,522
2509-T018	Tracking Tiny Debris: New Satellite Design Targets Space Hazards	Scientists at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are collaborating on a project to create a satellite capable of detecting space debris as small as 1 centimeter. This initiative aims to mitigate the risks posed by such debris, which can threaten satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, enhancing safety for future space operations.	University of Alaska Fairbanks	Physics of Plasmas	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist is participating in a U.S. government effort to design a satellite and instruments capable of detecting space debris as small as 1 centimeter, less than one-half inch. -- Debris that small, which cannot currently be detected from the ground, can damage satellites and other spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. -- The idea is to outfit future satellites, such as those vital for communication systems, with technology to avoid space debris collisions. -- Space debris travels at high speeds, about 17,500 mph. A 1-centimeter object traveling at that speed has an impact energy equivalent to that of a small explosive such as a hand grenade. -- Space debris comes in many shapes and sizes and consists of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, fragments from collisions, and other human-made objects that no longer serve a purpose. -- UAF Geophysical Institute research professor Paul Bernhardt and colleagues from the University of Calgary in Canada have devised a method to determine a small object's distance from a satellite or spacecraft and the angle of its approach. -- The method is based on their discovery that an object in orbit creates waves as it passes through naturally occurring plasma disturbances -- known as striations -- that occur along Earth's magnetic field lines. -- Plasma is a gas-like state of matter made of free-floating negative electrons and positive ions. -- Bernhardt and colleagues are developing the instruments that would use that method. -- He also is designing the satellite that will carry the instruments for this initial test.	C01	1,523
2501-022	Long-Term Levodopa Use Reveals New Insights Into Parkinson’s Disease Movement Disorders.	Researchers at the University of Arizona discovered new insights into involuntary movements linked to long-term levodopa treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients. Their findings, published in the journal Brain, reveal how ketamine may offer a solution for managing levodopa-induced dyskinesia, a common complication of this vital Parkinson's medication.	University of Arizona	Brain	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Arizona researchers have revealed new insights into one of the most common complications faced by Parkinson's disease patients: uncontrollable movements that develop after years of treatment. -- Parkinson's disease -- a neurological disorder of the brain that affects a person's movement -- develops when the level of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that's responsible for bodily movements, begins to dwindle. -- To counter the loss of dopamine, a drug called levodopa is administered and later gets converted into dopamine in the brain. -- However, long-term treatment with levodopa induces involuntary and uncontrollable movements known as levodopa-induced dyskinesia. -- A study published in the journal Brain has uncovered new findings about the nature of levodopa-induced dyskinesia and how ketamine, an anesthetic, can help address the challenging condition. -- Over the years, the brain of a Parkinson's patient adapts to the levodopa treatment, which is why levodopa causes dyskinesia in the long term, said Abhilasha Vishwanath, the study's lead author and a postdoctoral research associate in the U of A Department of Psychology. -- In the new study, the research team found that the motor cortex -- the brain region responsible for controlling movement -- becomes essentially "disconnected" during dyskinetic episodes. -- This finding challenges the prevailing view that the motor cortex actively generates these uncontrollable movements. -- Because of the disconnect between motor cortical activity and these uncontrollable movements, there's probably not a direct link, but rather an indirect way in which these movements are being generated, Vishwanath said. -- The researchers recorded activity from thousands of neurons in the motor cortex.	A01 R02	1,524
2501-T024	Astronomers Capture Distant Stars: A Cosmic Journey Back To The Universe's Early Age	Astronomers utilizing NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have captured images of over 40 individual stars in a distant galaxy, shedding light on the universe's evolution. This groundbreaking achievement, facilitated by gravitational lensing, provides essential insights into galaxy formation and dark matter mysteries.	University of Arizona	Nature Astronomy	Press Rel	PubMed	Looking halfway across the observable universe and expecting to see individual stars is considered a non-starter in astronomy, a bit like raising a pair of binoculars at the moon in hopes of making out individual grains of dust inside its craters. Thanks to a cosmic quirk of nature, however, an international team led by astronomers at the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory did just that. -- Using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, the research group observed a galaxy nearly 6.5 billion light-years from Earth, at a time when the universe was half its current age. In this distant galaxy, the team identified a large number of individual stars, made visible thanks to an effect known as gravitational lensing and JWST's high light collecting power. -- Published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the discovery marks a record-breaking achievement -- the largest number of individual stars detected in the distant universe. It also provides a way to investigate one of the universe's greatest mysteries -- dark matter. -- Most galaxies, including the Milky Way, contain tens of billions of stars. In nearby galaxies such as the Andromeda galaxy, astronomers can observe stars one by one. However, in galaxies billions of light-years away, stars appear blended together as their light needs to travel for billions of light-years before it reaches us, presenting a long-standing challenge to scientists studying how galaxies form and evolve. -- "To us, galaxies that are very far away usually look like a diffuse, fuzzy blob," said lead study author Yoshinobu Fudamoto, an assistant professor at Chiba University in Japan and a visiting scholar at Steward Observatory. "But actually, those blobs consist of many, many individual stars. We just can't resolve them with our telescopes." -- Recent advances in astronomy have opened new possibilities by leveraging gravitational lensing -- a natural magnification effect caused by the strong gravitational fields of massive objects. As predicted by Albert Einstein, gravitational lenses can amplify the light of distant stars by factors of hundreds or even thousands, making them detectable with sensitive instruments like JWST. -- "These findings have typically been limited to just one or two stars per galaxy," Fudamoto said. "To study stellar populations in a statistically meaningful way, we need many more observations of individual stars." -- Fengwu Sun, a former U of A graduate student who is now a postdoctoral scholar at the Center for Astrophysics \| Harvard & Smithsonian, stumbled on a treasure trove of such stars when he was inspecting JWST images of a galaxy known as the Dragon Arc, located along the line of sight from Earth behind a massive cluster of galaxies called Abell 370. Due to its gravitational lensing effect, Abell 370 stretches the Dragon Arc's signature spiral into an elongated shape -- like a hall of mirrors of cosmic proportions. -- In December 2022 and 2023, JWST obtained two pictures of the Dragon Arc. Within these images, astronomers counted 44 individual stars whose brightness changed over time due to variations in the gravitational lensing landscape. -- "This groundbreaking discovery demonstrates, for the first time, that studying large numbers of individual stars in a distant galaxy is possible," Sun said -- as long as nature is there to lend a helping hand.	A01 C01	1,525
2502-063	Astronomers Capture Unprecedented Images Of A Supermassive Black Hole In Infrared	Astronomers from the University of Arizona and the Max Planck Institute have achieved the highest resolution images of an active galactic nucleus in the infrared, utilizing the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer. This breakthrough allows for deeper insights into supermassive black holes and their energetic phenomena, paving the way for future explorations of cosmic structures.	University of Arizona	Nat Astron	Press Rel	PubMed	Active galactic nuclei are supermassive black holes at the center of certain galaxies. As matter falls into these black holes, enormous amounts of energy are released, making active galactic nuclei, or AGN, one of the most energetic phenomena that can be observed in space. University of Arizona astronomers have now produced the highest resolution direct images ever taken of an AGN in the infrared, using the Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer. -- Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany were also involved in the study. The findings are published in the journal Nature Astronomy. -- "The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer can be considered the first extremely large telescope, so it's very exciting to prove this is possible," said Jacob Isbell, a postdoctoral research associate at the U of A Steward Observatory and lead author of the Nature Astronomy paper. -- Every galaxy has a supermassive black hole at the center. Some of them are considered active while others are inactive, depending on how quickly material is falling onto them, Isbell said. There's a disk around the black hole that glows more brightly the more material there is. If this accretion disk glows brightly enough, it's called an active supermassive black hole. The AGN that exists in galaxy NGC 1068, which neighbors the Milky Way, is one of the nearest ones that is considered active. -- The Large Binocular Telescope is located on Mount Graham northeast of Tucson. It operates its two 8.4-meter mirrors independently, essentially functioning as two separate telescopes mounted side by side. The Large Binocular Telescope Interferometer combines the light from both mirrors, allowing for much higher resolution observations than would be possible with each mirror on its own. This imaging technique has been successfully used in the past to study volcanoes on the surface of Jupiter's moon Io. The Jupiter results encouraged the researchers to use the interferometer to look at an AGN. -- "The AGN within the galaxy NGC 1068 is especially bright, so it was the perfect opportunity to test this method," Isbell said. "These are the highest resolution direct images of an AGN taken so far." -- The Large Binocular Interferometer Team is led by Steve Ertel, associate astronomer of Steward Observatory. Through the interferometer, the team was able to observe several cosmic phenomena going on simultaneously in the AGN. -- The bright disk around the supermassive black hole releases a lot of light, which pushes dust away like many tiny sails, a phenomenon known as radiation pressure. The images revealed a dusty, outflowing wind caused by radiation pressure. Simultaneously, farther out, there was a lot of material that was way brighter than it should have been, considering it was illuminated only by the bright accretion disk. By comparing the new images to past observations, the researchers were able to tie this finding to a radio jet that's blasting through the galaxy, hitting and heating up clouds of molecular gas and dust. Radio jet feedback is the interaction between powerful jets of radiation and particles emitted from supermassive black holes and their surrounding environment. -- Direct imaging with extremely large telescopes such as the Larger Binocular Telescope Interferometer and the upcoming 83.5 feet Giant Magellan Telescope located in Chile makes it possible to distinguish feedback from the radio jet and dusty wind simultaneously. Previously, the various processes were blended due to low resolution, but now it is possible to view their individual impact, Isbell said. -- The study shows that the environments of AGN can be complex, and the new findings help better understand AGN's interaction with their host galaxies.	A01 T01	1,526
2505-133	Women Speak More Words Daily Than Men, Especially Between Ages 25-65	An extensive study reveals that women aged 25 to 65 use approximately 3,000 more words per day than their male counterparts, suggesting a nuanced understanding of gender communication patterns. Conducted by researchers at the University of Arizona, this study counters past claims of equal word use among genders by focusing on specific life stages, indicating that social and cultural factors may influence communication styles throughout life.	University of Arizona	Journal of Personality and Social Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Biological scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have uncovered how the dengue virus uses its envelope protein to capture human plasmin from a blood meal to enhance the permeability of the mosquito midgut for infection. -- Plasmin is a protease that contains five kringle-domains (KR1-5) responsible for substrate binding. -- In addition to digesting blood clots, plasmin is also used for the breakdown of the extracellular matrix to enable cell movement in tissues. -- While bacteria are known to capture human plasmin to digest host tissue for metastasis, the hijacking of plasmin by viruses for infection is not well studied. -- The dengue virus is transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. -- Once ingested in a blood meal, the virus needs to pass through the mosquito midgut to infect the salivary glands before being transmitted to the next human host. -- However, the mechanism enabling this midgut traversal is not well understood. -- The acidic motifs on both the KR-4 and KR-5 domains of plasmin are found to bind synergistically to two lysine-containing regions (basic) located on the domain I of the dengue virus envelope protein. -- This interaction enhances the permeability of the mosquito midgut, facilitating viral infection. -- The identification of the exact binding sites between plasmin and dengue virus provides a potential way to interfere with this interaction and prevent dengue virus transmission.	A01 T01	1,527
2511-E007	Vocal Changes In Birds Could Indicate Age-Related Disorders In Humans	Neuroscientists at the University of Arizona have linked vocal changes in zebra finch songbirds to the aging brain, potentially aiding early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The study published in Neurobiology of Aging found that aging alters gene expressions affecting song production, suggesting that understanding these changes could lead to better treatment options for humans suffering from similar disorders.	University of Arizona	Neurobiology of Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Arizona neuroscientists studying the brains of songbirds have found that aging alters the gene expressions that control the birds' song. The finding could lead to earlier diagnoses and better treatments for human neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, which are known to hinder vocal production in their early stages. -- The study, published in the journal Neurobiology of Aging, found that networks of interacting genes, in a region of the bird's brain involved with singing, dramatically change as the bird ages. -- At the center of these networks are "hub genes" that drive activity of many other genes. -- A better understanding of the hub genes could be crucial to developing treatments for age-related disorders. -- "If you could make a drug that could influence a particular hub gene, you might potentially influence hundreds of other genes around it and see a macroscopic effect," said lead study author Charles Higgins, an associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a member of the university's BIO5 Institute. -- "That could be a drug that could slow Alzheimer's disease, for example." -- The study is the latest to investigate the link between vocal production and aging. -- Senior study author Julie E. Miller, also an associate professor in the Department of Neuroscience, has studied those connections for years using zebra finch songbirds. -- "There is some hopeful news in that the bird is still able to produce the song behavior, even with the genetic changes, and it suggests that there are also some ways that the bird is adapting to what's going on in the brain," said Miller, who has a shared appointment in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences and is a member of the BIO5 Institute. -- "This might offer resilience strategies for humans."	N01 N02	1,528
2513-044	Advanced 3D Imaging Revolutionizes Eye-Tracking Accuracy Across Various Fields	Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed a groundbreaking eye-tracking technique that combines advanced 3D imaging with computational analysis, capturing gaze direction more accurately than conventional methods. This innovative approach enables the tracking of eye movements from thousands of surface points, enhancing applications across multiple fields, including entertainment and medical research, and potentially revolutionizing how eye-tracking technology is utilized.	University of Arizona	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Eye tracking plays a critical role in the latest virtual and augmented reality headsets and is an important technology in the entertainment industry, scientific research, medical and behavioral sciences, automotive driving assistance and industrial engineering. Tracking the movements of the human eye with high accuracy, however, is a daunting challenge. -- Researchers at the University of Arizona Wyant College of Optical Sciences have now demonstrated an innovative approach that could revolutionize eye-tracking applications. -- Their study, published in Nature Communications, finds that integrating a powerful 3D imaging technique known as deflectometry with advanced computation has the potential to significantly improve state-of-the-art eye tracking technology. -- "Current eye-tracking methods can only capture directional information of the eyeball from a few sparse surface points, about a dozen at most," said Florian Willomitzer, associate professor of optical sciences and principal investigator of the study. -- "With our deflectometry-based method, we can use the information from more than 40,000 surface points, theoretically even millions, all extracted from only one single, instantaneous camera image." -- "More data points provide more information that can be potentially used to significantly increase the accuracy of the gaze direction estimation," said Jiazhang Wang, postdoctoral researcher in Willomitzer's lab and the study's first author. -- "This is critical, for instance, to enable next-generation applications in virtual reality. We have shown that our method can easily increase the number of acquired data points by a factor of more than 3,000, compared to conventional approaches." -- Deflectometry is a 3D imaging technique that allows for the measurement of reflective surfaces with very high accuracy. -- Common applications of deflectometry include scanning large telescope mirrors or other high-performance optics for the slightest imperfections or deviations from their prescribed shape. -- Leveraging the power of deflectometry for applications outside the inspection of industrial surfaces is a major research focus of Willomitzer's research group in the U of A Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement Lab.	A01 T01	1,529
2513-T009	Innovative Method Improves 3D Imaging Of Reflective Surfaces Across Multiple Applications	Researchers from the University of Arizona have developed a novel method for accurately imaging reflective surfaces in three dimensions. By integrating techniques from optical metrology and computer vision, this approach enhances the ability to capture detailed 3D images of specular surfaces, with significant implications for industrial, medical, and cultural heritage applications, as detailed in their recent publication.	University of Arizona	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	Accurate and robust 3D imaging of specular, or mirror-like, surfaces is crucial in fields such as industrial inspection, medical imaging, virtual reality and cultural heritage preservation. Yet anyone who has visited a house of mirrors at an amusement park knows how difficult it is to judge the shape and distance of reflective objects. -- This challenge also persists in science and engineering, where the accurate 3D imaging of specular surfaces has long been a focus in both optical metrology and computer vision research. -- While specialized techniques exist, their inherent limitations often confine them to narrow, domain-specific applications, preventing broader interdisciplinary use. -- In a study published March 27 in the journal Optica, University of Arizona researchers from the Computational 3D Imaging and Measurement (3DIM) Lab at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences present a novel approach that significantly advances the 3D imaging of specular surfaces. -- Their method seamlessly combines the information captured from two established techniques -- Phase Measuring Deflectometry (PMD) and Shape from Polarization (SfP) -- which are typically used in optical 3D metrology and computer vision research, respectively. -- In the new method, the benefits of both techniques complement each other in a manner never fully realized in previous work, paving the way for 3D imaging of specular objects that is both highly accurate and widely applicable. -- Well-known for its high accuracy and precision, conventional Phase Measuring Deflectometry (PMD) is and is widely used in high-end applications to inspect optical lenses and telescopic mirrors or to detect defects in car bodies. -- However, PMD also comes with challenges. -- Florian Willomitzer, associate professor of optical sciences, director of the 3DIM lab and principal investigator of the study explained: "In particular, PMD suffers from inherent ambiguity issues. Overcoming these challenges typically requires either additional hardware or prior knowledge about the object's shape and distance -- limiting PMD's flexibility for general use. -- "On the other hand, Shape from Polarization (SfP) is a well-established 3D imaging method in the computer vision community that is highly flexible," he said.	A01 T01	1,530
2503-036	Mental Health Issues In Women Firefighters Linked To Hormonal Changes	A new study from the University of Arizona shows that women firefighters experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety may have lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a marker of ovarian reserve and fertility. This finding underscores the mental health challenges faced by women in the fire service and emphasizes how psychological conditions can adversely affect reproductive health.	University of Arizona Health Sciences	Journal of Women's Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health researchers in collaboration with fire service partners and other researchers around the country through the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study showed that post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are associated with lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone, a marker of ovarian reserve, among women firefighters. -- The ovarian reserve is the number of healthy eggs in a woman's ovaries that could potentially be fertilized. -- It is a measure of a woman's fertility and ability to have children. -- "These findings highlight the negative effect that mental health conditions can have on health -- specifically, reproductive health," said first author Michelle Valenti, MPH, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the Zuckerman College of Public Health and program coordinator of the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study's Women Firefighter Study. -- The paper "Evaluating the Effect of Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Anti-Müllerian Hormone Levels Among Women Firefighters," was published in the Journal of Women's Health. -- Firefighters are exposed to high stress and traumatic situations in addition to chemical exposures and have a higher prevalence of PTSD compared with the general population. -- Previous research showed that women firefighters have lower levels of anti-Müllerian hormone compared with women who are not firefighters; however, the reason why was unknown. -- The research team, which included personnel at the Zuckerman College of Public Health's Center for Firefighter Health Collaborative Research, led this analysis to determine whether anxiety, depression or PTSD were associated with anti-Müllerian hormone levels. -- They found that clinical diagnoses of PTSD and anxiety were associated with reductions in anti-Müllerian hormone levels of 66% and 33%, respectively. -- These findings highlight a potential mechanism through which adverse mental health conditions could lead to adverse reproductive outcomes.	H01 H02 R01	1,531
2509-078	Innovative Strategy Shows Promise In Slowing Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth	University of Arizona researchers have discovered a new method to reduce tumor growth in prostate cancer by combining an ineffective immunotherapy with a specific protein inhibitor. This innovative approach reprograms macrophages, enhancing the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors and providing promising insights into potential treatments for prostate cancer, marking the first time such techniques have been tested in this context.	University of Arizona Health Sciences	Cancer Immunology Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers found that an immunotherapy previously shown to be ineffective against prostate cancer may have therapeutic potential when combined with a synergistic treatment approach. The paper was published in the journal Cancer Immunology Research. -- A research team led by U of A Cancer Center member Noel Warfel, PhD, identified a way to sensitize prostate tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy. They used a specific protein inhibitor to reprogram tumor-associated macrophages -- white blood cells that are hijacked by cancer to suppress the killing of cancer cells instead of performing their usual role in working with T cells to fight disease. -- The co-targeted therapeutic approach is a promising new area of cancer research, and this is the first time it has been tested for prostate cancer. -- "When we look at the big picture and the collective data, we have solid evidence that this is a strategy that could improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in prostate cancer," said Warfel, the study's supervising author and an associate professor at the U of A College of Medicine -- Tucson. -- Immunotherapy works by helping T cells -- a type of immune cell that recognizes and destroys threats -- identify and kill cancer cells. To grow and spread, cancer cells must evade the immune system. They do so by producing checkpoint proteins that bind to T cells and stop them from killing cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors block checkpoint proteins, allowing the immune system to destroy cancer cells. -- "Immune checkpoint inhibitors have really changed the treatment paradigm for many types of cancer, but this approach has not previously been effective in treating prostate cancer, and we don't know why," Warfel said. -- The answer might lie with protein kinases -- enzymes that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Specifically, PIM1 kinase is a cancer-driving protein that is known to amplify signals that promote cell growth and the proliferation of cancer cells. -- "Kinases are part of a complex process that allows cancer cells to transmit signals," said the study's first author, Amber Clements, PhD, a former graduate student in the U of A Cancer Biology Program who is now a postdoctoral research associate at the College of Medicine -- Tucson. "PIM kinases also help cancer cells migrate and survive, but we did not expect that they would be so important in the tumor-immune microenvironment." -- Warfel's team discovered that the overexpression of PIM1 kinase in tumor-associated macrophages was a driver of resistance to immunotherapy. By inhibiting PIM1 kinase in conjunction with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, Warfel's team was able to reduce cancer tumor growth in laboratory and animal models of prostate cancer. -- "What we found surprising in our study was that blocking PIM1 specifically in macrophages reduced tumor growth in our models of prostate cancer," Warfel said. "By blocking PIM activity, we increased the presence of macrophages and tumor inflammation, which increases the proliferation of T cells in the prostate and improves their ability to destroy the prostate cancer cells. What we're seeing is that inhibiting PIM while at the same time using immune checkpoint inhibitors creates a synergistic effect that reduces tumor growth."	H01 R01 N01	1,532
2511-E006	Cannabis Terpenes Show Potential For Relieving Fibromyalgia And Post-Surgical Pain	University of Arizona Health Sciences researchers have found that terpenes from Cannabis sativa effectively relieve post-surgical and fibromyalgia pain in preclinical models. Building on previous findings, the study published in Pharmacological Reports emphasizes terpenes' potential for chronic pain relief, showing notable reductions in pain levels. The research advocates for using terpenes as a non-psychoactive alternative to traditional pain medications, thus expanding the scope of therapeutic options available.	University of Arizona Health Sciences	Pharmacological Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Terpenes from the Cannabis sativa plant may be a viable medication for fibromyalgia and post-surgical pain relief, according to University of Arizona Health Sciences research published in Pharmacological Reports. -- The paper builds on previous research led by Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction member John Streicher, PhD, that showed the pain-relieving properties of terpenes in models of inflammation and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. -- "Our research is showing that terpenes are not a good option for reducing acute pain resulting from an injury, such as stubbing your toe or touching a hot stove; however, we are seeing significant reductions in pain when terpenes are used for chronic or pathological pain," said Streicher, who is a professor in the U of A College of Medicine -- Tucson's Department of Pharmacology. -- "This study was the first to investigate the impact of terpenes in preclinical models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain and expand the scope of potential pain-relieving treatments using terpenes." -- Terpenes, the compounds that give plants their aroma and taste, offer an alternative path to pain relief without the unwanted psychoactive side effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. -- Streicher and the research team tested four terpenes found in moderate to high levels in Cannabis sativa: geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene. -- They found that each of the terpenes resulted in high levels of pain relief in mouse models of post-operative pain and fibromyalgia. -- Geraniol provided the most significant level of pain relief, followed by linalool, beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene. -- "With fibromyalgia, there isn't much understanding of what the pain state is, and there are not a lot of great options for treating it," Streicher said. -- "Our findings show that terpenes may be a viable treatment option for fibromyalgia pain, which could potentially have a large impact and make a difference for an under-treated population."	C01 N02 T01	1,533
2513-052	Patient Navigators Significantly Improve Colonoscopy Follow-Up Rates	A study led by the University of Arizona Health Sciences highlights the crucial role of patient navigators in increasing the rate of follow-up colonoscopies after abnormal stool test results. The research, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that patients assigned to navigators were significantly more likely to undergo timely colonoscopies, which is essential for early detection of colorectal cancer and improving patient outcomes.	University of Arizona Health Sciences	Annals of Internal Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Arizona Health Sciences-led study found that patients are more likely to get colonoscopies following abnormal stool test results if patient navigators assist them through the process. -- The paper, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, showed that 55% of patients who were assigned to a patient navigator received follow-up colonoscopies within a year compared with 42.5% of patients who received usual care without a navigator. -- "It is important for patients with abnormal stool test results to get a colonoscopy as soon as possible to prevent an increased risk of colorectal cancer and later-stage cancer detection," said first author Gloria Coronado, PhD, the U of A Cancer Center's associate director of population science and a professor at the U of A Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. -- "We found that using patient navigators improved rates of colonoscopy follow-up and reduced time to follow-up among patients who had an abnormal fecal immunochemical test, or FIT test. This guidance through the process can improve patient survival rates through earlier cancer detection." -- Patients ranging in age from 50 to 75 who had abnormal fecal test results in the prior month were enrolled in PRECISE, which stands for Predicting and Addressing Coloscopy Non-Adherence in Community Settings. -- All of the patients were seen at Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a federally qualified health center that operates 32 clinics in western Washington. -- A total of 970 patients with abnormal FIT results were enrolled, and 479 were randomly selected and assigned to a patient navigator on staff at Sea Mar. -- Patients not assigned to a navigator received usual care consisting of up to two phone calls and a letter to schedule a colonoscopy appointment. -- Patient navigators sent introductory letters, made phone calls and delivered text messages to patients addressing six topic areas at scheduled times: introduction and barrier assessment, barrier resolution, bowel preparation instructions, bowel preparation reminder, colonoscopy check-in and a final checkup following the completed procedure. -- Navigators made up to six attempts for each scheduled call, and patients not initially reached were called up to 12 more times and sent a follow-up letter.	H01 R01	1,534
2510-075	Anemone Sensory Neurons Linked To Human Kidney Disease Through Shared Genes	A recent study sheds light on the evolutionary origins of mechanosensory cells in sea anemones and their link to kidney disease in humans. By studying the genes related to these sensory neurons, the research provides insights into the shared biological mechanisms between humans and simpler organisms, revealing how ancient evolutionary traits persist and inform our understanding of health conditions.	University of Arkansas	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Biological sciences researchers from the U of A have led publication of a paper that expands our understanding of sensory neurons in the tentacles of sea anemones, linking them to kidney disease in humans through a common gene. -- Analysis of the evolutionary roots of the human ability to hear led the team to closely examine the mechanosensory hair cells found on the outside of the tentacles of the sea anemone. -- Mechanosensation relates to the ability to hear and to sense touch, while hair cells are auditory cells in the vertebrate inner ear that pick up vibrations to enable hearing. -- Sea anemones have similar-looking cells on their tentacles -- also called hair cells -- that they use to sense the movements of their prey. -- In the paper published in Nature Communications, led by corresponding author Nagayasu Nakanishi, an associate professor of biological sciences at the U of A, researchers found that the gene responsible for kidney disease in humans -- polycystic kidney disease 1 (or PKD-1) gene -- is also present in anemones, allowing their hair cells to detect water movement in their environment and facilitate a response. -- Because PKD-1 functions as a fluid sensor in kidney cells and is necessary for hearing in mammals, this new finding suggests an evolutionarily ancient role for PKD-1 in sensing fluid movement predating the common ancestor of mammals and sea anemones living more than 580 million years ago. -- Cnidarians, which include jellyfish, corals and sea anemones, are the closest living relatives of animals with bilateral symmetry, such as humans and insects. -- Though creatures like sea anemones are often assumed to be lacking the sophistication and complexity present in vertebrates, they share many of the same genes as humans, including those responsible for essential functions and serious diseases. -- As such, cnidarians are useful for studying human evolutionary history because features shared by bilateral animals and cnidarians were likely present in our last common ancestor. -- A feature of note is the mechanosensory system, and both bilaterians and cnidarians use similar sets of genes in mechanoreceptor development.	R01 N01	1,535
2502-066	Gene Editing Could Help Create Heat-Resistant Rice For Warmer Nights	Research by Vibha Srivastava at the University of Arkansas explores the potential of gene editing to develop rice varieties that can withstand rising nighttime temperatures. This focus is crucial as warmer nights threaten rice cultivation, and advancements in gene editing could provide innovative solutions for enhancing crop resilience in key agricultural regions.	University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture	Current Opinion in Plant Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Rice plants can deal with the heat during the day, but when the sun goes down, they need to chill out. -- Developing rice with tolerance to higher nighttime temperatures has become a focus for rice breeders because studies are showing nights are getting warmer in the largest rice-growing regions. -- Half of the rice grown in the United States comes out of Arkansas, mostly from the Delta. Arkansas has been home to about 1.4 million acres planted in the grain that serves a staple food for more than half of the world's population, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. -- "Rice breeders have tried to incorporate tolerance genes into the background of Arkansas rice, which is not an easy task," said Vibha Srivastava, professor of plant biotechnology in the crop, soil and environmental sciences department for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. "They have just started to scratch the surface in that area, but they're making good headway. Some promising updates are there." -- However, Srivastava said there may be another way forward -- gene editing, which is different from genetic modification because it does not insert DNA sequences from other organisms, she explained -- Srivastava explores the topic of breeding rice and the potential for gene editing to tolerate night heat in the December issue of Current Opinion in Plant Biology with an article titled "Beat the heat: Breeding, genomics, and gene editing for high nighttime temperature tolerance in rice." -- Her co-authors of the article were Christian De Guzman, assistant professor of rice breeding and genetics, and Samual B. Fernandes, assistant professor of agricultural statistics and quantitative genetics, both researchers with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. -- It is the first review article about high nighttime tolerance in rice to their knowledge, gathering all the available scientific literature on the subject in one place. -- Srivastava said there has also been information on the subject published in the B.R. Wells Rice Research Series with studies led by Paul Counce, professor of rice physiology at the Rice Research and Extension Center, on screening rice for responses to high nighttime temperature, susceptibility, or tolerance. -- De Guzman, Fernandes and Srivastava were awarded a four-year, $585,650 grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to breed rice for high nighttime tolerance. The Current Opinion in Plant Biology article expounds on the information gathered for the grant proposal.	H01 H02 N02	1,536
2502-049	Three Psychological Profiles Linked To Aging And Cognitive Decline Uncovered	An international study published in Nature Mental Health identifies three psychological profiles linked to varying rates of cognitive decline in aging adults. By analyzing over 1,000 participants, researchers found that specific psychological traits could influence dementia risk and brain health. These insights pave the way for personalized prevention strategies focusing on psychological assessments in older individuals.	University of Barcelona	Nature Mental Health	Press Rel	PubMed	An international study published in the journal Nature Mental Health has identified three psychological profiles associated with different patterns of cognitive and brain decline in ageing. The study, which analysed more than 1,000 middle-aged and older adults, shows that the specific psychological characteristics of each profile may influence the risk of developing dementia, as well as aspects such as the speed of brain decline and sleep quality. These findings open new perspectives for the design of more personalized prevention strategies. -- According to the research team, the results highlight "the need for comprehensive psychological assessments of patients to identify different psychological profiles and thus enable more specific and individually tailored behaviour change strategies to be implemented." -- The study is led by David Bartrés-Faz, a researcher at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) of the University of Barcelona. -- He is also a member of the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS) and principal researcher at the Institut Guttmann Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI), which aims to find and understand how to maintain the brain's health. -- Risk and protective factors for cognitive decline -- Recent studies identified psychological characteristics that may be associated with increased risk or protection against cognitive decline, neurodegeneration and clinical dementia. -- For example, having repetitive negative thoughts, a tendency to experience distress and perceived stress are associated with more risk, while having a sense of purpose in life or self-reflection would be protective factors against such decline. -- In this study, conducted on data from more than 1,000 volunteers of the BBHI and the Medit-Ageing international study, the research team examined whether these factors -- protective and risk factors -- combine in similar psychological profiles in two independent cohorts of middle-aged adults and older people without cognitive impairment. -- Bartrés-Faz stresses that "to date, psychological risk and protective factors have been examined almost exclusively independently: this approach is limiting, as psychological characteristics do not exist in isolation." -- The team then analysed how belonging to each of these profiles is related to indicators of mental health, cognition, lifestyle and brain integrity -- measured by cortical thickness -- as well as cognitive evolution and brain atrophy over time.	A01 H02	1,537
2504-034	Schizophrenia Patients Exhibit Contrast Perception Deficits Affecting Visual Processing	Research from the University of Barcelona has uncovered a contrast perception deficit in individuals with schizophrenia, affecting their ability to discern differences in light intensity. This finding could shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying the disorder and may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for diagnosing or monitoring schizophrenia.	University of Barcelona	Schizophrenia Bulletin	Press Rel	PubMed	Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that affects around 1% of the world's population. Researchers of the University of Barcelona have identified a deficit in contrast perception in people with schizophrenia. According to a review of more than 600 studies, these patients have an impaired ability to see differences in light intensity between adjacent areas, which allows us to identify shapes, textures and details in the environment. -- These results could help to decipher dysfunctions in the neural and computational mechanisms of schizophrenia. Furthermore, this perceptual alteration could also be explored as a potential non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis or monitoring of this disorder. However, the authors stress the need for further studies to confirm this relationship and to clarify the role of other factors such as medication in this visual disturbance. -- The article, published in the journal Schizophrenia Bulletin, is signed by researchers Daniel Linares and Cristina de la Malla, together with master's student Aster Joostens, from the Vision and Control of Action Group of the Faculty of Psychology and the UB Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro). -- A key indicator of visual function -- The symptoms of schizophrenia are characterized by alterations in thinking and behaviour, such as loss of contact with reality, delusions or hallucinations, but there are also abnormalities in the perception of visual stimuli, such as deficits in the perception of colour or contrast. Understanding these abnormalities may provide clues as to how information processing disturbances contribute to the characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia. "Contrast perception is one of the most fundamental abilities of vision, as without it, we cannot adequately perceive the environment and the objects in it, which can compromise everyday tasks such as moving through space, recognizing faces or reading," explains the research team, part of the Department of Cognition, Development and Educational Psychology. -- The neural mechanisms involved in this alteration could be related to the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. "A decrease in this neurotransmitter can lead to reduced neural activity in the brain areas responsible for processing contrast. Consequently, a decrease in contrast sensitivity, although not of great magnitude, may reflect an underlying impairment in the glutamatergic system of affected individuals," note the experts. -- Contrast sensitivity testing could therefore be "a valuable tool for identifying individuals with schizophrenia who show a more pronounced dysfunction in this neurotransmitter pathway. For example, these patients could be ideal candidates for clinical trials evaluating drugs that specifically target glutamatergic signalling," they state. -- According to a review of more than 600 studies, these patients would have difficulty in detecting differences in light intensity between adjacent areas, without which they cannot adequately see their surroundings and objects. -- Unravelling the impact of medication and care -- The results of the study show a large-scale impairment in contrast perception in people with schizophrenia, but also that this dysfunction may be influenced by other factors. "In the study, we have identified a relationship with the dose of antipsychotic medication administered, suggesting that the impairment may be at least partially due to the effects of the medication," they note.	H01 H02 R02	1,538
2504-T012	Quantum Physics Revolution: Preparing Students For The Future Of Technology	The world of quantum physics is undergoing a transformative second revolution, significantly impacting computing, telecommunications, and biomedicine. As interest in quantum technology grows, students are increasingly drawn to complex concepts such as entanglement and superposition. To facilitate understanding, a team from the University of Barcelona has developed practical experimental equipment for teaching advanced quantum concepts, ensuring accessibility for students in various educational settings. This innovation aims to prepare the next generation of scientists for the challenges of quantum technology, which UNESCO has identified as critical for 2025.	University of Barcelona	EPJ Quantum Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	The world of quantum physics is experiencing a second revolution, which will drive an exponential leap in the progress of computing, the internet, telecommunications, cybersecurity and biomedicine. Quantum technologies are attracting more and more students who want to learn about concepts from the subatomic world -- such as quantum entanglement or quantum superposition -- to explore the innovative potential of quantum science. In fact, understanding the non-intuitive nature of quantum technology concepts and recognizing their relevance to technological progress is one of the challenges of 2025, declared the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology by UNESCO. -- Now, a team from the Faculty of Physics of the University of Barcelona has designed new experimental equipment that makes it possible for students to familiarize themselves with the more complex concepts of quantum physics. -- The configuration they present -- versatile, cost-effective and with multiple ways of application in the classroom -- is already operational in the Advanced Quantum Laboratory of the UB's Faculty of Physics and could also be accessible in less specialized centres. -- This innovation is presented in an article in the journal EPJ Quantum Technology, which results from a collaboration between professors Bruno Juliá, from the Department of Quantum Physics and Astrophysics and the UB Institute of Cosmos Sciences (ICCUB); Martí Duocastella, from the Department of Applied Physics and the UB Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), and José M. Gómez, from the Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering. -- It is based on the result of Raúl Lahoz's master's final project, with the participation of experts Lidia Lozano and Adrià Brú. -- Study of phenomena unique to quantum mechanics Quantum mechanics makes it possible to create so-called entangled systems -- for example, with two particles or two photons -- that behave in a non-intuitive way. -- In 1964, the physicist John S. Bell experimentally proved that the predictions of quantum mechanics were totally incompatible with a classical description of physics -- a hypothesis that had been advocated by Albert Einstein -- and consolidated the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics. -- In 2022, scientists Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for pioneering experiments in quantum information on entangled photons and the experimental demonstration of the violation of Bell's inequalities. -- Quantum entanglement is today one of the fundamental resources to drive the development of quantum technologies (quantum computers, data encryption, etc.). "The study of Bell inequalities -- in particular, observing violations of the inequalities -- is fundamental to characterizing quantum entangled systems. It is important to be able to perform these experiments in a teaching laboratory to understand Bell's inequalities, quantum entanglement and the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics," says Bruno Juliá. -- Martí Duocastella explains in the article that they have designed "new experimental equipment capable of providing students with direct measurements of quantum entanglement." "From our perspective, -- says the researcher -- we believe that allowing students to make these measurements will greatly facilitate their understanding of this unintuitive phenomenon."	T01	1,539
2505-032	Light-Activated Drug Offers Hope For More Effective Psoriasis Treatment Options	A study from the University of Barcelona is making strides in psoriasis treatment, showing the efficacy of a new compound, MRS7787, that can be activated by blue light. This innovative approach aims to modulate immune system activity without the adverse effects associated with traditional therapies. By utilizing photopharmacology, this research is paving the way for targeted treatments that enhance safety for patients suffering from this chronic skin condition.	University of Barcelona	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the Voigt lab have extended our understanding of how developmental genes are held in a poised state to allow timely expression once they receive the correct 'go' signals. -- As well as being essential in the precise packaging of DNA into the space of the nucleus, histone proteins are also the site of modifications, chemical additions referred to as epigenetic marks, that control whether a gene is silenced or expressed. A specialised version of this control is at sites where both activating and repressive marks are laid down, called bivalency. Research from the Voigt lab at the Babraham Institute has investigated the mechanism by which bivalency functions to poise genes for expression during cell differentiation. These findings provide insight into the intricate cellular processes that control development, how cell types are specified from stem cells, and how cell identity is established. Deciphering these mechanisms is not only key to understand fundamental biology but will also ultimately pave the way for the development of regenerative medicine approaches. -- The combination of active and repressive marks is thought to hold the gene in a poised state in undifferentiated cells, ready for either full activation or full and permanent repression depending on differentiation cues. -- Now the team's research has shown in part how this balance is achieved and identified the protein interactors that read the bivalent state and influence gene expression. -- Dr Devisree Valsakumar, a postdoctoral researcher in the Voigt lab, explained: "Bivalent marks are the gatekeeper of the poised status, which we can compare to the 'Set' command of 'Ready, Set, Go!'. As the later findings of our research showed, this regulation, which holds genes in a 'ready to go' state, is critical for the proper specialism of cell types as cells differentiate from stem cells." -- Key to identifying the readers of bivalency was the team's ability to create specifically modified histones and nucleosomes (where DNA is wound around histone proteins in a 'beads on a string' structure). Through painstakingly recreating the DNA and histone protein complexes to allow tailored protein interaction assays, the team have shown that at bivalent locations, proteins were recruited to the repressive mark (H3K27me3) and not to the activating mark (H3K4me3). -- Importantly, they discovered that the bivalent combination of activating and repressive marks allows the binding of specific proteins that are not recruited by the repressive (H3K27me3) or activating (H3K4me3) marks individually. -- One of these proteins is the histone acetyltransferase complex KAT6B (MORF), identifying this for the first time as a reader of bivalent nucleosomes and regulator of bivalent gene expression during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. -- When KAT6B was knocked out in embryonic stem cells, the cells showed diminished differentiation potential to form neurons when compared to unaltered controls. The team showed that this was caused by a failure to properly regulate the expression of bivalent genes, indicating that KAT6B contributes to the poised state of bivalent genes, ensuring their proper activation during ESC differentiation. -- Dr Philipp Voigt, a tenure-track group leader in the Institute's Epigenetics research programme, commented: "Our research provides insight into a long-standing paradigm in the regulation of developmental gene expression, revealing a key mechanism that has so far eluded experimental scrutiny. It also uncovers a new layer of histone-based regulation, suggesting that bivalency is much more complex than originally thought. We are excited to now figure out what additional layers of regulation exist and how these contribute to poising and the control of developmental gene expression.	H01 T01	1,540
2505-055	Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Can Leave Lasting Genetic Imprints On Baby’s Development	Maternal stress during pregnancy can leave lasting epigenetic marks on placental genes related to cortisol, potentially affecting fetal development, as suggested by a new study. This research highlights the importance of maternal emotional health on offspring well-being, emphasizing the need for support and interventions aimed at reducing stress during pregnancy to promote better health outcomes for children.	University of Barcelona	European Neuropsychopharmacology	Press Rel	PubMed	The productivity of cacao trees decreases with time, forcing farmers to renew their plantations by either cutting down the old trees or establishing a new crop elsewhere. Frequently, new plantations are established in areas of the forest that are thinned out to accommodate new, young cacao trees. However, this comes with high economic and ecological costs. An alternative approach is to graft highly productive and native cultivars onto the existing older cacao trees. An international team led by scientists of the University of Göttingen found that cacao grafting is a useful measure to rejuvenate cacao plants, increasing their yield and profits with minimal impact on biodiversity. The results were published in the Journal of Applied Ecology. -- Cacao grafting consists of implanting a shoot from a promising variety into an adult cacao tree. -- By making use of the adult root system, grafting young and fresh branches completely replaces the old tree crown in a short time period. -- This approach has long been used for many crops, but its consequences for cacao production and biodiversity had never been simultaneously tested. -- Researchers from the universities of Göttingen and Würzburg in Germany, with the organization Bioversity International worked with local farmers in Peru to assess this. -- The technique focused on grafting high-yielding genotypes from the very highly valued, native variety Cacao Blanco de Piura. -- "These native varieties have already increased crop yield by 45% after just two years," says Dr Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, at Göttingen University's Agroecology group, who led the research. -- "This is great news for the production of fine flavour cocoa. It shows the value of grafting as a method to improve yields in a short time." -- In the first six months after grafting, the researchers monitored the diversity of arthropods -- for instance, spiders, mites and insects. -- "We were afraid that arthropods on the young grafts would be less diverse, because the old voluminous tree crown, including many branches, had been replaced," says Sophie Müller, former MSc student at Göttingen University and co-leader of the research, "but we actually found that, after a small decline in diversity, especially of predatory arthropods, the community quickly recovered in just six months." This recovery is particularly good news for the control of insect pests in cacao agroforests, since predatory arthropods may prevent pest outbreaks.	H01 H02	1,541
2506-E009	Evolution Shows Gene Loss May Lead To New Biological Adaptations And Survival	A recent study challenges traditional views of evolution, suggesting that gene loss and simplification play a more significant role in species adaptation than previously recognized. Researchers propose that massive gene losses can lead to new biological adaptations, providing a fresh perspective on evolutionary mechanisms and their implications for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.	University of Barcelona	Molecular Biology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Evolution is traditionally associated with a process of increasing complexity and gaining new genes. However, the explosion of the genomic era shows that gene loss and simplification is a much more frequent process in the evolution of species than previously thought, and may favour new biological adaptations that facilitate the survival of living organisms. This evolutionary driver, which seems counter-intuitive -- "less is more" in genetic terms -- now reveals a surprising dimension that responds to the new evolutionary concept of "less, but more," i.e. the phenomenon of massive gene losses followed by large expansions through gene duplications. -- This is one of the main conclusions of an article published in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, led by a team from the Genetics Section of the Faculty of Biology and the Institute for Research on Biodiversity (IRBio) of the University of Barcelona, in which teams from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have also participated. -- The paper identifies new evolutionary patterns, and it outlines a new scenario, marked by the enormous potential for genetic change and evolutionary adaptation driven by large-scale gene loss and duplication in living organisms. -- Less, but more: a new evolutionary scenario -- There are still many questions about the impact of gene loss on the diversification of species and the emergence of evolutionary innovations in the planetary tree of life. -- "Gene loss is a widespread mechanism throughout the biological scale and represents an evolutionary driving force that can generate genetic variability and also biological adaptations, and this has traditionally been known as the 'less is more' hypothesis," says Cristian Cañestro, leader of the study and member of the UB's consolidated research group on Evolution and Development (Evo-Devo) of the UB's Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics. -- Now, the new paper describes a new evolutionary framework called "less, but more," which extends the previous model in terms of the importance of gene loss as an evolutionary driving force. -- This study, which is part of Gaspar Sánchez-Serna's doctoral thesis, focuses on the study of the genome of the Oikopleura dioica species, a swimming organism of the marine zooplankton that belongs to the tunicates -- a sister group of vertebrates -- and is phylogenetically linked to evolutionary history. -- In this study model -- a free-living tunicate or appendicularian -- the team reconstructed the evolutionary history of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) gene families, which are critical in the developmental process of organisms. -- "The findings suggest that the process of gene loss reduced the number of FGF growth factor gene families from eight to just two, which are the Fgf9/16/20 and Fgf11/12/13/14 families. These surviving subfamilies have doubled over the course of evolution to generate a total of ten genes in appendicularians," explains Sánchez-Serna, first author of the paper.	C01	1,542
2507-093	Early Herpes Virus Exposure Linked To Long-Term Cognitive Decline	A recent study sheds light on the mechanisms behind insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes mellitus. By focusing on skeletal muscle's response to insulin, researchers outline new molecular pathways and potential drug targets. This research, published in Cell Communication and Signaling, aims to deepen our understanding of diabetes and improve treatment strategies.	University of Barcelona	University of Barcelona	Press Rel	PubMed	Insulin resistance precedes and predicts the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), a chronic disease that causes high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In affected people, insulin is unable to facilitate the uptake of glucose through tissues and organs, leading to an increase in blood glucose (chronic hyperglycaemia). Since skeletal muscle is the tissue that uses the most glucose in response to insulin action, it is the most affected tissue by insulin resistance. -- Now, a study published in Cell Communication and Signaling describes new molecular mechanisms to understand insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and to outline future drug targets for DM2. -- The study is led by Manuel Vázquez-Carrera, from the UB's Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, the Institute of Biomedicine of the UB (IBUB) and the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute (IRSJD) and the Networking Biomedical Research Centre's Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases area (CIBERDEM). Ricardo Rodríguez-Calvo (CIBERDEM and Universitat Rovira i Virgili), Antoni Camins (UBNeuro and CIBERNED) and Walter Wahli, from the University of Lausanne (Switzerland), among other experts, also signed the paper. -- Exploring the role of the insulin receptor -- Poorly controlled diabetes is a serious global health problem that can damage patients' blood vessels, heart, eyes, kidneys and other organs. Studies have shown that during the development of insulin resistance, many steps in the metabolic pathway activated by insulin are altered. However, much less attention has so far been paid to what happens to the insulin receptor. -- Professor Manuel Vázquez-Carrera notes that "the insulin signalling pathway is initiated when insulin binds to a receptor on the cells of insulin-responsive tissues. This receptor is composed of the α-subunit of the insulin receptor (InsRα) and the β-subunit (InsRβ)." "Insulin binding to InsRα derepresses the tyrosine kinase activity of the β-subunit (InsRβ). This initiates a whole metabolic pathway with different steps that eventually allow glucose transporters to translocate from the interior to the cell membrane to allow glucose to enter," he continues. -- The study assesses whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) β/δ can regulate InsRβ levels in mouse muscle and myotubes in culture. "The results show that deletion of the PPARβ/δ gene in mice reduces InsRβ protein levels in skeletal muscle compared to non-genetically modified mice. GW501516 -- a PPARβ/δ agonist -- has also been shown to increase InsRβ protein levels in mice muscle," says Vázquez-Carrera. -- The expert adds that "the reduction of InsRβ levels in cultured myotubes caused by an activator of endoplasmic reticulum stress -- a process involved in the development of insulin resistance and DM2 -- is partially reversed when cells are incubated in the presence of this PPARβ/δ agonist." "Specifically, this agonist also decreased reticulum stress and lysosomal activity, the latter of which is responsible for degrading the InsRβ protein, which could explain the beneficial effect of this compound on the levels of this protein," he says. -- The results also reveal how protein levels of ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase B4 (EphB4) -- a factor that binds to InsRβ and facilitates its endocytosis and degradation in lysosomes -- were increased in skeletal muscle from PPARβ/δ-deficient mice. However, the PPARβ/δ agonist decreased levels in skeletal muscle from non-genetically modified mice. -- The results of this study identify new mechanisms by which PPARβ/δ regulates InsRβ protein levels in skeletal muscle. "The research describes new actions of this nuclear receptor that may help explain its beneficial effects on insulin resistance and DM2," concludes Vázquez-Carrera.	H01 H02 R01	1,543
2507-T002	Black Holes Created Without Singularities: A New Gravitational Understanding	Researchers from the University of Barcelona have proposed a new model for black hole formation, eliminating the need for exotic matter that complicates traditional models. This study advances theoretical physics by addressing singularities in black holes, providing insights into quantum gravity and the fundamental nature of space-time.	University of Barcelona	University of Barcelona	Press Rel	PubMed	Traditional black holes, as predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, contain what are known as singularities, i.e. points where the laws of physics break down. Identifying how singularities are resolved in the context of quantum gravity is one of the fundamental problems in theoretical physics. Now, a team of experts from the Institute of Cosmos Sciences of the University of Barcelona (ICCUB) has described for the first time the creation of regular black holes from gravitational effects and without the need for the existence of exotic matter required by some previous models. -- This discovery, published in the journal Physics Letters B, opens up new prospects for improving our understanding of the quantum nature of gravity and the true structure of space-time. -- Black holes without singularities -- The term exotic matter refers to a type of matter that has unusual properties not found in ordinary matter. -- It often has a negative energy density, creates repulsive gravitational effects, and can violate certain energy conditions in general relativity. -- Exotic matter is largely theoretical and has not been observed in nature, but is used in models to explore concepts such as wormholes, faster-than-light travel and the resolution of black hole singularities. -- The new study mathematically demonstrates that an infinite series of higher-order gravitational corrections can eliminate these singularities and result in so-called regular black holes. -- Unlike previous models, which required exotic matter, this new study reveals that pure gravity -- without additional matter fields -- can generate regular black holes without singularities. -- This discovery represents a significant departure from previous theories and simplifies the conditions necessary for regular black holes. -- "The beauty of our construction is that it is based only on modifications of the Einstein equations predicted naturally by quantum gravity. No other components are needed," says researcher Pablo A. Cano, from the Department of Quantum Physics and Astrophysics at the Faculty of Physics and ICCUB.	T01	1,544
2508-T007	Predicting Athlete Movements: A New Model For Catching Moving Objects	Researchers have developed a model to explain how elite athletes, like tennis players, anticipate the trajectory of moving objects. By integrating optical and environmental factors, this model demonstrates that athletes can predict movements without continuous visual tracking. The implications of this research extend to robotics and sports training, enhancing our understanding of human motion prediction in dynamic environments.	University of Barcelona	Royal Society Open Science	Press Rel	PubMed	How does a tennis player like Carlos Alcaraz decide where to run to return Novak Djokovic's ball by just looking at the ball's initial position? These behaviours, so common in elite athletes, are difficult to explain with current computational models, which assume that the players must continuously follow the ball with their eyes. Now, researchers of the University of Barcelona have developed a model that, by combining optical variables with environmental factors such as gravity, accurately predicts how a person will move to catch a moving object just from an initial glance. These results, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, could have potential applications in fields such as robotics, sports training or even space exploration. -- The paper addresses the outfielder problem, which refers to the baseball player who stands in the outfield to catch the ball after it is hit. -- It is a classic challenge in physics and the neuroscience of movement, used to explore how humans and animals predict movements in a dynamic environment and how automated systems can be designed to mimic them. -- Joan López-Moliner, professor at the UB's Faculty of Psychology and member of the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro), has led the research and affirms that "faced with this problem, current models are based on guiding locomotion by continuously looking at the ball, while normally the elite athlete can run towards the ball without looking at it." "Moreover, -- he adds -- these models do not allow predictions of where the ball will go regarding the observer." The initial study was part of the doctoral thesis conducted by Borja Aguado, co-author and former member of the group, who, after a stay in Darmstadt (Germany), is now a researcher at the University of Vic. -- The model integrates prior knowledge of the ball's gravity and physical size into the visual information received in real time. -- "The model provides live signals that indicate the predicted position of the ball's fall and the time remaining until it arrives, considering different gravity conditions. This makes it possible to predict precisely how a player will move to catch it, from the very beginning of the flight," describes López-Moliner, who also coordinates the Vision and Control of Action research group. -- Despite the importance of gravity in anticipating trajectories, this is the first time this factor has been included in such a model. -- "This omission has overlooked the substantial influence that gravity exerts on the trajectory, which reflects a gap in the way existing models take into account environmental constants," says the UB professor. -- Moreover, the previous models cannot explain why humans perceive whether a ball is within reach or not to decide whether to start running. -- "Our model does account for this, as it indicates where the object will go regarding the player," says the researcher.	N01	1,545
2511-E041	Transplanted Coral Colonies Thrive A Decade After Relocation	Transplanted red coral colonies in the Medes Islands have flourished, resembling the original communities and aiding in coral reef recovery a decade after their introduction. Seized from illegal fishing, these corals have shown resilience and adaptability, supporting the restoration efforts led by the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Marine Sciences. This long-term success showcases the effectiveness of coral replanting initiatives and highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems against poaching and climate change.	University of Barcelona	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	The red coral colonies that were transplanted a decade ago on the seabed of the Medes Islands have survived successfully. They are very similar to the original communities and have contributed to the recovery of the functioning of the coral reef, a habitat where species usually grow very slowly. Thus, these colonies, seized years ago from illegal fishing, have found a second chance to survive, thanks to the restoration actions of the University of Barcelona teams, in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM -- CSIC), to transplant seized corals and mitigate the impact of poaching. -- These results are now presented in an article in the journal Science Advances. Its main authors are the experts Cristina Linares and Yanis Zentner, from the UB's Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio), and Joaquim Garrabou, from the ICM (of the Spanish National Research Centre, CSIC). -- The findings indicate that actions to replant corals seized by the rural corps from poachers are effective not only in the short term -- the first results were published after four years -- but also in the long term, i.e. ten years after they have been initiated. -- Under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) and the European Union's Nature Restoration Act, the paper stands out as one of the few research studies that has evaluated the success of long-term restoration in the marine ecosystem. -- Transplanted colonies surviving and helping to structure the coralligenous habitat -- Red coral (Corallim rubrum) poaching has been a threat even in marine protected areas and, in addition, due to the slow growth of this species, populations are still far from pristine conditions. -- The team's restoration work was carried out in the Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park, "at a depth of around 18 metres, in a little-visited area where no poaching has been observed in recent years and which, for the moment, does not seem to be affected by climate change," explains Cristina Linares, professor at the UB's Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences. -- The results of this research study, which has received funding from both the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the European Union's Next Generation funds, reveal the high survival of the transplanted red coral colonies after so many years. -- "The restored community -- i.e. the set of organisms in the environment where the transplanted coral is found -- has been completely transformed in just ten years," says Linares. -- "The community has also assimilated the structure expected in natural red coral communities. This reinforces the key value of habitat-generating species such as red coral, and the benefits that can grow from targeting them for conservation and restoration actions," he continues.	A01 H01 H02 R01 C01	1,546
2503-004	Bacteria’s Early Warning System: How They Detect And Respond To Threats	Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that bacteria can sense potential threats and respond proactively by forming protective biofilms. This preemptive behavior highlights the advanced communication strategies bacteria use to survive against various threats, adding crucial knowledge to the understanding of bacterial infections.	University of Basel	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Basel researchers have discovered that bacteria can sense threats in advance through a general danger signal. Bacteria detect when nearby cells are dying and proactively form a protective biofilm. Understanding how bacteria communicate and respond to threats is crucial for combating infections. -- Bacteria are constantly engaged in a struggle for survival, facing threats from immune cells, antibiotics, or phages -- viruses that only infect bacteria. -- Over the course of evolution, bacteria have developed numerous strategies to protect themselves from such dangers. -- But how do bacteria sense potential threats in their environment and initiate protective measures? -- Danger signal: Cell wall fragments -- In their recent study, researchers led by Prof. Knut Drescher at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, have discovered that fragments of the bacterial cell wall, so-called peptidoglycans, serve as an alarm signal indicating danger in the environment. -- "These molecules act as a general danger signal recognized not only by conspecifics but also by bacteria of different species," says Drescher "Peptidoglycans are released when bacteria are killed by phages or antibiotics." -- Protective mechanism: Biofilm formation -- Bacteria respond to this danger signal by producing a small signaling molecule known as c-di-GMP, which triggers biofilm formation. -- Biofilms are complex, three-dimensional structures of living bacteria embedded in a slimy matrix.	R01	1,547
2504-T011	High-Throughput Metabolomics Uncovers New Drug Actions And Potential Side Effects	Researchers at the University of Basel have leveraged high-throughput metabolomics to examine the effects of over 1,500 active substances on cell metabolism simultaneously. This innovative approach has led to discoveries of previously unknown mechanisms of action for well-established medications, enhancing the potential to predict side effects and uncover new therapeutic uses. By examining how various compounds influence metabolic processes, scientists aim to refine drug development strategies and improve the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceuticals, opening new avenues for medical research.	University of Basel	Nature Biotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Basel are able to test in parallel the effects of over 1500 active substances on cell metabolism. Their analysis also led to the discovery of previously unknown mechanisms for known medications. This approach might help scientists to better predict side effects and find additional uses for commercially available pharmaceuticals. -- How do active substances alter metabolic processes in cells? -- Answering that question would provide valuable clues for the development of new medications. -- However, investigating such modes of action for a whole compound library would have been very resource-intensive in the past. -- Researchers at the Department of Biomedicine at the University of Basel have just presented a method of testing the metabolic effects of thousands of active substances at the same time. -- They have published the results of this method, known as high-throughput metabolomics, in the scientific journal Nature Biotechnology. -- Predicting side effects and interactions -- "When we have a better understanding of exactly how active substances intervene in cell metabolism, the development of medication can be accelerated," explains Professor Mattia Zampieri. -- "Our method provides additional characterization of the substances, from which we can infer possible side effects or interactions with other medications." -- The researchers, led by Dr. Laurentz Schuhknecht, lead author of the study, grew cells in thousands of little wells in cell culture plates.	Z01	1,548
2505-088	New Insights Into Why Antibiotics Fail Even Against Non-Resistant Bacteria Explored	Researchers at the University of Basel challenge the idea that antibiotic therapy failures are solely due to resilient bacterial populations. Their study investigates why antibiotics sometimes fall short, particularly in certain infections, and suggests that understanding the behavior of bacteria during treatment could improve future antibiotic effectiveness.	University of Basel	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A new, comprehensive map of all the genes essential for blood infections in Plasmodium knowlesi (P. knowlesi), a parasite that causes malaria in humans, has been generated by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and colleagues. The map contains the most complete classification of essential genes in any Plasmodiumspecies and can be used to identify druggable parasite targets and mechanisms of drug resistance that can inform the development of new treatments for malaria. -- "We hope that our findings are a major step for the field of malaria research and control," said co-corresponding author Manoj Duraisingh, John LaPorte Given Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases. -- "Emerging drug resistance to the small number of antimalarial drugs is a growing problem. This map will be an invaluable resource to help researchers combat one of the leading causes of infectious disease death around the world." -- The study will be published Feb. 6, 2025, in Science. -- Each year, around 249 million human cases of malaria are caused by a Plasmodium species, resulting in about 608,000 deaths. -- P. knowlesi is one of several species responsible for human malaria. -- It is a zoonotic parasite that can be lethal and is an emerging public health problem in Southeast Asia. -- The researchers developed a powerful genetic approach in P. knowlesi, known as transposon mutagenesis, to disrupt all of the genes not needed for growth in human red blood cells, thus revealing a map of all of those remaining that were essential for growth. -- This identified at a genomic scale the molecular requirements for parasites to grow. -- The researchers were also able to pinpoint specific genes that cause resistance to current antimalarials.	H01 H02	1,549
2509-T037	Nasal Septum Cartilage Implants Improve Treatment For Complex Knee Injuries	Researchers are developing innovative cartilage implants using cells from the nasal septum to treat joint injuries. Recent findings demonstrate that allowing these implants more time to mature enhances their clinical effectiveness, potentially offering new solutions for patients suffering from cartilage damage and osteoarthritis.	University of Basel	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Injuries to the articular cartilage in different joints, including the knee, are painful and limit mobility. Therefore, researchers at the University of Basel and University Hospital Basel are developing cartilage implants using cells from the patient's nasal septum. A recent study shows that giving these cartilage implants more time to mature significantly improved clinical efficacy, even in patients with complex cartilage injuries. This suggests that the method could also be suitable for the treatment of degenerated cartilage in osteoarthritis. -- An unlucky fall while skiing or playing football can spell the end of sports activities. -- Damage to articular cartilage does not heal by itself and increases the risk of osteoarthritis. -- Researchers at the University of Basel and the University Hospital Basel have now shown that even complex cartilage injuries can be repaired with replacement cartilage engineered from cells taken from the nasal septum. -- A team led by Professor Ivan Martin, Dr. Marcus Mumme and Professor Andrea Barbero has been developing this method for several years. -- It involves extracting the cells from a tiny piece of the patient's nasal septum cartilage and then allowing them to multiply in the laboratory on a scaffold made of soft fibers. -- Finally, the newly grown cartilage is cut into the required shape and implanted into the knee joint. -- Earlier studies have already shown promising results. "Nasal septum cartilage cells have particular characteristics that are ideally suited to cartilage regeneration," explains Professor Martin. -- For example, it has emerged that these cells can counteract inflammation in the joints. -- More mature cartilage shows better results	Z01	1,550
2510-E008	Bacteria Use Nano-Spearguns To Counter Attacks With Precision	Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that bacteria possess tiny spearguns to defend against rival attacks. By mimicking bacterial assaults, the study revealed how these microbes assemble nanoweapons in response to damage, providing insights into their competitive behaviors and the mechanisms of microbial warfare.	University of Basel	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Some bacteria deploy tiny spearguns to retaliate against rival attacks. Researchers at the University of Basel mimicked attacks by poking bacteria with an ultra-sharp tip. Using this approach, they have uncovered that bacteria assemble their nanoweapons in response to cell envelope damage and rapidly strike back with high precision. -- In the world of microbes, peaceful coexistence goes hand in hand with fierce competition for nutrients and space. -- Certain bacteria outcompete rivals and fend off attackers by injecting them with a lethal cocktail using tiny, nano-sized spearguns, known as type VI secretion systems (T6SS). -- Bacteria respond to cell envelope damage -- The research group led by Professor Marek Basler at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, has been studying the T6SS of different bacterial species for many years. -- "We knew that Pseudomonas aeruginosa uses its T6SS to fire back when attacked," explains Basler. -- "But we did not know what exactly triggers the assembly of the nano-speargun: the contact with neighbors, toxic molecules, or simply cell damage?" -- In close collaboration with Roderick Lim, Argovia Professor for Nanobiology at the Biozentrum and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI), the researchers have now demonstrated: Pseudomonas aeruginosa responds to ruptures in the outer membrane -- initiated by mechanical force, such as poking with a sharp tip. -- The study has been published in Science Advances. -- Puncturing bacterial envelope with a tiny "needle"	Z01	1,551
2512-007	Discovering Mitochondrial Supercomplexes: Key Players In Cellular Energy Production	Using cutting-edge cryo-electron tomography, researchers at the University of Basel have gained unprecedented insights into mitochondrial architecture. Their findings reveal that energy-producing proteins organize into large supercomplexes, deepening our understanding of mitochondrial function and energy generation in cells, critical for sustaining various biological processes.	University of Basel	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Mitochondria are the powerhouses in our cells, producing the energy for all vital processes. Using cryo-electron tomography, researchers at the University of Basel, Switzerland, have now gained insight into the architecture of mitochondria at unprecedented resolution. They discovered that the proteins responsible for energy generation assemble into large "supercomplexes," which play a crucial role in providing the cell's energy. -- Most living organisms on our planet-whether plants, animals, or humans -contain mitochondria in their cells. -- Their main function is to supply energy for nearly all cellular processes. -- To achieve this, mitochondria use the oxygen we breathe and carbohydrates from food to regenerate ATP, the universal energy currency of cells. -- This function is performed by proteins known as the respiratory complexes, which work together in the energy-generating process. -- Although these respiratory complexes were discovered 70 years ago, their exact organization inside mitochondria has remained elusive until now. -- Using state-of-the-art cryo-electron tomography, researchers led by Dr. Florent Waltz and Prof. -- Ben Engel at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel were able to create high-resolution images of the respiratory chain directly inside cells at a resolution never achieved before. -- The results of the study are published in "Science." -- New insights into the cell's powerhouses	H01 N01 N02	1,552
2512-055	Unlocking Evolution: How Skeletal Cells Differ In Origin And Gene Regulation	Investigations conducted by researchers at the University of Basel have revealed that skeletal cells in vertebrates not only differ in their developmental origins but also in gene regulation, which may have played a crucial role in the evolutionary success of vertebrates. This study emphasizes the complexity and distinct functions of skeletal cells across various body parts, reinforcing the skeleton's role in stability and protection.	University of Basel	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In vertebrates, the skeleton of different regions of the body arises from different precursor cells. Researchers at the University of Basel have now discovered that these skeletal cells do not just differ in their developmental origin, but also in their gene regulation -- which may be a key to the vertebrates' evolutionary success story. -- From the skull to the smallest bone in your pinky toe, the skeleton acts as internal scaffolding to give stability to the body, and forms protective cocoons around important organs. -- Despite their similar structure, however, not all bones are created equal: in vertebrates (including humans), the various parts of the skeleton arise from different groups of precursor cells during embryonic development. -- During this process, each group produces its own set of regulator proteins and goes through its own developmental program to produce cartilage and bone. -- Researchers from the University of Basel have reported these findings in the scientific journal Nature Communications. -- Three construction teams, each with their own blueprint -- One type of precursor cell forms the skull and facial bones, another the spinal column and ribs, and a third type the skeleton of the limbs. -- "You can imagine it as three construction teams, each building one story of a house," explains Professor Patrick Tschopp of the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Basel. -- "The three teams start with different materials, blueprints and tools, but you end up with three stories that are structurally and functionally similar." -- The skull and facial bones arise from what are known as neural crest cells, which are produced on the back of the embryo and are developmentally closest to the cells of the central nervous system.	Z01	1,553
2512-063	Placebos Offer Relief: Open-Label Study Helps Women Manage Premenstrual Syndrome	Researchers have explored the efficacy of open-label placebos for alleviating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, finding that these placebos can provide relief when paired with explanatory context. Given the limitations and side effects of traditional treatments, this approach offers hope for those suffering from PMS-related discomfort.	University of Basel	BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	For many women, the days prior to menstruation are characterized by physical and mental suffering, with abdominal pain, nausea, mood swings, and anxiety. Almost half of women of reproductive age are affected by premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which restricts their everyday well-being and performance. Women with PMS are also more likely to suffer from depression, eating disorders, and migraines and are at a higher risk of suicide. -- Doctors prescribe various medications and supplements to help alleviate the symptoms, from natural remedies and magnesium right through to antidepressants and hormonal treatments. But these treatments don't always help, and some of them have side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, weight gain, or depression, while hormonal treatments often have a negative impact on patients who want to have children. It's therefore important for every individual to weigh up which PMS treatment method is the most suitable for them. -- "Nothing" can help -- This premise was the starting point for a study by the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Basel. The team of researchers led by Dr. Cosima Locher, Professor Jens Gaab, and Dr. Antje Frey Nascimento collaborated with researchers from Harvard Medical School to investigate whether open-label placebo preparations could help those affected. The results appeared in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine scientific journal. -- "Placebos are well researched since they are used in all drug trials. And they don't have any side effects," says Jens Gaab, highlighting some of the benefits. At the same time, the placebo effect shouldn't be underestimated. "Our brain has learned that if we take something regularly, it works -- even if it doesn't contain any active ingredients." Studies show that placebos can alleviate both physical and psychological complaints, even if they are administered as open-label, meaning that patients are aware that they're taking a tablet without any active ingredients. This has been demonstrated by randomized controlled studies relating to irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, and hot flashes during menopause, for example. -- To find out whether open-label placebos (OLPs) can also help with PMS, the researchers carried out a study of 150 subjects between the ages of 18 and 45 who were moderately to severely affected by PMS. Participants in this study were women who were not taking psychotropics. They were split into three equally sized study groups at random. -- The participants in the first group continued their previous treatments. The participants in the other two groups were given an OLP and could decide for themselves whether or not to continue their previous treatments. One of the two placebo groups was given the placebo pills without any additional information, whereas the other placebo group was informed of the reasons for using the placebo treatment during a consultation with the researchers that lasted approximately 20 minutes. The placebo pills were to be taken twice a day for six weeks. -- Treatment without side effects -- The open-label placebos alleviated the participants' symptoms both with and without the additional explanatory information, but the effect was greatest in women who received the information in addition to the placebo. In these women, the intensity of symptoms was reduced by up to almost 80 percent. "We weren't expecting the effects to be this pronounced," says study leader Dr. Antje Frey Nascimento. There was also a reduction in symptom intensity in the other two study groups, although the lowest effect was seen in women who simply carried on taking their previous medication. -- The provision of treatment information, therefore made a significant difference. The study leader explains this as being due to the women feeling like they were being taken more seriously as a result of the treatment consultation, among other factors. The element of interpersonal communication between the attending physician and the patient, therefore seems to play an important role. "This is associated with a feeling of self-efficacy: my body is able to help itself." The study leader believes that this interaction between the body and the mind is an important element in treatment with OLPs.	H01 H02 R02 C01	1,554
2513-028	Contaminated Air Increases Disease Risk, Researchers Find Higher Harmful Substance Levels	New findings from the University of Basel indicate that long-term exposure to contaminated air poses serious health risks, with reactive components in particulate matter dissipating quickly, thus undervaluing their harmful effects. Chronic diseases, including those affecting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, are connected to this pollution. The World Health Organization estimates over six million annual deaths linked to particulate matter, emphasizing the urgent need for thorough research into its health impacts.	University of Basel	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	People breathing contaminated air over the course of years are at greater risk of developing numerous diseases. This is thought to be due to highly reactive components in particulate matter, which affect biological processes in the body. However, researchers from the University of Basel, Switzerland, have now shown that precisely these components disappear within hours and that previous measurements therefore completely underestimate the quantities in which they are present. -- From chronic respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and dementia, health damage caused by particulate matter air pollution is wide-ranging and serious. -- The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over six million deaths a year are caused by increased exposure to particulate matter. -- The chemical composition of these tiny particles in the air, which come from a wide range of both anthropogenic and natural sources, is highly complex. -- Which particles trigger which reactions and long-term diseases in the body is the subject of intensive research. -- This research focuses on particularly reactive components known to experts as oxygen radicals or reactive oxygen species. -- These compounds can oxidize biomolecules inside and on the surface of cells in the respiratory tract, damaging them and in turn triggering inflammatory responses that impact the entire body. -- Experts previously collected the particular matter on filters and analyzed the particles following a delay of days or weeks. -- "Since these reactive oxygen species react with other molecules so quickly, they should be measured without delay," says atmospheric scientist Professor Markus Kalberer, explaining the idea behind the study that he and his team recently published in Science Advances. -- Measured from the air in real-time	A01 R01 R02	1,555
2501-095	Discovering How Macrophages Can Predict Melanoma Patients’ Immunotherapy Responses.	A significant breakthrough in personalized medicine for melanoma patients has emerged from research by UK and US scientists, revealing that macrophage activity can predict responses to immunotherapy. Their findings aim to improve treatment selection and effectiveness, particularly for high-risk melanoma patients, by identifying biomarkers that signal potential treatment success.	University of Bath	JCO Oncology Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of UK and US scientists has discovered that the activity of macrophages -- a type of white blood cell that engulf pathogens and cancer cells -- can be used to predict whether or not a melanoma patient will respond to immunotherapy. Their findings, published in a landmark paper in JCO Oncology Advances, will help clinicians select treatments that are most likely to be effective for their patients. -- Immunotherapy is a powerful treatment for a range of cancers including skin and kidney cancer, but unfortunately only around half of patients respond to this type of treatment. -- Therefore, selecting the best treatment is often a trial-and-error process, leaving patients who don't respond suffering side effects whilst their cancer remains untouched and potentially their condition worsens. -- Now researchers, from the Universities of Bath (UK) and Stanford University (CA, USA), have examined novel biomarkers -- indicators of the body's immune system -- that may identify melanoma patients more likely to respond to an immunotherapy treatment called TVEC. -- TVEC is a modified oncolytic virus that is injected into melanoma directly to stimulate an immune response. It previously has been used in advanced melanoma, however this study was the first to examine its potential to treat high-risk stage II melanoma patients upfront. -- It was conventionally thought that TVEC worked by activating T cells -- a type of white blood cell -- causing them to attack the cancer cells and shrink the melanoma. -- However, the team found that pre-existing and post-treatment T cell populations did not have association with treatment responses. Instead, they found that changes in the macrophages correlated to which patients responded to the treatment and which did not. -- Additionally, previous research has monitored amounts of protein indicators such as PD-L1 and at the genes involved in T cells to assess whether immunotherapy is effective. -- However, this latest study shows these techniques do not accurately predict which patients will respond to treatment. -- Measuring activation, not just amount	R01	1,556
2505-E059	Studying Neutron Star 'Starquakes' Could Enhance Our Understanding Of The Universe	Research into 'starquakes' promises to deepen our understanding of neutron stars, which are remnants of massive stars. A study led by the University of Bath reveals how these seismic events can inform our knowledge of nuclear matter and potentially impact fields such as nuclear physics and astronomy. The research highlights the significance of asteroseismology — the study of vibrations in stars — in advancing our comprehension of the universe and its governing principles.	University of Bath	Physical Review C	Press Rel	PubMed	Shoulder symptoms led to an average of 9.6 million physician visits in 2015 and 2016 in the United States. -- The most common cause of those shoulder symptoms? -- Rotator-cuff disorders. -- Tears of the rotator cuff can result from a substantial traumatic injury or can occur slowly over time. Most degenerative tears occur in the dominant arm of adults over the age of 40, and their prevalence increases with as you age. -- Nonoperative treatment, such physical therapy, is the typical approach to treating rotator-cuff tears. However, surgery is considered in certain patients whose rotator-cuff tears don't resolve with nonoperative treatments. -- When it comes to treatments for these tears, there are a variety of options to choose from and it's important to know which one is best for your condition. -- In a recent publication in the New England Journal of Medicine, University of Michigan Health professor and chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Nitin Jain, M.D., MSPH, talks through the different treatments available for rotator-cuff tears to help bring together a better understanding of how to treat the issue for patients and providers. -- Symptoms of rotator-cuff tears -- "Patients with nontraumatic or degenerative rotator-cuff tears typically experience an onset of shoulder pain that seems to have no cause," said Jain. -- "However, it is not uncommon for tears to be asymptomatic and become slowly painful over time, or even cause no pain at all."	H01 C01	1,557
2507-049	Benefits Of Blood Thinners For Older Adults May Outweigh Risks	A recent study reveals that for older patients with atrial fibrillation, the benefits of anticoagulation drugs significantly outweigh the risks of potential bleeding. Research from the University of Bath indicates that the risk of stroke or heart attack from discontinuing these medications is notably higher than the dangers associated with bleeding. This finding challenges traditional concerns among clinicians and emphasizes the importance of appropriate anticoagulant use in this vulnerable population.	University of Bath	University of Bath	Press Rel	PubMed	For patients with atrial fibrillation, the risk of stroke or heart attack from stopping anticoagulants usually outweighs the risk of bleeding, according to new findings from the University of Bath. -- Clinicians often worry about the dangers of prescribing blood thinning medications to older patients, due to concerns about falls and major bleeding, however new research from the University of Bath -- funded by the Dunhill Medical Trust -- suggests that for patients with the common heart condition atrial fibrillation (AF), the health risks of not taking these drugs are significantly higher than the risk of a life-threatening bleed. -- AF is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of stroke, with estimates suggesting the condition contributes to 20,000 strokes a year in the UK. It also increases the risk of heart attacks and death. Blood thinners -- otherwise known as anticoagulants -- are highly effective in managing AF and preventing strokes and other complications. -- Older people also tend to fall more frequently, with falls being a leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. These can lead to serious injuries, such as hip fractures and head injuries. -- However, the new study, published today in Heart, found that contrary to popular medical belief, stopping anticoagulants for patients aged 75 and over does not change the risk of major bleeds. These findings are important for clinicians to factor into their prescribing behaviour, according to the study's authors. -- Qantas Business Rewards -- Join Qantas Business Rewards free by 31 March* -- Sponsored By Qantas Business Rewards -- See More -- "Prescribers need to consider the increased risk to patients of coming off anticoagulants, including stroke," said Dr Anneka Mitchell, who conducted the research from the University of Bath and is a visiting researcher at the University's Department of Life Sciences.	A01 H01 R01	1,558
2513-T003	Digital Tech Can Empower Workers With Dementia, Challenging Common Stereotypes	New research from the University of Bath challenges the stereotype that dementia hinders individuals from engaging with digital technology in the workplace. The study highlights the potential for people with dementia to lead productive careers by adapting digital environments, emphasizing the need for organizations to implement strategies that support this demographic in the modern workforce.	University of Bath	Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	People with dementia can enjoy productive and rewarding working lives in the digital era, contrary to the widespread stereotype that dementia is incompatible with the use of modern technology, according to new research from the University of Bath. -- The study -- Working lives with dementia: A digital futures perspective -- argues that the digital revolution risks exacerbating inequalities amongst those with diverse needs but that organisations can and should develop, adapt and deploy digital technology and the working environment to help those with dementia to continue in employment. -- "The bottom line is that we have an ageing population and workforce in which dementia will feature and which should, and can be, accommodated by the judicious use of digital technology and adapting working conditions. The reality is, this is not dealt with in any meaningful way right now -- there are very rarely strategies in place," said Dr James Fletcher of the University of Bath School of Management. -- "There is widespread prejudice that those with dementia cannot cope with, or benefit from, digital technology, and they often get bundled into the same category as the oldest people. But it's worth putting some perspective on this -- an experienced 60-year-old employee with early stage dementia will have grown up through the digital, internet and social media revolutions -- and with the right support, they will still have much to offer," Dr Fletcher said. -- The study was published as the UK government announced its welfare reform plans, part of which is to encourage more disabled people into work. -- Dr Fletcher said he hoped the research could be a useful example of the prospects and challenges of fulfilling that goal. -- Dr Fletcher noted that quite simple adjustments to the working environment, such as improving workstation lighting, using appropriate fonts and colour schemes, and providing workers with calendars, voice activated controls, and automatic reminders could make a big difference for somebody diagnosed with dementia. -- "And AI offers really interesting opportunities -- it is superb at solving many of the problems faced by those with dementia, such as finding words, organising text and putting words in the right sequence. Couple that with the potential offered by hybrid working for those with dementia, and you can see the benefits for both employees and companies," he said. -- Dr Fletcher and his co-researcher Dr Olivia Brown argue that dementia is not inherently disabling and that its impact depends heavily on the environment and surroundings in which an employee is operating. -- Employers might consider, for example, that an employee with dementia may be able to access a building with a swipe card but may be foiled if access relies on codes that they have to remember.	A01 R02 T01	1,559
2502-074	Faster Bladder Cancer Treatment Possible With MRI Imaging And Biopsy Study Findings	New research from the University of Birmingham demonstrates that initial MRI imaging and biopsy can significantly expedite the treatment process for patients with aggressive bladder cancer. A randomized controlled trial showed that patients receiving MRI first had a median treatment time of 53 days, 45 days quicker than the standard procedure, which could revolutionize treatment protocols and improve patient care.	University of Birmingham	Journal of Clinical Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients with a common aggressive type of bladder cancer could get correct treatment significantly quicker as new research suggests that initial MRI imaging and biopsy could be used to reduce the time patients wait. -- In a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology today, a research team from the University of Birmingham's Bladder Cancer Research Centre (BCRC) and Cancer Research UK Clinical Trials Unit (CRCTU) ran a randomised controlled trial testing whether adding a type of magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) as the first staging investigation was as effective and quicker than the usual surgical staging for bladder tumours. -- The study, funded by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, saw 143 patients with suspected bladder cancer randomised into two groups, either going through the usual test called transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), or an initial MRI scan to decide upon the most appropriate next steps. -- The team found that patients who were randomised to have MRI had a significant reduction in the time taken to receive their correct treatment with a median time of 53 days from first referral to correct treatment, which was 45 days quicker than the usual standard of care which had a median time of 98 days. -- Usual tests for muscle invasive bladder cancer involve transurethral resection, which is a surgical procedure carried out under anaesthetic by a surgeon in which a thin telescope inserted through the urethra is used to examine the bladder and remove tumour material. -- Rik Bryan, Professor in Urothelial Cancer Research and Director of the Bladder Cancer Research Centre at the University of Birmingham and first author of the study said: -- "Bladder cancer is a common cancer and we know that with any cancer, and especially muscle-invasive bladder cancer, speed is of the essence when treating. Any ways to improve the time from initially suspecting cancer to getting the right treatment gives patients the best chance of responding well. -- "However, this aspect of the bladder cancer care pathway has remained essentially unchanged worldwide for over 100 years, whilst the rest of medicine and healthcare has innovated around it. We wanted to evaluate whether the 21st century approaches that have benefited the diagnosis and treatment of all other cancer patients would also benefit bladder cancer patients. The BladderPath trial looked at whether adding in some extra or alternative diagnostic testing, mpMRI first then and biopsy or TURBT, could speed up the time taken to receive the correct treatment for the most concerning form of bladder cancer. -- "We were delighted that the experimental diagnostic pathway that introduced MRI led to a vastly reduced time taken for patients to receive their correct treatments, from 98 days on average for the usual procedures reduced by more than 6 weeks to 53 days." -- Nick James, Professor of Prostate and Bladder Cancer Research at The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, and the study Chief Investigator said:	A01 H01 R01 T01	1,560
2503-T021	AI Technology Identifies Harmful Pollutants Affecting UK Waters	Utilizing advanced AI technology developed at the University of Birmingham, scientists can now identify the most harmful pollutants affecting biodiversity in UK waters. Their study, published in Environmental DNA, analyzed water samples from various lakes, revealing that insecticides and fungicides significantly impact aquatic ecosystems. This groundbreaking work emphasizes the need for comprehensive approaches to environmental monitoring and conservation, aiming to address the multifaceted challenges facing biodiversity today.	University of Birmingham	Environmental DNA	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists can now identify the most harmful pollutants present in UK waters that are having the biggest impact on biodiversity thanks to pioneering AI technology developed at the University of Birmingham, a new study published in Environmental DNA has revealed. -- The new technology allowed the team of scientists to analyse water and biofilm samples from 52 freshwater lakes across the country, efficiently and effectively sifting through reams of complex data to find key links between the presence of pollutants and biodiversity loss. The data concluded that insecticides and fungicides were the main factors affecting biodiversity, along with 43 other physico-chemical factors, including heavy metals and alkalinity. -- Lead author of the study Dr Niamh Eastwood explained: "Up until now, DNA-based methods have been used to estimate changes in indicator species, or species groups (e.g. diatoms), but have tended to focus on individual environmental factors like temperature or pH, overlooking the complex interaction between biodiversity and environmental change. This narrow approach is now insufficient to address the complexities of a world facing multiple stressors and rapidly emerging threats to water and wildlife. The results from our study highlighted the severe impact that insecticides and fungicides from agricultural runoff have on aquatic ecosystems. It is clear that these chemicals are harming many more species than those which they are intended for, which makes them of great concern." -- Senior author Professor Luisa Orsini added: "Protecting biodiversity is more important than ever. Effective conservation goes beyond looking at how single environmental factors affect individual species. Instead, it requires understanding of how these factors interact with climate and other environmental changes to drive overall biodiversity loss. Our innovative, data-driven approach embraces the complexity of natural systems, while providing actional targets for regulators. By analysing vast amounts of data, we can uncover which environmental factors have the greatest impact on sensitive species. This insight is key to developing targeted, effective conservation strategies that can address the root causes of biodiversity decline and help preserve our planet's ecosystems. With this approach, we aim to pave the way for smarter, science-backed conservation efforts that safeguard the natural world for future generations." -- Dr. Jiarui Zhou, a senior author of the study, highlighted the transformative power of artificial intelligence in tackling environmental challenges. " This study utilises advanced statistical learning to integrate complex multimodal datasets, showcasing how AI-powered approaches can revolutionise environmental science," Dr. Zhou explained. "By enabling the prioritisation of species for conservation and identifying the chemicals most harmful to biodiversity, this approach opens new pathways for protecting our natural world. This breakthrough showcases how cutting-edge technology can drive practical solutions in conservation and environmental protection, setting the stage for a healthier, more sustainable planet." -- Arron Watson, co-author of the study, emphasised the practical implications of the research, stating: "Our study highlighted the harmful effects of chemicals banned shortly after our study, providing confidence in the approach to uncover harmful substances. This approach could also be used to detect chemicals that still cause harm to biodiversity even after their use is discontinued, due to their persistence in the environment" -- This groundbreaking work underscores the importance of proactive measures in chemical regulation and demonstrates the long-lasting impact harmful substances can have on ecosystems. By identifying and addressing these threats, this research supports stronger, data-driven strategies for safeguarding biodiversity and protecting the environment.	H02 C01 N01 T01	1,561
2504-068	Green Alga May Become A Superfood Addressing Global Food Security Challenges	Researchers have identified Chlorella vulgaris, a freshwater microalga, as a potential 'superfood' that could address global food security while promoting environmental sustainability. This microalga is rich in essential nutrients and can be cultivated with minimal ecological impact, making it a viable alternative to traditional agriculture. Its incorporation into food products could enhance nutritional value, supporting both health and environmental goals.	University of Birmingham	Journal of Food Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A green alga that grows in lakes and rivers could be the next 'superfood' -- helping scientists to tackle global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability, a new study reveals. -- Chlorella Vulgaris is a freshwater microalga rich in protein, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. -- Unlike conventional agriculture, which requires extensive land and water resources, it can be cultivated sustainably with minimal environmental footprint. -- The microalga can be incorporated into food products to enhance their nutritional value. -- With its antioxidant properties, immune support, and detoxifying effects, Chlorella is a promising nutraceutical ingredient. -- Publishing their findings in the Journal of Food Science, scientists at the University of Birmingham believe that, while Chlorella holds immense promise, challenges remain in optimizing large-scale production and improving consumer acceptance. -- The researchers emphasize the need for advancements in cultivation techniques, processing methods, and sensory improvements to enhance its appeal. -- Co-author Dr Helen Onyeaka commented: "As consumer interest in health-conscious and eco-friendly products grows, Chlorella Vulgaris could be one of the superfoods that redefine the future of food innovation. Our study underscores the critical role of applied research in addressing global food security challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. -- "We found that Chlorella not only meets growing demand for sustainable food sources but also offers substantial health and nutrition benefits. By overcoming production challenges through technological advancements, we can pave the way for Chlorella's widespread adoption." -- Chlorella has been used as a food supplement, available in powder and tablet forms, and adding the substance to food products can enhance their taste, texture, and appearance.	H01 C01	1,562
2505-045	Study Analyzes Akkermansia Muciniphila: Healthy Gut Bacteria That Feed On Mucus	A recent study has thoroughly analyzed Akkermansia muciniphila, a beneficial gut microbe, and discovered its unique diet of breaking down sugars found in mucus. This comprehensive research, published in Nature Microbiology, details the enzymes utilized by this microbe to digest mucus, revealing insights into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to gut health. The study led by Dr. Lucy Crouch at the University of Birmingham underscores the importance of understanding how beneficial microbes interact with our digestive system.	University of Birmingham	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Alcohol use disorder, which affects over 10% of Americans, can lead to persistent and serious insomnia. Difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep can last even after months of sobriety, increasing the risk of relapse. But treating withdrawal-related insomnia is difficult, partly because what's going on in the brain in this condition remains largely mysterious. -- Now, research in fruit flies has identified specific brain signals and groups of brain cells that are involved in alcohol-induced insomnia. -- This work could ultimately lead to targeted treatments for alcohol-related sleep loss, helping people recover from alcohol use disorder. -- "The effects of alcohol on sleep seem to be localized to a particular cell type in the brain, which is not something that's ever been shown before," says Maggie Chvilicek, graduate researcher in neuroscience at the University of Utah and lead author on the study. -- She adds that these cells often do similar things in flies and humans. -- "The mechanism that we identified is something that very likely could also exist in a mammalian brain." -- A rebound effect -- The researchers noticed that alcohol affected fruit flies much like it affects humans. -- When flies received a high dose of alcohol, they took longer to fall asleep and were more likely to wake during the night, even several days after the alcohol left their system. -- Crucially, the researchers found, the effects of alcohol on sleep depended on dose -- and how one might expect.	H01 R01	1,563
2505-076	Wealthy Individuals Tend To Engage More In Prosocial Behavior, Global Study Finds	A global study conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham finds a strong correlation between wealth and prosocial behavior, such as charitable giving and volunteering. Analyzing data from over 80,000 individuals across 76 countries, the research indicates that enhancing financial equality could significantly foster altruism and community support, illustrating the social responsibilities of wealth.	University of Birmingham	PNAS Nexus	Press Rel	PubMed	New research estimates that globally, only 6.9 per cent of people with mental health or substance-use disorders receive effective treatment for their disorders. -- Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School analyzed survey data from nearly 57,000 participants in 21 countries collected over a 19-year period, to provide the clearest picture yet of where people discontinue their path to effective treatment for nine common anxiety, mood and substance-use disorders. -- The biggest barrier to effective treatment is a person not recognizing that they need it, the study showed. However, even patients who contact the healthcare system often do not receive effective treatment. -- "This survey data has allowed us to create the only effective treatment indicator that exists for mental health and substance use," said lead author Dr. Daniel Vigo, associate professor at UBC's department of psychiatry and school of population and public health. "Policy decisions and allocative decisions for funding should be guided by data, and this hasn't always been the case in the realm of mental health and substance use." -- The World Health Organization-World Mental Health Surveys Initiative collects data on the prevalence, severity and treatment of mental disorders worldwide. This study focused on survey participants who met criteria for a disorder under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV, a standardized classification system used by mental health professionals from 1994 to 2013. -- The team, led by Dr. Vigo and Dr. Ronald Kessler of Harvard, was interested in how close participants got to receiving effective treatment that met evidence-based guidelines -- and where they might have dropped off along the way. -- They analyzed four key steps, and the percentage of people who proceeded from each step to the next: -- 1. Recognizes their need for treatment -- 2. Makes contact with the healthcare system about it -- 3. Receives a minimum level of adequate treatment	Z01	1,564
2505-115	Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure Impairs Focus And Emotion Recognition	A recent study highlights that short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution significantly impairs cognitive functions, including emotion recognition and task focus. Conducted by researchers from the Universities of Birmingham and Manchester, the study underscores the detrimental effects of air pollution on daily activities and social behaviors.	University of Birmingham	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, DNA evidence has confirmed killer whales in Australia hunted a white shark for its liver. -- Based on DNA analysis from the bite wounds on the carcass of a large white shark washed ashore near Portland in Victoria in 2023, the Flinders University-led study identified that killer whales were responsible for consuming the mid-section containing the nutritionally rich liver. -- Around the world, killer whales (Orcinus orca) have been observed preying on various shark species including white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) -- as previously documented in California and South Africa. -- The discovery of a 4.7 metre white shark missing its liver on a beach in southeastern Australia offered a rare opportunity to analyse distinctive bite wounds and unravel the predator's identity. -- "The liver, digestive and reproductive organs were missing, and there were four distinctive bite wounds, one of which was characteristic of liver extraction by killer whale, similar to what has been observed in South Africa," says lead author Isabella Reeves, a PhD candidate with Flinders University's Southern Shark Ecology Group and the West Australian Cetacean Research Centre (CETREC). -- "Swabs were taken from bite wounds on the white shark and sequenced for remnant genetic material from the shark's predator. We were able to confirm the presence of killer whale DNA in the primary bite area, while the other three wounds revealed DNA from scavenging broadnose sevengill sharks. -- "These findings provide compelling evidence of killer whale predation on white sharks in Australian waters, with a strong indication of selective liver consumption. This suggests that such predation events may be more widespread and prevalent across the globe than previously believed." -- The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, used wildlife forensic techniques to confirm killer whales were responsible for excising and consuming the liver from the white shark. -- Civilian bystanders had witnessed several killer whales, including locally known individuals called 'Bent Tip' and 'Ripple, catching a large prey in Bridgewater Bay two days before the white shark carcass washed ashore. -- The beached large white shark carcass was collected by state government fisheries officers for investigation.	H01 H02 R02	1,565
2505-130	Banning Phones In Schools Doesn't Improve Student Well-being	A worldwide study published in Lancet Regional Health Europe indicates that restrictive school policies on smartphone use do not result in improved mental health or well-being among students. Despite banning phones during school hours, the study involving 1,227 students found no significant differences in anxiety, depression, or physical activity, suggesting that more comprehensive approaches may be needed to address the negative impacts of smartphone use on youth.	University of Birmingham	The Lancet Regional Health - Europe	Press Rel	PubMed	Dr Harry Evans, Emeritus Fellow at CAB International, led scientists -- including from the Natural History Museum of Denmark and Royal Botanical Gardens Kew -- in a study to investigate the identity of a fungus found on a spider during filming of the BBC Winterwatch series in Northern Ireland. -- Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, the fungus was confirmed as a novel species and: "named after the broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough, a pioneer of BBC natural history programmes, who -- in his role as controller of BBC 2 -- helped to develop the Natural History Unit; leading, indirectly, to the present nature series during which the new species was first discovered." -- Subsequently, the spider host was identified as the orb-weaving cave spider, Metellina merianae (Tetragnathidae: Araneae), and -- through the help of a local speleologist -- further specimens of the new species, Gibellula attenboroughii, were found in cave systems in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as on a related spider, Meta menardi, occupying different ecological niches within the caves. -- Like the type specimen, originally located on the ceiling of a gunpowder store, all the infected spiders were positioned on the roof or walls of the caves. -- These normally reclusive spiders had left their lairs or webs and migrated to die in exposed situations: essentially, mirroring the behaviour of ants infected by fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps previously reported from the Atlantic rainforest of Brazil. -- Such manipulation of the host in order to favour dispersal of the fungal spores engendered the description of 'zombie-ant fungi' and led to the publication of a number of zombie-fungus themed books, as well as to a popular video game and the television series, The Last of Us. Behavioural-changing metabolites, such as dopamine, have since been identified in cultures of zombie-ant fungi of the genus Ophiocordyceps. -- Published in the journal Fungal Systematics and Evolution, the scientists also used historical herbarium records and literature searches to uncover a hidden diversity within the genus Gibellula in the British Isles, along with evidence of widespread disease epidemics on spiders in Norfolk and Wales. It was concluded that: "their role in spider-population dynamics warrants further study, as does the metabolites they produce which enable them to exploit such a highly specific ecological niche."	H02	1,566
2505-E058	Cleaner Air Policies Could Unintentionally Increase Wetland Methane Emissions	A recent study indicates that efforts to reduce air pollution by cutting down sulfur emissions could unintentionally lead to a rise in methane emissions from natural wetlands, including peatlands and swamps. As air quality improves, the release of an additional 20-34 million tons of methane annually may necessitate stricter regulations on human-caused emissions to achieve global methane reduction targets. This study underscores the interconnectedness of environmental policies and natural emissions in addressing climate change.	University of Birmingham	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Wealthy people are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviour such as donating money or volunteering, according to a new global study. -- In a new paper published today in PNAS Nexus, researchers from the University of Birmingham found that there were significant associations between both objective wealth and subjective financial well-being, and various aspects of 'prosocial' behaviour including altruistic intentions and reciprocity: being prosocial in return when someone else helps you. -- Countries around the world were included in the study, incorporating data from more than 80,000 people from 76 countries representing a wide range of cultures and economies. -- The findings suggest that relative wealth in different countries drives the same motivations towards altruistic intent and behaviour. -- Furthermore, the findings suggest that supporting financial equality would have a strong impact on increasing prosocial attitudes. -- Patricia Lockwood, Professor of Decision Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham and senior author of the study said: -- "There has been disagreement as to whether higher wealth makes you more or less prosocial. Our study clearly shows that wealth, and a subjective sense of financial well-being, are very strongly associated with prosocial behaviours and attitudes. Wealthier people are more inclined to give money to charity, and also to volunteer or do reciprocal acts of generosity. What's more, this effect is highly consistent globally even in countries that differ a lot in levels of wealth. -- "However, we do also see a negative association between wealth and trust. People with higher income were less likely to trust others to act positively towards them. Finally, higher wealth was linked with punishing those who behave badly. This can be an important part of maintaining levels prosocial or good behaviour in society." -- The study found that previous experience of financial hardship leads to the strongest association between wealth and prosocial behaviour. -- Lead author Paul Vanags explained:	H01 C01	1,567
2506-019	New Study Provides Insights For Precision Treatments In Pancreatic Cancer	New research indicates that certain pancreatic tumors may be more amenable to macrophage-based therapies, which could inform future precision treatments. By mapping immune cell compositions in tumors, the study seeks to explain why some pancreatic cancers resist current immunotherapies, offering new avenues for effective treatment strategies.	University of Birmingham	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Pancreatic cancer patients may benefit from future precision treatments as a new study shows how some tumours may potentially be more susceptible to macrophage-based therapies. -- The study which is published in Nature Communications was led by Associate Professor Shivan Sivakumar from the University of Birmingham and Associate Professor Rachael Bashford-Rogers at the University of Oxford and provides the most detailed immune map for pancreatic cancer. The findings suggest that some tumour cells are more likely to be infiltrated by T cell treatments, while others had myeloid cell infiltration. This means that cells such as macrophages could be suitable for future immunotherapeutic treatments in some cases. -- Using cells from twelve patients, the research team created a single cell map of tumour infiltrating immune cells and peripheral immune cells, coupled with gene expression, single cell TCR and BCR sequencing and identifying proteins expressed on these cells. The team then verified their findings using two other large publicly available pancreatic cancer datasets. -- Dr Shivan Sivakumar, Associate Professor of Oncology from the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study said: -- "Pancreatic cancer is a tumour that does not respond to existing immunotherapies (checkpoint inhibitors). A basis for this is that there is not the same immunogenic reaction to the tumour that exists in other cancers. We therefore mapped out how the immune system is constructed in pancreatic cancer patients. This has helped us understand with a high degree of confidence what immune cells are present in pancreatic cancer and let us see how the tumour evades the immune system. -- "We demonstrate the need for trials to assess changes in immune infiltration over time. Collectively our data provides a foundation for understanding the failure of immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer with an avenue for designing novel therapeutics and tailored interventions. -- Rachael Bashford-Rogers, Associate Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Oxford and a senior author of the study said: -- "We have uncovered distinct immune environments in pancreatic cancer, revealing new therapeutic opportunities to improve outcomes for this deadly disease. By leveraging single-cell multi-omics and novel computational approaches, this study identifies potential strategies such as boosting certain cell responses, and depleting suppressive immune cells to enhance immune-based treatments." -- Potential therapeutic targets identified -- The study has also uncovered the important understanding about the role of specific immune cells, such as activated regulatory T cells (Tregs) and B cells, in the immunopathology of this disease. The team have found that these cells could help to distinguish patients that may benefit from targeted treatments that activate the existing immune response in the tumour area (rich in B and T cells) versus those that have a highly suppressive tumour environment (rich in myeloid cells). Tackling these cells would play an important therapeutic strategy in the future against this disease.	A01 H01 R01	1,568
2506-050	Healthier Meals At The Top Of Menus Encourage Teenagers To Make Better Choices	Research from the University of Birmingham and Aston University indicates that placing lower-calorie meal options at the top of restaurant menus can encourage healthier choices among teenagers. As childhood obesity rates continue to rise, the study emphasizes the importance of restaurants in shaping dietary habits. By strategically arranging menu items by caloric content, restaurants can significantly influence adolescents’ eating decisions, promoting healthier lifestyles during this critical developmental period.	University of Birmingham	Appetite	Press Rel	PubMed	New research has found that putting lower-calorie meal choices at the top of a restaurant menu, and reducing the availability of high-calorie options, makes teenagers more likely to order the healthier options. -- Childhood obesity rates have been increasing year on year, with government pledges and targets to reduce obesity unfulfilled or missed. -- Restaurants are a common food environment for adolescents, with one-fifth of children consuming meals out at least once a week. -- A recent study from the University of Birmingham and Aston University, published in the journal Appetite, has found that positioning main course options on a restaurant menu from lower to higher calorie amounts makes adolescents more likely to pick the healthier (lower calorie) option. -- Dr Katie Edwards, Research Fellow in Psychology who led the study, said: "Childhood obesity is a significant public health challenge. A key period for targeting dietary intervention is adolescence, when young people become more independent, making their own decisions about diet and socialising with friends more. Interventions have targeted healthy eating at home and at school, but we wanted to see how altering restaurant menus can impact the choices teenagers make." -- The researchers asked 432 13-17-year-olds to take part in an online experiment. -- They presented the teenagers with different menus, with five starters, ten main courses and five desserts in separate sections, as one would find on a standard restaurant menu. -- Each menu was slightly different; one which reduced the number of high calorie options on offer, one with menu positioning of low to high calorie meals, one which combined the availability and position interventions, and then one 'typical' menu. -- The participants were asked to select a starter, main and dessert from each menu. -- The experiment showed that the availability and the position interventions resulted in significantly lower calorie meal choices, compared to the choices made from the menu with no intervention (the 'typical' menu). The average number of calories for a selected meal reduced from 2099.78 to 1992.13 when the items were ordered from least to highest calorie content.	H01	1,569
2507-013	Fungal Infection Triggers Immune Response Leading To Neurodegeneration In Fruit Flies	A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that a fungal infection can provoke a fruit fly's immune system to attack its brain cells, resulting in neurodegeneration. Researchers found that the fungus Beauveria bassiana triggers an immune response that leads to significant neuronal loss, providing insights into the relationship between fungal infections and neurodegenerative processes.	University of Birmingham	University of Birmingham	Press Rel	PubMed	A fungal infection has been shown to trigger a fruit fly's own immune system to destroy brain cells leading to signs of neurodegeneration, a new study has found. -- The paper published in PLOS Biology today found that a fungus called Beauveria bassiana was able to make the fly's innate immune system trigger a process that kills neurons and glia in the brain, leading to more than half of flies dying after seven days compared to half of control samples living for nearly 50 days. -- In experiments conducted by a team of academics from the University of Birmingham, fruit flies were exposed to B.bassiana in infection chambers. -- After three days exposure, the fungus had penetrated the blood-brain barrier and had made its way into the central brain. -- The scientists found that the fungus is able to trick the fly's immune system agents called Toll receptors to release two different responses. -- The Toll-1 receptor triggered the release of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as expected, which attack and try to kill pathogens. -- However, the fungus also provoked Toll-1 to trigger the production of another molecule called Sarm, which suppresses the immune response and kills brain cells instead. -- Alicia Hidalgo, Professor of Neurogenetics at the University of Birmingham and corresponding author of the study said: -- "We have shown a process for how fungi have evolved to trick the immune system to get into the brain. The fungus is detected by the receptor that does a normal process to induce innate immunity, but in the brain this can also trigger an immune-evasion pathway that induces cell death in the host brain instead. -- "The key antagonist in the immune process is Sarm, a so-called master of destruction, that is causing cell death in the brain. The ability of B. bassiana to trick the fruit fly immune system into activating the master of destruction Sarm and killcells enables spores to beat the blood-brain barrier and start feeding on brain cells."	R02	1,570
2509-020	A Call For A New Definition Of Dyslexia For Better Support	Researchers call for a revised definition of dyslexia to better address the needs of those affected by this learning disorder. Dyslexia has had multiple definitions, leading to inconsistencies in support and diagnosis, often leaving children struggling to access necessary resources. The University of Birmingham, in collaboration with several prestigious institutions, argues for a unified definition to improve identification and assistance, noting that the last major definition update was in 2009, which has since faced criticism.	University of Birmingham	Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	A new definition of dyslexia is needed to more accurately describe the learning disorder and give those struggling with dyslexia the specific support they require, says new research. -- Dyslexia has had several different definitions over the years and this murky and complicated history means it can be a postcode lottery for children who may have dyslexia, or those who have been diagnosed but can't access the support they need. -- The first step to fixing this issue, new research has argued, is to redefine dyslexia and adopt the new definition across the UK. -- The research was conducted by the University of Birmingham, the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), Kings College London, and the University of Oxford. It is published today (25th Feb) in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. -- Julia Carroll, Professor of Psychology in Education at the University of Birmingham who led the study, said: "There has not been a new attempt to define dyslexia since the Rose Review in 2009. The review provided a definition and argued for specialist teachers to help identify and support dyslexia. Despite the Rose definition significantly influencing practice, it has gathered criticism over the last 15 years and has not been universally accepted. -- "In addition to this, there is no clear universal pathway for the assessment of children with dyslexia in England, Wales and Northern Island, and the process for identifying learning needs and interventions can vary massively from place to place. Adopting a universal definition for dyslexia is the first step to improving support for children experiencing the challenges of dyslexia." -- The researchers brought together 58 international experts in dyslexia, including academics, specialist teachers, educational psychologists, and individuals with dyslexia, to vote on whether they agreed with several key statements about dyslexia. The statements covered six key sections: the definition of dyslexia, intellectual abilities and dyslexia, the etiology of dyslexia, co-occurrence with other disorders, the changing impact of dyslexia over a lifespan, and common misconceptions. -- 42 statements received a consensus of more than 80% and were accepted by the group. They were then used to create the new definition of dyslexia: -- Dyslexia is a set of processing difficulties that affect the acquisition of reading and spelling. -- In dyslexia, some or all aspects of literacy attainment are weak in relation to age, standard teaching and instruction, and level of other attainments.	H01	1,571
2510-018	Comprehensive Genetic Database Can Propel Advances In Precision Medicine	The creation of a comprehensive genetic reference for over 2.5 billion people in the Middle East and South Asia aims to enhance precision medicine. This new approach, moving beyond traditional genome studies, could significantly improve health outcomes by capturing the genetic diversity of these populations.	University of Birmingham	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Creation of a comprehensive genetic representation for more than 2.5 billion people across the Middle East and South Asia could make a major contribution towards advancing precision medicine, a publication in Nature Medicine reveals. -- Traditional genetic research has mainly relied on linear reference genomes, which is like having a single, standard version of human DNA that scientists compare everyone's genetic information against. -- This works well for studying individual genetics but does not capture all the complexities and differences found in diverse populations. -- The Arab Pangenome Reference (APR) takes a different approach. -- Instead of relying on just one "standard" genome, it includes a collection of many different genetic versions specific to the Arab population. -- This helps scientists see the full picture of genetic diversity, including variations and unique traits that might be missed using the old method. -- The international group of researchers led by Dubai Health's Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Birmingham Dubai published their findings today (4 Mar) in Nature Medicine. Authors included Nasna Nassir, Mohamed A. Almarri, Hosneara Akter, Hamda Hassan Khansaheb, K. M. Furkan Uddin, Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Stefan Du Plessis, Marc Haber, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Mohammed Uddin. -- Nature Medicine is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and its commitment to disseminating high-quality studies and opinion pieces that advance our understanding of human health. -- Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: "This publication provides a comprehensive and inclusive perspective on human genetic diversity, ensuring that the unique genetic landscapes of the Middle East and South Asia are represented. Integration of these pangenomes into global genomic databases will unlock new discoveries and represents a vital step in advancing health for humanity." -- Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost University of Birmingham Dubai commented: "At the University of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on 'research that changes lives'. This latest research demonstrates the impact of our strong partnership between University of Birmingham Dubai and Dubai Health to deliver research that fundamentally advances science and discovery, creating a new understanding of genetic diversity amongst Arabs and enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of disease."	R01 T01	1,572
2510-086	New Delhi's Air Pollution Levels Underestimated By 20% Due To Water Vapor	New findings show that air pollution in New Delhi is more severe than previously thought, with hygroscopic particles causing a 20% underestimation of particulate matter levels. This research highlights the need for revised pollution assessments, especially during high humidity periods, to ensure public health strategies effectively address the true extent of air quality issues.	University of Birmingham	npj Clean Air	Press Rel	PubMed	New Delhi's air pollution is more severe than previously estimated with particles absorbing atmospheric water vapour leading to particulate matter levels across the city being underestimated by up to 20%, a new study reveals. -- Hygroscopic growth causes fine particulate matter (PM1) to swell, reducing sampling devices efficiency and leading to underestimation, with greatest underestimation in estimated concentrations happening during winter morning rush hours, when humidity is highest and pollution is most severe. -- In contrast, research shows that the monsoon season shows negligible bias due to the washout of hygroscopic particles by heavy rainfall -- the bias is more pronounced during high pollution episodes, with underestimation increasing exponentially with humidity. -- Publishing the findings today (12 Mar) in NPJ Clean Air, study author Dr Ying Chen, from the University of Birmingham, concludes that PM1 pollution in the city is worse than previously thought, but provides correction tools for future studies to better estimate particulate levels. -- Dr Chen commented: "This study highlights the true extent of air pollution in New Delhi and offers a framework for more accurate future assessments that better inform public health strategies and mitigation efforts. When carrying out air quality assessments, it is crucial to consider hygroscopic growth and the potential for significant underestimation of pollution levels in humid conditions." -- Biased measurements due to hygroscopic growth are significant in New Delhi due to the high-water content of its aerosol particles, which can contain up to 740 µg/m³ of water and is the highest in megacities all over the world. -- The study suggests that controlling emissions from biomass burning and residential sources, which emits highly hygroscopic chlorine species, could effectively improve air quality and reduce this bias, therefore improve air quality understanding as well. -- Dr Chen calls for more in-situ observations of PM2.5 and PM10 to gain a more rounded understanding of air pollution in New Delhi. -- There are several seasonal variations identified in the study: -- Winter (December to January): The most significant underestimation (up to 20%) occurs during the morning rush hour (8-9 am) due to high humidity (90%) and a shallow planetary boundary layer -- the lowest part of the atmosphere, where the surface of the Earth affects the wind, temperature, and moisture.	C01 T01	1,573
2511-047	How Information Presentation Influences Cooperative Decision-Making: A New Study’s Findings	A study from the University of Birmingham has shown that how information is presented can significantly influence cooperation among individuals. By directing participants' attention through specific configurations, researchers found they could enhance cooperative behavior, providing valuable insights for addressing global challenges that require increased collaboration.	University of Birmingham	Communications Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Our ability to cooperate with others may be influenced by how our attention is captured and directed, as much as by how altruistic we are feeling. -- According to a new study by researchers at the University of Birmingham jointly with the University of Zurich, choices made for individual reward or cooperatively for a joint reward can be influenced by presenting information to participants in configurations that naturally draw their attention. The results are published today in Communications Psychology. -- Cooperation -- defined as the ability of individuals to incur a personal cost for the benefit of a group -- is a fundamental aspect of human behaviour. Understanding how we can foster cooperation is essential for tackling many global challenges, from climate change to the spread of infectious diseases -- and understanding what motivates people to cooperate is key to this process. -- Dr Arkady Konovalov from the University of Birmingham and lead researcher said: -- "We found we were able to drive people to be a bit more cooperative simply through presenting particular information in areas of the screen where we knew they were directing their attention. While this was purely a laboratory-based experiment, it gives us some valuable insights into how we can better understand, predict and perhaps manipulate people's behaviour to improve cooperation between individuals and groups." -- In their experiment, the researchers used a well-established interactive experiment, based on game theory, called the Prisoner's Dilemma. They invited 88 participants, a mixture of men and women aged between 18 and 35 years old. The participants took part in a series of laboratory 'games' in which they were invited to make decisions about cooperating for mutual benefit for them and a partner or acting alone for individual benefit. Different levels of reward were given for different decisions made. -- While the individual benefit might appear to be higher than the cooperation benefit, if both sides cooperate, the reward is higher still. -- The choices available in each round of the game along with the rewards were visible to participants on a computer display. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to understand how people were reading and processing this information in each round of the experiment. By manipulating where on the screen the choices were presented, the researchers found it was possible to influence the choices that people made. -- The team showed that when participants paid attention to the payoffs of others in the experiment, there was increased likelihood that they would make cooperative choices. When they paid attention more to their own reward, they were more likely to make a selfish choice. -- By placing information about the payoffs of other participants in areas of the screen where they were likely to be given most attention, the researchers found they were able to influence cooperation rates among participants.	C01 N01 T01	1,574
2511-E045	Rapid River Temperature Changes Documented Across The U.S.	Researchers have identified significant fluctuations in river water temperatures across the U.S., particularly in dam-controlled rivers, which show more volatile changes. Using data from the US Geological Survey, this study provides insights into environmental variability and its implications for wildlife habitats and biodiversity conservation. Understanding these temperature patterns is vital for managing ecosystems, energy production, and recreation in an increasingly warming environment.	University of Birmingham	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have unveiled rapid fluctuations in river water temperature across the United States (US) with rivers controlled by dams showing more frequent and volatile thermal changes. -- Their research was based on national scale, open data from the US Geological Survey. -- Such data are an essential scientific resource for understanding environmental variability between different places and over time, especially in a warming and increasingly human-dominated world. -- In turn, these river water temperature patterns are important to manage habitats for wildlife and biodiversity conservation, as well as understanding the impacts of hot and cold water pulses on socioeconomic activity such as energy production, recreation, fisheries, and drinking water. -- Most scientific research on river water temperature to date have focussed on extreme or average values, but other thermal factors are also important for maintaining healthy and productive waterways. -- One of these is how quickly river water temperature changes, which dictates whether animals and people can adjust or find safe places to survive during thermal shifts. -- In the first study of its kind, experts at the University of Birmingham and Indiana University analysed 15 years' worth of high-resolution temperature data nationally and observed 6,507 surges (temperature rises) and 4,787 plummets (temperature falls) at 88 of the 102 stations assessed. -- This research -- which has been recently published in Environmental Research Letters -- not only revealed the prevalence of rapid temperature changes, but also how variable these events can be. -- One striking finding was that both surges and plummets ranged between nearly freezing temperatures to conditions exceeding 40°C over some geothermal hotspots. -- The authors went on to describe water temperature changes of over 18°C within a single event, transcending extreme thermal shifts previously described worldwide.	R01	1,575
2512-016	Nearly Half Of Depression Patients Struggle With Treatment-Resistant Symptoms Despite Options	New research from the University of Birmingham reveals that nearly half of depression patients are treatment-resistant, often responding poorly to multiple antidepressants. The study highlights the need for improved guidelines and strategies for managing treatment-resistant depression, emphasizing the challenges faced by patients who do not benefit from conventional antidepressant therapies.	University of Birmingham	The British Journal of Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	Almost half of patients diagnosed with depression classify as being 'treatment-resistant' as new research suggests that many don't respond to multiple antidepressant options. -- The new study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry was led by academics from the University of Birmingham and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. -- The study found that 48% of patients whose electronic healthcare records reported a diagnosis of depression had tried at least two antidepressants, and 37% had tried four or more different options. -- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is typically defined as a form of depression that isn't effectively managed after a patient tries two different antidepressants. -- There are currently few guidelines for treating TRD. -- Patients who experience TRD were also invited to take part in interviews to share their experiences. -- Patients talked about a "sense of hopelessness" after trying multiple treatment options for the condition, and many shared their frustrations with a "one size fits all" approach to what works with treatment. -- PhD researcher Kiranpreet Gill from the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham and corresponding author of the study said: -- "This paper highlights how widespread treatment-resistant depression is among those who are diagnosed with depression. With nearly half of all patients not responding to multiple drug options, we need better treatment options to be able to support patients for whom first line antidepressant medications don't make a difference. -- "Furthermore, the experiences of patients who took part in this study shows that more awareness and options for treating depression when first line antidepressant medications don't work well is urgently needed.	A01	1,576
2513-060	Three Amino Acids Might Help Ease Psoriasis Symptoms With Topical Application	Birmingham researchers have discovered that a simple three-amino-acid sequence could effectively reduce psoriasis severity when applied in a topical cream. Their study, published in Pharmacological Research, demonstrates that this tripeptide, derived from a natural peptide regulating inflammation, provides comparable benefits to steroid creams, presenting a potential new treatment avenue for an otherwise incurable skin condition.	University of Birmingham	Pharmacological Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Birmingham scientists have shown that a sequence of just three amino acids may reduce the severity of psoriasis, when applied topically in an emollient cream. -- The researchers, whose study is published in Pharmacological Research, identified the smallest part of a peptide (small protein) called PEPITEM, which occurs naturally in the body and regulates inflammation. -- The study also showed that both PEPITEM and the three amino acid (tripeptide) sequence delivered a significant reduction in the severity of psoriasis, that is comparable to a steroid cream. -- Psoriasis is a long-term disease with no cure, where the skin cells multiply too quickly, resulting in raised scaly patches of dry skin that can be itchy, painful, interfere with sleep, or make it hard to concentrate, and may crack, bleed, or ooze. -- It is caused by an over-active immune system, and tends to go through cycles, becoming more intense during 'flares', which may last weeks or months. -- It is usually treated in the first instance with emollients, or creams containing vitamin D analogues (such as calcipotriol), vitamin A (retinoids) or corticosteroids. -- These therapies can only be used for short periods due to side effects that occur with continuous use, but as a natural molecule, PEPITEM, and the tripeptide sequence that is derived from it are less likely to show these 'off target' effects. -- In its native state, PEPITEM consists of a chain of 14 amino acids, but in this most recent study, researchers led by Professor Ed Rainger from the University of Birmingham and Professor Francesco Maione from the University of Naples Federico II, looked for, and identified the smallest parts of the PEPITEM molecule that influence immune cells and inflammation in psoriasis. -- Work by the Birmingham scientists identified two sequences of three amino acids that showed biological activity comparable to the full-length PEPITEM molecule. -- The scientists then optimised these tripeptides to improve their stability in the body, and tested their ability to reduce immune cell activation and migration, which are hallmarks of inflammatory disease.	H02 R01	1,577
2513-086	Active Seniors Show Superior Physical And Mental Performance Compared To Sedentary Peers	A study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity reveals that retired adults who maintain regular exercise outshine sedentary counterparts in cognitive and physical performance. Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Extremadura found that the impacts of mental fatigue are less pronounced in active older adults, highlighting the cognitive benefits of physical activity in aging populations.	University of Birmingham	Journal of Aging and Physical Activity	Press Rel	PubMed	Retired people who habitually exercise are more able to fight the impacts of mental fatigue, new research suggests. -- In a paper published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, a team of researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Extremadura in Spain worked with groups of adults to find out whether age would increase, and regular exercise would decrease the impact of mental fatigue on a series of cognitive and physical performance tests. -- In the first study, sedentary men between 65 and 79 performed worse in cognitive and physical tests compared to 52-64 year olds, with these impairments greater when they were tested in a state of mental fatigue. -- A second study with retired men and women aged 66-72 found that performance when mentally rested and fatigued was better in the physically active older adults than their sedentary peers. -- Professor Chris Ring from the University of Birmingham and corresponding author of the study said: -- "This study shows how important physical activity is for adults as they get older, and in general for avoiding the worst impacts of mental fatigue on cognitive and physical performance. -- "This research from our ongoing international collaborative venture confirms that regular physical activity has a host of benefits, with increased physical fitness associated with improved cognition, increased exercise capacity, and greater mental fatigue resilience. -- "For older adults in particular, regular exercise represents a simple but effective means to stave off the effects of age in a host of areas, including avoiding the negative effects of feeling mental fatigued after a particularly taxing task." -- The research team also noted that the research confirmed that mental fatigue impaired performance in older adults and showed that performance when in states of fatigue and relaxation were worsened by aging and inactivity." -- Professor Ring suggests the following three active steps can be taken by older adults wishing to perform better in demanding situations:	A01 H01	1,578
2501-079	Access To Regional Markets More Important Than Crop Diversity For Small Farmers.	A recent study challenges the long-standing belief that small farmers in low- and middle-income countries should grow diverse crops solely for personal consumption. Researchers argue that access to functional regional markets may be more crucial in ensuring a balanced diet and combating malnutrition. The findings suggest that improving market access can enhance food variety for the broader population, addressing nutritional deficiencies effectively.	University of Bonn	Nat Food	Press Rel	PubMed	A balanced diet is important for reducing hunger and malnutrition. Researchers thus advocate that small farmers in low- and middle-income countries should try to produce as many different foods as possible for their own consumption. However, a new study is now questioning this recommendation to some extent. It suggests that good access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a large diversity of crops on their own smallholding. Better-functioning markets increase the variety of foods available locally, which benefits the population as a whole. The results are being published in the journal Nature Food. -- An unbalanced diet is bad for your health, but many people have a lack of variety on their plates, especially in poorer countries. -- This is true in particular for small-farm households, which make up the majority of the malnourished population worldwide. -- One possible solution to this problem is for these farmers to grow as many different foods as possible for their own consumption. -- But how effective is this measure, and are there possibly better alternatives? -- To answer this question, researchers at the University of Bonn unearthed a comprehensive treasure trove of data. -- They analyzed surveys of almost 90,000 households in Africa, most of whom were smallholders. -- The data was collected between 2008 and 2022 in Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda. -- "Among other things, the surveys provided insights into the number of crops the farmers cultivated and the number of animal species they kept," explains Prof. -- Dr. Matin Qaim from the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn.	A01 H01 C01 N01 N02	1,579
2502-T028	New AI Method Uses Energy-Efficient Spiking Neurons To Advance Neural Network Technology	A recent study at the University of Bonn proposes a new way to train energy-efficient spiking neural networks for artificial intelligence applications. Unlike traditional neural networks, which consume vast energy resources, spiking neurons operate with significantly lower energy demands. The findings, published in Physical Review Letters, suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable AI technologies that mimic the energy-efficient processes of the human brain.	University of Bonn	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	AI applications like ChatGPT are based on artificial neural networks that, in many respects, imitate the nerve cells in our brains. They are trained with vast quantities of data on high-performance computers, gobbling up massive amounts of energy in the process. Spiking neurons, which are much less energy-intensive, could be one solution to this problem. In the past, however, the normal techniques used to train them only worked with significant limitations. A recent study by the University of Bonn has now presented a possible new answer to this dilemma, potentially paving the way for new AI methods that are much more energy-efficient. The findings have been published in Physical Review Letters. -- Our brain is an extraordinary organ. It consumes as much energy as three LED light bulbs and weighs less than a laptop. -- And yet it can compose pieces of music, devise something as complex as quantum theory and philosophize about the afterlife. -- Although AI applications such as ChatGPT are also astonishingly powerful, they devour huge quantities of energy while wrestling with a problem. -- Like the human brain, they are based on a neural network in which many billions of "nerve cells" exchange information. -- Standard artificial neurons, however, do this without any interruptions -- like a wire netting fence with mesh that electricity never stops flowing through. -- "Biological neurons do things differently," explains Professor Raoul-Martin Memmesheimer from the Institute of Genetics at the University of Bonn. -- "They communicate with the help of short voltage pulses, known as action potentials or spikes." These occur fairly rarely, so the networks get by on much less energy." Developing artificial neural networks that also "spike" in this way is thus an important field in AI research. -- Spiking networks -- efficient but hard to train -- Neural networks must be trained if they are to be capable of completing certain tasks.	R02 T01	1,580
2513-079	Caution Advised: Misunderstandings Arise In AI-Driven Scientific Research Approaches	A recent publication from the University of Bonn warns about misunderstandings surrounding the use of AI models in research across chemistry, biology, and medicine. As scientists increasingly rely on predictive algorithms to develop hypotheses, it remains unclear how these models reach conclusions. The study outlines circumstances where researchers can have confidence in AI-generated predictions, emphasizing the need for clarity in interpreting these complex systems.	University of Bonn	Cell Reports Physical Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from chemistry, biology, and medicine are increasingly turning to AI models to develop new hypotheses. However, it is often unclear on which basis the algorithms come to their conclusions and to what extent they can be generalized. A publication by the University of Bonn now warns of misunderstandings in handling artificial intelligence. At the same time, it highlights the conditions under which researchers can most likely have confidence in the models. The study has now been published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science. -- Adaptive machine learning algorithms are incredibly powerful. -- Nevertheless, they have a disadvantage: How machine learning models arrive at their predictions is often not apparent from the outside. -- Suppose you feed artificial intelligence with photos of several thousand cars. -- If you now present it with a new image, it can usually identify reliably whether the picture also shows a car or not. -- But why is that? Has it really learned that a car has four wheels, a windshield, and an exhaust? -- Or is its decision based on criteria that are actually irrelevant - such as the antenna on the roof? -- If this were the case, it could also classify a radio as a car. -- AI models are black boxes -- "AI models are black boxes," highlights Prof. Dr. Jürgen Bajorath.	H02 C01 T01	1,581
2501-E007	Artificial Light Disrupts Coral Reef Ecosystems By Attracting Predators.	New research utilizing underwater infrared cameras uncovers how artificial light disrupts the natural behaviors of fish at coral reefs. This study highlights the adverse effects of light pollution, which can alter the delicate balance of nighttime marine ecosystems and expose fish to increased predation.	University of Bristol	Global Change Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Artificial light can wake sleeping fish and attract predators, changing nighttime coral reef communities, according to new research using novel underwater infrared cameras. -- The study, published today in Global Change Biology, was conducted by an international team of scientists from the UK, France, French Polynesia and Chile and the first large-scale experiment to investigate the impact of light pollution on the nightlife of coral reefs. -- Lead author, Dr Emma Weschke, from the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences, said: "When the sun sets, coral reefs undergo a dramatic transformation. The vibrant fish we see in the day retreat to sleep among the corals and elusive nocturnal species emerge from caves and cervices in pursuit of prey." -- Senior author, Professor Andy Radford, also from Bristol, added: "The night usually brings a veil of darkness that allows marine life to hide from nocturnal predators. But artificial light generated by human activities exposes coral reef inhabitants to unexpected danger." -- Using purpose built underwater infrared night-vision cameras, the scientists could film the reef at night without interfering with fish behaviour. -- This is because fish cannot see in infrared. -- A larger number of fish species were present on artificially illuminated reefs at night compared to control sites with no artificial light. -- Further investigation revealed these species were predatory fish -- feeding on the zooplankton, small fish and invertebrates. -- Dr Weschke said: "Many of the species detected on artificially lit reefs were not nocturnal fish, but those that are only usually active during the day. Finding that light pollution can cause fish to stay awake later than usual is concerning because sleep -- like for us -- is likely essential for regenerating energy and maintaining fitness." -- Professor Radford explained: "Artificial light makes it much easier for predators to locate and capture prey, reducing their foraging effort. Which is why we think that greater numbers are being attracted to artificially illuminated coral reefs at night."	H02 N01 T01	1,582
2501-E043	Sabre-Toothed Predators Had 'Optimal' Teeth To Efficiently Hunt Their Prey.	Researchers have found that sabre-toothed predators, such as the Smilodon, evolved multiple times due to the functional advantages of their unique teeth. This study explores the effectiveness of these teeth in capturing prey and provides insights into their evolutionary success and eventual vulnerability to extinction.	University of Bristol	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Sabre-toothed predators -- best know from the infamous Smilodon - evolved multiple times across different mammal groups. A new study, published today in Current Biology reveals why: these teeth were 'functionally optimal' and highly effective at puncturing prey. -- The study, led by scientists at the University of Bristol in collaboration with Monash University shows that long, sharp blade-like teeth gave sabre-tooth's a real advantage as specialised weapons for capturing prey. -- The findings help explain why sabre-teeth evolved so many times (at least five independent times in mammals) and also provides a possible explanation for their eventual demise. -- Their increasing specialisation may have acted as an 'evolutionary ratchet', making them highly effective hunters- but also more vulnerable to extinction when ecosystems changed and their prey became scarce. -- The team, set out to test whether sabre-tooth shape was an optimal balance between the two competing needs: sharp and slender enough to effectively puncture prey and blunt and robust enough to resist breaking. -- Using 3D-printed steel tooth replicas in a series of biting experiments and advanced computer simulations, they analysed the shape and performance of 95 different carnivorous mammal teeth, including 25 sabre-toothed species. -- Lead author Dr Tahlia Pollock, part of the Palaeobiology Research Group in Bristol's School of Earth Sciences, explained: "Our study helps us better understand how extreme adaptations evolve -- not just in sabre-toothed predators but across nature. -- "By combining biomechanics and evolutionary theory, we can uncover how natural selection shapes animals to perform specific tasks." -- Another key finding challenges the traditional idea that sabre-toothed predators fell into just two categories: 'dirk-toothed' and 'scimitar-toothed'. Instead, the research uncovered a spectrum of sabre-tooth shapes, from the long, curved teeth of Barbourofelis fricki to the straighter, more robust teeth of Dinofelis barlowi. This supports a growing body of research suggesting a greater diversity of hunting strategies among these predators than previously thought. -- Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their analysis to include all tooth types, aiming to uncover the biomechanical trade-offs that shaped the evolution of diverse dental structures across the animal kingdom.	C01 N01 T01	1,583
2502-087	Aerobic Exercise Linked To Reduced Alzheimer's Disease Markers: New Research Findings	Research led by the University of Bristol and the Federal University of São Paulo suggests that regular aerobic exercise can significantly mitigate markers associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study demonstrates how physical activity protects neural health and may restore balance in aging brains, offering new avenues for prevention and treatment of this debilitating condition as detailed in the journal Brain Research.	University of Bristol	Brain Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Regular aerobic exercise could significantly reduce disease markers associated with Alzheimer's, new research led by scientists at the University of Bristol (UK) and the Federal University of São Paulo (Brazil) has found. The findings provide new hope in the battle against this devastating disorder. -- Published in the journal Brain Research, the study highlights how physical activity not only protects healthy brain cells but also restores balance in the aging brain. -- The research focused on the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning, and measured the impact of aerobic exercise on key Alzheimer's markers: amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and iron accumulation in myelin-producing cells known as oligodendrocytes. -- These markers are central to Alzheimer's pathology. -- Findings revealed that rodents who completed a structured aerobic exercise programme experienced: -- Significant reductions in tau tangles (around 63% with exercise), amyloid plaques (about 76% in the exercise group), and iron accumulation (reduced by about 58% in the brains of exercising rodents). -- Enhanced brain cell health, including increased numbers of protective oligodendrocytes. -- Reduced brain inflammation in the exercise group (between 55% and 68% depending on the inflammatory biomarker considered), and cell death. -- Improved communication between brain cells, restoring critical balance in the brain's function as it ages. -- Dr Augusto Coppi, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy at the University of Bristol and one of the study's senior authors, explained: "Alzheimer's is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no known cure, impacting millions worldwide. While physical exercise is known to reduce cognitive decline, the cellular mechanisms behind its neuroprotective effects have remained elusive -- until now. This research highlights the potential for aerobic exercise to serve as a cornerstone in preventive strategies for Alzheimer's."	A01 H01 H02	1,584
2502-E046	Glacial Retreat In Svalbard Alarming: Significant Shrinkage Over The Last 40 Years	A new study reveals alarming glacier retreat in Svalbard, showing that 91% of glaciers in the region have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years, with the most rapid losses occurring recently. This research underscores the vulnerability of Arctic glaciers to climate change, highlighting the urgent need to address the impacts of global warming on these critical ecosystems.	University of Bristol	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has revealed the alarming extent glaciers have shrunk over the past 40 years in a global warming hotspot for the first time -- and the biggest retreat has occurred in recent years. -- The research, led by the University of Bristol and published in Nature Communications, shows the vast majority (91%) of glaciers across Svalbard in the Arctic have been significantly shrinking. -- Findings revealed an area loss of more than 800 km2 at the glacier margins in this Norwegian group of islands since 1985. -- The study also found that more than half of the glaciers (62%) undergo seasonal cycles in glacier calving -- when large chunks of ice break away due to higher ocean and air temperatures. -- Lead author Dr Tian Li, Senior Research Associate at the University's Glaciology Centre, said: "The scale of glacier retreats over the past few decades is astonishing, almost covering the entire Svalbard. This highlights the vulnerability of glaciers to climate change, especially in Svalbard, a region experiencing rapid warming up to seven times faster than the global average." -- The research team deployed Artificial Intelligence (AI) to quickly identify glacier patterns across large areas. -- Using a novel AI model, they analysed millions of satellite images capturing the end positions of glaciers across the entire Svalbard. -- The findings provide an unprecedented level of detail into the scale and nature of glacier loss in this region. -- The biggest spike in glacier retreats was detected in 2016, when the calving rates were double the average between 2010 and 2015, in response to extreme warming events. -- "This was likely caused by a large-scale weather pattern called atmospheric blocking that can influence atmospheric pressures," Dr Li said.	C01 T01	1,585
2503-007	Morning Routine: Study Reveals Cortisol Levels Remain Steady After Waking	New research from the University of Bristol challenges the belief that waking up triggers the release of cortisol, the stress hormone. Instead, it appears that cortisol levels rise prior to awakening as part of the body’s natural rhythm, indicating that the process of waking does not stimulate an immediate increase in cortisol release.	University of Bristol	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Waking up does not activate an increase in the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol does, however, increase in the hours prior to wakening as part of the body's preparation for the next day, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published today [15 January] in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. -- For many years it has been generally accepted that waking up results in a stimulusto release hormone cortisol -- a phenomenon called the "cortisol awakening response" (CAR). This response has been used to investigate many clinical conditions including PTSD, depression, obesity, and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). -- A major limitation of studies using CAR is that protocols typically only assess samples obtained after waking up, and not in the period prior to this, since measurements are taken in saliva. Consequently, the studies are not able to prove a change in the rate of cortisol secretion over the awakening period. -- To resolve the critical question of whether the rate of cortisol secretion actually increases after wakening, the Bristol research team used an automated sampling system to measure tissue cortisol levels both before and after wakening in 201 healthy male and female participants aged between 18 to 68 years old. -- The researchers found awakening did NOT result in an increase in cortisol release, with no evidence for a change in the rate of cortisol increase in the hour after waking when compared with the hour prior to waking. This suggests that any change in cortisol levels immediately after waking are much more likely to be the tail end of the daily rhythm of cortisol -- which starts increasing in the early hours of the morning, and reach a peak shortly after habitual wake time. -- Importantly, the study also observed substantial interindividual variability in absolute concentration and rate of change, and differences in dynamics that may be attributed to length and timing of sleep. Based on these findings, the researchers suggest caution is needed when interpreting cortisol measurements solely obtained in the hour after waking. -- The findings demonstrate that the major cause of any changes in cortisol around the time of awakening are predominantly related to the endogenous circadian rhythm of cortisol. Furthermore, the results also suggest that if cortisol has any relationship to awakening, it is with factors that contribute to the initiation of awakening rather than being a response to it. -- Circadian rhythms, the natural 24-hour cycles of physiological and behavioural patterns, are extremely important adaptations to living on our planet with its daily light:dark and temperature oscillations, and disturbances of these rhythms contribute to many psychological, metabolic, cardiovascular and immunological health conditions. Understanding the role of cortisol rhythms in many of these conditions will be very important for researchers understanding of these disorders and their potential treatment. -- Stafford Lightman, Professor of Medicine a Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences (THS), and one of the lead authors of the study, said: "Our study opens up a whole new framework for understanding the relationship of overnight increases in cortisol with sleep, and how this may be disrupted in sleep disorders, depression and many other conditions." -- Dr Thomas Upton, Clinical Research Fellow and co-lead author in the Bristol Medical School: (THS), explained: "By measuring both before and after waking, this study provides much needed and crucial insight into the dynamics of cortisol with respect to sleep and endogenous rhythms. For me, a key message is that much caution should be exercised if attempting to interpret post-wake cortisol values where information about the pre-waking state is not known."	H01 H02	1,586
2503-081	Parents Welcoming Support For Their Child's Weight Management At Adult Programs	A study funded by the NIHR reveals that parents attending weight management programs are receptive to receiving support for their children's weight issues. The findings suggest that these programs could effectively bridge the gap, providing necessary resources and referrals to help children achieve healthier weight management outcomes.	University of Bristol	BMJ Paediatrics Open	Press Rel	PubMed	The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and supported by the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Bristol BRC), suggests that children could be referred into weight management services through parents attending such services to address their own weight. -- During the study, researchers conducted surveys and interviewed parents attending Slimming World (a UK-based commercial weight management programme for adults). They found that, out of those parents worried about their child's weight, most (78%) were open to being offered support for their children. -- Out of those parents interested in support for their child, nearly all (98%) were happy for the weight management programme to signpost them to relevant children's services. -- The study team also found that almost half of parents not worried about their child's weight were still interested in a height and weight check for their child. -- Parents had different preferences in terms of the format and delivery of services they would potentially find helpful for their children. -- Avoiding a 'one size fits all' approach and offering individual support were important. -- Parents were clear that support should focus on being healthy, rather than weight alone. -- They also suggested weekly sessions may be too frequent and wanted the fact that change takes time to be recognised. -- Many felt a parent 'peer support' group would be beneficial. -- Dr Ruth Mears, Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Bristol's Centre for Academic Primary Care and lead author, said: "Child weight management programmes should involve the family. However, recruiting families into these programmes can be challenging.	H01	1,587
2503-T009	Foliage Reduces Drone Noise, Supporting Urban Air Mobility	A recent study shows that porous land surfaces, such as grass or moss, can significantly reduce noise from drones and air taxis, benefiting urban communities as urban air mobility expands. Researchers from the University of Bristol found that these surfaces can lower noise levels by up to 30 dB while enhancing propeller performance. This discovery highlights the importance of adapting urban environments to minimize disturbances and improve quality of life as aerial transportation grows.	University of Bristol	Sci Rep	Press Rel	PubMed	The findings, published today in Scientific Reports, show, for the first time, how porous ground treatments can mitigate noise and optimise propellor performance. -- Lead author Dr Hasan Kamliya Jawahar from the University of Bristol's aeroacoustic group managed by Professor Mahdi Azarpeyvand was able to demonstrate that porous ground treatments, can significantly reduce noise by up to 30 dB in low-mid frequencies and enhance thrust and power coefficients compared to solid ground surfaces. -- This suggests that treating roofs of building, landing pads and vertiports with porous surfaces like grass or mosses will reduce noise when drone is landing. -- Dr Kamliya Jawahar based in Bristol's Faculty of Science and Engineering explained: "It was known that ground effects influence propeller performance and noise, particularly during take-off and landing. -- "While noise issues are well-documented, solutions tailored to urban environments are limited. -- "I drew inspiration from natural porous materials, such as vegetation, known for their noise-damping properties. This led to exploring engineered porous surfaces as a potential solution to reduce noise and improve aerodynamics." -- The team conducted experiments in an anechoic chamber using a pusher propeller mounted above a ground plane. -- The ground was alternated between solid and porous treatments with varying porosity and thickness. -- Microphones placed in both near-field and far-field locations captured acoustic data, while a six-axis load cell measured aerodynamic forces. -- By comparing results across configurations, they were able to calculate how porous surfaces influence noise and performance under ground-effect conditions.	N02	1,588
2506-030	Mechanical Heart Valves Offer Better Long-Term Survival Than Biological Alternatives	A recent study from the University of Bristol reveals that patients aged 50 to 70 who received mechanical heart valve replacements have improved long-term survival compared to those with biological valves. This research, published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, questions current recommendations and emphasizes the need for further investigation into the long-term outcomes of different valve types.	University of Bristol	European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients aged between 50 to 70 years with a mechanical heart valve replacement had better long-term survival compared to those with a biological valve, new research led by the University of Bristol has found. The study is published in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. -- The last two decades have seen an increase in the use of biological over mechanical heart valve replacements. -- However, while short-term clinical outcomes are known to be the same, long-term outcomes are still under debate. -- Existing guidelines support the use of mechanical valves made of synthetic materials in patients below the age of 50, while biological valves made of animal tissue are favoured for those above the age of 65 or 70. The guidelines leave the choice to the decision of surgeons and patients who are 50 to 70 years old. -- The research team wanted to find out the clinical outcomes for patients aged between 50 to 70 years undergoing elective and urgent heart valve replacement at the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) over a 27 year period [1996 to 2023]. -- The researchers also sought to investigate trends, early outcomes and long-term survival rates, the incidence of repeat valve interventions and patient prosthesis mismatch (PPM). -- A total of 1,708 (61% male) patients with an average age of 63 years were included with 1,191 (69.7%) receiving a biological valve replacement. -- The research found there were no short-term differences when comparing patients receiving biological and mechanical valves. -- However, patients who received mechanical valves had better long-term survival up to 13 years after having surgery. -- Patients with a size 19 mm biological valve replacement (a fairly small valve commonly used in females) had the worse long-term survival.	R01 N01	1,589
2506-E037	Scientists Create Self-Moving Synthetic Worms Using Groundbreaking Active Matter Technology	Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in creating synthetic materials that mimic living organisms, capable of autonomous movement. These 'active matter' materials hold promise for various applications, including drug delivery and self-healing technologies. The study highlights the potential of this innovative research in revolutionizing material science and engineering.	University of Bristol	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a breakthrough in the development of "life-like" synthetic materials which are able to move by themselves like worms. -- Scientists have been investigating a new class of materials called 'active matter', which could be used for various applications from drug delivery to self-healing materials. -- Compared to inanimate matter -- the sort of motionless materials we come across in our lives every day such as plastic and wood -- active matter can show fascinating life-like behaviour. -- These materials are made of elements which are driven out of equilibrium by internal energy sources, allowing them to move independently. -- Researchers from the University of Bristol, in collaboration with scientists in Paris and Leiden, carried out the experiment using special micron-sized (one millionth of a meter) particles called Janus colloids, which were suspended in a liquid mixture. -- The team then made the material active by applying a strong electric field and observed the effects using a special kind of microscope which takes three-dimensional images. -- Previous research in this field had used larger colloid particles -- but by scaling the colloids to a third of their size the University of Bristol researchers were able to experiment in three-dimensions and found fascinating results. -- When the electric field was turned on, the scattered colloid particles would merge together to form worm-like structures -- which creates a fully three-dimensional synthetic active matter system. -- The research paper, 'Traveling Strings of Active Dipolar Colloids' has been published in Physical Review Letters. First author Mr Xichen Chao explained: "We found the formation of fascinating new structures -- self-driven active filaments that are reminiscent of living worms. We were then able to develop a theoretical framework which enabled us to predict and control the motion of the synthetic worms solely based on their lengths." -- Co-author Prof Tannie Liverpool added: "While applications in the real world are probably far in the future, because these materials can move independently it could eventually lead to the ability to design devices that independently move different parts of themselves, or the design of swarms of particles which can search for a target which could have health applications by having specifically targeted medicines and treatments."	R01 T01	1,590
2507-E058	Big Birds Exhibit Technical Innovation In Problem-Solving For Food Access	Recent research reveals that large birds, specifically palaeognath species like emus and rheas, exhibit unexpected capacity for problem-solving to access food. This groundbreaking study indicates that these birds can innovate techniques to overcome challenges, marking a significant step in understanding avian intelligence and expanding the scope of research beyond traditionally recognized clever species like crows and parrots.	University of Bristol	University of Bristol	Press Rel	PubMed	Large birds -- our closest relations to dinosaurs -- are capable of technical innovation, by solving a physical task to gain access to food. -- This is the first time scientists have been able to show that palaeognath birds such as emus and rheas can solve tricky problems. -- In the study, published today in Scientific Reports, emus, which have previously been called the 'world's dumbest bird' were able to create one new technique to access food (lining up a hole with a food chamber) and moved the hole in the most efficient direction towards food in 90% of cases. -- A male rhea used this technique but also created a second one, rotating the bolt in the middle of the wheel until the task fell apart. -- Lead author Dr Fay Clark, from Bristol's School of Psychological Science, explained: "A large body of research shows that crows and parrots are effective problem-solvers, and while scientists have recently taken interest in other birds like gulls and birds of prey, all of these birds belong to the same phylogenetic group, Neognathae. -- "The problem? The more we study the same species repeatedly, the more we create an 'echo chamber' of knowledge and create a false impression that other species are less 'intelligent' but in reality they haven't been studied to the same level." -- Working with three palaeognath species at a local zoo, they based their research on previous research using a rotating wheel that that had to be moved to align with a hole for a food reward. -- Each species -- emus, rheas and ostriches -- were given the test in ten sessions. -- This particular set of ostriches did not innovate. -- Dr Clark explained: "We classify palaeognath innovation as low level or simplistic -- and it is certainly not as complex as the innovation we see in crows and parrots.	A01 H01 N01	1,591
2510-066	Seafood Intake Linked To Increased Sociability In Children	Research from the University of Bristol shows a correlation between seafood consumption and prosocial behavior in children. The study found that children who ate less seafood at age seven exhibited lower levels of friendly interactions and sharing by ages seven and nine, highlighting the importance of seafood's nutritional benefits in fostering positive social development.	University of Bristol	European Journal of Nutrition	Press Rel	PubMed	Children who consumed the least amounts of seafood at 7-years-old were likely to be less 'prosocial' at ages 7 and 9 years than those who regularly consumed seafood, according to a new study. 'Prosocial' behaviour includes friendly interactions, altruism, and sharing. -- The new research from the University of Bristol reveals an association between fish intake and the behavioural development of children. -- Seafood is a source of many crucial nutrients for children, including omega-3 fatty acids, selenium and iodine and a marker of a healthy lifestyle more generally. -- The recommendation is that children should consume at least two portions of fish per week, with one of these being an oily fish such as salmon or mackerel. -- Researchers used questionnaire data from 5,969 of the participants in the Children of the 90s study, which has just received £5.2 million to continue running the pioneering longitudinal research. -- The data were collected over a period of 2 years and were adjusted for social and demographic factors. -- Most studies examining the link between seafood and cognition have focused on consumption of fish in pregnancy and the impact on the baby. -- Previous studies have called for more research into fish intake in children themselves, as the overall impact of fish consumption on child brain development is unclear. -- Nearly all children in the study were not consuming enough seafood to reach the NHS's recommendations. -- This may be because experts have previously warned parents that overconsumption of fish could increased the risk of exposure to pollutants such as mercury.	H01 R02 N01	1,592
2513-032	Smartwatches Offer Improved Insights Into Daily Drinking Habits	Researchers from the University of Bristol propose that smartwatches could revolutionize how we monitor daily alcohol consumption, providing a more precise alternative to traditional methods like online diaries. The study, employing a technique known as micro Ecological Momentary Assessment, aims to capture detailed self-reported drinking data over extended periods, addressing the limitations of existing methods that rely on users’ memory, thus paving the way for more effective alcohol interventions.	University of Bristol	JMIR Formative Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Alcohol harm costs NHS England £3.5 billion annually, with 70 people dying every day from alcohol-related causes in the UK1. According to new University of Bristol-led research smartwatches could provide a more accurate picture of people's daily drinking habits than current methods. The technology could be a key element for future alcohol interventions. -- This study ('AlcoWatch') is the first to use recently developed smartwatch-based methods (referred to as micro Ecological Momentary Assessment) to capture detailed, self-reported data about alcohol consumption over a long period of time. -- The results are published in JMIR Formative Research. -- Currently, the most established method to record a person's daily drinking is an online diary-based method known as Timeline Followback (TLFB). However, this method has a number of issues, including the user not being able to remember correctly the details of the alcoholic drinks consumed when asked a few days or weeks later. -- The aim of this study was to investigate; the feasibility of using the new smartwatch based methods to capture data about alcohol use, the acceptability of these new methods to different socio-economic groups, and if levels of engagement with these new methods were better than TLFB. -- Thirty-two participants from Bristol's Children of the 90s health study wore standard, off the shelf Android smartwatches, on which the custom-developed 'AlcoWatch' data capture application was running. -- Over 12 weeks, participants were asked 5 times a day about any alcoholic drinks they had drunk in the previous two hours, where they were consumed, and if they were alone or with other people. -- As a comparison, participants also completed fortnightly online diaries of alcohol drunk using TLFB. -- At the end of the study participants completed a semi-structured interview about their experiences. -- The research found that participants had higher levels of engagement using 'AlcoWatch' than TLFB.	H01 H02	1,593
2513-087	Innovative Technology Moves Cells Without Contact, Transforming Lab Processes	Engineers at a University of Bristol spin-out have developed groundbreaking technology that enables the movement of cells without physical contact, allowing critical laboratory tasks to be performed with a compact benchtop device. This innovation could expedite drug discovery processes and facilitate personalized medicine, marking a significant advancement in laboratory technology.	University of Bristol	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Engineers at a University of Bristol spin-out company have created a new technology that can move cells without touching them, enabling critical tasks that currently require large pieces of lab equipment to be carried out on a benchtop device. -- The invention could accelerate the discovery of new medicines and unlock personalised medicine screening in clinics. -- The groundbreaking concept was unveiled for the first time today in an article in Science published by Dr Luke Cox, where he describes his journey from University of Bristol student to CEO of start-up company Impulsonics. -- The article is a prize essay in the Bioinnovation Institute and Science Prize for Innovation. -- Behind every new drug lies thousands of hours spent by scientists growing cells in a petri dish to test it before it is tried on patients. -- Even in 2025 this remains a highly manual and difficult to automate process, leading to expensive and sometimes unreliable processes that make it harder to develop novel lifesaving drugs to the point when they can be used in the clinic. -- The new technology uses acoustic waves to move cells, which appear to “dance.” This capability replaces the need for many large pieces of equipment in a lab and could make it significantly easier to automate cell growth and help scientists discover new drugs faster. -- It also opens up new possibilities in the clinic, such as personalised medicine screening, where many different drugs can be tested to find the most effective before being given to a patient. -- Luke initially worked on the physics of acoustic levitation of a diamond, creating an experiment to hold objects in mid-air against gravity. -- Observing this seemingly magical experiment, he realised that the technology had the potential to transform our ability to handle small-delicate objects.	H01	1,594
2513-E020	Mammals Adapted To Life On Ground Before Dinosaur Extinction	New findings indicate that mammals were adapting to a ground-based lifestyle several million years before the extinction event that eliminated the dinosaurs. By examining fossilized limb bones, researchers from the University of Bristol provide evidence that these mammals were increasingly thriving in terrestrial habitats, aligning with the environmental changes preceding the catastrophic asteroid impact.	University of Bristol	Palaeontology	Press Rel	PubMed	More mammals were living on the ground several million years before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs, new research led by the University of Bristol has revealed. -- The study, published today in the journal Palaeontology, provides fresh evidence that many mammals were already shifting toward a more ground-based lifestyle leading up to the asteroid's impact. -- By analysing small-fossilised bone fragments, specifically end of limb bones, from marsupial and placental mammals found in Western North America -- the only place with a well-preserved terrestrial fossil record from this time -- the team discovered signs that these mammals were adapting to life on the ground. -- End of limb bones were analysed as they bear signatures of locomotory habit that can be statistically compared with modern mammals. -- Lead author Professor Christine Janis from the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences said: "It was already known that plant life changed toward the end of the Cretaceous, with flowering plants, known as angiosperms, creating more diverse habitats on the ground. We also knew that tree dwelling mammals struggled after the asteroid impact. What had not been documented, was whether mammals were becoming more terrestrial, in line with the habitat changes." -- While previous studies used complete skeletons to study ancient mammal movement, this research is one of the first to use small bone elements to track changes within an entire community. -- The team have used statistical data from museum collections in New York, California, and Calgary to analyse these tiny fossils. -- Professor Janis added: "The vegetational habitat was more important for the course of Cretaceous mammalian evolution than any influence from dinosaurs." -- The evidence was gathered from bone articular fragments of therian mammals, which includes marsupials and placentals. -- The team's methods were not applied to more basal mammals such as multiberculates, which were common at the time, because their bones were different.	C01 N01 N02	1,595
2503-T020	Exotic Electron Crystals Discovered In Custom-Engineered Graphene	Researchers have identified a new class of quantum states in a specially engineered graphene structure, unveiling topological electronic crystals in twisted bilayer-trilayer graphene. By introducing a precise rotational twist between stacked two-dimensional materials, the study reveals how this arrangement alters the electronic properties of graphene, potentially advancing technologies in electronics and materials science. The research highlights the innovative approaches being explored in understanding and manipulating quantum states.	University of British Columbia	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of British Columbia, the University of Washington, and Johns Hopkins University have identified a new class of quantum states in a custom-engineered graphene structure. Published today in Nature, the study reports the discovery of topological electronic crystals in twisted bilayer-trilayer graphene, a system created by introducing a precise rotational twist between stacked two-dimensional materials. -- "The starting point for this work is two flakes of graphene, which are made up of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. The way electrons hop between the carbon atoms determines the electrical properties of the graphene, which ends up being superficially similar to more common conductors like copper," said Prof. -- Joshua Folk, a member of UBC's Physics and Astronomy Department and the Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (UBC Blusson QMI). -- "The next step is to stack the two flakes together with a tiny twist between them. This generates a geometric interference effect known as a moiré pattern: some regions of the stack have carbon atoms from the two flakes directly on top of each other, while other regions have the atoms offset," Folks said. -- "When electrons hop through this moiré pattern in the twisted stack, the electronic properties are totally changed. For example, the electrons slow way down, and sometimes they develop a twist in their motion, like the vortex in the water at the drain of a bathtub as it is draining out." -- The breakthrough discovery reported in this study was observed by an undergraduate student, Ruiheng Su, from UBC, studying a twisted graphene sample prepared by Dr. Dacen Waters, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Prof. -- Matthew Yankowitz at the University of Washington. While working on the experiment in Folk's lab, Ruiheng discovered a unique configuration for the device where the electrons in the graphene froze into a perfectly ordered array, locked in place yet twirling in unison like ballet dancers gracefully performing stationary pirouettes. -- This synchronized rotation gives rise to a remarkable phenomenon where electric current flows effortlessly along the edges of the sample while the interior remains insulating because the electrons are immobilized. -- Remarkably, the amount of current that flows along the edge is precisely determined by the ratio of two fundamental constants of nature -- Planck's constant and the charge of the electron. -- The precision of this value is guaranteed by a property of electron crystal known as topology, which describes the properties of objects that remain unchanged by modest deformations.	C01 T01	1,596
2505-090	Only 6.9% Receive Effective Treatment For Mental Health Disorders Worldwide, Study Reveals	A comprehensive study from the University of British Columbia and Harvard Medical School reveals that only 6.9% of individuals with mental health or substance-use disorders receive effective treatment. The research highlights the significant barriers to care, including unrecognized needs and inadequate healthcare responses, providing critical insights for improving mental health service delivery.	University of British Columbia	JAMA Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	People with aphasia -- a brain disorder affecting about a million people in the U.S. -- struggle to turn their thoughts into words and comprehend spoken language. -- A pair of researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have demonstrated an AI-based tool that can translate a person's thoughts into continuous text, without requiring the person to comprehend spoken words. -- And the process of training the tool on a person's own unique patterns of brain activity only takes about an hour. -- This builds on the team's earlier work creating a brain decoder that required many hours of training on a person's brain activity as they listened to audio stories. -- This latest advance suggests it may be possible, with further refinement, for brain computer interfaces to improve communication in people with aphasia. -- "Being able to access semantic representations using both language and vision opens new doors for neurotechnology, especially for people who struggle to produce and comprehend language," said Jerry Tang, postdoctoral researcher at UT in the lab of Alex Huth and first author on a paper describing the work in Current Biology. "It gives us a way to create language-based brain computer interfaces without requiring any amount of language comprehension." -- In earlier work, the team trained a system, including a transformer model similar to the kind used by ChatGPT, to translate a person's brain activity into continuous text. -- The resulting semantic decoder can produce text whether a person is listening to an audio story, thinking about telling a story or watching a silent video that tells a story. -- But there are limitations. To train this brain decoder, participants had to lie motionless in an fMRI scanner for about 16 hours while listening to podcasts, an impractical process for most people and potentially impossible for someone with deficits in comprehending spoken language. -- And the original brain decoder only works on people for whom it was trained.	H02 R01	1,597
2505-E089	Study Reveals Significant Risk Of Space Rocket Debris Entering Busy Airspace	A recent study indicates a 26% annual likelihood that space rocket debris will re-enter the atmosphere and traverse busy flight zones, raising concerns about air traffic safety. While the chance of collision with aircraft remains low, the research underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by space junk, particularly as launch frequencies increase and past incidents highlight potential disruptions in aviation.	University of British Columbia	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Searching for life in alien oceans may be more difficult than scientists previously thought, even when we can sample these extraterrestrial waters directly. -- A new study focusing on Enceladus, a moon of Saturn that sprays its ocean water into space through cracks in its icy surface, shows that the physics of alien oceans could prevent evidence of deep-sea life from reaching places where we can detect it. -- Published today (Thursday, 6 February 2025) in Communications Earth and Environment, the study shows how Enceladus's ocean forms distinct layers that dramatically slow the movement of material from the ocean floor to the surface. -- Chemical traces, microbes, and organic material -- telltale signatures of life that scientists look for -- could break down or transform as they travel through the ocean's distinct layers. -- These biological signatures might become unrecognisable by the time they reach the surface where spacecraft can sample them, even if life thrives in the deep ocean below. -- Flynn Ames, lead author at the University of Reading, said: "Imagine trying to detect life at the depths of Earth's oceans by only sampling water from the surface. That's the challenge we face with Enceladus, except we're also dealing with an ocean whose physics we do not fully understand. -- "We've found that Enceladus' ocean should behave like oil and water in a jar, with layers that resist vertical mixing. These natural barriers could trap particles and chemical traces of life in the depths below for hundreds to hundreds of thousands of years. Previously, it was thought that these things could make their way efficiently to the ocean top within several months. -- "As the search for life continues, future space missions will need to be extra careful when sampling Enceladus's surface waters." -- Using computer models similar to those used to study Earth's oceans, the study has important implications for the search for life in the solar system and beyond. As scientists discover more ice-covered ocean worlds orbiting the outer planets and distant stars, similar ocean dynamics could confine evidence of life and its building blocks to deeper waters, undetectable from the surface. Even on worlds like Enceladus, where ocean material is conveniently sprayed into space for sampling, the long journey from deep ocean to surface could erase crucial evidence.	Z01	1,598
2506-068	New Neuron Type Discovered That Enhances Object Recognition Memory	Discovery of Ovoid Cells: A study has identified a new type of neuron, named ovoid cells, that is essential for recognition memory in mammals. These cells, found in the hippocampus, help the brain differentiate between new and familiar objects, contributing to long-term memory formation. The discovery offers significant insights into memory mechanisms, which could help address conditions like Alzheimer’s and autism.	University of British Columbia	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	UBC researchers have discovered a new type of neuron that plays a fundamental role in recognition memory -- how the brain registers the difference between new and familiar objects and forms long-term memories. The new cell type, called ovoid cells, are found in the hippocampus of mice, humans and other mammals. Discovering the neuron provides key insights into how memories form and into treatment of brain conditions related to object-recognition like Alzheimer's disease, Autism Spectrum Disorder and epilepsy. -- Take a look around your home and you'll find yourself surrounded by familiar comforts -- photos of family and friends on the wall, well-worn sneakers by the door, a shelf adorned with travel mementos. -- Objects like these are etched into our memory, shaping who we are and helping us navigate environments and daily life with ease. But how do these memories form? And what if we could stop them from slipping away under a devastating condition like Alzheimer's disease? -- Scientists at UBC's faculty of medicine have just uncovered a crucial piece of the puzzle. In a study published today in Nature Communications, the researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell that plays a central role in our ability to remember and recognize objects. -- Called 'ovoid cells,' these highly-specialized neurons activate each time we encounter something new, triggering a process that stores those objects in memory and allowing us to recognize them months -- potentially even years -- later. -- "Object recognition memory is central to our identity and how we interact with the world," said Dr. Mark Cembrowski, the study's senior author, and an associate professor of cellular and physiological sciences at UBC and investigator at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. "Knowing if an object is familiar or new can determine everything from survival to day-to-day functioning, and has huge implications for memory-related diseases and disorders." -- Hiding in plain sight -- Named for the distinct egg-like shape of their cell body, ovoid cells are present in relatively small numbers within the hippocampus of humans, mice and other animals. -- Adrienne Kinman, a PhD student in Dr. Cembrowski's lab and the study's lead author, discovered the cells' unique properties while analyzing a mouse brain sample, when she noticed a small cluster of neurons with highly distinctive gene expression. -- "They were hiding right there in plain sight," said Kinman. "And with further analysis, we saw that they are quite distinct from other neurons at a cellular and functional level, and in terms of their neural circuitry."	H02 R02 N01	1,599
2513-048	Researchers Innovate Drug Matching For Young Cancer Patients Using Chicken Eggs	A team in Canada has pioneered a novel approach to identify personalized cancer treatments for young patients by cultivating their tumors in chicken eggs. This methodology, which combines tumor growth and protein analysis, allows for rapid drug testing tailored to the individual patient's needs. The project exemplifies how proteomics can complement genomics in advancing real-time cancer therapies, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes for pediatric patients.	University of British Columbia	EMBO Molecular Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A pan-Canadian team has developed a new way to quickly find personalized treatments for young cancer patients, by growing their tumours in chicken eggs and analyzing their proteins. -- The team, led by researchers from the University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, is the first in Canada to combine these two techniques to identify and test a drug for a young patient's tumour in time for their treatment. -- Their success in finding a new drug for the patient, described today in EMBO Molecular Medicine, shows how the study of proteins, known as proteomics, can be a valuable complement to the established study of genes (genomics) in real-time cancer therapies. -- The work was a collaborative effort of PROFYLE (PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE), a key initiative of the Canadian pediatric cancer network ACCESS (Advancing Childhood Cancer Experience, Science and Survivorship) that brings together more than 30 research and funding organizations and over 100 investigators from across Canada to improve cancer outcomes for children and young adults. -- The study by co-lead authors Dr. Georgina Barnabas, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Philipp Lange's lab, and Tariq Bhat, a PhD student in Dr. James Lim's lab, focused on an unnamed patient diagnosed with a rare pediatric cancer that resisted conventional treatments. -- Proteomics: A complementary approach to identify treatment -- While genes carry the instructions to make proteins, proteins themselves are the functional building blocks of our cells. -- Most drugs work by changing the activity of proteins, so the team wondered if proteomics could uncover hidden weaknesses in tumours that genetic testing alone might miss. -- After standard chemotherapy had failed and the tumour became resistant to a drug selected by genomics, no clear drug candidates emerged from further genetic testing. -- But instead of stopping there, the team turned to proteomics and discovered that the tumour's metabolism relied heavily on an enzyme known as SHMT2.	H01 R01	1,600
2510-E007	Caribou Migration Patterns Are Changing Due To Habitat Loss	Tracking endangered caribou over 35 years reveals significant changes in their migratory patterns due to habitat loss and environmental disturbances. Led by researchers from UBC Okanagan, the study emphasizes the impact of resource extraction on caribou migration, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that consider both ecological changes and traditional knowledge.	University of British Columbia Okanagan campus	Global Change Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Decades of data following the migratory patterns of endangered caribou show that migration areas have decreased significantly. Researchers are concerned that resource extraction is disturbing caribou habitats. -- Dr. Clayton Lamb, a researcher with UBC Okanagan's Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, led a team that recently published a paper detailing the migration patterns of several threatened caribou herds. -- Their study, published this week in Global Change Biology, showed the caribou herds changed their migratory duration, distance or elevation over 35 years of radio tag tracking using very high frequency and Global Positioning System collars. -- "Western science and Indigenous knowledge recognize the critical role of migration in sustaining abundant wildlife populations, yet these movements are increasingly disrupted by human activity worldwide," says Dr. Lamb. "We studied the extent and type of migration as well as changes through time, and determined if these changes correlated with landscape disturbance or shifts in weather." -- The research team, which included representatives from Environment and Climate Change Canada, BC's Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and Alberta Environment and Parks, analyzed telemetry data for southern mountain caribou from 1987 to 2022. -- Study data was collected from 1,704,842 caribou relocations of more than 800 animals across 27 southern mountain caribou subpopulations. -- "The data shows that most of these subpopulations remain migratory to some degree, but seasonal migrations appear to be shrinking in both duration and extent," says Dr. Lamb. -- "Though our study spanned just 35 years -- a blink compared to millennia caribou have been migrating here -- we found migration eroding, not due to weather shifts, but alongside expanding human disturbance and caribou population decline." -- Migrating ungulates, like caribou, follow seasonally available foods, tracking gradients in rainfall, snow depth and safety from predators. Barren-ground caribou in the North American Arctic are known to complete one of the most dramatic migrations, with herds numbering in the hundreds of thousands, including pregnant females, moving 200-500 km each year between seasonal ranges. -- While not as dramatic, southern mountain caribou migrations historically occurred vertically, up and down mountains, and horizontally between mountainous areas and lowland forests. But this appears to be changing, says Lamb.	C01 N01	1,601
2502-E001	Improved Camera Technology Captures True Colors In Night Sky, Unveiling Mysteries	Researchers at the University of Calgary have explained a previously mysterious grey patch that appears alongside the aurora borealis, identifying it as structured continuum emission. This discovery enhances our understanding of atmospheric phenomena and illustrates how advancements in camera technology can reveal new insights into natural occurrences in the night sky.	University of Calgary	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A whitish, grey patch that sometimes appears in the night sky alongside the northern lights has been explained for the first time by researchers at the University of Calgary. -- The article, which was published on Dec. 30 in the journal Nature Communications, explores a "structured continuum emission" that's associated with aurora borealis. -- "You'd see this dynamic green aurora, you'd see some of the red aurora in the background and, all of a sudden, you'd see this structured -- almost like a patch -- grey-toned or white toned-emission connected to the aurora," says Dr. Emma Spanswick, PhD, lead author on the paper and an associate professor with the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science. -- "So, the first response of any scientist is, 'Well, what is that?'" -- Spanswick says the white patch has been referenced in scientific papers before, but it has never been explained. -- Her team's paper concludes it's "most certainly a heat source" and says it suggests that the aurora borealis are more complex than previously thought. -- Spanswick says the discovery was made possible because an advancement in camera technology allows both amateur photographers and scientists to see true colour images of the night sky. -- "Everyone has noticed the advancement in digital photography. Your cellphone can now take pictures of the aurora," she says. "That has flowed to the commercial sensor market now. -- "Those types of sensors can now be found in more commercial, more robust sensors that we would use in science." -- The team's research came after there was a renewed interest in continuum emission with the discovery and observations of the long, glowing ribbon of purple light known as STEVE -- or Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement.	Z01	1,602
2502-E048	New Research Reveals Homo Erectus Adapted To Harsh Environments One Million Years Ago	New research published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment has answered a long-standing question regarding when early members of the Homo genus adapted to survive in extreme environments. The study reveals that Homo erectus demonstrated this adaptability over 1.2 million years ago, significantly earlier than previously understood, allowing these early humans to thrive in harsh climates like deserts and rainforests, as indicated by archaeological evidence from Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.	University of Calgary	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A long-standing question about when archaic members of the genus Homo adapted to harsh environments such as deserts and rainforests has been answered in a new research paper. -- The study, published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment, finds it was earlier than originally thought. -- "We reveal how early humans -- known as hominins -- were able to thrive under harsh conditions," says lead author Dr. Julio Mercader Florín, PhD, a professor in both the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary. -- The multidisciplinary analysis by researchers at UCalgary, the University of Manitoba and 17 other institutions around the world shows Homo erectus adapted at least 1.2 million years ago -- long before our species, Homo sapiens, emerged. -- Mercader, who studies human evolution, explains that the archaeological research was done at Olduvai Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Tanzania. -- "By doing archeology, what we can see is that Homo erectus keeps coming back to the same place in the landscape over thousands of years," he says in an interview. -- "It's not a one-time camp. -- "There is thickness to the accumulation of archeological remains and fossils that is telling us that a species was targeting a very specific point in the landscape to do what they came here to do." -- For example, the archeological data shows that groups of Homo erectus repeatedly returned to live in locations with freshwater availability such as ponds and developed specialized stone tools. -- Co-author Dr. Jed Kaplan, PhD, a Canada Research Chair in global systems modelling, says he was able to reconstruct past landscapes to simulate the East African region at the time.	N02 T01	1,603
2504-066	Earth Scientists Analyze Sikkim Flood To Help Prepare For Future Disasters	Following a devastating flood in Sikkim, India, experts from the global Earth science community, including a University of Calgary scientist, are analyzing the event to better prepare for future disasters. Triggered by a landslide into South Lhonak Lake, the flood caused significant destruction, claiming lives and damaging infrastructure. The research emphasizes understanding the mechanisms behind such catastrophic events to improve disaster response and management strategies moving forward.	University of Calgary	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Experts from the global Earth science community -- including a scientist from the University of Calgary -- have pieced together what happened during the massive Sikkim flood to try to help others prepare for similar disasters. -- On Oct. 3, 2023, a multi-hazard cascade in the Sikkim Himalaya, India, was triggered by a permanently frozen (permafrost) lateral moraine -- debris from erosion along a glacier -- collapsing into South Lhonak Lake. -- "A landslide went into a lake and that triggered a wave that eroded a dam at the end of the lake, which resulted in a slurry-like flood for hundreds of kilometres," explains Dr. Dan Shugar, PhD, an associate professor with the Department of Earth, Energy and Environment in the Faculty of Science. -- Known as a glacial lake outburst flood, it killed at least 55 people, left dozens more missing, damaged agricultural land and destroyed a hydropower dam. -- The Sikkim flood was declared one of the worst climate-related disasters to have occurred on the continent that year by the World Meteorological Organization's State of the Climate in Asia 2023 report. -- A new paper in the journal, Science, presents a collaborative effort by scientists, academics, government departments, non-governmental organizations and others to investigate the event. -- Shugar, a geomorphologist who's a co-author on the paper, says it's important to forensically analyse what happened and what can be learned from it as rapid climate warning affects mountain regions around the world. -- The paper looks at the drivers and causes and assesses the downstream impacts of the hazard cascade using high-resolution satellite imagery, seismic data, meteorological data and field observations. -- It also explores the triggers of the flood and reconstructs its hydraulic dynamics, evaluates downstream implications and considers the long-term impacts of the event. -- "The assessment indicates that the high hazard level arises not only from the flood itself but also from the subsequent processes it triggers," says the paper.	A01 C01	1,604
2509-E033	Data-Driven Insights Help Identify At-Risk Caribou Populations	Researchers at the University of Calgary propose a data-driven methodology to identify at-risk wildlife populations, such as caribou, based on individual movement patterns. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset from GPS-collared caribou, they suggest tailored conservation strategies, emphasizing the importance of behavioral insights in wildlife management.	University of Calgary	Biological Conservation	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Calgary are suggesting a more comprehensive approach for identifying at-risk wildlife populations -- such as caribou -- based on individual movement patterns. -- The paper, published last month in the journal Biological Conservation, uses a long-term dataset of caribou wearing GPS collars across Western Canada. -- It identifies six distinct behavioural groups that would each deserve their own conservation actions. -- "We took the approach of using behaviour to try to see if there are differences between individuals and groups that can be clustered into similarities," says lead author Margaret Hughes, a PhD candidate with the Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science. -- "You can infer when and where they're going and try to infer why they are doing that based on what's actually out across the landscape." -- The research determined whether the animals were migrating, how large of an area they were spending time in, and whether they were moving to different elevations. -- Hughes says the data-driven approach showed slight differences from how caribou are managed in Western Canada. -- Conservation managers often use genetic analysis to describe populations of at-risk caribou, but Hughes says the paper describes a more holistic approach that would also include behavioural analysis. -- "It allows conservation managers to recognize ecologically meaningful variation within species, helping to maintain biodiversity and improve management strategies." -- Caribou, called reindeer in Europe, are members of the deer family.	N01	1,605
2511-089	Study Explores Pain Perception Differences Between Men And Women	A study led by Dr. Tuan Trang at the University of Calgary sheds light on why women are more likely to suffer from chronic pain than men. The research identifies unique biological processes through specific immune cells that differentiate pain development between sexes, revealing why traditional pain medications may be less effective for women.	University of Calgary	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by University of Calgary professor Dr. Tuan Trang, PhD, may help to explain why there is an over-representation of women experiencing chronic pain compared to men. In 2019, the Canadian Pain Task Force report found chronic pain is more common among females of all ages, including children, when compared to males. -- "Both males and females develop pain, but each sex develops it through different means," says Trang, a professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Cumming School of Medicine (CSM). "This study identifies a very unique type of biological process through a specific immune cell that is distinctive to each sex." -- The study, published in Neuron, focused on neuropathic pain, which is caused by injury to a nerve or the nervous system. -- A debilitating symptom of this is allodynia which is experienced when someone feels pain from a stimulus that does not typically cause pain. -- This condition can be very hard to treat; for instance, things like a light touch, temperature changes, and clothing against the skin can be agonizing. -- The study, conducted in rats and mice, found that in both sexes pain signals can be communicated by pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels but through different types of immune cells. -- However, in female rodents, activation of Panx1 releases leptin, a hormone which has been associated with heightened pain sensitivity. -- "Injury to a nerve can be debilitating," says Trang. "We know that a lot of preclinical research has been in male subjects. Consequently, treatments were often developed from a male-based understanding and may not be very effective in females." -- Heightened levels of leptin in females experiencing chronic pain have been recorded in studies before. -- Trang notes that as far back as the 1980s, researchers who were working with human blood samples found that female patients experiencing chronic pain had higher levels of leptin in their blood than those who did not have chronic pain.	Z01	1,606
2505-E036	Overwintering Grasshoppers Show Size Increase, Adapt Well To Climate Change Effects	Grasshoppers that winter as juveniles have a growth advantage over those that hatch in spring, prompting scientists to explore how climate change impacts their size. A study using a 65-year-old grasshopper collection revealed that certain juvenile-overwintering species have increased in size due to warmer spring conditions, while others have diminished. This research sheds light on the broader consequences of climate change on insect populations, which are declining globally, and helps biologists predict future winners and losers in this changing environment.	University of California - Berkeley	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	While most multiferroics are limited such that the hottest they can operate at is room temperature, a team of researchers at Tohoku University demonstrated that terbium oxide Tb2(MoO4)3 works as a multiferroic even at 160 ℃. -- As one can imagine, a material that loses its functionality from a hot summer's day or simply the heat generated by the device itself has limited practical applications. -- This is the major Achilles heel of multiferroics -- materials that possess close coupling between magnetism and ferroelectricity. -- This coupling makes multiferroics an attractive area to explore, despite that weakness. -- In order to surmount this weakness to unleash the full potential of multiferroics, the research team investigated the candidate material Tb2(MoO4)3. It successfully showed the hallmark traits of multiferroics, and was able to manipulate electric polarization using a magnetic field, even at 160 ℃. This is a huge jump from the previous limit of approximately 20 ℃. Without that major Achilles heel, this remarkable finding means that multiferroics can meaningfully be applied to areas such as spintronics, memory devices that consume less power, and light diodes. -- "This work may pave new avenues for exploring high temperature multiferroics," says Shimon Tajima. -- The researchers created this high-temperature multiferroic by combining two functionalities: the coupling between electric polarization and physical strain, known as the "piezoelectric effect," and the coupling between physical strain and magnetization, known as the "magnetoelastic effect." This combination activated the coupling between electric polarization and magnetization, known as the "magnetoelectric effect," at high temperatures. -- This magnetoelectric effect is the most useful functionality of multiferroics. -- "We have succeeded in raising the working temperature of multiferroics, enabling them to operate stably at room temperature or higher. This breakthrough could lead to power-saving spintronics devices, advanced optical devices, and more," adds Tajima.	H02 C01	1,607
2511-E029	Fiji Iguanas' Journey: Longest Known Transatlantic Dispersal Of Any Land Animal	A groundbreaking genetic analysis reveals that Fiji iguanas are closely related to North American desert iguanas, suggesting they traveled 5,000 miles across the Pacific. This finding represents the longest known transoceanic dispersal of any land animal, challenging existing notions about how species colonize isolated islands and offering insights into evolutionary processes.	University of California - Berkeley	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Iguanas have often been spotted rafting around the Caribbean on vegetation and, ages ago, evidently caught a 600-mile ride from Central America to colonize the Galapagos Islands. But for long distance travel, the Fiji iguanas can't be touched. -- A new analysis conducted by biologists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of San Francisco (USF) suggests that sometime after about 34 million years ago, Fiji iguanas landed on the isolated group of South Pacific islands after voyaging 5,000 miles from the western coast of North America -- the longest known transoceanic dispersal of any terrestrial vertebrate. -- Overwater dispersal is the main way newly formed islands get populated by plants and animals, including humans, often leading to the evolution of new species and entirely new ecosystems. Understanding how these colonizations happen has fascinated scientists since the time of Charles Darwin, the originator of the theory of evolution by natural selection. -- The new analysis, to be published next week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that the arrival of the ancestors of the Fiji iguanas coincided with the formation of these volcanic islands. The estimated time of the arrival, 34 million years ago or more recently, is based on the timing of the genetic divergence of the Fiji iguanas, Brachylophus, from their closest relatives, the North American desert iguanas, Dipsosaurus. -- Previously, biologists had proposed that Fiji iguanas may have descended from an older lineage that was more widespread around the Pacific but has since died out, leaving Brachylophus as the sole iguanids in the western Pacific Ocean. Another option was that the iguanas hitchhiked from tropical parts of South America and then through Antarctica or even Australia, though there is no genetic or fossil evidence to support this. -- The new analysis puts those theories to rest. -- "We found that the Fiji iguanas are most closely related to the North American desert iguanas, something that hadn't been figured out before, and that the lineage of Fiji iguanas split from their sister lineage relatively recently, much closer to 30 million years ago, either post-dating or at about the same time that there was volcanic activity that could have produced land," said lead author Simon Scarpetta, a herpetologist and paleontologist who is a former postdoctoral fellow at UC Berkeley and is now an assistant professor at USF in the Department of Environmental Science. -- "That they reached Fiji directly from North America seems crazy," said co-author Jimmy McGuire, UC Berkeley professor of integrative biology and herpetology curator at the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology. "But alternative models involving colonization from adjacent land areas don't really work for the time frame, since we know that they arrived in Fiji within the last 34 million years or so. This suggests that as soon as land appeared where Fiji now resides, these iguanas may have colonized it. Regardless of the actual timing of dispersal, the event itself was spectacular." -- While sailors today can take advantage of favorable winds to reach Fiji from California in about a month, an iguana -- or more likely a group of iguanas -- would probably have taken much longer to ride flotsam through the doldrums and across the equator to Fiji and Tonga, where this group of iguanas is found. Luckily, iguanas are large and herbivorous and used to long periods without food and water. And if the flotsam consisted of uprooted trees, the raft itself would have provided food. -- "You could imagine some kind of cyclone knocking over trees where there were a bunch of iguanas and maybe their eggs, and then they caught the ocean currents and rafted over," Scarpetta said.	Z01	1,608
2511-E036	Squirrel-Inspired Robot Designed To Stick Landings On Narrow Perches	Engineers at UC Berkeley have developed a one-legged robot inspired by squirrels, enabling it to execute impressive jumps and land accurately on narrow surfaces. By studying the biomechanics of squirrel landings, the team designed a robot that can navigate complex environments like construction sites and forests. This advancement in robotics aims to enhance agility in machines, drawing inspiration from nature's adeptness, particularly the extraordinary abilities of squirrels.	University of California - Berkeley	Journal of Experimental Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Engineers have designed robots that crawl, swim, fly and even slither like a snake, but no robot can hold a candle to a squirrel, which can parkour through a thicket of branches, leap across perilous gaps and execute pinpoint landings on the flimsiest of branches. -- University of California, Berkeley, biologists and engineers are trying to remedy that situation. Based on studies of the biomechanics of squirrel leaps and landings, they have designed a hopping robot that can stick a landing on a narrow perch. -- The feat, to be reported in the March 19 issue of the journal Science Robotics, is a big step in the design of more agile robots, ones that can leap among the trusses and girders of buildings under construction or robots that can monitor the environment in tangled forests or tree canopies. -- "The robots we have now are OK, but how do you take it to the next level? How do you get robots to navigate a challenging environment in a disaster where you have pipes and beams and wires? Squirrels could do that, no problem. Robots can't do that," said Robert Full, one of paper's senior authors and a professor of integrative biology at UC Berkeley. -- "Squirrels are nature's best athletes," Full added. "The way that they can maneuver and escape is unbelievable. The idea is to try to define the control strategies that give the animals a wide range of behavioral options to perform extraordinary feats and use that information to build more agile robots." -- Justin Yim, a former UC Berkeley graduate student and co-first author of the paper, translated what Full and his biology students discovered in squirrels to Salto, a one-legged robot developed at UC Berkeley in 2016 that could already hop and parkour and stick a landing, but only on flat ground. The challenge was to stick the landing while hitting a specific point -- a narrow rod. -- "If you think about trying to jump to a point -- maybe you're doing something like playing hopscotch and you want to land your feet in a certain spot -- you want to stick that landing and not take a step," explained Yim, now an assistant professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign (UIUC). "If you feel like you're going to fall over forward, then you might pinwheel your arms, but you'll also probably stand up straight in order to keep yourself from falling over. If it feels like you're falling backward and you might have to sit down because you're not going to be able to quite make it, you might pinwheel your arms backward, but you're likely also to crouch down as you do this. That is the same behavior that we programmed into the robot. If it's going to be swinging under, it should crouch. If it's going to swing over, it should extend out and stand tall." -- Using these strategies, Yim is embarking on a NASA-funded project to design a small, one-legged robot that could explore Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, where the gravity is one-eightieth that of Earth, and a single hop could carry the robot the length of a football field. -- The new robot design is based on a biomechanical analysis of squirrel landings detailed in a paper accepted for publication in the Journal of Experimental Biology and posted online Feb. 27. Full is senior author and former graduate student Sebastian Lee is first author of that paper. -- Mixing biology and robotics	A01 H01 C01 N01 N02	1,609
2512-043	High-Fat Diets Reduce Pleasure: Understanding Weight Loss Through Neurotensin Levels	A study from UC Berkeley highlights how long-term high-fat diets reduce neurotensin levels in the brain, which diminishes pleasure in eating and may contribute to obesity. By restoring neurotensin levels in mice, researchers found a way to rekindle the enjoyment of food, potentially aiding in treatment strategies to combat overeating and support healthier weight management in humans.	University of California - Berkeley	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The pleasure we get from eating junk food -- the dopamine rush from crunching down on salty, greasy French fries and a luscious burger -- is often blamed as the cause of overeating and rising obesity rates in our society. -- But a new study by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, suggests that pleasure in eating, even eating junk food, is key for maintaining a healthy weight in a society that abounds with cheap, high-fat food. -- Paradoxically, anecdotal evidence suggests that people with obesity may take less pleasure in eating than those of normal weight. Brain scans of obese individuals show reduced activity in pleasure-related brain regions when presented with food, a pattern also observed in animal studies. -- Now, UC Berkeley researchers have identified a possible underlying cause of this phenomenon -- a decline in neurotensin, a brain peptide that interacts with the dopamine network -- and a potential strategy to restore pleasure in eating in a way that helps reduce overall consumption. -- The study reveals an unsuspected brain mechanism that explains why a chronic high-fat diet can reduce the desire for high-fat, sugary foods, even when these foods remain easily accessible. The researchers propose that this lack of desire in obese individuals is due to a loss of pleasure in eating caused by long-term consumption of high-calorie foods. Losing this pleasure may actually contribute to the progression of obesity. -- "A natural inclination toward junk food is not inherently bad -- but losing it could further exacerbate obesity," said Stephan Lammel, a UC Berkeley professor in the Department of Neuroscience and a member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute. -- The researchers found that this effect is driven by a reduction in neurotensin in a specific brain region that connects to the dopamine network. Importantly, they demonstrate that restoring neurotensin levels -- either through dietary changes or genetic manipulations that enhance neurotensin production -- can reinstate the pleasure in eating and promote weight loss. -- "A high-fat diet changes the brain, leading to lower neurotensin levels, which in turn alters how we eat and respond to these foods," Lammel said. "We found a way to restore the desire for high-calorie foods, which may actually help with weight management." -- While findings in mice don't always translate directly to humans, this discovery could open new avenues for addressing obesity by restoring food-related pleasure and breaking unhealthy eating patterns. -- "Imagine eating an amazing dessert at a great restaurant in Paris -- you experience a burst of dopamine and happiness," said Neta Gazit Shimoni, a UC Berkeley postdoctoral fellow. "We found that this same feeling occurs in mice on a normal diet, but is missing in those on a high-fat diet. They may keep eating out of habit or boredom, rather than genuine enjoyment."	H01 R02 N01	1,610
2501-E013	Discoveries Uncover Genetic Mechanism Behind Alternating Sexes In Walnut Trees.	UC Davis biologists have uncovered the genetic mechanisms behind the alternating sexes of walnut trees, a trait stable for 40 million years. This discovery enhances our understanding of plant reproduction and parallels sex determination in other species, providing insights into evolutionary biology.	University of California - Davis	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The genetics behind the alternating sexes of walnut trees has been revealed by biologists at the University of California, Davis. The research, published Jan. 3 in Science, reveals a mechanism that has been stable in walnuts and their ancestors going back 40 million years -- and which has some parallels to sex determination in humans and other animals. -- Flowering plants have many ways to avoid pollinating themselves. Some do this by structuring flowers to make self-pollination difficult; some species have separate "male" and "female" plants. Others separate their male and female flowers in time. Trees in the family which includes walnut, hickory and pecan take this one step further. A walnut tree produces flowers of one sex, then the other in the same season, but trees differ in which one comes first. Individual trees are consistently "male-first" or "female-first" in flowering, something noted by Charles Darwin in 1877. In the 1980s a UC Davis graduate student, Scott Gleeson, noted that this phenotype was controlled by a single genetic locus. -- "Walnuts and pecans have a temporal dimorphism where they alternate male and female flowering through the season," said Jeff Groh, graduate student in population biology at UC Davis and first author on the paper. "It's been known since the 1800s but hasn't been understood at the molecular level before." -- This occurs in both domesticated walnuts and wild relatives, like Northern California black walnut. In wild species, the ratio of male-first to female-first trees is almost 1:1. -- Groh and his doctoral advisor, Professor Graham Coop of the Department of Evolution and Ecology, made use of data from UC Davis' walnut breeding program and also tracked flowering in native Northern California black walnut trees growing around the UC Davis campus. Assigning them to male-first or female-first groups, the researchers sequenced their genomes and identified sequences associated with the trait. -- Same mechanism, different genes -- In walnuts, they found two variants of a gene linked to female-first or male-first flowering. This DNA polymorphism appears in at least nine species of walnut and has been stable for almost 40 million years. -- "It's pretty atypical to maintain variation over such a long time," Groh said. In this case, the two flowering types balance each other. If one flowering type becomes more common in the population than the other, the less common type gains a mating advantage, so it becomes more common. This pushes the system to a 50:50 equilibrium and maintains genetic variation. -- Pecans, Groh found, also have a balanced genetic polymorphism determining flowering order, but in a different part of the genome to walnut. The pecan polymorphism appears to be older than in walnut, at over 50 million years. -- How did walnuts and pecans, which are related, arrive at the same flowering mechanism through quite different genes?	A01 N01 N02	1,611
2502-E004	Storing Carbon In Construction Materials Could Significantly Mitigate Climate Change Effects	A study from UC Davis and Stanford University highlights the potential of construction materials like concrete and plastic to sequester billions of tons of carbon dioxide. By integrating carbon capture strategies into building practices, this research presents a viable path forward for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change challenges through innovative material use.	University of California - Davis	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists at the University of California, Davis and Stanford University. The study, published Jan. 10 in Science, shows that combined with steps to decarbonize the economy, storing CO2 in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. -- "The potential is pretty large," said Elisabeth Van Roijen, who led the study as a graduate student at UC Davis. -- The goal of carbon sequestration is to take carbon dioxide, either from where it is being produced or from the atmosphere, convert it into a stable form and store it away from the atmosphere where it cannot contribute to climate change. Proposed schemes have involved, for example, injecting carbon underground or storing it in the deep ocean. These approaches pose both practical challenges and environmental risks. -- "What if, instead, we can leverage materials that we already produce in large quantities to store carbon?" Van Roijen said. -- Working with Sabbie Miller, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis, and Steve Davis at Stanford University, Van Roijen calculated the potential to store carbon in a wide range of common building materials including concrete (cement and aggregates), asphalt, plastics, wood and brick. -- More than 30 billion tons of conventional versions of these materials are produced worldwide every year. -- Concrete potential -- The carbon-storing approaches studied included adding biochar (made by heating waste biomass) into concrete; using artificial rocks that can be loaded with carbon as concrete and asphalt pavement aggregate; plastics and asphalt binders based on biomass rather than fossil petroleum sources; and including biomass fiber into bricks. These technologies are at different stages of readiness, with some still being investigated at a lab or pilot scale and others already available for adoption. -- Researchers found that while bio-based plastics could take up the largest amount of carbon by weight, by far the largest potential for carbon storage is in using carbonated aggregates to make concrete. That's because concrete is by far the world's most popular building material: Over 20 billion tons are produced every year. -- "If feasible, a little bit of storage in concrete could go a long way," Miller said. The team calculated that if 10% of the world's concrete aggregate production were carbonateable, it could absorb a gigaton of CO2.	C01 T01	1,612
2502-E006	States Lag In Curbing Food Waste Despite Federal Reduction Targets, Study Reveals	A new study by UC Davis reveals that current state policies are insufficient to meet federal food waste reduction targets, which aim to halve waste by 2030. As food waste continues to rise, researchers stress the urgent need for comprehensive policies that prioritize prevention strategies over recycling methods, ensuring effective action against the growing issue of food waste in the U.S.	University of California - Davis	Nat Food	Press Rel	PubMed	The United States generates more food waste than all but two countries. To address this, the federal government set a goal to cut food waste in half by 2030 compared to 2016 levels, to about 164 pounds per person annually. But a new study published in Nature Food and led by University of California, Davis, reveals that current state policies are falling short. Since 2016, per capita food waste has increased instead of decreasing. -- "We're just five years away from 2030 so it's quite alarming how little progress we have made," said first author Sarah Kakadellis, a postdoctoral researcher with the UC Davis Department of Food Science and Technology. -- "More comprehensive policies need to be implemented as soon as possible." -- The study examined how state policies align with the federal targets. -- States determine what policies to implement. Researchers found that state policies emphasize food waste recycling methods like composting and anerobic digestion, rather than prevention and rescue strategies, such as donating to food banks or repurposing food for animal feed. -- In 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency excluded recycling from its definition of food waste to reflect environmental and ethical dimensions. -- "We have a huge portion of the American population that is suffering from food insecurity yet we waste more than a third of the food we produce," said Kakadellis. -- "Instead of recycling our excess food, we should be redirecting as much as we can to populations that need it." -- Recycling or composting food also has environmental downsides. -- While they keep food out of landfills, food production still consumes significant resources.	H01 H02 C01 N01	1,613
2502-E017	Why The Zika Virus Targets Brain Development Protein In Pregnant Women	A study published in mBio reveals how the Zika virus exploits a host protein, ANKLE2, crucial for brain development, to replicate itself, which can lead to severe birth defects such as microcephaly. The virus's ability to cross the placenta poses significant risks during pregnancy. The research highlights the need for therapeutic strategies against Zika and related viruses, as similar mechanisms have been observed in other viral infections, potentially guiding vaccine development.	University of California - Davis	mBio	Press Rel	PubMed	The mosquito-borne Zika virus is known for causing microcephaly, a birth defect in which abnormal brain development results in a smaller-than-expected head. A new study published Jan. 13 in mBio shows that the Zika virus hijacks a host protein called ANKLE2, which happens to be important for brain development, to assist its own reproduction. Because Zika, unlike most related viruses, can cross the placenta, this can have disastrous consequences in pregnancy. -- "It's a case of Zika being in the wrong place at the wrong time," said Priya Shah, associate professor in the departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis and senior author on the paper. -- The new work shows that related viruses, including dengue virus and yellow fever virus, also use ANKLE2 for the same purpose. The discovery could open the way to new strategies to develop vaccines or therapeutics against these viruses. -- Viruses carry only a limited set of instructions in their own genetic material, so to reproduce they rely on taking over host cell proteins and functions. Shah's laboratory studies these interactions between virus and host. -- Shah and her research team previously found that a Zika virus protein called NS4A interacts with ANKLE2 in host cells. Working in Drosophila fruit flies, they showed that this could lead to microcephaly. -- ANKLE2 is known to be involved in brain development in the fetus, but is found in cells throughout the body. -- Forming virus factories -- In the new study, led by recent Ph.D. graduate Adam Fishburn, Shah's team grew Zika virus in human cells. Knocking out the ANKLE2 gene in these cells reduced the ability of Zika virus to grow. -- In Zika-infected cells, ANKLE2 clusters in pockets around the endoplasmic reticulum, a network used for protein production within the cell. -- Viral NS4A interacts with ANKLE2 to form pockets off the endoplasmic reticulum that act as virus factories, Shah said. Bringing all the components to make viruses in one place makes replication more efficient and also helps hide the virus from the immune system.	R01 N01	1,614
2502-E054	New Tool Prioritizes Bat Species For Virus Surveillance, Aiding Wildlife Protection Efforts	An innovative tool has been developed by scientists at UC Davis and Albert Einstein College of Medicine to identify potential bat hosts for filoviruses, including Ebola. This research aims to enhance wildlife surveillance and prevent future outbreaks by clarifying how these viruses interact with their hosts. The study reveals critical insights into the molecular mechanisms governing virus-host recognition, positioning it as a vital part of global viral spillover prevention efforts.	University of California - Davis	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	Bats are widely recognized as the primary hosts of filoviruses, such as Ebola, yet the specific host species of ebolaviruses are not definitively known. In a study led by the University of California, Davis, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Einstein), scientists have developed a new tool to narrow down potential host species of filoviruses and better prioritize wildlife surveillance. The research is part of global efforts to prevent viral spillover between animals and humans. -- The study, published today in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, sheds light on the molecular rules that govern how filoviruses recognize their receptor and helps pinpoint unknown hosts of these viruses. -- "The fundamental question is, where is the next ebolavirus outbreak going to come from?" said co-leading author Simon Anthony, an associate professor with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. -- "If we don't know what the wildlife host is, we can't know how, where or when that will be." -- The biggest filovirus outbreak, caused by Ebola virus, occurred in three West African countries from 2014 to 2016. -- It killed more than 11,000 people and infected more than 28,000. -- More recently, a filovirus outbreak caused by Marburg virus began last September in Rwanda, resulting in at least 15 deaths and 66 cases. -- Unlocking the cell -- The study is the most comprehensive investigation of filovirus receptor binding in bats to date. -- To enter a human cell, an ebolavirus glycoprotein has to attach -- or bind -- to a cell receptor.	R01 C01 N01	1,615
2502-E069	Mussel Bed From WWII Era Still Thriving: A Biodiversity Success Story	Resurvey of Mussel Bed: A recent resurvey of a Northern California mussel bed, originally documented nearly 80 years ago, shows it remains healthy and biodiverse despite signs of climate change. The findings highlight an increase in species diversity, debunking previous assumptions about dramatic losses and emphasizing ongoing ecological resilience.	University of California - Davis	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A mussel bed along Northern California's Dillon Beach is as healthy and biodiverse as it was about 80 years ago, when two young students surveyed it shortly before Pearl Harbor was attacked and one was sent to fight in World War II. -- Their unpublished, typewritten manuscript sat in the UC Davis Bodega Marine Laboratory's library for years until UC Davis scientists found it and decided to resurvey the exact same mussel bed with the old paper's meticulous photos and maps directing their way. -- The new findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, document a thriving mussel bed community that nonetheless shows the mark of climate change. Ninety species of invertebrates were found to live within the mussel bed -- slightly more than those found in 1941. Among them were warm-adapted species more typically found in southern waters, such as the California horsemussel Modiolus carpenteri and the chiton Mopalia lionota. -- "We anticipated finding dramatic losses of species," said lead author Emily Longman, who conducted the study as a UC Davis graduate student and is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Vermont. "We predicted we'd have a big decline in biodiversity. Shockingly, we didn't find that. If anything, we found more species. This mussel bed community is really healthy." -- Living author -- Adding to their excitement, the researchers learned after completing their survey that one of the old manuscript's authors, Milton Hildebrand, was not only still alive at age 101, but living in nearby Davis as a retired UC Davis zoology professor. Longman and Sanford got to meet with the WWII veteran in 2019 before his death the following year. -- "Transferring scientific knowledge across generations like this is more than just the numbers and data -- it's a very human endeavor," said senior author Eric Sanford, a professor with Bodega Marine Laboratory in the UC Davis Department of Evolution and Ecology. "Watching Emily Longman, a graduate student, interact with this 101-year-old scientist who initiated this research project 80 years earlier, was wonderful." -- The paper's other author, Harvey I. Fisher, died in 1994 after a distinguished career in zoology. Fisher and Hildebrand were UC Berkeley graduate students taking a field course when they conducted their survey, before Bodega Marine Laboratory existed. -- "Milton thought the results we had were fascinating," Longman said. "He was charming." -- Stretched mussels	C01 N01	1,616
2503-043	Smaller Bird Droppings Pose Low Risk For Pathogens On Farms	A study from UC Davis reveals that bird size significantly influences the foodborne pathogen risk in crops. Smaller birds produce smaller droppings that carry fewer pathogens, thus posing a lower risk to farms. This research encourages growers to adopt a more nuanced view of wildlife interactions with agriculture, balancing food safety concerns with biodiversity conservation efforts.	University of California - Davis	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	It doesn't require a degree in ornithology, a lab test or even an app for most growers to determine whether bird poop near their crops presents a food safety risk. They just need to ask themselves a simple question: How big is it? -- That's according to a study from the University of California, Davis, published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology. The study said an informed, nuanced view of food-safety risks and wild birds could help growers avoid crop losses and manage farms for food safety, biodiversity conservation and crop production. -- Since 2006, when an E. coli outbreak devastated the U.S. leafy greens industry, growers have been pressured to remove natural habitat to keep wildlife -- and the foodborne pathogens they sometimes carry -- from visiting crops. Growers are often advised not to harvest crops within a roughly three-foot radius of any wildlife feces, lest they risk failing a food safety audit or losing a buyer contract. Growers often cite such concerns as a barrier to implementing conservation actions they would otherwise consider taking on their farms. -- "We wanted to find out the true risk of wild birds to food safety," said lead author Austin Spence, a postdoctoral researcher in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. "Which birds have pathogens, which birds are spending time on farms, and if a bird has a pathogen, does that pathogen survive long in bird poop? Our findings indicate that we can co-manage our areas for both agriculture and conservation." -- Where pathogens persist -- Through field and greenhouse experiments, bird surveys, point counts and fecal transects, the authors assessed food-safety risks from nearly 10,000 birds across 29 lettuce farms on California's Central Coast. They spent hours following turkeys, bluebirds and other wild birds at the UC Davis Student Farm and nearby Putah Creek, collecting hundreds of fecal samples. They compared E. coli survival in bird droppings on lettuce, soil and plastic mulch to measure pathogen persistence. -- After all of these efforts, they landed on a simple finding: Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, which were rare in birds overall. If a bird were to become infected, pathogen survival depends heavily on the bird's size. -- "Birds that are large produce really big feces, and that's where pathogens are more likely to survive," said Spence. "Birds that are small have tiny feces, and the pathogens die off quickly. So farmers don't have to know the species of bird it came from. They just need to know the size. If it's the size of a quarter, don't harvest near that. If it's a tiny white speck, it's very low risk and probably fine." -- Balancing conservation, crop yields, and food safety -- Beyond fecal size, what the birds pooped on -- be it the crop, soil or plastic -- made a difference for pathogen survival. In the study, E. coli survived longer on lettuce itself than on soil or plastic mulch.	H01 N01 N02	1,617
2503-E041	Coyotes In San Francisco Adapt Their Diets Amid Changing Urban Environment	A study from UC Davis reveals that San Francisco's coyotes are adapting their diets in response to urbanization, consuming more human-sourced food and rats in areas with high restaurant density. These findings emphasize the need for effective management strategies to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts while protecting native coyote populations.	University of California - Davis	Ecosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	As their traditional dining options dwindle and natural areas give way to restaurants, homes and sidewalks, the coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat. -- Scientists from the University of California, Davis, wanted to understand what San Francisco's coyotes are eating, and how their diet is changed and shaped by the city's landscape, which can vary from block to block. -- Their study, published in the journal Ecosphere, found that the number of restaurants and amount of pavement or "impervious surfaces" within the city heavily influenced what the coyotes ate. Coyote consumption of rats was highest where restaurant density was highest, and consumption of human-sourced food was highest in the most heavily paved parts of the city. -- The findings can help inform and prioritize management strategies to protect native coyotes and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. -- What San Francisco's coyotes are eating -- So what are coyotes eating in San Francisco? -- "A lot of human-provided food," said lead author Tali Caspi, a Ph.D. candidate with the UC Davis Department of Environmental Science and Policy and with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Mammalian Ecology and Conservation Unit (MECU). "Chicken is a really big diet item; we found it in 72% of the scat samples analyzed in the study." -- However, a natural prey source, pocket gophers, comprised the next most popular food source, found in about 57% of the scats collected, followed by pig (human-sourced) and racoon (natural). While some people have expressed concern about coyotes eating cats, felines were rare in the dietary analysis, detected in 4.5% of samples. -- Scat and DNA analysis -- To reach their findings, the authors collected more than 700 coyote scat samples from throughout San Francisco between September 2019 and April 2022. They brought them to UC Davis for lab analyses at MECU, within the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory. Genotyping matched fecal samples to individual coyotes, while DNA metabarcoding quantified diet composition.	H01 N01	1,618
2505-095	New Insights Into Anticancer Drug Mechanism Reveals Pathway Into Cancer Cells	A new study reveals how an anticancer drug uses an "outside-in" signaling mechanism to enter cancer cells, potentially leading to advancements in drug delivery methods. This research provides insights into the interactions between monoclonal antibodies and cancer cell receptors, paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.	University of California - Davis	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has shown that diet could influence the risk of both depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence suggests that depressive symptoms are both a risk factor for AD and a reaction to early memory problems. -- ECU Researcher Dr Samantha Gardener noted that healthy dietary patterns -- potentially attenuate some of the negative impact depressive symptoms have on AD-related blood-based biomarker alterations. -- These biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood that can be measured and used to track progression of the disease. -- The findings provide insightful contributions to the understanding of the interactions between diet, depressive symptoms, and AD-related blood-based biomarkers. -- "Nutritional factors can impact brain health through inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular function, neuroplasticity, and via the gut-brain axis. These biological pathways may influence neurotransmitter systems and neuronal function, ultimately affecting mood and cognition," she said. -- The Mediterranean diet, which consists of an abundance of plant foods, olive oil, whole grains, and a moderate intake of red wine, has been inversely related to stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, and AD. In comparison, a typically Western diet which consists of a higher amounts of processed foods and sugars could result in an increased decline in certain brain functions. -- "The Mediterranean diet is full of antioxidants and flavonoids and a lot of other really interesting compounds that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, along with healthy fatty acids which are crucial for learning and memory," Dr Gardener said. -- "It is crucial to note that while observational studies provide valuable insights, randomised controlled trials investigating the effects of specific dietary interventions on depression and dementia due to AD are needed. Such trials can provide more definitive evidence on the potential benefits of targeted dietary interventions in managing these conditions." -- Alzheimer's disease is estimated to affect around 50 million people world-wide, and is expected to increase to 152 million by 2050.	H01 R01	1,619
2505-104	Total Synthesis Of Ibogaine Opens New Therapeutic Exploration Opportunities	Recent research has led to the total chemical synthesis of ibogaine, a psychoactive compound known for its potential therapeutic properties in treating addiction and depression. This breakthrough allows for greater exploration of ibogaine and its analogs without relying on plant extraction, enhancing safety and efficiency in the development of new treatments, despite existing cardiac risks associated with ibogaine use.	University of California - Davis	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Epoxy resins are coatings and adhesives used in a broad range of familiar applications, such as construction, engineering and manufacturing. However, they often present a challenge to recycle or dispose of responsibly. For the first time, a team of researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, developed a method to efficiently reclaim materials from a range of epoxy products for reuse by using a novel solid catalyst. -- There's a high chance you are surrounded by epoxy compounds as you read this. They are used in electronic devices due to their insulating properties; clothing such as shoes due to their binding properties and physical robustness; building construction for the same reason; and even in aircraft bodies and wind turbine blades for their ability to contain strong materials such as carbon fibers or glass fibers. It's hard to overstate the importance of epoxy products in the modern world. But for all their uses, they inevitably have a downside: Epoxy compounds are essentially plastics and prove difficult to deal with after their use or at the end of the life of an epoxy-containing product. -- "For example, to decompose fiber-reinforced plastics, perhaps used in aircraft parts, you'd need high temperatures over 500 degrees Celsius, or strong acid or base conditions. These things have an energy cost, and the harsh conditions can damage the fibers and things you might be trying to recover," said Associate Professor Xiongjie Jin at the University of Tokyo. "To deal with this problem, a relatively new process called catalytic hydrogenolysis shows promise, but existing catalysts for this are not reusable as they dissolve in the solvent in which the epoxy decomposition takes place. So, we created a new solid catalyst which is easily recoverable and reusable." -- Jin and Professor Kyoko Nozaki, both from the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, and their team developed an efficient and robust catalyst to decompose epoxy compounds into carbon fibers, glass fibers and phenolic compounds, which are important raw materials in the chemical industry. The catalyst is referred to as bimetallic as it uses two metals, nickel and palladium, which are supported on cerium oxide and work together to mediate reactions between epoxy resins and hydrogen gas. Though the reaction temperature needs to be at around 180 degrees Celsius, the energy requirements are far lower than those needed to create 500-degree conditions, and the lower temperatures mean recovered materials can be reused. -- "We were pleased to see experimental results that closely matched our expectations about how this process would work, but we were nicely surprised when we realized the catalyst could be reused at least five times without any reduction in its performance," said Jin. "As our catalyst is effective at cleaving carbon-oxygen bonds, with modification, it might even work with other plastics as well, as they contain those bonds too." -- The team is now keen to explore ways to improve its methods and materials, though, as it may still take some development to make it a more commercially viable option. -- "Although our catalyst does not require such high temperatures, there is still room for improvement in the environmental impact of the solvent we are currently using," said Nozaki. "We would also like to bring the cost down by finding a catalyst that does not contain a precious metal such as palladium. It might also be possible to increase the range of materials which could be recovered from various epoxy compounds, reducing the environmental overheads of these incredibly versatile and useful plastics."	R01 R02	1,620
2507-E018	Acidification Kills Bird Flu Virus In Waste Milk For Dairy Farmers	Research from UC Davis indicates that waste milk can be acidified to effectively kill the H5N1 bird flu virus, offering dairy farmers a cost-effective alternative to pasteurization. Given the rising concerns about avian flu in dairy cattle, this method presents a practical solution to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus while managing surplus waste milk.	University of California - Davis	University of California - Davis	Press Rel	PubMed	Pasteurization is the only widely recognized method of killing H5N1, the virus that causes bird flu, in milk. However, pasteurization can be expensive and fewer than 50% of large dairy farms pasteurize waste milk. -- Waste milk includes colostrum, the first milk after calving; milk from cows treated with antibiotics or other drugs; or any other factor that can make milk unsuitable and unsellable for human consumption. -- On farms, raw waste milk poses a potential risk of spreading avian flu, which so far has been confirmed in dairy cattle in 16 states. -- University of California, Davis, researchers have found that acidification can kill H5N1 in waste milk, providing dairy farmers an affordable, easy-to-use alternative to pasteurization of waste milk. -- The Journal of Dairy Science published the study. -- "There can be a quite significant cost to have pasteurization as an option on the farm," said co-corresponding author and veterinary epidemiologist Richard Van Vleck Pereira, with the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. -- "In our laboratory tests, we found that acidifying milk to a pH of 4.1 to 4.2 with citric acid effectively deactivates the virus." -- The UC Davis research team will next conduct on-farm testing of milk acidification in waste milk containing H5N1. -- They will develop practical guidelines for farmers to implement acidification of waste milk as a protocol on the farm. -- A sustainable solution	A01 H01 R01	1,621
2507-E034	Earth’s Ice Caps: Rare Conditions Behind Their Formation	Researchers at the University of California, Davis, investigated grazing behavior in cattle by enticing them with sweet molasses feed to determine their grazing patterns. Their findings indicate that cattle exhibit distinct personalities that influence how far they roam for food. This study provides insights into optimizing herd distribution and nutrition management, offering a practical approach for ranchers to identify suitable grazing strategies without extensive tracking technologies.	University of California - Davis	University of California - Davis	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers tempted grazing cattle with sweet molasses feed to discover whether cows would roam far and wide to graze or stick close to the herd, water supplies and feed stations. -- The findings by animal scientists at the University of California, Davis, and published in the journal Scientific Reports, offer a low-cost way for ranchers and others to identify the best cows for their landscapes to optimize grazing while meeting the nutritional needs of cattle. -- This is the third in a series of papers about research seeking to better understand the grazing personalities of cattle. -- The first studies established that the cows weren't mindless wanderers or followers but had personalities that differentiated how far and wide they would graze, said Kristina Horback, the senior author on the paper and an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science. -- "This final study is trying to figure out, 'Can we have any early indicators so that we don't have to put GPS collars on all cows, but just do a quick practical test?'" Horback said. -- Water quality, soil health and habitats can be degraded by cattle grazing unevenly or concentrated in specific areas. -- A herd with animals that wander around a landscape to graze can benefit the landscape by distributing grazing areas and defecation sites while also reducing fuel loads for wildfires. -- Routine checks yield grazing personality -- The research took place from June to August over two years at the UC Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center in Browns Valley. -- Horback and others tracked 50 pregnant Angus and Hereford beef cows wearing GPS collars across the 625-acre site, which is a mix of grassland and treed areas.	H01 N01 N02	1,622
2508-E030	Rapid Evolution: The Role Of Innovation Ease In Species Adaptation	A recent study by biologists at UC Davis suggests that rapid evolutionary changes may hinge more on the ease of acquiring or losing key innovations rather than the innovations themselves. Focusing on the evolution of fish teeth in response to varying food sources, the research challenges traditional views on evolutionary adaptations, highlighting the importance of flexibility in responding to environmental changes.	University of California - Davis	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	It's not what you do, it's how readily you do it. Rapid evolutionary change might have more to do with how easily a key innovation can be gained or lost rather than with the innovation itself, according to new work by biologists at the University of California, Davis, who studied how teeth in certain fishes evolved in response to food sources and habitats. -- Their work was published Feb. 26 in Nature. -- "This changes the way we think about key innovations," said Nick Peoples, first author of the paper and a graduate student working with Professor Peter Wainwright at the UC Davis Department of Evolution and Ecology. -- Wainwright's lab studies the evolution and diversity of fish. -- The cichlid fishes of Africa's great lakes are a particularly large and diverse group, adapted to a wide variety of habitats and food sources in the lakes. -- They form new species more readily than any other group of vertebrates. -- Adaptations of the teeth and jaws that allow the fish to adapt to a wide range of food sources and habitats are thought to be a factor in their success. -- Fish, including cichlids, have either "simple" teeth, basically cone-shaped pegs, or "complex" teeth with multiple cusps that can adapt to feed on different prey. -- Peoples spent two years examining the teeth of over 30,000 species of fish, including 1,000 species of African cichlids. -- He used the data to reconstruct when and how often complex teeth evolved, or disappeared, in fishes.	H01 N01	1,623
2511-E044	Putah Creek Salmon Confirmed As Native For The First Time	A UC Davis study has confirmed the presence of Putah Creek-origin salmon, revealing that some salmon returning to spawn in the restored creek were born there, indicating successful restoration efforts. Wild salmon populations, previously thought to be declining across California, are thriving in this particular stream. The findings have broader implications for salmon conservation and habitat restoration, demonstrating that restoration can facilitate natural life cycles in previously degraded waterways.	University of California - Davis	Ecosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	Almost everywhere in California, salmon are on the decline. But in Putah Creek -- a restored stream running through the University of California, Davis, campus -- wild salmon are not only increasing, they also are completing their life cycle. -- A UC Davis study, published in the journal Ecosphere, is the first to document Putah Creek-origin salmon. -- Chinook salmon have been observed at the creek since 2014, but prior studies had shown them to be strays from hatcheries. -- This study now confirms that some salmon returning to Putah Creek in the fall to spawn are actually born there. -- This should not be news. Salmon are famous for their simple life cycle: Hatch in a stream, migrate to the ocean, and return to the stream to spawn at their life's end. -- Yet salmon in 21st century California are sometimes trucked or flown to the ocean from hatcheries due to dams, habitat loss, warming streams, drought and other threats restricting their natural migration. -- This study shows that at Putah Creek -- and potentially other altered and dam-controlled streams worldwide -- restored waterways can help restore and even create salmon runs. -- "The fact that you have Putah Creek-origin fish is a big deal," said senior author Andrew Rypel, director of the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences at the time of the study. -- "To have a growing, stable population that's natal means it's a well-managed ecosystem. It means we're taking care of the water and the land the right way, and that there's a future for fish in that place. It also shows there's hope for other streams that are degraded." -- Water brought back birds, bugs and salmon	N02	1,624
2501-015	Discovering Immune Response Trigger Mechanism In Damaged DNA Cells Opens Treatment Possibilities.	Researchers at UC Irvine have uncovered a new mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response when DNA is damaged. This discovery enhances understanding of cell signaling in response to DNA damage, with implications for cancer treatment by potentially guiding the development of more effective therapies that reduce side effects.	University of California - Irvine	Nature Structural & Molecular Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the University of California, Irvine has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged. This discovery deepens the understanding of a new type of cell signaling that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer. -- The study, published online today in the journal Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, found that UV irradiation or certain chemotherapeutic drugs activate a specific response when cells are too damaged to be repaired correctly, preventing them from becoming cancerous. -- "This discovery could have significant implications for cancer treatment," said corresponding author Rémi Buisson, UC Irvine associate professor of biological chemistry. -- "Understanding how different cancer cells react to DNA damage could lead to more tailored and effective therapies, potentially reducing negative side effects and improving the quality of life for patients." -- Scientists have long understood that when both DNA strands are broken, the ATM enzyme triggers the activation of the protein NF-κB within the cell, leading to the production of inflammatory signals. -- In this study, spearheaded by postdoctoral fellow Elodie Bournique and assisted by graduate student Ambrocio Sanchez, it was shown that when DNA damage occurs due to UV exposure or treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs such as actinomycin D or camptothecin, the IRAK1 enzyme induces NF-κB to send out signals to recruit immune cells. -- Team members developed an advanced imaging technique to analyze how NF-κB is regulated at the cellular level. -- The researchers were able to precisely measure a cell's response to damaged DNA at the single-cell level and observed a new pathway to the activation of NF-κB. They found that after specific types of injury, cells release the IL-1α protein. -- It doesn't act on the cell itself but travels to neighboring cells, where it triggers the IRAK1 protein, which then initiates the NF-κB inflammatory response. -- "Our findings will help us better understand the consequences of certain types of chemotherapeutic drugs that are used to treat patients and cause DNA damage. We've discovered that the IL-1α and IRAK1 proteins, which play a role in the immune process, vary significantly across different cancer cell types. This suggests that not all patients will react to treatment in the same way, Buisson said. "By assessing these protein levels ahead of time, doctors might be able to personalize therapies tailored to individual patients' needs for improved success rates."	A01 H01 R01	1,625
2501-066	New Mechanisms Behind RNA Processing Defects Offer Potential Targets For Huntington's Disease.	A study led by UC Irvine has elucidated the molecular mechanisms behind RNA processing defects linked to Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research reveals the interplay between key RNA regulators and identifies potential therapeutic targets. Published in Nature Neuroscience, these findings could bridge research across various neurodegenerative conditions, highlighting the significance of RNA modifications in disease progression and opening new avenues for treatment.	University of California - Irvine	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of California, Irvine-led research team has discovered intricate molecular mechanisms driving the RNA processing defects that lead to Huntington's disease and link HD with other neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal lobar dementia and Alzheimer's disease. -- The findings may pave the way for neurodegenerative disorder researchers to collaborate and share therapeutic strategies across diseases, opening additional avenues for treatment. -- While it's known that HD is caused by an abnormal expansion of cytosine, adenine and guanine nucleotide repeats in the DNA of the gene responsible for HD, how this mutation interferes with cellular functions is highly complex. -- The study, recently published online in the journal Nature Neuroscience, reveals the interplay between two key regulators of RNA processing. Binding of both the RNA-binding protein TDP-43 and the m6A RNA modification chemical tag has been found to be altered on genes that are dysregulated in HD. Further, TDP-43 pathology, classically associated with ALS and FTLD, is found in diseased brains from HD patients. -- RNA modifications and how they control RNA abundance to lead to disease is an emergent and challenging area of biological research. "Our findings offer new insights into the role of TDP-43 and m6A modifications in contributing to defective RNA processing in HD. This enhanced understanding highlights their potential as therapeutic targets, which are major areas of research for other neurological disorders. Drugs developed to interact with these pathways could offer new hope for slowing or even reversing neurodegeneration in HD, ALS and other diseases where TDP-43 dysregulation is significant. This research is very important because it uses clinically relevant model systems to understand and elucidate novel RNA-based mechanisms for aberrant gene regulation in HD," said co-corresponding author Leslie Thompson, Ph.D., UC Irvine Chancellor's Professor and Donald Bren Professor of psychiatry & human behavior as well as neurobiology & behavior. -- Led by UC Irvine assistant project scientist Thai B. Nguyen, the team used advanced genomic and molecular biology techniques to explore how m6A RNA modifications serve as landmarks directing TDP-43 to regulate crucial RNAs. Utilizing invaluable tissue samples from global brain banks, the study sheds light on a process essential for accurate RNA splicing -- a cornerstone of proper gene expression. -- The researchers discovered that in both HD mouse models and human patients, the mislocalization of TDP-43 and alterations in m6A RNA modifications disrupt TDP-43's ability to bind to RNA correctly. This disruption leads to abnormal RNA processing and splicing errors. Further analysis revealed that these irregularities align with widespread gene disruptions, particularly in the striatum, a brain region significantly impacted by HD-related neuronal dysfunction. -- "By targeting key processes like RNA splicing and modification, we not only advance our understanding of the molecular disruptions behind HD but also open the door to potential new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases more broadly. It was a really important collaboration to bring chemical and genomic tools from my lab and merge them with Leslie's powerful and robust model systems to nail down this novel mechanism," said co-corresponding author Robert Spitale, Ph.D., UC Irvine founding associate dean of research and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. -- The UC Irvine scientists partnered with Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne, associate professor of neurology at Harvard University; Don Cleveland, chair and professor of cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego; and their research groups. Other team members included project scientists, faculty, and undergraduate and graduate students from UC Irvine, Columbia University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Auckland and Ionis Pharmaceuticals in Carlsbad. Click here for a full list. -- This work was supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Collaborative Pairs awards program; National Institutes of Health grants R35 NS116872, R01 NS112503, R01 NS124203, R01 NS27036, R01 AA029124 and K22CA234399; and Department of Defense grant TS200022. Additional backing was provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke under award number F31NS124293T32, the Dake Family Foundation, a Hereditary Disease Foundation postdoctoral fellowship, and a postdoctoral fellowship from the ALS Association.	H01 R02 T01	1,626
2501-070	Study Questions Traditional Brain Health Risk Factors For Those 90 And Older.	A study from UC Irvine has revealed that high blood pressure and diabetes do not increase the risk of brain blood vessel damage in individuals aged 90 and older. This finding challenges previous assumptions about vascular health in aging and suggests a more complex relationship. Additionally, the research indicates that blood pressure-lowering medications may reduce specific types of brain damage, offering new insights into managing cardiovascular health in the elderly population.	University of California - Irvine	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by the University of California, Irvine has found cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which are known to contribute to brain blood vessel damage in younger populations, not to be associated with an increased risk of such harm in individuals 90 and older. -- The work, published online today in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, suggests that the relationship among blood pressure, vascular health and brain aging is more complex than previously thought. -- "For decades, we've known that factors like high blood pressure and diabetes can injure blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk for cognitive decline and dementia. However, our research found that these patterns may change as people age," said corresponding author Dr. Ravi Rajmohan, UC Irvine clinical instructor of neurology. -- "Even more intriguing, the use of blood pressure-lowering medication in this 90-plus group was linked to a lower likelihood of specific types of brain damage." -- Team members analyzed the relationship between cardiovascular-related changes in the brain and self-reported vascular risk factors or use of heart-related medications by examining data from 267 participants in the National Institute on Aging's 90+ Study, one of the largest and most comprehensive research projects on the oldest-old population. -- They applied statistical models that accounted for age, sex and education and found that the presence of brain changes was not linked to traditional risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes. -- In addition, they discovered that certain medications showed potential proactive effects. -- Diuretics were linked to a lower likelihood of atherosclerosis, commonly called "hardening of the arteries," and beta blockers and vasodilators were associated with reduced odds of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, the buildup of a type of proteins in brain blood vessels. -- "Our findings challenge the idea that traditional vascular risk factors are always harmful to brain health in the 90-plus population," Rajmohan said. -- "Our findings may reflect the effectiveness of treatment for those conditions, or they could be influenced by survival bias, as individuals with untreated or severe risk factors may not live into their 90s. Further research is needed to explore whether blood pressure-lowering medications could directly reduce the risk of brain blood vessel damage and dementia under specific circumstances. Such knowledge could lead to more personalized advice for managing blood pressure and improving brain health outcomes."	A01 R01 R02	1,627
2502-005	Bioluminescent RNA Lanterns Illuminate Virus Secrets And Enhance Memory Understanding	Scientists at UC Irvine have developed a method to track RNA in real time using bioluminescent molecules, promising insights into viral propagation and memory formation in the brain. This innovative approach could deepen our understanding of RNA functions in both health and disease, paving the way for advancements in medical research.	University of California - Irvine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It's critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study published in Nature Communications, University of California, Irvine scientists have discovered a way of tagging RNA with a glowing bioluminescent molecule that allows them to track RNA in real time as it moves throughout the body. The work promises to help scientists better understand everything from the way viruses propagate to how memories form in the brain. -- "The first step in saying something's going to happen in a cell -- the cell is going to grow, adapt, change or anything like that -- underlying all of that is RNA," said Andrej Lupták, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UC Irvine and one of the lead corresponding authors of the study. -- Until now, little was known about how and when RNA does what it does inside cells. "It turns out it's been really quite difficult to know in living cells, and especially in living organisms, when RNA is turned on and where it goes," said Lupták. "If you wanted to study the first 30 seconds or the first minute -- nobody knows. But we provide a tool. You can now visualize it." -- Viruses propagate throughout the body by infecting cells with their RNA, and if scientists can tag that viral RNA with the team's so-called "RNA lanterns," they can better understand the way a virus infiltrates the body's defenses. -- The tag could also allow for real-time imaging of living brains with cells carrying bioluminescent RNA. RNA, explained co-lead corresponding author and UC Irvine professor of chemistry Jennifer Prescher, appears to play a key role in the formation of memories in the brain. -- "There's a lot of interesting biology that's happening at the RNA level in neurons," said Prescher. "And being able to see early events and the transport of RNA from the cell body out to neural synapses where connections are being made to other neurons -- that directly correlates with memory formation. If you have a way to watch that in real-time, that could tell you something fundamental about the brain and memory, which has been a holy grail in science for a long time." -- To tag the RNA, the team used luciferase, the same enzyme that enables insects like fireflies and glow-worms to shine the way they do. Before, scientists were unable to produce the results reported by the UC Irvine team because researchers couldn't find a way to make the luciferase molecules glow brightly enough for available camera technology to detect them. -- Both Prescher and Lupták credit the cross-disciplinary, collaborative research culture at UC Irvine for helping make the research possible. "We had an absolute dream team of students that were involved in this," Prescher said, referring to fellow study authors like Lila Halbers and Kevin Ng of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Kyle Cole of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, as well as the third collaborator, Oswald Steward, the Reeve-Irvine Professor of anatomy & neurobiology and neurobiology & behavior. -- The study was supported by a grant from the W. M. Keck Foundation awarded to Lupták, Prescher and Steward.	A01 H02 R01 N01 T01	1,628
2502-057	Innovative Device Monitors Brain Development By Conforming To Body Tissues	Scientists have developed a biocompatible sensor using soft, organic electrochemical transistors that can conform to living tissues, enabling brain monitoring in growing pediatric patients. This innovative device, designed to interact with the body’s ionic systems, represents a significant advancement in medical technology, aimed at improving neurological function assessments without the limitations of rigid devices.	University of California - Irvine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of California, Irvine and New York's Columbia University have embedded transistors in a soft, conformable material to create a biocompatible sensor implant that monitors neurological functions through successive phases of a patient's development. -- In a paper published recently in Nature Communications, the UC Irvine scientists describe their construction of complementary, internal, ion-gated, organic electrochemical transistors that are more amenable chemically, biologically and electronically to living tissues than rigid, silicon-based technologies. -- The medical device based on these transistors can function in sensitive parts of the body and conform to organ structures even as they grow. -- "Advanced electronics have been in development for several decades now, so there is a large repository of available circuit designs. The problem is that most of these transistor and amplifier technologies are not compatible with our physiology," said co-author Dion Khodagholy, Henry Samueli Faculty Excellence Professor in UC Irvine's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. -- "For our innovation, we used organic polymer materials that are inherently closer to us biologically, and we designed it to interact with ions, because the language of the brain and body is ionic, not electronic." -- In standard bioelectronics, complementary transistors have been composed of different materials to account for different polarities of signals, which, in addition to being unyielding and cumbersome, present the risk of toxicity when implanted in sensitive areas. -- The team of researchers from UC Irvine and Columbia University worked around this problem by creating its transistors in an asymmetric fashion that enables them to be operated using a single, biocompatible material. -- "A transistor is like a simple valve that controls the flow of current. In our transistors, the physical process that controls this modulation is governed by the electrochemical doping and de-doping of the channel," said first author Duncan Wisniewski, Columbia University Ph.D. candidate during the project who is now a visiting scholar in the UC Irvine Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. -- "By designing devices with asymmetrical contacts, we can control the doping location in the channel and switch the focus from negative potential to positive potential. This design approach allows us to make a complementary device using a single material." -- He added that arraying transistors into a smaller, single-polymer material greatly simplifies the fabrication process, enabling large-scale manufacturing and opportunities to expand the technology beyond the original neurological application to almost any biopotential processes.	N02 T01	1,629
2504-E056	Enhancing Communication Is Crucial For Wildfire Preparedness In Disadvantaged Communities	A study from UC Irvine highlights the need for improved wildfire preparedness in disadvantaged communities of Eastern Coachella Valley. By identifying critical communication gaps, the researchers advocate for enhanced community interactions and collaborative emergency services. Published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, their findings stress the importance of multilingual, culturally-sensitive education to boost awareness of wildfire risks and promote better preparedness in these vulnerable areas.	University of California - Irvine	International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by the University of California, Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health highlights the need for improved wildfire preparedness tailored to disadvantaged communities in unincorporated areas of the Eastern Coachella Valley and identifies effective ways to bridge critical communication gaps. -- Recently published online in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, the research found that people living in geographically isolated regions of ECV may benefit from enhanced community-level social interactions to strengthen their awareness of wildfire risk. -- "Residents in ECV face unique challenges, from linguistic barriers to marginal government support," said corresponding author Jun Wu, UC Irvine professor of environmental and occupational health. -- "Our findings demonstrate the importance of fostering community ties; collaborating with emergency services; and implementing multilingual, culturally sensitive education campaigns to boost risk perception and preparedness." -- Between February and April 2023, the research team surveyed 115 individuals in four unincorporated EVC communities who had experienced wildfires. -- Nearly all of them self-identified as Hispanic/Latino, and 60 percent reported annual household incomes of less than $25,000. -- The study provided insights into communication channel preferences among different demographic groups, which emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach. -- Short text messages and TV were preferred across all groups, while younger adults leaned heavily on social media. -- Older adults and those with limited education trusted their doctors for information, and agricultural workers relied on text messages and personal observations for updates. -- In addition, community-level initiatives organized by residents using messaging apps to share emergency alerts, resources and safety tips proved to be very effective, demonstrating the potential for digital tools to help strengthen local networks.	A01 H02	1,630
2505-E064	Climate Change Disrupts Critical Marine Nutrient Cycles, Affecting Ocean Ecosystems	A pivotal study reveals that human-induced climate change is altering vital nutrient cycles in the ocean, with profound implications for marine ecosystems. Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, confirmed these changes by analyzing decades of nutrient data, finding a significant decline in phosphorus levels, a key nutrient for marine life. This research underscores the urgent need to address climate impacts on ocean health and food webs as global temperatures rise.	University of California - Irvine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Research led by Lancaster University has revealed clear evidence that changes in the orchestration of brain oxygenation dynamics and neuronal function in Alzheimer's disease contribute to the neurodegeneration. -- The study "Neurovascular phase coherence is altered in Alzheimer's Disease" is published in Brain Communications. The lead author is Aneta Stefanovska with Juliane Bjerkan, Gemma Lancaster, Peter McClintock and Trevor Crawford from Lancaster University and Bernard Meglič and Jan Kobal from the University of Ljubljana Medical Centre in Slovenia. -- Professor Stefanovska said: "Alzheimer's can be hypothesised as being a result of the brain not being appropriately nourished via the blood vessels (vascular system)." -- Dr Bernard Meglič, clinical coordinator of the study, said: "The vascular system and the brain work together to ensure that the brain receives sufficient energy. In fact, the brain needs as much as 20% of the body's overall energy consumption despite contributing only about 2% of the body's weight." -- The "neurovascular unit" (NVU) consists of vasculature connected via brain cells called astrocytes to neurons and ensures that this cooperation is successful. -- To assess the function of the NVU, researchers combined non-invasive measurements of brain blood flow and electrical activity with novel analysis methods developed by Lancaster's Nonlinear and Biomedical Physics group. -- They measured the brain's electrical activity and oxygenation using electrical and optical probes on the scalp while an electrocardiogram (ECG) measured heart rate, and a belt wrapped around the participant's chest measured breathing. -- Simultaneously measuring blood oxygenation, brain electrical activity, respiration and electric activity of the heart let the researchers capture physiological rhythms and their imperfect timings. -- Efficient functioning of the brain depends on how well all these rhythms are orchestrated. -- To assess the efficiency of the NVU, both the strength and the coordination of these rhythms were assessed by computing their "power" and "phase coherence" using mathematical algorithms.	H01 C01 T01	1,631
2507-T004	Studying Exoplanets' Habitability Under Different Stellar Conditions	Astronomers at UC Irvine have utilized a 3D global climate model to analyze the habitability of exoplanets orbiting white dwarfs versus main sequence stars. Their research reveals that planets around white dwarfs may provide warmer climates conducive to life, suggesting a greater potential for habitability among these stars than previously thought.	University of California - Irvine	University of California - Irvine	Press Rel	PubMed	Among the roughly 10 billion white dwarf stars in the Milky Way galaxy, a greater number than previously expected could provide a stellar environment hospitable to life-supporting exoplanets, according to astronomers at the University of California, Irvine. -- In a paper published recently in The Astrophysical Journal, a research team led by Aomawa Shields, UC Irvine associate professor of physics and astronomy, share the results of a study comparing the climates of exoplanets at two different stars. -- One is a hypothetical white dwarf that's passed through much of its life cycle and is on a slow path to stellar death. -- The other subject is Kepler-62, a "main sequence" star at a similar phase in its evolution as our sun. -- Using a 3D global climate computer model normally employed to study Earth's environment, the astronomers found that the white dwarf exoplanet was much warmer than the Kepler-62 exoplanet despite analogous stellar energy distribution. -- "While white dwarf stars may still give off some heat from residual nuclear activity in their outer layers, they no longer exhibit nuclear fusion at their cores. For this reason, not much consideration has been given to these stars' ability to host habitable exoplanets," Shields said. -- "Our computer simulations suggest that if rocky planets exist in their orbits, these planets could have more habitable real estate on their surfaces than previously thought." -- She said a key difference in the star/planet systems her team studied -- a variation responsible for a planetary climate being habitable or not -- was the rotational characteristics of the planets. -- The white dwarf star's habitable zone -- the region in which an exoplanet could host life-supporting liquid water, among other traits -- is much closer to the star compared to that of other stars such as Kepler-62. Shields stressed that this results in a much faster rotation period -- 10 hours -- for the white dwarf exoplanet, while Kepler-62's exoplanet has a 155-day rotation period. -- While both planets would likely be locked into a synchronous orbit -- with a permanent dayside and a perpetual nightside -- the ultrafast white dwarf planet's rotation stretches out the cloud circulation around the planet.	C01 T01	1,632
2508-035	New Antibiotic Candidates Developed To Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria	Researchers from UC Irvine have introduced a new class of antibiotics capable of preemptively stopping bacteria before they can cause infections. This promising drug candidate addresses the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance, potentially saving thousands of lives annually and reshaping future approaches to bacterial infection treatment.	University of California - Irvine	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	There's an arms race in medicine -- scientists design drugs to treat lethal bacterial infections, but bacteria can evolve defenses to those drugs, sending the researchers back to square one. In the Journal of the American Chemical Society, a University of California, Irvine-led team describes the development of a drug candidate that can stop bacteria before they have a chance to cause harm. -- "The issue with antibiotics is this crisis of antibiotic resistance," said Sophia Padilla, a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry and lead author of the new study. -- "When it comes to antibiotics, bacteria can evolve defenses against them -- they're becoming stronger and always getting better at protecting themselves." -- About 35,000 people in the U.S. die each year from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections from pathogens like Staphylococcus, while about 2.8 million people suffer from bacteria-related illnesses. -- "It's a big problem," said James Nowick, a Distinguished Professor of chemistry at UC Irvine who co-led the study. -- The team designed a new family of antibiotics that's a variation of an existing drug called vancomycin, which is used as a last resort for extremely ill patients. -- The new version of vancomycin targets, bonds to and renders inactive two different parts of a molecule on the surfaces of pathogenic bacteria. -- Nowick likens the process to grabbing the bacteria with both hands and subduing it. "What's happening at the molecular level is there are two pieces that can be targeted and that can be grabbed on to," he said. -- This new version of vancomycin could be a giant leap forward. -- By binding molecules that bacteria need to build a protective cell wall, the drug may help end the antibiotic-bacteria arms race and eliminate the need for researchers to continuously design new drugs to treat newly evolved strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.	H01	1,633
2508-068	Ongoing Monitoring Essential For Detecting Drinking Water Contamination And Health Risks	A study from UC Irvine has established potential links between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and increased childhood cancer risks, including acute myeloid leukemia and Wilms tumors. PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," persist in the environment and have been tied to harmful health effects. The findings underscore the necessity for ongoing monitoring of drinking water contamination to protect public health, especially among vulnerable populations like children.	University of California - Irvine	Environmental Epidemiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health at the University of California, Irvine has revealed possible links between exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in drinking water and an increased risk of certain childhood cancers. -- Widely used in industrial and consumer products, PFAS -- commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment -- have been linked to various adverse health effects. -- An Environmental Protection Agency monitoring program documented detectable levels of PFAS in California drinking water between 2013 and 2015. -- In an online study in the journal Environmental Epidemiology, the researchers investigated the role that PFAS exposure via drinking water contamination may play in childhood cancer risk. -- "Our findings indicate suggestive associations between predicted prenatal PFAS exposure and certain childhood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia and Wilms tumors," said corresponding author Natalie Binczewski, a UC Irvine Ph.D. candidate in environmental health sciences. -- Researchers analyzed data from 10,220 children up to age 15 diagnosed with cancer between 2000 and 2015, along with 29,974 healthy children. -- They estimated maternal PFAS levels by linking geocoded addresses at birth to local water district contamination data and determined that higher concentrations of two PFAS -- perfluorooctanesulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid -- were associated with certain childhood cancers. -- "While these results do not confirm that PFAS exposure directly causes childhood cancers, they add to a growing body of evidence highlighting potential health risks," Binczewski said. -- "Further studies are needed to confirm and better understand these associations, but this research underscores the importance of clean drinking water and continued regulatory efforts to protect public health." -- Other team members included Veronica Vieira, UC Irvine professor and chair of environmental & occupational health; Libby M. Morimoto, associate project scientist, and Catherine Metayer, adjunct professor, both from the Division of Epidemiology in UC Berkeley's School of Public Health; Xiaomei Ma, professor and interim chair of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health; and Joseph L. Wiemels, professor of population and public health sciences at USC's Keck School of Medicine.	H01 R01	1,634
2511-058	Early Childhood Adversity's Impact On Brain Development: New Prevention Strategies Discussed	An extensive review of research highlights the long-lasting impacts of early-life adversity on brain development and mental health. Scholars from UC Irvine emphasize the importance of understanding these experiences to inform prevention strategies, revealing how even subtle environmental unpredictability can significantly affect cognitive outcomes.	University of California - Irvine	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	Early-life adversity affects more than half of the world's children and is a significant risk factor for cognitive and mental health problems later in life. In an extensive and up-to-the-minute review of research in this domain, scholars from the University of California, Irvine illuminate the profound impacts of these adverse childhood experiences on brain development and introduce new paths for understanding and tackling them. -- Their study, published in Neuron, examines the mechanisms behind the long-term consequences of childhood stress (adversity). Despite extensive research spanning over seven decades, the authors point out that significant questions remain unanswered. -- For example, how do adults -- from parents to researchers -- fully comprehend what is perceived as stressful by an infant or child? -- Such conceptual queries, as well as the use of cutting-edge research tools, can provide a road map, guiding experts toward developing innovative methods and providing solutions to this pressing mental health issue. -- "Our research suggests that the unpredictability of a child's early environment may be just as important as more traditionally recognized forms of adversity, such as abuse or neglect," said lead author Dr. Tallie Z. Baram, Donald Bren Professor of Pediatrics and one of the world's leading researchers in this field. -- "Our review has important implications for how we approach early intervention and prevention strategies." -- She and co-author Matthew Birnie, a UC Irvine postdoctoral scholar, identify several key areas for further investigation: -- What does the developing brain perceive as stressful? -- Which aspects of stress most significantly influence brain maturation? -- Which developmental ages are most vulnerable to adversity?	H01 H02 R02	1,635
2502-003	Trust Issues? Betrayal Can Boost Trust If It Benefits Us	Psychologists from UCLA and Oklahoma State University have conducted experiments demonstrating that past behaviors greatly influence how we assess trustworthiness. Interestingly, they discovered that when betrayal benefits individuals, the betrayer is often viewed as more trustworthy, challenging conventional wisdom regarding trust in personal relationships across various contexts.	University of California - Los Angeles	Evolution and Human Behavior	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine this scenario: Two people cheat on their partners with each other and then leave their partners to be together. Should they trust each other, or "once a cheater, always a cheater"? -- Intuition and past research suggest that whether people deem someone trustworthy depends on that person's past behavior and reputation for betrayal. -- But now, new work from psychologists at UCLA and Oklahoma State University is helping to explain why people might nevertheless trust certain cheaters and other betrayers. -- When we benefit from someone's betrayal, we tend to still regard that person as inherently trustworthy, the psychologists reported in a study published in Evolution and Human Behavior. Their experiments found that, although subjects tended to regard people who betrayed others as generally less trustworthy, when a person's betrayal benefited the subject, that person was still thought to be worthy of trust. -- At question is the role concepts like "trustworthiness" play in our relationships. -- According to the research team, inferences about someone's trustworthiness are used for making adaptive choices -- that is, choices that benefit us. So, while people might be attuned to whether someone has betrayed others in the past, the researchers predicted that people would also be attuned to certain relationship-based factors that impact how that person is viewed/trusted. -- "Making decisions about whom to trust based only on whether that person has betrayed someone else might not be the best way to determine whether or not I can trust someone," said study co-author and UCLA professor of psychology Jaimie Krems. -- "Sure, if someone betrays other people, that could be a valuable cue that they might betray me -- but not always. For example, think about that friend who always tells you other friends' secrets but doesn't share yours. This friend is betraying other people but enriching you with information," Krems added. -- This was the researchers' main contention: The mind should be attuned to whether someone has a reputation for betrayal, yes, but also to how someone's betrayal affects you. -- The researchers designed experiments to test whether people deemed targets more trustworthy when the targets avoided betrayal -- but also when the betrayal had different impacts on the subject.	Z01	1,636
2502-E030	The Impact Of Hydroclimate Whiplash On Our Planet’s Weather Patterns	A new study highlights the increasing phenomenon of hydroclimate whiplash—rapid transitions between extreme wet and dry weather—due to climate change. Researchers note that these fluctuations have intensified globally, impacting regions like California, where severe droughts are followed by heavy rainfall and increased wildfire risks. The findings underscore the urgent need for adaptive strategies to manage these hydroclimatic shifts and mitigate their consequences on ecosystems and human communities.	University of California - Los Angeles	Nat Rev Earth Environ	Press Rel	PubMed	Los Angeles is burning, and accelerating hydroclimate whiplash is the key climate connection. -- After years of severe drought, dozens of atmospheric rivers deluged California with record-breaking precipitation in the winter of 2022-23, burying mountain towns in snow, flooding valleys with rain and snow melt, and setting off hundreds of landslides. -- Following a second extremely wet winter in southern parts of the state, resulting in abundant grass and brush, 2024 brought a record-hot summer and now a record-dry start to the 2025 rainy season, along with tinder-dry vegetation that has since burned in a series of damaging wildfires. -- This is just the most recent example of the kind of "hydroclimate whiplash" -- rapid swings between intensely wet and dangerously dry weather -- that is increasing worldwide, according to a paper published today in Nature Reviews. -- "The evidence shows that hydroclimate whiplash has already increased due to global warming, and further warming will bring about even larger increases," said lead author Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. "This whiplash sequence in California has increased fire risk twofold: first, by greatly increasing the growth of flammable grass and brush in the months leading up to fire season, and then by drying it out to exceptionally high levels with the extreme dryness and warmth that followed." -- Global weather records show hydroclimate whiplash has swelled globally by 31% to 66% since the mid-20th century, the international team of climate researchers found -- even more than climate models suggest should have happened. Climate change means the rate of increase is speeding up. The same potentially conservative climate models project that the whiplash will more than double if global temperatures rise 3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The world is already poised to blast past the Paris Agreement's targeted limit of 1.5 C. The researchers synthesized hundreds of previous scientific papers for the review, layering their own analysis on top. -- Anthropogenic climate change is the culprit behind the accelerating whiplash, and a key driver is the "expanding atmospheric sponge" -- the growing ability of the atmosphere to evaporate, absorb and release 7% more water for every degree Celsius the planet warms, researchers said. -- "The problem is that the sponge grows exponentially, like compound interest in a bank," Swain said. "The rate of expansion increases with each fraction of a degree of warming." -- The global consequences of hydroclimate whiplash include not only floods and droughts, but the heightened danger of whipsawing between the two, including the bloom-and-burn cycle of overwatered then overdried brush, and landslides on oversaturated hillsides where recent fires removed plants with roots to knit the soil and slurp up rainfall. Every fraction of a degree of warming speeds the growing destructive power of the transitions, Swain said. -- Many previous studies of climate whiplash have only considered the precipitation side of the equation, and not the growing evaporative demand. The thirstier atmosphere pulls more water out of plants and soil, exacerbating drought conditions beyond simple lack of rainfall.	A01 R02 N02	1,637
2504-E016	Stress Hormone Responses Help Monkeys Survive Harsh El Niño Droughts	A study led by UCLA researchers indicates that white-faced capuchin monkeys with heightened stress responses during mild droughts are better equipped to survive severe drought conditions. By analyzing hormonal responses to environmental stressors during a recent El Niño event, the research provides insights into adaptive stress responses in wild primates, contributing to a broader understanding of species resilience in the face of climate change.	University of California - Los Angeles	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	White-faced capuchin monkeys in Costa Rica who experienced more intense physiological responses to mild droughts were more fit to survive extreme drought, researchers found in a new UCLA-led study. -- Most research on wild animals and humans is focused on the damage that stress response causes to a system -- "the wear-and-tear." In this new study, however, published in the journal of Science Advances, a team of researchers sought to examine the adaptive nature of the stress response in wild primates and how a more robust stress response might help them when faced with catastrophic events. -- "We wanted to understand how the stress response adaptively helps these individuals survive greater challenges," Susan Perry, a UCLA evolutionary anthropologist, field primatologist and co-author of the study, said. -- In the absence of an experimental design that could apply the same stressor to all individuals in a population, the researchers took advantage of a natural experiment -- a particularly severe El Niño drought -- to investigate the relationship between hormonal responses to this extreme stressor and survival outcomes of white-faced capuchins at the Lomas Barbudal Capuchin Monkey Project in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. -- In Guanacaste, Perry and a team of researchers have been documenting the lives of monkeys and studying their social behaviors and survival strategies for 35 years. For this particular study, Perry's research group (including current and former graduate students, and research assistants Irene Godoy, Ashley Mensing, Juliane Damm and Colleen Gault) collaborated with University of Michigan researchers Jacinta Beehner and Sofia Carrera. -- How a drought led to discovery -- The El Niño drought that spread across Central and South America from 2014 to 2016 was the biggest in recent history and led to the deaths of many monkeys. While devastating for the monkeys and the researchers who have studied them for so long, Perry's team was able to make use of the environmental circumstances and samples collected from the six years prior to study the relationship between the endocrinologic stress response and survival in the white-faced capuchins. -- During the drought, the monkeys started to lose weight, revealing vertebrae and rib cages, and mothers even rejected caring for and nursing their infants, abandoning them to go forage. Monkeys who would normally babysit infants in a mother's absence also were not taking on child care responsibilities. Mortality rates soared, particularly for infants and older females. This was the only time in Perry's long-term study that these monkeys, who are usually behaviorally flexible, failed to adapt to an environmental stressor by simply changing how they behaved (e.g., changing their diet). -- For 14 female monkeys who survived and 14 who had died, the researchers analyzed glucocorticoid levels in fecal material that had been collected from them in the six years prior to the El Niño drought (2008-2013). Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that regulate metabolism, inflammation and the immune system. -- What glucocorticoids in monkey fecal matter revealed	A01 H01 H02 C01 N01	1,638
2509-T028	Exoplanets Reveal Distinct Pathways For Formation Based On Orbital Characteristics	New research indicates that giant exoplanets with elliptical orbits and smaller planets with circular orbits form through distinct pathways. The findings, derived from a comprehensive analysis of thousands of exoplanet orbits, suggest significant differences in formation processes, posing questions about the environmental factors that influence planet development in various stellar systems.	University of California - Los Angeles	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The shape of a planet's orbit is one of its fundamental properties, along with its size and distance from its host star. Earth has a nearly circular orbit, but some planets outside our solar system, called exoplanets, have very elliptical orbits. UCLA astrophysicists have now measured the shape of the orbits of exoplanets -- from the size of Jupiter down to the size of Mars -- and shown that small planets have nearly circular orbits, while giant planets have orbits about four times more elliptical than smaller planets. The finding points toward two different pathways by which large and small planets form. -- "What we found is that right around the size of Neptune, planets go from being almost always on circular orbits to very often having elliptical orbits," said UCLA postdoctoral researcher Gregory Gilbert, the lead author of a paper describing the findings published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- The researchers used data collected by NASA's Kepler telescope, which monitored 150,000 stars and measured dips in their brightness caused by transiting planets to discover thousands of exoplanets. The measurements of stellar brightness over time are called light curves. The researchers performed a detailed analysis of the light curve dips to extract information about the shape of the planets' orbits. -- One of the most challenging aspects of this project was ensuring every single one of the 1,600 light curves was modeled with care. -- "If stars behaved like boring light bulbs, this project would have been 10 times easier," said co-author Erik Petigura, a UCLA physics and astronomy professor. "But the fact is that each star and its collection of planets has its own individual quirks, and it was only after we got eyes on each one of these light curves that we trusted our results." -- This is where UCLA undergraduate Paige Entrican came in. Entrican built a custom visualization tool kit and manually inspected each light curve. -- "Reviewing the data was a meticulous process that required careful inspection of all data products to ensure the validity of our results. Several times during this project, I identified failure modes that only affected 1% of all our stars. But we needed to update our analysis to be robust to these issues and go back and reprocess the entire data set," Entrican said. -- The eccentricity split coincides with several other iconic features in the exoplanet population, such as the high abundance of small planets over large planets and a tendency for giant planets to form only around stars enriched in heavy elements such as oxygen, carbon and iron. Astronomers call these heavy elements metals. -- "Small planets are common; large planets are rare. Large planets need metal-rich stars in order to form; small planets do not. Small planets have low eccentricities, and large planets have large eccentricities," Gilbert explained. -- The coincidence of trends in abundance, metallicity and eccentricity points to two distinct pathways for forming small and large planets.	C01	1,639
2511-T014	Chemical Reactions Create Stunning Spiral Patterns On Germanium Chips	Curious about an accidental discovery, researchers found that tiny dots on a germanium wafer led to the formation of intricate spiral patterns through chemical reactions. This development represents a major advance in understanding chemical pattern formation, with implications for studying natural processes in various scientific fields from materials science to biology.	University of California - Los Angeles	Physical Review Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Curiosity about a mistake that left tiny dots on a germanium wafer with evaporated metal films led to the discovery of beautiful spiral patterns etched on the surface of the semiconductor by a chemical reaction. Further experiments showed that the patterns arise from chemical reactions that are coupled to mechanical forces through the deformation of a catalyzing agent. The new system is the first major advance in experimental methods to study chemical pattern formation since the 1950s. Studying these complex systems will help scientists understand other natural processes, from crack formation in materials to how stress influences biological growth. -- UCLA doctoral student Yilin Wong noticed that some tiny dots had appeared on one of her samples, which had been accidentally left out overnight. -- The layered sample consisted of a germanium wafer topped with evaporated metal films in contact with a drop of water. -- On a whim, she looked at the dots under a microscope and couldn't believe her eyes. -- Beautiful spiral patterns had been etched into the germanium surface by a chemical reaction. -- Wong's curiosity led her on a journey to discover what no one had seen before: Hundreds of near-identical spiral patterns spontaneously can form on a centimeter square germanium chip. -- What's more, small changes in experiment parameters, such as the thickness of the metal film, generated different patterns, including Archimedean spirals, logarithmic spirals, lotus flower shapes, radially symmetric patterns and more. -- The discovery, published in Physical Review Materials, occurred fortuitously when Wong made a small mistake while attempting to bind DNA to the metal film. -- "I was trying to develop a measurement technique to categorize biomolecules on a surface through breaking and reforming of the chemical bonds," Wong said. -- "Fixing DNA molecules on a solid substrate is pretty common. I guess nobody who made the same mistake I did happened to look under the microscope."	C01	1,640
2501-001	New Study Challenges Previous Clinical Trial Assumptions About Prostate Cancer Severity.	A new study from UCLA indicates that high-risk nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer cases may often be more advanced than previously recognized. Utilizing advanced PSMA-PET imaging, researchers found that nearly half of patients previously classified as nonmetastatic actually showed signs of metastatic disease, highlighting the need for better staging techniques in clinical decision-making.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that many cases of high-risk nonmetastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer may be more advanced than previously thought. -- The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that nearly half of high-risk prostate cancer patients previously classified as nonmetastatic by conventional imaging actually have metastatic disease when evaluated with advanced prostate-specific membrane antigen-positron emission tomography (PSMA-PET) imaging, suggesting that traditional imaging may underestimate how far the cancer has spread in many cases. -- "Our study demonstrates the critical role of PSMA-PET in accurately staging prostate cancer, which can significantly impact treatment decisions and outcomes," said senior author of the study Dr. Jeremie Calais, director of the Ahmanson Translational Theranostics Division's clinical research program and associate professor at the department of molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. -- This advanced imaging technology plays a critical role in redefining how prostate cancer is staged. PSMA-PET imaging uses tiny amounts of radioactive "tracers," called radiotracers, that binds to prostate cancer cells, making them visible on PET scans. Unlike conventional imaging, which provides only anatomical details, PSMA-PET offers functional imaging that reveals the cancer's biological activity, which can significantly improve the accuracy of disease staging. -- The clinical adoption of PSMA-PET has changed the landscape of prostate cancer imaging, yet treatment decisions often rely on clinical trials that did not incorporate this advanced imaging technique for patient selection. -- To better understand the advantages of PSMA-PET over conventional imaging, researchers conducted a post hoc, retrospective cross-sectional study using data from 182 patients with high-risk recurrent prostate cancers who were thought to have disease limited to the prostate and were eligible for the EMBARK trial. -- This clinical trial previously demonstrated that adding enzalutamide, a type of hormone therapy, to androgen deprivation therapy significantly improves metastasis-free survival. However, the trial relied on conventional imaging to classify patients, which researchers believe might have underestimated the disease's extent in some cases. -- In the cohort of patients, the researchers found PSMA-PET detected cancer metastases in 46% of patients, even though traditional imaging had suggested no evidence of cancer spread. Based on PSMA-PET, 24% of the patients even showed 5 or more lesions that had been missed by conventional imaging. -- "We anticipated that PSMA-PET would detect more suspicious findings compared to conventional imaging. However, it was informative to uncover such a high number of metastatic findings in a well-defined cohort of patients resembling the EMBARK trial population that was supposed to only include those without metastases," said Dr. Adrien Holzgreve, a visiting assistant professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine and first author of the study. -- These results challenge the interpretation of previous studies, like the EMBARK trial, and support the inclusion of PSMA-PET for patient selection in clinical and trial interventions in prostate cancer in future major industry-sponsored clinical trials. It also highlights the need to reevaluate treatment strategies and opens the door to potentially curative options for some patients, such as targeted radiotherapy, while raising important questions about integrating new imaging technologies into standard care.	A01 H01 R01	1,641
2501-078	Multilingualism Enhances Cognitive Abilities In Children With And Without Autism.	A new study from UCLA Health reveals that multilingualism benefits both autistic and non-autistic children by enhancing cognitive abilities and executive function. The research indicates that children in multilingual households exhibit better focus and communication skills and experience fewer repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest that exposure to multiple languages may provide cognitive advantages, making a strong case for promoting multilingualism in educational settings.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Autism Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from UCLA Health adds to the growing body of evidence on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages, finding that multilingualism not only enhances general cognitive abilities but also may help reduce certain symptoms and bolster control of daily thoughts and actions in children with and without autism. -- The study, published in the journal Autism Research, found parents of autistic and non-autistic children in multilingual households reported their children had stronger overall executive function, including the ability to focus, understand other people's perspectives, communication and reduced levels of repetitive behaviors, compared to children in mono-lingual households. -- "It turns out that speaking multiple languages, whether or not you have a diagnosis of autism, is associated with better inhibition, better shifting or flexibility, and also better perspective taking ability," said study lead author Dr. Lucina Uddin, a UCLA Health Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences Professor and Director of the UCLA Brain Connectivity and Cognition Laboratory. -- Conducted initially at the University of Miami, the study recruited more than 100 autistic and non-autistic children ages 7 to 12 from both monolingual and multilingual households. Most of the multilingual households spoke Spanish and English at home. Parents were asked to score their child's executive function skills, which are often affected by autism spectrum disorder. Skills assessed included: -- Inhibition: the ability to suppress doing something irrelevant or get distracted. -- Working memory: the ability to keep something in mind, such as remembering a phone number. -- Shifting: the ability to switch between two or more different tasks, such as playing with toys and cleaning up after. -- Parents were also asked to score some of the core abilities affected by autism such as the ability to understand different perspectives, social communication and repetitive behaviors. -- Results from the survey found multilingualism is associated with better inhibition, shifting and perspective taking skills in children both with and without autism. -- "If you have to juggle two languages, you have to suppress one in order to use the other. That's the idea, that inhibition might be bolstered by knowing two languages," Uddin said.	H01 R02	1,642
2501-098	Targeting Endocan Could Revolutionize Treatments For Aggressive Glioblastoma Tumors.	Researchers at UCLA suggest that targeting the protein endocan could lead to new treatment approaches for glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive brain cancer. Their study highlights how endocan activates tumor growth mechanisms, indicating that disrupting this interaction may enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and slow cancer progression.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A study co-led by UCLA scientists has found targeting a protein called endocan and its related signaling pathway could be a promising new approach for treating glioblastoma, an aggressive and lethal type of brain cancer. -- The team of researchers discovered that endocan, which is produced by endothelial cells lining blood vessels in the tumor, activates PDGFRA, a receptor on glioblastoma cells that drives tumor growth and makes the cancer resistant to standard therapies such as radiation. -- The discovery, published in Nature Communications, suggests a path toward the development of therapies that specifically inhibit this interaction to not only slow tumor growth, but make glioblastoma more vulnerable to existing treatments. -- "By targeting the crosstalk between glioblastoma and vascular endothelial cells, we can develop treatments that prevent the tumor from adapting and surviving. This could also improve the effectiveness of treatments especially, radiation, making them more successful in tackling this aggressive cancer," said Dr. Harley Kornblum, director of the UCLA Intellectual and Developmental Research Center, professor of psychiatry, pediatrics and molecular and medical pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and co-senior author of the study. -- Improving the effectiveness of treatments for glioblastoma is imperative. -- The average lifespan of someone diagnosed with the brain tumor is just 12 to 15 months, and only about 5% of people diagnosed with glioblastoma are alive five years after their diagnosis. -- A major challenge in treating glioblastoma lies in its complexity. -- Brain tumors often rely on blood vessel cells, also known as vascular endothelial cells, to fuel their growth. -- These tumor blood vessels not only supply oxygen and nutrients, but also produce molecules that help the tumor survive. -- Understanding how these interactions work is key to finding new treatments and stopping the progression of glioblastoma, said Kornblum.	R01 R02	1,643
2504-054	Dementia Care Approaches Show No Significant Differences In Patient Or Caregiver Outcomes	A comprehensive study on dementia care approaches for Alzheimer's patients revealed no significant differences in patient symptoms or caregiver strain among various care methods over 18 months. However, improved caregiver self-efficacy was noted, highlighting the importance of caregiver confidence in managing dementia-related tasks, ultimately underscoring the need for supportive strategies that enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and patients.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	New research comparing different approaches to dementia care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias found no significant differences in patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain, whether delivered through a health system, provided by a community-based organization, or as usual care over an 18-month period. -- However, the Dementia Care Study, also known as D-CARE, also found that caregiver self-efficacy -- a measurement of caregivers' confidence in managing dementia-related challenges and accessing support -- improved in both the health-system and community-based care approaches and was rated higher than in those receiving usual care. Higher self-efficacy was observed within 6 months of care delivery and remained consistent throughout the study. -- "The D-CARE trial is the largest evaluation, to date, of different approaches to providing dementia care," said Dr. David Reuben, Archstone Professor of Geriatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and principal investigator of the study. "Caregivers play an essential role in the lives of individuals with dementia, and their ability to manage stress and feel confident in their caregiving roles is crucial. Higher self-efficacy may lead to obtaining more resources and keeping persons with dementia in their homes." -- The study will be published on Jan. 29 in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). -- Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the National Institute on Aging, the D-CARE study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two established dementia care approaches to each other and to usual care. It comprised 2,176 persons with dementia and their caregivers and was conducted from June 2019 to August 2023. -- The study was led by investigators at University of California, Los Angeles, with data management and statistics performed by the Yale Data Coordinating Center and was conducted at four clinical sites: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Baylor Scott & White Health, the University of Texas Medical Branch, and Geisinger Health. The study was supported by investigators at the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and RAND. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: health care system-based care delivered by Dementia Care Specialists (based on the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program), community-based organization-based care delivered by Care Consultants (utilizing Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging Care Consultation Program), or usual care. -- "The study's results underscore the complexities of dementia care and the challenges in comparing dementia care models in a real-world setting, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic," Reuben said. "Moreover, some benefits of the models may not have been fully captured in the trial's chosen primary and secondary outcomes." The effects of the interventions on health care utilization are still pending. -- The findings from D-CARE have significant implications for healthcare systems, medical groups, community-based organizations, policymakers, and insurers working to improve dementia care. The study suggests that while health system and community-based dementia programs may not outperform routine care in reducing caregiver strain or managing patient behaviors, these programs help caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia care more effectively. -- "These findings remind us that different approaches to dementia care can lead to comparable clinical outcomes and may be particularly valuable for institutions participating in the new Medicare Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) program," Reuben said. "Additional analyses of D-CARE will provide further insight into the effectiveness of health system- and community-based dementia care." -- The D-CARE study is funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCS-2017C1-6534), a nonprofit institution, and the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG061078). The awards include four clinical trial sites. Additional support was provided by the Yale Program on Aging/Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (P30AG021342), The National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (UL1 TR000142), The Mexican Health and Aging Study (R01AG018016), The UTMB Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) (P30 AG024832), The Dewey and Cynthia Robertson Fund for Wake Forest Geriatrics and the Wake Forest Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (P30 AG049638).	A01 H02 R01 R02 N02 T01	1,644
2505-041	Early Side Effects From Radiation Therapy Linked To Long-Term Health Risks In Prostate Cancer	A recent study from UCLA Health indicates that men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer may be at increased risk for serious long-term urinary and bowel complications if they experience side effects early in their treatment. The research shows that men with moderate acute urinary or bowel side effects within the first three months have nearly double the likelihood of developing chronic issues later on. Dr. Amar Kishan emphasizes the need for improved management of these early toxicities to enhance the overall quality of life for patients.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	The Lancet Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from the University of Otago -- Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka are hoping their new research technique will help unlock underwater secrets of marine wildlife. -- Miniature cameras or sensors are often attached to animals, such as penguins and seals, to allow scientists to observe their daily activities, such as their predator-prey interactions and decision-making. -- However, questions remain about specific details of their feeding behaviour, such as prey selection and foraging strategies. -- In a study just published in the journal PeerJ, researchers analysed footage from animal-borne cameras on Humboldt, King and Tawaki/Fiordland penguins. -- They used image-measuring software to convert the pixels to actual measurements and were able to estimate the energy content of the penguins' prey. -- Lead author Owen Dabkowski, a Masters' student in the Department of Marine Science, says this is a major step forward for marine biology. -- "Our work will explain why animals target certain prey over others or how much energy they gain in a single feeding period compared to how much energy they expend," he says. -- "The new technique will provide a unique perspective for analysing diet composition and foraging behaviour, revealing previously unseen interactions that occur underwater." -- Researchers worked in collaboration with the Tawaki Project -- a long-term study of the marine ecology, breeding biology and population dynamics of New Zealand's crested penguins -- to develop the new technique. -- Supervisor Dr Ursula Ellenberg, of Otago's Department of Marine Sciences and co-director of the Tawaki Project, is pleased with the results.	H01 R01	1,645
2506-035	DNA Repair Genes Uncovered As Key Players In Huntington's Disease Pathology	A new UCLA Health study identifies the role of specific DNA repair genes in causing neuronal damage in Huntington's disease, shedding light on the disease's mechanisms. By uncovering how these genes contribute to selective neuronal vulnerability, the research paves the way for potential therapeutic strategies targeting the underlying pathology of this inherited disorder.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A new UCLA Health study has discovered in mouse models that genes associated with repairing mismatched DNA are critical in eliciting damages to neurons that are most vulnerable in Huntington's disease and triggering downstream pathologies and motor impairment, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential new ways to develop therapies. -- Huntington's disease is one of the most common inherited neurodegenerative disorders that typically begins in adulthood and worsens over time. Patients begin to lose neurons in specific regions of the brain responsible for movement control, motor skill learning, language and cognitive function. Patients typically live 15 to 20 years after diagnosis with symptoms worsening over time. There is no known cure or therapy that alters the course of the disease. -- The cause of Huntington's disease was discovered over three decades ago -- a "genetic stutter" mutation involves repeats of three letters of the DNA, cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG), in a gene called huntingtin. Healthy individuals usually have 35 or fewer CAG repeats, but people inherited with mutation of 40 or more repeats will develop the disease. The more CAG repeats a person inherits, the earlier the disease onset occurs. However, how the mutation causes the disease remains poorly understood. -- A longstanding enigma in the Huntington's disease is how the mutated protein derived from the huntingtin gene is present in every cell of the body, but the disease appears to selectively affect certain types of neurons in a few brain regions. This mystery is shared between Huntington's disease and many other neurodegenerative brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), albeit different types of neurons are vulnerable to degeneration in each disorder. Solving this mystery could hold insights into disease mechanisms and therapies. -- Recently a human genetic study uncovered about a dozen DNA regions in the genome that harbors "modifiers" for Huntington's disease, which are DNA variants that could hasten or delay the onset of the disease by up to a few years. Intriguingly, these regions contain multiple genes involved in repairing DNA mismatches. However, the mechanistic connections between mismatch DNA repair and selective neuronal vulnerability in Huntington's disease remained unknown. -- The new study from UCLA Health and Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA, published in the journal Cell, reveals that a distinct subset of mismatch repair genes are key drivers of Huntington's disease and how the disease affects specific types of neurons. -- "We demonstrate the same DNA mismatch repair genes that are modifiers in the Huntington's disease patients can drive fast-paced disease processes only in the most vulnerable neurons in a mouse model, leading to a cascade of disease phenotypes," said lead author Dr. X. William Yang, professor of the UCLA Health Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and the Terry Semel Chair in Alzheimer's Disease Research and Treatment at the Semel Institute. -- Yang and colleagues used Huntington's disease model mice with 140 CAG repeats (called Q140 model), as such long repeats are necessary to observe disease features in a mouse model. They asked whether genetically altering nine HD patient-derived modifier genes, including six mismatch repair genes, in this mouse model could alter any disease phenotypes. Although an HD mouse model lacks overt neuronal cell death, possibly due to the short lifespan of a mouse, they exhibit multiple disease-like phenotypes that are highly selective to the HD vulnerable neurons. They include the dysregulation of the expression of thousands of genes in the striatal neurons and an accumulation of clumps of mutant Huntingtin protein (called aggregates), which are a hallmark of pathology in HD patient brains. The aggregates happen first in the striatal neurons and later in the cortical neurons, and they progressively worsen over time, mimicking the progression of the disease. Remarkably, HD mice lacking a subset of mismatch repair genes, especially Msh3 and Pms1, correct the vast majority of the gene expression deficits in this mouse model. Moreover, they partially or fully prevent the mutant Huntingtin aggregate pathology throughout the brain. -- Besides molecular and pathological benefit, the study also shows targeting Msh3 can ameliorate locomotor and gait deficits, improve neuronal synaptic protein levels, and reduce glial cell over-reactivity. -- "We were surprised to see the potent and sustained effects of targeting these mismatch repair genes in HD mice -- the benefit lasts up to 20 months of age in a mouse, which would be comparable to about 60 years in humans," said Yang. "Our study suggests that these genes are not just disease modifiers, as suggested by the previous studies, but are genetic drivers of Huntington's disease."	H01 R02 C01	1,646
2507-086	Understanding Brain Circuits Behind Reward-Based Decision Making	Amid rising opioid-related fatalities in the U.S., there are national initiatives to encourage emergency clinicians to prescribe buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder. A recent study from UCLA Health evaluates the effectiveness of these efforts in California, examining the increase in opioid-related emergency visits and emphasizing the need for accessible, combined treatment options for those struggling with addiction.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	In the face of the alarming number of opioid-related deaths in the U.S., there have been national efforts to increase emergency clinician prescribing of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. In a new study published in JAMA, UCLA Health researchers report on the extent and success rate of such efforts in California. -- Opioid-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased markedly since 1999, and the growing number of cases was declared a public health emergency in 2024. -- Combined psychotherapy and medication, either methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, is the standard treatment for this condition. -- Buprenorphine works by binding to the opioid receptors on the cell's surface in the brain; it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms but does not produce the euphoric feeling that other opioid drugs induce. -- BRIDGE, an organization dedicated to improving access to substance use disorder treatment, started a California-wide initiative in 2019 for EDs to begin prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder with linkage to addiction treatment. -- "For a lot of people who use opioids, the emergency department might be the only touch point they have with the healthcare system, so it's a huge window of opportunity to make a difference," said Dr. Annette Dekker, an assistant professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at UCLA and first author of the study. -- "We start these patients on buprenorphine, but we have no way of knowing if they continue on that medication or not, so the study was driven from an interest in understanding patients' trajectories after initiation in the ED." -- To conduct the study, the researchers analyzed data on buprenorphine prescriptions in the California Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System from 2017-2022. -- The study found that the number of emergency medicine clinicians who prescribed buprenorphine rose from 2% to 16% of all California buprenorphine prescribers and buprenorphine initiation prescriptions from the ED increased from 0.1% to 5%. "We're seeing this huge shift of prescriptions over a five-year period -- the efforts are working," Dekker said. -- The study also found that at least one in three patients is filling a second buprenorphine prescription within 40 days of the ED initiation prescription and one in nine patients is receiving continuous buprenorphine prescriptions within a year of an ED initiation prescription.	H01 R02	1,647
2507-123	U.S. Hospitals Face Looming Bed Shortage By 2032 Amid Rising Occupancy Rates	Post-pandemic hospital occupancy in the U.S. has risen to an average of 75%, raising concerns about an impending shortage of hospital beds by 2032. This significant increase, coupled with a reduction in staffed beds, highlights the need for proactive measures to manage healthcare capacity and ensure adequate resources for patient care in the future.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	U.S. hospital occupancy after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic is significantly higher than it was before the pandemic, setting the stage for a hospital bed shortage as early as 2032, new research suggests. -- In the decade leading up to the pandemic, U.S. average hospital occupancy was approximately 64%. In a study to be published in the peer-reviewed journal JAMA Network Open, the team of UCLA researchers found that the new post-pandemic national hospital occupancy average is 75% -- a full 11 percentage points higher than the previous average. -- "We've all heard about increased hospital occupancy during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, but these findings show that hospitals are as full, if not more so, than they were during the pandemic, even well into 2024 during what would be considered a post-pandemic steady state," said Dr. Richard Leuchter, assistant professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study's lead investigator. -- For their study, the researchers repurposed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Covid-19 data tracking dashboards to obtain hospital occupancy metrics from nearly every U.S. hospital between August 2, 2020 and April 27, 2024. -- They then combined these data with national hospitalization rates and the U.S. Census Bureau's official population projections to model future hospital occupancy scenarios through 2035. -- Hospital occupancy is calculated by dividing hospital census by the number of staffed hospital beds. -- The researchers examined both of these metrics over time, showing that the newly increased baseline in hospital occupancy is primarily driven by a 16% reduction in the number of staffed hospital beds rather than by an increase hospitalizations, which remained relatively unchanged from the pre- to post-pandemic years. -- "Our study was not designed to investigate the cause of the decline in staffed hospital beds, but other literature suggests it may be due to healthcare staffing shortages, primarily among registered nurses, as well as hospital closures partially driven by the practice of private equity firms purchasing hospitals and effectively selling them for parts," Leuchter said. -- A national hospital occupancy of 75% is dangerously close to a bed shortage because it does not provide enough of a buffer against factors such as daily bed turnover, seasonal fluctuations in hospitalizations, and unexpected surges. -- According to the CDC, when national ICU occupancy reaches 75%, there are 12,000 excess deaths two weeks later, Leuchter said.	R01	1,648
2509-007	New Strategy Reprograms Glioblastoma Cells To Halt Tumor Growth	Innovative research from UCLA suggests a promising dual treatment strategy for glioblastoma, the most aggressive brain cancer. By combining radiation therapy with a plant-derived compound called forskolin, scientists have found a method to effectively reprogram harmful glioblastoma cells into dormant states, potentially extending survival rates and offering new therapeutic avenues for this challenging cancer.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	UCLA scientists have identified a potential new strategy for treating glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer, by reprogramming aggressive cancer cells into harmless ones. -- The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrate that combining radiation therapy with a plant-derived compound called forskolin can force glioblastoma cells into a dormant state, making them incapable of dividing or spreading. -- When tested in mice, the addition of forskolin to radiation prolonged survival, offering a potential new avenue for combating glioblastoma, a disease with limited treatment options and a median survival time of just 15 to 18 months after diagnosis. -- "Radiation therapy, while effective in killing many cancer cells, also induces a temporary state of cellular flexibility," said Dr. Frank Pajonk, professor of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study's senior author. -- "We found a way to exploit this flexibility by using forskolin to push these cells into a non-dividing, neuron-like or microglia-like state." -- Glioblastoma is notoriously difficult to treat, largely due to the cancer cell's ability to divide uncontrollably and the protective blood-brain barrier that limits the effectiveness of therapies. -- Current standard treatments -- surgery followed by chemotherapy and radiation -- have remained unchanged for two decades. -- A key problem is the ability of glioma stem cells to regenerate tumors after treatment and resist conventional therapies, making them a primary reason for treatment failure. -- Recent discoveries suggest that radiation not only kills some glioblastoma cells, but also temporarily makes the glioma stem cells more flexible, or adaptable, providing an opportunity to alter their identity. -- Building on this concept, the UCLA researchers decided to look at the combination of radiation and forskolin, a drug compound known to influence cell differentiation by promoting the maturation of cells into neurons, which do not divide uncontrollably like cancer cells.	H01 R01 R02 N02	1,649
2509-071	Genetic Discoveries Explain Aggressive Behavior Of Prostate Tumors	A collaborative study has identified 223 mutations that influence the development and aggressiveness of prostate tumors, shedding light on why some cases remain indolent while others become lethal. This research integrates genetic factors passed through generations and those acquired during tumor formation, paving the way for improved predictions and treatments for aggressive prostate cancers.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from UCLA, the University of Toronto and the University of Melbourne have uncovered new genetic clues that explain why some prostate cancers remain slow-growing while others become life-threatening. -- The findings, published in Cancer Discovery, evaluated the roles of inherited genetic factors passed down from our parents and somatic mutations acquired during tumor formation. -- The research shows that germline and somatic variability work together to initiate and drive progression of prostate cancer. -- This discovery could one day help improve how doctors predict and treat aggressive cancers. -- "The interaction between inherited genetic factors and the timing of mutations in the tumor's DNA is central to understanding how prostate cancer evolves," said Dr. Paul Boutros, professor of urology and human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, director of cancer data science at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and co-senior author of the study. -- "We found that prostate cancer follows a common evolutionary path, with different tumors branching off depending on early genetic changes and an individual's inherited genetic background. Some tumors may become aggressive because of specific mutations, while others remain indolent. Both genetic randomness and inherited traits play a role in determining these outcomes." -- Studying prostate cancer presents unique challenges due to its complex nature. -- It is one of the most common cancers, yet it has relatively few mutations, grows slowly over decades, and is difficult to detect on scans. -- Current methods for assessing tumor aggressiveness are limited, and treatments primarily target androgen signaling, leaving patients with few options when resistance develops. -- In fact, while some prostate cancers are aggressive, others grow so slowly they may never cause harm.	R01 C01	1,650
2510-041	Lifestyle Factors Like Stress And Diet Accelerate Pancreatic Cancer Development	A UCLA study reveals how chronic stress and poor dietary habits can synergistically promote the onset of pancreatic cancer. By identifying the molecular mechanisms involved, including the activation of specific proteins, researchers hope to uncover lifestyle interventions that could mitigate the risk of this aggressive form of cancer.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Molecular Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by UCLA investigators suggests that chronic stress and an unhealthy diet may work together to fuel the early development of pancreatic cancer, shedding light on how lifestyle factors contribute to one of the deadliest malignancies. -- In preclinical models, researchers identified a key molecular mechanism by which stress and obesity trigger changes in pancreatic cells that may lead to cancer. -- Specifically, stress-related neurotransmitters and obesity-related hormones were found to activate a protein called CREB, which is linked to cancer cell growth, through different biological pathways. -- Stress hormones activate the β-adrenergic receptor/PKA pathway, while obesity-related signals mainly use the PKD pathway. -- This suggests that both stress and obesity can fuel pancreatic cancer growth through similar mechanisms. -- In mouse experiments, a high-fat diet alone led to the growth of precancerous pancreatic lesions. -- However, when the mice also experienced social isolation stress, they developed even more advanced lesions. -- The study also found that social isolation had a stronger impact on cancer development in female mice compared to male mice. -- The researchers hypothesize that women's biological response to stress, possibly influenced by estrogen and increased β-adrenergic receptor activity, may make them more susceptible to stress-related cancer risks. -- The findings suggest that stress hormones and obesity-related hormones activate key cancer-promoting pathways, potentially accelerating the onset of pancreatic cancer.	H01 H02 R01	1,651
2511-059	Psychological Prehabilitation: Key To Faster Recovery After Surgery	UCLA Health's analysis underscores the benefits of psychological prehabilitation in enhancing surgical recovery. By reducing pain, anxiety, and depression, this proactive approach may significantly shorten hospital stays, offering new insights into the importance of mental well-being in postoperative care.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Annals of Surgery	Press Rel	PubMed	A new analysis led by surgeons at UCLA Health finds that psychological prehabilitation can significantly enhance recovery after surgery. The research, led by Anne E. Hall in the lab of Dr. Justine Lee analyzed data from 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted between 2004 and 2024, involving a total of 2,376 patients. It is published in the Annals of Surgery -- What is Psychological Prehabilitation? -- Prehabilitation is a proactive approach aimed at improving surgical outcomes through preventive measures. -- Traditionally, it has focused on physical function and patient education. -- However, mental health has recently gained attention due to its crucial role in postoperative recovery, including reducing persistent opioid use. -- The researchers conducted a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of RCTs retrieved from databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar. -- They included studies with more than 50 adult surgical patients and evaluated the effects of different preoperative psychotherapy-based interventions, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive psychotherapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), on postoperative outcomes. -- The study found that psychological prehabilitation significantly reduces the length of hospital stay, pain, anxiety, and depression after surgery. -- Specifically, the analysis showed: -- A reduction in length of hospital stay (LOS) by an average of 1.62 days;	H01 H02	1,652
2511-065	Revolutionary Drug Mimics Rehabilitation Success For Stroke Recovery	A UCLA Health study has found a drug that mimics the rehabilitation effects for stroke recovery in mice, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in human treatment. This research is significant as stroke leads to debilitating disabilities, and current rehabilitation methods have limited effectiveness. By developing a medication that replicates rehabilitation benefits, researchers aim to enhance recovery outcomes for stroke patients.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by UCLA Health has discovered what researchers say is the first drug to fully reproduce the effects of physical stroke rehabilitation in model mice, following from human studies. -- The findings, published in Nature Communications, tested two candidate drugs derived from their studies on the mechanism of the brain effects of rehabilitation, of which one resulted in significant recovery in movement control after stroke in the mouse model. -- Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability because most patients do not fully recover from the effects of stroke. There are no drugs in the field of stroke recovery, requiring stroke patients to undergo physical rehabilitation which has shown to be only modestly effective. -- "The goal is to have a medicine that stroke patients can take that produces the effects of rehabilitation," said Dr. S. Thomas Carmichael, the study's lead author and professor and chair of UCLA Neurology. "Rehabilitation after stroke is limited in its actual effects because most patients cannot sustain the rehab intensity needed for stroke recovery. -- "Further, stroke recovery is not like most other fields of medicine, where drugs are available that treat the disease -- such as cardiology, infectious disease or cancer," Carmichael said. "Rehabilitation is a physical medicine approach that has been around for decades; we need to move rehabilitation into an era of molecular medicine." -- In the study, Carmichael and his team sought to determine how physical rehabilitation improved brain function after a stroke and whether they could generate a drug that could produce these same effects. -- Working in laboratory mice models of stroke and with stroke patients, the UCLA researchers identified a loss of brain connections that stroke produces that are remote from the site of the stroke damage. Brain cells that are located at a distance from the stroke site get disconnected from other neurons. As a result, brain networks do not fire together for such things like movement and gait. -- The UCLA team found that some of the connections that are lost after stroke occur in a cell called a parvalbumin neuron. This type of neuron helps generate a brain rhythm, termed a gamma oscillation, which links neurons together so that they form coordinated networks to produce a behavior, such as movement. Stroke causes the brain to lose gamma oscillations. Successful rehabilitation in both laboratory mice and in humans brought gamma oscillations back into the brain, and in the mouse model, repaired the lost connections of parvalbumin neurons. -- Carmichael and team then identified two candidate drugs that might produce gamma oscillations after stroke. These drugs specifically work to excite parvalbumin neurons. The researchers found one of the drugs, DDL-920, developed in the UCLA lab of Dr. Varghese John, who coauthored the study, produced significant recovery in movement control. -- Further studies are needed to understand the safety and efficacy of this drug before it could be considered for human trials.	H01 R01 R02	1,653
2511-083	Shorter Radiation Courses Prove Safe And Effective For Prostate Cancer	A recent study suggests that a shorter, higher-dose radiation therapy regimen is just as effective and safe for prostate cancer patients as conventional treatments. This finding, which offers strong evidence for adopting isodose moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy, could revolutionize treatment standards and reduce the overall duration of care for men with localized prostate cancer.	University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences	The Lancet Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new large-scale study co-led by UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center investigators provides the strongest evidence yet that a shorter, standard-dose course radiation treatment is just as effective as conventional radiotherapy for prostate cancer, without compromising the safety of patients. -- The shorter approach, known as isodose moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy (MHFRT), delivers slightly higher doses of radiation per session, allowing the total treatment duration to be over four to five weeks instead of seven to eight weeks. -- According to the study, patients who received this type of MHFRT had the same cancer control rates as those who received conventional radiotherapy. -- Additionally, the risk of long-term side effects affecting the bladder and intestines was no higher with MHFRT, confirming its safety. -- The findings were published in The Lancet Oncology. -- "We believe these data strongly support that isodose MHFRT should become the preferred standard of care MHFRT regimen for prostate cancer," said Dr. Amar Kishan, executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and co-first author of the study. -- "More broadly, there appears to be little reason to consider conventional radiotherapy over MHFRT for the types of patients enrolled in these trials given these results." -- While MHFRT is now the most commonly used radiotherapy regimen for prostate cancer, concerns remain about whether delivering a higher daily dose increases the risk of urinary and bowel issues, such urinary incontinence, chronic diarrhea and rectal bleeding. -- To better understand whether there might be an increased risk of toxicity with the delivery of a higher dose per day of radiation, Kishan and the team of researchers examined data from more than 5,800 patients across seven randomized clinical trials comparing standard therapy with two different MHFRT approaches: isodose MHFRT, which maintains the total radiation dose at a level similar to standard therapy, and dose-escalated MHFRT, which increases the total dose in hopes of enhancing tumor control. -- The analysis found patients who received isodose MHFRT (60 Gy in 20 fractions) had similar cancer control and side effects compared to those receiving conventional radiation therapy, with no significant difference in the five-year progression-free survival (77.0% for MHFRT vs. 75.6% for conventional).	H01 R01	1,654
2505-022	COVID Lockdowns Disrupted Key Cognitive Skills In Preschoolers, New Study Finds	A groundbreaking study from UC Merced highlights the pandemic's detrimental effects on preschool children's cognitive skills, particularly among those from lower-income households. Researchers found significant cognitive gaps in children aged 3 to 5, assessing their social cognition abilities before and after COVID lockdowns. This research sheds light on how the pandemic disrupted early social development and emphasizes the need for targeted educational support as these children transition into formal schooling.	University of California - Merced	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	What began as a demonstration of the complexity of fluid systems became an art piece in the American Physical Society's Gallery of Fluid Motion, and ultimately its own puzzle that the researchers just solved. Their new study is published in the journal Physical Review Letters. -- "We came up with this experiment because we were having a hard time convincing people of certain effects happening for the problem of drag reduction," said assistant professor Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, whose research specialties include modeling flow and investigating drag -- as in, the resistive forces that act on solid objects traveling through fluids. -- "We had a hypothesis for how this worked," Luzzatto-Fegiz said. -- "And this paper actually works out a mathematical model of that phenomenon." -- Of particular interest to the research group, which included UCSB engineering professor Frederic Gibou and collaborators at Princeton University, University of Manchester in the UK, and the Université de Rennes in France, was the ink's rather uncanny ability to "choose" and move in the correct direction, when intuition would perhaps suggest that the ink would diffuse in a more general manner. -- Surface tension -- the cohesion that causes molecules on the surface of a fluid to pull together and act like a membrane, resisting exterior forces -- plays a large role in this ink-on-milk experiment. -- The soap -- a surfactant, or a substance that reduces surface tension -- reduces local tension around the ink, creating motion. -- However, according to the researchers' calculations, it's the presence of surfactants already in the milk that help the ink/soap mixture solve the maze. -- "The added surfactant and the preexisting one end up working together," Luzzatto-Fegiz said. -- The endogenous surfactant already in the milk creates a landscape of varying resistances that push back on the ink and soap as the mixture moves through the maze, he explained.	H01	1,655
2505-E070	Earth’s Biodiversity Can Be Monitored From Space, New Research Reveals	A multinational research project has demonstrated that biodiversity can be effectively monitored from space, enhancing our understanding of ecosystems on Earth. Led by UC Merced and supported by NASA, the BioSCape campaign collected extensive data over South Africa, combining aerial imaging with ground surveys, showcasing the potential for satellite technology to revolutionize biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts globally.	University of California - Merced	npj Biodiversity	Press Rel	PubMed	Key cells in the brain, neurons, form networks by exchanging signals, enabling the brain to learn and adapt at incredible speed. Researchers of the Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands (TU Delft) have developed a 3D-printed 'brain-like environment' where neurons grow similarly to a real brain. Using tiny nanopillars, they mimic the soft neural tissue and the brain extracellular matrix fibers. This model provides new insights into how neurons form networks, as well as a novel tool to understand in future how this process may change in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and autism spectrum disorders. -- Neurons, like many cells in the body, respond to the stiffness and geometry of their surroundings. -- Traditional petri dishes are flat and rigid, unlike the soft, fibrous extra-cellular matrix environment of the brain. -- To resemble the geometric and mechanical properties of this environment, the team of associate professor Angelo Accardo designed nanopillar arrays using two-photon polymerization, a 3D laser-assisted printing technique with nanoscale precision. -- These pillars, each of which thousand times thinner than a human hair, are arranged like tiny forests on a surface. -- By changing the width and height, or aspect ratio, of the pillars, the researchers tuned their effective shear modulus, a mechanical property sensed by cells when crawling on top of micro- or nano-structures' arrays. -- "This tricks the neurons into "thinking" that they are in a soft, brain-like environment, even though the nanopillars' material itself is stiff. While bending under the crawling of neurons, the nanopillars not only simulate the softness of brain tissue but also provide a 3D nanometric structure that neurons can grab onto, much like the extra-cellular matrix nano-fibers in real brain tissue," says Accardo. -- This influences how the neurons grow and connect with each other. -- From random growth to ordered networks -- To test the model, the researchers grew three different types of neuronal cells, derived either from mouse brain tissue or from human stem cells, on the nanopillars.	A01 C01 T01	1,656
2501-053	Nanopore Sensors Revolutionize Diagnostics By Detecting Illness At Molecular Level.	UC Riverside scientists have developed a nanopore-based diagnostic tool that can detect diseases with unprecedented sensitivity by analyzing signals from individual molecules. This tool promises a significant leap in diagnostic precision, potentially allowing for disease detection using just one molecule rather than millions.	University of California - Riverside	Nat. Nanotechnol.	Press Rel	PubMed	UC Riverside scientists have developed a nanopore-based tool that could help diagnose illnesses much faster and with greater precision than current tests allow, by capturing signals from individual molecules. -- Since the molecules scientists want to detect -- generally certain DNA or protein molecules -- are roughly one-billionth of a meter wide, the electrical signals they produce are very small and require specialized detection instruments. -- “Right now, you need millions of molecules to detect diseases. We’re showing that it’s possible to get useful data from just a single molecule,” said Kevin Freedman, assistant professor of bioengineering at UCR and lead author of a paper about the tool in Nature Nanotechnology. “This level of sensitivity could make a real difference in disease diagnostics.” -- Freedman’s lab aims to build electronic detectors that behave like neurons in the brain and can retain memories: specifically, memories of which molecules previously passed through the sensor. To do this, the UCR scientists developed a new circuit model that accounts for small changes to the sensor’s behavior. -- At the core of their circuit is a nanopore—a tiny opening through which molecules pass one at a time. Biological samples are loaded into the circuit along with salts, which dissociate into ions. -- If protein or DNA molecules from the sample pass through the pore, this reduces the flow of ions that can pass. “Our detector measures the reduction in flow caused by a protein or bit of DNA passing through and blocking the passage of ions,” Freedman said. -- To analyze the electrical signals generated by the ions, Freedman suggests, the system needs to account for the likelihood that some molecules may not be detected as they pass through the nanopore. -- What distinguishes this discovery is that the nanopore is not just a sensor but itself acts as a filter, reducing background noise from other molecules in a sample that could obscure critical signals. -- Traditional sensors require external filters to remove unwanted signals, and these filters can accidentally remove valuable information from the samples. Freedman’s approach ensures that each molecule’s signal is preserved, boosting accuracy for diagnostic applications. -- Freedman envisions the device being used to develop a small, portable diagnostic kit—no larger than a USB drive—that could detect infections in the earliest stages. While today’s tests may not register infections for several days after exposure, nanopore sensors could detect infections within 24 to 48 hours. This capability would provide a significant advantage for fast-spreading diseases, enabling earlier intervention and treatment.	H01 H02 R02 C01 T01	1,657
2501-T010	Dark Matter May Explain Unique Features Of Milky Way's GD-1 Stream	A study led by physicist Hai-Bo Yu proposes that self-interacting dark matter subhalos may explain unique features in the GD-1 stellar stream of the Milky Way. Their research suggests that the distinct spur and gap formations in this stellar stream result from interactions with a core-collapsing dark matter halo. This work contributes to our understanding of dark matter's role in shaping galaxy structures and dynamics.	University of California - Riverside	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Physicists have proposed a solution to a long-standing puzzle surrounding the GD-1 stellar stream, one of the most well-studied streams within the galactic halo of the Milky Way, known for its long, thin structure, and unusual spur and gap features. -- The team of researchers, led by Hai-Bo Yu at the University of California, Riverside, proposed that a core-collapsing self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) "subhalo" -- a smaller, satellite halo within the galactic halo -- is responsible for the peculiar spur and gap features observed in the GD-1 stellar stream. -- Study results appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The research could have significant implications for understanding the properties of dark matter in the universe. -- A stellar stream is a group of stars moving collectively along a shared trajectory. -- A gap refers to a localized under-density of stars along the stream, while a spur is an over-density of stars extending outward from the main body of the stream. -- Since dark matter governs the motion of stellar streams, astronomers can use them to trace invisible dark matter in a galaxy. -- The Milky Way's galactic halo, a roughly spherical region surrounding the galaxy, contains dark matter and extends beyond the galaxy's visible edge. -- Visualizations of well-known stellar streams in the Milky Way can be found here. -- Astronomers discovered that the spur and gap features of the GD-1 stellar stream cannot be easily attributed to the gravitational influence of known globular clusters or satellite galaxies of the Milky Way. -- These features could be explained, however, by an unknown perturbing object, such as a subhalo.	C01	1,658
2502-011	Gene Neuropilin2 Linked To Behavioral Changes In Autism And Epilepsy: Collaborative Study Insights	A collaborative study has revealed how the neuropilin2 gene influences behavioral changes associated with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. By examining the gene's role in neural circuit development, researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for alleviating symptoms related to these often co-occurring conditions.	University of California - Riverside	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	The gene neuropilin2 encodes a receptor involved in cell-cell interactions in the brain and plays a key role in regulating the development of neural circuits. Neuropilin2 controls migration of inhibitory neurons as well as the formation and maintenance of synaptic connections in excitatory neurons -- two crucial components of brain activity. -- A study led by neuroscientist Viji Santhakumar at the University of California, Riverside, and collaborators at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, now offers insights into how this gene contributes to the development of behavioral changes associated with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. The study, published in Nature Molecular Psychiatry, offers a pathway for future treatments aimed at alleviating some challenging symptoms of these frequently co-occurring conditions. -- Previous research has linked mutations in neuropilin2 to neurological disorders like autism and epilepsy, but the mechanisms involved have remained largely unclear. In the current study, Santhakumar and her collaborators created an "inhibitory neuron selective knockout" mouse model to examine the consequences of deleting the neuropilin2 gene. They found the absence of neuropilin2 impairs the migration of inhibitory neurons, disrupting the delicate balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain. -- "This imbalance leads to autism-like behaviors and an increased risk of seizures," said Santhakumar, lead investigator of the study and a professor of molecular, cell and systems biology. "Our study results highlight how a single gene can influence both the excitatory and inhibitory systems in the brain. We show that disrupting inhibitory circuit development is sufficient to cause autism-related behaviors and epilepsy to co-occur. By better understanding how neuropilin2 works in the formation of the brain's circuitry, we may be able to develop more targeted therapies for different features of these disorders." -- A unique aspect of the research is the focus on the migration of inhibitory neurons, a process in which neuropilin2 plays a crucial role. By selectively deleting neuropilin2 during a key developmental window, the researchers found impairments in inhibitory regulation of the circuit, which led to deficits in behavioral flexibility, social interactions, and an increased risk for seizures. -- The study findings suggest that targeting specific phases of neuronal development could open new doors for therapeutic interventions, potentially preventing the onset of these disorders if detected early. -- "By isolating the role of inhibitory circuit formation, we may be able to develop therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for individuals with autism, particularly those who experience seizures," Santhakumar said. -- Santhakumar came to UCR in 2018 from Rutgers University to expand her research vision of developing a multi-level understanding of brain circuit function in health and disease and uncover the biological processes contributing to developmental brain disorders. The current collaborative study employed cutting-edge techniques in both behavioral and physiological assessments. The team's research was funded by the Rutgers Brain Health Institute and the New Jersey Council for Autism Spectrum Disorders. -- "This study is a step forward in understanding the genetic and circuit underpinnings of autism and epilepsy," Santhakumar said. "It is crucial we continue to explore the precise mechanisms that govern circuit development and maintenance because this knowledge could ultimately help us develop new interventions for a range of developmental disorders, from autism to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia." -- Santhakumar was joined in the study by Deepak Subramanian, Andrew Huang, and Samiksha Komatireddy of UCR; and Carol Eisenberg, Jiyeon Baek, Haniya Naveed, Michael W. Shiflett, and Tracy S. Tran of Rutgers University. Subramanian and Eisenberg contributed equally to the research.	Z01	1,659
2502-012	Plant Chemical Discovered: A Natural Defender Against Dangerous Bacterial Biofilms	Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a plant-produced chemical that can inhibit biofilm formation, which is significant for preventing infections in medical settings. This breakthrough could pave the way for new healthcare applications and methods to combat bacterial resistance linked to biofilms on medical devices.	University of California - Riverside	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	If your teeth have ever felt fuzzy after skipping a brushing, you've encountered biofilm -- a slimy bacterial layer that clings to surfaces. In medical settings, biofilms make infections harder to treat when they form protective shields for bacteria on devices like catheters and implants. -- UC Riverside scientists have now discovered a chemical that plants produce when they're stressed prevents biofilm from forming. The breakthrough offers potential advances in healthcare as well as preventing equipment corrosion in industrial settings. -- "In simple terms, biofilms are communities of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi, that stick together and form a protective layer on surfaces," said Katayoon Dehesh, distinguished professor of molecular biochemistry at UCR, and corresponding author of a study about the discovery. -- "You've probably seen them as the slimy layer on river rocks or the plaque on your teeth. While they're a natural part of many ecosystems, biofilms can cause big problems." -- The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, highlights the importance of a particular metabolite, which is a molecule produced during life-sustaining chemical reactions inside plants, as well as bacteria and even some parasites, like the one that causes malaria. -- In plants, this metabolite, MEcPP, plays a critical role not only in producing essential compounds but also in stress signaling. For example, when a plant is damaged in some way and too much oxygen enters its cells, it accumulates MEcPP. This molecule then triggers protective responses within the plant. The researchers discovered that this same molecule has a surprising effect on bacteria like E. coli: it disrupts biofilm development by interfering with its ability to attach to surfaces. -- In medical settings, biofilms grow on devices like catheters, stents, or implants, making infections harder to treat because the microbes in biofilms are highly resistant to antibiotics. In industrial contexts, they clog pipes, contaminate food processing equipment, and cause corrosion. -- "By preventing the early stages of biofilm development, this molecule offers real potential to improve outcomes in any industries reliant on clean surfaces," Dehesh said. -- Bacteria rely on hair-like structures called fimbriae to anchor themselves to surfaces, a critical step in biofilm initiation. Fimbriae help bacteria latch onto medical implants, pipes, or even teeth, where they secrete a protective matrix that shields them from antibiotics and cleaning agents. Without fimbriae, biofilm formation cannot begin. -- "Biofilms are like fortresses for bacteria," said Jingzhe Guo, UCR project scientist and first author of the paper. "By disrupting the initial phase of attachment, MEcPP essentially disarms the bacteria's ability to establish these fortresses."	H01 H02 R02 C01 N02 T01	1,660
2505-E022	Machine Learning Tool To Enhance Gravitational Wave Research At LIGO	Researchers at the University of California, Riverside have introduced an unsupervised machine learning tool that enhances the identification of patterns in data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). This innovative approach facilitates the analysis of noise in complex datasets and holds promise for improving future gravitational wave detection methods, ultimately contributing to our understanding of the universe's fundamental aspects.	University of California - Riverside	Submitted to arXiv	Press Rel	PubMed	Visiting friends, attending parties and going to church may help keep your brain healthy, according to research conducted at Rush. -- The study, posted online in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association, shows that frequent social activity may help to prevent or delay dementia in old age. -- "This study is a follow up on previous papers from our group showing that social activity is related to less cognitive decline in older adults," said Bryan James, PhD, associate professor of internal medicine at Rush. -- "In this study, we show that social activity is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and that the least socially active older adults developed dementia an average of five years before the most socially active." -- Social activity can strengthen neural circuits in the brain, making them more resistant to the buildup of pathology that occurs with age. -- Social behavior activates the same areas of the brain involved in thinking and memory. -- Authors note that the findings highlight the value of social activity as a possible community-level intervention for reducing dementia. -- The findings suggest that more frequent social activity points to a 38% reduction in dementia risk and a 21% reduction in mild cognitive impairment risk, compared to the least socially active. -- In addition, a five-year delay in dementia onset has been estimated to yield an additional three years of life and an economic benefit of reducing dementia costs by 40% in the next 30 years, potentially $500,000 in lifetime health care savings for each person who would eventually develop dementia. -- The study included 1,923 dementia-free older adults with a mean age of about 80 who are participating in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, an ongoing longitudinal study of common chronic conditions of aging.	A01 C01 T01	1,661
2506-059	Revolutionary Light-Activated Therapy Advances Breast Cancer Treatment With Fewer Side Effects	Novel light-sensitive chemicals have been developed that significantly improve photodynamic therapy for aggressive cancers, with minimal side effects. In mouse studies, these new compounds eradicated metastatic breast cancer tumors entirely. This advancement in cancer treatment could offer new hope for patients while emphasizing the potential of photodynamic therapy in oncology.	University of California - Riverside	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have developed new light-sensitive chemicals that can radically improve the treatment of aggressive cancers with minimal side effects. In mouse tests, the new therapy completely eradicated metastatic breast cancer tumors. -- The novel chemicals, called cyanine-carborane salts, and their role in the next-generation of cancer treatments, are described in a new article published in Angewandte Chemie, a journal of the German Chemical Society. -- Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, has been used for decades to treat forms of skin and bladder cancers. -- It works by flooding a patient's body with light-sensitive chemicals that accumulate in cancer cells. -- Shining a light on the patient activates the chemicals and kills the diseased cells. -- The light causes the chemicals to generate highly reactive oxygen molecules -- like tiny biochemical firecrackers -- that break down cancer cells from the inside while leaving healthy cells unharmed. -- It is a useful therapy with several drawbacks that limit its effectiveness, including prolonged light sensitivity, poor tissue penetration and off-target toxicity. -- These drawbacks can prevent complete tumor eradication and may lead to a recurrence of the cancer. -- The multidisciplinary research team is composed of scientists from University of California, Riverside and Michigan State University, or MSU. -- "Cyanine-carborane salts minimize these challenges, offering a safer, more precise way to destroy tumors completely while sparing healthy tissue," said Professor Sophia Lunt, MSU cancer researcher and co-principal investigator of the project.	H01 R01 C01	1,662
2508-E029	New Manzanita Species Discovered: Urban Development Poses Survival Threat	A newly discovered species of manzanita, native to California, is facing threats from urban development. This shrub is notable for its twisted branches and ability to withstand wildfires. Researchers confirmed its distinct status through genetic analysis and named it Arctostaphylos nipumu, honoring its indigenous roots. The species is integral to California's ecology, yet its fragile existence is jeopardized by ongoing urbanization, underscoring the need for conservation efforts.	University of California - Riverside	PhytoKeys	Press Rel	PubMed	A new species of manzanita -- a native California shrub famous for its twisted branches and wildfire resilience -- has been discovered on the central coast, but its survival is already threatened by urban development that could destroy much of its fragile population. -- The discovery is detailed in a new study published in PhytoKeys, where researchers used genetic analysis to confirm the plant as a distinct species. -- Named Arctostaphylos nipumu to honor the Nipomo Mesa where it was discovered and its indigenous heritage, the species stands out for its shaggy gray bark -- unlike the iconic red bark found on most California manzanitas. -- Manzanitas are a signature part of California's natural landscapes, celebrated for their twisting branches, smooth red bark, and remarkable adaptability to fire-prone environments. -- With more than 60 species native to the state, they play a crucial role in local ecosystems, providing food and shelter for wildlife. -- Historically, it has also been central to the lives of Indigenous tribes, who used its berries for food, its leaves for medicine, and its wood for tools and firewood. -- Beyond California's borders, only a few species exist, making the state a global center for manzanita diversity. -- The addition of A. nipumu deepens this rich botanical legacy. -- "We weren't expecting to find a new species in such a developed area," said UC Riverside plant biologist and study coauthor Amy Litt. -- "But as we examined the plants, we realized the Nipomo Mesa plants were quite distinct. We were subsequently able to show that they not only look different but are genetically unique."	H01 C01 N01 N02	1,663
2508-T001	Remote Beehive Sensors Could Revolutionize Honeybee Colony Management	A new sensor-based technology called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian (EBV) aims to transform commercial beekeeping by enhancing hive health monitoring. Developed by a UC Riverside team, this system uses heat sensors to forecast dangerous temperature levels within hives, allowing beekeepers to take preventive measures. With early warning capabilities, the EBV could significantly reduce colony losses and improve sustainability in the face of environmental stressors.	University of California - Riverside	ACM Transactions on Knowledge Discovery from Data	Press Rel	PubMed	A UC Riverside computer science team has developed a sensor-based technology that could revolutionize commercial beekeeping by reducing colony losses and lowering labor costs. -- Called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian, or EBV, the technology uses low-cost heat sensors and forecasting models to predict when hive temperatures may reach dangerous levels. -- The system provides remote beekeepers with early warnings, allowing them to take preventive action before their colonies collapse during extreme hot or cold weather or when the bees cannot regulate their hive temperature because of disease, pesticide exposure, food shortages, or other stressors. -- "We convert the temperature to a factor that we are calling the health factor, which gives an estimate of how strong the bees are on a scale from zero to one," said Shamima Hossain, a Ph.D. student in computer science at UCR and lead author of a paper explaining the technology. -- This simplified metric -- with a score of 'one' meaning the bees are at full strength -- allows beekeepers unfamiliar with the underlying model to assess hive health quickly. -- Boris Baer, a UCR professor of entomology, believes the technology could revolutionize beekeeping, which is essential to vast sectors of global agriculture. -- Honeybees pollinate more than 80 crops and contribute an estimated $29 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. -- Yet bee populations have declined due to various factors, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, parasites, and climate change. -- "Over the last year, the U.S. lost over 55% of its honeybee colonies," Baer said, citing data from Project Apis m., which monitors beehive losses throughout the U.S. "We are experiencing a major collapse of bee populations, and that is extremely worrying because about one-third of what we eat depends on bees." -- Beekeepers now rely on their own judgment and manual inspections to detect problems, often leading to delayed interventions.	H01 H02 C01 N02 T01	1,664
2510-E063	Searching For Alien Life: New Techniques Explore Unlikely Signs In Space	Scientists have identified a new method for detecting life on distant planets by focusing on unconventional gases produced by Earth-based organisms. This research highlights the potential of using existing telescopes to identify these gases in exoplanet atmospheres, offering a fresh perspective in the search for extraterrestrial life, particularly on planets that don’t resemble Earth.	University of California - Riverside	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have identified a promising new way to detect life on faraway planets, hinging on worlds that look nothing like Earth and gases rarely considered in the search for extraterrestrials. -- In a new Astrophysical Journal Letters paper, researchers from the University of California, Riverside, describe these gases, which could be detected in the atmospheres of exoplanets -- planets outside our solar system -- with the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST. -- Called methyl halides, the gases comprise a methyl group, which bears a carbon and three hydrogen atoms, attached to a halogen atom such as chlorine or bromine. -- They're primarily produced on Earth by bacteria, marine algae, fungi, and some plants. -- One key aspect of searching for methyl halides is that exoplanets resembling Earth are too small and dim to be seen with JWST, the largest telescope currently in space. -- Instead, JWST would have to aim for larger exoplanets orbiting small red stars, with deep global oceans and thick hydrogen atmospheres called Hycean planets. -- Humans could not breathe or survive on these worlds, but certain microbes might thrive in such environments. -- "Unlike an Earth-like planet, where atmospheric noise and telescope limitations make it difficult to detect biosignatures, Hycean planets offer a much clearer signal," said Eddie Schwieterman, UCR astrobiologist and paper co-author. -- The researchers believe that looking for methyl halides on Hycean worlds is an optimal strategy for the present moment in time. -- "Oxygen is currently difficult or impossible to detect on an Earth-like planet. However, methyl halides on Hycean worlds offer a unique opportunity for detection with existing technology," said Michaela Leung, UCR planetary scientist and first author of the paper.	C01 N02	1,665
2501-003	MICAL2 Enzyme Linked To Tumor Growth In Common Pancreatic Cancer, Researchers Discover.	Researchers at UC San Diego have identified the enzyme MICAL2 as a promoter of tumor growth in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, the most prevalent form of pancreatic cancer. Their study discovered that higher levels of MICAL2 correlate with poorer survival rates, marking a critical link between this enzyme and cancer progression, thus opening avenues for targeted therapies.	University of California - San Diego	Cancer Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Pancreatic cancer kills 50,000 people each year, according to the National Cancer Institute, and there are few effective treatment options for the disease. In a new study, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have discovered that an enzyme called MICAL2 promotes tumor growth and spread in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), the most common form of pancreatic cancer. The study will be published on January 2, 2025 in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. -- Normally, MICAL2 plays an important role in cell migration and morphology. -- But when the researchers measured gene expression in PDAC tumor cells, they found that an excessive amount of the enzyme was being produced compared with non-diseased cells -- the first time MICAL2 has been experimentally linked to pancreatic cancer. -- They also found that: -- Among patients undergoing surgery to remove their PDAC tumors, those with low MICAL2 expression in their tumor cells survived about twice as long as those whose tumor cells produced more of the enzyme, suggesting that MICAL2 may be involved in progressing the disease to an advanced stage. -- MICAL2 appears to supercharge the KRAS signaling pathway, which regulates cell growth, proliferation, and death and is known to be the primary driver of pancreatic tumor growth and the spread of the cancer to other tissues in the body. Silencing the MICAL2 gene in PDAC cells dramatically slowed the activity of the KRAS signaling pathway. -- When tumor cells are deficient in MICAL2, the KRAS signaling pathway is unable to harvest nutrients that lead to tumor growth. -- MICAL2 expression promotes tumor cell division, migration and the invasion of healthy tissue. -- The findings suggest that MICAL2 could be a promising target for PDAC drug therapies, according to senior author Andrew Lowy, M.D., professor and division chief of surgical oncology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and associate clinical director for surgery at UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center. -- "Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of any common cancer and thus current treatments are woefully inadequate," said Lowy. "We believe it will be possible to target MICAL2 with drugs as it is an enzyme in a class of proteins against which inhibiting drugs have been successfully made to treat other human diseases. We are now working to identify candidate drugs to begin the journey toward blocking MICAL2 function in pancreatic cancer."	H01 R01	1,666
2501-034	Scientists Discover Key Differences In PD-1 Functionality Between Mice And Humans.	A study evaluating the PD-1 protein, crucial in cancer treatment, reveals significant differences between its function in humans and mice. This research challenges previous assumptions and underscores the need for a deeper understanding of PD-1’s mechanisms to improve therapies targeting this immune checkpoint.	University of California - San Diego	Science Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Since its discovery in the 1990s, "programmed cell death protein 1," or PD-1, has been regarded as a leading target in cancer treatments. A "checkpoint" receptor that often resides on the surface of immune system cells, the PD-1 molecule works as a type of off switch that keeps immune cells from attacking other cells. -- After its discovery, which revolutionized oncology and earned a 2018 Nobel Prize, researchers developed new drugs to block PD-1 and unleash the body's immune system to fight cancer. -- Yet treatments leveraging PD-1 are only effective in a small fraction of cancer patients, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of how PD-1 works. -- Much of our current knowledge of PD-1's functions comes from studies in mice, grounded on the assumption that rodent and human biology operate similarly. -- Researchers in UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences and School of Medicine have now discovered that this assumption may be flawed. -- In a comprehensive assessment of PD-1 that featured novel biochemical analyses, animal modeling and a new evolutionary roadmap tracing PD-1 back millions of years, the UC San Diego scientists and their colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that PD-1 in mice is significantly weaker than the human version. -- The study, led by assistant project scientist Takeya Masubuchi, revealed several previously unknown PD-1 characteristics, including a "motif" -- a specific sequence of amino acids -- that is vastly different in rodents and humans. -- "Our work uncovers unexpected species-specific features of PD-1 with implications for developing better pre-clinical models for PD-1," said Associate Professor Enfu Hui of the School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and a senior author of the paper. -- "We found a motif in PD-1 that's present in most mammals, including humans, but is surprisingly missing in rodents, making rodent PD-1 uniquely weaker." -- The results of the study are published January 3, 2025, in the journal Science Immunology.	A01 H01 R01 N01	1,667
2501-045	New Findings Reveal Liver Cells' Defense Mechanism Against Cancer Ineffective.	Scientists at UC San Diego have revealed new insights into liver cancer development, linking high-fat diets to DNA damage and cancer progression. This study highlights the complex relationship between metabolic factors and cancer origins, suggesting potential preventive strategies for liver cancer associated with dietary habits.	University of California - San Diego	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shed new light on the development of liver cancer, the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer and fourth leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. The study, published in Nature, reveals a complex interplay between cellular metabolism and DNA damage that drives the progression of fatty liver disease to cancer. The findings suggest new paths forward for preventing and treating liver cancer and have significant implications on our understanding of cancer's origin and the effects of diet on our DNA. -- The incidence of the most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has grown by 25-30% in the past two decades, with much of the growth attributed to the dramatic rise in fatty liver disease, which currently affects 25% of adult Americans. -- About 20% of individuals with fatty liver disease have a severe form of the disease, called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), that greatly increases the risk of HCC. -- However, how MASH transitions to liver cancer is not well understood. -- "Going from fatty liver disease to MASH to liver cancer is a very common scenario, and the consequences can be deadly," said Michael Karin, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. -- "When you have MASH, you either end up destroying your liver and then you need a new liver, or you progress to frequently fatal liver cancer, but we still don't understand what's happening at the subcellular level during this process." -- The researchers used a combination of mouse models and human tissue specimens and databases to demonstrate that MASH-inducing diets, which are rich in fat and sugar, cause DNA damage in liver cells that causes them to go into senescence, a state in which cells are still alive and metabolically active but can no longer divide. -- Senescence is a normal response to a variety of cellular stressors. -- In a perfect world, senescence gives the body time to repair damage or eliminate the damaged cells before they're allowed to proliferate more widely and become cancerous. -- However, as the researchers discovered, this isn't what happens in liver cells, also known as hepatocytes.	H01 H02 R01	1,668
2501-068	Significant Rise In Ketamine Use Highlights Need For Monitoring Recreational Usage.	A new study indicates a significant rise in recreational ketamine use since 2015, underlining the need for careful monitoring. Analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, researchers found an 81.8% increase in past-year use among adults, particularly among those without depression. With ketamine's beneficial effects in treating mental illnesses like depression, these findings highlight the importance of balancing therapeutic benefits against the risks of unregulated recreational use.	University of California - San Diego	Journal of Affective Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study analyzing data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that past-year recreational ketamine use among adults has increased dramatically since 2015, including significant shifts in associations with depression and sociodemographic characteristics such as race, age and education status. Ketamine use has shown promise in clinical trials therapy for several mental illnesses, including treatment-resistant depression, and the new research suggests that ongoing monitoring of recreational use trends is crucial to balancing these clinical benefits against the risk of unmonitored recreational use. -- Key findings include: -- Overall past-year recreational ketamine use increased by 81.8% from 2015 to 2019 and by 40% from 2021 to 2022. -- Adults with depression were 80% more likely to have used ketamine in the past year in 2015-2019, but this association weakened in later years. In 2021-2022, ketamine use increased only among those without depression. -- In 2021-2022, adults aged 26-34 were 66% more likely to have used ketamine in the past year compared to adults aged 18-25. Those with college degrees were more than twice as likely to have used ketamine compared to people with a high school education or less. -- People were more likely to use ketamine if they used other substances, such as ecstasy/MDMA, GHB, and cocaine. -- The researchers recommend expanding prevention outreach to settings like colleges, where younger adults may be at heightened risk, as well as providing education on the harms of polydrug use, particularly in combination with opioids. -- As medical ketamine becomes more widely available, they also emphasize the need for continued surveillance of recreational ketamine use patterns and further research to understand the factors that contribute to ketamine use. -- The study, published online in the Journal of Affective Disorders, was led by Kevin Yang, M.D., a third-year resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine. The research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.	H01	1,669
2501-E050	Key Mechanism Discovered In How Diazotrophs Fix Nitrogen For Plant Growth.	A multi-pronged study from UC San Diego investigates nitrogen fixation, a vital process for cell growth. By examining the biological mechanisms behind nitrogen conversion, the research contributes to our understanding of how atmospheric nitrogen is utilized by organisms, bridging gaps in knowledge essential for agricultural and ecological applications.	University of California - San Diego	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Nitrogen is an essential component in the production of amino acids and nucleic acids -- both necessary for cell growth and function. Although the atmosphere is composed of nearly 80% nitrogen, this nitrogen is in the form of dinitrogen (N2),which cannot be processed by most organisms. Atmospheric nitrogen must first be converted, or "fixed," into a form that can be used by plants, often as ammonia. -- There are only two ways of fixing nitrogen, one industrial and one biological. -- To better understand a key component of the biological process, University of California San Diego Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Akif Tezcan and Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Mark Herzik took a multi-pronged approach. -- Their work appears in Nature. -- Thriving in a hostile environment -- The industrial method is through the Haber-Bosch process, the advent of which in the early 20th century enabled the large-scale production of synthetic fertilizers, increased agricultural yields and helped the world population skyrocket. -- However, this process is energy-intensive, operating at very high temperatures and pressures. -- It also requires vast amounts of hydrogen, generated by burning fossil fuels, and is responsible for immense amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. -- The biological route to fixing nitrogen is done by diazotrophs, nitrogen-fixing bacteria that contain an enzyme called nitrogenase. -- In contrast to the Haber-Bosch process, nitrogenase can be catalyzed at ambient pressures and temperatures and does not cause greenhouse gas emissions.	N02	1,670
2502-E024	Solving Lactic Acid Challenges To Boost Drug Production In CHO Cells	Researchers from UC San Diego have devised a strategy to enhance pharmaceutical production using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells by eliminating a gene circuit that produces lactic acid, a toxic byproduct. This innovative approach increases the yield of protein-based drugs without compromising cell growth. Their findings, published in Nature Metabolism, challenge previous assumptions about lactic acid's role in cell survival and aim to improve the efficiency of drug manufacturing processes.	University of California - San Diego	Nat Metab	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of researchers led by the University of California San Diego has developed a new strategy to enhance pharmaceutical production in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are commonly used to manufacture protein-based drugs for treating cancer, autoimmune diseases and much more. By knocking out a gene circuit responsible for producing lactic acid -- a metabolite that makes the cells' environment toxic -- researchers eliminate a primary hurdle in developing cells that can produce higher amounts of pharmaceuticals like Herceptin and Rituximab, without compromising their growth or energy production. -- The research, published on Jan. 14 in Nature Metabolism, also challenges long-held assumptions about the necessity of lactic acid metabolism in cell survival. -- CHO cells have become essential tools in modern medicine, serving as the "living factories" that produce more than half of today's top-selling protein-based drugs, including therapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases and more. But despite their success, they have one main flaw: low protein yield. CHO cells don't always produce enough of the desired drugs to meet demand, which makes these pharmaceuticals more costly. -- Now, researchers have developed an approach that promises to improve the yields of CHO cells in drug production. The approach targets a key metabolic process: the secretion of lactic acid. -- During protein production, CHO cells release lactic acid as a byproduct of their metabolism. The more active they are, the more lactic acid they produce. "As we grow cells to produce more drugs, lactic acid builds up and kills the cells, thus reducing the yields of life-saving drugs while driving up manufacturing costs," said study senior author Nathan Lewis, who led the study while serving as a professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego (now at the University of Georgia). -- Efforts to stop lactic acid production have so far focused on inhibiting the enzyme responsible for this process, lactate dehydrogenase. But these efforts have been unsuccessful, as lactate dehydrogenase is essential for cell survival. "If you try to remove it or block it, the cells die," said Lewis. "This has been demonstrated in multiple studies." -- In the new study, Lewis and colleagues, co-led by UC San Diego bioengineering Ph.D. alumnus Hooman Hefzi (now a professor at Technical University of Denmark), took a different approach. Instead of focusing on lactate dehydrogenase itself, they mapped out a network of genes -- five in CHO cells and six in human cells -- that work together to control lactic acid production. The researchers hypothesized that this gene circuit was responsible for the cells' overproduction of lactate. -- When the researchers knocked out this gene circuit, the CHO cells stopped producing lactic acid. Moreover, the cells demonstrated improved growth and, compared to similarly treated controls, produced significantly higher yields of protein-based drugs such as Herceptin and Rituximab, which are used to treat breast cancer and lymphoma, respectively. The modified CHO cells also successfully produced a variety of other therapeutic proteins, including Enbrel, a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. -- Challenging the Warburg effect -- This work also sheds light on a key biological process known as the Warburg effect. First observed in cancer cells by German scientist Otto Warburg 100 years ago, the Warburg effect refers to a metabolic shift that causes cells to overproduce lactic acid. This process has long been thought to be critical for cell proliferation and energy production.	H01 R01	1,671
2503-018	Aging Theories Reconciled: New Insights Challenge Existing Anti-Aging Strategies	New findings suggest that two major theories of aging, involving random mutations and epigenetic changes, are interconnected. This research prompts a reconsideration of current anti-aging strategies, indicating that targeting the underlying causes of aging may yield more effective interventions than simply addressing symptoms.	University of California - San Diego	Nature Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have published results that shed new light on an old question: what causes aging at the molecular level? Their findings, published in Nature Aging, describe a never-before-seen link between the two most accepted explanations: random genetic mutations and predictable epigenetic modifications. The latter, also known as the epigenetic clock theory, has been widely used by scientists as a consistent, quantitative measure of biological aging. -- However, the new research suggests that the process may not be so simple. -- "Major research institutions and companies are betting on turning back the epigenetic clock as a strategy to reverse the effects of aging, but our research suggests that this may only be treating a symptom of aging, not the underlying cause," said co-corresponding author Trey Ideker, Ph.D., a professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. -- "If mutations are in fact responsible for the observed epigenetic changes, this fact could fundamentally change the way we approach anti-aging efforts in the future." -- There are two prevailing theories about the relationship between aging and DNA. -- The somatic mutation theory suggests that aging is caused by the accumulation of mutations, permanent changes in our DNA sequence that occur randomly. -- The epigenetic clock theory suggests that aging occurs due to the accumulation of epigenetic modifications, minor changes to the chemical structure of DNA that do not alter the underlying sequence, but instead change which genes are on or off. -- Unlike mutations, epigenetic modifications can also be reversed in some cases. -- Because epigenetic modifications only occur at specific sites on our genome rather than at random locations, they are easier to quantify and have become a go-to way for scientists to determine the "biological age" of cells. -- However, scientists have long wondered about the source of these epigenetic changes.	A01 R01	1,672
2503-039	New Review Maps Promising Opportunities In Bioelectronic Medicine	Professor Imanuel Lerman's new review on bioelectronic medicine outlines the evolution of the field from ancient practices to modern applications. The paper highlights promising therapies and diagnostics that utilize electrical signals instead of pharmaceuticals, aiming to lay the groundwork for future developments in biomedicine. It serves as a comprehensive roadmap for researchers looking to explore innovations in this growing field.	University of California - San Diego	Bioelectronic Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	From the ancient Egyptians' use of electric fish to treat headaches to the invention of pacemakers to regulate heart rhythms in the 1950s, the field of bioelectronic medicine -- which makes use of electrical signals instead of drugs to diagnose and treat disease -- has advanced and is started to come into its own. Where is the field now? And what are the most promising opportunities for life-changing new therapies and diagnostics? -- New research led by Imanuel Lerman, head of the Lerman Lab of the UC San Diego Qualcomm Institute and UC San Diego School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, as well as the VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, provides some answers. -- "This paper is intended to be a roadmap to the future of the biomedicine field," Lerman said. "We're putting a flagpole in the ground and saying, 'This is what we're planning to do, and this is the story behind it.' That's why there are 180 references. We want to make sure that everybody has the resources they may need to be able to understand and read deeper if they want to." -- The research, published today in the peer-reviewed journal Bioelectronic Medicine, was commissioned by Convergent Research, a nonprofit that addresses the need for focused, high-impact, multi-entity projects that might otherwise fall through the cracks of current funding mechanisms. -- A World of Promise -- Even beyond increasingly sophisticated pacemakers, bioelectronic medicine already has earned a place in modern medicine. Implantable devices have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (via deep brain stimulation); back pain and injury-related motor dysfunction (via spinal cord stimulation); and instances of epilepsy, depression, stroke and migraines (via stimulation of the vagus nerve, which helps control digestion, heart rate, mood and the body's inflammation response). -- More recent developments have included noninvasive techniques, in which the nervous system can be stimulated by devices from outside of the body. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, for one, was approved for depression in 2008. Since then, its indications have expanded to include migraine-related pain, obsessive-compulsive disorder, smoking cessation and anxious depression. -- Lerman and colleagues see much promise ahead. -- The new paper highlights the advent of noninvasive bioelectronic techniques. Not only does this approach avoid surgery-related risks, but it also offers some distinct advantages over the pharmaceutical treatments we take for granted. -- "Non-invasive neuromodulation is an emerging field where we believe there's a big opportunity," said Lerman, who is also a provider with UC San Diego Health. "The potential for scale is there, since a device doesn't have to be refrigerated. It's not a drug. All you need is electricity to run the device or a battery. And it can use the body's own system to tamp down inflammation."	H01 H02 R01 R02 N01 N02 T01	1,673
2503-056	New Structural Map Of Brain Receptors Provides Insights Into Neuronal Firing Regulation	A comprehensive structural map of GABAA receptors in the human brain has been created by researchers at UC San Diego and UT Southwestern. This groundbreaking work elucidates how these critical proteins assemble and interact with drugs, offering valuable insights into their role in managing various neurological conditions, including epilepsy and anxiety disorders.	University of California - San Diego	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Certain proteins found in the human brain have long been known to be critical to controlling how brain cells communicate with each other. So-called GABAA receptors are proteins that control the flow of ions into and out of cells. As they play such a vital role in how neurons slow down or stop firing, they have become the targets of many drugs for conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, depression and insomnia. -- Yet due to technical limitations and the delicate nature of studying human brain tissue, scientists have lacked a complete picture of how GABAA receptors, and their 19 subunits, come together to carry out their functions. -- Researchers at the University of California San Diego and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have for the first time constructed a detailed structural map of GABAA receptors in the human brain, revealing how they assemble and how drugs bind to them. Their findings were published on January 22, 2025 in the journal Nature. -- "These receptors are targeted by many drugs for a variety of conditions, and by studying receptors directly from human brains, this research provides new insights into their exact structure, including how they interact with specific drugs," said study senior author Professor Ryan Hibbs of UC San Diego's School of Biological Sciences. -- Due to the technical challenges of studying human brain samples, scientists had relied on information about GABAA receptors using studies from simplified systems, rather than direct examination of the protein in brain tissue. Jia Zhou, a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Neurobiology, Hibbs and fellow research team members were able to overcome these obstacles with direct examinations of human GABAA receptors. -- Samples were collected with full consent from patients undergoing surgery to treat epilepsy. These surgeries removed small portions of brain tissue that were already being taken out for medical purposes. -- The tissue samples were then analyzed at UC San Diego in the Hibbs lab and the recently opened Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox, which features advanced cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) instruments. Cryo-EM flash-cools tissue in a process that "freezes" samples in place and results in new ways to visualize intricate details not possible through other means. The researchers also used electrophysiology to measure how GABAA receptors function and respond to drugs. -- The results allowed the scientists to create a detailed map of GABAA receptors, revealing how they assemble together and how drugs bind to them. The cryo-EM data allowed the researchers to construct 3-D structural models of 12 GABAA receptor subunit assemblies, which revealed the great variety of ways the subunits come together to make the receptors, as well as new drug mechanisms that may be relevant to treating epilepsy. -- The new information paves a path to understanding why certain drugs work effectively or fail when treating neurological disorders. The researchers reported that they have already discovered novel functions for two epilepsy drugs previously not known to act on GABAA receptors. -- "This research helps explain how the brain's 'brakes' work -- how neurons slow down or stop firing," said Zhou, the paper's lead author. "By understanding this process, scientists can create better treatments for conditions like epilepsy, anxiety and insomnia, ultimately improving the lives of millions of people."	H01 H02 R02	1,674
2503-E010	Microbial Factories: Advancing Research On Elusive Plant Hormones	A novel method has been developed by researchers to produce plant hormones known as strigolactones using microbial cell factories, facilitating the study of these scarce molecules. This advancement allows for deeper exploration of plant hormone functions and their roles in sustainable agricultural practices, potentially improving crop resilience and productivity.	University of California - San Diego	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Sometimes just using a different tool makes the job a whole lot easier. A team of researchers co-led by the University of California San Diego has developed a method to produce a special class of plant hormones, known as strigolactones, at unprecedented levels using microbial cell factories. By amplifying production of strigolactones, the researchers now have the ability to study these scarce and mysterious plant molecules in much greater depth than before. -- The new study, published in the Jan. 17 issue of Science, could help improve sustainable agricultural practices by offering deeper insights into how plants make and use their natural hormones to adapt and survive. -- Scientists worldwide have been interested in strigolactones due to their roles in controlling plant development, regulating the plant's symbiotic relationship with nearby soil microbes, and triggering the germination of parasitic plants. -- But progress in understanding these strigolactones has grown a bit stagnant, partly because these molecules occur in such low amounts in plants. -- As a result, scientists have had to use laborious methods, often using large quantities of plant material, just to obtain enough material to identify them. -- Now, researchers at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, in collaboration with UC Riverside and Utsunomiya University in Japan, have introduced a genomics-driven tactic to the investigation, using a microbial cell factory, to overcome the abundancy challenge. -- "We have this engineering approach that makes everything much easier and previously impossible things now possible," said study co-corresponding author Yanran Li, a professor in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering who specializes in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. -- The team's approach leveraged the capabilities of E. coli and Baker's yeast to produce strigolactones. -- By co-culturing these two hosts, researchers created a microbial cell factory that produces yields of strigolactones over 125 times higher than previous microbial consortiums. -- Traditional methods to study strigolactone, in contrast, can require extracting at least 340 liters of xylem sap -- the equivalent of 7 or 8 poplar trees.	C01 N02	1,675
2503-T016	New Method Enhances Comparative Genomic Analysis Across Species	Researchers at UC San Diego have introduced a new method for performing comparative genome analysis that promises to enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships among species over geological time. This method, called CASTER, allows for a more scalable approach to genome comparison, paving the way for significant insights into how evolution has shaped current genomes and the organization of the tree of life.	University of California - San Diego	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers led by electrical engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a better way to perform the comparative analysis of entire genomes. This approach can be used to study relationships between different species across geological time scales. -- This new approach is poised to unlock discoveries regarding how evolution has shaped present-day genomes and also how the tree of life is organized. -- The new method, named CASTER, is described in a paper published in Science on 23 January 2025. -- CASTER is poised to offer biologists a far more scalable approach than state-of-the-art for comparing full genomes. -- This is especially relevant given the exploding number of sequenced genomes of both living and also extinct species. -- All these genomes are available for comparative study through phylogenomic analyses. -- CASTER provides interpretable outputs that will help biologists understand not only the species relationships but also the mosaic of evolutionary histories across the genome. -- "Since the early 2000s, countless studies have claimed 'genome-wide' phylogeny reconstruction; however, these have been all based on subsampling regions scattered across the genomes, totalling only a small fraction of each full genome that is part of any given study. Analyzing all genomic positions while using complex models had seemed out of reach," said Siavash Mirarab, an electrical engineering professor at UC San Diego and the corresponding author of the new paper in Science "What excites me is that we can now perform truly genome-wide analyses using every base pair aligned across species with widely available computational resources." -- "Arriving at this milestone required combined efforts from many disciplines, including statistics, computer science, and biology," said Chao Zhang, the first author on the new Science paper. Zhang completed his PhD at UC San Diego in the Bioinformatics and Systems Biology program. He is now on the faculty of the University of Copenhagen.	T01	1,676
2503-T019	Infrared Radiation's Impact On Chemical Reactions Revealed	A collaborative study has demonstrated that infrared radiation can influence chemical reactions more effectively than traditional heat transfer methods like convection and conduction. By focusing on the thermal dehydration of copper sulfate pentahydrate, researchers found that this novel approach lowers the required temperature for dehydration, enhancing the understanding of thermochemical processes. These findings could lead to innovative catalytic systems that utilize optical cavities in chemical reactions, paving the way for advancements in various chemical applications.	University of California - San Diego	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	In a joint experimental-theoretical work, a team of researchers, including theorists from UC San Diego, have shown for the first time that heat transfer in the form of infrared radiation can influence chemical reactions more strongly than traditional convection and conduction methods. -- Using an optical cavity to confine infrared light waves, researchers focused on the thermal dehydration of an inorganic crystal, copper sulfate pentahydrate. -- They found that light-matter vibrational coupling (resulting in states known as polaritons) lowered the temperature needed for dehydration by up to 14 degrees Celsius. -- This was attributed to radiative energy transport, in which heat energy is radiated outward as photons from a hot region are absorbed by a cooler region (the crystal) -- a mechanism of heat conduction that had been overlooked until now. -- This work establishes a mechanism for modifying thermochemical processes using optical cavities, with implications for the development of catalytic systems that exploit these interactions to achieve targeted control over certain chemical reactions and optoelectronic processes. -- This study was published January 16, 2025 in Nature Chemistry. The research team includes Sindhana Pannir-Sivajothi, Yong Rui Poh & Joel Yuen-Zhou (all UC San Diego); Zachary Brawley (Texas A&M); and Matthew Sheldon and Ju Eun Yim (both UC Irvine). -- Their research was funded by the National Science Foundation (CHE-2108288), the Welch Foundation (A-1886), the W.M. Keck Foundation, and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund (ACS PRF 60968-ND6).	Z01	1,677
2503-T026	Roadmap For Scaling Up Neuromorphic Computing To Compete With Traditional Methods	Researchers emphasize the need for scaling up neuromorphic computing, which mimics the brain's function, to compete with traditional computing methods. In a recent review published in Nature, a team outlines a roadmap for developing neuromorphic systems that could enhance applications in AI, augmented reality, and more. This research highlights the potential benefits of neuromorphic chips in energy efficiency and performance, suggesting diverse solutions tailored to specific application needs.	University of California - San Diego	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Neuromorphic computing -- a field that applies principles of neuroscience to computing systems to mimic the brain's function and structure -- needs to scale up if it is to effectively compete with current computing methods. In a review published Jan. 22 in the journal Nature, 23 researchers, including two from the University of California San Diego, present a detailed roadmap of what needs to happen to reach that goal. The article offers a new and practical perspective toward approaching the cognitive capacity of the human brain with comparable form factor and power consumption. -- "We do not anticipate that there will be a one-size-fits-all solution for neuromorphic systems at scale but rather a range of neuromorphic hardware solutions with different characteristics based on application needs," the authors write. -- Applications for neuromorphic computing include scientific computing, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, wearables, smart farming, smart cities and more. -- Neuromorphic chips have the potential to outpace traditional computers in energy and space efficiency, as well as performance. -- This could present substantial advantages across various domains, including AI, health care and robotics. -- As the electricity consumption of AI is projected to double by 2026, neuromorphic computing emerges as a promising solution. -- "Neuromorphic computing is particularly relevant today, when we are witnessing the untenable scaling of power- and resource-hungry AI systems," said Gert Cauwenberghs, a Distinguished Professor in the UC San Diego Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering and one of the paper's coauthors. -- Neuromorphic computing is at a pivotal moment, said Dhireesha Kudithipudi, the Robert F. McDermott Endowed Chair at the University of Texas San Antonio and the paper's corresponding author. -- "We are now at a point where there is a tremendous opportunity to build new architectures and open frameworks that can be deployed in commercial applications," she said. -- "I strongly believe that fostering tight collaboration between industry and academia is the key to shaping the future of this field. This collaboration is reflected in our team of co-authors."	R02 T01	1,678
2504-053	Self-Guided Family Therapy Proves Effective And Affordable For Treating Childhood Obesity	A new clinical trial has found that self-guided family-based treatment for childhood obesity is as effective as traditional clinician-led approaches, at a significantly lower cost. This innovative method provides families with essential skills to promote healthy habits while enhancing accessibility for those facing financial barriers, demonstrating a promising alternative in tackling childhood obesity and its associated health risks.	University of California - San Diego	Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Family-based behavioral treatment (FBT) is a clinically-proven approach to treating children with obesity in which a health care professional works with the family to help children lose weight by promoting physical activity, encouraging healthy eating habits, and teaching age-appropriate behavioral skills. While FBT is traditionally led by clinicians, researchers at University of California San Diego's Center for Healthy Eating and Activity Research (CHEAR) have now found that self-guided FBT is just as effective in helping children lose weight compared to traditional approaches. It is also more flexible in terms of scheduling, costs significantly less and requires fewer contact hours with a provider. The results were recently published in Pediatrics. -- "Traditional FBT is an effective treatment for children with obesity, but it can be time-intensive, can only be offered at specific times, and is expensive, which makes families facing difficult financial circumstances less likely to seek treatment," said senior author Kerri Boutelle, Ph.D., director of CHEAR and professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine and the UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science. -- "By providing the same core skills as traditional FBT in a more flexible and condensed format, we can increase access to treatment for families who may not be able to participate in traditional group-based programs." -- About one-in-five children in the U.S. has obesity, according to 2017-2018 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Obesity is associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes in children, such as increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma. -- Obesity in children is also associated with mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and social isolation. -- Unlike obesity in adults, which is often managed individually, helping children lose weight is a family effort. -- The researchers developed a guided self-help version of FBT that can be delivered through 20-minute biweekly visits, providing written educational materials for families to work through in between sessions. -- Traditional FBT is more time intensive, and is offered in weekly 60-minute parent and child separate group sessions in addition to 20-minute biweekly sessions. -- To determine whether the self-guided approach was as effective as standard FBT, the researchers randomly assigned 150 parent/child pairs to receive either traditional or self-guided FBT. -- They then compared the children's weight loss during treatment and at follow-up visits six, 12 and 18 months later.	A01 H01 H02 R01	1,679
2504-T020	New Techniques To Locate Water Sources On The Moon For Future Missions	In a bid to support future lunar exploration, researchers from UC San Diego are investigating methods to locate viable water sources on the moon. Understanding the distribution of water—whether in craters, shadowed regions, or poles—could enhance the chances of sustainable human presence on the moon. Their findings, featured in a special issue of PNAS, aim to guide space missions, including NASA's Artemis program. By employing advanced techniques, the team is working to turn the dream of lunar habitation into a reality.	University of California - San Diego	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	As humankind imagines living off-planet -- on the moon, Mars and beyond -- the question of how to sustain life revolves around the physical necessities of oxygen, food and water. We know there is water on the moon, but how do we find it? Is it in the craters? The shadowed regions? The poles? Knowing where to look gives astronauts the best chance at successfully living on the moon, something that has, heretofore, remained the stuff of science fiction. -- Researchers from the University of California San Diego may help bring science fiction to reality by providing a divining rod to guide future space missions, including NASA's Artemis campaign, which seeks to explore and, eventually, inhabit the moon. -- Their work appears in a special issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) called "Water on the Moon and Mars," which features Artemis I on its cover. -- The researchers included the father-son team of Mark Thiemens, UC San Diego Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Maxwell Thiemens, a research fellow at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, who is also an alumnus of Scripps Institution of Oceanography. -- In 1967, Nobel laureate Harold Urey and James Arnold -- both faculty members in UC San Diego's Department of Chemistry -- were among the first to receive Apollo 11 lunar samples. -- Urey was one of the first scientists to theorize that there was water on the moon, particularly in the permanently shadowed regions of the moon's poles. -- Today, scientists believe that water on the moon originated from one of three sources: -- indigenous to the moon, -- created by solar winds (where hydrogen from the sun reacts with oxygen at high energy on the moon and likely Mars to create water) -- deposition (from icy comets that have crashed onto the lunar surface).	H01 C01	1,680
2505-E042	Cutting-Edge Technology Reveals Mechanisms Turning Healthy Stem Cells Into Oral Cancer	Advances in research at the University of California San Diego have illuminated the early molecular changes that transform healthy stem cells into oral cancer cells. The study, which addresses a significant public health issue affecting nearly 60,000 individuals annually in the U.S., employed state-of-the-art technologies to trace these transitions at the single-cell level. By understanding the mechanisms behind this transformation, researchers aim to pave the way for early-stage therapeutics in oral cancer prevention and treatment.	University of California - San Diego	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Computer models reveal how human-driven climate change will dramatically overhaul critical nutrient cycles in the ocean. In the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, University of California, Irvine researchers report evidence that marine nutrient cycles -- essential for sustaining ocean ecosystems -- are changing in unexpected ways as the planet continues to warm. -- "Model studies have suggested that when the ocean warms it gets more stratified, which can drain certain parts of the surface ocean of nutrients," said Adam Martiny, professor of Earth system science and ecology & evolutionary biology and one of the study's lead authors. -- Although models suggest a connection between ocean temperatures and surface ocean nutrients, this is the first study to confirm climate change's impacts on nutrient cycles. -- The team, led by graduate student Skylar Gerace, analyzed 50 years of nutrient data from the ocean collected as part of the Global Ocean Ship-based Hydrographic Investigations Program (GO-SHIP). They discovered that over the last half-century, there's been a major decline in phosphorus -- a nutrient that plays a key role in the health of marine food webs -- in southern hemisphere oceans. -- "There can be cascading effects up the food web," said Gerace, who explained how plankton -- microorganisms that form the bases of many marine food webs -- rely on phosphorus as a food source. -- "When phytoplankton have less phosphorus, they become less nutritious, which can impair zooplankton and fish growth rates." -- Surprisingly, concentrations of nitrate -- a nutrient the team expected to decline -- appear to remain steady. -- Nitrate is crucial for ecosystem functioning, so that it's not in decline is a good sign, Martiny explained. -- Nevertheless, nitrate concentrations may still decline in the future as the climate continues to change. -- "But that we don't know -- that's just speculation," he said.	R01	1,681
2506-E002	Marine Prosperity Areas Seek To Balance Conservation With Human Well-Being	Researchers have proposed a new initiative called 'Marine Prosperity Areas' that integrates ecological restoration with human well-being in marine conservation efforts. This approach aims to uplift communities and create sustainable economies while actively restoring marine environments, signifying a shift towards more holistic and inclusive conservation practices that address both ecological and social challenges.	University of California - San Diego	Frontiers in Marine Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Could 2025 be the year marine protection efforts get a "glow up"? According to a team of conservation-minded researchers, including Octavio Aburto of UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the moment has arrived. -- In a new study published Feb. 6 in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, Aburto and a multinational team of marine scientists and economists unveil a comprehensive framework for Marine Prosperity Areas, or MPpAs. With a focus on prosperity -- the condition of being successful or thriving -- this science-informed effort aligns human well-being with the restoration of designated marine and coastal environments. -- Marine Prosperity Areas mark a more holistic approach to marine conservation, with a framework that seeks to use targeted financial investments to enhance human prosperity during periods of active ecological restoration. To fully realize the vision for Marine Prosperity Areas, the study authors are calling on governments, non-governmental organizations, and local stakeholders to champion MPpAs as a cornerstone of global conservation efforts, committing to the investments and partnerships necessary to build a sustainable future. -- "Conservation often demands sacrifices today for benefits decades in the future -- an unrealistic expectation for communities facing immediate socio-economic pressures," said Aburto, lead author of the study and professor of marine biology at Scripps Oceanography. "Our model for Marine Prosperity Areas addresses this challenge, outlining how human prosperity can be improved while we wait for ecological recovery. By strategically aligning recovery efforts, it is possible for both people and ecosystems to thrive." -- If implemented, Marine Prosperity Areas have the power to be a leading tool for achieving global conservation targets, said the authors. This includes the "30 by 30" target set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international commitment to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. -- The new framework builds upon several decades of research on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), fisheries, and coastal habitats in Baja California Peninsula, Mexico, and throughout the Gulf of California -- one of the world's most important marine hotspots. The authors recognized the need to transform the existing model for implementing marine protections because, despite decades of efforts, there has been no unifying framework. The new model employs strategic financial investments and tailored community partnerships to align the realms of ecological conservation, economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social policy -- ultimately benefiting both people and the planet. -- For example, in marine areas with great natural beauty, seed funding could promote ecotourism by supporting community-based diving or snorkeling enterprises. In other areas, small grants could help locals establish sustainable aquaculture initiatives or fund technological efforts to create artificial reefs for environmental restoration. Overall, the focus is on nurturing opportunities for community members to diversify their livelihoods, sustainably manage natural resources, and drive economic growth. -- "The concept of Marine Prosperity Areas can help us to bridge the gap between environmental and social outcomes," said study co-author Alfredo Giron, a Scripps Oceanography alumnus now serving as head of the World Economic Forum's Ocean Action Agenda and Friends of Ocean Action. "It gives us the opportunity to understand that nature and people are inextricably linked and as such, a marine management plan has to pursue outcomes for both." -- The authors identified three distinct phases -- called "Pillars on Intervention" -- that characterize the establishment of a Marine Prosperity Area: -- 1. Community Engagement and Co-Design: The primary focus is to mobilize the community and actively engage all relevant stakeholders in collaboratively defining prosperity and envisioning pathways to achieve it. This phase prioritizes the co-design of sustainable strategies for using marine resources and aligns with the aspirations of the local community, fostering a sense of inclusion.	A01 C01 N01 T01	1,682
2507-131	Butterfly Wing Nanostructures Enable Faster, More Accurate Cancer Diagnoses	Scientists at the University of California San Diego have harnessed nanostructures from the Morpho butterfly's wings to enhance cancer tissue analysis. This affordable method allows for a quicker and more accurate examination of biopsy samples, eliminating the need for expensive imaging techniques and chemical staining, with findings detailed in Advanced Materials.	University of California - San Diego	University of California - San Diego	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of California San Diego have found an unusual ally in the quest to make cancer diagnosis faster, more accurate and more accessible worldwide: the Morpho butterfly. Known for its shimmering blue wings, the Morpho butterfly owes its brilliance not to pigments but to microscopic structures that manipulate light. Now, researchers are harnessing those same structures to gain detailed insights into the fibrous makeup of cancer biopsy samples -- without the need for chemical staining or expensive imaging equipment. -- The findings are detailed in a paper published in Advanced Materials. -- Fibrosis, the accumulation of fibrous tissue, is a key feature of many diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease and cancer. -- In oncology, evaluating the extent of fibrosis in a biopsy sample can help determine whether a patient's cancer is in an early or advanced stage. -- "The big challenge, however, is that it is extremely difficult to distinguish between these stages using current clinical methods," said study senior author Lisa Poulikakos, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. -- These methods rely on staining tissues to highlight key structures in the tumor biopsy, but the results can be subjective -- one pathologist might interpret a sample differently from another. -- And while there are more advanced imaging techniques that can provide richer detail, they require expensive, specialized equipment that many clinics simply don't have. -- That's where the Morpho butterfly comes in. Poulikakos and her team discovered that by placing a biopsy sample on top of a Morpho butterfly wing and viewing it under a standard microscope, they can assess whether a tumor's structure indicates early- or late-stage cancer -- without the need for stains or costly imaging machines. -- "We can apply this technique using standard optical microscopes that clinics already have," said Poulikakos. -- "And it's more objective and quantitative than what is currently available."	A01 R01 T01	1,683
2507-T039	New Technique Enables Visualization Of Electrons In Motion	Researchers have proposed a new method called ultrafast vortex electron diffraction to visualize electron motion, overcoming challenges posed by their rapid oscillation. This technique allows for the direct observation of electron dynamics on attosecond timescales, opening new avenues for studying quantum processes and enhancing our understanding of materials and molecular behaviors.	University of California - San Diego	University of California - San Diego	Press Rel	PubMed	Electrons oscillate around the nucleus of an atom on extremely short timescales, typically completing a cycle in just a few hundred attoseconds (one attosecond is a quintillionth of a second). Because of their ultrafast motions, directly observing electron behavior in molecules has been challenging. Now researchers from UC San Diego's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have suggested a new method to make visualizing electron motion a reality. -- This new method describes an experimental concept called ultrafast vortex electron diffraction, which allows for direct visualization of electron movement in molecules on attosecond timescales. -- The key idea behind this approach is the use of a specialized electron beam that spirals as it travels, enabling precise tracking of electron motion in both space and time. -- This method is especially sensitive to electronic coherence, where electrons move in a synchronized, harmonious manner. -- By effectively isolating such coherent electron dynamics from other competing processes, this technique unlocks new opportunities to study quantum processes, such as energy transfer and electron behavior in advanced materials, providing deeper insights into the fundamental behavior of molecules and materials. -- The study, published February 19, 2025 in Physical Review Letters, was led by Haowei Wu and Haiwang Yong (both UC San Diego). Their research was supported in part by the W. M. Keck Foundation through computing resources at the W. M. Keck Laboratory for Integrated Biology at UC San Diego. -- "This technique's exceptional sensitivity to electronic coherences unlocks new possibilities for visualizing ultrafast quantum phenomena in molecules, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of controlling chemical reactions at the most fundamental level." -- Haiwang Yong	A01 T01	1,684
2509-E029	Quantum Materials Revolutionize Detection Of Electrical Signals In Living Cells	Engineers at UC San Diego have pioneered a method using atom-thick quantum materials to monitor the electrical activity of living cells with remarkable precision and speed, utilizing only light. This innovative approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional techniques, offering a potential game-changer in the study of cellular communication and functionality.	University of California - San Diego	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	For decades, scientists have relied on electrodes and dyes to track the electrical activity of living cells. Now, engineers at the University of California San Diego have discovered that quantum materials just a single atom thick can do the job -- using only light. -- A new study, published on Mar. 3 in Nature Photonics, shows that these ultra-thin semiconductors, which trap electrons in two dimensions, can be used to sense the biological electrical activity of living cells with high speed and resolution. -- Scientists have continually been seeking better ways to track the electrical activity of the body's most excitable cells, such as neurons, heart muscle fibers and pancreatic cells. These tiny electrical pulses orchestrate everything from thought to movement to metabolism, but capturing them in real time and at large scales has remained a challenge. -- Traditional electrophysiology, which relies on invasive microelectrodes, offers precise recordings but is limited in scalability. Implanting electrodes across large regions of tissue can cause significant damage, and even the most advanced probes are limited to recording just a few hundred channels at once. Optical techniques like calcium imaging, while capable of monitoring large populations of cells, offer only an indirect glimpse into electrical activity. Instead of recording the actual voltage shifts that drive cellular communication, they capture secondary changes that can introduce significant discrepancies. -- UC San Diego engineers have demonstrated a new approach that could bridge this gap: a high-speed, all-optical method for recording voltage changes using atom-thick semiconductors. The key lies in how these materials' electrons interact with light: when exposed to an electric field, they switch between two states -- excitons (electron-hole pairs that are electrically neutral) and trions (charged excitons). The researchers found that the conversion from excitons to trions in atom-thick semiconductors can be harnessed to detect the electrical signals of heart muscle cells -- without the need for tethered electrodes or voltage-sensitive dyes, which can interfere with cellular function. -- In other words, the quantum properties of the material itself can be used as a sensor. -- "We believe that the voltage sensitivity of excitons in monolayer semiconductors has the potential to enable high spatiotemporal investigation of the brain's circuitry," said study senior author Ertugrul Cubukcu, a professor in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering, as well as the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. -- Cubukcu and his team studied the quantum properties of monolayer molybdenum sulfide. In addition to its biocompatibility, they found that this semiconductor material possesses a particular advantage: it naturally forms sulfur vacancies during its production, which creates a high density of trions. This built-in defect makes it exceptionally responsive to changes in nearby electric fields, including the ones generated by living cells, which in turn allow spontaneous exciton-to-trion conversion. -- By tracking changes in the material's photoluminescence, the researchers could map the electrical activity of heart muscle cells in real time, at speeds unmatched by any other imaging technology to date, the researchers noted. -- This technology has a variety of potential applications. It could enable researchers to map network dysfunctions across large areas of excitable tissue, from the surface down to deeper layers. It could provide insights into the mechanisms underlying neurological and cardiac disorders, offering a clearer picture of how diseases disrupt the body's electrical circuits. It may also refine therapeutic strategies that rely on electrical neuromodulation, such as deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease or cardiac pacing for arrhythmias. Furthermore, this work could lead to the discovery of new quantum materials that can offer a non-invasive, high-speed method to probe electrical activity in living systems.	A01 R01 R02 N02 T01	1,685
2509-T035	New Computational Model Unlocks Secrets Of Chiral Helimagnets For Advanced Electronics	Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a novel computational approach to model chiral helimagnets, magnetic molecules with helical spin patterns. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, potentially accelerating the discovery of materials for spintronics, which could lead to advancements in next-generation electronic technologies.	University of California - San Diego	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Deep within certain magnetic molecules, atoms arrange their spins in a spiral pattern, forming structures called chiral helimagnets. These helical spin patterns have intrigued researchers for years due to their potential for powering next-generation electronics. But decoding their properties has remained a mystery -- until now. -- Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a new computational approach to accurately model and predict these complex spin structures using quantum mechanics calculations. -- Their work was published on Feb. 19 in Advanced Functional Materials. -- "The helical spin structures in two-dimensional layered materials have been experimentally observed for over 40 years. It has been a longstanding challenge to predict them with precision," said Kesong Yang, professor in the Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering and senior author of the study. -- "The helical period in the layered compound extends up to 48 nanometers, making it extremely difficult to accurately calculate all the electron and spin interactions at this scale." -- In this approach, researchers calculated how the total energy of a chiral helimagnet changes as the spin rotation shifts between successive layers of atoms. -- By applying first-principles quantum mechanics calculations, they were able to map out the critical features of these spiraling structures. -- "Rather than modeling the entire system at a large length scale, we chose to focus on how spin rotation affects the total energy of the system," said study first author Yun Chen, a nanoengineering Ph.D. student in Yang's group. -- "By using a small supercell and designing optimized spin configurations, we were able to obtain highly accurate results." -- They tested their approach on a group of chiral helimagnets containing chromium, a metal known for its magnetic properties.	T01	1,686
2510-016	Tumor Cell 'Stickiness' Might Predict Early-Stage Breast Cancer Spread	By evaluating the "stickiness" of tumor cells, researchers have discovered a method to predict the likelihood of early-stage breast cancer spreading, potentially guiding personalized treatment plans. This innovation could significantly advance cancer care by identifying high-risk patients early.	University of California - San Diego	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	By assessing how "sticky" tumor cells are, researchers at the University of California San Diego have found a potential way to predict whether a patient's early-stage breast cancer is likely to spread. The discovery, made possible by a specially designed microfluidic device, could help doctors identify high-risk patients and tailor their treatments accordingly. -- The device, which was tested in an investigator-initiated trial, works by pushing tumor cells through fluid-filled chambers and sorting them based on how well they adhere to the chamber walls. -- When tested on tumor cells obtained from patients with different stages of breast cancer, researchers found a striking pattern: cells from patients with aggressive cancers were weakly adherent (less sticky), while cells from patients with less aggressive cancers were strongly adherent (more sticky). -- The findings were published on Mar. 5 in Cell Reports. -- "What we were able to show in this trial is that the physical property of how adhesive tumor cells are could be a key metric to sort patients into more or less aggressive cancers," said study senior author Adam Engler, a professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. -- "If we can improve diagnostic capabilities with this method, we could better personalize treatment plans based on the tumors that patients have." -- Previous research by Engler's lab, in collaboration with Anne Wallace, director of the Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, had already established that weakly adherent cancer cells are more likely to migrate and invade other tissues compared to strongly adherent cells. -- Now with patient tumors, the team has taken this insight a step further, demonstrating that adhesion strength of tumor cells is variable and the next step will be to determine if adhesion can help forecast whether a patient's cancer is likely to metastasize. -- Their latest study examined cell adhesion in an early-stage breast cancer known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Often classified as stage zero breast cancer, DCIS can remain harmless, never progressing beyond the milk ducts where it forms. -- But in some cases, it develops into invasive breast cancer that could be potentially life-threatening.	R01 T01	1,687
2510-T009	Scientists Discover How Water Separates Into Two Distinct Liquid Phases	Researchers from UC San Diego have made a significant discovery about water, showing that at high pressures and low temperatures, it separates into high-density and low-density liquid phases. This finding sheds light on water's unique properties, contributing to our understanding of its behavior in various conditions and enhancing the scientific community's grasp of water's complex nature.	University of California - San Diego	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Water is unique. It is one of the only substances that can exist in nature as a solid, liquid and gas at the same time under ambient conditions (think of solid ice over a pond, which is liquid underneath while storm clouds float overhead). It is also one of the only substances whose solid form is less dense than its liquid -- this is why ice floats. -- Now scientists from the University of California San Diego have uncovered a key finding to another unique property: at high pressure and low temperature, liquid water separates into two distinct liquid phases -- one high-density and one low-density. -- Their work appears in Nature Physics. -- UC San Diego Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Francesco Paesani works at the intersection of chemistry, physics and computer science to build models based on the fundamentals of physics that can address problems in chemistry. -- By using machine learning techniques and algorithms from computer science, his group is able to create realistic molecular models that match what people can measure experimentally. -- "Our water model is so realistic you can almost drink it," Paesani said. -- Most liquids are homogenous -- it all flows together and you can't distinguish one liquid molecule from the next. -- Indeed, this is mostly true of water. However, in 1992 researchers theorized that at a certain temperature and pressure, liquid water would reach a critical point at which it would no longer be homogenous. -- Paesani's team conducted simulations that revealed the critical point at which the temperature is low enough (198 Kelvin or -103 Fahrenheit) and the pressure is high enough (1,250 atmospheres) for water to spontaneously separate into high-density and low-density liquids. -- At this critical point, water exhibits wild oscillations between high- and low-density phases.	T01	1,688
2512-041	Gender Differences In Aortic Valve Stenosis Progression Explored In New Study	Gender Differences In Aortic Valve Stenosis Progression Explored In New Study	University of California - San Diego	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A study led by bioengineers at the University of California San Diego sheds new light on how a type of heart valve disease, called aortic valve stenosis, progresses differently in males and females. The research reveals that this sex-based difference can be traced to a gene on the Y chromosome. -- The discovery, published on March 12 in Science Advances, not only showcases the critical need to understand how sex chromosomes influence disease progression, but it also paves the way for treatments that could be tailored to a patient's biological sex. -- "When we study sex differences in disease, we help everyone," said study senior author Brian Aguado, professor in the Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. -- "If we're serious about improving health outcomes for all patients, we need to understand how disease works differently in both males and females." -- Aguado's work is part of a growing body of research exploring the role of sex as a biological variable in disease. -- Many studies have been conducted primarily on male patients or male-derived cells, under the assumption that sex differences were unimportant. -- But over the past decade, scientists and funding agencies have pushed for a more comprehensive approach -- one that accounts for the influence of X and Y chromosomes in shaping disease. -- That shift is already yielding insights that could transform how doctors diagnose and treat diseases like aortic valve stenosis. -- "Our research is showing that we need to look at your chromosome makeup to figure out the best treatment for you. The one-size-fits-all approach often does not work," said Aguado. -- "By supporting sex differences research, we can make medicine better for more than just a subset of the population."	R01	1,689
2501-009	Extended Paxlovid Treatment Shows Promise For Long COVID Symptom Relief.	An extended course of Paxlovid appears to benefit some patients suffering from long Covid, according to a recent study from UC San Francisco. Despite contradicting previous findings, the authors argue for further investigation into which patients might benefit from this treatment, as millions continue to grapple with lingering symptoms from Covid-19.	University of California - San Francisco	Communications Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	An extended course of Paxlovid appears to help some patients with long Covid, according to a case series by UC San Francisco researchers that suggests this treatment option holds promise for some of those struggling with debilitating symptoms. -- These results are at odds with recent research that has failed to show the antiviral can alleviate persistent symptoms of the disease. -- The authors said more study is needed to find out which patients may benefit from the drug and how long it should be given. -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 17.6 million Americans, or 1 in 13 adults, have long Covid. -- These individuals experience symptoms for months or even years after their initial Covid-19 infection that range from brain fog and headaches to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. -- "We are about five years into the pandemic, and yet there are not yet any federally-approved treatments for long Covid," said Alison Cohen, PhD, MPH, an assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF and first author of the paper. -- "This is not a silver bullet, but it may help a lot of people in a meaningful way." -- The study appears Jan. 6 in the Nature publication Communications Medicine. -- Interviews with patients reveal the drug helps some -- In June, a randomized controlled clinical trial of a 15-day course of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, the drug combination marketed as Paxlovid, concluded that it was safe, although it did not lessen long Covid symptoms.	R01 R02	1,690
2504-048	Delayed REM Sleep Might Indicate Increased Alzheimer's Disease Risk	Recent findings indicate that prolonged delays in entering the dream phase of sleep, or REM sleep, may signal early Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. The study emphasizes the significance of sleep quality and timing in memory consolidation and emotional regulation, suggesting that disruptions in REM sleep could hinder cognitive health and contribute to the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, thereby highlighting the need for further investigation into sleep patterns and their impacts on health.	University of California - San Francisco	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have recently shown that both the quality and the amount of sleep we get may influence our risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. -- Now, a study suggests that people who take significantly longer to start the dream phase of sleep, known as rapid eye movement (REM), may be experiencing an early symptom of the disease. -- REM follows three phases of non-REM sleep, each deeper than the last. The four phases take 90 minutes or more to complete, depending on age, and a person may cycle through them four or five times in a typical night. Older people take longer to reach REM. -- During REM sleep the brain processes memories, especially those that are emotionally charged, and puts them into long-term storage. -- "The delay in REM sleep disrupts the brain's ability to consolidate memories by interfering with the process that contributes to learning and memory," said Yue Leng, PhD, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF. -- "If it is insufficient or delayed, it may increase the stress hormone cortisol," said Leng, who is part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences. "This can impair the brain's hippocampus, a critical structure for memory consolidation." -- Leng is a senior author of the paper, which appears Jan. 27 in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. -- Higher levels of amyloid, tau -- Researchers followed 128 people with an average age of 70 from the neurology unit of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing. Half had Alzheimer's, and about one-third had mild cognitive impairment, a frequent precursor to Alzheimer's. The rest had normal cognition. -- The participants in the study slept overnight in the clinic, so researchers could measure their brainwave activity, eye movement, heartrate and breathing. Fitness trackers can capture some of this information, but it is less precise.	A01 H02 R01 R02	1,691
2505-040	Significant Rise In Advanced Prostate Cancer Rates Noted After Screening Changes In California	A study from UC San Francisco reveals that the incidence of advanced prostate cancer in California surged after the cessation of routine screenings, challenging the notion of effective cancer detection. This rise, which outpaces national trends, has implications for the future of screening guidelines, advocating for a balanced approach that identifies dangerous tumors while minimizing unnecessary alarms for benign cases. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, emphasize the critical need for effective screening practices.	University of California - San Francisco	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Breast cancer is the world's most prevalent cancer. Although earlier detection and targeted treatment have resulted in high survival rates, many breast cancer survivors experience fear of cancer recurrence. For some survivors this fear is occasional, for others it is persistent and often debilitating. -- A new study of breast cancer survivors has found this psychosocial challenge impacts almost every important domain of their lives -- the emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational and professional. -- A larger number of domains was affected, and they were affected more frequently in those with greater fear of recurrence. -- "Study participants were reportedly disease free and trying to rebuild their lives during their post-treatment survivorship," said senior author Shelley Johns, PsyD, a researcher-clinician with the Regenstrief Institute, the Indiana University School of Medicine and the IU Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. -- "Our findings provide clarity about how breast cancer survivors are impacted by fear of recurrence and insight into how they cope with this understandable fear." -- The impact of fear of recurrence ranged from mildly to severely disruptive. -- Women experiencing mild fear reported sporadic occurrences. Those with significant fear described it as persistent and/or easily triggered across multiple life domains. -- Disturbed sleep prior to mammograms was reported by survivors with mild fear, while frequent need to absent themselves from social activities, get into bed and pull the blanket over their eyes to avoid thinking about cancer was an example of severe, also known as clinical, fear of recurrence. -- Approximately 74 percent of study participants were experiencing clinical fear of recurrence. -- 347 women completed the study's open-ended survey:	R01	1,692
2505-054	Researchers Target MYC Protein To Combat Resilient Cancers And Halt Tumor Growth	A new approach to cancer treatment focuses on disrupting the production of the MYC protein, which is overexpressed in 70% of cancers. Researchers at UCSF have proposed that hindering the cellular machinery responsible for synthesizing MYC may curb tumor growth effectively. This novel strategy aims to tackle the challenge of treating cancers that often resist conventional therapies and could represent a significant breakthrough in cancer management.	University of California - San Francisco	Nature Cell Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Even though 'glacial' is commonly used to describe extremely slow, steady movement, a new study has found that glaciers speed up and slow down on a daily -- even hourly -- basis in response to changes in air temperature, rainfall and the tides. -- A research team including scientists from Japan's Hokkaido University studied the movement of a glacier in Greenland over six summers and mapped those movements against local weather patterns and tides to explore how these affect the glacier's flow. -- The results have been published in the journal The Cryosphere. -- "Short-term speed variations are key to understanding the physical processes controlling glacial motion, but studies are sparse for Greenlandic tidewater glaciers, particularly near the calving front," says Hokkaido University's Shin Sugiyama, lead author of the study. -- "Studying glacier dynamics near the ocean boundary is crucial to understanding the current and future mass loss of the ice sheet." -- The team chose the Bowdoin Glacier -- also known as Kangerluarsuup Sermia in Greenlandic -- whose terminus, or tip, calves into Bowdoin Fjord in northwestern Greenland. -- Like so many other glaciers, it has experienced thinning and rapid retreat since 2008. -- Researchers placed GPS devices on the ice at various points from the calving front -- from 500 m up to four kilometres -- to measure its speed, as well as sensors that recorded air temperature and rainfall near the glacier. -- These recorded a total of 90 days' of data from 2013 to 2019. -- The analysis revealed that the glacier's flow sped up on a daily and twice-daily basis.	H01 R01	1,693
2505-100	Innovative Use Of Engineered Fat Cells Could Starve Cancer Tumors Of Nutrition	In an unexpected twist, techniques from liposuction and plastic surgery have sparked a novel cancer treatment strategy that utilizes engineered fat cells to deprive tumors of nutrients. Researchers at UC San Francisco leveraged CRISPR technology to convert ordinary white fat cells into energy-burning beige fat cells, which, when implanted near tumors, effectively starve the tumor cells. This innovative method demonstrated effectiveness in lab experiments against multiple cancer types, showcasing the potential of transforming existing surgical techniques into cancer therapies.	University of California - San Francisco	Nature Biotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	There's a longstanding attitude in many farming communities that trees and agriculture don't mix. But agroforestry -- the intentional integration of trees and shrubs in agricultural systems, such as planting trees as windbreaks, integrating trees on pastures, or growing tree crops intercropped with annual crops -- can provide a multitude of benefits to both farmers and landscapes. So far, in the U.S. Midwest, these benefits have gone unrealized, with vanishingly small adoption rates. -- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers say strategic plans that integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations are needed to expand agroforestry throughout the Midwest. -- Their new study in Environmental Research Letters provides a foundation. -- "There has been a lot of research on the agronomy and ecology side of agroforestry, including the environmental benefits these practices can offer. But we don't know a lot about the social and economic impacts. It turns out those factors dramatically shift our priorities for targeting agroforestry in certain areas," said lead study author Sarah Castle, who completed the analysis during her doctoral studies in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Castle is now a postdoc at Yale School of the Environment and a visiting scholar at Illinois. -- Castle's goal, along with co-authors Chloe Wardropper, assistant professor in NRES, and Daniel Miller, associate professor at the University of Notre Dame, was to create a tool to target agroforestry where it would provide the greatest environmental benefits while also being economically viable, socially acceptable, and suited to areas where agroforestry-relevant trees are most likely to thrive. -- Mapping social attitudes and economic feasibility together with environmental data is no easy task, but the researchers did just that. -- "We took all of these different data layers, normalized them so they were comparable, and combined them very intentionally to conduct a holistic assessment. One of the most helpful parts of that process was conducting key informant interviews," Castle said. -- "We talked to people at Illinois Extension, USDA's National Agroforestry Center, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Savanna Institute, which is a major player in Midwest agroforestry, to get their feedback on our approach." -- Ultimately, Wardropper says the team developed a map identifying areas where agroforestry could deliver the biggest impacts in terms of soil erosion, water quality, climate, and profitability for lands that are not viable for other crops.	H01 R01 T01	1,694
2507-087	Light Activation Advances Targeted Medical Treatments And Research	Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified unique cancer-specific proteins resulting from RNA splicing errors that could serve as new targets for immunotherapy. These proteins make certain tumors more recognizable to the immune system, potentially leading to more effective treatments for hard-to-treat cancers like glioma. This study underscores the importance of understanding the molecular differences in cancer biology.	University of California - San Francisco	University of California - San Francisco	Press Rel	PubMed	Immune therapy has transformed how cancer is treated, but many tumors continue to evade these treatments, thanks to their resemblance to healthy tissue. -- Now, researchers at UC San Francisco have found that some cancers, like deadly brain cancer (glioma), make unique, jumbled proteins that make them stand out. -- These newly recognized cancer-specific proteins, or antigens, could speed the development of potent immunotherapies that recognize and attack hard-to-treat tumors. -- The study, which was supported through grants from the National Institutes of Health, appears in Nature on Feb. -- The newly discovered antigens were the product of mistakes in RNA splicing, which controls how RNA molecules -- the blueprints for proteins -- are pieced together from smaller parts. -- The study found that in cancers of the brain, prostate, liver and colon, among others, the tumors spliced together bits of RNA to create new forms that had never been seen before, and which were absent in healthy tissues. -- Some of these new RNAs produced antigens that attached to the surface of tumor cells, creating an entry for immune therapy. -- The researchers then engineered immune T-cells to recognize these antigens and were able to destroy glioma in the lab. -- Such antigens from alternative RNA splicing could vastly expand the number of targets available for immunotherapy -- and the options available to patients in need of a cure. -- "We think these first antigens could be actionable in the near future, leading to new therapies for glioma patients," said Hideho Okada, MD, PhD, professor of neurosurgery at UCSF and co-corresponding author of the paper.	H01 R01 R02	1,695
2507-098	Innovative Implant Helps Target Diseased Immune Cells In Multiple Sclerosis	New findings from UC San Francisco suggest that simply meeting the minimum vitamin B12 requirements may not suffice for older adults, as lower levels are linked to cognitive impairment. The study indicates that those with normal-range B12 concentrations exhibited neurological deficits, suggesting a need for re-evaluating dietary recommendations and the importance of monitoring B12 levels in aging populations.	University of California - San Francisco	University of California - San Francisco	Press Rel	PubMed	Meeting the minimum requirement for vitamin B12, needed to make DNA, red blood cells and nerve tissue, may not actually be enough -- particularly if you are older. It may even put you at risk for cognitive impairment. -- A new study, led by UC San Francisco researchers, found that older, healthy volunteers, with lower concentrations of B12, but still in the normal range, showed signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. -- These levels were associated with more damage to the brain's white matter -- the nerve fibers that enable communication between areas of the brain -- and test scores associated with slower cognitive and visual processing speeds, compared to those with higher B12. -- The study published in Annals of Neurology on Feb. 10. -- The researchers led by senior author Ari J. Green, MD, of the UCSF Departments of Neurology and Ophthalmology and the Weill Institute for Neurosciences, said that the results raise questions about current B12 requirements and suggest the recommendations need updating. -- "Previous studies that defined healthy amounts of B12 may have missed subtle functional manifestations of high or low levels that can affect people without causing overt symptoms," said Green, noting that clear deficiencies of the vitamin are commonly associated with a type of anemia. -- "Revisiting the definition of B12 deficiency to incorporate functional biomarkers could lead to earlier intervention and prevention of cognitive decline." -- Lower B12 correlates with slower processing speeds, brain lesions -- In the study, researchers enrolled 231 healthy participants without dementia or mild cognitive impairment, whose average age was 71. They were recruited through the Brain Aging Network for Cognitive Health (BrANCH) study at UCSF. -- Their blood B12 amounts averaged 414.8 pmol/L, well above the U.S. minimum of 148 pmol/L. Adjusted for factors like age, sex, education and cardiovascular risks, researchers looked at the biologically active component of B12, which provides a more accurate measure of the amount of the vitamin that the body can utilize.	A01 H01 R02 N02	1,696
2509-060	Surprising Blood Production: Our Lungs Play A Role Alongside Bone Marrow	Researchers at UCSF have revealed that red blood cell production occurs not only in the bone marrow but also in the lungs, challenging long-held scientific assumptions. They discovered hematopoietic stem cells in lung tissue capable of producing red blood cells and platelets, which is crucial for maintaining oxygen transport throughout the body. This study, published in the journal Blood, could reshape understanding of blood cell formation.	University of California - San Francisco	Blood Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every other organ, and blood-forming stem cells must make about 200 billion new red blood cells each day to keep the oxygen flowing. -- For many years, scientists assumed that blood production took place in the bone marrow. -- But now, researchers at UCSF are showing it's also happening in the lungs. -- They found hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in human lung tissue that make red blood cells, as well as megakaryocytes, which produce the platelets that form blood clots. -- The findings appear Feb. 27 in Blood. -- The work, which was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), suggests the lungs could be a potent source for life-saving stem cell transplants. -- "For decades, bone marrow transplants have been a lynchpin in the treatment of cancers like leukemia," said Mark Looney, MD, professor of medicine and laboratory medicine at UCSF and senior author of the paper. -- "The lung HSCs could prove to be a second and significant reservoir of these precious stem cells." -- From mouse to human -- In 2017, the UCSF team found cells in the mouse lung making 50% of the mouse's platelets.	R01 N02	1,697
2501-051	Human Brain Exhibits Specialized Cell Types, Revealing Genetic Complexity.	The human brain is distinctively larger and more advanced than those of other primates, despite our genetic similarities to chimpanzees. Researchers from UC Santa Barbara explored how brain cell genes have evolved, revealing that human gene expression is more productive, which contributes to the unique capabilities of our brains.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Our brain is arguably the organ that most distinguishes humans from other primates. Its exceptional size, complexity and capabilities far exceed those of any other species on Earth. Yet humans share upwards of 95% of our genome with chimpanzees, our closest living relatives. -- UC Santa Barbara professor Soojin Yi, in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, her doctoral student Dennis Joshy and collaborator Gabriel Santepere, at Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute in Barcelona, aimed to determine how genes in different types of brain cells have evolved compared to those in chimpanzees. -- They found that, while our genes code for almost all the same proteins as other apes, many of our genes are much more productive than those of other primates. -- Their results, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlight the role of gene expression in the evolution and function of the human brain. -- Interpreting nature's blueprints -- Each gene tells a cell to make a specific molecule, but this isn't performed by the DNA itself. -- Instead, the information is relayed to cellular machinery by a molecule called messenger RNA. -- Researchers measure gene expression by observing the amount of mRNA a specific gene produces. -- As scientists began to understand the role of the genome as life's blueprint, they thought perhaps the human genome could explain our unique traits. -- But a thorough comparison with chimpanzees in 2005 revealed we share 99% percent of our genes (though scientists have since revised this number). This confirmed earlier studies based on small numbers of genes that had suggested there was only a small difference between the human and chimpanzee genome.	R02 C01	1,698
2502-T046	Computing Capacity Reaches Plateau: The End Of Moore's Law?	End of Moore's Law and New Solutions: The decline of Moore's Law signals challenges in circuit miniaturization and performance, prompting exploration of novel computing technologies. Photonics and in-memory computing offer promising alternatives that could enhance processing speeds and energy efficiency, vital for data-intensive applications.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	For decades there has been near constant progress in reducing the size, and increasing the performance, of the circuits that power computers and smartphones. But Moore's Law is ending as physical limitations -- such as the number of transistors that can fit on a chip and the heat that results from packing them ever more densely -- are slowing the rate of performance increases. Computing capacity is gradually plateauing, even as artificial intelligence, machine learning and other data-intensive applications demand ever greater computational power. -- Novel technologies are needed to address this challenge. A potential solution comes from photonics, which offers lower energy consumption and reduced latency than electronics. -- One of the most promising approaches is in-memory computing, which requires the use of photonic memories. -- Passing light signals through these memories makes it possible to perform operations nearly instantaneously. -- But solutions proposed for creating such memories have faced challenges such as low switching speeds and limited programmability. -- Now, an international team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking photonic platform to overcome those limitations. -- Their findings were published in the journal Nature Photonics. -- Working with UC Santa Barbara professor of electrical and computer engineering (ECE) John Bowers and ECE associate professor Galan Moody, project scientist Paolo Pintus, an assistant professor at the University of Cagliari, coordinated the project with University of Pittsburgh's Nathan Youngblood, Institute of Science Tokyo professor Yuya Shoji, and Mario Dumont, who received his Ph.D. in the Bowers lab. -- The researchers used a magneto-optical material, cerium-substituted yttrium iron garnet (YIG), the optical properties of which dynamically change in response to external magnetic fields. -- By employing tiny magnets to store data and control the propagation of light within the material, they pioneered a new class of magneto-optical memories.	H02 T01	1,699
2505-T013	Researchers Uncover Fluid Mechanics Mystery With Maze-Solving Dye	Researchers originally aimed to demonstrate fluid dynamics but ended up capturing a captivating phenomenon where red dye navigated a maze of milk. The unexpected behavior, which demonstrated the complexity of fluid systems, led to an artistic representation and ultimately a mathematical model explaining how the dye's movement was directed. This investigation highlights not only the intricacies of fluid dynamics but also the surprising outcomes that can emerge from scientific experimentation.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time astronomers have succeeded in observing the magnetic field around a young star where planets are thought to be forming. The team was able to use dust to measure the three-dimensional structure "fingerprint" of the magnetic field. This will help improve our understanding of planet formation. -- Planets form in turbulent disks of gas and dust called protoplanetary disks around young stars. -- It is thought that the first step in planet formation is dust grains colliding and sticking together. -- The movement of the dust grains is influenced by many forces, including magnetism. -- Thus, understanding the magnetic fields is important for understanding planet formation, but so far it has not been possible to measure the magnetic fields in a protoplanetary disk. -- In this research, an international team of astronomers led by Satoshi Ohashi at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to observe the protoplanetary disk around a young star known as HD 142527. -- This star is located 512 light-years away in the direction of the constellation Lupus. -- The team found that the dust grains aligned with the magnetic field lines. -- This allowed the team to detect and measure the unseen magnetic field lines, much the same way iron filings can reveal the magnetic field around a magnet. -- The team thinks that the measured three-dimensional structure might create strong turbulence withing the protoplanetary disk.	Z01	1,700
2506-E043	Study Finds California's Marine Reserves Enhance Wildlife Sustainability And Economic Benefits	A comprehensive evaluation of California's marine reserve network has confirmed significant conservation benefits for various ecosystems. Researchers found that older marine protected areas (MPAs) with diverse habitats support higher fish biomass, particularly in targeted species. These findings underscore the effectiveness of MPAs in preserving marine life and inform future conservation strategies worldwide.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Conservation Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	It's 1999, the 21st century is on the horizon, and California has big plans for marine conservation. New legislation has presented a mandate to establish an ambitious network of marine protected areas (MPAs) unlike anywhere else in the world. The goal is to craft strategic protections to safeguard the state's marine life for preservation and economic benefits alike. -- Now 25 years later, an international team of researchers, led by scientists at UC Santa Barbara, have evaluated the network's effects across different species and habitats. "What everyone wants to know is do MPAs work?" said Joshua Smith, lead author of a new study on the matter published in Conservation Biology. -- The study confirmed many benefits an MPA can confer to sea life, especially those targeted by fisheries. The authors found that older MPAs, and those with a greater diversity of habitats, showed the highest amount of fish biomass, especially in targeted species, like rockfishes. Stronger protections also correlated with more pronounced results. With international targets aiming to protect more of the world's oceans, the findings can inform approaches to MPA design and networks that span multiple ecosystems. -- An ambitious proposal -- Marine protected areas have emerged as a leading tool for protecting ocean ecosystems. But there's a lot of diversity in the character, size and regulations of MPAs around the world, from a total ban on all extractive or destructive activities to various regulations on infrastructure, water quality, shipping, recreation and so forth. -- In 1999, the California Legislature passed the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA), which required the state to overhaul its marine reserves. The legislation prompted the creation of the first statewide MPA network in the United States, and perhaps the most extensive in the world. "This huge, state-wide network, and its comprehensive design process, was sort of revolutionary at the time," said co-author Cori Lopazanski, a doctoral student at UCSB's Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. -- "The state invested a ton of time and energy into designing this network of 124 marine protected areas [using the best science of the time]," said Smith, a former postdoc at UCSB and now an ocean conservation research scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Rather than close a giant area of the ocean, the state decided to set aside a constellation of smaller protected areas distributed across the coast. They specifically engineered the network to enable the interchange of animals, plankton and nutrients between different reserves. -- "And now, only years later, are we finally able to evaluate the network in its totality," said senior author Jennifer Caselle, a research biologist at UCSB. -- Synthesizing disparate data -- In 2021, scientists converged in Santa Barbara for a working group to inform management recommendations and decisions. The effort was hosted by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), a National Science Foundation research center at UC Santa Barbara.	A01 C01 N01	1,701
2507-T031	Breakthrough Eight-Qubit Quantum Processor Paves Way For Future Quantum Computing	Physicists have unveiled an eight-qubit topological quantum processor, marking a significant advancement in quantum computing. Built as a proof-of-concept, this innovative chip could lead to the development of topological quantum computers, offering new possibilities in harnessing exotic states of matter for enhanced computational power and efficiency in the field of quantum technology.	University of California - Santa Barbara	University of California - Santa Barbara	Press Rel	PubMed	In a leap forward for quantum computing, a Microsoft team led by UC Santa Barbara physicists on Wednesday unveiled an eight-qubit topological quantum processor, the first of its kind. The chip, built as a proof-of-concept for the scientists' design, opens the door to the development of the long-awaited topological quantum computer. -- "We've got a bunch of stuff that we've been keeping under wraps that we're dropping all at once now," said Microsoft Station Q Director Chetan Nayak, a professor of physics at UCSB and a Technical Fellow for Quantum Hardware at Microsoft. The chip was revealed at Station Q's annual conference in Santa Barbara, and accompanies a paper published in the journal Nature, authored by Station Q, their Microsoft teammates and a host of collaborators that presents the research team's measurements of these new qubits. -- "We have created a new state of matter called a topological superconductor," Nayak explained. This phase of matter hosts exotic boundaries called Majorana zero modes (MZM) that are useful for quantum computing, he explained. Results of rigorous simulation and testing of their heterostructure devices are consistent with the observation of such states. "It shows that we can do it, do it fast and do it accurately," he said. -- The researchers also followed up their Nature result with a paper currently in preprint outlining a roadmap for scaling up their technology into a fully functional topological quantum computer. -- Majorana magic -- The promise of quantum computing lies in the speed and power of its computations, expected to outperform even the most advanced classical supercomputer. All of this rests on the qubit, the quantum computing version of the bit, the fundamental unit of information for classical computers. While classical bits exist only in a state of either zero or one, qubits can represent zero, one and combinations in between. -- Qubits can come in different forms, utilizing the quantum behaviors of trapped ions, for instance, or photons. Topological systems are based on a different type of particle called an anyon, a type of "quasiparticle" that emerges as the result of the correlated states of many interacting particles at the surface of a material, in this case a superconducting nanowire. -- What makes topological quantum computing such a hot field of research is that it promises more stability and robustness to error than other quantum computing systems. Qubits can be prone to error, requiring quantum computer builders to account for it by, for instance, building more qubits to error-correct. -- "A complementary approach is to build in the error correction at the hardware level," Nayak said. Because quantum information is distributed and stored over a physical system rather than in individual particles or atoms, he explained, the information being handled by the topological qubits is less likely to lose its coherence, resulting in a more fault-tolerant system. -- But not just any quasiparticle will do. For topological quantum computing, Majorana particles -- more specifically Majorana zero modes -- are the tool of choice. Named for Italian physicist Ettore Majorana, who predicted them in 1937, these particles are special in that they are their own antiparticles, and are able to retain a "memory" of their relative positions over time. By "braiding" them -- moving them physically around each other -- it is possible to create a more robust quantum logic.	H02 T01	1,702
2508-T019	Advancing Electro-Optic Performance: Innovations In III-V Semiconductors	Researchers are advancing the electro-optic effect, which allows the manipulation of light with electric fields, essential for numerous optical applications. Investigating materials like aluminum scandium nitride, they aim to enhance its properties for better integration with silicon devices, improving technologies reliant on nonlinear optics.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Applied Physics Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	From integrated photonics to quantum information science, the ability to control light with electric fields -- a phenomenon known as the electro-optic effect -- supports vital applications such as light modulation and frequency transduction. These components rely on nonlinear optical materials, in which light waves can be manipulated by applying electric fields. -- Conventional nonlinear optical materials such as lithium niobate have large electro-optic response but are hard to integrate with silicon devices. -- In the search for silicon-compatible materials, aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN), which had already been flagged as an excellent piezoelectric -- referring to a material's ability to generate electricity when pressure is applied, or to deform when an electric field is applied -- has come to the fore. -- However, better control of its properties and means to enhance its electro-optic coefficients are still required. -- Researchers in Chris Van de Walle's computational materials group at the UC Santa Barbara have now uncovered ways to achieve these goals. -- Their study, published as the cover article in the January 27 issue of Applied Physics Letters, explains how adjusting the material's atomic structure and composition can boost its performance. -- Strong electro-optic response requires a large concentration of scandium -- but the specific arrangement of the scandium atoms within the AlN crystal lattice matters. -- "By using cutting-edge atomistic modeling, we found that placing scandium atoms in a regular array along a specific crystal axis greatly boosts the electro-optic performance," explained Haochen Wang, the Ph.D. student who spearheaded the calculations. -- This finding inspired the researchers to investigate so-called superlattice structures, in which atomically thin layers of ScN and AlN are alternately deposited, an approach that can be experimentally implemented using sophisticated growth techniques. -- They found that precisely oriented layer structures do indeed offer significant enhancements in electro-optic properties.	T01	1,703
2509-T031	Researchers Aim To Transition Cold Atom Quantum Experiments To Chip-Based Platforms	UC Santa Barbara researchers are transitioning cold atom quantum experiments from laboratories to chip-based systems, enabling advancements in quantum computing and precision measurements. Their work aims to create compact, durable devices that harness the unique properties of cold atoms, facilitating more practical applications in various scientific fields.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Optica Quantum	Press Rel	PubMed	UC Santa Barbara researchers are working to move cold atom quantum experiments and applications from the laboratory tabletop to chip-based systems, opening new possibilities for sensing, precision timekeeping, quantum computing and fundamental science measurements. -- "We're at the tipping point," said electrical and computer engineering professor Daniel Blumenthal. -- In an invited article that was also selected for the cover of Optica Quantum, Blumenthal, along with graduate student researcher Andrei Isichenko and postdoctoral researcher Nitesh Chauhan, lays out the latest developments and future directions for trapping and cooling the atoms that are fundamental to these experiments -- and that will bring them to devices that fit in the palm of your hand. -- Cold atoms are atoms that have been cooled to very low temperatures, below 1 mK, reducing their motion to a very low energy regime where quantum effects emerge. This makes them sensitive to some of the faintest electromagnetic signals and fundamental particles, as well as ideal timekeeping, navigation devices and quantum "qubits" for computing. -- In order to capitalize on these properties, many researchers currently work with highly sensitive laboratory-scale atomic optical systems to confine, trap and cool the atoms. Conventionally, these systems use free-space lasers and optics, generating beams that are guided, directed and manipulated by lenses, mirrors and modulators. These optical systems are combined with magnetic coils and atoms in a vacuum to create cold atoms using the ubiquitous 3-dimensional magneto-optical trap (3D-MOT). The challenge that researchers face is how to replicate the laser and optics functions onto a small, durable device that could be deployed outside of the highly controlled environment of the lab, for applications such as gravitational sensing, precision timekeeping and metrology, and quantum computing -- The Optica Quantum review article covers recent and rapid advancements in the realm of miniaturizing complex cold-atom experiments via applications of compact optics and integrated photonics. The authors reference photonics achievements across a variety of sub-fields, ranging from telecommunications to sensors, and map the technology development to cold atom science. -- "There's been a lot of really great work miniaturizing beam delivery," said Isichenko, "but it's been done with components that are still considered free-space optics -- smaller mirrors or smaller gratings -- but you still couldn't integrate multiple functionalities onto a chip." -- Enter the researchers' photonic integrated 3D-MOT, a miniaturized version of equipment used widely in experiments to deliver beams of light to laser cool the atoms. Embedded into a low-loss silicon nitride waveguide integration platform, it's the part of a photonic system that generates, routes, expands and manipulates all the beams necessary to trap and cool the atoms. The review article highlights the photonic integrated 3D-MOT -- or "PICMOT" demonstrated by the UC Santa Barbara team as a major milestone for the field. -- "With photonics, we can make lasers on chip, modulators on chip and now large-area grating emitters, which is what we use to get light on and off the chip," Isichenko added. -- Of particular interest is the atomic cell, a vacuum chamber where the atoms are trapped and cooled. One feat the researchers accomplished was to route the input light from an optical fiber, which is less than the width of a hair, via waveguides to three grating emitters that generate three collimated free-space intersecting beams 3.5 mm wide. Each beam is reflected back on itself for a total of six intersecting beams that trap a million atoms from the vapor inside the cell and, in combination with magnetic fields, cool the atoms to a temperature of just 250 uK. The larger the beams the more atoms can be trapped into a cloud and interrogated, Blumenthal noted, and the more precise an instrument can be.	R01 T01	1,704
2511-E031	Shark Population Decline: Retention Bans Are A Step, But Not Enough	Research indicates that while retention bans help protect shark populations from fishing pressures, they are insufficient to prevent continued declines in many species. This study highlights the necessity of comprehensive management strategies and monitoring efforts to ensure the survival of sharks, which face significant threats from both targeted and incidental capture in fisheries.	University of California - Santa Barbara	Fish and Fisheries	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite the fear they may inspire in humans, sharks have far more reason to fear us. Nearly one-third of sharks are threatened with extinction globally, mostly as a result of fishing. -- A team led by researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that mandates to release captured sharks won't be enough to prevent the continued decline of these important ocean predators. These findings, published in Fish & Fisheries, highlight the importance of monitoring shark populations and combining different strategies for managing their numbers. -- Some sharks are targeted by fisheries, but the pressure extends beyond these species. "More than half of sharks that are caught and killed in fisheries are captured incidentally and then discarded," explained Darcy Bradley, co-author of the study and adjunct faculty at the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management and lead scientist at The Nature Conservancy. -- Some species are protected by retention bans, issued by regional fisheries management organizations, which require fishermen to release an individual they catch rather than keep it. Currently, 17 oceanic shark species are covered by a retention ban to protect them from incidental catch in tuna fisheries. -- The team had a simple question in mind. "For all shark species that we know are caught in fisheries, how many are dead by the time they are landed or soon after release as a result of capture?" said co-lead author Allie Caughman, a doctoral candidate at the Bren School. They were also curious how certain regulations affected shark survival after. -- The authors collated available data from more than 150 published papers and reports that have measured shark mortality upon hauling (at-vessel) or soon after release (post-release). The literature spanned nearly 150 different shark species caught by different fishing gears. Using this information, they could estimate mortality rates for an additional 341 shark species incidentally captured by longlines or gillnets but for which empirical data wasn't available. -- Small sharks and several threatened species were the most likely to die after being caught. These included thresher sharks and hammerheads. Mortality was also higher for smaller species, those that occur in deeper waters and those that rely on constant swimming to breathe. -- "Mortality was surprisingly high for some species such as smoothhound sharks," said co-lead author Leonardo Feitosa, also a doctoral candidate at the Bren School, "ranging from 30 to 65%." Deep-water species, like sleeper sharks, also fared poorly, likely due to the trauma of the extreme pressure change. -- Policy simulations showed that retention bans could reduce shark mortality three-fold, on average, but that this wasn't enough to reduce mortality to sustainable fishing levels for already heavily fished species, like mako and silky sharks. "Retention bans are a beneficial first step towards addressing shark overfishing," said Bradley, "but they need to be complemented with other strategies, such as area-based fishing restrictions, catch quotas and fishing gear requirements to sustain populations for many shark species." -- Bans are most likely to benefit species with faster reproductive rates -- like blue sharks, bonnetheads and angel sharks -- because their populations tend to recover faster. The blue shark is actually the most heavily fished species worldwide. "While it is highly unlikely that retention bans will ever be implemented for such a commercially important species," Feitosa said, "our results show that this could be a relatively simple and impactful strategy if it becomes necessary to sustain populations."	R01 T01	1,705
2501-E025	New Isotope Map Will Transform Archaeology Across Sub-Saharan Africa	A research team from UC Santa Cruz has created a comprehensive map of bioavailable strontium isotope ratios across Sub-Saharan Africa, providing essential information for archaeologists and conservationists. This map will help identify the origins of artifacts and biological remains, offering insights into historical human activities and wildlife movements. The research, published in Nature Communications, is accessible to the public and adds a new dimension to understanding Africa's geological diversity.	University of California - Santa Cruz	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers led by UC Santa Cruz recently released a sophisticated new map that reveals, for the first time, the unique "geologic fingerprints" for most of the African continent. -- The map will help archaeologists, conservation scientists, and forensics experts match artifacts and plant, animal, and human remains found at locations around the world back to their most likely region of origin within Africa, offering new insights on issues ranging from the history of the transatlantic slave trade to modern wildlife trafficking and human migration patterns. -- The research team's methods, and a few demonstrations of the map's capabilities, are published in the journal Nature Communications. The map is available for public use through open access. -- It is the first bioavailable strontium isotope map to show predicted strontium isotope ratios across all of Sub-Saharan Africa. -- Strontium is an element present in bedrock and soil that comes in several different chemical forms, called isotopes. -- The ratio of these isotopes to one another indicates the age and chemical composition of the bedrock in a given region of the planet. -- Living organisms incorporate strontium from the environment into their tissues in ratios that reflect the local conditions of the place where they developed. -- This means researchers can perform isotope analysis on a sample of unknown origin, then use the new isotope map to see which parts of Sub-Saharan Africa are most likely to have produced the specific ratios observed in the sample. -- To develop the map, researchers used computer modeling techniques that incorporated 11 predictive variables and strontium isotope data from more than 2,000 samples collected across the African continent. -- The project took more than a decade to complete and required international coordination among over 100 scientists.	C01 N01 N02 T01	1,706
2503-074	Long-Read Sequencing Revolutionizes Rare Disease Diagnoses — Faster And More Cost-Effective	A groundbreaking study by UC Santa Cruz researchers reveals that long-read sequencing can dramatically improve the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases, reducing the diagnostic timeline from years to mere days. This innovative method promises to enhance genetic testing efficiency, addressing the significant gap in timely diagnoses for many patients, particularly children.	University of California - Santa Cruz	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	One in every 10 people worldwide is impacted by a rare genetic disease but about 50% of them remain undiagnosed despite rapid increases in genetic technology and testing. Even when a person does have access to testing, the process of getting a diagnosis can take about five years or more, which is sometimes too late for patients, who are often children, to start the right treatment. -- This is partly because current clinical testing uses a method called short-read sequencing, which cannot access information in certain regions of the genome and so may miss crucial evidence to help make a diagnosis. -- But UC Santa Cruz researchers are pushing forward research on a cutting-edge alternative method, called long-read sequencing, which can provide a more comprehensive dataset for finding variation, eliminate the need for multiple specialized tests, and streamline the diagnosis of rare diseases. -- A new study shows that long-read sequencing has the potential to improve the rate of diagnosis while reducing the time to diagnosis from years to days -- in a single test and at a much lower cost. -- The study was published in The American Journal of Human Genetics and led by core members of the UCSC Genomics Institute Professor of Biomolecular Engineering (BME) Benedict Paten and Associate Professor of BME Karen Miga, as well as former UCSC postdoctoral scholar Jean Monlong. -- "Rare diseases are something that people have been struggling to diagnose for so many years, and if we have a sequencing technology which streamlines diagnostic testing, I think that will be a huge contribution -- and that is what we tested as part of this paper," said Shloka Negi, a UC Santa Cruz BME Ph.D. student who is the paper's first author. -- "Today, the diagnostic yield of genetic sequencing is frustratingly low," Paten said. -- "One likely cause is the incomplete sequencing methods used in clinical practice. In this work, we test the hypothesis that new, more comprehensive long-read sequencing can generate additional information useful for genetic diagnosis. We were excited to discover numerous additional potentially interesting genetic variants and epigenetic signals in our cohort. While it is still early days, there is great promise in this information, and it will take time for the community to interpret and fully understand much of this new information." -- Finding rare disease -- This study focused on rare monogenic diseases, which are those caused by a disruption to a single gene.	H01	1,707
2507-E010	Seals As Smart Sensors: A New Approach To Monitoring Fish Populations	Marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have found that northern elephant seals can serve as effective indicators for monitoring fish populations in the ocean's twilight zone. With extensive historical data, this research highlights how these seals can provide valuable insights into the health of deep-sea ecosystems.	University of California - Santa Cruz	University of California - Santa Cruz	Press Rel	PubMed	Over the past 60 years, marine biologists at UC Santa Cruz have monitored the behavior of northern elephant seals that journey to nearby Año Nuevo Natural Reserve. With the seals gathering on the beach by the thousands to breed and molt, generations of researchers have been able to amass more than 350,000 observations on over 50,000 seals. -- With the help of powerful technologies and the intrepidness to get close enough to carefully tag, weigh, and observe these loud and lumbering marine mammals, the long-term research project has extensive historical and real-time data on their fitness, foraging success, at-sea behavior, and population dynamics. -- Roxanne Beltran is next in line to lead the project, and her new study being published on February 14 as the cover story for Science reports that seals can essentially act as "smart sensors" for monitoring fish populations in the ocean's eerily dim "twilight zone." This is the layer of water between 200 and 1,000 meters below sea level, where sunlight penetration all but stops, and today's ocean monitoring tools cannot reach with ease. -- Ships and floating buoys only allow measurements of a tiny fraction of the ocean, while satellites can't measure below the surface where fish occur. -- Importantly, this zone holds the majority of the planet's fish biomass. -- Because this is also where the seals feed, seals whose foraging success is tracked can provide a previously impossible way to measure the availability of fish populations across a vast ocean. -- This, Beltran said, represents a significant discovery because humans are considering harvesting these fish populations to satisfy humanity's ever-increasing need for protein-rich foods. -- "Given the importance of the ocean for carbon sequestration, climate regulation, oxygen production, and food for billions of people, there is an urgent need to measure changes in marine ecosystems," said Beltran, an assistant professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. -- "Our research shows that the vast foraging extent and millions of feeding attempts by elephant seals make them a fantastic ecosystem sentinel, both for fish populations and top predators in the open ocean." -- For context, each seal makes an average of about 75,000 foraging attempts during a seven-month, roughly 6,000-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean.	A01 H01 C01 N01	1,708
2507-E015	Prioritizing Vulnerable Marine Species For Effective Fisheries Management In California	A recent study from UC Santa Cruz researchers has identified the most vulnerable marine species in California's coastal waters, such as Dungeness crab and red abalone, as climate change impacts worsen. The findings aim to assist fisheries managers in developing adaptive strategies for climate-ready fisheries management amidst challenges like rising temperatures and ocean acidification, emphasizing the economic and cultural importance of these species.	University of California - Santa Cruz	University of California - Santa Cruz	Press Rel	PubMed	Dungeness crab, Pacific herring, and red abalone are among the marine species most vulnerable to the changing climate's effect on California's coastal waters, a new study led by UC Santa Cruz researchers finds. In a paper published on February 12 in the journal PLOS Climate, the team seeks to help the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in its efforts to develop and implement climate-ready fisheries management strategies that adapt to challenges such as rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and deoxygenation. -- The study, "A Collaborative Climate Vulnerability Assessment of California Marine Fishery Species," was led by Timothy Frawley, an assistant project scientist at UC Santa Cruz's Institute of Marine Sciences, and Mikaela Provost, an assistant professor in UC Davis's Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. The study was done in close collaboration with CDFW, fisheries scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and individuals from the Nature Conservancy and California Ocean Protection Council. -- "The results are striking," said Frawley, who's based in Monterey with the ecosystem-science division of NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center. "Some of California's most economically and culturally important fisheries are assessed as being among the most vulnerable to projected future environmental changes." -- Prior to earning his Ph.D. in marine biology, Frawley spent five years as a commercial fisherman in California, Alaska, and Maine. So the potential threat is palpable for him, and he knows all too well how serious the impact of dispersed or greatly diminished fisheries would have on local economies and communities. -- Annually, regional fishing fleets land over 8,200 tons of Dungeness crab, contributing an average over $45 million dollars to local and regional coffers each year. While this crab fishery remains one of California's top commercial harvests, other fisheries ranked as highly vulnerable have already experienced significant declines. The recreational fishery for red abalone, which at one time was estimated to provide $24 to $44 million in annual value, has been closed since 2018; while the biomass supporting the San Francisco Bay Pacific herring fishery -- which once attracted more than 400 boats -- has declined by more than 75% as commercial operations have largely ceased. -- "While overall across the Northeast Pacific, a species like Pacific Herring may do OK, try telling that to a herring fisherman based out of San Francisco Bay. If their resource moves hundreds of miles away, it's a big deal to them," Frawley said. "It's important to do these assessments at a scale that provides results that will be practical at the local level. So in that respect, this represents a step forward." -- Species sensitivity to climate changes -- In their study, the researchers evaluated the sensitivity and exposure of 34 fish and invertebrate species to projected changes in ocean conditions in California waters over two time periods to assess climate vulnerabilities: in the near future (2030-2060) and further out (2070-2100). By identifying relative vulnerabilities across this set of diverse species, the team sought to provide a foundation for integrating climate change into CDFW management and research priorities. -- The study assessed vulnerability based on two key components: -- Sensitivity based on species-specific biological traits like reproductive rate, habitat range, and susceptibility to ocean acidification.	C01 N01	1,709
2511-095	Programmable Models Created Using Stem Cells Instead Of Real Embryos	Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have engineered cellular models of embryos using CRISPR technology, advancing our understanding of early developmental processes. This innovative approach allows scientists to study the early stages of embryo formation without using actual embryos, aiding in identifying potential issues that can arise during development.	University of California - Santa Cruz	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	The earliest days after fertilization, once a sperm cell meets an egg, are shrouded in scientific mystery. -- The process of how a humble single cell becomes an organism fascinates scientists across disciplines. -- For some animals, the entire process of cellular multiplication, generation of specialized cells, and their organization into an ordered multicellular embryo takes place in the protective environment of the uterus, making direct observation and studies challenging. -- This makes it difficult for scientists to understand what can go wrong during that process, and how specific risk factors and the surrounding environment may prevent embryo formation. -- Scientists at UC Santa Cruz were able to engineer cellular models of embryos without ever experimenting with any actual embryos, allowing them to mimic the first few days after two sexually reproductive cells meet. -- They use CRISPR-based engineering methods to prompt stem cells to organize into "programmable" embryo-like structures, also known as embryoids, which can be used to study the role of certain genes in early development. -- These structures are not actual embryos but assemblies of lab-grown cells that self-organize in ways that mimic some aspects of early developmental stages. -- Their results are published in the leading stem cell journal Cell Stem Cell. -- "We as scientists are interested in recreating and repurposing natural phenomena, such as formation of an embryo, in the dish to enable studies that are otherwise challenging to do with natural systems," said Ali Shariati, assistant professor of biomolecular engineering and the study's senior author. -- "We want to know how cells organize themselves into an embryo-like model, and what could go wrong when there are pathological conditions that prevent an animal from successfully developing."	N01	1,710
2501-081	New System Detects Infectious Virus Variants, Informing Better Disease Response Strategies.	Scientists have developed a new method to identify more infectious variants of viruses and bacteria, including those that cause flu and COVID-19. By utilizing real-time genetic sequencing data from infected individuals, the technique enhances surveillance of emerging variants, enabling quicker response to vaccine-resistant pathogens. This innovation aims to improve public health strategies and treatment options for infectious diseases.	University of Cambridge	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have come up with a new way to identify more infectious variants of viruses or bacteria that start spreading in humans -- including those causing flu, COVID, whooping cough and tuberculosis. -- The new approach uses samples from infected humans to allow real-time monitoring of pathogens circulating in human populations, and enable vaccine-evading bugs to be quickly and automatically identified. This could inform the development of vaccines that are more effective in preventing disease. -- The approach can also quickly detect emerging variants with resistance to antibiotics. This could inform the choice of treatment for people who become infected -- and try to limit the spread of the disease. -- It uses genetic sequencing data to provide information on the genetic changes underlying the emergence of new variants. This is important to help understand why different variants spread differently in human populations. -- There are very few systems in place to keep watch for emerging variants of infectious diseases, apart from the established COVID and influenza surveillance programmes. The technique is a major advance on the existing approach to these diseases, which has relied on groups of experts to decide when a circulating bacteria or virus has changed enough to be designated a new variant. -- By creating 'family trees', the new approach identifies new variants automatically based on how much a pathogen has changed genetically, and how easily it spreads in the human population -- removing the need to convene experts to do this. -- It can be used for a broad range of viruses and bacteria and only a small number of samples, taken from infected people, are needed to reveal the variants circulating in a population. This makes it particularly valuable for resource-poor settings. -- The report is published today in the journal Nature. -- "Our new method provides a way to show, surprisingly quickly, whether there are new transmissible variants of pathogens circulating in populations -- and it can be used for a huge range of bacteria and viruses," said Dr Noémie Lefrancq, first author of the report, who carried out the work at the University of Cambridge's Department of Genetics. -- Lefrancq, who is now based at ETH Zurich, added: "We can even use it to start predicting how new variants are going to take over, which means decisions can quickly be made about how to respond."	R01 N02	1,711
2502-006	Gut Microbiome Composition Could Predict Infection Resistance; Diet Plays A Key Role	A comprehensive study reveals that the gut microbiome's composition can predict susceptibility to infections from pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. Researchers identified specific protective bacteria and suggested that dietary fiber could enhance these beneficial microbes, promoting gut health and potentially reducing the risk of serious infections.	University of Cambridge	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	The group of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella, E.coli and others, is present at low levels as part of a healthy human gut microbiome. But at high levels -- caused for example by increased inflammation in the body, or by eating contaminated food -- these bugs can cause illness and disease. In extreme cases, too much Enterobacteriaceae in the gut can be life-threatening. -- Researchers have used computational approaches including AI to analyse the gut microbiome composition of over 12,000 people across 45 countries from their stool samples. They found that a person's microbiome 'signature' can predict whether a person's gut is likely to be colonised by Enterobacteriaceae. The results are consistent across different states of health and geographic locations. -- The researchers identified 135 gut microbe species that are commonly found in the absence of Enterobacteriaceae, likely protecting against infection. -- Notable amongst the protective gut species are a group of bacteria called Faecalibacterium, which produce beneficial compounds called short-chain fatty acids by breaking down fibre in the foods we eat. This seems to protect against infection by a range of disease-causing Enterobacteriaceae bugs. -- The researchers suggest that eating more fibre in our diet will support the growth of good bacteria -- and crowd out the bad ones to significantly reduce the risk of illness. -- In contrast, taking probiotics -- which don't directly change the environment in the gut -- is less likely to affect the likelihood of Enterobacteriaceae infection. -- The results are published today in the journal Nature Microbiology. -- "Our results suggest that what we eat is potentially very important in controlling the likelihood of infection with a range of bacteria, including E.coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, because this changes our gut environment to make it more hostile to invaders," said Dr Alexandre Almeida, a researcher at the University of Cambridge's Department of Veterinary Medicine and senior author of the paper. -- He added: "By eating fibre in foods like vegetables, beans and whole grains, we can provide the raw material for our gut bacteria to produce short chain fatty acids -- compounds that can protect us from these pathogenic bugs." -- Klebsiella pneumonia can cause pneumonia, meningitis and other infections. The alarming global rise in antibiotic resistance to this bacterial pathogen has led scientists to look for new ways of keeping it, and other similar infectious bacteria, under control.	H01 R01 R02 T01	1,712
2503-017	Health Benefits: Certain Medications Linked To Reduced Dementia Risk	Research involving over 130 million health records suggests that antibiotics, antivirals, vaccinations, and anti-inflammatory medications may reduce the risk of dementia. The study highlights potential opportunities to repurpose these existing drugs for dementia treatment, addressing a significant public health challenge with known medications.	University of Cambridge	Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotics, antivirals, vaccinations and anti-inflammatory medication are associated with reduced risk of dementia, according to new research that looked at health data from over 130 million individuals. -- The study, led by researchers from the universities of Cambridge and Exeter, identified several drugs already licensed and in use that have the potential to be repurposed to treat dementia. -- Dementia is a leading cause of death in the UK and can lead to profound distress in the individual and among those caring for them. It has been estimated to have a worldwide economic cost in excess of US$1 trillion dollars. -- Despite intensive efforts, progress in identifying drugs that can slow or even prevent dementia has been disappointing. Until recently, dementia drugs were effective only for symptoms and have a modest effect. Recently, lecanemab and donanemab have been shown to reduce the build-up in the brain of amyloid plaques -- a key characteristic of Alzheimer's disease -- and to slow down progression of the disease, but the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that the benefits were insufficient to justify approval for use within the NHS. -- Scientists are increasingly turning to existing drugs to see if they may be repurposed to treat dementia. As the safety profile of these drugs is already known, the move to clinical trials can be accelerated significantly. -- Dr Ben Underwood, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We urgently need new treatments to slow the progress of dementia, if not to prevent it. If we can find drugs that are already licensed for other conditions, then we can get them into trials and -- crucially -- may be able to make them available to patients much, much faster than we could do for an entirely new drug. The fact they are already available is likely to reduce cost and therefore make them more likely to be approved for use in the NHS." -- In a study published today in Alzheimer's and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, Dr Underwood, together with Dr Ilianna Lourida from the University of Exeter, led a systematic review of existing scientific literature to look for evidence of prescription drugs that altered the risk of dementia. Systematic reviews allow researchers to pool several studies where evidence may be weak, or even contradictory, to arrive at more robust conclusions. -- In total, the team examined 14 studies that used large clinical datasets and medical records, capturing data from more than 130 million individuals and 1 million dementia cases. Although they found a lack of consistency between studies in identifying individual drugs that affect the risk of dementia, they identified several drug classes associated with altered risk. -- One unexpected finding was an association between antibiotics, antivirals and vaccines, and a reduced risk of dementia. This finding supports the hypothesis that common dementias may be triggered by viral or bacterial infections, and supports recent interest in vaccines, such as the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis, and decreased risk of dementia. -- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen were also found to be associated with reduced risk. Inflammation is increasingly being seen to be a significant contributor to a wide range of diseases, and its role in dementia is supported by the fact that some genes that increase the risk of dementia are part of inflammatory pathways.	H01 H02 R02	1,713
2504-043	Young Adults Start Active But Sleep Less After Entering The Workforce	A recent study finds that young adults experience a notable increase in physical activity upon starting work, followed by a steep decline within years, alongside a slight reduction in sleep. This trend is particularly pronounced among remote workers, suggesting that job type significantly influences lifestyle habits during a vital health stage, where increased physical activity is crucial in combating long-term disease risks associated with sedentary behavior.	University of Cambridge	International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity	Press Rel	PubMed	When young adults start working, the amount of daily physical activity they do increases sharply, only to fall away again over the new few years, while the amount of sleep they get falls slightly, according to new research led by scientists at the University of Cambridge. -- The increase in physical activity was mainly seen in those doing semi-routine occupations such as bus driving or hairdressing, and routine occupations such as cleaning or waiting, or technical jobs. There was little change seen among people entering managerial or professional occupations. -- The largest drop in levels of physical activity was seen among people who work from home -- though their sleep levels did not change when they started work. -- Young adulthood -- ages 16 to 30 years -- is an important time in terms of health. Although we are typically at our peak physical health, it is also a time when many risk factors for long term diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer begin to develop. -- Health guidelines recommend young adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a night, engage in 150 minutes or more of moderate physical activity per week, and consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. -- Young adulthood is also the time when most people start work, which changes their daily routines and activities, resources such as time and money, and social and physical environments -- all of which affect health behaviours and health in later life. -- To quantify the impact that starting work has on health-related behaviours, a team led by researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge examined repeated data taken over time from more than 3,000 participants in the UK Household Longitudinal Study. All the participants were aged 16-30 years and started work for the first time between 2015 and 2023. -- The results are published today in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. -- Dr Eleanor Winpenny, who was based at the University of Cambridge when she carried out the work, but is now at Imperial College London, said: "We know about physical activity and sleep patterns among young people while they're at school, but very little about what happens when they start work. Given the impact that work can have on our lives -- and the lasting impacts this can have on our health -- it's important to try and understand what happens at this transition." -- The analysis showed that when people started work, their physical activity increased by an amount equivalent to around 28 min of moderate activity (such as cycling) per day on average -- but then decreased each year after starting work by around 7 min per day.	H01 H02 R01	1,714
2504-E021	Global Botanic Gardens Unite To Combat Plant Extinction Crisis	A comprehensive study of global botanic gardens has highlighted their challenges in safeguarding endangered plant species amid an extinction crisis. Despite managing extensive living plant collections, researchers found that capacity limits and restrictions on wild-collecting hinder efforts to protect biodiversity. Experts emphasize the urgent need for collaborative action to enhance conservation strategies and ensure the survival of threatened plant species globally.	University of Cambridge	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	A major study of botanic gardens around the world has revealed their struggles with one fundamental aim: to safeguard the world's most threatened plants from extinction. -- Researchers analysed a century's worth of records -- from 1921 to 2021 -- from fifty botanic gardens and arboreta currently growing half a million plants, to see how the world's living plant collections have changed over time. -- The results suggest that the world's living collections have collectively reached peak capacity, and that restrictions on wild plant collecting around the world are hampering efforts to gather plant diversity on the scale needed to study and protect it. -- There is little evidence that institutions are managing to conserve threatened plants within collections, on a global scale, despite accelerating rates of elevated extinction risk. The findings imply that tackling the loss of biodiversity has not been prioritised across the world's botanic gardens as a collective -- a fact the researchers say must be urgently addressed. -- Curator of Cambridge University Botanic Garden Professor Samuel Brockington, who led the work, said: "A concerted, collaborative effort across the world's botanic gardens is now needed to conserve a genetically diverse range of plants, and to make them available for research and future reintroduction into the wild." -- In their report, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, the researchers say the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has effectively halved the level at which plants are being collected from the wild, and also created obstacles to the international exchange of plants. -- Brockington, who is also Professor of Evolution in the University of Cambridge's Department of Plant Sciences, said: "The impact of the Convention on Biological Diversity is a remarkable demonstration of the power and value of international agreements. But it seems to be preventing individual botanic gardens from working with many globally threatened plant species that we could help save from extinction." -- Collective thinking -- As much as 40% of the world's plant diversity is at elevated risk of extinction. Acceptance that individual collections have limited capacity to single-handedly prevent species extinction demands a rethink as to how they collaborate to store and safeguard diversity in living collections. -- The researchers say it will be vital for the living collections to be considered as a 'meta-collection' in future: only by working closely together will the world's botanic gardens be able to hold the range of plants needed to make a meaningful contribution to conservation efforts. This will include sharing data and expertise and supporting the development of new collections in the global south, where much of the world's biodiversity is located.	A01 N02	1,715
2504-T018	Functional Quantum Register Created Within Semiconductor Quantum Dots	Researchers at the University of Cambridge have achieved a significant milestone in quantum technology by developing a functional quantum register using atoms within a semiconductor quantum dot. This advancement, published in Nature Physics, represents a crucial step toward establishing stable, scalable quantum networks, which are essential for future quantum communication. By utilizing the intrinsic spins of atoms in quantum dots, the team created an entangled state that allows for efficient storage and manipulation of quantum information, enhancing the potential for practical applications in quantum computing.	University of Cambridge	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	In a groundbreaking achievement for quantum technologies, researchers at the Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, have created a functional quantum register using the atoms inside a semiconductor quantum dot. -- Published in Nature Physics, the work demonstrates the introduction of a new type of optically connected qubits -- a critical advance in the development of quantum networks, where stable, scalable, and versatile quantum nodes are essential. -- Quantum dots are nanoscale objects with unique optical and electronic properties that come from quantum mechanical effects. These systems are already used in technologies like display screens and medical imaging, and their adoption in quantum communication has been mostly due to their ability to operate as bright single-photon sources. However, effective quantum networks need more than just single-photon emission; they also require stable qubits that can interact with the photons and store quantum information locally. The new research builds on the inherent spins of the atoms forming the quantum dots as a functioning many-body quantum register to store information over extended periods. -- A many-body system refers to a collection of interacting particles -- here, the nuclear spins inside the quantum dot -- whose collective behaviour gives rise to new, emergent properties that are not present in individual components. By using these collective states, the researchers created a robust and scalable quantum register. -- The Cambridge team, in close collaboration with colleagues at the University of Linz, successfully prepared 13,000 nuclear spins into a collective, entangled state of spins known as a 'dark state.' This dark state reduces interaction with its environment, leading to better coherence and stability, and serves as the logical 'zero' state of the quantum register. They introduced a complementary 'one' state as a single nuclear magnon excitation -- a phenomenon representing a coherent wave-like excitation involving a single nuclear spin flip propagating through the nuclear ensemble. Together, these states enable quantum information to be written, stored, retrieved, and read out with high fidelity. The researchers demonstrated this with a complete operational cycle, achieving a storage fidelity of nearly 69% and a coherence time exceeding 130 microseconds. This is a major step forward for quantum dots as scalable quantum nodes. -- "This breakthrough is a testament to the power many-body physics can have in transforming quantum devices," said Mete Atatüre, co-lead author of the study and Professor of Physics at the Cavendish Laboratory. "By overcoming long-standing limitations, we've shown how quantum dots can serve as multi-qubit nodes, paving the way for quantum networks with applications in communication and distributed computing. In the 2025 International Year of Quantum, this work also highlights the innovative strides being made at the Cavendish Laboratory toward realising the promise of quantum technologies." -- The work represents a unique marriage of semiconductor physics, quantum optics, and quantum information theory. The researchers utilised advanced control techniques to polarise nuclear spins in gallium arsenide (GaAs) quantum dots, creating a low-noise environment for robust quantum operations. -- "By applying quantum feedback techniques and leveraging the remarkable uniformity of GaAs quantum dots, we've overcome long-standing challenges caused by uncontrolled nuclear magnetic interactions," explained Dorian Gangloff, co-lead author of the project and Associate Professor of Quantum Technology. "This breakthrough not only establishes quantum dots as operational quantum nodes but also unlocks a powerful platform to explore new many-body physics and emergent quantum phenomena." -- Looking ahead, the Cambridge team aims to extend the time their quantum register can store information to tens of milliseconds by improving their control techniques. These improvements would make quantum dots suitable as intermediate quantum memories in quantum repeaters -- critical components for connecting distant quantum computers. This ambitious goal is the focus of their new QuantERA grant, MEEDGARD, a collaboration with Linz and other European partners, to advance quantum memory technologies with quantum dots. Their current research was supported by EPSRC, the European Union, the US Office of Naval Research, and the Royal Society.	A01 T01	1,716
2505-E031	National Renewable Targets Could Stabilize Electricity Prices Across Europe By Reducing Gas Reliance	A new study from the University of Cambridge forecasts that meeting national targets for solar and wind energy could significantly reduce electricity price volatility across Europe. By cutting dependency on natural gas, electricity price spikes are expected to decrease by an average of 20% in 29 countries by 2030. The UK and Ireland are projected to benefit the most, experiencing reductions in price volatility of 44% and 43%, respectively. The findings highlight the potential economic advantages of embracing renewable energy sources.	University of Cambridge	Nature Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	It's no secret that there is a mental health crisis in the United States. As of 2021, 8.3% adults had major depressive disorder (MDD) and 19.1% had anxiety disorders (AD), and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these statistics. Despite the high prevalence of AD/MDD, diagnosis and treatment rates remain low -- 36.9% for AD and 61.0% for MDD -- due to a variety of social, perceptual, and structural barriers. Automated screening tools can help. -- In JASA Express Letters, published on behalf of the Acoustical Society of America by AIP Publishing, researchers developed machine learning tools that screen for comorbid AD/MDD using acoustic voice signals extracted from a one-minute verbal fluency test. -- The group comprises researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. -- "This research was inspired by the observation that individuals with anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder often face delays in diagnosis and treatment. The discovery of voice signals mirroring various psychiatric, neurological, upper-gastrointestinal, and other health conditions encouraged further investigation of AD/MDD," said author Mary Pietrowicz. -- AD, MDD, and comorbid AD/MDD have different acoustic signatures. -- Comorbid AD/MDD can be particularly challenging to identify, since the acoustic markers of AD and MDD often oppose one another. -- "Much of the existing research overlooks these distinctions and fails to address the unique characteristics of comorbid AD/MDD," said Pietrowicz. -- Pietrowicz and her team spoke to female participants with and without comorbid AD/MDD. -- The participants were recorded using a secure telehealth platform and were given a semantic verbal fluency test, in which they were required to name as many animals as possible within a time limit. -- The team extracted acoustic and phonemic features from the recordings of animal names and applied machine learning technique to distinguish subjects with and without comorbid AD/MDD.	C01	1,717
2505-E051	Copper Nano-Flowers Attached To Artificial Leaves Create Clean Fuels And Chemicals	Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of California, Berkeley, have engineered tiny copper 'nano-flowers' attached to an artificial leaf for producing clean hydrocarbons powered by sunlight. This innovative approach converts carbon dioxide into essential hydrocarbons, which are typically derived from fossil fuels, without generating additional carbon emissions. The research marks a significant step toward sustainable production methods in energy and manufacturing, utilizing advanced catalytic processes that mimic natural photosynthesis.	University of Cambridge	Nat Catal	Press Rel	PubMed	A new IIASA study shows why gender equality trends should be central when planning how societies adapt to and mitigate climate change. A society where women have little access to decision-making or finance or have less education, will be ill-equipped to find and implement solutions, ranging from concrete measures like irrigation or crop rotation, to behavior shifts and engineering the energy transition. We need to ask the "what-if" questions related to progress towards equality or deterioration of inequality. One thing is clear: gender inequality will have a high price if neglected. -- Published in Nature Climate Change, the study takes a deep dive into the scenarios that underpin our understanding of climate risks and shows how understanding trajectories of gender equality is integral to understanding societies' development pathways under climate change. The findings highlight that equal access to education, jobs, and financial services is key for effective implementation of solutions. -- "The link between gender equality and climate action is so far reaching but has traditionally been neglected in mainstream climate research, especially in relation to mitigation," said lead author Marina Andrijevic, a researcher in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program. "Ensuring that women have equal opportunities in decision-making, the labor force, and higher education across all disciplines makes the energy transition easier and more just." -- A key aspect of the study focuses on the link between climate change mitigation and gender inequality. The shift away from fossil fuels has different effects on different groups. For example, industries like coal mining have been male dominated, with women playing supportive roles in unpaid or informal labor. Moving towards renewable energy presents an opportunity to change this dynamic. With well-planned policies, more women can enter the workforce, and care work can be more evenly distributed, ensuring fairer working conditions for everyone in a cleaner economy. -- "Our work was inspired by growing evidence that when women lack opportunities, from access to primary schooling to having a say at top levels of government, it weakens the ability of entire societies to respond to crises, such as climate change," Andrijevic says. "By exploring different possible futures, we highlight how social progress plays a crucial role in shaping climate resilience." -- The authors point out how social norms can also lead to specific challenges for adaptation. For example, women face unique challenges, such as risks to maternal health, undernutrition during droughts, and exposure to diseases while collecting water. At the same time, they are deprived of access to different resources that hamper their adaptive capacity. Meanwhile, men are more likely to suffer from floods and storms, experience work-related heat stress, or face depression and suicide due to drought-related economic hardship. -- Understanding the relationship between these differential risks and gender inequality is crucial for understanding how hotspots of vulnerability to climate-related risks could be best targeted. -- The authors emphasize that to fully understand the challenges ahead and what societal capacity is for responding to crises such as climate change, we must study how societies will evolve. They highlight the importance of imagining different possible futures: both those where fairness and opportunity are central, and those of deepening inequalities. -- The authors have received funding and support from the SPARCCLE project (grant agreement no. 101081364) under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and the European Research Council Consolidator Grant POPCLIMA (grant agreement no. 101002973), also funded by Horizon Europe.	H01 C01 T01	1,718
2507-E009	Experts Urge Global Action To Address Biodiversity Leak Crisis	Researchers are urging global recognition of the "biodiversity leak," where conservation efforts in one area shift harmful activities elsewhere, potentially worsening species declines. Their analysis suggests that certain rewilding efforts may have unintended negative impacts on global biodiversity, disrupting established practices in conservation strategies.	University of Cambridge	University of Cambridge	Press Rel	PubMed	Some efforts to preserve or rewild natural habitats are shifting harmful land use to other parts of the world -- and this could drive an even steeper decline in the planet's species, according to a team of conservation scientists and economists led by the University of Cambridge. -- Researchers from over a dozen institutions worldwide have come together to call on the global community to acknowledge the "biodiversity leak": the displacement of nature-damaging human activities caused by ringfencing certain areas for protection or restoration. -- They argue that rewilding productive farmland or forestry in industrialised nations that have low levels of biodiversity may do more harm than good on a planetary scale. -- Exploratory analysis by the team suggests that reclaiming typical UK cropland for nature may be five times more damaging for global biodiversity than the benefit it provides local species, due to the displacement of production to more biodiverse regions. -- While this "leakage" has been known about for decades, it is largely neglected in biodiversity conservation, say the researchers. They argue it undermines actions ranging from establishing new nature reserves to the EU's environmental policies. -- Writing in the journal Science, the experts point out that even the UN's landmark Global Biodiversity Framework -- aiming for 30% of the world's land and seas to be conserved -- makes no mention of the leakage problem. -- "As nations in temperate regions such as Europe conserve more land, the resulting shortfalls in food and wood production will have to be made up somewhere," said Prof Andrew Balmford from the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology. -- "Much of this is likely to happen in more biodiverse but often less well-regulated parts of the world, such as Africa and South America. Areas of much greater importance for nature are likely to pay the price for conservation efforts in wealthy nations unless we work to fix this leak." -- "The first thing we need to do is collectively acknowledge that these leaks exist," said co-author Prof Brendan Fisher from the University of Vermont. "If protesting a logging concession in the US increases demand for pulp from the tropics, then we are unlikely to be helping biodiversity." -- Co-author Dr Ben Balmford of the University of Exeter said: "This issue demands far greater attention from a sector that seeks to shape how 30% of an ever hungrier and more connected planet is managed."	A01 H01 N01 N02	1,719
2507-E022	Solar Reactor Converts Atmospheric CO2 Into Sustainable Fuel	Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created a solar-powered reactor that directly captures carbon dioxide from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel. Unlike traditional carbon capture methods, this innovative technology eliminates the need for fossil fuels and can generate useful products, presenting an efficient and environmentally friendly solution to combat climate change.	University of Cambridge	University of Cambridge	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a reactor that pulls carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuel, using sunlight as the power source. -- The researchers, from the University of Cambridge, say their solar-powered reactor could be used to make fuel to power cars and planes, or the many chemicals and pharmaceuticals products we rely on. It could also be used to generate fuel in remote or off-grid locations. -- Unlike most carbon capture technologies, the reactor developed by the Cambridge researchers does not require fossil-fuel-based power, or the transport and storage of carbon dioxide, but instead converts atmospheric CO2 into something useful using sunlight. The results are reported in the journal Nature Energy. -- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has been touted as a possible solution to the climate crisis, and has recently received £22bn in funding from the UK government. However, CCS is energy-intensive and there are concerns about the long-term safety of storing pressurised CO2 deep underground, although safety studies are currently being carried out. -- "Aside from the expense and the energy intensity, CCS provides an excuse to carry on burning fossil fuels, which is what caused the climate crisis in the first place," said Professor Erwin Reisner, who led the research. "CCS is also a non-circular process, since the pressurised CO2 is, at best, stored underground indefinitely, where it's of no use to anyone." -- "What if instead of pumping the carbon dioxide underground, we made something useful from it?" said first author Dr Sayan Kar from Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry. "CO2 is a harmful greenhouse gas, but it can also be turned into useful chemicals without contributing to global warming." -- The focus of Reisner's research group is the development of devices that convert waste, water and air into practical fuels and chemicals. These devices take their inspiration from photosynthesis: the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. The devices don't use any outside power: no cables, no batteries -- all they need is the power of the sun. -- The team's newest system takes CO2 directly from the air and converts it into syngas: a key intermediate in the production of many chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The researchers say their approach, which does not require any transportation or storage, is much easier to scale up than earlier solar-powered devices. -- The device, a solar-powered flow reactor, uses specialised filters to grab CO2 from the air at night, like how a sponge soaks up water. When the sun comes out, the sunlight heats up the captured CO2, absorbing infrared radiation and a semiconductor powder absorbs the ultraviolet radiation to start a chemical reaction that converts the captured CO2 into solar syngas. A mirror on the reactor concentrates the sunlight, making the process more efficient. -- The researchers are currently working on converting the solar syngas into liquid fuels, which could be used to power cars, planes and more -- without adding more CO2 to the atmosphere.	H01 C01 N02 T01	1,720
2508-c013	Re-Wetting UK Peatlands Could Reduce Carbon Emissions From Fires	A new study from the University of Cambridge highlights the critical role of re-wetting peatlands in the UK to mitigate fire-driven carbon emissions and combat climate change. As climate change intensifies wildfire frequency, particularly in carbon-rich peatlands, land managers are urged to maintain wet conditions to reduce emissions. The research underscores the importance of preserving these ecosystems to protect valuable carbon stores and achieve Net Zero targets.	University of Cambridge	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by the University of Cambridge has revealed that as our springs and summers get hotter and drier, the UK wildfire season is being stretched and intensified. More fires, taking hold over more months of the year, are causing more carbon to be released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. -- Fires on peatlands, which are carbon-rich, can almost double global fire-driven carbon emissions. Researchers found that despite accounting for only a quarter of the total UK land area that burns each year, dwarfed by moor and heathland, peatland fires have caused up to 90% of annual UK fire-driven carbon emissions since 2001 -- with emissions spikes in particularly dry years. -- Peat only burns when it's hot and dry enough -- conditions that are occurring more often with climate change. The peatlands of Saddleworth Moor in the Peak District, and Flow Country in northern Scotland, have both been affected by huge wildfires in recent years. -- The researchers say land-managers can play an important role in helping to achieve Net Zero climate goals by keeping peatlands wet. This will reduce the likelihood of intense fires and their associated high carbon emissions. -- Unlike heather moorland which takes up to twenty years to regrow after a fire, burnt peatland can take centuries to reaccumulate. The loss of this valuable carbon store makes the increasing wildfire frequency on peatlands a real cause for concern. -- The researchers also calculated that carbon emissions from fires on UK peatland are likely to rise by at least 60% if the planet warms by 2oC. -- The findings, which are broadly relevant to peatlands in temperate climates, are published today in the journal Environmental Research Letters. -- "We found that peatland fires are responsible for a disproportionately large amount of the carbon emissions caused by UK wildfires, which we project will increase even more with climate change," said Dr Adam Pellegrini in the University of Cambridge's Department of Plant Sciences, senior author of the study. -- He added: "Peatland reaccumulates lost carbon so slowly as it recovers after a wildfire that this process is limited for climate change mitigation. We need to focus on preventing that peat from burning in the first place, by re-wetting peatlands." -- The researchers found that the UK's 'fire season' -- when fires occur on natural land -- has lengthened dramatically since 2011, from between one and four months in the years 2011-2016 to between six and nine months in the years 2017-2021. The change is particularly marked in Scotland, where almost half of all UK fires occur.	C01	1,721
2509-053	Misdiagnosis Of Autoimmune Diseases As Psychosomatic Conditions Harms Patient Trust And Health	A study involving over 3,000 participants highlights the miscommunication between clinicians and patients, leading to autoimmune diseases being misdiagnosed as psychiatric conditions. Researchers emphasize the need for greater awareness and education among healthcare providers to improve understanding and treatment outcomes for patients with autoimmune disorders.	University of Cambridge	Rheumatology	Press Rel	PubMed	A 'chasm of misunderstanding and miscommunication' is often experienced between clinicians and patients, leading to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and vasculitis being wrongly diagnosed as psychiatric or psychosomatic conditions, with a profound and lasting impact on patients, researchers have found. -- A study involving over 3,000 participants -- both patients and clinicians -- found that these misdiagnoses (sometimes termed "in your head" by patients) were often associated with long term impacts on patients' physical health and wellbeing and damaged trust in healthcare services. -- The researchers are calling for greater awareness among clinicians of the symptoms of such diseases, which they recognise can be difficult to diagnose, and for more support for patients. -- Autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and vasculitis are chronic inflammatory disorders that affect the immune system and can damage organs and tissues throughout the body. They can be very difficult to diagnose as people report a wide range of different symptoms, many of which can be invisible, such as extreme fatigue and depression. -- Dr Melanie Sloan from the University of Cambridge led a study exploring patient-reported experiences from two large groups, each of over 1,500 patients, and in-depth interviews with 67 patients and 50 clinicians. The results are published today in Rheumatology. -- Patients who reported that their autoimmune disease was misdiagnosed as psychosomatic or a mental health condition were more likely to experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower mental wellbeing. For example, one patient with multiple autoimmune diseases said: "One doctor told me I was making myself feel pain and I still can't forget those words. Telling me I'm doing it to myself has made me very anxious and depressed." -- More than 80% said it had damaged their self-worth and 72% of patients reported that the misdiagnosis still upset them, often even decades later. Misdiagnosed patients also reported lower levels of satisfaction with every aspect of medical care and were more likely to distrust doctors, downplay their symptoms, and avoid healthcare services. As one patient reported, it "has damaged my trust and courage in telling doctors very much. I even stopped taking my immunosuppressive medicine because of those words." -- Following these types of misdiagnoses, patients often then blamed themselves for their condition, as one individual described: "I don't deserve help because this is a disease I've brought on myself. You go back to those initial diagnosis, you've always got their voices in your head, saying you're doing this to yourself. You just can't ever shake that. I've tried so hard." -- One patient described the traumatising response their doctor's judgement had on them: "When a rheumatologist dismissed me I was already suicidal, this just threw me over the edge. Thankfully I am terrible at killing myself, it's so much more challenging than you think. But the dreadful dismissiveness of doctors when you have a bizarre collection of symptoms is traumatizing and you start to believe them, that it's all in your head." -- Dr Melanie Sloan, from the Department of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Cambridge, said: "Although many doctors were intending to be reassuring in suggesting a psychosomatic or psychiatric cause for initially unexplainable symptoms, these types of misdiagnoses can create a multitude of negative feelings and impacts on lives, self-worth and care. These appear to rarely be resolved even after the correct diagnoses. We must do better at helping these patients heal, and in educating clinicians to consider autoimmunity at an earlier stage."	H02	1,722
2510-004	Scientists Identify Obesity Genes In Labradors And Humans: Diet Can Override Effects	Researchers have identified several genes linked to obesity in both Labradors and humans, emphasizing a specific gene, DENND1B, which impacts energy regulation. While these genes are not immediately viable targets for weight-loss treatments, they underscore the importance of brain pathways in appetite control, providing insights that could lead to better obesity management strategies.	University of Cambridge	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers studying British Labrador retrievers have identified multiple genes associated with canine obesity and shown that these genes are also associated with obesity in humans. -- The dog gene found to be most strongly associated with obesity in Labradors is called DENND1B. Humans also carry the DENND1B gene, and the researchers found that this gene is also linked with obesity in people. -- DENND1B was found to directly affect a brain pathway responsible for regulating the energy balance in the body, called the leptin melanocortin pathway. -- An additional four genes associated with canine obesity, but which exert a smaller effect than DENND1B, were also mapped directly onto human genes. -- "These genes are not immediately obvious targets for weight-loss drugs, because they control other key biological processes in the body that should not be interfered with. But the results emphasise the importance of fundamental brain pathways in controlling appetite and body weight," said Alyce McClellan in the University of Cambridge's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, and joint first author of the report. -- "We found that dogs at high genetic risk of obesity were more interested in food," said Natalie Wallis in the University of Cambridge's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, and joint first author of the report. -- She added: "We measured how much dogs pestered their owners for food and whether they were fussy eaters. Dogs at high genetic risk of obesity showed signs of having higher appetite, as has also been shown for people at high genetic risk of obesity." -- The study found that owners who strictly controlled their dogs' diet and exercise managed to prevent even those with high genetic risk from becoming obese -- but much more attention and effort was required. -- Similarly, people at high genetic risk of developing obesity will not necessarily become obese, if they follow a strict diet and exercise regime -- but they are more prone to weight gain. -- As with human obesity, no single gene determined whether the dogs were prone to obesity; the net effect of multiple genetic variants determined whether dogs were at high or low risk.	H01 R02	1,723
2510-077	Morning Testing: Asthma Diagnosis More Reliable Early In The Day	Researchers discovered that lung function tests for diagnosing asthma yield better results in the morning, becoming less reliable throughout the day. Analyzing data from 1,600 patients, they also found seasonal variations in test accuracy, highlighting the influence of circadian rhythms on asthma diagnostics and emphasizing the need for timing considerations in clinical assessments.	University of Cambridge	Thorax	Press Rel	PubMed	A lung function test used to help diagnose asthma works better in the morning, becoming less reliable throughout the day, Cambridge researchers have found. -- Using real world data from 1,600 patients, available through a database created for speeding up research and innovation, the team also found that its reliability differs significantly in winter compared to autumn. -- Asthma is a common lung condition that can cause wheezing and shortness of breath, occasionally severe. Around 6.5% of people over six years old in the UK are affected by the condition. Treatments include the use of inhalers or nebulisers to carry medication into the lungs. -- The majority of asthma attacks occur at nighttime or early in the morning. Although this may in part be due to cooler nighttime air and exposure to dust mites and allergens, it also suggests that circadian rhythms -- our 'body clocks' -- likely play a role. -- Researchers at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute, a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (RPH), wanted to explore whether these circadian rhythms may also have an impact on our ability to diagnose asthma, using routinely performed clinical testing. -- Typically, people with suspected asthma will be offered a spirometry test, which involves taking a deep breath in, then breathing out hard and fast for as long as possible into a tube to assess lung function. They will then be administered the drug salbutamol via an inhaler or nebuliser, and shortly afterwards retake the spirometry test. -- Salbutamol works by opening up the airways, so a positive test result -- that is, a difference in readings between the initial and follow-up spirometry tests -- means that the airways must have been narrower or obstructed to begin with, suggesting that the patient could have asthma. -- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) has recently set up the Electronic Patient Record Research and Innovation (ERIN) database so that researchers can access patient data in a secure environment to help in their research and speed up improvements in patient care. -- Using this resource, the Cambridge team analysed data from 1,600 patients referred to CUH between 2016 and 2023, adjusted for factors such as age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, and the severity of the initial impairment in lung function. -- In findings published today in Thorax, the researchers found that starting at 8.30am, with every hour that passed during the working day, the chances of a positive response to the test -- in other words, the patient's lungs responding to treatment, suggesting that they could have asthma -- decreased by 8%.	H01 R01	1,724
2511-042	Two Ancestral Populations Shaped Modern Humans, Revealing New Insights in Evolutionary History	Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that modern humans are descendants of two distinct ancestral populations that diverged approximately 1.5 million years ago before reuniting around 300,000 years ago. This genetic mixing contributed to 80% and 20% of modern humans’ genetic makeup, respectively, challenging the long-standing theory that Homo sapiens evolved from a single lineage in Africa.	University of Cambridge	Nature Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Modern humans descended from not one, but at least two ancestral populations that drifted apart and later reconnected, long before modern humans spread across the globe. -- Using advanced analysis based on full genome sequences, researchers from the University of Cambridge have found evidence that modern humans are the result of a genetic mixing event between two ancient populations that diverged around 1.5 million years ago. About 300,000 years ago, these groups came back together, with one group contributing 80% of the genetic makeup of modern humans and the other contributing 20%. -- For the last two decades, the prevailing view in human evolutionary genetics has been that Homo sapiens first appeared in Africa around 200,000 to 300,000 years ago, and descended from a single lineage. However, these latest results, reported in the journal Nature Genetics, suggest a more complex story. -- "The question of where we come from is one that has fascinated humans for centuries," said first author Dr Trevor Cousins from Cambridge's Department of Genetics. "For a long time, it's been assumed that we evolved from a single continuous ancestral lineage, but the exact details of our origins are uncertain." -- "Our research shows clear signs that our evolutionary origins are more complex, involving different groups that developed separately for more than a million years, then came back to form the modern human species," said co-author Professor Richard Durbin, also from the Department of Genetics. -- While earlier research has already shown that Neanderthals and Denisovans -- two now-extinct human relatives -- interbred with Homo sapiens around 50,000 years ago, this new research suggests that long before those interactions -- around 300,000 years ago -- a much more substantial genetic mixing took place. Unlike Neanderthal DNA, which makes up roughly 2% of the genome of non-African modern humans, this ancient mixing event contributed as much as 10 times that amount and is found in all modern humans. -- The team's method relied on analysing modern human DNA, rather than extracting genetic material from ancient bones, and enabled them to infer the presence of ancestral populations that may have otherwise left no physical trace. The data used in the study is from the 1000 Genomes Project, a global initiative that sequenced DNA from populations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. -- The team developed a computational algorithm called cobraa that models how ancient human populations split apart and later merged back together. They tested the algorithm using simulated data and applied it to real human genetic data from the 1000 Genomes Project. -- While the researchers were able to identify these two ancestral populations, they also identified some striking changes that happened after the two populations initially broke apart. -- "Immediately after the two ancestral populations split, we see a severe bottleneck in one of them -- suggesting it shrank to a very small size before slowly growing over a period of one million years," said co-author Professor Aylwyn Scally, also from the Department of Genetics. "This population would later contribute about 80% of the genetic material of modern humans, and also seems to have been the ancestral population from which Neanderthals and Denisovans diverged."	Z01	1,725
2511-E043	Conservation Efforts Show Promise Amid Ongoing Biodiversity Crisis	A comprehensive review of over 67,000 animal species underscores the ongoing biodiversity crisis while highlighting the effectiveness of targeted conservation efforts in preventing extinctions. Drawing on data from the IUCN Red List, the study reveals that although 28% of assessed species face threats, successful conservation initiatives can reverse declines. This research emphasizes the urgent need for continued action to preserve global biodiversity and showcases the potential for positive outcomes through informed conservation strategies.	University of Cambridge	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A major review of over 67,000 animal species has found that while the natural world continues to face a biodiversity crisis, targeted conservation efforts are helping bring many species back from the brink of extinction. -- The study draws on data from the IUCN Red List, the world's largest database of species conservation status. -- The researchers say their results, reported in the journal PLOS Biology, highlight both the successes and the need for urgent action. -- The world is facing a global biodiversity crisis, with 28% of more than 160,000 assessed species threatened with extinction, and an estimated one million species facing this fate due to human activities. -- However, conservation measures can be successful, if there is concrete evidence about what works. -- The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge with the IUCN, BirdLife International, and Oxford and Durham Universities, used Red List data to assess whether conservation measures had been put in place, and whether those actions had a positive impact on a given species' conservation status. -- "We found that almost all the species that have moved from a more threatened category to a less threatened category have benefitted from some sort of conservation measures," said lead author Ashley Simkins, a PhD candidate in Cambridge's Department of Zoology. -- "It's a strong signal that conservation works." -- While there is no 'one size fits all' solution, the researchers observed some connections between conservation success stories. -- Many of these species live in isolated areas, such as islands, where intensive conservation efforts -- such as habitat protection, captive breeding and reintroductions -- can be fully implemented.	C01 N01 N02 T01	1,726
2511-T002	Twisted Light In Organic Semiconductors Could Revolutionize Electronics	A collaborative team of researchers has addressed a longstanding challenge in organic semiconductors by developing a new type that allows electrons to spiral, enhancing efficiency in various electronic applications. Their findings could significantly improve OLED displays and advance technologies like spintronics and quantum computing. This innovative semiconductor’s ability to emit circularly polarized light opens exciting avenues in both consumer electronics and cutting-edge scientific research, as reported in Science.	University of Cambridge	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have advanced a decades-old challenge in the field of organic semiconductors, opening new possibilities for the future of electronics. -- The researchers, led by the University of Cambridge and the Eindhoven University of Technology, have created an organic semiconductor that forces electrons to move in a spiral pattern, which could improve the efficiency of OLED displays in television and smartphone screens, or power next-generation computing technologies such as spintronics and quantum computing. -- The semiconductor they developed emits circularly polarised light -- meaning the light carries information about the 'handedness' of electrons. The internal structure of most inorganic semiconductors, like silicon, is symmetrical, meaning electrons move through them without any preferred direction. -- However, in nature, molecules often have a chiral (left- or right-handed) structure: like human hands, chiral molecules are mirror images of one another. Chirality plays an important role in biological processes like DNA formation, but it is a difficult phenomenon to harness and control in electronics. -- But by using molecular design tricks inspired by nature, the researchers were able to create a chiral semiconductor by nudging stacks of semiconducting molecules to form ordered right-handed or left-handed spiral columns. Their results are reported in the journal Science. -- One promising application for chiral semiconductors is in display technology. Current displays often waste a significant amount of energy due to the way screens filter light. The chiral semiconductor developed by the researchers naturally emits light in a way that could reduce these losses, making screens brighter and more energy-efficient. -- "When I started working with organic semiconductors, many people doubted their potential, but now they dominate display technology," said Professor Sir Richard Friend from Cambridge's Cavendish Laboratory, who co-led the research. "Unlike rigid inorganic semiconductors, molecular materials offer incredible flexibility -- allowing us to design entirely new structures, like chiral LEDs. It's like working with a Lego set with every kind of shape you can imagine, rather than just rectangular bricks." -- The semiconductor is based on a material called triazatruxene (TAT) that self-assembles into a helical stack, allowing electrons to spiral along its structure, like the thread of a screw. -- "When excited by blue or ultraviolet light, self-assembled TAT emits bright green light with strong circular polarisation -- an effect that has been difficult to achieve in semiconductors until now," said co-first author Marco Preuss, from the Eindhoven University of Technology. "The structure of TAT allows electrons to move efficiently while affecting how light is emitted." -- By modifying OLED fabrication techniques, the researchers successfully incorporated TAT into working circularly polarised OLEDs (CP-OLEDs). These devices showed record-breaking efficiency, brightness, and polarisation levels, making them the best of their kind.	C01 N02	1,727
2511-T007	Phosphorene Nanoribbons Combine Magnetic And Semiconducting Properties At Room Temperature	A recent study from the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that phosphorene nanoribbons possess both magnetic and semiconducting properties at room temperature, presenting a new avenue for quantum technologies. This groundbreaking research challenges existing classifications of magnetic semiconductors and explores how these unique materials can interact with light. The findings could pave the way for advancements in electronic devices and quantum computing applications, as published in Nature.	University of Cambridge	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, researchers have demonstrated that phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) exhibit both magnetic and semiconducting properties at room temperature. The research, led by the University of Cambridge with international colleagues, establishes PNRs as a unique class of low-dimensional materials that challenges conventional views on magnetic semiconductors, and could provide a stepping stone to unlocking new quantum technologies. -- Scientists have long suspected that phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) -- thin pieces of black phosphorus, only a few nanometres wide -- might exhibit unique magnetic and semiconducting properties, but proving this has been difficult. -- In a recent study published in Nature, researchers focused on exploring the potential for magnetic and semiconducting characteristics of these nanoribbons. -- Using techniques such as ultrafast magneto-optical spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance they were able to demonstrate the magnetic behaviour of PNRs at room temperature, and show how these magnetic properties can interact with light. -- The study, carried out at the Cavendish Laboratory in collaboration with other institutes including the University of Warwick, University College London, Freie Universität Berlin and the European High Magnetic Field lab in Nijmegen, revealed several key findings about phosphorene nanoribbons. -- Remarkably, these nanoribbons exhibit macroscopic magnetic properties at room temperature. -- Under relatively weak magnetic fields (<1T) they surprisingly stand at attention in solution almost like iron filings arrange themselves around a magnet. -- Furthermore, when in thin films they can display macroscopic magnetic behaviour akin only to that of classic magnetic metals such as iron and nickel. -- "Most excitingly, we discovered that in addition to these magnetic properties, PNRs host excited states on the magnetic edge of the nanoribbon, where it interacts with atomic vibrations (phonons) that are normally not allowed by the material's bulk symmetries," said Arjun Ashoka, Junior Research Fellow at Trinity College and the first author of the paper "This unusual interaction allows PNRs to uniquely couple magnetic, optical and vibrational properties on its one-dimensional edge." . -- "For years we've explored and utilised the devilish yet benevolent 2D surfaces of 3D materials, from catalysis to device physics. With these new nanoribbons we've hopefully unlocked access to new physics on the 1-dimensional analogue of a 2D surface: an edge."	N02 T01	1,728
2512-081	AI Achieves 97% Accuracy In Diagnosing Celiac Disease From Biopsy Results	A machine learning algorithm developed by Cambridge scientists has shown remarkable accuracy in diagnosing Celiac disease from biopsy samples. Trained on thousands of scanned biopsies, this AI tool could streamline the diagnostic process, relieve pressure on healthcare resources, and significantly improve outcomes, especially in areas with a shortage of pathologists.	University of Cambridge	NEJM AI	Press Rel	PubMed	A machine learning algorithm developed by Cambridge scientists was able to correctly identify in 97 cases out of 100 whether or not an individual had coeliac disease based on their biopsy, new research has shown. -- The AI tool, which has been trained on almost 3,400 scanned biopsies from four NHS hospitals, could speed up diagnosis of the condition and take pressure off stretched healthcare resources, as well as improving diagnosis in developing nations, where shortages of pathologists are severe. -- Digital tools that can speed up or even automate analysis of diagnostic tests are beginning to show real promise for reducing the demands on pathologists. A large amount of this work has focused on the detection of cancer, but researchers are beginning to look at opportunities to diagnose other types of disease. -- One condition being looked at by scientists at the University of Cambridge is coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease trigged by consuming gluten. It causes symptoms that include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, skin rashes, weight loss, fatigue and anaemia. Because symptoms vary so much between individuals, patients often have difficulty in receiving an accurate diagnosis. -- The gold standard for diagnosing coeliac disease is via a biopsy of the duodenum (part of the small intestine). Pathologists will then analyse the sample under a microscope or on a computer to look for damage to the villi, tiny hair-like projections that line the inside of the small intestine. -- Interpreting biopsies, which often have subtle changes, can be subjective. Pathologists use a classification system known as the Marsh-Oberhuber scale to judge the severity of a case, ranging from zero (the villi are normal and the patient is unlikely to have the disease) to four (the villi are completely flattened). -- In research published today in the New England Journal of Medicine AI, Cambridge researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to classify biopsy image data. The algorithm was trained and tested on a large-scale, diverse dataset consisting of over 4,000 images obtained from five different hospitals using five different scanners from four different companies. -- Senior author Professor Elizabeth Soilleux from the Department of Pathology and Churchill College, University of Cambridge, said: "Coeliac disease affects as many as one in 100 people and can cause serious illness, but getting a diagnosis is not straightforward. It can take many years to receive an accurate diagnosis, and at a time of intense pressures on healthcare systems, these delays are likely to continue. AI has the potential to speed up this process, allowing patients to receive a diagnosis faster, while at the same time taking pressure off NHS waiting lists." -- The team tested their algorithm on an independent data set of almost 650 images from a previously unseen source. Based on comparisons with the original pathologists' diagnoses, the researchers showed that the model was correct in its diagnosis in more than 97 cases out of 100. -- The model had a sensitivity of over 95% -- meaning that it correctly identified more than 95 cases out of 100 individuals who had coeliac disease. It also had a specificity of almost 98% -- meaning that it correctly identified in nearly 98 cases out of 100 individuals who did not have coeliac disease.	H01 R01 T01	1,729
2501-E022	Climate Change Fuels Invasive Moth Outbreaks In North American Forests	Recent computer modeling predicts that climate change will exacerbate the spread of invasive spongy moths in North America, primarily due to the decline of a fungus that normally controls their population. This research highlights the need to understand species interactions in ecosystems, as slight changes can lead to significant impacts on multiple organisms, emphasizing the complexity of climate change's effects.	University of Chicago	Nature Climate Change	Press Rel	PubMed	Computer models developed by the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory predict that hotter, drier conditions in North America will limit the growth of a fungus that normally curbs the spread of the spongy moth, an invasive species that has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests. -- The research, published in Nature Climate Change, emphasizes the importance of accounting for multiple organisms and their interactions when predicting the potential impacts of climate change, as warmer temperatures cause unexpected domino effects in ecosystems. -- "The vast majority of previous climate change studies look at individual organisms, but a small amount of climate change can have a big effect when you compound it across multiple species," said Greg Dwyer, PhD, Professor of Ecology and Evolution at UChicago and senior author of the new study. -- "So, computer models are crucial for understanding the effects of climate change on species interactions." -- Small changes lead to big impacts -- The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) was first introduced to the hardwood forests of New England in 1869. -- Native to Europe, female moths lay eggs on surfaces like branches, stacked firewood, and outdoor furniture. -- The eggs tend to come with these objects when people move them, so the insect has spread far from where it was first accidentally released in Massachusetts. -- Spongy moth caterpillars feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs, especially oak trees. -- For decades after their introduction, the caterpillars carved a path of destruction through forests, defoliating and killing trees by the acre.	C01 N02 T01	1,730
2506-T007	Quantum Sound Innovations: Entangling Resonators In A New Frontier Of Research	In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Chicago have achieved high-fidelity entanglement between two separate acoustic wave resonators, advancing the field of quantum sound. While past experiments focused on small particles, this research demonstrates that larger systems can also exhibit entanglement, which is essential for future quantum technologies. The findings, published in Nature Communications, contribute significantly to our understanding of entangled systems and their potential applications.	University of Chicago	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Entanglement -- linking distant particles or groups of particles so that one cannot be described without the other -- is at the core of the quantum revolution changing the face of modern technology. -- While entanglement has been demonstrated in very small particles, new research from the lab of University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) Prof. -- Andrew Cleland is thinking big, demonstrating high-fidelity entanglement between two acoustic wave resonators. -- The paper was published Friday in Nature Communications. -- "A lot of research groups have demonstrated that they can entangle very, very small things down to the single electron. But here we can demonstrate entanglement between two massive objects," said co-first author Ming-Han Chou, a former UChicago PME and Physics doctoral researcher now at the Amazon Web Services Center of Quantum Computing. -- "The second thing we demonstrate in this research is that our platform is scalable. If you can imagine building a big quantum processor, our platform would be like a unit cell within that." -- The entanglement isn't between the molecules, atoms or any other particles that make up the resonators, but between the "phonons" that occupy the resonators. -- These are the nanoscale mechanical vibrations that, were there ears small enough to hear them, would be considered sound. -- "Phonons are quantum particles of sound," said co-first author Hong Qiao, a UChicago PME postdoctoral researcher in Cleland's lab. -- "A phonon is not an elementary particle. It's the collective motion of maybe quadrillions of particles behaving together. This is macroscopic compared to other quantum systems where you are entangling single electrons, single atoms, single photons."	T01	1,731
2506-T013	Texture Innovations Propel Battery Performance To New Heights	A new study highlights the importance of metal texture in battery anode performance, demonstrating that optimizing this attribute can lead to substantial improvements. By introducing a silicon layer between lithium metal and its current collector, researchers achieved ideal grain orientation, enhancing rechargeable battery effectiveness. This innovation, published in the journal Joule, addresses a previously overlooked aspect of battery design, critical for advancing energy storage technology.	University of Chicago	Joule	Press Rel	PubMed	To create the new batteries needed for EVs, mobile devices and renewable energy storage, researchers have explored new materials, new designs, new configurations and new chemistry. -- But one aspect -- the texture of the metals used -- has been historically overlooked. -- "Soft metals like lithium and sodium have excellent properties for being batteries' negative electrodes, with lithium considered as an ultimate anode material for future high-energy rechargeable batteries," said UChicago PME Prof. Shirley Meng, the Liew Family Professor in Molecular Engineering. "There is a gap in understanding the grain orientation, also known as the texture, how such factor impacts the rechargeable metal battery performance." -- A new paper from Meng's Laboratory for Energy Storage and Conversion and industry partner Thermo Fisher Scientific broke through that barrier, demonstrating that improving the metal's texture greatly improved performance. -- The work was published today in the journal Joule. -- "In our work, we discovered that adding a thin layer of silicon between lithium metal and the current collector helps create the desired texture," said UChicago PME Research Assoc. Prof. Minghao Zhang, the first author of the new work. "This change improved the battery's rate capability by nearly ten times in all-solid-state batteries using lithium metal." -- 'Tweaking the texture' -- The ideal texture for a battery anode is one where atoms can quickly move along the surface plane. This fast movement helps the battery charge and discharge faster. -- "We realized that differences in soft metal's surface energy can really change the way it's textured," Zhang said. "Since batteries with lithium or sodium metal rely on these textures for favored rate capability, the team wondered if tweaking the texture of soft metals could improve power densities." -- Researching this required getting past a hurdle in microscopy. To study the material, the group coupled milling within plasma focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (PFIB-SEM) with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping. Together, the two techniques were able to study texture in new ways.	N01 T01	1,732
2507-030	Hydrogel From Malva Nut Perfects Biomedical Applications, Research Shows	University of Chicago researchers have transformed malva nuts, traditionally used in herbal teas, into a hydrogel for medical applications like wound care and ECG readings. This innovative hydrogel, which swells significantly in water, opens doors for sustainable biomedical uses, showcasing the potential of natural materials in healthcare.	University of Chicago	University of Chicago	Press Rel	PubMed	A nut used in herbal tea has become a hydrogel perfect for a variety of biomedical uses in new research from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Engineering (UChicago PME) and UChicago Chemistry Department. -- A paper published today in Mattercreated a malva nut hydrogel for medical uses ranging from wound care to ECG readings. The research doesn't rely on the rumored health benefits of the nuts -- in China, they're known as the sore throat remedy Pangdahai (PDH) -- but for their ability to swell in water. -- "You never saw the fruit from a tree expand in that kind of volume," said first author Changxu Sun, a UChicago PME PhD student. -- Where others saw gooey tea residue, Sun saw possibility. -- "It is a remarkable discovery from a remarkable student," said Sun's principal investigator, University of Chicago Chemistry Prof. Bozhi Tian. "Changxu looked at herbal tea and saw a world of sustainable biomedical applications ready to be built." -- From tea... -- In traditional Chinese medicine, malva nuts are known as Pangdahai, often used in tea as a sore throat remedy, similar to adding ginger or lemon. A sniffling person pops the small, dried nut in hot water and watches the magic unfold. -- "Originally, it's an oval shape one centimeter in width. Once you soak it in the water, it will expand about eight times in volume and 20 times by weight, turning into a gelatinous mass, like a jelly," Sun said. "After you drink the beverage, you're left the jelly as a waste. People usually throw that out." -- For comparison, rice swells by about three times by weight when cooked. Chia seeds swell to 10 times their weight when added to water; the snow fungus used in many Asian soups has a similar rate. -- But the malva nuts' 20-fold increase leaves them all behind. Sun and Tian saw potential in the gelatinous food waste thrown out with yesterday's tea.	H01 T01	1,733
2507-075	Quantum-Inspired Technique Turns Crystal Defects Into High-Capacity Data Storage Devices	University of Chicago researchers have explored a groundbreaking technique to create tiny memory devices from crystal defects, each the size of an atom. This innovative approach, inspired by radiation dosimeters, enables the conversion of millimeter-sized crystals into high-capacity computer memory, potentially transforming the way data is stored and accessed in modern technology.	University of Chicago	University of Chicago	Press Rel	PubMed	From punch card-operated looms in the 1800s to modern cellphones, if an object has an "on" and an "off" state, it can be used to store information. -- In a computer laptop, the binary ones and zeroes are transistors either running at low or high voltage. -- On a compact disc, the one is a spot where a tiny indented "pit" turns to a flat "land" or vice versa, while a zero is when there's no change. -- Historically, the size of the object making the "ones" and "zeroes" has put a limit on the size of the storage device. -- But now, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) researchers have explored a technique to make ones and zeroes out of crystal defects, each the size of an individual atom for classical computer memory applications. -- Their research was published today in Nanophotonics. -- "Each memory cell is a single missing atom -- a single defect," said UChicago PME Asst. -- Prof. Tian Zhong. "Now you can pack terabytes of bits within a small cube of material that's only a millimeter in size." -- The innovation is a true example of UChicago PME's interdisciplinary research, using quantum techniques to revolutionize classical, non-quantum computers and turning research on radiation dosimeters -- most commonly known as the devices that store how much radiation hospital workers absorb from X-ray machines -- into groundbreaking microelectronic memory storage. -- "We found a way to integrate solid-state physics applied to radiation dosimetry with a research group that works strongly in quantum, although our work is not exactly quantum," said first author Leonardo França, a postdoctoral researcher in Zhong's lab.	H02 C01 T01	1,734
2510-T015	Breakthrough 'One-Pot' Technique Revolutionizes Battery Material Synthesis	A new 'one-pot' method developed at the University of Chicago creates both inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes simultaneously, leading to a homogeneous blend that combines conductivity and flexibility. This innovative approach overcomes traditional limitations associated with each type of electrolyte, paving the way for improved battery performance and the potential for more efficient energy storage solutions.	University of Chicago	Chemistry of Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A new technique from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering builds inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes at the same time, in the same vessel. This "one-pot" in-situ method creates a controlled, homogeneous blend, pairing the conductivity of the inorganic solids with the flexibility of the polymers. -- Creating battery electrolytes -- the component that carries the charged particles back and forth between a battery's two terminals -- has always been a tradeoff. -- Solid-state inorganic electrolytes move the particles extremely efficiently, but being solid and inorganic means they're also brittle, hard to work with and difficult to connect seamlessly with the terminals. -- Polymer electrolytes are a dream to work with, but just don't move the charged ions as well. -- Mixing the two to create hybrid electrolytes creates, well, mixed results. -- "There's a dilemma. Is a hybrid the best of both worlds in terms of higher ionic conductivity from the inorganic and good mechanical properties from the polymer, or is it a combination of their worst properties?" said Asst. -- Prof. Chibueze Amanchukwu of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME). -- A new technique from Amanchukwu Lab builds inorganic and polymer electrolytes at the same time, in the same vessel. -- This "one-pot" in-situ method creates a controlled, homogeneous blend, pairing the conductivity of the inorganic solids with the flexibility of the polymers. -- "When you make lithium metal batteries, the in-situ method outperforms the physical mixing method quite substantially," Amanchukwu said.	Z01	1,735
2511-E028	Evolution Of Modern Birds: The Role Of Brain Size And Skull Flexibility	New research explores how the evolution of larger brains in birds led to significant changes in skull mechanics, impacting their feeding strategies and adaptability. This study highlights the relationship between physical changes and functional evolution, providing insights into how birds have diversified into various species with specialized feeding habits.	University of Chicago	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Modern birds are the living relatives of dinosaurs. Take a look at the features of flightless birds like chickens and ostriches that walk upright on two hind legs, or predators like eagles and hawks with their sharp talons and keen eyesight, and the similarities to small theropod dinosaurs like the velociraptors of Jurassic Park fame are striking. -- Yet birds differ from their reptile ancestors in many important ways. -- A turning point in their evolution was the development of larger brains, which in turn led to changes in the size and shape of their skulls. -- New research from the University of Chicago and University of Missouri shows how these physical changes affected the mechanics of the way birds move and use their beaks to eat and explore their habitats -- adaptations that helped them evolve into the extraordinarily diverse winged creatures we see today. -- The benefits of 'wiggly' skulls -- Modern birds, as well as other animals like snakes and fishes, have skulls with jaws and palates that aren't rigid and fixed in place like those in mammals, turtles, or non-avian dinosaurs. -- Alec Wilken, a graduate student in integrative biology at UChicago and lead author of the new study, calls this kind of flexible skull "wiggly." He says this characteristic makes it that much harder to figure out how the pieces work together. -- "Just because you have a joint there, that doesn't mean that you know how it moves," Wilken said. -- "So, you also have to think about how muscles are going to be pulling on the joint, what kind of torque they have, and how other joints in the head limit the mobility." -- Wilken joined the project in 2015 when he was an undergraduate at the University of Missouri.	H01 N02	1,736
2512-002	Special Immune Cells Maintain Balance And Prevent Autoimmune Disorders During Infections	A recent study from the University of Chicago sheds light on a specific population of immune cells that prevent autoimmune responses by regulating the activity of other immune cells. This research enhances our understanding of immune regulation during infections and could lead to new interventions for autoimmune diseases, addressing the crucial task of distinguishing between self and foreign antigens.	University of Chicago	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	During infections, the immune system needs to distinguish foreign antigens that are expressed by invading bacteria and viruses from self-antigens that are expressed by cells of the body. If not, the immune system can mistakenly attack its own cells, causing lasting damage to tissue and potential long-term disease. -- New research from the University of Chicago shows how a specially trained population of immune cells keeps the peace by preventing other immune cells from attacking their own. The study, published in Science, provides a better understanding of immune regulation during infection and could provide a foundation for interventions to prevent or reverse autoimmune diseases. -- Several groups of white blood cells help coordinate immune responses. Dendritic cells take up proteins from foreign pathogens, chop them up into peptides called antigens, and display them on their surface. CD4+ conventional T (Tconv) cells, or helper T cells, inspect the peptides presented by dendritic cells. If the peptides are foreign antigens, the T cells expand in numbers and transform into an activated state, specialized to eradicate the pathogen. If the dendritic cell is carrying a "self-peptide," or peptides from the body's own tissue, the T cells are supposed to lay off. -- During an autoimmune response, the helper T cells don't distinguish between foreign peptide antigens and self-peptides properly and go on the attack no matter what. To prevent this from happening, another group of T cells called CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells, are supposed to intervene and prevent friendly fire from the Tconv cells. -- "You can think of them [Treg cells] as peacekeeper cells," said Pete Savage, PhD, Professor of Pathology at UChicago and senior author of the new study. Tregs obviously do their job well most of the time, but Savage said that it has never been clear how they know when to intervene and prevent helper T cells from starting an autoimmune response, and when to hold back and let them fight an infection. -- So, Savage and his team, led by David Klawon, PhD, a former graduate student in his lab who is now a postdoctoral fellow at MIT, wanted to explore this property of the immune system, known in the field as self-nonself discrimination. T cells are produced in the thymus, a specialized organ of the immune system. During development, Treg cells are trained to recognize specific peptides, including self-peptides from the body. When dendritic cells present a self-peptide, the Treg cells trained to spot them intervene to stop helper T cells from getting triggered. -- This specificity is what Savage's team found makes a crucial difference in self-nonself discrimination. The researchers experimentally depleted Treg cells in mice that were specific to a single self-peptide from the prostate. In healthy mice in the absence of infection, this change did not trigger autoimmunity to the prostate. When the researchers infected mice with a bacterium that expressed the prostate self-peptide, however, the absence of matched, prostate-specific Treg cells triggered prostate-reactive T helper cells and introduced autoimmunity to the prostate. -- Interestingly though, this alteration did not impair the ability of helper T cells to control the bacterial infection by responding to foreign peptides. -- "It's like a doppelganger population of T cells. The CD4 helper cells that could induce disease by attacking the self share an equivalent, matched population of these peacekeeper Treg cells," Savage said. "When we removed Treg cells reactive to a single self-peptide, the T helper cells reactive to that self-peptide were no longer controlled, and they induced autoimmunity." -- The root causes of autoimmune disease are a complex interaction of genetics, the environment, lifestyle, and the immune system. Classic, conventional thinking in the immunology field promoted the idea that the immune system establishes self-nonself discrimination by purging the body of helper T cells that are reactive to self-peptides, thereby preventing autoimmunity. Savage said this study shows that purging is inefficient though, and that specificity matching by Treg cells may be equally as important.	R01	1,737
2512-017	Revolutionary Findings Challenge Old Beliefs About How Memory Is Formed And Reshaped	Recent findings from the University of Chicago challenge traditional views on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory. The study indicates that new rules overseeing how synapses change in response to neuronal activity are more influential in memory storage than previously understood, providing deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying learning and memory formation.	University of Chicago	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	As animals experience new things, the connections between neurons, called synapses, strengthen or weaken in response to events and the activity they cause in the brain. Neuroscientists believe that synaptic plasticity, as these changes are called, plays an important role in storing memories. -- However, the rules governing when and how much synapses change are not well understood. -- The traditional view is that the more two neurons fire together, the stronger their connection becomes; when they fire separately, their connection weakens. -- New research from the University of Chicago on the hippocampus, a brain area essential for memory, suggests that this is not the whole story. -- Other rules of synaptic plasticity appear to have a bigger effect and better explain how brain activity continually reshapes the way memories are recorded in the brain. -- Patterns of activity and their neuronal representations change a lot as an animal becomes more familiar with a new environment or experience. -- Surprisingly, those patterns keep evolving even once something is learned, albeit more slowly. -- "When you go into a room, it's new at first but it quickly becomes familiar to you every time you come back," said Mark Sheffield, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurobiology and the Neuroscience Institute at UChicago and senior author of the new study published in Nature Neuroscience. "So, you might expect that neuronal activity representing that room would settle and become stable, but it continues to change. -- "These changes in representation, during learning and after, must be driven by synaptic plasticity, but what kind of plasticity exactly? It's hard to know, because we don't have the technology to measure that directly in behaving animals," he said. -- Shifting place cells	H02 R02 N01 T01	1,738
2502-064	Neuroprosthetics Allow Users To Feel Shapes And Movements With Bionic Hands	Researchers from the University of Chicago have made significant strides in neuroprosthetic technology, enabling bionic hands to replicate tactile sensations. By employing direct electrical stimulation of the brain, this innovative approach aims to restore the sense of touch for prosthetic users, enhancing their ability to perform everyday tasks without relying solely on vision.	University of Chicago Medical Center	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	You can probably complete an amazing number of tasks with your hands without looking at them. But if you put on gloves that muffle your sense of touch, many of those simple tasks become frustrating. Take away proprioception -- your ability to sense your body's relative position and movement -- and you might even end up breaking an object or injuring yourself. -- "Most people don't realize how often they rely on touch instead of vision -- typing, walking, picking up a flimsy cup of water," said Charles Greenspon, PhD, a neuroscientist at the University of Chicago. -- "If you can't feel, you have to constantly watch your hand while doing anything, and you still risk spilling, crushing or dropping objects." -- Greenspon and his research collaborators recently published papers in Nature Biomedical Engineering and Science documenting major progress on a technology designed to address precisely this problem: direct, carefully timed electrical stimulation of the brain that can recreate tactile feedback to give nuanced "feeling" to prosthetic hands. -- The science of restoring sensation -- These new studies build on years of collaboration among scientists and engineers at UChicago, the University of Pittsburgh, Northwestern University, Case Western Reserve University and Blackrock Neurotech. -- Together they are designing, building, implementing and refining brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) and robotic prosthetic arms aimed at restoring both motor control and sensation in people who have lost significant limb function. -- On the UChicago side, the research was led by neuroscientist Sliman Bensmaia, PhD, until his unexpected passing in 2023. -- The researchers' approach to prosthetic sensation involves placing tiny electrode arrays in the parts of the brain responsible for moving and feeling the hand. -- On one side, a participant can move a robotic arm by simply thinking about movement, and on the other side, sensors on that robotic limb can trigger pulses of electrical activity called intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) in the part of the brain dedicated to touch.	Z01	1,739
2502-090	Mosquito-Borne Diseases Persist During Droughts: Understanding Survival Strategies Of Mosquitoes	Research indicates that mosquitoes can endure droughts by relying on blood meals, explaining the persistence of mosquito-borne diseases even during dry spells. This adaptability allows mosquito populations to rebound quickly after rainfall, raising concerns about increased disease transmission in changing climates, according to findings from a study conducted by biologists at the University of Cincinnati.	University of Cincinnati	iScience	Press Rel	PubMed	Mosquitoes can survive prolonged droughts by drinking blood, which helps to explain how their populations quickly rebound when it finally rains, biologists at the University of Cincinnati said. -- UC postdoctoral researcher Christopher Holmes led a study examining how two species of mosquito known for infecting people with diseases such as malaria were able to survive nearly three weeks without rain. -- The findings could help explain why the incidence of infection from mosquito-borne illness does not always decline during droughts. While there may be fewer mosquitoes, those that survive bite more often. -- "We're finding that mosquitoes bite people more than we imagined, unfortunately," Holmes said. -- And mosquitoes appear to be benefiting from climate change as winters get warmer, Holmes said. -- The study was published in the journal iScience. -- Holmes said under favorable conditions, female mosquitoes draw blood from a host to fuel egg production. About four days later, the mosquitoes lay their eggs and seek another blood meal to repeat the process. -- But during droughts, mosquitoes will supplement their initial blood meal by feeding again and again to stay hydrated in the days before laying eggs. And this could give mosquitoes more opportunity to spread diseases like dengue fever, Zika or malaria, he said. -- "Everyone is under the assumption that during drought there are fewer mosquitoes and less opportunity to spread mosquito-borne illness. But the modeling doesn't necessarily show that," co-author and UC Professor Joshua Benoit said. -- The study examined mosquitoes that were genetically altered to impair particular senses such as the ability to detect carbon dioxide, key to finding people or animals to bite. They also impaired some mosquitoes' ability to sense changing humidity levels.	R01 C01 N01	1,740
2505-037	AI Innovations Aim To Simplify And Fairly Value Telehealth Billing For Doctors	The rise of telehealth services poses unique challenges for billing practices, as existing models fail to equitably reflect the varying levels of medical expertise. Researchers are addressing this issue by using artificial intelligence to develop a fairer billing system that recognizes the complexities of telehealth. The study emphasizes that adjusting compensation models could lead to better outcomes for both physicians and patients, ensuring that experienced providers are valued appropriately for their expertise.	University of Cincinnati	Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Maternal stress could leave epigenetic imprints on genes in the placenta associated with cortisol -- a necessary hormone for fetal development -- and this would affect the baby's development from very early stages, as stated in a paper published in the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology. The study suggests that a mother's emotional wellbeing during pregnancy is not only important for her, but could also influence the future health of her baby. -- The study is led by Lourdes Fañanás, professor at the Faculty of Biology and the Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) of the University of Barcelona. -- She is group leader of the Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM) area. -- The study is also led by Elisabeth Binder, from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich (Germany). The paper includes the collaboration of the Rare Diseases area Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERER) and the experts Elisenda Eixarch and Fátima Crispi, who are also researchers at CIBERER and at the UB's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, BCNatal (IRSJD and Hospital Clínic -- IDIBAPS). -- The placenta is an essential organ during pregnancy, as it not only provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, but also responds to factors such as maternal stress and helps the fetus adapt to its environment. -- However, the mechanisms by which the placenta adjusts to these stressors and how it influences fetal development remain largely unexplored. -- The research team observed that maternal stress may leave epigenetic marks on certain placental genes. -- Specifically, these marks do not modify the genetic structure, but they do alter its function. -- The study identified epigenetic changes in genes related to the regulation of cortisol, an essential hormone in the body's response to stress. -- Supporting women from the very first stages of pregnancy	A01 T01	1,741
2507-E060	Chlorine Combined With UV Light Effectively Degrades Harmful Algae Toxins	Researchers have identified a promising method to enhance public drinking water safety by utilizing a combination of chlorine and ultraviolet light to degrade harmful toxins produced by blue-green algae blooms. This innovative approach addresses the growing challenge of managing toxins in drinking water, particularly as harmful algal blooms become more frequent due to environmental factors.	University of Cincinnati	University of Cincinnati	Press Rel	PubMed	Treatment plants use a combination of tools to keep toxins and contaminants out of drinking water. -- Researchers with the University of Cincinnati examined two such tools in addressing a toxin produced by harmful algae blooms, which are becoming increasingly common in waters around the world. -- Blue green algae can reproduce en masse in waters laden with nitrogen, phosphorus or other excess nutrients. -- These algae "blooms" also can form when water levels drop during droughts or when bottom sediments heavy with nutrients get churned up in a storm, said Minghao Kong, a doctoral graduate of UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science. -- When the blue green algae bloom and die, they release toxins into the water that can be harmful or even lethal to people and pets, Kong said. -- "Boiling the water or even filtering it won't help because that doesn't remove the toxins, which target your liver," he said. -- Kong now studies environmental health at Emory University. He is lead author of a paper published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology examining the benefits of one particular water treatment method. -- "Cyanotoxins are not a new phenomenon on Earth. In fact, there is speculation that dinosaurs, whose fossils were discovered near water sources in Madagascar, may have been killed by toxins produced by prehistoric harmful algal blooms," Kong said. -- Often, these algae blooms produce toxins in extremely dangerous levels as was observed in Clear Lake, California, in 2014 and in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, in 2021, prompting advisories warning residents not to drink their water and that boiling tapwater would provide no health protection. -- In the lab of the late UC Professor Dionysios Dionysiou, Kong and his co-authors examined the combination of ultraviolet light and chlorine to detoxify water laden with toxins from cyanobacteria.	A01 N02	1,742
2509-079	White Blood Cells Use Forceful Tactics To Combat Bacterial Infections	A professor at UC Hoxworth is investigating how white blood cells eliminate pathogens through a process called phagocytosis, where integrin proteins help adhere to and remove invaders. This research leverages advanced imaging techniques to understand the cellular mechanisms involved in immune responses, emphasizing the potential for breakthroughs in medical applications, particularly in immunology and infectious disease treatments.	University of Cincinnati	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A vivid new image is taking shape in the world of cell biology: Imagine bacteria adhering to the surface of a cell, perhaps at the site of an injury or wound. In response, a white blood cell arrives at the scene. This cell encircles the pathogen with its membrane, forming a tight, constricting ring. With remarkable force, the white blood cell yanks the pathogen off the wound's surface. The white blood cell then engulfs the pathogen in a process called phagocytosis, in which it "eats" the foreign invader to neutralize it. -- This dramatic process might sound like something out of a science fiction story. -- "But it's precisely what occurs inside our bodies," said Xuefeng Wang, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati's Hoxworth Blood Center. -- One key player in this process is integrin, a protein found on the surface of cells that facilitates adhesion, helping them stick to other surfaces. In this scenario, integrin is what the white blood cell actively works against when it pulls the pathogen away from the wound. -- Wang's biomedical research lab at Hoxworth focuses on understanding integrin and its role in cell biology. Notably, Hoxworth is the only blood center in the United States that houses an academic research arm, and Wang is one of two research professors on Hoxworth's team. -- Thanks to his work, Wang is now the recipient of a five-year, $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding will support his lab's ongoing research into blood platelets and macrophages (a type of white blood cell). He will further investigate how integrin tension -- the physical force exerted by this protein -- influences cell function. Wang will also delve into how this force affects platelet behavior, particularly in the formation of clots to stop bleeding during injuries. -- Wang is the corresponding author of a study published recently in Nature Communications. The study highlights the newly discovered mechanism by which white blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria that stick to human tissues. Once detached, the white blood cells engulf and consume the pathogens. -- This study was led by Wang, with Subhankar Kundu, a postdoctoral research fellow in his lab, serving as the first author. The research team also included Kaushik Pal and Arghajit Pyne, two other postdoctoral fellows in Wang's lab. Their collective work has far-reaching implications. -- For example, consider the impact of environmental pollutants such as dust or smoke when they enter the lungs. These particles can adhere to lung tissue, and macrophages -- the white blood cells responsible for cleaning up such intruders -- are tasked with removing them. Macrophages dislodge the pollutants from the lung tissue and then ingest them, preventing harm to the respiratory system. -- Looking ahead, Wang is hopeful that his research will contribute to the development of pharmaceuticals designed to enhance the ability of white blood cells to effectively target and neutralize pathogens.	A01 R01 T01	1,743
2509-E037	New Insights Reveal How Alcohols Harm Microbes During Biomass Fermentation	A team from the University of Cincinnati and Oak Ridge National Laboratory has made headway in understanding why alcohol produced during fermentation can be toxic to microbes. Their research on microbial responses during butanol fermentation can provide insights to overcome the limitations of biofuel production, potentially enhancing sustainable energy generation through better fermentation strategies.	University of Cincinnati	Langmuir	Press Rel	PubMed	One limitation of producing biofuel is that the alcohol created by fermentation is toxic to the microbes that produce it. -- Now scientists are closer to overcoming this obstacle. -- Researchers from the University of Cincinnati and the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory achieved a breakthrough in understanding the vulnerability of microbes to the alcohols they produce during fermentation of plant biomass. -- With the national lab's neutron scattering and simulation equipment, the team analyzed fermentation of the biofuel butanol, an energy-packed alcohol that also can be used as a solvent or chemical feedstock. -- Butanol is toxic to the very microorganisms that produce it. This toxicity limits the amount of butanol that can be generated during fermentation, presenting a challenge to bio-based production, said Jonathan Nickels, an associate professor of chemical and environmental engineering in UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science. -- "The primary location of toxicity is in the membrane," Nickels said. -- "Ultimately, the solvent thins it out and makes it softer and less stable. Ultimately, you get holes in the membrane. When this happens, the cell loses the ability to generate energy." -- They shared their results in the journal Langmuir. -- Lead author Luoxi Tan, a doctoral graduate of UC's College of Engineering and Applied Science, is now a postdoctoral researcher at the national laboratory. -- He said researchers next will look to see if they can make biofuel more efficiently by stabilizing the membranes of the cells in the biomass.	N02	1,744
2511-T024	How Machine Learning Enhances Detection Of Dangerous Brain Depolarizations	A study from the University of Cincinnati reveals that automation and machine learning can significantly assist clinicians in detecting and treating spreading depolarizations, commonly known as 'brain tsunamis.' Led by Dr. Jed Hartings, the research demonstrates how machine learning models can identify abnormal brain activity associated with acute brain injuries, potentially transforming patient care for individuals experiencing strokes and traumatic brain injuries, where such depolarizations are prevalent.	University of Cincinnati	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Cincinnati study found machine learning models can aid in the automation and detection of abnormal brain activity sometimes referred to as a "brain tsunami." -- UC's Jed Hartings, PhD, is corresponding author of the study published March 12 in the journal Scientific Reports detailing how automation can aid clinicians treating patients with spreading depolarizations (SDs). -- What is a spreading depolarization? -- Hartings said SDs are believed to occur in patients with virtually any type of acute brain injury, including different kinds of strokes and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Approximately 60% to 100% of all patients in these different disease categories are believed to experience SD. -- Just like a battery, brain cells have a stored, or polarized, charge that enables them to send signals to one another. -- During SD, brain cells become depolarized and unable to send these electrical signals, which Hartings said essentially turns brain cells into a "big bag of saltwater that's not functional anymore." -- "This happens en masse in a local area of tissue and then spreads out like a wave, like ripples in a pond, and it interrupts every aspect of cell function," said Hartings, professor and vice chair of research in the Department of Neurosurgery in UC's College of Medicine. -- SDs can occur continuously in patients for several days, but they can also continue on and off up to two weeks after a severe brain injury. -- Study details and results -- Research has focused on patients who have had an electrode strip surgically placed in the brain to monitor for SDs.	A01 H02	1,745
2507-031	Mitofusin 2 Plays Key Role In Cellular Protein Quality Control	A collaborative research effort has unveiled a new role for Mitofusin 2 in cellular health, linking it to protein quality control in addition to mitochondrial fusion. This discovery could enhance treatment strategies for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, indicating novel pathways for addressing neurological disorders by maintaining proper cellular function.	University of Cologne	University of Cologne	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from Cologne, Bochum, Padova and Angers have discovered a novel connection between mitochondrial function, protein quality control and cellular health, whose failure could be the leading cause in the currently incurable neurological disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT). The study led by Mafalda Escobar at the University of Cologne's Institute of Genetics, CECAD Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), uncovered an unexpected function of the protein Mitofusin 2 (MFN2) in mitochondria. It could have far-reaching implications for the treatment of CMT and similar conditions. The work was published in Nature Communications under the title 'Mitofusin 2 displays fusion-independent roles in proteostasis surveillance'. -- Mitochondria are best known as the energy producers of the cell, but they also regulate metabolism, gene expression and cell survival, all essential for healthy aging. MFN2 has long been recognized for its role in mitochondrial fusion. -- The researchers now uncovered an additional, unexpected function of MFN2 in maintaining protein quality within cells. The team found that MFN2 interacts with the proteasome and chaperones -- cellular systems that prevent newly produced proteins from forming toxic aggregates, which can lead to neurodegeneration. Unexpectedly, MFN2 shares this protective function. Further analysis of skin cells from CMT patients confirmed that when MFN2 is mutated, this novel function is lost, leading to harmful protein clumping. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating diseases like CMT. -- "Although MFN2 is a leading causative gene in Charcot-Marie-Tooth, most other genes linked to the disease do not encode mitochondrial proteins. This makes it less surprising that MFN2's connection to CMT is independent of its primary function in mitochondrial dynamics," explained Mariana Joaquim, one of the first authors. -- To understand MFN2's unique role, the researchers compared it to its closely related counterpart, MFN1. While hundreds of mutations in MFN2 are known to cause CMT, MFN1 has not been linked to the disease. By generating human cell lines lacking either MFN1 or MFN2, they found that only MFN2 interacts with the proteasome and prevents harmful protein accumulation. This highlights MFN2's specialized role in cellular health. The authors used a combination of state-of-the-art proteomics, microscopy and biochemistry techniques, mainly thanks to facilities at CECAD, thanks to support from the CMMC and largely benefiting from the mitochondria and proteostasis research communities in Cologne. -- Doctoral researchers from the Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGA) were involved in the discovery. The CGA is a joint venture of CECAD, University Hospital Cologne, the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research. Doctoral researcher Maria-Bianca Bulimaga shared her excitement about the results: "Seeing these aggregates in CMT patients' cells was a real eye-opener for me. It reinforced how mitochondria are deeply involved in balancing protein synthesis and degradation. It's something I'm eager to explore further." -- "The study suggests that MFN2's function in protein quality control could also be relevant for diseases like obesity, where cellular stress and protein misfolding play a major role," said Tânia Simões, another author on the study. Selver Altin, a former doctoral student, said: "It is immensely rewarding to see the results of this work, which I helped initiate during my doctoral work." -- According to the researchers, this discovery is a key step in uncovering how mitochondria contribute to cellular health. The team now sees potential for new therapeutic approaches. "By understanding how MFN2 interacts with the cellular machinery that maintains protein health, we may be able to develop treatments that prevent harmful protein aggregation and protect neuronal function in CMT and perhaps other neurodegenerative diseases. We are very thankful to the many sponsors of our study, including the German Research Foundation (DFG) as well as the Fritz Thyssen, Boehringer Ingelheim and Bayer Foundations," added Mafalda Escobar.	A01 H02	1,746
2507-032	New Guidelines On Management Of Common Fungal Infections Caused By Candida	A new global guideline for diagnosing and treating Candida infections has been established by an international team of experts, providing crucial recommendations to improve patient care. This guideline addresses challenges like antifungal resistance, aiming to enhance management strategies for various forms of candidiasis affecting millions globally.	University of Cologne	University of Cologne	Press Rel	PubMed	Together with a team of international clinical researchers, Professor Dr Oliver A. Cornely and Dr Rosanne Sprute from University Hospital Cologne have published the new global guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of Candida infections. This guideline establishes new standards for managing fungal infections, which affect millions of people worldwide every year, and was recently published in Lancet Infectious Diseases. -- The new guideline contains detailed recommendations on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various forms of candidiasis -- from superficial infections to life-threatening invasive infections -- for clinicians, including innovative diagnostic procedures and the latest therapeutic approaches. -- Particular attention is paid to new challenges such as resistance to common antifungals and the increasing spread of Candida auris, a multi-resistant pathogen. -- "With this guideline, we have taken an important step towards improving treatment for patients worldwide," said Professor Cornely, head of the global initiative. -- Co-lead Dr Sprute added: "Our aim was to pool the expertise of a global network to provide doctors and healthcare professionals with a practical and scientifically sound tool." -- The document is the result of four years of intensive collaboration among more than one hundred experts from 35 countries. -- Supported by the expert associations ECMM (European Confederation of Medical Mycology), ISHAM (International Society for Human and Animal Mycology) and ASM (American Society for Microbiology), the initiator Oliver Cornely invited potential authors for the guideline based on speciality, geography, and gender. -- Six coordinators were appointed to ensure the structure of the guideline, assign topics, identify missing aspects and monitor progress. -- The guideline has been endorsed worldwide by seventy six international expert associations as an important guide for practising physicians and meets the highest standards of quality and relevance to clinical care. "Our compilation is unprecedented and provides a basis for improving the treatment and chances of survival of affected patients worldwide," said Cornely, underlining the significance of the work.	A01 R01 N01	1,747
2509-057	Key Tau Protein Found: A New Hope For Alzheimer’s Disease Treatments	Researchers at the University of Cologne have pinpointed a specific tau protein variant, the 1N4R isoform, that contributes to the toxicity of protein aggregates in neurons, potentially guiding future Alzheimer's treatments. This groundbreaking study, published in 'Alzheimer's & Dementia,' utilized advanced techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to demonstrate the isoform's detrimental effects on brain cells derived from human iPSCs, led by Dr. Hans Zempel.	University of Cologne	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at the University of Cologne has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the role of the tau protein in Alzheimer's disease. Using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the international team has been able to show that a specific form of the tau protein, known as the 1N4R isoform, is responsible for mediating the toxic effects of protein clumps in human brain cells. -- The study was published in the Alzheimer's & Dementia journal under the title "The TAU isoform 1N4R confers vulnerability of MAPT knockout human iPSC-derived neurons to amyloid beta and phosphorylated TAU-induced neuronal dysfunction." It was led by Dr Hans Zempel from the Institute of Human Genetics, who is also a group leader in the Career Advancement Program (CAP) at the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) of the University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne. -- If a person suffers from Alzheimer's disease, certain proteins accumulate in brain cells, forming clumps that restrict normal cell function or even cause the cell to die. -- Dr Buchholz and Dr Zempel's team have used state-of-the-art techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and live-cell imaging in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to demonstrate that the 1N4R tau isoform is responsible for the pathological effects on the cell. -- iPSCs are human stem cells that are generated from other cells. -- For example, skin cells can be reprogrammed into iPSCs and from there transformed into brain cells (neurons). The researchers tested different forms of the tau protein by expressing them specifically in nerve cells. -- In this way, the researchers were able to analyse how each protein isoform affects the cell. According to Dr Sarah Buchholz, first author of the study, "this study represents a significant advance in helping us to understand the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. By identifying 1N4R tau as a key protein, we have discovered a potential new target for future treatments." The study's interdisciplinary approach not only helps to better understand Alzheimer's disease but also demonstrates the importance of human cell models in neurodegenerative research. Further studies are needed to translate the results of this study into clinical application, in particular to validate the results in adequate animal models and to develop specific therapeutics that will intervene in this process.	A01 R02 N01 T01	1,748
2512-062	mRNA Vaccines Strengthen Immune Memory: Long-Term Benefits Against Future Infections	Researchers from the University of Cologne have demonstrated that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines induce long-lasting changes in the innate immune system, beyond just antibody production. These epigenetic changes enhance the body's defense mechanisms against future infections, potentially improving overall immunity.	University of Cologne	Molecular Systems Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne have shown in their study that the novel mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines not only induce acquired immune responses such as antibody production, but also cause persistent epigenetic changes in innate immune cells. The study 'Persistent epigenetic memory of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in monocyte-derived macrophages' led by Professor Dr Jan Rybniker, who heads the Division of Infectious Diseases at University Hospital Cologne and is a principal investigator at the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), and Dr Robert Hänsel-Hertsch, principal investigator at the CMMC, was published in Molecular Systems Biology. -- The immune system comprises two immunity strategies: the innate and the acquired (adaptive) immune system. -- The innate immune system provides a general protection from pathogens and must react quickly. -- The adaptive immune system adapts to new pathogens and is highly specific in its response. -- Both systems work closely together. According to the research group, the changes they have now observed are caused by epigenetic markers on the DNA. -- Epigenetic means that histones -- proteins which act as cable drums around which DNA winds -- are reversibly acetylated. -- Acetylation is a chemical modification that can be placed on and removed from the cable drum like a plug, causing changes in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence itself. -- Thus, vaccination with mRNA vaccines could lead to an enhanced immune response to future encounters with pathogens which are not specifically targeted by the vaccine. -- "Our findings show that mRNA vaccines induce an epigenetic 'training' of innate immune cells, enabling a sustained immune response," says Dr Alexander Simonis, first author of the study. -- The epigenetic changes may provide the basis for long-lasting innate immunity that broadens the protection mechanisms of the acquired immune system.	H02 R01	1,749
2512-T019	Virtual Reality Nature Documentaries Boost Environmental Awareness And Donations	A University of Cologne study reveals that 360° virtual reality documentaries significantly enhance viewer engagement and motivation for environmental protection compared to traditional media. The research demonstrates the potential of VR technology in fundraising and awareness campaigns, indicating that immersive experiences can drive higher intentions to donate and support conservation efforts.	University of Cologne	Computers in Human Behavior	Press Rel	PubMed	A group of media psychologists at the University of Cologne, led by Professor Dr Dr Kai Kaspar, has examined the effects of presenting environmental protection documentaries by way of 360° virtual reality (VR) videos compared with the use of other more traditional media forms. VR videos are interactive 360° videos that allow viewers to immerse themselves in a digital environment and explore it from different angles, often with the help of VR headsets or glasses. According to the study participants, virtual reality increased the feeling of being intensively involved in the narrative. This, in turn, led to an increased motivation to protect the environment and a greater willingness to donate. The psychologists published their findings in the article 'Virtual reality versus classic presentations of mass media campaigns: Effectiveness and psychological mechanisms using the example of environmental protection' in the journal Computers in Human Behavior. -- Convincing people to engage with issues and problems that seem geographically and emotionally distant is one of the biggest challenges for organizations working to protect the environment. -- Virtual reality is becoming increasingly important as a tool to promote charitable causes, such as fundraising campaigns. -- The researchers led by Professor Dr Dr Kai Kaspar from the Department of Psychology at the University of Cologne wanted to investigate this effect in detail. -- In this study, they showed three documentaries to 128 participants, who had been randomly assigned to four different groups: one group was presented with the documentaries as 360° VR videos, a second group watched them as 2D videos on a TV, a third group only listened to the audio track, like a podcast, and a fourth group read a corresponding text. -- After each documentary, the participants rated their subjective feeling of having been physically present in the depicted scene, their feeling of having been intensively involved in the narrative, and the affective impact of the documentaries. -- Participants were also asked about their own motivation for wanting to protect the environment and how much they would be willing to donate to the presented campaign. -- The results of the experiment show that virtual reality evoked stronger feelings of being physically present in the depicted scene, of being transported by the narrative, and also a stronger positive emotional affect in comparison with the other forms of presentation. -- The study therefore emphasizes the particular potential of virtual reality as a medium for presenting environmental protection campaigns and the importance of the narrative in this context. "Using virtual reality for storytelling, in this case for environmental protection campaigns, can have a significant effect. This immersive experience can potentially have a greater impact on personal attitudes and behavioural intentions than more traditional media," says Professor Kaspar. "Our findings are therefore valuable for media experts and organizations but also for researchers because previous media impact models will need to be updated or expanded accordingly."	T01	1,750
2513-089	Early Drug Treatment Improves Survival Rates For Infants With MoCD Type A	A recent clinical study led by Professor Günter Schwarz indicates that early treatment with the drug fosdenopterin/rcPMP significantly improves survival rates and brain development in infants with molybdenum cofactor deficiency type A, a rare genetic disorder. The findings highlight the critical importance of timely intervention to prevent severe neurological damage and promote healthy outcomes in affected newborns.	University of Cologne	Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease	Press Rel	PubMed	The drug fosdenopterin/rcPMP considerably improves the chances of survival and developmental progress in infants with molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD type A), a rare and life-threatening genetic condition causing an inborn error in metabolism. This was shown in a clinical study recently published by an international research team led by Professor Dr Günter Schwarz from the Institute of Biochemistry at the University of Cologne. MoCD type A is a very rare disease. It affects around one in 200,000 to 500,000 newborns and is caused by genetic mutations that lead to the loss of the molybdenum cofactor (Moco). Ultimately, several enzymes in the newborn's metabolism are affected and no longer able to function thus causing a very fast progressing and irreversible brain damage to affected infants with childhood death as typical outcome. -- The clinical study has now shown that early treatment with fosdenopterin in the first days of life significantly reduces the risk of early death and promotes healthy brain development. -- The study was published under the title "Treatment of molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) Type A with cyclic pyranopterin monophosphate (cPMP)" in the Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. -- Without treatment, MoCD type A results in severe impairments such as seizures and severe developmental and movement disorders, and often leads to early death within the first few months of life. -- Until recently, the only treatments available for patients with MoCD were symptomatic. -- They therefore targeted the symptoms and not the actual cause of the disease. -- The present study now shows that treatment with fosdenopterin/rcPMP combats the underlying cause of MoCD type A by restoring the missing molecule cPMP. -- The researchers found that early administration of this drug can not only prolong life, but also promote important developmental milestones such as sitting, walking and eating behaviour. -- The infants treated in the study showed significant improvements compared to untreated patients, with many achieving development equivalent to that of healthy infants. -- Due to the rarity of the disease, it is difficult to conduct a large-scale, controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of the drug.	H01 R02	1,751
2513-E044	Prehistoric Human Populations Responded Differently To Climate Change During The Last Ice Age	An archaeological study sheds light on how prehistoric hunter-gatherer populations in Europe responded to climate changes during the Final Palaeolithic, revealing significant regional population fluctuations. Conducted by a team from the University of Cologne, findings indicate a demographic shift towards eastern Europe, with some areas experiencing population stability while others faced dramatic declines, providing insights into human migration patterns during harsh environmental conditions.	University of Cologne	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study sheds light on how prehistoric hunter-gatherer populations in Europe coped with climate changes over 12,000 years ago. Led by scientists from the University of Cologne, a team of 25 prehistoric archaeologists from twenty European universities and research institutions revealed significant shifts in population size and density during key periods at the end of the last Ice Age, specifically during the Final Palaeolithic between 14,000 and 11,600 years ago. The study has been published in PLOS One under the title 'Large scale and regional demographic responses to climatic changes in Europe during the Final Palaeolithic'. -- The results reveal that the first establishment of a larger human population in north-eastern central Europe during the Final Palaeolithic was followed by a dramatic population decline during the last cold period (Greenland Stadial 1) of the Ice Age. -- This decline reduced the total population of Europe by half. -- However, the study found that some areas in central Europe show stability or even a slight increase in population size against the general trend. -- The team interprets this finding as evidence of human migration towards the east in response to worsening climate conditions. -- By compiling a comprehensive database on archaeological sites from this period and using a cutting-edge geostatistical method called the Cologne Protocol, the researchers estimated population sizes and densities of prehistoric humans across different regions of Europe. -- The protocol provides a standardised procedure to estimate prehistoric demographic data, allowing for diachronic comparisons. -- The identified shifts in regional population sizes provide new insights into how early humans responded to the environmental challenges of their time. -- The study focuses on two key periods: Greenland Interstadial 1d-a (GI-1d-a) and Greenland Stadial 1 (GS-1). During GI-1d-a, a warmer period of the Final Palaeolithic, humans continued to repopulate and expand into northern and north-eastern central Europe, making this region the centre of demographic dynamics in Europe for the first time in prehistory. -- Populations in south-western Europe, particularly in Spain and France, began to decline compared to population estimates for the preceding periods of the Upper Palaeolithic.	C01	1,752
2501-048	Memory Cells Enhance Cancer Fighting, But Their Exhaustion Raises Concerns.	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that certain CAR-T cells retain memory of prior infections, which could improve cancer therapies. This discovery about the behavior of memory cells opens up possibilities for enhancing the effectiveness of engineered T cell treatments against cancer.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Nature Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered that some CAR-T cells engineered to fight cancer and other conditions carry the memory of past encounters with bacteria, viruses and other antigens within them, a finding that may allow scientists to manufacture the cells in more precise and targeted ways. -- The study, published today in the journal Nature Immunology, focused on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, an effective therapy against cancer, especially leukemia and lymphoma. -- T cells, a kind of immune cell, are removed from the patient's blood, then modified to target cancer and infused back into the patient. -- Now researchers have discovered that some of these cells have long, durable memories. -- They found that even after an extensive manufacturing process to insert the CAR into the cells, CAR-T cells that had past contact with antigens behave differently than those that have never encountered an antigen. -- "Unlike most drugs, CAR-T cell products are not uniform. We know that variability exists but the nature of that variability is only beginning to be understood," said the study's senior author Terry Fry, MD, professor of pediatrics, oncology and hematology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and executive director of the Gates Institute at CU Anschutz which manufactures CAR-T cells. -- "The thing that was surprising here was the extent to which past interactions with antigens were durably imprinted on the cells." -- Fry and the study's lead author Kole DeGolier, PhD, an immunology researcher at CU Anschutz, found that `memory cells,' those with prior antigen experience, killed cancer cells quickly but became exhausted sooner and reproduced slowly, opening the door to a potential relapse. -- At the same time, they discovered favorable disease-fighting capabilities such as robust expansion and resistance to exhaustion of 'naïve' cells, those with no antigen experience. -- A direct comparison of the two cell types allowed the researchers to identify specific gene targets to modulate and improve function.	H01 H02 R01	1,753
2502-013	Early Diagnosis Of Lewy Body Dementia Improved By Cognitive Profile Assessments	New research outlines cognitive profiles for diagnosing Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), which is often misidentified as Alzheimer's disease. By establishing clearer diagnostic criteria, the study aims to improve patient care and treatment strategies for individuals suffering from this common yet frequently overlooked form of dementia.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	Cognitive profiles for early diagnosis of Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) have been outlined in a new study, out today in Alzheimer's & Dementia. Although DLB is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia following Alzheimer's Disease, it is usually misdiagnosed, preventing affected people from accessing care better tailored to their prognosis. -- "Criteria for better identifying DLB exists in research settings, but we wanted to pull research studies together to establish something applicable for clinical settings," says Ece Bayram, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and study lead author. -- "By pooling information from available publications, we were able to establish a cognitive profile that can differentiate DLB from Alzheimer's before the dementia stage hits, which could better help inform the direction of care for people with these diseases." -- Researchers were able to identify consistencies in cognitive symptoms among people with DLB compared to people with Alzheimer's in a meta-analysis of pre-dementia stage diagnoses. -- At the pre-dementia stage, people with DLB demonstrated more diminished attention, processing speed and executive function as well as better immediate recall and memory compared to people with Alzheimer's. -- "Identifying cognitive profiles gave us the outcome necessary to suggest guidelines that practitioners could easily be trained in to better tailor plans of care," says Bayram. -- "Furthermore, providing framework for clinical assessment versus biomarker testing means more accessibility for practitioners. It is easier and cheaper to train in providing cognitive assessments than administering imaging or invasive biomarker tests," says Bayram. -- Researchers say identifying the form of dementia early can guide future planning for both the person with dementia and their care partners, and ease disease by providing proper symptomatic treatment. -- People with DLB, for instance, are reactive to certain types of commonly prescribed medications for psychosis, such as haloperidol, that tend to worsen their condition. -- Dr. Bayram says, overall, this study provides a promising step in advancing dementia prevention and care.	A01 H01 H02 R01 C01 T01	1,754
2503-038	New Mechanism Uncovered For How Brain Cells Relay Learning Information	A groundbreaking study in the Journal of Neuroscience uncovers how brain cells communicate critical information necessary for learning and memory. Researchers identified a pathway that connects synaptic activity with gene expression linked to long-term memory changes. This discovery enhances our understanding of brain function and could inform future treatments for cognitive disorders by elucidating the molecular processes involved in memory formation.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	The Journal of Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	A breakthrough study published today in the Journal of Neurosciencesheds new light on how brain cells relay critical information from their extremities to their nucleus, leading to the activation of genes essential for learning and memory. -- Researchers have identified a key pathway that links how neurons send signals to each other, or synaptic activity, to the expression of genes necessary for long-term changes in the brain, providing crucial insights into the molecular processes underlying memory formation. -- "These findings illuminate a critical mechanism that connects local synaptic activity to the broader gene expression changes necessary for learning and memory," said Mark Dell'Acqua, professor of pharmacology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and senior author of the study. -- "This paper is mainly a basic science finding of a fundamental process of what nerve cells do. Understanding this relay system not only enhances our knowledge of brain function but could also better inform therapeutic treatments for cognitive disorders." -- The nucleus where the genes that modify neuron function are controlled is a long distance away from where neurons receive input from their synapses, which are located in distant dendrites that extend like branches from the trunk of a tree. -- This research focuses on the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor known to regulate genes vital for dynamic changes at synapses which is essential for neuronal communication. -- Despite CREB's well-documented role in supporting learning and memory, the exact mechanisms leading to CREB activation during neuronal activity remain unclear. -- Using advanced microscopy techniques, graduate student Katlin Zent in Dr. Dell'Acqua's research group revealed a crucial relay mechanism involving the activation of receptors and ion channels generating calcium signals that rapidly communicates from synapses in remote dendrite branches to the nucleus in the neuron cell body. -- "Going forward, this research will enable us to better examine the way these pathways are utilized in different disease states," said Dell'Acqua. "We could see exactly what parts of this new mechanism are interfered with and where, giving us a better idea of how this pathway affecting learning and memory is impacted. This research highlights potential targets for interventions aimed at conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other memory-related disorders."	R02	1,755
2504-015	Promising Drug Candidate Aims To Restore Vision In Multiple Sclerosis Patients	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a promising drug candidate aimed at restoring vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. The drug, LL-341070, enhances the brain's ability to repair myelin, which is crucial for neuronal health. This discovery could lead to significant improvements in vision and other neurological functions impacted by myelin damage, addressing a pressing need for effective therapies.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have found a promising drug candidate that could help restore vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions that damage neurons. -- The study was published this week in the journal Nature Communications. -- The drug, LL-341070, enhances the brain's ability to repair damaged myelin -- the protective sheath around nerve fibers. -- Damage to myelin is a hallmark of diseases like MS, as well as a natural consequence of aging, often resulting in vision loss, loss of motor skills, and cognitive decline. -- The research, focused on vision, demonstrated that while the brain has some ability to repair itself when myelin is damaged, the process can be slow and inefficient. -- Researchers observed that LL-341070 significantly accelerated the repair process and improved brain function related to vision in mice, even after severe damage. -- "This research brings us closer to a world where the brain has the capacity to heal itself" said Ethan Hughes, PhD, co-lead author and associate professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the CU School of Medicine. -- "By harnessing this potential, we hope to help people with diseases like MS by potentially reversing some of the damage, offering people the opportunity to regain their vision and cognitive function." -- Researchers discovered that the treatment makes the repair process is much more effective following serious damage, highlighting the importance of intervention with severe injury. -- Even partial repair of myelin was found to significantly improve vision-related brain functions.	A01 R02	1,756
2508-005	Diabetes Care: Primary Care Can Deliver Results Comparable To Specialists	Recent findings indicate that individuals with diabetes can effectively utilize advanced insulin technologies under the guidance of primary care providers or through telehealth, achieving results comparable to those seen with specialists. This research enhances access to quality care for Type 1 diabetes patients, particularly in remote areas, marking a significant step forward in diabetes management.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Clinical Diabetes	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and colleagues at Massachusetts General Hospital, have found that people with diabetes can achieve the same positive results using advanced insulin technology when trained by their primary care providers (PCPs) or through telehealth as they would by seeing a specialist in person. -- The study's findings, which focused on Type 1 diabetes, are a major step forward in expanding access to cutting-edge care for people with diabetes, especially for those living in rural or remote areas. -- The study was published today in Clinical Diabetes. -- "This demonstrates that automated insulin delivery (AID) technology like iLet can be used effectively by PCPs and through telehealth, making this life-saving technology available to more patients -- no matter where they live," said Sean Oser, MD, MPH, an associate professor in family medicine from the CU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. -- The researchers found that 97% of all study participants were able to reach healthy blood sugar levels, with 64% achieving even better targets. -- Training through telehealth or primary care delivered similar results as in-person training by specialists, highlighting the potential for broader access to advanced diabetes care. -- Oser and his wife, both family practitioners, became passionate about this research when their daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. -- "We recognized that, despite both being medical professionals, obtaining some of the necessary resources for her care proved to be a challenge," Oser said. -- "If we were experiencing this difficulty, it was clear that many others likely faced the same issues." -- They found that 75.3% of counties in the United States lack a single endocrinologist, while 96% have at least one primary care provider.	R01 R02	1,757
2508-048	Immune Cells Convert Bacteria Into Nutrients For Survival	A new study reveals that immune cells called macrophages do not merely store ingested bacteria but convert them into vital nutrients that sustain cellular functions. Conducted at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the research highlights the significant role of macrophages in energy production and protein synthesis, while also triggering inflammation when they consume live bacteria, reshaping our understanding of immune responses.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Immune cells that eat bacteria in the body don't stash them in specialized compartments as once thought, but turn them into critical nutrients that build proteins, create energy and keep the cells alive, according to a new study from scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. -- "We are what we eat," said the study's co-senior author Angelo D'Alessandro, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular genetics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine at CU Anschutz. -- "What we eat changes the composition of us and when immune cells eat bacteria the same thing happens to them." -- The study was published today in the journal Nature. -- The researchers also discovered that when these cells, called macrophages, eat live bacteria it triggers an inflammation response. -- But when they eat dead bacteria it doesn't. -- "When phagocytic cells eat dead bacteria some of the small molecules they recycle tell them not to induce inflammation, that everything is going to be fine," D'Alessandro said. -- "But when they eat live bacteria that signal is not there and it can induce inflammation which drives many diseases." -- The scientists delved deeply into the workings of these immune cells to better understand the `switches' that turn inflammation on and off. -- They discovered a key protein complex called mTORC1 regulated how macrophages used the nutrients from the bacteria they consumed.	Z01	1,758
2510-046	Enhanced CAR-T Cell Therapy Shows Promise Against Difficult Cancer Types	Researchers at the University of Colorado have developed an advanced CAR-T cell therapy that significantly enhances the persistence and efficacy of T-cells against difficult-to-detect cancer cells. This innovative approach, known as ALA-CART, may provide new hope for patients facing treatment-resistant cancers, indicating a promising avenue for future cancer therapies.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Cancer Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have successfully developed a supercharged iteration of CAR-T cell therapy that can enhance the effectiveness and longevity of the cells, particularly against cancer cells that are harder for prior CAR-T therapies to detect and fight. -- The study was published today in the journal Cancer Cell. -- "This next-generation approach, called ALA-CART (adjunctive LAT-activating CAR-T cells), optimizes CAR-T cells to more effectively eliminate cancer cells, including those that have been able to hide from traditional CAR-T cells," said Catherine Danis, PhD, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. -- CAR-T cell therapy involves extracting a patient's T-cells, modifying them to recognize cancer cells, and then reinfusing them into the patient where they target cancer cells throughout the body. -- But some cancer cells can evade detection by CAR-T cells, leading to treatment failure and relapse. -- Using human T cells and leukemia cells in specialized mouse models, researchers developed the novel ALA-CART cells which showed promising results in fighting acute lymphocytic leukemias that were resistant to traditional CAR-T cells. -- "ALA-CART improves the ability of CAR-T cells to detect and attack resistant cancer cells more effectively. This could lead to longer lasting results, even when other treatments have failed," said M. Eric Kohler, MD, PhD, corresponding author and member at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. -- "It also shows signs it could reduce side effects that often accompany traditional therapies." -- Kohler said the same CAR-T cell therapies have been used for more than a decade. -- "When you look back, it's easy to see how revolutionary CAR-T cells have been. But, for many patients this therapy isn't enough. And stepping back you realize that we have been driving these CAR-T cells with the same basic design for the last 15 years," said Kohler.	H01 R01	1,759
2510-T028	Nanogels Show Promise For Effective Antibiotic Delivery In Urinary Tract Infections	Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed innovative nanogels for antibiotic delivery, targeting bladder tissue to effectively treat UTIs. This method shows promise, achieving over 90% bacterial elimination in animal models while minimizing toxicity, paving the way for advancements in UTI treatment.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus studied a new method to deliver antibiotics, specifically gentamicin, directly into the bladder tissue to better treat UTIs. They did this by creating nanogels combined with a special peptide (a small protein) that helps the drug get inside the cells where the bacteria are hiding. -- The results, published in Nanomedicine, demonstrate that this approach proved highly effective when tested in animal models with UTIs, eliminating over 90% of the bacteria from the bladder. -- "We prove not only that this technology is doable but could be very effective for future clinical use and can potentially lead towards an eventual cure of recurrent infections," said the paper's senior author Michael Schurr, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Immunology & Microbiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. -- The researchers discovered that nanogel technology can carry more than enough gentamicin to be effective -- about 36% more gentamicin inside cells compared to standard antibiotic delivery methods. -- Additionally, it exhibits low toxicity, causing minimal harm to cells. -- They also found that nanogels release the drug quickly, which helps kill bacteria in the bladder faster. -- "We believe this new approach offers a more effective treatment by delivering the drug directly to the infected cells, allowing it to precisely target and eliminate the infection. This method minimizes side effects and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. In contrast, current antibiotics may require prolonged or repeated therapy to be effective, which can contribute to resistance and cause harmful side effects, especially in organs like the kidneys," said the paper's co-author Devatha Nair, PhD, associate professor in craniofacial biology, whose research focuses on developing polymer-based biomaterials, at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. -- The researchers note that this nanogel-based drug delivery method could have applications beyond UTIs. -- For instance, the concept of using nanogels for treatment administration originated from the CU School of Dental Medicine as a potential approach for treating periodontal disease. -- This study was conducted by experts across multiple schools and colleges on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.	H01 R01 N01	1,760
2512-045	New Insights Into Cell Regeneration Could Transform Cancer Therapies	Researchers at the University of Colorado have unraveled the role of H3K36 methylation in intestinal cell regeneration, shedding light on potential cancer therapies. Their findings demonstrate how this biochemical process activates the dedifferentiation of intestinal cells into regenerative stem cells after injury, providing critical insights into cellular plasticity and the mechanisms behind colorectal cancer.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Nature Cell Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center have solved a cellular mystery that may lead to better therapies for colorectal and other types of cancer. -- Peter Dempsey, PhD, professor of pediatrics-developmental biology in the CU School of Medicine, and Justin Brumbaugh, PhD, assistant professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at CU Boulder, recently published a paper in the journal Nature Cell Biology showing the importance of the H3K36 methylation process in regulating plasticity and regeneration in intestinal cells. -- "The intestine has an enormous ability to regenerate itself after injury, and it does this through a model of dedifferentiation," Dempsey explains. "The cells dedifferentiate back into a type of regenerative stem cell after injury, and those stem cells eventually recover the intestine and turn back to normal cells." -- Finding the switch -- Scientists have been looking for a long time for the "switch" that turns regular intestinal cells back into regenerative stem cells, Brumbaugh says. Using animal models, he, Dempsey, and the rest of their research team found that H3K36 methylation -- a biochemical process that occurs within the H3 histone protein -- is responsible for turning that plastic state on and off. Their research was funded by a grant from the CU Cancer Center. -- "If you think about it, those cells that are normally in the intestine have to maintain their identity so they're functional," Brumbaugh says. "You have to be sure that they don't flip when they're not supposed to, because you lose their specialized function -- which is also a hallmark of cancer. There has been other research on histone modifications, because epigenetics makes sense to study in this context. It makes sense that you have this form of regulation that will prevent reversion and lock in cell fate." -- Next steps -- With H3K36 methylation identified as the process responsible for the switch between normal cells and regenerative cells, the researchers say the next step is to look for ways to target the process to turn it off or on as needed to treat colorectal cancer and intestinal conditions that can lead to cancer. -- "H3K36 methylation seems to be directly involved in differentiating the cells, but if you take it away, the cells revert to this regenerative stem cell state," Dempsey says. "That regenerative state is important when you have injury and repair, but there also are certain colorectal cancers that have exactly this regenerative gene signature. Chronic colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, is a repetitive injury system, and leads to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. We think we have a mechanism that could be directly applied to those types of cancers, and that's something we want to study." -- Outside of colon cancer, the methylation process also may have implications for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, Dempsey says.	H01 R01	1,761
2513-014	New Oxygen Guidelines Suggest Less Is More For Trauma Patients	New research from the University of Colorado School of Medicine suggests critically injured patients often require less supplemental oxygen than previously thought. The study indicates that targeting oxygen saturation levels between 90-96% yields similar or better outcomes for trauma patients. These findings could reshape standards of care in trauma settings, particularly benefiting military health practices and improving patient safety by reducing unnecessary oxygen administration.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	When a critically injured patient is admitted to the hospital, how much supplemental oxygen should they receive? New research published this week in JAMA Network Open led by investigators at the University of Colorado School of Medicine suggests it's often less than the current standard. -- "The idea has traditionally been that severe trauma causes stress to patients' bodies, and we want to deliver as much oxygen as possible to the brain and to vital organs because they are losing blood," says Adit Ginde, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine and lead investigator of the Strategy to Avoid Excessive Oxygen (SAVE-O2) study, which found that targeting slightly lower levels of oxygen saturation, from 90-96%, had similar, and sometimes better, outcomes for adult trauma patients. -- "The problem with administering so much oxygen is that the hemoglobin molecules can only carry so much oxygen, and if you oversaturate, you're unnecessarily delivering excess oxygen to the lungs. That can be potentially harmful, especially when these trauma patients have healthy lungs and little trouble breathing," he says. -- Ginde and fellow collaborators at the CU Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield (COMBAT) Research say this research, with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to apply to warfighters especially in low-resource environments, could also act as a foundation for improved standards of care for trauma patients across the country. -- So far, it's already taken hold in military health practices. -- Normoxemia's role in trauma recovery -- The study took place at eight level 1 trauma centers across the U.S., with the SAVE-O2 research team and enrolling nearly 13,000 patients. -- The researchers asked whether targeting normoxemia, defined as a peripheral oxygen saturation of 90-96%, could safely increase the number of supplemental oxygen-free days. -- Patients received only the oxygen they needed -- often none at all -- to keep them in the normoxemia range. -- Researchers found they were able to safely deliver less supplemental oxygen without negatively affecting mortality or time spent in hypoxemia, a lack of oxygen that can harm the body.	H02 R01 R02	1,762
2513-076	Most Trauma Patients Need Less Supplemental Oxygen Than Previously Thought	New research suggests that critically injured patients may require less supplemental oxygen than previously thought. A study led by the University of Colorado School of Medicine indicates that targeting lower oxygen saturation levels may yield similar or even improved outcomes, challenging traditional practices and potentially improving care standards for trauma patients, especially in military settings.	University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	When a critically injured patient is admitted to the hospital, how much supplemental oxygen should they receive? New research published this week in JAMA Network Open led by investigators at the University of Colorado School of Medicine suggests it's often less than the current standard. -- "The idea has traditionally been that severe trauma causes stress to patients' bodies, and we want to deliver as much oxygen as possible to the brain and to vital organs because they are losing blood," says Adit Ginde, MD, MPH, professor of emergency medicine and lead investigator of the Strategy to Avoid Excessive Oxygen (SAVE-O2) study, which found that targeting slightly lower levels of oxygen saturation, from 90-96%, had similar, and sometimes better, outcomes for adult trauma patients. -- "The problem with administering so much oxygen is that the hemoglobin molecules can only carry so much oxygen, and if you oversaturate, you're unnecessarily delivering excess oxygen to the lungs. That can be potentially harmful, especially when these trauma patients have healthy lungs and little trouble breathing," he says. -- Ginde and fellow collaborators at the CU Center for Combat Medicine and Battlefield (COMBAT) Research say this research, with funding from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to apply to warfighters especially in low-resource environments, could also act as a foundation for improved standards of care for trauma patients across the country. -- So far, it's already taken hold in military health practices. -- Normoxemia's role in trauma recovery -- The study took place at eight level 1 trauma centers across the U.S., with the SAVE-O2 research team and enrolling nearly 13,000 patients. -- The researchers asked whether targeting normoxemia, defined as a peripheral oxygen saturation of 90-96%, could safely increase the number of supplemental oxygen-free days. -- Patients received only the oxygen they needed -- often none at all -- to keep them in the normoxemia range. -- Researchers found they were able to safely deliver less supplemental oxygen without negatively affecting mortality or time spent in hypoxemia, a lack of oxygen that can harm the body.	R01 R02	1,763
2502-E063	Enhanced Methane Detection From Frequency Comb Lasers: A New Frontier In Research	Researchers have advanced the precision of optical frequency comb lasers, enhancing their ability to detect gases like methane and signs of infections in human breath. By employing a technique known as quantum squeezing, scientists have improved the sensitivity and speed of these sensors, paving the way for more accurate environmental monitoring and health diagnostics.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The trick to creating a better quantum sensor? Just give it a little squeeze. -- For the first time ever, scientists have used a technique called "quantum squeezing" to improve the gas sensing performance of devices known as optical frequency comb lasers. -- These ultra-precise sensors are like fingerprint scanners for molecules of gas. -- Scientists have used them to spot methane leaks in the air above oil and gas operations and signs of COVID-19 infections in breath samples from humans. -- Now, in a series of lab experiments, researchers have laid out a path for making those kinds of measurements even more sensitive and faster -- doubling the speed of frequency comb detectors. -- The work is a collaboration between Scott Diddams at CU Boulder Boulder and Jérôme Genest at Université Laval in Canada. -- "Say you were in a situation where you needed to detect minute quantities of a dangerous gas leak in a factory setting," said Diddams, professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. -- "Requiring only 10 minutes versus 20 minutes can make a big difference in keeping people safe." -- He and his colleagues published their findings Jan. 16 in the journal Science. Daniel Herman, a postdoctoral researcher in ECEE, led the study. -- While normal lasers emit light in just one color, frequency comb lasers send out pulses of thousands to millions of colors -- all at the same time.	R01 C01 T01	1,764
2504-E020	Algae Influence: Shaping The Nutrient Access Of Giant Clams	A groundbreaking study has revealed how giant clams have adapted their genomes to collaborate with resident algae, which enable them to thrive in nutrient-poor conditions. By sequencing the genome of Tridacna maxima, scientists at CU Boulder uncovered insights that highlight the clams' evolutionary strategies and underscore their ecological significance as keystone species in coral reef habitats.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Giant clams, some of the largest mollusks on Earth, have long fascinated scientists. These impressive creatures can grow up to 4.5 feet in length and weigh over 700 pounds, making them icons of tropical coral reefs. -- But these animals don't bulk up on a high-protein diet. Instead, they rely largely on energy produced by algae living inside them. -- In a new study led by CU Boulder, scientists sequenced the genome of the most widespread species of giant clam, Tridacna maxima, to reveal how these creatures adapted their genome to coexist with algae. -- The findings, published Jan. 4 in the journal Communications Biology, offer clues about how such evolution may have contributed to the giant clam's size. -- "Giant clams are keystone species in many marine habitats," said Jingchun Li, the paper's senior author and professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. -- "Understanding their genetics and ecology helps us better understand the coral reef ecosystem." -- A symbiotic relationship -- Unlike popular myths -- like the one in Disney's "Moana 2" where the giant clam eats humans -- these vegetarian mollusks rely on algae living within their bodies for energy. -- If giant clams ingest the right algae species while swimming through the ocean as larvae, they develop a system of tube-like structures coated with these algae inside their body. -- These algae can turn sunlight into sugar through photosynthesis, providing nutrients for the clams.	H01 C01 N01	1,765
2504-E022	How High-Altitude Dung Enriches Ecosystems Amidst Climate Change Threats	A wild relative of the llama, the vicuña, is playing a surprising role in climate change adaptation by enriching high-altitude ecosystems with nutrient-rich dung. This unique interaction aids the establishment of plant life in nutrient-poor environments, showcasing how the vicuña's natural behaviors can accelerate ecological recovery in the Andes, despite the challenges posed by melting glaciers.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change is melting away glaciers around the world, but in the Andes Mountains, a wild relative of the llama is helping local ecosystems adapt to these changes by dropping big piles of dung. -- This finding, published Dec 30 in Scientific Reports, revealed that the activity of this animal could accelerate the time plants usually take to establish on new land by over a century, highlighting a surprising way organisms are adapting to climate change. -- "It's interesting to see how a social behavior of these animals can transfer nutrients to a new ecosystem that is very nutrient poor," said Cliff Bueno de Mesquita, the paper's co-first author and a research scientist in the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at CU Boulder. -- But the current pace of climate change still outpaces the ability of species to find new habitats, he warned. -- The changemakers here are the vicuñas. They are one of two wild South American camelids, a group of animals that includes alpaca and llama, which are domesticated species. -- They live in the high alpine areas of the Andes. -- Vicuñas may be less famous than their celebrated llama cousins, but they are no less remarkable, particularly because of where they choose to poop. -- Much like how humans use bathrooms, these animals get rid of their solid waste using a designated spot shared by multiple members of a social group. -- Scientists refers to these communal dung piles as latrines. -- Over the past two decades, Steven Schmidt, the paper's senior author and professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, has studied how microbial life and plants are responding to retreating glaciers in the high-altitude Peruvian Andes.	C01 N01 N02	1,766
2505-132	Later Menopause Associated With Healthier Heart And Lower Stroke Risk	New findings indicate that women experiencing later menopause tend to have healthier blood vessels and lower risks of heart attacks and strokes compared to those with earlier onset. Conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, this study sheds light on the physiological advantages of late-onset menopause, potentially influencing future strategies for heart disease prevention among women during and after their reproductive years.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Circulation Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have made new discoveries about amniotic fluid, a substance historically not well understood in medical research due to the difficulty in obtaining it during pregnancy, especially across gestation. -- Amniotic fluid is the vital fluid that surrounds and protects a fetus during pregnancy. In addition to providing much-needed cushion and protection for the fetus, it also aids in development of vital organs -- especially the lungs, digestive tract and skin -- and stabilizes the temperature inside the womb. -- The new study, published in the journal Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis, found that the addition of amniotic fluid to plasma -- the liquid portion of blood -- improves the blood's ability to thicken and clot, which is a critical and likely a protective function throughout pregnancy and during delivery for both the birthing parent and the baby. -- The mechanism of amniotic fluid's role in fetal development is not well understood and is understudied: The OHSU study is one of the first to identify how the features and properties of amniotic fluid change over time, especially those properties that play a role in thickening the blood, and how those changes can affect how maternal blood coagulates. If a pregnant person's blood does not clot properly, it can create life-threatening complications for the fetus and birthing parent, including excessive bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. -- "We have always known that amniotic fluid is very important for fetal development and growth, but we don't know much about it beyond that," said the study's corresponding author Jamie Lo, M.D., M.C.R., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology (maternal-fetal medicine) in the OHSU School of Medicine, and Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, or ONPRC. "We examined amniotic fluid across the pregnancy and found that indeed the composition and proteins in the amniotic fluid do change to match the growing needs of the developing baby." -- This discovery prompted Lo and her team to work with scientists in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at OHSU to take a deeper dive into the potential protective factors of amniotic fluid, and consider potential regenerative and therapeutic uses that could be developed down the road. -- The research involved a multidisciplinary team including Lo, Chih Jen Yang, M.D., Lyndsey Shorey-Kendrick, Ph.D., Joseph Shatzel, M.D. M.C.R., Brian Scottoline, M.D., Ph.D., and Owen McCarty, Ph.D. -- Researchers analyzed the properties of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis, a prenatal test that involves sampling a small amount of amniotic fluid to examine the health of the pregnancy, from both human and non-human primates at gestational-age matched timepoints. The findings showed that amniotic fluid increases blood clotting through key fatty acids and proteins that change each trimester and help regulate coagulation. -- With the untapped potential for amniotic fluid to aid in diagnosing and treating various prenatal conditions, researchers are now collaborating with Sanjay Malhotra, Ph.D., professor of cell, developmental and cancer biology in the OHSU School of Medicine, to target disorders of pregnancy -- including disorders that affect the blood and blood-forming organs -- that could benefit from the protective properties of proteins and other compounds within amniotic fluid. -- The team is also working with OHSU's Fetal Care Program to collect unique amniotic fluid samples, including pregnancies undergoing in-utero repair surgeries for neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The hope is that through studying amniotic fluid from these pregnancies, it may be possible to determine if there are any unique developmental elements that may be targeted for future interventions to improve health outcomes.	A01 H01 R01	1,767
2506-E013	Projected Arctic Changes By 2100: A World ‘Beyond Recognition’ Due To Climate Change	A new review highlights the dramatic shifts expected in the Arctic due to projected global temperature increases of 2.7 degrees Celsius, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change. This warming could lead to severe consequences, including ice-free summers and accelerated ice sheet melting, with far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities in one of the world's most vulnerable regions.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2024, annual average global air temperatures surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time, triggering extreme weather events like record-breaking rainfall and flooding events in the Sahara Desert and extreme summer heat waves across the planet. However, global warming will not stop at this level. Based on the current pledges of countries for limiting their emissions of greenhouse gases, global temperatures are projected to reach 2.7 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels by the end of this century. This scenario would dramatically reshape the Arctic, the fastest-warming region of Earth. -- A new review paper, published in Science on February 7, 2025, highlights these changes and their far-reaching implications. -- The paper, "Disappearing landscapes: The Arctic at +2.7°C global warming," was led byJulienne Stroeve, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) and professor at the Centre for Earth Observation Science at the University of Manitoba. -- "The Arctic is warming at four times the rate of the rest of the planet," said Stroeve. -- "At 2.7 degrees Celsius of global warming, we will see more extreme and cascading impacts in this region than elsewhere, including sea-ice-free Arctic summers, accelerated melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet, widespread permafrost loss, and more extreme air temperatures. These changes will devastate infrastructure, ecosystems, vulnerable communities, and wildlife." -- In the review paper, the authors used the Sixth Assessment Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a starting point. -- They updated knowledge from the report about three specific areas of the Arctic environment, including sea ice, the Greenland Ice Sheet and permafrost, focusing on existing studies that show consensus about the changes that will take place in the region. -- Under 2.7 degrees Celsius of warming, the Arctic region is likely to experience the following effects: -- Virtually every day of the year will have air temperatures exceeding pre-industrial temperature extremes. -- The Arctic Ocean will be free of sea ice for several months each summer.	C01 N01	1,768
2507-T027	Advanced Laser Device Can Identify Gas Molecular Components At Trace Levels	Physicists have introduced a groundbreaking laser-based device capable of detecting molecular components in gases at incredibly low concentrations. This versatile technology promises wide-ranging applications, from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring, providing a cost-effective and efficient method for identifying and analyzing various gases.	University of Colorado at Boulder	University of Colorado at Boulder	Press Rel	PubMed	Expert sommeliers can take a whiff of a glass of wine and tell you a lot about what's in your pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. -- A team of physicists at CU Boulder and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have achieved a similar feat of sensing, only for a much wider range of substances. -- The group has developed a new laser-based device that can take any sample of gas and identify a huge variety of the molecules within it. It is sensitive enough to detect those molecules at minute concentrations all the way down to parts per trillion. -- Its design is also simple enough that researchers could employ the method quickly and at a low cost in a range of settings, from diagnosing illnesses in human patients to tracking greenhouse gas emissions from factories. -- The study was led by scientists at JILA, a joint research institute between CU Boulder and NIST. -- The team will publish its findings on Feb. 19 in the journal Nature. -- "Even today I still find it unbelievable that the most capable sensing tool can in fact be built with such simplicity, using only mature technical ingredients but tied together with a clever computation algorithm," said Qizhong Liang, lead author of the research and a doctoral student at JILA. -- To show what the tool is capable of, Liang and his colleagues drilled down on an important question in medicine: What's in the air you breathe out? -- The team analyzed breath samples from real human subjects and showed that they could, for example, identify the types of bacteria living in peoples' mouths. -- The technique could one day help doctors diagnose lung cancer, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and much more.	R01 T01	1,769
2508-050	Kenyan Runner Poised To Break Four-Minute Mile With Ideal Conditions	Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon is on the verge of potentially breaking the elusive 4-minute mile barrier, according to a new study advocating for a staged 'Breaking 4' event. Researchers suggest that ideal conditions, including strategic pacing and drafting, could enable her to achieve this milestone, previously deemed impossible for female athletes. The study underscores the evolving conversation about the limits of female athletic performance.	University of Colorado at Boulder		Press Rel	PubMed	On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister pushed through the finishing tape at Iffley Road track in Oxford, England, and collapsed into the arms of friends after becoming the first human to run a mile in less than four minutes. -- "It was the running equivalent to summiting Mount Everest for the first time," said University of Colorado Boulder Integrative Physiology Professor Rodger Kram. "Prior to Bannister, it was considered impossible -- beyond the limits of human physiology." -- Seven decades later, a female runner has yet to follow in Bannister's footsteps, and some have questioned whether it's possible. A new study published this week by Kram and his colleagues suggests that with the right strategically timed and placed pacers, the answer is yes -- and Kenyan Olympian Faith Kipyegon is on the brink of doing it. -- "We found that if everything went right, under a couple of different drafting scenarios, she could break the 4-minute barrier," said co-author Shalaya Kipp, an Olympic middle-distance runner who earned her master's degree in Kram's lab. "It's extremely exciting that we are now talking about, and studying, the limits of female human performance, too." -- From 'Breaking 2' to 'Breaking 4' -- In 2016, Kram's lab calculated what was required for a man to break the fabled two-hour marathon barrier. -- He and his students determined that, along with intense training, state-of-the-art shoes and an ideal course and weather conditions, drafting -- running behind or in front of another runner to reduce air resistance -- was key. -- Informed in part by their research, Nike hosted the Breaking2 Project in May 2017 to create those conditions for Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge. Kipchoge narrowly missed his goal that day but nailed it in a similarly staged race in Vienna in 2019. -- Four years later, Kram watched with interest as Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon crushed records for the women's 1,500 meter, the 5,000 meter and the mile -- all in less than two months, while raising her daughter. -- When Kipyegon smashed the mile world record for women with a time of four minutes, 7.64 seconds, she was just over 3% away from breaking the 4-minute-mile, noted Kram. Coincidentally, when his team first started doing their research, the marathon world record holder was about 3% shy of a two-hour marathon.	A01	1,770
2508-E002	Juvenile Chinook Salmon Navigate Dangerous Migration To The Ocean	Recent research has revealed how juvenile Chinook salmon have developed a survival strategy to navigate the challenging migration route to the Pacific Ocean. By learning to swim in various river locations at different times, these fish aim to evade predators and save energy. With survival rates below 5%, understanding their behavior is crucial for developing conservation strategies to protect these threatened species, especially as their migration faces numerous environmental challenges.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Ecology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	For young salmon, the journey along the San Joaquin River in Central California is no small feat. Every spring and fall, thousands of these fish -- each as long as a pinky finger -- embark on a 350-mile race, swimming day and night and dodging predators along the way to reach the Pacific Ocean. -- But less than 5% survive the journey, and in some years, hardly any make it. Elevated water temperatures, dams and poor water quality all endanger the animal, but human-introduced predators, including striped and largemouth bass, kill most of them. -- In a new CU Boulder-led study, researchers reveal how these salmon learn to swim in different parts of the river at different times of day to avoid predators and conserve energy. The study was published Feb 24 in the journal Ecology Letters. -- "The salmon fishery in the San Joaquin River delta area is on the verge of collapsing," said Mike Gil, the paper's first author and assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. "We know these juvenile salmon are getting wiped out on their migration to sea. We need to know why and how this is happening, and if there are opportunities to leverage conservation practices." -- After spending their first year in the river where they hatched, juvenile salmon migrate to the ocean to access the nutrients they need to mature. Once they reach reproductive age, adult salmon return upstream to spawn. -- According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the population of Chinook salmon migrating in the fall in the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems has dropped from 872,669 in 2002 to 79,985 in 2022 -- a 90% decline in just two decades. -- Gil and his team placed trackers in 424 juvenile Chinook salmon, as well as 23 striped bass and 17 largemouth bass. Using detectors placed along the riverbanks, the team monitored the activities of salmon and their predators, including when and where predators attack the most, for two months as they traveled through the San Joaquin River. -- They found that salmon migrate over a much longer distance at night, a behavior that scientists had previously observed without fully understanding why. -- The team's data showed that during the day, predatory bass tend to concentrate and attack more frequently mid-river, where salmon prefer to swim. There, the currents flowing toward the sea are stronger, so salmon can ride the water downstream, saving energy. -- To avoid those bass, young salmon have adapted to migrate mid-river at night. Meanwhile, by day, they seek refuge near the riverbanks -- even though that means expending more than double the energy to swim the same distance.	N01	1,771
2509-E030	Understanding Kelp Forest Recovery Rates In Relation To Sea Otters	New research from CU Boulder has clarified why kelp forests recover at different rates in Southern California compared to British Columbia after the reintroduction of sea otters. By modeling the interactions of various species, the study reveals how ecological dynamics vary by location, emphasizing the complex role keystone species play in their ecosystems.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	When sea otters were reintroduced along the coastlines of islands in Southern California and British Columbia, researchers saw kelp forests return to areas that were destroyed by sea urchins. But how slow or fast they grew back depended on the location -- and until now, scientists didn't understand why. -- New CU Boulder research found sea otters, an important keystone species, play a vital role in kelp forest recovery, but their level of influence depends on what other species they interact with in salty Pacific Ocean waters. The study, published today in PNAS, used decades of observations to create a time series of interactions, like a movie that shows changes in the numbers of the local species, and crucially, the patterns of how they interact through time, to understand how the reintroduction of sea otters helped Pacific Ocean kelp forests recover. -- "We always thought keystone species control their ecosystem the same way, regardless of where they are or what else is in the ecosystem," said Ryan Langendorf, lead author of the paper, Environmental Studies researcher, and former postdoctoral researcher at CIRES. "A more modern view is that they are still very important, but they can have different effects in different places." -- Researchers' fascination with keystone species spans decades. Jim Estes, a retired USGS scientist and the paper's co-author, spent his career researching sea otters and how their presence along rocky shorelines shaped kelp forests. While working on remote Alaskan islands, he found where sea otters were absent, sea urchin populations mushroomed, overtaking kelp forests. He concluded the small mammal was integral to maintaining harmony in coastal reef ecosystems: by feeding on sea urchins they in turn maintained the health of kelp forests -- dense groups of brown algae that are rich in biodiversity and provide shelter to many species. -- Estes, University of British Columbia researcher Jane Watson, and other co-authors of the study led two 30-year data community collection studies documenting what happened after reintroducing sea otters to Nicolas Island in California in the 1980s and Vancouver Island in British Columbia in the 1970s. The data sets represent two of the most complete studies looking at the effect of keystone species on local ecosystems. Both research areas were mostly "urchin barrens" -- sites where sea urchins had overgrazed in the absence of sea otters -- when the studies began. -- Thirty years of data revealed that while kelp forests grew back in both locations, forests in British Columbia regenerated much faster than in Southern California. British Columbia was a classic example of the domino effect, which ecologists call a trophic cascade, that comes with reintroducing a keystone species: otters eat urchins, so kelp can regrow. But the slower return in the south revealed a gap in understanding. -- To understand these differences, Langendorf developed a novel community model that created a movie of species interactions, to understand the changes in the ecosystem over the 30 years at both sites. -- Creating the movie provided researchers with answers. The model highlighted how all living things -- sea otters, urchins, kelp -- interacted over time in both regions. This revealed more competition between the different urchin, kelp, and other species in California, which slowed down the influence sea otters had on the entire system. In short: sea otters in California didn't have as strong of an effect on sea urchins as they did up north because of the complex web interactions that took place in the Canadian ecosystem. -- "Almost all studies of ecological communities assume that these interaction strengths are static -- that "the rules of the game" don't change even as the abundances of species do," said CU Boulder Environmental Studies professor and co-author of the paper, Dan Doak. "By developing a way to estimate these changing rules, Ryan has added to our appreciation of this particular system, as well as pioneering a more powerful way to understand other ecological systems." -- The new model can help researchers better understand how ecosystems change when species are reintroduced to places that are constantly changing and evolving.	N02	1,772
2511-E025	Hummingbird Chick Mimics Poisonous Caterpillar: A Survival Strategy	Scientists have documented a fascinating mimicry behavior in a hummingbird chick that resembles a poisonous caterpillar to evade predators. This novel discovery, made in the Panamanian rainforest, highlights the importance of understanding avian behavior in tropical environments and raises questions about the ecological dynamics that govern survival strategies among nesting birds.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	When Jay Falk and Scott Taylor first saw the white-necked Jacobin hummingbird chick in Panama's dense rainforest, the bird biologists didn't know what they were looking at. -- The day-old bird, smaller than a pinky finger, had brown fuzz all over its body. When Falk and Taylor walked closer to the nest, the chick began twitching and shaking its head -- a behavior they had never seen in birds before. -- It turns out the hummingbird might fend off predators by mimicking a poisonous caterpillar that lives in the same region. In a new paper published March 17 in Ecology, Taylor, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at CU Boulder, and his team described this unusual mimicry behavior for the first time in hummingbirds. -- "We know so little about what nesting birds do in the tropics," said Falk, the paper's first author and postdoctoral fellow in Taylor's lab. "But this could be a very common thing if we had dedicated more efforts to observe and discover new things about the natural world." -- A chance discovery -- White-necked jacobin hummingbirds are common in Central and South America. Male birds have shimmering blue and green feathers, while females tend to sport low-key green plumage. -- The tropical rainforest is a dangerous place for small birds, said Falk, who's also a researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Snakes, monkeys, birds and even insects all prey on them. Prior studies have suggested bird chicks in the tropics are more likely to be eaten by predators than those in temperate forests. -- So how can tiny hummingbird chicks survive? Falk may have stumbled on the answer during a trip to Soberanía National Park in Panama in 2024. -- Despite the birds' frequent visits to Falk's feeders outside his research station in Panama, Falk had never seen a white-necked jacobin chick or its nest before. -- But last March, co-authors Michael Castaño at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and Sebastian Gallan-Giraldo at the University of Antioquia in Colombia discovered a female jacobin hummingbird incubating an egg in its nest, not far from a forest trail. The nest, smaller than Falk's palm, was made of plant parts to blend in perfectly with the surrounding environment.	C01 N02	1,773
2511-T015	Mystery Of Mars’ Water Storage: How Much Remains In The Crust?	New analyses reveal that while water once flowed abundantly on Mars, the fate of this water—whether trapped underground, lost to space, or transformed into minerals—remains uncertain. Ongoing studies aim to clarify how much water may still be present in the Martian crust, contributing to our understanding of the planet's history.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Water once existed in abundance of at the surface of Mars. How much of that water has been stored in the planet's crust is still unclear, according to a new analysis. -- More than 3 billion years ago, Mars intermittently had liquid water on its surface. -- After the planet lost much of its atmosphere, however, surface water could no longer persist. -- The fate of Mars' water -- whether it was buried as ice, confined in deep aquifers, incorporated into minerals or dissipated into space -- remains an area of ongoing research, one of particular interest to LASP Senior Research Scientist Bruce Jakosky, former principal investigator of the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission. -- Last week, in a letter to the editor of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Jakosky challenged the conclusion of a 2024 PNAS study that suggested Mars retains a significant amount of liquid water in its mid-crust. -- Jakosky notes that while that is one possible conclusion, it is not the only one, as the data on which the study is based do not require a water-saturated crust. -- "While the approach and analysis are reasonable and appropriate, the results of their modeling suggest an alternative conclusion," Jakosky says. -- The data used in the analyses came from NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport (InSight) mission, which launched in 2018 and placed a single lander on Mars to collect geophysical data to study the planet's interior. -- Although the mission ended in 2022, when a Martian dust storm obscured the lander's solar panels preventing them from generating power, scientists are still analyzing data from InSight -- and debating what it means. -- In an August 2024 PNAS study, geophysicist Vashan Wright, of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, and colleagues used rock physics models to determine what types of rocks, levels of water saturation, and pore space characteristics could account for the seismic and gravity data InSight had collected from the mid-crust, a region ranging from 11.5 to 20 kilometers below the surface.	C01	1,774
2512-047	Beneficial Bacteria May Protect Against Diabetes Risks in Infancy	A new study published in Science highlights how exposure to antibiotics during infancy can stunt the growth of insulin-producing pancreatic cells and potentially increase diabetes risk later in life. It identifies specific beneficial microorganisms that promote the proliferation of these cells, underscoring the significant role of the infant microbiome in metabolic health and development.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Exposure to antibiotics during a key developmental window in infancy can stunt the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and may boost risk of diabetes later in life, new research in mice suggests. -- The study, published this month in the journal Science, also pinpoints specific microorganisms that may help those critical cells proliferate in early life. -- The findings are the latest to shine a light on the importance of the human infant microbiome -- the constellation of bacteria and fungi living on and in us during our first few years. -- The research could lead to new approaches for addressing a host of metabolic diseases. -- "We hope our study provides more awareness for how important the infant microbiome actually is for shaping development," said first author Jennifer Hill, assistant professor in molecular, cellular and developmental biology at CU's BioFrontiers Institute. -- "This work also provides important new evidence that microbe-based approaches could someday be used to not only prevent but also reverse diabetes." -- Something in the environment -- More than 2 million U.S. adults live with Type 1 diabetes, an incurable disease in which the pancreas fails to make insulin (the hormone that turns glucose into energy) and the blood fills with sugar. -- The disease typically emerges in childhood, and genetics play a strong role. -- But scientists have found that, while identical twins share DNA that predisposes them to Type 1 diabetes, only one twin usually gets the disease.	H01 R01	1,775
2512-049	Unlocking Cancer Treatments: Understanding the Role of CDK7 Enzyme	New research from CU Boulder reveals how cancer drugs targeting the enzyme CDK7 can quickly inhibit cell proliferation pathways, offering crucial insights into regulating the cell cycle. By understanding CDK7's role, scientists aim to develop novel cancer treatments that effectively combat uncontrolled cell growth, ultimately enhancing therapeutic strategies for various cancers.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	For organs to develop, grow and regenerate, cells must proliferate. But when that process goes awry, leading to uncontrolled cell growth, cancer can emerge. -- New CU Boulder research, published in the journal Science Advances, offers unprecedented insight into how an enigmatic enzyme, known as CDK7, drives this complex process. -- The research shows that novel cancer drugs designed to inhibit CDK7 can, within minutes, shut down gene expression pathways that drive cell proliferation in dozens of different kinds of tissues. -- "This work addresses a long-standing mystery surrounding an enzyme critical for regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation," said senior author Dylan Taatjes, a professor in the Department of Biochemistry. -- "Not only does it help us understand a fundamental biological process important for development, it also has broad therapeutic applications." -- Understanding an enigma -- For decades, cancer researchers and pharmaceutical companies have eyed cyclin dependent kinase (CDK7) with interest due to its role as a "master regulator" of cell proliferation. -- CDK7 does this in two ways: It switches on other enzymes known as kinases, including CDKs 1, 2, 4 and 6, which kick-start cells to divide and multiply. -- It also regulates gene expression in ways that, until now, have remained unclear. -- The new study found that it controls the function of proteins called transcription factors, which influence when and how genes are expressed.	H01 R01	1,776
2512-E033	Climate Change Threatens Timber Production In Minnesota Due To Extreme Weather	Climate Change Threatens Timber Production In Minnesota Due To Extreme Weather	University of Colorado at Boulder	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	How much will strawberry harvests shrink when extreme heat harms pollinators? How much will timber production decline when windstorms flatten forests? How much will recreational value disappear when large wildfires sweep through Colorado's mountain towns? -- These are some critical questions that a new computer simulation, co-developed by a CU Boulder ecologist, can answer. -- In a paper published March 5 in Nature Ecology & Evolution, researchers presented a model that aims to understand how extreme weather events, worsened by climate change, will affect ecosystems and the benefits they provide to humans. -- Based on the model, a Minnesota forest could lose up to 50% of its timber revenue if a severe windstorm hits. -- "With climate change, there's an urgent need to incorporate the impacts of extreme events like mega-fires and hurricanes have on the benefits nature provides," said Laura Dee, the paper's first author and associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. -- "This research is an important step toward anticipating impacts to ecosystem services so that we can adapt management strategies accordingly." -- Scientists use the term "ecosystem services" or "nature's contributions to people" to refer to the essential functions that nature provides to support human life and well-being. -- Tree roots purify water, insects pollinate crops and forests lock away carbon, helping to stabilize the climate. -- In addition to these tangible benefits, mountains, lakes and oceans offer recreational enjoyment for people and hold cultural significance for communities. -- Previous models for predicting how ecosystems respond to climate change tend to assume that changes are steady.	C01 N02 T01	1,777
2513-017	Long-Term Exposure To Martian Dust May Harm Astronauts' Health	New findings indicate that long-term exposure to Martian dust could pose serious health risks for astronauts, including respiratory issues and thyroid disease. This research, a collaboration among scientists from various fields, provides critical insights into the chemical composition of Martian dust and its potential impacts on human health. Understanding these risks is essential for ensuring astronaut safety during future missions to Mars.	University of Colorado at Boulder	GeoHealth	Press Rel	PubMed	Don't breathe in the dust on Mars. -- That's the takeaway from new research from a team of scientists, including researchers from the University of Colorado Boulder. -- The findings suggests that long-term exposure to Martian dust could create a host of health problems for future astronauts -- leading to chronic respiratory problems, thyroid disease and more. -- The study, published in the journal GeoHealth, is the first to take a comprehensive look at the chemical ingredients that make up Martian dust, and their possible impacts on human health. -- It was undertaken by a team from the worlds of medicine, geology and aerospace engineering. -- "This isn't the most dangerous part about going to Mars," said Justin Wang, lead author of the study and a student in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. -- "But dust is a solvable problem, and it's worth putting in the effort to develop Mars-focused technologies for preventing these health problems in the first place." -- Wang, a CU Boulder alumnus, noted that Apollo era astronauts experienced runny eyes and irritated throats after inhaling dust from the moon. -- Apollo 17's Harrison Schmitt likened the symptoms to hay fever. -- But scientists know a lot less about the potential harms of Martian dust.	Z01	1,778
2513-E010	Drone Study Sheds Light On Changes In Greenland's Ice Sheet And Climate Models	A groundbreaking study has collected detailed measurements of water vapor above Greenland's ice sheet using a custom-designed drone. This research aims to enhance climate models and improve predictions related to ice loss in polar regions, providing critical data for understanding how changes in the Arctic affect global sea levels and freshwater resources.	University of Colorado at Boulder	Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, researchers have collected detailed measurements of water vapor high above the surface of the Greenland ice sheet. Their research, aided by a custom-designed drone, could help scientists improve ice loss calculations in rapidly warming polar regions. -- "We will be able to understand how water moves in and out of Greenland in the next few years," said first author Kevin Rozmiarek, a doctoral student at the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) at CU Boulder. -- "As a major freshwater reservoir, we need to understand how Greenland's environment is going to change in the future." -- The findings were published March 14 in JGR Atmospheres. -- According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Greenland lost about 55 gigatons of ice and snow between fall 2023 and fall 2024. -- The island is shedding ice for the 28th year in a row, and scientists estimate that it has lost more than 5 trillion tons of ice since 1992. -- The Greenland ice sheet contains about 8% of the planet's freshwater, and its meltwater could contribute significantly to rising sea levels, changing ocean circulation and ecosystems worldwide. -- The majority of ice loss comes from large ice chunks breaking off from glaciers and the melting of surface ice and snow. -- Sublimation, the process of solids turning into gases without turning into liquids first, may also play a role. -- Prior studies have suggested that in some parts of Greenland, about 30% of summer surface snow could sublimate to water vapor.	C01	1,779
2504-019	New Insights Into Sepsis: Understanding The Lethal Messages From Dying Cells	Recent findings from UConn School of Medicine reveal a potential mechanism behind the progression of sepsis, a life-threatening condition marked by severe inflammation. The research suggests that dying cells transmit harmful signals to neighboring cells, exacerbating the inflammatory response. Understanding this process could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating sepsis, which claims millions of lives each year due to its complex and often deadly nature.	University of Connecticut	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Like a poison pen, dying cells prick their neighbors with a lethal message. This may worsen sepsis, Vijay Rathinam and colleagues in the UConn School of Medicine report in the Jan. 23 issue of Cell. Their findings could lead to a new understanding of this dangerous illness. -- Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), killing 11 million people each year. -- It's characterized by runaway inflammation, usually sparked by an infection. -- It can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and death if treatment is not rapid enough or effective. -- But recent research has shown that it isn't actually the infection that causes the spiraling inflammation: it's the cells caught up in it. Even if those cells aren't infected, they act as if they are, and die. -- As they die, they send out messages to other cells. Those messages somehow cause the recipient cells to die. -- If scientists understood what caused this deadly message chain, they might be able to stop it. And that could help heal sepsis. -- The deadly message mystery may now be solved. It appears that the "messages" are a byproduct of the cells trying to stay alive, UConn School of Medicine researchers report in Cell. -- The process starts with cells that really are infected. To prevent the infection from spreading, those cells destroy themselves by sending a protein called gasdermin-D to their surface. -- Several gasdermin-D proteins will link together to create a round pore on the cell, like a hole punched in a balloon.	N02	1,780
2504-E019	Electric Fields: A Survival Strategy For Hummingbird Flower Mites	Researchers have uncovered that hummingbird flower mites utilize electrical cues while hitching rides on their avian counterparts to find suitable flowers. Despite previous assumptions that scent was their navigational tool, a study led by Carlos Garcia-Robledo advances our understanding of how these mites successfully disembark at the right floral sources to continue their life cycle, contributing to the ecology of their environments.	University of Connecticut	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Mites who hitchhike on the beaks of hummingbirds use a surprising method to help them on their journey: electricity. -- These hummingbird flower mites feed on nectar and live within specific flowers for their species. When it is time to seek out a new flower, they hitch a ride via hummingbirds, but for years researchers have not been sure exactly how these tiny, crawling arachnids quickly disembark at the right flower. Researchers, including Carlos Garcia-Robledo, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, are closer to answering these questions, and they published their results in PNAS. -- Garcia-Robledo studies aspects of the evolutionary and life histories of organisms and how they respond to climate change, including this puzzling behavior. -- "When hummingbirds visit multiple flowers, you usually see the mites going down their beaks only when they touch the first flower," says Garcia-Robledo. "I thought that was interesting and wondered why the mites were not going to the second or third flower." -- For years, researchers have proposed that the mites use a smell signal, but after some experimentation to test this theory, Garcia-Robledo was not convinced. -- "I knew that it was not maybe the smell that played a major role in this because if you bring the mites to a laboratory, they don't care much about smells of flowers and so on. I knew it had to be something else." -- Then, after reading a story about research into how ticks are pulled onto clothing by static electricity, and a chance lunch meeting while working at the La Selva Research Station in Costa Rica, everything came together. -- "I was reminded of the weird observation about the mites, and I thought maybe something electrostatic was happening there," he says. "These mites are so tiny that they live at another level of perception, so of course, even little electric fields are important for them. This could help explain the mystery of how they can be fast enough to hitchhike on this family of birds." -- Just by chance, Garcia-Robledo was having lunch with friends and co-authors Konstantine Manser and Diego Dierick. Manser was at the time a Ph.D. student at the University of Bristol in the laboratory that produced the tick static research. Diego Dierick is a scientist at the Organization for Tropical Studies, and an electronics whiz collaborating in many projects at La Selva Research Station. Garcia-Robledo proposed they test his theory on the hitchhiking hummingbird flower mites. -- "Diego and Kosta said that it was super easy and that we should try. We built the devices the next day and brought the first mite from a flower to test it. We turned on the device, and instantaneously, they started to respond. That's how we figured out that they were using static electricity," says Garcia-Robledo.	C01 N01 T01	1,781
2505-E088	New Method Models Plant Impact On Global Water Movement More Accurately	Researchers have created a novel method to illustrate the significant role of plants in the movement of Earth's water without needing extensive data collection. By improving Earth systems models, they enhance understanding of how plants contribute to global water dynamics, revealing that approximately 60% of rainfall is returned to the atmosphere through transpiration, which is vital for understanding climate change impacts.	University of Connecticut	Scientific Data	Press Rel	PubMed	Drinking ketones improves heart health, a new small-scale study from the University of Portsmouth has found. -- This is the first time people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been given a drink with ketone esters -- a supplement that is meant to plunge your system into ketosis -- to monitor the effect on the heart. -- Ketosis is the metabolic state where your body is forced to burn fats instead of carbohydrates. -- The study was carried out after a new drug treatment, set to lower sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes, was also found to save people dying from cardiovascular disease, but more research was needed to find out why. -- Study author, Dr Maria Perissiou from the University of Portsmouth's School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, said: "It's still early days, but these results are promising. We saw an improvement in cardiac efficiency after the participants had the drink with ketones, compared to a placebo drink." -- The trial involved 13 participants who were given a drink with ketones, and then a placebo drink over a week later. -- Their cardiovascular function was measured 30 minutes later using non-invasive monitoring, similar to an ECG; ultrasound to assess microvascular function, which looks at the health of the vessels; and infrared spectroscopy, which assesses the blood flow into small vessels. -- Dr Perissiou said: "In all 13 of the participants, their hearts were working more efficiently after the ketone drink at rest and during moderate intensity exercise, compared to the placebo drink. I'm feeling very positive about the results, but more research is needed because we only assessed participants on the day, which means we have no idea what the chronic impact of drinking ketones would be." -- Dr Perissiou added that the effect of ketones on heart health is a serendipitous finding: "It's only really by chance that we've been able to establish this connection after seeing an improvement in cardiovascular health of patients being treated for diabetes with a drug called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i)." -- Our bodies have two different fuel tanks -- glucose and free fatty acids.	C01	1,782
2511-001	New Discovery Links TDP-43 Gene Levels To Neurodegenerative Disease Pathways	Researchers at UConn School of Medicine unearthed a crucial link between decreased TDP-43 gene levels in endothelial cells and the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which could lead to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and ALS. This study, led by Omar Moustafa Fathy and senior researcher Dr. Patrick A. Murphy, underscores the vital role of endothelial cells in maintaining brain protection and highlights new avenues to understand vascular dysfunction in neurodegeneration.	University of Connecticut	Nature Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	In Nature Neuroscience, UConn School of Medicine researchers have revealed a new scientific clue that could unlock the key cellular pathway leading to devastating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, and the progressive damage to the brain's frontal and temporal lobes in frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and the associated disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). -- The study, "Endothelial TDP-43 Depletion Disrupts Core Blood-Brain Barrier Pathways in Neurodegeneration," was published on March 14, 2025. The lead author, Omar Moustafa Fathy, an MD/Ph.D. candidate at the Center for Vascular Biology at UConn School of Medicine, conducted the research in the laboratory of senior author Dr. Patrick A. Murphy, associate professor and newly appointed interim director of the Center for Vascular Biology. The study was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Riqiang Yan, a leading expert in Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration research. -- This work provides a novel and significant exploration of how vascular dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, exemplifying the powerful collaboration between the Center for Vascular Biology and the Department of Neuroscience. While clinical evidence has long suggested that blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction plays a role in neurodegeneration, the specific contribution of endothelial cells remained unclear. The BBB serves as a critical protective barrier, shielding the brain from circulating factors that could cause inflammation and dysfunction. Though multiple cell types contribute to its function, endothelial cells -- the inner lining of blood vessels -- are its principal component. -- "It is often said in the field that 'we are only as old as our arteries'. Across diseases we are learning the importance of the endothelium. I had no doubt the same would be true in neurodegeneration, but seeing what these cells were doing was a critical first step," says Murphy. -- Omar, Murphy, and their team tackled a key challenge: endothelial cells are rare and difficult to isolate from tissues, making it even harder to analyze the molecular pathways involved in neurodegeneration. -- To overcome this, they developed an innovative approach to enrich these cells from frozen tissues stored in a large NIH-sponsored biobank. They then applied inCITE-seq, a cutting-edge method that enables direct measurement of protein-level signaling responses in single cells -- marking its first-ever use in human tissues. -- This breakthrough led to a striking discovery: endothelial cells from three different neurodegenerative diseases -- Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) -- shared fundamental similarities that set them apart from the endothelium in healthy aging. A key finding was the depletion of TDP-43, an RNA-binding protein genetically linked to ALS-FTD and commonly disrupted in AD. Until now, research has focused primarily on neurons, but this study highlights a previously unrecognized dysfunction in endothelial cells. -- "It's easy to think of blood vessels as passive pipelines, but our findings challenge that view," says Omar. "Across multiple neurodegenerative diseases, we see strikingly similar vascular changes, suggesting that the vasculature isn't just collateral damage -- it's actively shaping disease progression. Recognizing these commonalities opens the door to new therapeutic possibilities that target the vasculature itself." -- The research team believes this newly identified subset of endothelial cells could provide a roadmap to targeting this endothelial disfunction to stave off disease, and also to develop new biomarkers from the blood of patients with disease. -- Funding was provided by startup funds from the UConn School of Medicine and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Vascular Biology and Calhoun Cardiology Center, American Heart Association Innovative Project Award 19IPLOI34770151 (to P.A.M.); NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grants K99/R00-HL125727 and RF1-NS117449 (to P.A.M); American Heart Association Predoctoral award 23PRE1027078 (to O.M.F.O.) R01-AG046929 and R01-NS074256 (to R.Y.) and NIH GM135592 (to B.H.).	A01 R01 R02 C01	1,783
2513-034	Where You Shop Impacts Obesity-Related Cancer Risks	A team of researchers has developed a novel tool to explore consumer behavior concerning healthy food shopping and its effects on obesity-related cancer risks. Their findings highlight that simply increasing access to healthy grocery options in the U.S. does not necessarily translate to healthier shopping habits. By analyzing GPS-tracked data from 359,000 retailers and linking it to cancer statistics, the team hopes to uncover why proximity to healthy food does not guarantee improved health outcomes.	University of Connecticut	BMC Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	besity is at epidemic proportions in the United States where more than 40% of adults are obese and more than 70% are overweight. One common policy intervention to tackle this urgent issue is to try to improve diet quality by increasing local grocery stores that offer healthy options. However, this is not a silver bullet, but researchers are not sure why. -- A team of researchers developed a novel tool to help understand consumer behavior at the county level, and to study the relationship between where people shop for their food and the risk of obesity-related cancers. -- Their findings are published in BMC Medicine. -- Department of Allied Health Sciences researchers assistant professor Ran Xu and Ph.D. student Gaofei Zhang, Department of Geography, Sustainability, Community, and Urban Studies researchers including associate professor Peter Chen and Ph.D. students Weixuan Lyu and Congcong Miao, and Qinyun Lin from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, used nation level large-scale GPS-tracked mobility data to study where people shop for their food and location data indicating the availability of healthy food within each neighborhood for about 359,000 retailers across the United States. -- Then, they linked this with obesity-related cancer data to see if where they shop for food impacted health outcomes. -- "Obesity is closely related to cancer and every year, 5% of the new cancer cases for men, 10% of cancer cases for women can be attributed to excessive obesity or body weight, so it is a very serious problem," says Xu. "From a public policy perspective, intuitively, you think that if you open healthy grocery stores, that will improve people's diet quality and then reduce obesity." -- That is unfortunately not the case. In previous studies, Xu and colleagues found that more factors are involved than just increasing access to places to buy healthy groceries. -- "We found that people go to food retailers that are mostly outside their immediate neighborhoods. Also, in our previous research we found that by tracking where people go, we can link that with a series of cardiac metabolic diseases like obesity, hypertension, high blood pressure, and diabetes. We found the strongest association with obesity. In this paper, we go deeper into that and try to see if there is a link between peoples' food retailer visit pattern and obesity-related cancer mortality," says Xu. -- The researchers used GPS data from 2018-2019 from SafeGraph paired with retailer location information from InfoGroup. -- The researchers designated healthy food locations as grocery stores, large warehouse clubs, and farmers' markets.	H01 R01	1,784
2502-E043	Neolithic Sun Stones Linked To Ancient Volcanic Eruption That Darkened The Skies	Archaeologists and climate scientists have linked a Neolithic ritual of stone sacrifices on the Danish island Bornholm to a significant volcanic eruption. This eruption caused prolonged darkness in Northern Europe, disrupting agriculture and profoundly influencing Neolithic societies dependent on stable climate conditions, showcasing how ancient cultures responded to environmental challenges.	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities	Antiquity	Press Rel	PubMed	4,900 years ago, a Neolithic people on the Danish island Bornholm sacrificed hundreds of stones engraved with sun and field motifs. Archaeologists and climate scientists from the University of Copenhagen can now show that these ritual sacrifices coincided with a large volcanic eruption that made the sun disappear throughout Northern Europe. -- Throughout history, volcanic eruptions have had serious consequences for human societies such as cold weather, lack of sun, and low crop yields. In the year 43 BC when a volcano in Alaska spewed large quantities of sulphur into the stratosphere, harvests failed the following years in the countries around the Mediterranean, causing famine and disease. This is well-documented in written sources from ancient Greece and Rome. -- We do not have written sources from the Neolithic. But climate scientists from the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen have analysed ice cores from the Greenland ice sheet and can now document that around 2,900 BC a similar volcanic eruption took place. An eruption that must have had equally devastating consequences for the Neolithic peoples who lived in Northern Europe at the time and who were deeply dependent on agriculture. -- This new insight into a climate episode in the Neolithic period has led archaeologists from the University of Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark and the Museum of Bornholm to view their findings of so-called "sun stones" from the Neolithic Vasagård site on Bornholm in a new light, and they have just published a scientific article on the phenomenon in the journal Antiquity: -- "We have known for a long time that the sun was the focal point for the early agricultural cultures we know of in Northern Europe. They farmed the land and depended on the sun to bring home the harvest. If the sun almost disappeared due to mist in the stratosphere for longer periods of time, it would have been extremely frightening for them," says archaeologist Rune Iversen from the University of Copenhagen, who has participated in the excavations at the site led by the Museum of Bornholm and the National Museum. He adds: -- "One type of find that is completely unique to Bornholm is the so-called sun stones, which are flat shale pieces with engraved patterns and sun motifs. They symbolized fertility and were probably sacrificed to ensure sun and growth. Sun stones were found in large quantities at the Vasagård West site, where residents deposited them in ditches forming part of a causewayed enclosure together with the remains of ritual feasts in the form of animal bones, broken clay vessels, and flint objects around 2,900 BC. The ditches were subsequently closed." -- Rune Iversen and his colleagues believe that there is a very high probability that there is a connection between the volcanic eruption, the subsequent climate changes and the discovery of the ritual sun stone sacrifices. -- "It is reasonable to believe that the Neolithic people on Bornholm wanted to protect themselves from further deterioration of the climate by sacrificing sun stones -- or perhaps they wanted to show their gratitude that the sun had returned again." -- Major cultural changes -- As if an acute climate deterioration around 2,900 BC was not enough, Northern European Neolithic cultures were also affected by other disasters; New DNA studies of human bones have shown that the plague was very widespread and fatal.	C01 N01	1,785
2506-E029	Biodiversity Stagnation: Challenges In Restoring Danish Wetlands After Two Decades	A comprehensive new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that biodiversity growth in restored Danish wetlands has stagnated after more than two decades of restoration efforts. The research indicates that small, dry areas combined with ongoing nitrogen inputs from agriculture are hindering recovery. As the study emphasizes the need to learn from past restoration practices, it highlights the importance of creating adequately sized and managed natural areas to achieve meaningful biodiversity outcomes.	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	While the restoration of natural areas is high on political agendas, a comprehensive new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that -- after more than two decades -- biodiversity growth has stalled in restored Danish wetlands. The results also suggest that time alone will not heal things because the areas are too small and dry, and nitrogen inputs from agriculture continue. According to the researchers, we need to learn from the past. -- The benefits are clear: natural areas with high biodiversity absorb CO2 and can help struggling marine environments by reducing nitrogen emissions. -- The establishment of wetlands ranks high among the green priorities of politicians in Denmark and many other countries. And with the new Green Tripartite Agreement between the government, industry, agriculture and environmental groups, Denmark plans to invest significantly in restoring natural areas in coming years, with the creation of new wetlands being a key focus. -- However, new research from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology emphasizes that these initiatives must be executed with careful consideration. The study, which is the first detailed investigation of biodiversity in restored wetlands in Denmark, describes the restoration of Danish wetlands as a "modest success." Despite decades of restoration efforts, biodiversity has stalled far from the goal line. -- "Our study shows that species richness is significantly lower in restored wetlands than in original, natural wetlands. Furthermore, these areas are dominated by a few competitive species, while rarer and more vulnerable plants and mosses fail to establish themselves. In fact around one third of species found in near natural wetlands are missing, and it's all the rare species that are missing," explains Marta Baumane from the University of Copenhagen's Department of Biology. -- Few to no moss species were to be found after the restorations, and the species-rich genus "Carex," typical of natural wetlands, were also underrepresented in restored wetlands. Researchers found only five common species of Carex in restored areas, compared to ten different species -- several rare -- in the near natural wetlands. -- Baumane is the lead author of the study, now published in the scientific journal Journal of Applied Ecology. The researchers examined plant biodiversity using available data on wetlands across the Denmark and their own fieldwork at 72 different sites in three river valleys: Omme, Odense, and Tryggevælde. All of the wetlands studied were reestablished after 2000. -- Time will not heal it -- The results also make it clear that allowing for more time is not the solution to struggling biodiversity, as long as the underlying causes remain unchanged. -- "If we waited another 20 years and returned, it is doubtful that we would see any significant improvements. Using the registry data, we can look back and find records showing that these areas have stagnated for the past 10 years. We must assume that this is due to a number of underlying factors that have yet to change. High concentrations of nitrogen remain in the soil and though the streams have been meandered again, they are often still in deep river channels, so the wetlands along them are too dry," says Marta Baumane.	Z01	1,786
2507-T030	AI Successfully Decodes Emotions In Seven Ungulate Species Through Vocal Analysis	In a pioneering study, researchers have developed a machine-learning model that can decode emotions in seven ungulate species by analyzing their vocalizations. This breakthrough, achieving an impressive accuracy rate, opens new avenues for understanding animal welfare and emotional states, potentially revolutionizing how we manage and conserve livestock and wildlife through real-time emotional monitoring.	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Can artificial intelligence help us understand what animals feel? A pioneering study suggests the answer is yes. Researchers from the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen have successfully trained a machine-learning model to distinguish between positive and negative emotions in seven different ungulate species, including cows, pigs, and wild boars. By analysing the acoustic patterns of their vocalisations, the model achieved an impressive accuracy of 89.49%, marking the first cross-species study to detect emotional valence using AI. -- "This breakthrough provides solid evidence that AI can decode emotions across multiple species based on vocal patterns. It has the potential to revolutionise animal welfare, livestock management, and conservation, allowing us to monitor animals' emotions in real time," says Élodie F. Briefer, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology and last author of the study. -- AI as a Universal Animal Emotion Translator -- By analysing thousands of vocalisations from ungulates in different emotional states, the researchers identified key acoustic indicators of emotional valence. -- The most important predictors of whether an emotion was positive or negative included changes in duration, energy distribution, fundamental frequency, and amplitude modulation. -- Remarkably, these patterns were somewhat consistent across species, suggesting that fundamental vocal expressions of emotions are evolutionarily conserved. -- A Game-Changer for Animal Welfare and Conservation -- The study's findings have far-reaching implications. The AI-powered classification model could be used to develop automated tools for real-time monitoring of animal emotions, transforming the way we approach livestock management, veterinary care, and conservation efforts. -- Èlodie F. Briefer explains: -- "Understanding how animals express emotions can help us improve their well-being. If we can detect stress or discomfort early, we can intervene before it escalates. Equally important, we could also promote positive emotions. This would be a game-changer for animal welfare."	H01 H02 C01 N01 T01	1,787
2509-073	Western Diet During Pregnancy Linked To Higher ADHD And Autism Risks	Research indicates that a mother's Western-style diet during pregnancy may heighten the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and autism in children. The study suggests that dietary interventions could mitigate this risk, revealing that even moderate shifts away from unhealthy eating patterns during pregnancy could significantly benefit child development outcomes.	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from Denmark reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy -- characterised by a Western dietary pattern high in fat and sugar and low in fresh ingredients -- may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism in children. Researchers see potential for targeted dietary interventions during pregnancy to reduce this risk. -- Smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy diets have long been known to influence foetal development. Now, a comprehensive clinical study from the University of Copenhagen and the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood (COPSAC) at the Danish Paediatric Asthma Centre, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, has found an association between maternal diet during pregnancy and the development of ADHD and autism in children. -- "The greater a woman's adherence to a Western diet in pregnancy -- high in fat, sugar, and refined products while low in fish, vegetables, and fruit -- the greater the risk appears to be for her child developing ADHD or autism," says lead author, Dr David Horner, MD, PhD. -- The study identified a Western dietary pattern using data-driven analysis. Even moderate shifts along this dietary spectrum were associated with a markedly increased risk. For example, slight deviations towards a more Western diet were linked to a 66% increased risk of ADHD and a 122% increased risk of autism. However, this also presents an opportunity: even small dietary adjustments away from a Western pattern could potentially reduce the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. -- Over 60,000 Mother-Child Pairs Analysed -- To reach these findings, researchers analysed dietary patterns, blood samples, and ADHD diagnoses across four large independent cohorts in Denmark and the United States, encompassing more than 60,000 mother-child pairs. Blood samples were analysed using metabolomics, providing insights into the biological mechanisms linking diet to neurodevelopmental disorders and serving as a validation method for the results. -- The link between Western dietary patterns and ADHD was observed across all four cohorts and validated in three of them using three different methods, reinforcing the study's credibility, according to David Horner. -- The study draws on a highly detailed and robust dataset where nearly 600 children were clinically assessed for neurodevelopmental disorders at age 10. To ensure the reliability of the findings, researchers accounted for a range of factors, including genetics, which is known to play a major role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, a clear association between a maternal Western diet and the risk of ADHD and autism remained. -- Greatest Risk in Early Pregnancy -- One of the key strengths of this study is the high quality of the biological samples, which included repeated metabolomic measurements throughout pregnancy and childhood. This allowed researchers to demonstrate that the association of diet on ADHD risk was strongest in early and mid-pregnancy.	H01 N01	1,788
2511-E040	Plant-Based Paneer Offers Sustainable Alternative Without Compromising Taste	A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully created a hybrid version of paneer cheese that substitutes 25% of its milk content with plant-based pea protein, maintaining the cheese's taste and texture. This development signifies a step toward more sustainable dairy products, balancing environmental impact with nutritional benefits, as cheese remains a staple in many diets. The hybrid approach highlights the potential of combining milk and plant proteins to meet consumer preferences for both taste and sustainability.	University of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science	Food Research International	Press Rel	PubMed	A significant amount of the milk used in a popular cooking cheese can be substituted with plants, all while maintaining its taste and texture. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have demonstrated this by creating a hybrid version of paneer, a popular South Asian cheese, with twenty-five percent pea protein. The result is a solid step towards more sustainable dairy products with nutritional benefits. -- Creamy, crumbly, mild, or sharp -- cheese is a true crowd-pleaser. From everyday meals to gourmet delights, it's a staple across the Western world. In 2023, the average European enjoyed 20.5 kilograms of cheese. -- But it is no secret that, as a dairy product, heavy cheese consumption comes with a significant environmental impact. As such, extensive research is being conducted on how to produce plant-based cheeses. Unfortunately, finding an entirely plant-based cheese that satisfies cheese lovers in terms of both texture and taste has been difficult. And texture in particular has been challenging to get just right. -- So, food researchers at the University of Copenhagen opted for a different approach -- hybrid cheese. They see cheese produced from a combination of milk and plant proteins as the way forward. -- "It's really difficult to create a texture that matches regular cheese if you only use plant proteins. Therefore, our strategy is to get the best of both worlds by replacing as much milk protein as possible with plant protein, without compromising on taste and texture," says Professor Lilia Ahrné from the Department of Food Science. She continues: -- "Because, consumers who don't like the taste experience won't buy a product just because you tell them it's sustainable." -- She and her team have now successfully developed a recipe for a hybrid cheese similar to paneer, a widely-used South Asian cooking cheese. Their hybrid paneer consists partly of casein, the milk protein that is the main component of paneer, and partly of pea protein. And as peas are grown in Europe they are a more sustainable choice than, for example, soy-based protein. -- 25% peas -- "We've investigated what happens to a cheese's texture as we add more pea protein. How much can we add before it falls apart or loses its original paneer shape? Our experiments show that at least 25% of the milk proteins can be replaced with pea protein while still producing a cheese with a texture, shape, and taste similar to the original product," says postdoc Wenjie Xia, first author of the study published in Food Research International. -- When making paneer and most other cheeses, part of the process involves pressing it. In their experiments, the researchers applied higher pressure than usual to the hybrid cheese because pea proteins retain more water than milk proteins. This increased pressure helped the cheese maintain a solid shape despite its relatively high plant-based content.	H01 R02 C01 T01	1,789
2503-029	RNA's Role In Sunburn: A New Understanding Of Skin Damage	Traditional views of sunburn as a result of UV-induced DNA damage have been expanded by new research, illustrating the significant role RNA plays in triggering sunburn reactions. Conducted by the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, the study challenges established beliefs about skin damage from sun exposure, emphasizing the complexity of cellular responses during sunburn and highlighting potential new avenues for protective strategies against UV radiation.	University of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Sunburn has traditionally been attributed to UV-induced DNA damage. However, a new study by the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, reveals that RNA, another vital cellular molecule, plays a major role in triggering acute sunburn reactions. -- We have all been told to avoid direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 p.m., seek out shade and put on sunscreen and a hat. -- Nevertheless, most of us have been experienced sunburn at least once. -- The skin turns bright red, feels irritated and needs cooling. -- You may also have been told that sunburn damages the DNA. But that is not the full truth, the researchers responsible for a new study conducted at the University of Copenhagen and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) explain. -- "Sunburn damages the DNA, leading to cell death and inflammation. So the textbooks say. But in this study we were surprised to learn that this is a result of damage to the RNA, not the DNA that causes the acute effects of sunburn," says Assistant Professor Anna Constance Vind from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, who is one of the researchers responsible for the new study. -- The study, 'The ribotoxic stress response drives acute inflammation, cell death, and epidermal thickening in UV-irradiated skin in vivo', has been published in Molecular Cell. -- RNA is similar to DNA, but whereas DNA is long lived, RNA is a more transient molecule. -- A type of RNA, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), functions as the intermediate 'messenger' that carries information from DNA to make proteins -- the basic building blocks of cellular components. -- "DNA damage is serious as the mutations will get passed down to progenies of the cells, RNA damage happens all the time and does not cause permanent mutations. Therefore, we used to believe that the RNA is less important, as long as the DNA is intact. But in fact, damages to the RNA are the first to trigger a response to UV radiation," Anna Constance Vind explains.	H02	1,790
2501-004	Poor Sleep May Fuel Mental Health Issues By Allowing Unwanted Thoughts To Flourish.	New research from the University of East Anglia suggests that poor sleep can negatively impact mental health due to deficits in brain regions responsible for controlling unwanted thoughts. This study sheds light on the cognitive mechanisms at play, potentially leading to novel treatment strategies for mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression.	University of East Anglia	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The link between poor sleep and mental health problems could be related to deficits in brain regions that keep unwanted thoughts out of mind, according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA). -- Sleep problems play an important role in the onset and maintenance of many mental health problems, but the reason for this link is elusive. -- A new study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), offers fresh insight into the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the connection between sleep and mental health. -- These findings could support the development of novel treatments and prevention strategies for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. -- Dr Marcus Harrington, a Lecturer in UEA's School of Psychology, is lead author of the paper 'Memory control deficits in the sleep-deprived human brain'. He worked with colleagues at the universities of York, Cambridge, Sussex, and Queen's University (Canada). -- Functional neuroimaging was used to reveal for the first time that deficits in memory control after sleep deprivation are related to difficulties in engaging brain regions that support the inhibition of memory retrieval, and that the overnight rejuvenation of these brain regions is associated with rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. -- Dr Harrington said: "Memories of unpleasant experiences can intrude into conscious awareness, often in response to reminders. -- "While such intrusive memories are an occasional and momentary disturbance for most people, they can be recurrent, vivid and upsetting for individuals suffering from mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. -- "Given that memories play a central role in our affective perception of the external world, memory control failures may go a long way towards explaining the relationship between sleep loss and emotional dysregulation. -- "A better understanding of the mechanisms that precipitate the occurrence of intrusive memories is vital to improving emotional wellbeing and reducing the global burden of mental illness."	A01 H02 R02	1,791
2507-100	Connection Between Plant Immunity And Human Neurological Health Revealed	Research indicates that the increase in life expectancy across Europe has significantly slowed since 2011, primarily due to poor diet, physical inactivity, and the impact of the Covid pandemic. The study emphasizes the urgent need for public health initiatives promoting healthier lifestyles to reverse this trend, particularly highlighting England’s notable decline in life expectancy.	University of East Anglia	University of East Anglia	Press Rel	PubMed	The rise in human life expectancy has slowed down across Europe since 2011, according to research from the University of East Anglia and partners. -- A new study, published today in The Lancet Public Health, reveals that the food we eat, physical inactivity and obesity are largely to blame, as well as the Covid pandemic. -- Of all the countries studied, England experienced the biggest slowdown in life expectancy. -- It means that rather than looking forward to living longer than our parents or grandparents, we may find that we are dying sooner. -- The team says that in order to extend our old age, we need to prioritise healthier lifestyles in our younger years -- with governments urged to invest in bold public health initiatives. -- Lead researcher Prof Nick Steel, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Advances in public health and medicine in the 20th Century meant that life expectancy in Europe improved year after year. But this is no longer the case. -- "From 1990 to 2011, reductions in deaths from cardiovascular diseases and cancers continued to lead to substantial improvements in life expectancy. -- "But decades of steady improvements finally slowed around 2011, with marked international differences. -- "We found that deaths from cardiovascular diseases were the primary driver of the reduction in life expectancy improvements between 2011-19. Unsurprisingly, the Covid pandemic was responsible for decreases in life expectancy seen between 2019-21. -- "After 2011, major risks such as obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol either increased or stopped improving in almost all countries.	H01 R01 N02	1,792
2508-015	Workplace Bullying Impacts Partners' Sleep, Not Just Victims	Recent research highlights the negative impact of workplace bullying on sleep, affecting not only victims but also their partners. A study from the University of East Anglia and Spanish institutions uncovers the intricate relationship between bullying, insomnia, and anger rumination, emphasizing the need for addressing workplace mental health to improve overall well-being.	University of East Anglia	Journal of Interpersonal Violence	Press Rel	PubMed	Exposure to bullying by superiors and/or colleagues has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, such as sleep problems. -- Now research by the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the UK, and Complutense University of Madrid and Seville University in Spain, sheds light on the short-term consequences of workplace bullying on various indicators of sleep. -- These include waking up too early (sleep severity), interference with daily life (sleep impact) and dissatisfaction with own sleep (sleep satisfaction). -- Writing in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, the researchers aimed to examine how bullying at work impacts insomnia and to test the mediating role of "anger rumination" -- which involves repetitive, persistent thinking about distressing events, such as bullying. -- They found the relationship between bullying and sleep increases over time, particularly in relation to sleep onset difficulties, staying asleep and early morning awakening, and is explained by work-related anger felt by the employee and this constant rumination. -- They also found evidence of insomnia symptoms being "contagious" between employees and their partners, meaning that the sleep issues (both severity and impact) of one person can influence the other, highlighting how interconnected sleep health can be in relationships. -- Lead UK author Professor Ana Sanz-Vergel, from UEA's Norwich Business School, said: "Our results show that the effects of workplace bullying are time-dependent and accumulative, and go beyond the individual and the work setting, impacting the partner's sleep as well. -- "When individuals experience bullying at work, they may engage in rumination as a way to mentally process and attempt to cope with the negative events. However, this repeated thinking about distressing events can lead to the development of sleep problems such as difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleep impact and satisfaction. -- "Therefore, rumination can be seen as a maladaptive coping strategy to deal with workplace bullying, meaning that while this type of reflection may initially seem like a way to resolve issues or understand the situation, it can actually lead to more harm in the long run." -- Current knowledge is limited regarding the short-time impact of bullying processes on sleep and the association between workplace bullying and sleep.	H02	1,793
2513-E027	GPS Technology Helps Older Drivers Maintain Independence And Confidence	A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that GPS navigation systems help older drivers maintain their independence on the road. The research shows that seniors with poorer directional skills rely more on GPS, leading to increased driving frequency and suggesting that modern technology can play a significant role in enhancing mobility and quality of life for aging individuals.	University of East Anglia	PLOS Digital Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Sat Nav systems help keep older drivers on the roads for longer, according to new research from the University of East Anglia. -- A new study published today reveals that over 65s with a poorer sense of direction rely more on help from GPS navigation systems such as Sat Nav or smartphone maps. -- Those using GPS tended to drive more frequently -- suggesting that the technology helps older people maintain driving independence. -- Senior author Prof Michael Hornberger, from UEA's Norwich Medical School, said: "Driving is usually the preferred mode of transport among older adults, and it can be vital for maintaining independence, quality of life, wellbeing, and cognitive health as we age. -- "But age-related cognitive decline means that people might experience worsening spatial abilities, leading them to drive less and less. -- "Because we have an ageing population, it's really important to understand the factors that keep older people on the road, driving safely for longer." -- Lead author Dr Sol Morrissey, from UEA's School of Health Sciences, added: "We know that using a Sat Nav system can alleviate the cognitive demands of navigation when driving, particularly when visiting less familiar destinations. And this technology has become increasingly popular among older drivers. -- "We wanted to better understand how using GPS navigation systems helps older people on the roads." -- The team worked with 895 UK drivers (514 female) aged over 65 with an average age of 71. The participants self-reported how often and far they drive, their subjective sense of direction, and how they use GPS navigation devices. -- They also completed online cognitive tests assessing their memory and spatial abilities.	A01 H01 H02 C01 T01	1,794
2513-T006	Medical Imaging Experts Improve Skills In Solving Optical Illusions Through Training	Research conducted by a collaboration of UK universities reveals that medical imaging experts excel at solving common optical illusions. This groundbreaking study demonstrates that these professionals can enhance their skills in visual perception, indicating that their training may also positively impact their everyday visual judgment and underscoring the potential for specialized training in visual acuity.	University of East Anglia	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Medical imaging experts are adept at solving common optical illusions, according to research from four UK universities, including the University of East Anglia. -- The correct analysis of medical images from scans, such as MRI, is critical for diagnosing cancer and many other conditions. -- A new study published today shows that people who do this professionally are also more accurate at judging the size of objects in common optical illusions. -- In other words, medical imaging experts also literally see better in everyday life! -- The research is also the first to show that people can be trained to do better at solving visual illusions, which was previously thought to be near-impossible. -- Senior researcher Dr Martin Doherty, from UEA's School of Psychology, said: "Optical illusions are designed to fool the brain. They can be a bit of fun, but they also help researchers shed light on how our brains works. -- "We wanted to better understand whether people who are very experienced and skilled in visual recognition, do better at solving optical illusions." -- Participants were shown a series of visual illusions that made it hard to correctly judge the size of two similar objects -- and asked to identify the larger one. -- The object size differences varied, giving the research team an estimate of how much participants' judgements were affected by the illusions. -- They tested 44 radiographers and radiologists and compared their scores with a control group of 107 non-experts.	A01 R01 R02 T01	1,795
2501-007	VR-Haptics Training Could Transform Dental Education With Immersive Learning Experiences.	A comprehensive literature review on haptics-enhanced virtual reality training in dental education reveals its transformative potential. Conducted by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland, the review highlights how VR-haptics can complement traditional training methods, providing innovative, hands-on experience for dental students, thereby improving learning outcomes.	University of Eastern Finland	Journal of Dental Education	Press Rel	PubMed	A new comprehensive literature review of the benefits and challenges of integrating haptics-enhanced virtual reality training, or VR-haptics for short, in dental education curricula highlights the transformative potential of VR-haptics in dental education. -- Over the past decade, VR-haptic simulation has emerged as a promising tool in dental education, offering innovative training opportunities to complement traditional practices. -- Published in Journal of Dental Education, the review by an international team of researchers, led by the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Eastern Finland, examined the current applications and impact of VR-haptics in dental learning, practice and instruction. -- The researchers conducted a thorough literature search in PubMed, focusing on research published between January 2010 and January 2024. -- The search terms included dentistry, education, haptic, teaching, training and virtual reality. -- Out of 667 initial matches, 42 articles were selected for in-depth analysis. -- Additionally, findings from a global educator survey on VR-haptics usage in dental education were incorporated in the analysis. -- According to the study, VR-haptic simulation has demonstrated significant value as a complementary tool in dental simulation practice. -- However, validation was identified as a key factor for the acceptance of VR-haptic simulators, and further research and verification is needed before VR-haptics could be considered a primary method of learning hand skills in dental education. -- The researchers conclude that in the future, VR-haptic simulation could be used as an assessment tool for students' and clinicians' credentialing process.	Z01	1,796
2504-E034	Can Green Chemistry Revolutionize Phosphorus Recycling And Production Efficiency?	A recent review emphasizes the need for improved recycling methods for phosphorus, a critical material in various industries. The authors advocate for the application of green chemistry to produce organic phosphorus compounds sustainably, addressing both environmental concerns and the economic importance of phosphorus recycling.	University of Eastern Finland	Green Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Phosphorus is a critical raw material that should be recycled more efficiently. There is also a need for more environmentally friendly production methods for organic phosphorus compounds. A recently published review article examines the potential of green chemistry to contribute to these goals in the production and use of multifunctional phosphorus compounds, phosphonates. -- Organic phosphorus compounds play a crucial role in several scientific fields, such as chemistry, biology, medicine and pharmacy. -- These compounds include phosphonates, which have particularly important applications as drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis and other calcium metabolism related diseases, and as corrosion and scale inhibitors, among other things. -- The EU has listed phosphorus as one of the critical raw materials, i.e., raw materials ofgreat economic importance and with a high risk of supply disruption due to the concentration of their sources and the lack of good, affordable substitutes. -- "Therefore, one can ask whether it is even relevant to talk about green chemistry for any compound containing non-recycled phosphorus," notes one of the authors of the review, Staff Scientist Petri Turhanen from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Eastern Finland. -- Green chemistry is an area of chemistry and chemical engineering focusing on the design of products and processes that minimise or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances. -- Green chemistry methods are increasingly expected to provide solutions to the world's major environmental problems. -- The recently published review article focuses on green methods in the synthesis of phosphonates, as well as the wide range of their applications. -- In addition, the review discusses the degradation, recovery and recycling of phosphonates. -- "Feasible green chemistry methods have already been developed for the synthesis of phosphonates; however, the efficient recovery and recycling of phosphonates or phosphorus still requires a great deal of research," Turhanen sums up.	H01	1,797
2505-098	Higher Risk Of Revision Sinus Surgery Linked To Asthma And Antibiotic Use	A recent study highlights that patients with asthma or those on antibiotics during their initial sinus surgery have a greater chance of needing revision surgery that includes the removal of nasal polyps. Interestingly, age was not identified as a risk factor. The research involved a population study focusing on individuals suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, conditions often worsening due to prolonged sinus infections that necessitate treatment options like corticosteroids and surgery.	University of Eastern Finland	Clinical and Translational Allergy	Press Rel	PubMed	Most animals, including humans, have bilateral symmetry, which means our bodies are pretty symmetrical. At least on the outside. -- On the inside, things are different. -- "If you look at our insides, we are not symmetrical -- our heart, liver, and stomach are not placed symmetrically," said Vivek Prakash, assistant professor of physics at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences, who specializes in the field of biophysics. -- "The question we wanted to answer is when does this asymmetry begin?" -- This internal left-right asymmetry is believed to begin at the very early stage of development -- when a tiny embryo is divided into two parts during a process called gastrulation. -- This process eventually also helps to form the arrangement of organs inside our bodies. -- But exactly how and when this left-right asymmetry begins was still unclear. -- To answer this, Prakash and three other collaborators studied chick development using fluorescent microscopes to visualize the movement of cells. -- They discovered that the physical process of cell motion actually shows asymmetry, while earlier research indicated that this asymmetry was initiated by genetics. -- "Our work uncovers important findings about a crucial stage of early animal development that can give important insights into understanding the origin of left-right asymmetry," added Shubham Sinha, a graduate student in Prakash's lab.	Z01	1,798
2508-T016	Time Interfaces: Unlocking The Potential Of Four-Dimensional Quantum Optics	A recent study explores the behavior of photons as they interact with rapidly changing materials, unveiling intriguing quantum optical phenomena. This research could advance quantum technology and promote the development of four-dimensional quantum optics, a promising field with potential applications in diverse optical technologies.	University of Eastern Finland	Physical Review Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) explores the behavior of photons, the elementary particles of light, as they encounter boundaries where material properties change rapidly over time. This research uncovers remarkable quantum optical phenomena which may enhance quantum technology and paves the road for an exciting nascent field: four-dimensional quantum optics. -- Four-dimensional optics is a research area investigating light scattering from structures which change in time and space. -- It holds immense promise for advancing microwave and optical technologies by enabling functionalities such as frequency conversion, amplification, polarization engineering and asymmetric scattering. -- That is why it has captured the interest of many researchers across the globe. -- Previous years have seen significant strides in this area. For instance, a recent international study published in Nature Photonics and also involving UEF highlights how incorporating optical features like resonances can drastically influence the interaction of electromagnetic fields with time-varying two-dimensional structures, opening exotic possibilities to control light. -- Now, building on their previous works in classical optics, the researchers at UEF have extended their investigation to quantum optics. -- The team has conducted a detailed investigation into quantum light interaction with a material whose macroscopic property changes abruptly in time, creating a single temporal interface between two different media (like the interface between air and water, but in time rather than in space). -- Dr Mirmoosa, the lead researcher in this study, explains: "Four-dimensional quantum optics is the next logical step, allowing us to explore the implications of this area for quantum technology. Our research has taken this initial step and now provides a foundational tool for us to examine complex structures, changing in time and space, for uncovering novel quantum optical effects." -- The investigation showed and revealed several intriguing phenomena, including photon-pair creation and annihilation, vacuum state generation and quantum state freezing, all of which may have potential applications in quantum technology. -- The researchers acknowledge that this is just the beginning.	T01	1,799
2509-E012	Dry Areas: Climate Change Increases Risks For Pine Tree Survival	A University of Eastern Finland study reveals that climate change poses a significant threat to dry-area pine trees, as increasing drought and heat drive mortality. The research emphasizes the urgent need to understand these impacts on urban forests to develop effective conservation strategies amid rising environmental challenges.	University of Eastern Finland	Urban Forestry & Urban Greening	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change poses a particular risk to pine trees growing in dry areas, a new University of Eastern Finland study conducted in an urban recreational forest in Helsinki shows. -- Tree mortality has increased in the 21st century. -- This phenomenon is primarily driven by drought, heat waves, pests and forest fires, all of which have become more common with climate change. -- Published in Urban Forestry and Urban Greening, a new study explores the factors contributing to tree mortality in an urban recreational forest in Helsinki, colloquially known as the Helsinki Central Park. -- Located in the boreal zone, the main tree species found in this urban forest include Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver birch. -- The researchers used aerial image data spanning 16 years, from 2005 to 2021, to visually identify dead trees without the aid of artificial intelligence. -- They compared the observed tree deaths with data on tree species, soil types, temperature and rainfall conditions, and drought severity indices. -- The issue of tree mortality occurring in the Helsinki Central Park is a timely one: -- "Recent years have seen an increase in tree mortality in this urban forest, and we felt it important to explore the underlying factors," says Doctoral Researcher Johanna Jääskeläinen, the lead author of the study, of the University of Eastern Finland. -- The study also facilitates the assessment of future risks, as it shows that pine trees growing in dry areas are at a particularly high risk of tree mortality.	C01 N02 T01	1,800
2510-065	Exercise Programs Reduce Fall Risk In Elderly Women Taking Multiple Medications	A study from the University of Eastern Finland indicates that a targeted exercise intervention significantly reduces falls among elderly women, particularly those on multiple medications (polypharmacy). The researchers suggest that enhancing physical activity specifically for this demographic could be a crucial strategy to improve safety and health outcomes among older adults.	University of Eastern Finland	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	An exercise intervention aimed at elderly women was successful at reducing falls, especially among those with polypharmacy, a new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital shows. The results were published in Scientific Reports. -- The researchers also found that polypharmacy was associated with poorer results in functional tests measuring physical fitness. -- Polypharmacy was defined as the regular use of four or more medications. -- “Our findings suggest that, in order to enhance fall prevention in the elderly population, efforts to increase physical activity should be targeted specifically at those using multiple medications,” Researcher Anna-Erika Tamminen of the Kuopio Musculoskeletal Research Unit at the University of Eastern Finland says. -- According to Research Director Toni Rikkonen, the effectiveness of the exercise intervention was, as expected, largely dependent on the initial fitness level: -- “Those with the poorest physical fitness initially benefitted the most.” -- The researchers conducted a secondary analysis of the Kuopio Fall Prevention Study data. -- The randomised controlled trial included 914 women, with the median age being 76.5 years at the onset of the study. -- Half of the women were randomised into an exercise intervention group and half into a control group. -- All participants underwent fitness tests at the beginning of the study, and again one and two years later.	A01 H01	1,801
2510-084	Study Finds Waist-To-Height Ratio More Accurate Than BMI For Classifying Child Obesity	A recent study suggests that body mass index (BMI) is nearly three times more likely to misclassify children as overweight compared to waist circumference-to-height ratio. This research, involving collaborations from various universities, raises questions about reliance on BMI for assessing childhood obesity and advocates for more accurate measures to evaluate health risks effectively.	University of Eastern Finland	Obesity and Endocrinology	Press Rel	PubMed	Body mass index (BMI) was almost three times more likely to classify children as overweight than waist circumference-to-height ratio, according to a new study. Published in Obesity and Endocrinology, the study was based on collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and the Universities of Bristol and Exeter in the UK. -- BMI and weight-to-height indices are universally employed as markers of childhood obesity. -- However, BMI does not distinguish muscle mass from fat mass, and may misclassify children as overweight. -- With regard to adult obesity, the Lancet Commission on Obesity and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) have recently recommended that obesity in adults should not be diagnosed with BMI alone but confirmed with another measure, such as waist-to-height ratio. -- The UK National Institute for Health Care and Excellence has also recommended waist-to-height ratio as a tool to predict health risks associated with central adiposity in children. -- The present study is the largest follow-up pediatric study comparing BMI and waist-to-height ratio in the world. -- The study included 7,600 children drawn from the University of Bristol's Children of the 90s cohort who were followed up from ages 9 until 24 years. -- Of the 1,431 children classified as BMI-overweight at age 9 years, 25% had waist-to-height ratio high fat, 11% had waist-to-height ratio excess fat, and 64% had waist-to-height ratio normal fat according to the cutpoints used in the study. -- However, of the 517 children classified as having waist-to-height ratio high fat, 70% were BMI-overweight, 24% had BMI-obesity, and only 6% had normal BMI. -- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is considered the gold-standard for accurate body fat measure; however, this expensive device is not universally available in primary health care.	H01 T01	1,802
2511-E049	Sphagnum Moss Growth Improves Carbon Sequestration In Restored Peatlands	A study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that a thick Sphagnum moss layer develops rapidly in peatland sites within ten years of restoration, often exceeding carbon sequestration rates found in pristine bogs. The study highlights the effectiveness of peatland restoration efforts in enhancing carbon capture, with significant implications for climate change mitigation. This rapid growth underscores the importance of restoring nutrient-poor sites, which are typically targeted for such ecological efforts.	University of Eastern Finland	Restoration Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	In a recent study published in Restoration Ecology, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland measured post-restoration Sphagnum moss layer growth on 18 peatland sites in Finland 10 years after restoration. According to the study, a thick Sphagnum moss layer forms rapidly during the first 10 years after successful restoration, with carbon sequestration rates commonly exceeding those of pristine bogs. -- The average thickness of the Sphagnum moss layers was 15 cm, and the amount of carbon they sequestered corresponds to approximately 48 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare. -- This amount is greater than what could be expected based on previous studies. -- The best Sphagnum moss growth was observed in nutrient-poor sites in Southern Finland that had been restored to open bogs. -- Such peatlands are most commonly selected for restoration, and their timber production is generally poor when they are drained. -- Another important observation was an increase in the water-table depth, which was caused by the thickness growth of the Sphagnum moss layer. -- This could possibly mitigate methane emissions from the restored peatland. -- The climate impact of peatland restoration is a much-discussed topic, as modelling studies have not shown a cooling effect in the case of forestry-drained peatland restoration in Finland. This is partly due to a lack of research findings from restored peatlands. These newly published results are promising in terms of the climate impact; however, they only fill a fraction of the knowledge gap. The results can help improve restoration efforts towards the desired climate impact.	C01 N01 N02	1,803
2513-094	New Risk Score Predicts Need For Revision Surgery In Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients	A new risk score based on CT scans has been developed to identify patients at risk of needing revision endoscopic sinus surgery due to chronic rhinosinusitis. This advancement allows for early disease progression predictions and more effective treatment planning, helping to address the challenges associated with managing chronic sinus conditions.	University of Eastern Finland	Clin Transl Allergy	Press Rel	PubMed	A new CT-scan based risk score facilitates the identification of patients at risk of revision endoscopic sinus surgery due to chronic rhinosinusitis. -- "This allows for early prediction of disease progression and planning of further treatment," says Professor Sanna Toppila-Salmi of the University of Eastern Finland. -- The results of the Finnish multi-centre study were published in Clinical and Translational Allergy. -- Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, i.e., inflammation of the nasal and sinus cavities, include nasal congestion, mucus secretion and a feeling of pressure. -- In the polypoid form of the disease, mucosal protrusions, or polyps, block the nasal and sinus cavities. -- The severe form of the disease is often associated with asthma or NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease, N-ERD. -- The disease is treated with nasally administered corticosteroids and, in the case of the polypoid form and as the diseases progresses, also with orally administered corticosteroids. -- If these treatments are insufficient, endoscopic sinus surgery can be considered. -- Initial surgery is routinely preceded by a computed tomography scan, a CT scan, which generates CT slice images of the head. -- In the present study, the researchers used a new risk score that is based on CT slice images to assess the risk of revision surgery.	A01	1,804
2502-034	Global Study Identifies Genetic Risk Factors For Depression Across Diverse Populations	A landmark genetic study has revealed nearly 300 new genetic risk factors for major depression across diverse populations, enabling more accurate predictions of susceptibility regardless of ethnicity. This research highlights the importance of including underrepresented groups in genetic studies to address health disparities and develop more effective therapeutic strategies for depression that cater to the diverse needs of affected individuals.	University of Edinburgh	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	New genetic risk factors for depression have been identified across all major global populations for the first time, allowing scientists to predict risk of depression regardless of ethnicity. -- The world's largest and most diverse genetic study ever into major depression has revealed nearly 300 previously unknown genetic links to the condition, experts say. -- 100 of the newly discovered genetic variations -- small differences in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene -- were identified due to the inclusion of people of African, East Asian, Hispanic and South Asian descent, the study found. -- Previous research into the genetics of depression has focused primarily on white populations that originally descended from people living in Europe. -- Therapies developed using genetic approaches may therefore not be effective in other ethnicities, widening existing health inequalities. -- Each single genetic variant has a very small effect on the overall risk of developing depression. -- If a person has multiple variants, these small effects can add up, increasing their risk. -- The research team were able to more accurately predict an individual's risk of depression by taking into account the newly identified variants. -- The international team of scientists, led by the University of Edinburgh and King's College London, looked at anonymised genetic data from more than five million people in 29 countries worldwide. -- One in four individuals included in the study were from non-European ancestries.	Z01	1,805
2511-T039	Coffee-Making Robot Pioneers The Future Of Intelligent Kitchen Machines	An innovative AI-powered robot capable of brewing coffee in a busy kitchen represents a major leap in intelligent machine technology. Developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh, this robotic system combines advanced AI with finely tuned motor skills to navigate dynamic environments, overcoming traditional limitations faced by robots in unpredictable settings. This breakthrough could redefine future applications of robotics in everyday tasks and complex interactions.	University of Edinburgh	Nature Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	An AI-powered robot that can prepare cups of coffee in a busy kitchen could usher in the next generation of intelligent machines, a study suggests. -- Using a combination of cutting-edge AI, sensitive sensors and fine-tuned motor skills, the robot can interact with its surroundings in more human-like ways than ever before, researchers say. -- The new technology, developed by a team at the University of Edinburgh, could transform robots' ability to carry out tasks that previously could only be done by people. -- While robots are adept at working in tightly controlled settings such as factories and production lines, they struggle in dynamic, unpredictable places like kitchens, experts say. -- This is because robots have traditionally relied on pre-programmed actions and responses, and lack the ability to adapt to unforeseen obstacles in real-time, the researchers say. -- Now, the Edinburgh team has combined advances in sensitive motor skills and AI to create a robot that can interact skilfully with objects and people in challenging settings. -- Previous developments in these areas had taken place largely independent of each other, the team says. -- The new device -- a robotic arm with seven movable joints -- first interprets verbal instructions it receives, then analyses its surroundings. -- Next, it searches the kitchen to find a mug by working out how to access drawers with opening mechanisms it has never encountered before. -- The robot then measures and mixes a set ratio of ground coffee from a jar with water from a kettle.	A01 H01 T01	1,806
2509-027	Simple Park Walks Strengthen Bonds Between Fathers And Daughters	Research from the University of Essex has found that activities like walking in the park can foster closer ties between fathers and daughters. This study underscores how shared physical activities help break stereotypes about distant fatherhood, allowing for deeper emotional connections and encouraging fathers to engage more meaningfully with their children.	University of Essex	Families, Relationships and Societies	Press Rel	PubMed	A simple walk in the park could hold the key to unlocking a close and loving relationship between fathers and daughters, a new study has shown. -- Research carried out by the University of Essex's Dr John Day has found taking part in or just discussing physical activity provides a common ground for the two to develop deep emotional connections and transform the stereotype of distant dads. -- The study found that a societal shift in what it means to be a dad, combined with increased focus to exercise to maintain health, has led to physical activity providing a platform for the relationship to thrive. -- Dr Day, of the School of Health and Social Care, said: "My research shows daughters have always sought for a way to grow closer to their dads, while this has only recently become more of a focus for fathers. -- "From a father's perspective, physical activity can simultaneously function as a method of upholding a masculine identity while performing one-to-one parenting, so they feel much more comfortable in this environment." -- The study, published in Families, Relationships and Societies journal, involved interviews with 14 women born between 1950 and 1994. -- Those born in the 1950s largely discussed how their dads fulfilled the role as the provider for the family, and remained somewhat on the periphery as a parent. -- But daughters born in the 1980s and 1990s were raised in social conditions that allowed them to realise and build more emotionally connected relationships with their fathers. -- They recalled stories of how they had bonded with their dads while taking part in activities such as walking, swimming and cycling. -- Both the health and enjoyment benefits of physical activity were raised by the younger women taking part in the study, but some also spoke of how they distanced themselves from any attempts from their dad to make the activities competitive.	A01 H01	1,807
2504-E044	Successful Tree-Planting Requires Understanding Local Complexities And Farmer Preferences	Research involving smallholder farmers in Kenya emphasizes the necessity of addressing local complexities and preferences in tree-planting initiatives. As Kenya aims to plant billions of trees for climate goals, the study underscores the importance of biodiversity in these efforts, advocating for a diverse range of species that cater to the farmers’ needs and environmental sustainability.	University of Exeter	People and Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Research with smallholder farmers in Kenya shows that tree-planting schemes must account for complex local issues and preferences. -- Tree planting is central to many countries' climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation goals, and Kenya alone plans to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. -- Adding trees and shrubs to farmland (called agroforestry) can boost biodiversity, carbon storage, soil health, food production and income. -- But many tree-planting schemes overlook diversity and promote a narrow range of species. -- The new study -- led by the University of Exeter -- examined the factors that enable or prevent Kenyan smallholders from increasing the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. -- "In Sub-Saharan Africa, where most food is produced on small farms, many countries are promoting agroforestry to address climate change and protect biodiversity," said Ennia Bosshard, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall. -- "Farmers play a crucial role in this effort as guardians of the land and trees, making it important to understand their decision-making regarding tree growing." -- The researchers interviewed 620 smallholder farmers in the Kakamega forest landscape in Western Kenya. -- "Key factors in their decision-making included past experiences, the influence of other farmers, and the perceived ability to grow different tree species," Bosshard continued. -- Kenyan farmers in the study were generally positive about increasing the diversity of trees on their farms diversifying trees -- but the study identified several barriers.	A01 H01 C01 N02	1,808
2505-001	Sound Plays A Key Role In Skateboarders' Connection With Their Sport	A recent study highlights the vital role sound plays in the skateboarding experience, emphasizing that skateboarders rely on auditory cues to navigate urban environments and gauge their success. This sensory aspect of skateboarding offers insights into the sport that visual media alone cannot convey. While many find the sounds therapeutic, there is an awareness of the negative impact on others, leading to behavioral adjustments among skateboarders to mitigate disturbances. The complexity of this sensory experience underscores the sport's rich auditory landscape.	University of Exeter	Sport in Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Using data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, scientists have found a huge exoplanet and a brown dwarf. This is the first time a planet has been uniquely discovered by Gaia's ability to sense the gravitational tug or 'wobble' the planet induces on a star. Both the planet and brown dwarf are orbiting low-mass stars, a scenario thought to be extremely rare. -- Gaia reveals two new mysterious celestial objects -- New research, published today, uses data collected by ESA's Gaia spacecraft to confirm the existence of two mysterious celestial objects. -- Gaia-4b is a 'Super-Jupiter' exoplanet, and Gaia-5b a brown dwarf. -- These massive objects are unexpectedly orbiting low-mass stars. -- Gaia-4b is a planet orbiting the previously unremarkable star Gaia-4 around 244 light-years away. -- Gaia-5b orbits the Gaia-5 star, around 134 light-years away from Earth. -- These two newly discovered objects are nearby, in our own galactic neighbourhood. -- Their existence challenges current theories of planet formation, and Gaia's ongoing mission will provide valuable data to help us understand these intriguing objects. -- "Gaia-4b is about twelve times more massive than Jupiter. With an orbital period of 570 days, it is a relatively cold gas giant planet," explains first author Guðmundur Stefánsson of the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and first author of the new study.	Z01	1,809
2505-112	Certain Fruit Fly Species Vulnerable To Multiple Viruses	Research conducted by the University of Exeter has shown that some fruit fly species are highly susceptible to a range of viruses. The study revealed significant correlations in viral resistance, indicating that fly species resistant to one virus generally exhibit resistance to others, providing insights into viral susceptibility across diverse types.	University of Exeter	Evolution Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Measurements and data collected from space can be used to better understand life on Earth. -- An ambitious, multinational research project funded by NASA and co-led by UC Merced civil and environmental engineering Professor Erin Hestir demonstrated that Earth's biodiversity can be monitored and measured from space, leading to a better understanding of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Hestir led the team alongside University of Buffalo geography Professor Adam Wilson and Professor Jasper Slingsby from the University of Cape Town on BioSCape, which collected data over six weeks in late 2024. -- Two NASA aircraft and one South African aircraft flew over South Africa's Greater Cape Floristic Region -- one of the most biodiverse places on the planet -- to collect ultraviolet, visual, thermal and other images. That data, combined with field work by the large team of scientists from the United States and South Africa, provides a comprehensive look at the region's biodiversity, or life systems. -- "This was NASA's first ever biodiversity-focused campaign," Hestir said. "We successfully hit all our measurement targets, and the data collected are contributing to novel techniques and methods to be able to monitor biodiversity from space across the globe. It's a lot of exciting science." -- Wilson said BioSCape showed what scientists working across continents can do, and he hopes it can be replicated elsewhere. -- "Over just six weeks, more than 160 scientists from around the world came together to collect and analyze data across terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots." -- The team recently published two papers on BioSCape, in the publications Nature Reviews Biodiversity and npj Biodiversity. -- Once researchers proved they could collect the data they were looking for from planes, NASA could use the novel combinations of instruments to expand the effort worldwide. -- "It's very expensive to launch a satellite into space," Slingsby explained. "You have to be certain it will achieve its mission before taking that step. That's why we begin with airborne studies -- they serve as a critical proving ground. If we can successfully gather data from a plane, it brings us one step closer to understanding how to achieve the same from space." -- The team chose the Greater Cape Region of South Africa because it's home to "astonishing levels of biodiversity, wicked conservation challenges and a well-developed and progressive biodiversity research and conservation community," they wrote.	H01 R01	1,810
2505-131	Mouth Bacteria Linked To Brain Function Changes As We Age	Research from the University of Exeter has uncovered a link between oral bacteria and cognitive function, revealing that certain bacteria in the mouth may enhance memory and attention, while others could increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. This study suggests that the balance of bacterial flora in our mouths may directly influence brain health, opening new avenues for understanding cognitive decline and potential preventive measures.	University of Exeter	PNAS Nexus	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to telehealth billing, there's a conundrum. -- The increasing popularity of telehealth, the use of electronic communication technologies to provide care when the doctor and patient aren't in the same place at the same time, has created the problem. When it comes to submitting a bill for the service, the current approach fails to quantify a varying level of medical expertise and experience. -- That makes Ohio's telehealth billing system, like the rest of the nation's, unsustainable, said Dong-Gil Ko, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati's Carl H. Lindner College of Business. -- Ko is tackling this issue using artificial intelligence and electronic health records. His work, recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, aims to create a fairer, more effective billing model. -- The current time-based billing model creates inequities in compensation by undervaluing experienced doctors, Ko said. Those with greater expertise, who can provide accurate answers quickly, could be compensated less than less knowledgeable doctors who take more time to respond. -- This system unfairly rewards inefficiency and fails to recognize the value of cognitive judgment and expertise, Ko said, leading to skilled doctors being undercompensated despite offering higher-quality care. -- To address these shortcomings, Ko is collaborating with Umberto Tachinardi, MD, UC Health's chief health digital officer, and Eric J. Warm, MD, an internal medicine physician and researcher at the UC College of Medicine. Together, they are leveraging AI and electronic health records from UC Health to develop a new billing model that incorporates doctors' clinical judgment and expertise, alongside the time spent responding to patient inquiries. -- "Can we value medical doctors for their expertise and who they are?" Ko said. "Doctors undergo years of rigorous medical training to develop specialized knowledge. Let's acknowledge and recognize that and find a way to measure it. By doing so, we can create a balanced billing model that considers not just the time spent but also their medical expertise." -- Ohio's current medical billing code, which went into effect in 2023, pays medical professionals based on how much time they spent answering a question via a secure messaging system. If they spend less than five minutes responding, the service is free. If they take more than five minutes to answer a question, they receive compensation, with fees increasing as their time increases. -- "Experienced doctors can respond quickly due to their expertise but earn less because the current billing model prioritizes time over skill," Ko said. "In contrast, a newly minted medical resident may take much longer to answer the same question due to their limited experience and knowledge, enabling them to charge the patient."	A01 H01 H02 R02	1,811
2505-E007	Uncertain Future Of UK's Peatlands Amid Climate Change Threats	Research indicates that the UK's peatlands may not sustain peat accumulation by 2061-2080 due to climate change, posing risks for carbon storage and biodiversity. Critical ecosystems, which store more carbon than all global forests combined, are facing uncertain futures as conditions shift. The study calls for urgent conservation efforts, particularly in stronghold regions like western Scotland, to protect these vital ecosystems and maintain their ecological functions in the face of climate challenges.	University of Exeter	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Many foods are often advertised for their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants counteract what are known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), chemically reactive molecules that can disrupt the normal functions of lipids, proteins, and DNA in human cells. Accumulation of ROS contributes to the development of age-related diseases, including cancer, emphasizing the importance of keeping the oxidant/antioxidant balance in check. In a recent article published in Blood, researchers from Osaka University and other institutions in Japan describe the key antioxidant role of molecules called selenoproteins and how disrupting their production can affect various cell types and hematopoiesis, which is the production of blood cells. -- Human cells have 25 different selenoproteins. These antioxidant enzymes help convert dangerous ROS, such as lipid peroxides, into a safer form. -- Buildup of lipid peroxides can affect critical cells called hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), a phenomenon observed in aging diseases. -- "We observed that aged HSCs frequently display impaired selenoprotein synthesis, but it was unclear how this could contribute to cell aging and if it could be reversed," says Yumi Aoyama, co-lead author of the study. -- "We hypothesized that selenoproteins are a critical part of the antioxidant system that fights age-related changes in HSCs." -- To investigate this, the team used a mouse model with a certain gene knocked out, leading to disrupted selenoprotein production. -- They then examined how this affected different cell types, finding that the knockout negatively impacted HSCs and immune cells with B cell lineage (types of white blood cells) but had few effects on myeloid cells (a different family of immune cells). -- "The most notable results of the knockout included B lymphocytopenia, which means there were fewer B cells than expected," explains Hiromi Yamazaki, the other co-lead author. -- "The HSCs also had a limited ability to self-renew." -- These observations, along with increased expression levels of aging-related genes in these cell types, were consistent with what is frequently seen in age-related diseases.	C01	1,812
2505-E050	Timing Treatments For Varroa Mites Dramatically Reduces Honey Bee Mortality Rates	A new study has found that timely treatments for the Varroa mite can significantly decrease honey bee mortality. The parasitic mites are known to be detrimental to bee colonies, yet many beekeepers in England and Wales do not follow recommended treatment schedules. Researchers report that those who mistimed their treatments faced greater colony losses, suggesting that adherence to guidelines could greatly improve bee health and sustainability in beekeeping practices.	University of Exeter	Entomologia Generalis	Press Rel	PubMed	A new community-based pickleball program called Project Rally is helping cancer survivors improve their physical and social well-being, according to a recent pilot study led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center. The program, which is offered in partnership with the YMCA of the Suncoast, has shown strong results in terms of participation, enjoyment, and physical improvements. -- Staying active is a key part of cancer survivorship care and research. -- Physical activity can help reduce the negative effects of cancer and its treatments, while also empowering survivors to live fulfilling lives. -- It offers many benefits, such as better heart and lung health, improved physical function, healthier body composition, reduced stress, and a higher quality of life. -- However, despite the widespread guidelines, many cancer survivors -- between 53% and 83% -- do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. -- The lead to the study, published in Healthcare, ran from September, 2023 to January, 2024 and included 23 participants: 18 cancer survivors and five family members or friends without a history of cancer. -- The cancer survivors, mostly women aged 47 to 76, had various types of cancer, including breast and hematological cancers. -- Many had undergone surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation therapy before joining the program. -- The participants without a history of cancer were all men, with a median age of 58 years. -- The study found that the program was appealing and accessible.	Z01	1,813
2506-022	Genetic Research Unlocks New Strategies For Preventing Long-Term Health Conditions	The largest analysis of genetic and patient records regarding long-term health conditions has identified new opportunities for preventing and treating multimorbidity, which affects nine million people in the UK. Led by the University of Exeter Medical School, the GEMINI study highlights genetic overlaps in 72 aging-associated conditions, offering insights that could significantly improve treatment strategies for those with multiple health issues.	University of Exeter	eBioMedicine	Press Rel	PubMed	The largest study to date to analyse millions of both genetic and patient records on the long-term health conditions of later life has identified opportunities for new ways to prevent and treat multiple overlapping conditions. -- Currently, nine million people in the UK live with two or more long-term conditions at the same time -- known as multimorbidity. -- Their treatment accounts for half of the NHS budget. -- Led by the University of Exeter Medical School and funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the GEMINI study looked at both genetics and clinical information from more than three million people in the UK and Spain. -- Published today in eBioMedicine research has identified genetic overlaps in 72 long-term health conditions associated with ageing, to identify where specific genes are linked to two or more conditions. -- With more than 2,500 combinations of conditions analysed, the programme aims to unlock cases where a drug or prevention strategies can prevent or delay the onset of multimorbidity. -- It also revealed genetic connections that explain why certain conditions may be more likely to co-occur in the same patient. -- The research comes after the Government's Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Chris Whitty highlighted improving the treatment of people with one or more long term conditions -- known as multimorbidity -- as a key priority for research. -- Dr Joao Delgado, at the University of Exeter Medical School led the research. -- He said: "Overlapping long-term conditions have a huge impact on the lives of millions of people and are difficult and costly to treat. For the first time, we've combined analysis of both genetics and clinical records on a massive scale, in a new and robust approach to identify where genes play a critical role in more than one condition. We're now working to drill down into specifics combination of conditions, and expect to reveal drugs or lifestyle changes that already work for treating existing conditions that can be repurposed to prevent multimorbidity, with promising results. For example, we identified the role of treatable conditions, such as B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in the development of multimorbidity. This will lead to a more personalised approach to prevention and treatment in multimorbidity."	A01 H01	1,814
2506-E045	Under-Sea Mountains: Crucial Habitats For Shark Populations	Predator Populations in the Ocean: Research indicates that under-sea mountains are crucial habitats for marine predators, housing 41 times more sharks than the open ocean. A study on seamounts near Ascension Island reveals that these underwater structures serve as vital ecosystems, attracting a diverse range of marine life and highlighting the importance of their conservation.	University of Exeter	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Under-sea mountains are key locations for predators -- with 41 times more sharks than the open ocean, new research shows. -- The study -- led by the University of Exeter and the Ascension Island Government -- examined three seamounts off Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. -- Two were shallow seamounts, with peaks less than 100 metres below the surface -- and these were teeming with vast numbers of predators, including sharks and tuna. -- "Seamounts have been likened to oases of life in the comparative deserts of the open ocean," said Dr Sam Weber, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall. -- "However, this hasn't been studied in detail -- meaning we've been unsure about why seamounts attract so many marine top predators." -- Some seamounts create upwellings of minerals that support bountiful phytoplankton (tiny drifting plants that are the first link in ocean food chains). -- Such quantities of phytoplankton can support increased numbers of other species, from zooplankton (which eat phytoplankton) all the way to top predators like sharks. -- But this study found no evidence of increased "primary productivity" of phytoplankton at the Ascension seamounts. -- Instead, enrichment of marine life (measured by "biomass" -- the total weight of organic material) goes up with each level of the food web. -- Zooplankton were twice as common at shallow seamounts than in the open ocean, while shark biomass was 41 times higher.	H01 N02	1,815
2507-E057	Turtles Nesting Earlier In Response To Rising Temperatures	Rising temperatures due to climate change are prompting turtles in Cyprus to nest earlier, a response aimed at ensuring successful hatchings. Researchers monitoring green and loggerhead turtles found that earlier nesting is crucial for countering gender imbalances caused by temperature shifts, indicating that adaptation to climate change is essential for the species' survival in the years to come.	University of Exeter	University of Exeter	Press Rel	PubMed	New research shows that turtles are responding to climate change by nesting earlier. -- Researchers monitoring nesting green and loggerhead turtles in Cyprus have discovered they are returning to their regular nesting spots earlier each year to compensate for rising temperatures. -- In sea turtles, temperature determines the biological sex of offspring, with more females born when it is warmer, as well as fewer successful hatchings when it gets too hot. -- Turtles also have "natal philopatry," which means they return to nest in the area where they themselves hatched. -- A research team from the University of Exeter and the Society for the Protection of Turtles predicts -- using three decades of data -- that by 2100 there will be hardly any new loggerhead turtle offspring produced, unless the turtles counter the higher temperatures by moving their nesting season forward. -- After placing temperature loggers into nests at night when the females are laying their eggs and retrieving them once the nest hatches, the researchers estimated that the turtles need to nest 0.5 days per year earlier to maintain the current sex ratio, and 0.7 days per year earlier to prevent egg hatching failures. -- But their data showed that the loggerhead turtles are indeed already nesting earlier in the year, with returning females advancing the start of nesting by 0.78 days per year since 1993. -- This means that at least for now, the turtles are doing enough to ensure their eggs continue to hatch by nesting earlier in more ideal temperatures. -- Professor Annette Broderick said: "This is a bit of good news, as we've shown that these turtles are responding to the elevated temperatures brought about by climate change by shifting to cooler months to nest. -- "There is no guarantee that they carry on doing this though -- it's very much dependent on how much the temperatures rises, and also what they are eating. If the timing of production in terms of where their food's coming from shifts, then they could start to be disconnected ecologically between where they forage and where they breed."	H01 C01	1,816
2509-E027	Scientists Find 1,400 Unique Species Living Inside Asian Hornets	A study of Asian hornets reveals a surprisingly diverse gut ecosystem, containing around 1,400 different species. This research highlights the ecological complexity of these invasive insects, which, while favoring the European honey bee as prey, have a much broader diet that includes various other insects, providing insights into their role in local ecosystems.	University of Exeter	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A study of Asian hornets has found about 1,400 different species in their guts. -- University of Exeter researchers tested Asian hornet samples from France, Spain, Jersey and the UK throughout the hornet's active season. -- Eaten prey included a wide range of bees, wasps, flies, beetles, butterflies, moths and spiders. -- Although the European honey bee was the most common species found in the hornets -- appearing in all sampled nests and almost all larvae within those nests -- their diet is a lot broader. -- An invasive species, Asian hornets are now found in much of western Europe. -- Nests are destroyed in the UK mainland each year as authorities try to keep the species out. -- "Asian hornets are known to prey on honey bees, but until now the full range of their diet hasn't been tested," said lead author Siffreya Pedersen. -- "The diet varied strongly over the seasons and between regions, showing that they are highly flexible predators. -- "Most insect populations are in decline due to factors such as habitat destruction and chemical pollution. The expanding area inhabited by Asian hornets poses an extra threat." -- The study used a method called deep sequencing to identify prey species in the guts of more than 1,500 Asian hornet larvae, which eat food provided by adult hornets.	H01 R01	1,817
2510-E022	Volcanic Activity May Have Kickstarted The Oxygen-Rich Atmosphere We Breathe	New findings from the University of Exeter warn that climate change is jeopardizing banana production in Latin America and the Caribbean. By 2080, rising temperatures could make banana cultivation economically unviable in many regions, threatening a key export crop critical to the economies and livelihoods of several countries.	University of Exeter	Nature Food	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change is rapidly reducing the ability of banana producers to supply one of our favourite fruits. -- New research from the University of Exeter, published in Nature Food, has found it will be economically unsustainable by 2080 for many areas across Latin America and the Caribbean to continue growing bananas for export, because of rising temperatures caused by climate change. -- Bananas are a key export crop worth $11 billion (£8.9 billion) annually and are crucial for the economies of many countries. -- Yet in just over half a century, 60 per cent of the regions currently producing bananas will struggle to grow the fruit unless there are urgent interventions to tackle climate change. -- The study also found that socioeconomic factors, such as labour availability and infrastructure, significantly constrain climate change adaptation. -- Most banana production occurs near densely populated areas and ports, limiting the potential for relocation to more suitable regions. -- Professor Dan Bebber from the University of Exeter led the study and said: "Our findings are a stark reminder that climate change is not just an environmental issue but a direct threat to global food security and livelihoods. Without substantial investment in adaptation, including irrigation and heat-tolerant banana varieties, the future of export banana production looks uncertain. -- "Bananas are one of the world's most important fruits, not only for consumers but for millions of workers in producing countries. It's crucial we act now to safeguard the industry against the dual threats of climate change and emerging diseases." -- The researchers developed a new method using satellite imagery to map banana production in Latin America and the Caribbean at very high resolution and then estimated the climate under which bananas are preferentially grown. -- Their findings showed climate change will reduce the best areas for banana growth and yields in many important producer countries, as well as increasing worker exposure to extreme temperatures.	H01 C01	1,818
2511-E019	Social Media Enhances Tracking Of Animal Species Affected By Climate Change	New research demonstrates that social media can be an effective tool for tracking animal species' responses to climate change, particularly in urban areas often overlooked by traditional surveys. An analysis of Jersey tiger moth sightings on Instagram showcased how online platforms can provide valuable data for monitoring shifting wildlife ranges.	University of Exeter	Ecology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Social media can help scientists track animal species as they relocate in response to climate change, new research shows. -- The "range" inhabited by many species is shifting, and this is mostly tracked by formal monitoring schemes and surveys -- but these methods may struggle to spot rapid changes, and sometimes overlook urban areas. -- The new study -- led by the University of Exeter -- examined posts about Jersey tiger moths on Instagram and Flickr. -- Instagram posts revealed that the moths are unexpectedly common in towns and cities, and -- more importantly -- the findings demonstrate how social media can be used to monitor our fast-changing natural world. -- "Wildlife surveys tend to be done in rural areas, so their information doesn't always reflect the vital importance of towns and cities," said Nile Stephenson, who led the study during a masters in Evolution, Behaviour and Ecology at Exeter. -- "Urban parks and gardens provide diverse habitats where species like the Jersey tiger moth can thrive. -- "By accounting for biases and gaps in the data, we have developed a method that could be widely used to track many species -- especially those that share our urban environments." -- Jersey tiger moths are found across much of Europe, and the researchers scoured social media for posts about them. -- "Our study shows that plenty of people in towns and cities are interested in wildlife, which has the potential to increase connectedness to nature," said Stephenson, now at the University of Cambridge. -- "We also found some people who are very interested in wildlife and photography, who post images of a wide range of wildlife they see. This provides reservoirs of data that scientists can use."	H01 H02	1,819
2512-E056	Urgent Need To Investigate Carbon Emissions From Seabed Fishing Practices	Urgent research into the carbon emissions associated with seabed fishing practices, particularly trawling and dredging, is underway at the University of Exeter. These fishing methods disturb ocean sediments, which are significant reservoirs of organic carbon, prompting the need for clarity on their environmental impact and the carbon being released into the atmosphere.	University of Exeter	Fish and Fisheries	Press Rel	PubMed	The amount of carbon released by seabed fishing worldwide is uncertain and must be urgently investigated, researchers say. -- Convex Seascape Survey scientists are studying the impact of fishing methods that use towed nets which are dragged along the seafloor, such as trawling and dredging. -- These methods are the main way that humans disturb ocean sediments -- the world's largest reservoir of organic carbon -- but there is disagreement about the amount of carbon these methods release. -- The new study, led by researchers at the University of Exeter, begins to untangle this mystery. -- "To find out how much carbon is being released by these fishing methods, we need to know how much of the seabed is actually being disturbed," said Mollie Rickwood, from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall. -- "The best data available is from European fishing vessels, and previous research has used European fishing gear metrics to estimate the area of seafloor disturbed globally. -- "Our main finding is that vessel and gear sizes vary a lot from country to country -- so using European data to make global estimates is likely to lead to large inaccuracies in the amount of the seafloor trawled, and therefore how much carbon could be released to the atmosphere." -- The new paper demonstrates the need for good regional data on the size of fishing vessels and gear, to allow accurate estimates of seafloor disturbance. -- "At present, this is almost impossible due to the big European bias in existing data, as well as a lack of standardised reporting of fishing gear," Rickwood continued. -- "Our paper is a 'call to arms' to address these knowledge gaps and encourage global collaboration between science and industry to make this data available."	C01 N01	1,820
2513-020	Teacher Discussion Techniques Significantly Impact Writing Instruction Effectiveness	A new study emphasizes the significance of classroom discussion management in enhancing writing instruction. Researchers found that fostering discussions helps students understand the choices writers make and how these choices affect readers. This approach not only promotes critical thinking about their writing but also underscores the need for teachers to dedicate time to exploratory discussions in secondary English lessons to enrich students' learning experiences.	University of Exeter	Research Papers in Education	Press Rel	PubMed	The way teachers manage classroom discussion with pupils plays a key role in the teaching of writing, a new study shows. -- The research shows the importance of managing classroom discussion in a way that develops pupils' understanding of the choices that writers make, and how those choices create particular effects for readers. -- This discussion helps pupils to think more about the choices that they make in their own writing. -- The study reinforces the importance of dedicating time to discussion in secondary English lessons. -- It shows that time should be given to exploratory, speculative discussion that encourages students to share their initial impressions and ideas about the texts that they read. -- Dr Ruth Newman, from the University of Exeter, observed classroom talk about writing -- also referred to as 'metalinguistic talk' -- in Year 9 classes as part of a three-year ESRC funded project. -- The study highlights the importance of "scaffolding" discussion and making explicit the relationship between the language choices that writers make and the effect of those choices. -- Vague or clustered questioning may obscure meaning or scaffold insufficiently learners' understandings and diminish the potential for dialogue. -- Dr Newman said: "The study reinforces the importance of teachers finding space in lessons for everyone to respond to texts in a speculative and exploratory way. This can engage students' interest and help them to build on what they already know about writing. This also gives teachers an opportunity to check students' understandings" -- "Carefully led, purposeful discussion helps pupils think about how writers make choices about language, and how these choices shape meaning"	A01	1,821
2513-096	Scientists Urged To Use Creative Storytelling To Drive Action For Environmental Protection	Researchers from the University of Exeter propose that scientists should explore innovative communication methods to inspire environmental action. By moving beyond technical and dispassionate academic writing, scientists can engage broader audiences through storytelling, fostering a greater sense of urgency and connection to environmental preservation efforts.	University of Exeter	People and Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists should experiment with creative ways of communicating their work to inspire action to protect the natural world, researchers say. -- Scientists primarily publish their work in academic journals, where writing is expected to be technical, objective and dispassionate -- making it unlikely to appeal to, or be easily understood by non-experts. -- The researchers -- from the University of Exeter -- argue for science "translated into stories," with benefits both for science and wider society. -- They suggest ways that scientists can tell powerful, passionate stories without compromising the objectivity of science. -- "As environmental scientists ourselves, we feel frustration, a sense of loss, fear and sometimes helplessness at the lack of action to protect the planet," said Professor Karen Anderson, from the Environment and Sustainability Institute on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall. -- "But researchers are expected to be rational -- not emotional -- for fear of being seen as less objective and trustworthy. -- "This prevents scientists from using their knowledge, passion and creative skills to fully communicate the work." -- Dr Katherine Crichton said the current method of academic writing emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, with "gentleman scientists" writing for each other. -- "That form of writing clearly has its place -- but we're not only debating technical aspects of science for academic interest," Dr Crichton said. -- "Everybody should be interested in the climate and biodiversity crisis -- we are talking about our home, and that subject is too important to be confined to academic journals."	C01	1,822
2513-E035	Migrating Flies Provide Essential Benefits To Ecosystems And Human Life	New research emphasizes the ecological significance of migratory fly species, revealing that nearly 600 species travel long distances, contributing to ecosystem services like pollination and pest control. As insect populations decline globally, understanding these migrations and the habitats they require is essential for preserving biodiversity and supporting global ecosystems.	University of Exeter	Biological Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	Buzzing insects may be seen as pests -- but globally, hundreds of fly species migrate over long distances, with major benefits for people and nature, new research shows. -- Bugs such as houseflies, fruitflies, blowflies, hoverflies and mosquitoes all belong to an order called Diptera -- which contains over 125,000 known species, and possibly over a million in total. -- The new study finds that almost 600 of these species are likely to be migratory -- and the true number is probably far higher. -- This is important because these insects play multiple important roles, including as pollinators, pest controllers and decomposers. -- With insect numbers declining worldwide, the review highlights the need for complex, connected habitats to support flies along their epic journeys. -- "Migrating flies play an unparalleled range of ecological roles -- making them a major force in ecosystems and the economy," said Dr Will Hawkes, from the Centre of Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall. -- "Many of the species that benefit humans are under threat from climate change and other human impacts -- and many could disappear without ever being documented unless action is taken. -- "To conserve them, it will not be enough to protect or restore habitat at single locations; the entire migratory route must be capable of sustaining these insects." -- Dr Karl Wotton said the priority should improving "connectivity" -- linking insect-friendly areas across landscapes. -- "Worldwide, factors including urbanisation, intensive agriculture and destruction of wetlands have made large areas unfriendly to insects -- potentially creating damaging gaps on insect migration routes," Dr Wotton said.	A01 C01	1,823
2503-079	Key Gene Mutation Discovery In Dog Cancer May Lead To Better Treatments For All	Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a gene mutation linked to immune signaling in canine hemangiosarcoma, a severe cancer affecting dogs. This discovery not only enhances understanding of this aggressive tumor but also holds potential for developing better treatments for similar cancers in both dogs and humans.	University of Florida	Cancer Gene Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and the UF Health Cancer Center have identified a crucial link between a gene mutation and immune system signaling in canine hemangiosarcoma, a discovery that could lead to better treatments for both dogs and humans with similar cancers. -- The research focuses on hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that forms malignant blood vessels in dogs. -- This life-threatening condition is difficult to diagnose early, as tumors can grow silently before rupturing without warning, leading to emergencies. -- The prognosis is poor, with only 10% of diagnosed dogs surviving beyond one year, and none living past two years. -- While hemangiosarcoma can affect any breed at any age, older golden retrievers are especially susceptible. -- The cancer's high incidence in dogs -- estimated at more than 50,000 cases annually in veterinary clinics -- provides researchers with valuable data that could benefit human patients with angiosarcoma, a rare but similar cancer that affects about 1,000 Americans each year. -- "The best four-legged friends of humans help us do high-quality cancer research," said Jon Kim, D.V.M., Ph.D., an assistant professor at the college and the study's lead researcher. -- "We learn a lot about human cancer biology from studying cancer in dogs." -- The research team's findings, detailed last year in two pioneering publications, most recently Cancer Gene Therapy, reveal an important discovery about how this cancer grows and spreads. -- The team found that hemangiosarcoma doesn't just create its own blood vessels -- it hijacks healthy cells nearby, forcing them to help build the blood vessels that feed the tumor.	A01 H01 R01	1,824
2504-E050	Antarctic Ice Loss Driven By Smaller Calving Events, Not Just Big Icebergs	A study reveals that Antarctic ice sheet loss is primarily driven by frequent small calving events rather than large icebergs. This research shifts the understanding of how climate change affects ice shelves, suggesting that ongoing small-scale calving poses a persistent threat to ice stability in the face of warming temperatures.	University of Florida	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Arecent study conducted by University of Florida geologists and geographers has shed new light on the effects of climate change on Antarctic ice shelves. It found that while there has been broad ice shelf loss due to warming temperatures, the frequency and size of major iceberg calving events has not changed significantly. -- This study was led by Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences Emma MacKie, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of Geography Katy Serafin, Ph.D., along with a collaborator at the Colorado School of Mines. -- "Our results suggest that the primary threat to our ice shelves is 'death by a thousand cuts' via small calving events, rather than catastrophic extremes," said MacKie. -- Calving, when chunks of ice break off from ice shelves to form icebergs, is common and increasingly influenced by climate change. -- For extremely large icebergs, this process is typically slow, often starting with small rifts that spread across the ice shelf before fully breaking off. -- These rifts can be detected as they form and grow using satellite data, but their random nature and the risks associated with sending scientists to observe them in-person make it extremely difficult to predict when future rifts or calving events may occur. -- Major calving events are particularly challenging to study. While smaller calving events occur frequently, large events -- where over 100 square kilometers of ice break away -- are exceptionally rare. -- This study is the first of its kind to focus on these large calving events. -- Even with 47 years' worth of satellite data from 1976 to 2023, the team was still faced with a small sample size. -- This challenge was addressed with extreme value theory, a type of statistical analysis used when studying rare natural disasters like major earthquakes, extreme floods, or volcanic eruptions.	C01	1,825
2505-111	Food Labels Intended For Healthier Choices May Actually Mislead Consumers	A study from the University of Florida reveals that certain front-of-package food labels can inadvertently discourage healthier food choices, contradicting their intended purpose. As the FDA considers new labeling regulations, this research demonstrates the potential negative effects of labels that claim health benefits, highlighting the importance of clear and supported claims in food marketing.	University of Florida	Food Policy	Press Rel	PubMed	Physicists have performed a groundbreaking simulation they say sheds new light on an elusive phenomenon that could determine the ultimate fate of the Universe. -- Pioneering research in quantum field theory around 50 years ago proposed that the universe may be trapped in a false vacuum -- meaning it appears stable but in fact could be on the verge of transitioning to an even more stable, true vacuum state. While this process could trigger a catastrophic change in the Universe's structure, experts agree that predicting the timeline is challenging, but it is likely to occur over an astronomically long period, potentially spanning millions of years. -- In an international collaboration between three research institutions, the team report gaining valuable insights into false vacuum decay -- a process linked to the origins of the cosmos and the behaviour of particles at the smallest scales. The collaboration was led by Professor Zlatko Papic, from the University of Leeds, and Dr Jaka Vodeb, from Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. -- The paper's lead author Professor Papic, Professor of Theoretical Physics in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Leeds, said: "We're talking about a process by which the universe would completely change its structure. The fundamental constants could instantaneously change and the world as we know it would collapse like a house of cards. What we really need are controlled experiments to observe this process and determine its time scales." -- The researchers say this work marks a significant step forward in understanding quantum dynamics, offering exciting possibilities for the future of quantum computing and its potential for studying some of the most challenging problems around the fundamental physics of the Universe. -- Simulating a Cosmic Puzzle -- The research, by the University of Leeds, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), set out to understand the key puzzle of false vacuum decay -- the underlying mechanism behind it. They used a 5564-qubit quantum annealer, a type of quantum machine designed by D-Wave Quantum Inc. to solve complex optimisation problems -- which involve finding the best solution from a set of possible solutions -- by harnessing the unique properties of quantum-mechanical systems. -- In the paper, published today (04/02/2025) in Nature Physics, the team explain how they used the machine to mimic the behaviour of bubbles in a false vacuum. These bubbles are similar to liquid bubbles forming in water vapour, cooled below its dew point. It is understood that the formation, interaction and spreading of these bubbles would be the trigger for false vacuum decay. -- Co-author Dr Jean-Yves Desaules, a postdoctoral fellow at ISTA, who completed his PhD at the University of Leeds, said: "This phenomenon is comparable to a rollercoaster that has several valleys along its trajectory but only one 'true' lowest state, at ground level. -- "If that is indeed the case, quantum mechanics would allow the Universe to eventually tunnel to the lowest energy state or the 'true' vacuum and that process would result in a cataclysmic global event."	H01	1,826
2505-E053	Increased Crevasse Activity Threatens Greenland Glacier Stability And Sea Level Rise	Recent research indicates that the rapid increase in crevasses within the Greenland ice sheet may trigger a feedback loop that threatens its stability. Over just five years, new crevasses have formed at an alarming rate, particularly in fast-flowing regions, suggesting accelerated ice loss that could contribute to rising sea levels. This study is the first multi-year analysis of the glacier’s crevasses, painting a concerning picture of the impacts of climate change on glacial dynamics.	University of Florida	Nat. Geosci.	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) have uncovered how perceptual memories linked to positive emotions, such as joy or happiness, are strengthened during sleep. The study, published in the scientific journal Neuron, could help scientists understand the neurological basis for overcoming conditions like drug or sexual addiction. -- Why do emotional events, whether positive or negative, create strong, long-lasting memories of external information such as music, scene smells and textures received at the events? -- We know that sleep is essential for memory consolidation, the process that turns new events into memories, but do not know how it plays its role in memory enhancement. -- Experiments have shown that emotional events might be processed differently depending on the stage of sleep, but it is still unclear which part of sleep is more important for solidifying them, REM sleep -- the time during sleep when we dream vividly -- or non-REM sleep. -- The new study led by Masanori Murayama at RIKEN CBS set out to answer this question. -- The researchers first established mouse equivalents of neutral and emotional events so that they could examine what the brain does differently during sleep when emotions are involved. -- In a neutral situation, male mice were allowed to explore only a smooth texture on day 1 of the experiment as a learning period and both grooved and smooth textures the next day as a testing period. -- When their memory of the smooth texture was kept until day 2, they preferentially explored the grooved texture, but not smooth, texture because mice innately like novel environments. -- However, when the smooth texture was paired with a positive emotional experience -- interaction with a female mouse -- the memory of the texture lasted much longer. -- Even with a four-day interval, at day 5, the mice still preferred the smooth texture, showing that this experimental setup could produce emotionally enhanced texture memory in mice.	C01	1,827
2505-E074	New Data Reveals Effective Strategies For Burmese Python Removal	University of Florida researchers have analyzed extensive data from Burmese python contractors to improve removal strategies for these invasive reptiles. By correlating various survey conditions with successful python removals, the study provides insights into optimizing survey efforts and identifies specific regions where more contractors could increase removal rates, enhancing control efforts against this invasive species in Florida.	University of Florida	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of international researchers has developed an innovative approach to uncover the secrets of dark matter in the cosmos. -- University of Queensland PhD student Ashlee Caddell co-led a study in collaboration with Germany's metrology institute Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), that searched for dark matter using atomic clocks and cavity-stabilized lasers. -- "Despite many theories and experiments scientists are yet to find dark matter, which we think of as the 'glue' of the galaxy holding everything together," Ms Caddell said. -- "Our study used a different approach -- analysing the data from a network of ultra-stable lasers connected by fibre optic cables, as well as from two atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites. -- "Dark matter in this case acts like a wave, because its mass is very very low. -- "We use the separated clocks to try to measure changes in the wave, which would look like clocks displaying different times or ticking at different rates, and this effect gets stronger if the clocks are further apart." -- The researchers were able to search for forms of dark matter that have been invisible in previous searches because it emits no light or energy. -- "By comparing precision measurements across vast distances, we identified the subtle effects of oscillating dark matter fields that would otherwise cancel themselves out in conventional setups," Ms Caddell said. -- "Excitingly, we were able to search for signals from dark matter models that interact universally with all atoms, something that has eluded traditional experiments." -- UQ physicist and co-author Dr Benjamin Roberts said the study brings researchers closer to understanding one of the universe's most elusive and fundamental components.	H01	1,828
2507-041	Novel Genetic Mutation Linked To Increased Alzheimer's Risk Discovered	A discovery by neurogeneticists at the University of Florida reveals a novel genetic mutation linked to toxic protein buildup in Alzheimer’s patients' brains. Unlike the well-studied amyloid and tau proteins, this new finding could shift the focus of Alzheimer’s research toward understanding and addressing these distinct protein accumulations.	University of Florida	University of Florida	Press Rel	PubMed	The root causes of most forms of Alzheimer's disease largely remain a mystery. Now, researchers have revealed a new piece of the puzzle. -- Neurogeneticists at the University of Florida led by Lien Nguyen, Ph.D., and Laura Ranum, Ph.D., have discovered a novel genetic mutation and associated buildup of toxic proteins in the brain -- a type of buildup distinct from amyloid or tau, proteins that have long been the focus of Alzheimer's research. -- Unexpectedly, the investigators found that 45 of 80 autopsy brains of Alzheimer's patients showed the accumulation of toxic proteins containing long chains of the amino acids glycine and arginine (polyGR). The findings were reported today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "While most Alzheimer's research has focused on the buildup of amyloid beta and tau, the polyGR proteins we've found in Alzheimer's brains were unexpected and completely different," said Ranum, the study's senior author and director of UF's Center for NeuroGenetics. -- This new discovery led investigators on a hunt for a "culprit," a genetic mutation that could produce these proteins. -- In the paper, researchers describe how they developed a high-tech way to quickly sort through a patient's entire human genome and grab a repeating segment of DNA with a GGGAGA (pronounced "GEE-GEE Gaga") repeat that produces toxic polyGR proteins. -- According to the findings, people who carry a specific variation of this repeated DNA strand -- which resides in a gene called CASP8 -- have more than double the risk (2.2-fold) of developing late-onset Alzheimer's. -- "This study also raises the possibility that other yet-to-be-identified mutations contribute to Alzheimer's," said Nguyen, the study's lead author and an assistant professor in the UF College of Medicine's Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology and Center for NeuroGenetics. -- "The method used to isolate this repeated expansion mutation opens up new opportunities to find other genetic culprits that may produce similar toxic proteins." -- Moving forward, these results could be used to develop new biomarkers that may lead to better diagnosis and to the development of new therapeutic approaches to target these toxic proteins.	R02	1,829
2507-E013	Researchers Explore How Invasive Species Thrive In Certain Environmental Conditions	A study at the University of Florida explores the factors that make specific locations more prone to invasions by non-native species. By updating environmental resistance modeling, researchers aim to better predict and manage the spread of invasive plants and animals in vulnerable regions.	University of Florida	University of Florida	Press Rel	PubMed	Science tells us invasive species -- like the spotted tilapia -- are always on the move, making it difficult for scientists to simulate their spread and predict where they will go next. -- Researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences took a deep dive to understand why certain locations are more susceptible and attractive to invasions by non-native plants or animals, making them prime targets for these species to spread. -- What they came up with is a novel approach updating what scientists call environmental resistance (ER) modeling that adds a layer researchers consider has been missing from the modeling strategies. -- The study focused on the eastern United States, a hotspot for invasive species. -- Florida, for example, has more invasive vertebrates than any other state, while the Great Lakes region and the northeast are major battlegrounds for invasive plants, said Yunpeng Liu, a post-doctoral researcher affiliated with the UF/IFAS Invasion Science Research Institute and lead author of the research. -- By analyzing patterns of invasion in these areas, the researchers identified which kind of environmental resistance modeling play the biggest role in stopping or allowing the spread of invaders. -- The findings, published in the Journal of Biogeography, offer a roadmap for identifying invasion-prone areas before new species get a foothold, which can serve as a fundamental tool for conservationists and land managers battling biological invasions. -- "Traditionally, scientists have used climate-based models to predict where invasive species might spread," said Liu. -- "These models assume if a species thrives in one climate or condition, it will do well in a similar environment elsewhere. -- Liu argues this approach has limitations because it lacks the ability to consider how quickly invasive species can adapt or how local ecosystems can resist new potential invaders.	H01 C01 N01 N02	1,830
2509-003	Violence’s Genetic Legacy: How It Affects Future Generations	A groundbreaking study has identified the genetic legacy of violence, revealing that grandchildren of pregnant women who experienced the Syrian government's massacre in 1982 exhibit genetic changes linked to trauma. This finding provides human evidence of transgenerational stress, emphasizing the need for empathy and policy attention to the long-lasting repercussions of violence on future generations.	University of Florida	Sci Rep	Press Rel	PubMed	In 1982, the Syrian government besieged the city of Hama, killing tens of thousands of its own citizens in sectarian violence. Four decades later, rebels used the memory of the massacre to help inspire the toppling of the Assad family that had overseen the operation. -- But there is another lasting effect of the attack, hidden deep in the genes of Syrian families. -- The grandchildren of women who were pregnant during the siege -- grandchildren who never experienced such violence themselves -- nonetheless bear marks of it in their genomes. -- Passed down through their mothers, this genetic imprint offers the first human evidence of a phenomenon previously documented only in animals: The genetic transmission of stress across generations. -- "The idea that trauma and violence can have repercussions into future generations should help people be more empathetic, help policymakers pay more attention to the problem of violence," said Connie Mulligan, Ph.D., a professor of Anthropology and the Genetics Institute at the University of Florida and senior author of the new study. -- "It could even help explain some of the seemingly unbreakable intergenerational cycles of abuse and poverty and trauma that we see around the world, including in the U.S." -- While our genes are not changed by life experiences, they can be tuned through a system known as epigenetics. -- In response to stress or other events, our cells can add small chemical flags to genes that may quiet them down or alter their behavior. -- These changes may help us adapt to stressful environments, although the effects aren't well understood. -- It is these tell-tale chemical flags that Mulligan and her team were looking for in the genes of Syrian families.	H01 H02 N01	1,831
2510-036	New AI Tool Enhances Genetic Research By Accounting For Ancestral Diversity	Researchers at the University of Florida have created PhyloFrame, an AI tool designed to address bias in genetic research by accounting for ancestral diversity. This innovation aims to enhance precision medicine, ensuring that genetic studies are more inclusive and beneficial to all populations, ultimately improving health outcomes across diverse communities.	University of Florida	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Florida researchers are addressing a critical gap in medical genetic research -- ensuring it better represents and benefits people of all backgrounds. -- Their work, led by Kiley Graim, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering, focuses on improving human health by addressing "ancestral bias" in genetic data, a problem that arises when most research is based on data from a single ancestral group. -- This bias limits advancements in precision medicine, Graim said, and leaves large portions of the global population underserved when it comes to disease treatment and prevention. -- To solve this, the team developed PhyloFrame, a machine-learning tool that uses artificial intelligence to account for ancestral diversity in genetic data. -- With funding support from the National Institutes of Health, the goal is to improve how diseases are predicted, diagnosed, and treated for everyone, regardless of their ancestry. -- A paper describing the PhyloFrame method and how it showed marked improvements in precision medicine outcomes was published Monday in Nature Communications. -- Graim's inspiration to focus on ancestral bias in genomic data evolved from a conversation with a doctor who was frustrated by a study's limited relevance to his diverse patient population. -- This encounter led her to explore how AI could help bridge the gap in genetic research. -- "I thought to myself, 'I can fix that problem,'" said Graim, whose research centers around machine learning and precision medicine and who is trained in population genomics. -- "If our training data doesn't match our real-world data, we have ways to deal with that using machine learning. They're not perfect, but they can do a lot to address the issue."	T01	1,832
2511-015	Better Diet May Lead To Improved Lung Health: Research Insights	Research from the University of Florida Health indicates that diet may play a previously unrecognized role in lung cancer risk. By examining the link between poor dietary habits and lung cancer, the study opens new avenues for understanding the relationship between nutrition and lung health, shedding light on prevention strategies.	University of Florida	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	For cancers of organs like the liver, the long-term impact of our diet has been well studied -- so much so that we have guidance about red meat, wine and other delicacies. -- A new study from researchers at University of Florida Health looks at another kind of organ whose cancer risk may be affected by poor diet: the lungs. The study was funded by several National Institutes of Health grants and a collaboration between the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center and the UF Health Cancer Center. -- "Lung cancer has not traditionally been thought of as a dietary-related disease," said Ramon Sun, Ph.D., an associate professor and director of the UF Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research. "Diseases like pancreatic cancer or liver cancer, yes. However, when it comes to lung cancer, the idea that diet could play a role is rarely discussed." -- To the team's knowledge, this is the first study of the association between lung cancer and poor diet at an NCI-designated cancer center, said study collaborator Matthew Gentry, Ph.D., a professor and chair of biochemistry and molecular biology at the UF College of Medicine. -- The team used a high-content spatial metabolomics platform Sun created in 2020. -- "This platform offered a new lens through which to visualize diseases, enabling researchers to discern previously undiscovered molecular patterns and interactions with striking detail and depth of insight," Sun said. -- In the case of lung adenocarcinoma, the cancer that accounts for 40% of lung cancer diagnoses worldwide, the work built off Gentry and Sun's 20-year study of an ultra-rare condition called Lafora disease. -- The neurological disorder has a devastating trajectory. Patients develop seemingly normally for a decade, then present with epilepsy. Dementia ensues, and most patients die before they turn 25 years old. -- The new study borrows from how Lafora unfolds, focusing on glycogen accumulation. This storage molecule, made up of glucose, or a simple sugar, has been found to accumulate in high levels across a variety of cancers and other diseases. -- Through lab models and computer-guided models of glycogen stores in the lung, the researchers showed that in lung cancer, glycogen acts as an oncogenic metabolite, akin to a "giant lollipop for cancer's sweet tooth."	H01 R01 R02 T01	1,833
2511-106	AI Software Achieves 96% Accuracy In Parkinson's Diagnosis	Researchers at the University of Florida have created an AI tool that achieves over 96% accuracy in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and related disorders. This new software aims to reduce misdiagnosis rates by helping clinicians differentiate between various movement disorders, significantly improving diagnostic efficiency and precision.	University of Florida	JAMA Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Existing research indicates that the accuracy of a Parkinson's disease diagnosis hovers between 55% and 78% in the first five years of assessment. That's partly because Parkinson's sibling movement disorders share similarities, sometimes making a definitive diagnosis initially difficult. -- Although Parkinson's disease is a well-recognized illness, the term can refer to a variety of conditions, ranging from idiopathic Parkinson's, the most common type, to other movement disorders like multiple system atrophy Parkinsonian variant and progressive supranuclear palsy. -- Each shares motor and nonmotor features, like changes in gait -- but possess a distinct pathology and prognosis. -- Roughly one in four patients, or even one in two patients, is misdiagnosed. -- Now, researchers at the University of Florida and the UF Health Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases have developed a new kind of software that will help clinicians differentially diagnose Parkinson's disease and related conditions, reducing diagnostic time and increasing precision beyond 96%. The study was published recently in JAMA Neurology and was funded by the National Institutes of Health. -- "In many cases, MRI manufacturers don't communicate with each other due to marketplace competition," said David Vaillancourt, Ph.D., chair and a professor in the UF Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. -- "They all have their own software and their own sequences. Here, we've developed novel software that works across all of them." -- Although there is no substitute for the human element of diagnosis, even the most experienced physicians who specialize in movement disorder diagnoses can benefit from a tool to increase diagnostic efficacy between different disorders, Vaillancourt said. -- The software, Automated Imaging Differentiation for Parkinsonism, or AIDP, is an automated MRI processing and machine learning software that features a noninvasive biomarker technique. -- Using diffusion-weighted MRI, which measures how water molecules diffuse in the brain, the team can identify where neurodegeneration is occurring.	A01 R02 T01	1,834
2511-E033	Groundbreaking AI Creates Detailed 3D Map Of Mouse Brains	University of Florida researchers have developed an advanced AI tool capable of creating a high-resolution 3D map of mouse brains. This innovative technology allows for detailed exploration of brain metabolism, potentially unlocking new opportunities for understanding Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.	University of Florida	Nature Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	It is a detailed view of the brain like never seen before. -- In a significant technological leap, University of Florida researchers have created a powerful new computational and artificial intelligence tool that can generate a high-resolution 3D map of the brain in mice, allowing users to zoom in and out -- from all angles, like a Google Earth map -- and peer into the full set of molecules that produce energy for brain functions. -- This new AI-driven tool, funded by research grants from the National Institutes of Health, brings scientists one step closer to a more comprehensive understanding of the role of metabolism in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. -- It could open a new array of possibilities to discover targeted treatments. -- Reporting today in the journal Nature Metabolism, a research team led by Ramon Sun, Ph.D., detailed how they developed their groundbreaking MetaVision3D tool using UF's HiPerGator supercomputer. -- As a proof of principle, they generated a 3D interactive atlas of the brain in both normal mice and mouse models of Alzheimer's and Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder. -- Sun's lab has made its database and web server publicly accessible to support the growing field of scientists studying links between metabolism and the mind. -- "Using our methodology, we can map thousands of molecules in the brain and precisely where they are located inside each brain region. It is unprecedented," said Sun, director of the Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research and associate director for innovation of UF's McKnight Brain Institute. -- "We couldn't have done it without NIH funding. This funding fuels our efforts to uncover metabolic drivers of Alzheimer's and pave the way for new interventions to prevent and treat this devastating disease." -- Online users may explore each section of tissue in the 3D reconstruction, which illuminates nuanced complexities not visible in conventional 2D maps, providing new insights into cellular metabolism -- influenced by diet, exercise and genetics -- as well as into disease mechanisms.	A01	1,835
2512-T031	AI Attempts Research Paper: Promising Yet Flawed Performance	A study conducted by the University of Florida has assessed the capabilities of generative AI in research, revealing both strengths and weaknesses across various stages of the process. The research demonstrates that while AI can assist in academic tasks, it still cannot fully replace human scientists, providing reassurance to professionals concerned about job security.	University of Florida	Journal of Consumer Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	In a comprehensive study examining the capabilities of artificial intelligence in academic research, University of Florida researchers have found that while AI can be a valuable assistant, it falls short of replacing human scientists in many critical areas. -- The research, detailed in a paper titled "AI and the advent of the cyborg behavioral scientist," tested how well popular generative AI models including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot and Google's Gemini could handle various stages of the research process. -- The team put these AI systems through six stages of academic research -- starting with ideation, literature review and research design, followed by documenting results, extending the research and the final manuscript production -- while limiting any human intervention on their part. -- What they discovered was a mixed bag of capabilities and limitations, presumably good news for research scientists wondering if AI will take their job. -- "A pervasive fear surrounding these AIs is their ability to usurp human labor," explained Geoff Tomaino, an assistant professor in marketing at the University of Florida Warrington College of Business. -- "In general, we found that these AIs can offer some assistance, but their value stops there, as assistance. These tools can do a great deal of legwork. However, the researcher still has a vital place in the process, acting as a director and critic of the AI, not an equal partner." -- Specifically, the researchers found AI to be a useful tool in the ideation process and research design, including the methods and stimulus design substages. -- In the literature review, results analysis and manuscript production stages, though, it struggled to produce valuable outputs and required substantial oversight. -- Based on their findings, the University of Florida team advises researchers to maintain high skepticism toward AI outputs, treating them as starting points that require human verification and refinement. -- For journals, the researchers strongly recommend considering policies that call out AI assistance in research papers as well as largely prohibiting the use of AI in the research review process.	T01	1,836
2501-024	Controlling Autophagy Process Could Offer Solutions For Neurodegenerative Diseases Like Alzheimer's.	Research from the University of Freiburg indicates that a weak molecular interaction is crucial for autophagy—cellular recycling that prevents harmful accumulations. By modifying this interaction, scientists can artificially trigger autophagy, potentially aiding in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and improving cancer therapies.	University of Freiburg	Nature Cell Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Recycling takes place in our cells at all times: in a process called autophagy, cell components that are no longer needed are enclosed by membranes and broken down into their basic building blocks. This vital process prevents the formation of harmful aggregates and makes nutrients available again. -- A research team co-led by Prof. Dr. Claudine Kraft from the CIBSS Cluster of Excellence at the University of Freiburg and Dr. Florian Wilfling from the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt has now discovered the conditions necessary for autophagy to start. They were also able to artificially create these conditions and thus trigger the degradation of otherwise non-degradable molecules in yeast cells. Targeting autophagy in this way is a promising approach for promoting the degradation of aggregates that can otherwise form plaques in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, as well as to improve the efficacy of cancer treatments. The study has been published in the scientific journal Nature Cell Biology. -- Weak molecular interactions essential for autophagy to begin -- In order for the degradation of cellular components through autophagy to occur, they must first be recognised as waste. This is done by receptor and other adapter molecules. However, it was previously unknown how exactly these molecules trigger the subsequent steps. "We have now been able to show that the receptors must bind weakly to the material to be disposed of for autophagy to start," explains Kraft. "If they bind too strongly, the process is not triggered." -- What initially sounds counterintuitive could be explained by the researchers with the help of computer simulations and experiments on living yeast cells and human cells in cell culture: the weak binding causes the receptors to remain mobile and form random clusters. "When the point of critical concentration has been reached, phase separation occurs: the adapter molecules come together and form a droplet, similar to oil in water," explains Wilfling. "Such a liquid accumulation has different physical properties than the individual molecules serving as a flexible platform for all other molecules involved in autophagy." -- The process can be controlled artificially -- To test their hypothesis, the researchers introduced virus particles into yeast cells that the cells are normally unable to break down. By modifying the virus particles so that autophagy receptors could weakly bind to them, the researchers were able to trigger the degradation of the viral protein. However, if they modified the surface so that the receptors bound strongly to it, no degradation took place. "This result is promising because it shows that we can specifically intervene in the autophagy of cargo molecules of living cells," summarise both Kraft and Wilfling. -- The study was funded by the German Research Foundation (EXC-2189; SFB 1381; SFB 1177; 450216812; 409673687; GRK 2606;) by the European Research Council under the Horizon 2020 programme (ERC 769065), the Max Planck Society and by the European Union (ERC 101041982).	R01 R02 T01	1,837
2501-E030	Ants Show Grudge-Holding Behavior When Attacked By Fellow Nest Members.	A study led by evolutionary biologists explores how ants learn from encounters with rival nests. The findings indicate that ants exhibit aggressive behaviors towards familiar enemies, suggesting that past experiences shape their responses, highlighting the complexity of social interactions within ant communities.	University of Freiburg	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A team led by evolutionary biologist Volker Nehring is investigating the extent to which ants learn from past experiences. -- Ants learn from experience. This has been demonstrated by a team of evolutionary biologists from the University of Freiburg, led by Dr Volker Nehring, research associate in the Evolutionary Biology and Animal Ecology group, and doctoral student Mélanie Bey. -- The researchers repeatedly confronted ants with competitors from another nest. -- The test ants remembered the negative experiences they had during these encounters: when they encountered ants from a nest they had previously experienced as aggressive, they behaved more aggressively towards them than towards ants from nests unknown to them. -- Ants that encountered members of a nest from which they had previously only encountered passive ants were less aggressive. -- The biologists published their results in the journal Current Biology. -- Ants are aggressive towards their neighbours -- Ants use odours to distinguish between members of their own nest and those from other nests. -- Each nest has its own specific scent. Previous studies have already shown that ants behave aggressively towards their nearest neighbours in particular. -- They are especially likely to open their mandibles and bite, or spray acid and kill their competitors.	N01	1,838
2502-E049	Shethna Protein II Shields Nitrogenase, Offering Promise For Biotech And Fertilizer Reduction	A research team from the University of Freiburg has made significant strides in understanding how the protein Shethna II safeguards the nitrogen-fixing enzyme nitrogenase from damage. This breakthrough could pave the way for utilizing nitrogenase in biotechnology applications, potentially reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. Their findings, published in Nature, highlight the protein's role in protecting the intricate processes of biological nitrogen fixation, which could have far-reaching implications for sustainable agriculture.	University of Freiburg	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the University of Freiburg led by biochemist Prof. Dr. Oliver Einsle has discovered how the "Shethna protein II" protects the nitrogen-binding enzyme nitrogenase from damage. The protein could help to make nitrogenase usable in biotechnology and thus reduce the amount of synthetic fertiliser used. The results have been published in the journal Nature. -- A small helper for big tasks: an oxygen sensor protein protects the enzymatic machinery of biological nitrogen fixation from serious damage. -- Its use in biotechnology could help to reduce the use of synthetic fertiliser in agriculture in the future. -- A research team led by biochemist Prof. Dr Oliver Einsle from the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy and the Centre for Biological Signalling Studies (BIOSS) at the University of Freiburg has discovered exactly how the so-called Shethna protein II works. -- The scientists used the newly established cryo-electron microscopy in Freiburg. -- Their results have been published in the journal Nature. -- Nitrogen fertiliser is ecologically problematic -- The element nitrogen is an essential component of all living organisms; in agriculture, it is often added as fertiliser to enable high yields over the long term. -- However, the production and application of these fertilisers is problematic in terms of energy and the environment. -- For years, attempts have therefore been made to transfer the natural nitrogen fixation in bacteria and archaea to crops.	H02 C01 N02	1,839
2502-T008	New AI Model Revolutionizes Predictions For Small Data Sets	The AI model TabPFN, developed by a team led by Prof. Dr. Frank Hutter, addresses the challenges of predicting tabular data, particularly for smaller datasets. By training on synthetic data to identify causal relationships, TabPFN outperforms traditional algorithms, addressing issues like outlier detection and data filling, thereby enhancing scientific data analysis in various fields and improving decision-making based on incomplete information.	University of Freiburg	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Filling gaps in data sets or identifying outliers -- that's the domain of the machine learning algorithm TabPFN, developed by a team led by Prof. Dr. Frank Hutter from the University of Freiburg. This artificial intelligence (AI) uses learning methods inspired by large language models. TabPFN learns causal relationships from synthetic data and is therefore more likely to make correct predictions than the standard algorithms that have been used up to now. The results were published in the journal Nature. In addition to the University of Freiburg, the University Medical Center Freiburg, the Charité -- Berlin University Medicine, the Freiburg startup PriorLabs and the ELLIS Institute Tübingen were involved. -- Data sets, whether they are on the effects of certain medications or particle paths in accelerators at CERN, are rarely complete or error-free. -- Therefore, an important part of scientific data analysis is to recognise outliers as such or to predict meaningful estimates for missing values. -- Existing algorithms, such as XGBoost, work well with large data sets, but are often unreliable with smaller data volumes. -- With the TabPFN model, Hutter and his team solve this problem by training the algorithm on artificially created data sets that are modelled on real scenarios. -- To do this, the scientists create data tables in which the entries in the individual table columns are causally linked. -- TabPFN was trained with 100 million such synthetic data sets. -- This training teaches the model to evaluate various possible causal relationships and use them for its predictions. -- The model especially outperforms other algorithms for small tables with fewer than 10,000 rows, many outliers or a large number of missing values. -- For example, TabPFN requires only 50% of the data to achieve the same accuracy as the previously best model.	T01	1,840
2504-T019	Spin Mixing Reveals New Quartet States: Advances In Supramolecular Chemistry	A Franco-German research team has demonstrated that non-covalent bonds between spin centers in supramolecular chemistry can produce quartet states through spin mixing. This finding highlights the potential of supramolecular chemistry in developing advanced materials for quantum technologies. The ability to manipulate molecular spin qubits paves the way for innovative applications in quantum sensing and information processing. By exploring how these materials can be stimulated by light to create new spin states, researchers are uncovering valuable insights into the future of quantum technologies.	University of Freiburg	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	The Franco-German research team, including members from the University of Freiburg, shows that supramolecular chemistry enables efficient spin communication through hydrogen bonds. -- Qubits are the basic building blocks of information processing in quantum technology. -- An important research question is what material they will actually consist of in technical applications. -- Molecular spin qubits are considered promising qubit candidates for molecular spintronics, in particular for quantum sensing. -- The materials studied here can be stimulated by light; this creates a second spin centre and, subsequently, a light-induced quartet state. -- Until now, research has assumed that the interaction between two spin centres can only be strong enough for successful quartet formation if the centres are covalently linked. -- Due to the high effort required to synthesise covalently bonded networks of such systems, their use in application-related developments in the field of quantum technology is severely limited. -- Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the University of Freiburg and the Institut Charles Sadron at the University of Strasbourg have now been able to show for the first time that non-covalent bonds can allow for efficient spin communication. -- To do this, the scientists used a model system consisting of a perylenediimide chromophore and a nitroxide radical that self-assemble into functional units in solution by means of hydrogen bonds. -- The key advantage: the formation of an ordered network of spin qubits could now be achieved using supramolecular approaches, which would enable the testing of new molecule combinations and system scalability without major synthetic effort.	Z01	1,841
2503-067	Breakthrough Bioprinting Technique Mimics Heart Tissue Development For Future Organ Generation	Researchers at University of Galway have made significant strides in bioprinting tissues that mimic biological organ development through cell-generated shape changes. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in creating functional organs for disease modeling and regenerative medicine, moving closer to practical applications in healthcare.	University of Galway	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Galway have developed a way of bioprinting tissues that change shape as a result of cell-generated forces, in the same way that it happens in biological tissues during organ development. -- The breakthrough science focused on replicating heart tissues, bringing research closer to generating functional, bioprinted organs, which would have broad applications in disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative medicine. -- The research was led by a team at the School of Engineering and CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at University of Galway and has been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. -- Bioprinting technology uses living cells within specialised "bioink" materials -- a substance or material which can support living cells, and due to its characteristics, it can aid cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation during maturation. -- The technology offers immense promise for creating lab-grown organs that closely resemble the structure of their human equivalent. -- However, bioprinting fully functional organs remains a significant hurdle. -- For instance, while bioprinted heart tissues can contract, their force of contraction is often considerably weaker than that of a healthy adult heart. -- Traditional bioprinting methods often aim to directly recreate the final anatomical shape of an organ, like the heart -- therefore overlooking the crucial role of dynamic shape changes during natural embryonic development. -- For example, the heart begins as a simple tube that undergoes a series of bends and twists to form its mature four-chambered structure. -- These shape-morphing behaviours are essential for sculpting heart cell development and maturation.	R01 T01	1,842
2507-008	Digital Microbe Models Created To Revolutionize Human Microbiome Research	Researchers at University of Galway have created an extensive digital collection of nearly a quarter million microbial models aimed at enhancing our understanding of the human microbiome. This database, known as APOLLO, will enable scientists to study microbial interactions and their implications for health, opening doors for new discoveries in understanding complex biological systems.	University of Galway	University of Galway	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Galway have created the world's largest collection of digital microbes -- nearly a quarter million computer models -- to help revolutionise our understanding of the human microbiome and its impact on health. -- This study focuses on the bacterial microbiome -- the communities of bacteria living in and on our bodies. -- The team created APOLLO, a collection of 247,092 advanced computer models, each representing the unique metabolic processes of a distinct microbe found within these communities. -- The unprecedented database will allow scientists to use software to study how microbes function within the human body and interact with health and disease, to accelerate new health discoveries, which would otherwise solely rely on cumbersome experiments using living organisms. -- Spanning multiple continents, age groups and body sites, APOLLO is the most extensive computational model collection of the human microbiome created to date. -- The research project builds upon the team's decade-long expertise, from earlier AGORA (hundreds of microbes) and AGORA2 (thousands of microbes) generations. -- The team also created 14,451 computer simulations of individual microbiome communities, based on real-life samples, to reveal how microbial metabolism varies by body site, age, and health conditions. The APOLLO simulations also predicted key faecal metabolites linked to Crohn's disease, Parkinson's disease, and child undernutrition -- insights that could help shape future diagnostic and treatment strategies. -- The work was conducted by a team of scientists at University of Galway's Digital Metabolic Twin Centre, led by Professor Ines Thiele, a principal investigator with APC Microbiome Ireland -- Research Ireland centre for the study of microbiological community, hosted by University College Cork. -- Professor Thiele's research team uses computational modelling to advance precision health. -- How APOLLO will benefit society:	H01 R02 T01	1,843
2507-062	Satellite Data Unveils Environmental Damage Caused By Oil Spills In Niger Delta	An international team has employed satellite imagery and AI to assess the extensive damage caused by oil spills in the Niger Delta's mangrove ecosystems. By mapping oil pipelines, the researchers identified critical areas of pollution affecting biodiversity and health in a region heavily reliant on oil extraction. This study underscores the environmental degradation experienced since oil production began and the urgent need for effective remediation strategies.	University of Galway	University of Galway	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research team led by University of Galway has used earth observation radar data to map oil pipeline networks covering a 9000 km2 region in the Niger Delta and pinpoint where crude oil spills have caused the most acute damage to the delicate mangrove ecosystem. -- The Niger Delta hosts the second largest petroleum reserves in Africa, with the Nigerian economy heavily dependent on the industry. -- But since the extraction and processing of oil started in the 1950s, the level of pollution is estimated to be equivalent to more than 13 million barrels of crude oil, causing enormous damage to the environment and posing severe health threats to the people who live in the region. -- The Niger Delta is one of the most ecologically diverse regions on Earth and home to almost 30 million people from more than 40 ethnic groups. -- The vast majority of them depend on farming and fishing for their livelihoods and food security, as well as their cultural identity and well-being. -- The study was led by researchers from the Ryan Institute at University of Galway, in collaboration with the University of Ilorin in Nigeria. -- It was funded through Taighde Éireann -- Research Ireland's Artificial Intelligence for Societal Good Challenge Future Innovator Prize, which was awarded to the University of Galway team in 2021. -- The findings of the study were published in the journal Remote Sensing. -- The researchers used earth observational data from satellites, AI technology and imaging more commonly applied to assessing cardiovascular health to anaylse the direct impact of oil pollution on the region. -- The researchers determined the mortality rate of the mangrove forests over the period 2016-2024 to be 5,644 hectares a year -- the equivalent of 17 Central Park Forest areas being lost per year or 28 GAA pitches every day.	A01 H01 C01 N01 N02 T01	1,844
2504-008	Longer Vacations And Physical Activity Boost Health And Well-Being	A recent review emphasizes the health benefits of taking longer vacations and incorporating physical activity into leisure time. Analysis of numerous studies suggests that vacations not only enhance employee well-being but also provide extended benefits beyond the immediate time off. As job-related stress grows, the findings advocate for a cultural shift towards fully unplugging during breaks to foster long-lasting health improvements and combat workplace burnout.	University of Georgia	Journal of Applied Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	If you're like many Americans, you probably didn't take all your vacation time this past year. Even if you did, it's highly likely you didn't fully unplug while off the clock. -- But you might want to change that if you want to improve your health and well-being, according to a new review article from the University of Georgia. -- The meta-analysis of 32 studies from nine countries suggests that not only are vacations more beneficial for boosting employee well-being than previously thought, but the positive effects of annual leave last much longer than the ride home from the airport. -- "The theme of the paper is that vacations create longer-lasting benefits than previously thought," said Ryan Grant, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in psychology in UGA's Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. -- "Job demands and job stress are on the rise. But people think that they can't take time off because they don't want to look bad or lose out on an opportunity for promotion. -- "We think working more is better, but we actually perform better by taking care of ourselves. We need to break up these intense periods of work with intense periods of rest and recuperation." -- Disengage from work on vacation for maximum well-being benefits -- How you vacation makes a difference in how restorative your time off is, though. -- The researchers found that employees who psychologically disengaged from work on their vacations saw the most improvement in their well-being. -- "If you're not at work but you're thinking about work on vacation, you might as well be at the office," Grant said.	H02 N01	1,845
2510-E002	Environmental Factors Influence Dementia Risk More Than Previously Understood	A study emphasizes the significant influence of environmental factors, such as air quality and access to nature, on dementia risk. Researchers stress the importance of creating dementia-friendly environments to prevent cognitive decline, highlighting the need for public health initiatives focused on environmental health.	University of Georgia	Ageing Research Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from the University of Georgia College of Public Health focuses on the powerful role our surroundings play in shaping dementia risk. Led by Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management Suhang Song, this meta-analysis demonstrates that factors including air pollution and access to green or blue spaces can significantly raise or lower the odds of cognitive decline and developing dementia. -- "These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia," Song said. -- Conducting the meta-analysis was important, as was taking several empirical studies to create a clearer picture about environmental risk, Song said. -- The research combined 54 studies in a systematic review and 21 in the meta-analysis, enabling researchers to quantify the impact of several factors. -- While past research has shown the association between environmental factors and dementia risk, Song said the contributions of some factors were worth noting. -- Environmental factors could increase dementia risk by 10% -- Living near major roadways was associated with a roughly 10% higher risk of dementia, and exposure to fine particulate matter in the air -- something that is generated by vehicles and industrial emissions -- was associated with a 9% increase in risk. -- Nitrous Oxide increased risk by 10%, and noise pollution was shown to increase risk by about 9%. -- Alternatively, some built environments help reduce the risk of cognitive decline. -- Green and blue spaces, which include built and natural parks as well as bodies of water, reduced risk by about 6%. Walkability in a community, as well as access to local amenities including food stores, community centers and health care, also reduced risk.	H01 H02 R02	1,846
2510-E064	Winter Forest Management: Supporting Healthy Bat Populations Despite Seasonal Changes	A recent study shows that effective forest management practices are crucial for maintaining healthy bat populations, even through winter's harsh conditions. Despite the threats posed by white-nose syndrome, research indicates that ensuring quality habitats can aid in the recovery of bat communities, highlighting the importance of sustainable forestry strategies in wildlife conservation.	University of Georgia	Forest Ecology and Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Winter in the South can bring about a sharp change in conditions that impact forests and their many inhabitants. However, new research from the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources finds that, despite these seasonal shifts, forest management efforts are supporting healthy bat populations. -- As white nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease, ravages bat populations, wildlife ecology and management professor Steven Castleberry wanted to ensure all other aspects of bat livelihood were being maintained. -- "There's nothing really we can do about that disease. All we can do is continue to provide proper habitats," Castleberry said. "As those populations recover, we ensure that those quality forests and habitats are still there." -- Previous research looked at how bats survived in managed forests during the summer, but the role winter has on forest conditions and prey availability remained unexplored. -- Foundational forestry -- Castleberry and Santiago Perea, a UGA Ph.D. student at the time of this study, examined bat activity over 400 nights by using the creatures' echolocation. -- As bats moved through Southeastern forests, the team found they relied on large areas of semi-open, canopied forest stands, otherwise known as varied stand structure according to Castleberry. The balance had to be just right -- an open canopy allowed bats to fly and feed efficiently but dense, closed-canopy areas with thick vegetation made flying difficult. -- "These types of forests are pretty good for bats because they're like a mosaic. Bats don't need just one type of forest, they need a lot of different types of forests, and that's what they provide out there with these stands in various stages of succession and ages," said Castleberry. -- Castleberry points out that most privately owned forests already provide a suitable balance for bats during the winter. Moving forward, forest managers should maintain this equilibrium rather than make drastic changes. -- "It's good for business, but it's also good for the environment, and it is going pretty well for the bats, too," he said.	N01 N02	1,847
2512-T015	Job Satisfaction: A Key Indicator of Workplace Conditions	New research from the University of Georgia highlights the importance of employee happiness as a critical economic indicator. By examining the relationship between job satisfaction, wages, and working conditions, the study reveals that understanding worker contentment can provide valuable insights into economic dynamics. This research advocates for employers and policymakers to consider employee well-being beyond traditional metrics in assessing workplace conditions and economic performance.	University of Georgia	Journal of Environmental Economics and Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Sometimes at work, it's not just a case of the Mondays. The level of dissatisfaction employees have with their job can last beyond the start of the week. New University of Georgia research has found that employers and policymakers might want to start paying attention because employee happiness contains critical economic information. -- Susana Ferreira, professor of agricultural and applied economics in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, used an empirical model to relate job satisfaction, wages and work environment. -- Traditionally, you'd hope that workers are paid fairly for their working conditions, a premise that follows a hedonic wage model. -- That positive outlook relies on perfect job and labor market conditions and assumes workers are rational, fully informed of workplace conditions and can switch jobs freely. -- However, this study used overall gratification to understand employees and uncover the tradeoffs between working conditions and pay -- even in circumstances when job markets are rigid, and workers might feel "stuck" at their jobs. -- "People who don't get paid enough to compensate for the job risks that they face may take another job. If their working conditions are wonderful, maybe they will accept a lower wage," said Ferreira, lead author of the study. -- "There should be labor mobility, but we observe that often the worst jobs are also the jobs that pay the least, especially in job markets that are very inflexible." -- Tracking down tradeoffs -- Through analyzing data on nearly 35,000 European workers across jobs and sectors in 30 countries, Ferreira discovered a pattern when it came to how these workers felt about their jobs. -- On average, workers facing higher risks were paid less. That's not what you'd expect, but the job satisfaction indicators still worked well.	C01	1,848
2513-080	The Impact Of Rejection Sensitivity On Children's Behavior In School Settings	New research from the University of Georgia explores how rejection sensitivity influences children's behavior in school settings. It reveals that children who fear rejection are more likely to adhere to academic expectations and avoid troublemaking, while those expecting rejection tend to resist conformity. This study highlights the significant impact of social dynamics on academic and interpersonal behaviors among children.	University of Georgia	The Journal of Early Adolescence	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine you're a child in a classroom, and your teacher tells everyone to form groups for a project. You sit and wait, watching as other kids pair up and wondering if anyone will pick you. -- This fear of rejection -- familiar to many children and adults -- can significantly impact how kids behave in their peer groups, according to new research from the University of Georgia. -- The study found that children who feel anxious about being rejected are more likely to conform to academic expectations like studying harder or following classroom rules. -- They're also less likely to engage in troublemaking behaviors. -- On the other hand, children who actively expect rejection tend to resist conforming to both academic behaviors and popular trends. -- Rejection sensitivity refers to two categories of reactions to potential rejection: rejection expectancy, a cognitive tendency to expect rejection, and anxious or angry anticipation, the emotion felt when anticipating rejection. -- "Rejection sensitivity is a really concerning characteristic in children," said Michele Lease, a professor in the Mary Frances Early College of Education's department of educational psychology and co-author of the study. -- "When children are rejection sensitive, they might worry and become withdrawn or feel angry and become hostile. If they're trying to fit in and not get rejected, they might learn to conform, ingratiate themselves or be less assertive. Rejection sensitivity is also a good predictor of depression, even before the onset of symptoms." -- The research, led by recent UGA graduate Cayenne Predix, involved more than 350 fourth and fifth grade students. -- Participants completed questionnaires with scenarios to measure how likely they were to follow their friends' behaviors in three areas: academics, trend-following and troublemaking.	H01	1,849
2502-059	Cortisone Withdrawal Causes Skin Pain And Sleep Issues For Eczema Sufferers	A study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that painful skin and sleep disturbances often accompany cortisone cream withdrawal for atopic eczema sufferers. Many users attribute these issues to a perceived dependence on cortisone, raising concerns about topical steroid withdrawal and the need for further research to comprehend the underlying mechanisms and ensure patient safety.	University of Gothenburg	Acta Dermato-Venereologica	Press Rel	PubMed	Painful skin and trouble sleeping are among the problems reported when tapering cortisone cream for atopic eczema. This has been shown by a study headed by the University of Gothenburg. Many users consider the problems to be caused by cortisone dependence. -- Topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) is a phenomenon commonly described as extremely red and painful skin arising when cortisone cream treatment is tapered or stopped. -- While TSW is not an established diagnosis, the name indicates that the skin has become dependent on cortisone. -- Little research has been conducted to identify a dependency mechanism, so scientific support is lacking. -- At the same time, the term has become commonplace on social media, raising concerns among patients about cortisone cream safety. -- Now, a national research group in Sweden, headed by Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, has conducted the first study in which a larger group has been asked to provide a detailed account of what they consider to be TSW. -- Questionnaire via social media -- The study targeted adults with atopic eczema, a group that often uses cortisone cream, who also identified as suffering from TSW. -- The study was conducted by means of an anonymous questionnaire presented in Swedish in social media forums, with the option to share a link to invite other potential participants. -- The questionnaire was answered by almost one hundred people aged 18-39, the majority of whom were women.	H02	1,850
2502-E056	Nord Stream Methane Leaks Contaminated 14% Of Baltic Sea For Several Months	A study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg has revealed that methane from the Nord Stream pipelines spread extensively across the southern Baltic Sea and persisted for several months. Although much of the gas escaped to the atmosphere, some remained submerged, dispersed by ocean currents. This research underscores the environmental impact of the Nord Stream incident, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of methane emissions in marine ecosystems.	University of Gothenburg	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Methane from the destroyed Nord Stream pipelines spread over a large part of the southern Baltic Sea and remained for several months. This is according to a new study by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and the Voice of the Ocean research foundation. -- Much of the methane gas from the Nord Stream leak rose directly to the sea surface and into the atmosphere. -- But some methane remained below the surface and was dispersed by ocean currents. -- "The results of our measurements show that methane spread to large parts of the southern Baltic Sea, from the coast of Danish Zealand in the west, to the Polish Gulf of Gdansk in the east," says Martin Mohrmann, a researcher at Voice of the Ocean, VOTO. -- High-resolution measurements -- The Voice of the Ocean Foundation deployed an underwater robot, known as a glider, just outside the exclusion zone around the leaks. -- This instrument allowed the researchers to measure methane concentrations over a large area, all the way from the surface to the depths. -- In addition, they continued to measure using the glider for three months after the spill. -- In the end, they had collected the most high-resolution measurements from the immediate area around the leaks, giving great confidence in their research results. -- "To get the most robust estimations, we combined observations from the gliders with surface observations collected by our colleagues at the German research institute IOW from a ferry. It was gratifying to see how well it matched the results from University of Gothenburg's research vessel's expedition to the Nord Stream leak area too. All this together makes us feel confident that we have a really good picture of how the methane spread in the Baltic Sea, both across time and space," says Bastien Queste, oceanographer at the University of Gothenburg.	R01	1,851
2505-E085	Female Flies Evolve To Appear Larger While Males Adapt To Detect Deception	A study from Swedish universities reveals an intriguing evolutionary arms race between male and female dance flies, where females exaggerate their appearance to attract mates while males enhance their vision to discern authenticity. This ongoing interplay shows how both sexes adapt to maximize reproductive success, with male flies developing larger eyes in response to female traits, underscoring the complexities of mating strategies in the animal kingdom.	University of Gothenburg	Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the environment and food system sustainability. The Purdue University study appears in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "At the global level, we see a reduction in cropland use from these technology improvements leading to gains in terrestrial carbon stock and avoided loss of threatened plant and animal species," reported the team led by Purdue's Uris Baldos, research associate professor of agricultural economics. -- The study is the first to undertake a fine-scale analysis back to the early 1960s. -- The analysis incorporated global data from approximately 100,000 grid cells. -- Each cell covers an area measuring 27.2 square kilometers (10.5 square miles) at the equator. -- Grid cells farther north and south of the equator become smaller because of the Earth's curvature. -- "You need that spatial resolution to get at the biodiversity question, because biodiversity is not evenly spread around," said study co-author Thomas Hertel, Distinguished Professor of Agriculture. -- In another first, the study revealed how agricultural land-use changes have affected biodiversity. -- The analysis found that, globally, reduced agricultural land use resulting from improved crop varieties saved 1,043 animal and plant species. -- Saved plant species numbered 818, along with 225 amphibian, bird, mammal and reptile species.	H01	1,852
2506-053	Potential New Drug Targets Tau Protein To Combat Alzheimer’s Disease Effectively	A collaborative study from the University of Gothenburg and the University of Pittsburgh presents a potential complementary drug for Alzheimer’s targeting the tau protein. This research not only provides insights into the early transformation of tau into fibrils but also proposes improved methods for measuring treatment effects. Understanding tau's role in Alzheimer's, along with its interactions with amyloid plaques, may pave the way for more effective therapeutic strategies.	University of Gothenburg	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A complementary drug to combat Alzheimer's disease could target a specific part of the nerve cell protein tau. This is the finding of research from the University of Gothenburg, which also offers a better way to measure the effect of treatment among patients. -- Researchers from the University of Gothenburg, together with colleagues from the University of Pittsburgh in the US, published their findings in the journal Nature Medicine. -- The study provides insights into what happens during the earliest phase when the protein tau is transformed into thread-like strands (fibrils) in the nerve cells. -- This is one of the processes in Alzheimer's disease and occurs alongside the formation of amyloid plaques. -- In healthy individuals, the protein tau stabilizes the tubular building blocks (microtubules) that make up the long projections of the nerve cells. -- During the development of Alzheimer's disease, tau undergoes pathological changes. -- First, tau forms small, soluble aggregates that are secreted from the nerve cells and are thought to be able to spread these changes to other nerve cells. -- The protein is then converted into larger, harmful, thread-like strands in the nerve cells. -- Tohidul Islam, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg's Sahlgrenska Academy, is one of the study's lead authors. -- "In our study, we look at how tau is modified, which leads it to form its soluble clumps. We found that changes in two specific amino acids, serine-262 and serine-356, happen before these thread-like fibrils start to form in the nerve cells," says Tohidul Islam	R02	1,853
2507-126	Viking Skulls Show Evidence Of Serious Oral And Maxillofacial Health Issues	A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg reveals that Sweden’s Viking Age population experienced significant oral and maxillofacial diseases, along with various other health issues such as sinus infections and osteoarthritis. Researchers utilized advanced X-ray techniques to examine Viking skulls from the region of Varnhem, known for its well-preserved ancient graves, to gain insight into the health challenges faced by these early inhabitants.	University of Gothenburg	University of Gothenburg	Press Rel	PubMed	Sweden's Viking Age population appears to have suffered from severe oral and maxillofacial disease, sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and much more. This is shown in a study from the University of Gothenburg in which Viking skulls were examined using modern X-ray techniques. -- About a year ago saw the publication of research based on the examination of a large number of teeth from the Viking Age population of Varnhem in the Swedish province of Västergötland. -- Varnhem is known for its thousands of ancient graves and excavations of well-preserved skeletons. -- Now, odontologists at the University of Gothenburg have taken this research further, looking at not only teeth but also entire skulls, by using modern computed tomography, also known as CT scans. -- Detailed image analysis -- The results presented in British Dental Journal Open suggest that the fifteen individuals whose skulls were examined suffered from a broad range of diseases. -- The CT scans show pathological bone growths in the cranium and jawbone, revealing infections and other conditions. -- Several individuals showed signs of having suffered from sinus or ear infections that left traces in the adjacent bone structures. -- Signs of osteoarthritis and various dental diseases were also found. -- All the skulls came from adults who died between 20 and 60 years of age.	Z01	1,854
2507-E020	Broccoli Compound Linked To Improved Blood Sugar Levels In Prediabetes	A study at the University of Gothenburg shows that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli sprouts, can significantly improve blood sugar levels in individuals with prediabetes. This research builds on previous findings that highlighted sulforaphane's antidiabetic properties, emphasizing its potential role in managing rising blood sugar and preventing type 2 diabetes.	University of Gothenburg	University of Gothenburg	Press Rel	PubMed	The chemical compound sulforaphane found in broccoli sprouts can be linked to improved blood sugar levels in prediabetes, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This has been shown in a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. The broccoli compound had a more significant effect on blood sugar levels in certain people. -- Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have previously identified sulforaphane as an antidiabetic agent in type 2 diabetes. -- A patient study conducted in 2017 demonstrated significantly lower blood sugar in people with diabetes after they took large doses of sulforaphane extracted from broccoli sprouts. -- In this new study, published in Nature Microbiology, Professor Anders Rosengren and colleagues have instead looked at prediabetes. -- This condition is a precursor to type 2 diabetes, with slowly rising blood sugar levels due to impaired insulin production. -- The study encompassed 89 people with elevated fasting blood sugar, an indicator of prediabetes. -- Other criteria included the participants being overweight or obese and 35-75 years old. -- The participants were randomly assigned sulforaphane or a placebo for twelve weeks. -- Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was assigned which. -- A total of 74 participants completed all stages of the study.	A01 R01	1,855
2508-T026	New Room-Temperature Machine Challenges Quantum Computers With Magnetic Wave Motion	A groundbreaking study from the University of Gothenburg introduces a low-energy alternative to quantum computers, functioning at room temperature. Researchers demonstrated the ability to transmit information using magnetic wave motion in intricate networks. This innovation relies on spintronics, manipulating magnetic phenomena to create synchronized spin waves, laying the groundwork for more efficient data transmission and processing methods, potentially revolutionizing computing technology.	University of Gothenburg	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	A low-energy challenger to the quantum computer that also works at room temperature may be the result of research at the University of Gothenburg. The researchers have shown that information can be transmitted using magnetic wave motion in complex networks. -- Spintronics explores magnetic phenomena in nano-thin layers of magnetic materials that are exposed to magnetic fields, electric currents and voltages. -- These external stimuli can also create spin waves, ripples in a material's magnetisation that travel with a specific phase and energy. -- The researchers can generate and control the spin waves, enabling a phase controlled mutual synchronization between two so-called spin Hall nano-oscillators. -- By controlling the phase of these waves, the research team was able to generate binary phases across the network. -- For the first time, they showed that spin waves can mediate both in phase and out of phase between the oscillators. -- The phenomenon can be tuned by adjusting either the magnetic field, the electric current, the applied gate voltage or the distance between the oscillators. -- Produces the best guess -- These advances pave the way for the next generation of Ising machines, an alternative to quantum computers that require much less energy and can operate at room temperature. -- Quantum computers and Ising machines are useful for solving so-called combinatorial optimisation problems, where the aim is to produce the best guess rather than the exact answer to a problem.	T01	1,856
2509-049	Study Confirms Dental Implants Remain Functional Even After Forty Years	A study from the University of Gothenburg shows that dental implants remain effective for decades, with a long-term follow-up revealing that all tested implants were still functional after nearly forty years. This research underscores the durability of dental implants developed through extensive studies since the 1980s.	University of Gothenburg	Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Dental implants used to replace single teeth continue to function well after several decades, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. After nearly forty years, all examined implants were still in place and fully functional. -- The study is the longest follow-up study of single dental implants in the world and is based on a follow-up of a small group of patients who received single implants to replace missing teeth between 1982 and 1985. -- The implants are a result of research conducted by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark at the University of Gothenburg. -- His discovery of how bone integrates with titanium implants has enabled millions of patients to replace lost teeth with a reliable and long-lasting solution. -- Stable implants -- Of the 16 patients who received implants during the study period, 13 participated in the follow-up, conducted at the Brånemark Clinic, Public Dental Service Västra Götaland. -- These 13 patients had a total of 18 implants. -- "It is impressive that the single implants function so well after such a long time. Even though the study included a small number of patients, the results show that the implants remain in place and that the bone loss around them is virtually unchanged after forty years. This confirms that the foundation Brånemark established still holds," says Sargon Barkarmo, prosthodontist and senior lecturer at the University of Gothenburg. -- A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is surgically placed into the jawbone, where it integrates and becomes stable. -- A crown is then attached to the implant, providing both functionality and aesthetics.	N02 T01	1,857
2509-E039	Giant Clone Of Bladderwrack Discovered In Baltic Sea Challenges Seaweed Assumptions	Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that a supposed unique species of bladderwrack in the Baltic Sea is actually a vast clone of common bladderwrack. This finding has crucial implications for the management of seaweed in an evolving ocean, particularly as environmental changes affect the ecosystems reliant on this vital species.	University of Gothenburg	Molecular Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that what was previously thought to be a unique seaweed species of bladderwrack for the Baltic Sea is in fact a giant clone of common bladderwrack, perhaps the world's largest clone overall. The discovery has implications for predicting the future of seaweed in a changing ocean. -- In the brakish waters of the Baltic Sea, bladderwrack is the dominant seaweed species as it is one of the few seaweed species that can tolerate low salinity. -- The seaweed forms large forests from the surface down to a depth of 10 metres. Fish fry, snails and crustaceans thrive here, and the kelp forests also provide an important habitat for larger fish. This makes it an interesting species for researchers to study. Using genetic mapping of marine species is one way to understand how these species should be managed. -- Falsely mistaken for an own species -- "The Baltic Sea is entering a period of warmer and probably even fresher seawater. In new conditions, all species must try to adapt in order to survive, including the important bladderwrack," says Kerstin Johannesson, Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Gothenburg and one of the lead authors of a new study in the journal Molecular Ecology. -- Through DNA sequencing, the researchers have found that a small, bushy form of seaweed in the Baltic Sea that was previously thought to be a separate species (called narrow wrack) is a clone of bladderwrack. The clone has formed new populations by dispersing fragments of an original female plant with the water currents and growing into new individuals of wrack. The clone spreads over more than 500 km of the coast of the Bothnian Sea, from Öregrund in Uppland to just south of Umeå, and may be the world's largest clone of any organism. -- Millions of individuals in one clone -- Bladderwrack has separate male and female plants that normally form new individuals after sexual fertilisation. -- "This clone comprises millions of individuals, and in some areas, it is completely dominant, while in other areas it grows alongside sexually propagated individuals of bladderwrack. We have found a few more large clones in the Baltic Sea, but the female clone off the Swedish Gulf of Bothnia is by far the largest clone -- a real super female," says Ricardo Pereyra, researcher in the group who led the genetic analyses. -- Uncertain future for clones	N01 N02	1,858
2512-T035	Geometric Helmet Design Provides Enhanced Protection Against Head Injuries	Researchers from the Universities of Gothenburg and Isfahan have innovated a new bicycle helmet design featuring shock-absorbing material with unique geometric shapes. This advanced helmet aims to provide superior protection against head injuries by utilizing auxetic metastructures that enhance impact energy absorption, offering improved safety for cyclists.	University of Gothenburg	International Journal of Solids and Structures	Press Rel	PubMed	By using new geometric shapes in the shock-absorbing material, researchers at the Universities of Gothenburg and Isfahan have developed a bicycle helmet that provides better protection against head injuries. The material absorbs shock by contracting bilaterally. -- Bicycle helmets are important for protecting cyclists from head injuries, but traditional designs have limitations in terms of impact absorption and fit. -- Researchers at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Isfahan in Iran designed a bicycle helmet whose shock-absorbing material utilises what is called auxetic metastructures. -- The material is designed in special geometric patterns that behave differently under impact conditions compared to conventional foam liners. -- "When exposed to energy from an impact, the liner material contracts, and this improves the absorption of impact energy, which means lower risks of injuries to a cyclist's head in an accident," says Mohsen Mirkhalaf, Associate Professor in the mechanics and physics of materials at the University of Gothenburg. -- Geometry is key -- The research study, published in the International Journal of Solids and Structures, combines what is known about auxetic metastructures with computer simulations and optimisation techniques to develop a safer bicycle helmet. -- "We used a specific design optimisation method to identify the best possible geometric configuration to minimise crash forces. The geometry of the material structure is a key factor." says Mohsen Mirkhalaf. -- Finally, the new helmet's protective layer was printed on a 3D printer for testing. -- The material chosen was a plastic, a hyperelastic polymer, which can undergo significant deformations and return to its original shape.	T01	1,859
2513-E007	Thinning Arctic Sea Ice May Lead To Disrupted Global Ocean Currents This Century	Research from the University of Gothenburg and the Alfred Wegener Institute indicates that climate change may threaten one of the Arctic Ocean's key currents. This study suggests that the potential disappearance of the Beaufort Gyre could lead to freshwater flooding in the North Atlantic, with significant implications for global ocean circulation and climate dynamics.	University of Gothenburg	Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans	Press Rel	PubMed	One of the ocean currents in the Arctic Ocean is at risk of disappearing this century because of climate change, according to a new joint study from the University of Gothenburg and the German Alfred Wegener Institute. As a result, the North Atlantic could be flooded with freshwater which would weaken the global ocean circulation. -- The weakening of the AMOC, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, is a hot topic among the world's climate scientists. -- However, it is unclear what the consequences will be when the ocean currents change and when a tipping point is reached. -- Researcher Céline Heuzé from the University of Gothenburg, together with colleagues Marylou Athanase and Raphael Köhler from Germany, has studied the future of one of the major ocean currents in the Beaufort Sea, located in the Arctic Ocean, north of the Alaskan and Canadian coasts. -- This current is the Beaufort Gyre and it is an important feature of the Arctic Ocean. -- By storing or releasing freshwater, it influences the oceanic properties both within the Arctic and as far away as the North Atlantic. -- Due to warmer temperatures in the Arctic, the Beaufort Gyre is currently losing large amounts of sea ice. -- The ice helps keeping the ocean cool, acting as a lid. Thinner sea ice allows more heat from the atmosphere to pass through, raising sea temperatures further and causing even more sea ice to disappear. -- Previous research shows that the freshwater content of the Beaufort Sea has increased by 40 percent over the last two decades. -- Concerns about sea ice 'tipping point'	C01	1,860
2501-E012	Pollinator Identity And Behavior Affect Crop Quality, Research Highlights Importance.	New research sheds light on the intricate dynamics between crop-pollinator interactions and fruit quality. By emphasizing the significance of specific pollinator behavior and crop variety distribution, scientists argue for a more nuanced approach to maximizing the nutritional and commercial value of crops.	University of Göttingen	Trends in Plant Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Pollination by animals contributes to a third of global food production, but little research has been done into the extent to which the identity of pollinators, pollen and crop varieties influence fruit quality when it comes to the nutritional, sensory and commercial value of crops. Pollinators influence the quality of crops through their movement patterns on the plantations and through the plant variety they visit. In an article published in Trends in Plant Science, researchers from the University of Göttingen argue that the blanket promotion of pollinators has so far been too much of a priority -- at the expense of plant quality, which could be improved by taking into account the species-specific behaviour of pollinators and the distribution patterns of crop varieties in the field. -- Animal pollination is important for two thirds of the world's most important crops and is estimated to be worth several hundred billion US dollars per year. -- Crops that depend wholly or partly on animal pollinators (for example many fruits, nuts and pulses) contain more than 90 per cent of the vitamin C in our diet as well as nutritionally important carotenoids and antioxidants. -- For example, bees improve the nutritional value of rapeseed by increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid content and total oil content, and they boost the oil content and fruit weight of avocado. -- The research team from the University of Göttingen emphasises the importance of paying attention to the specificity of the pollinator species, the crop variety and the pollen that is transferred -- and how this network affects the quality of the fruit. -- Pollen transfer between different varieties can fail if the behaviour of the pollinators or the arrangement of the plants changes. -- The quality of the crop therefore depends not only on which and how many pollinators are active, but also on how different species interact spatially and temporally. -- "The results of our review show that future research should not only focus on the quantity, but also more on the quality of the crops. After all, a better nutrient composition benefits the health of consumers," emphasise the authors Professor Teja Tscharntke, Dr Carolina Ocampo-Ariza and Dr Wiebke Kämper from the Functional Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology Group at the University of Göttingen. "This includes promoting cross-pollination by taking into account the variety of the crop plants and the quality of the pollen. In addition, the quality of self-pollinated and cross-pollinated varieties should be compared and the design of the cultivated areas and the surrounding landscape should be organised in such a way that pollinators can move around as effectively as possible."	H01 N01 N02	1,861
2502-T032	New Evidence Suggests Moon Formed From Earth Material, Reassessing Water’s Early Arrival	Recent findings from a collaborative research team have provided new insights into the Moon's formation and the origins of water on Earth. The study suggests that the Moon formed primarily from Earth's mantle material, challenging the prevailing theory of a collision with the protoplanet Theia. The results also support the idea that water may have reached Earth early in its history, rather than being delivered solely by late impacts.	University of Göttingen	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the University of Göttingen and the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) has discovered another piece in the puzzle of the formation of the Moon and water on Earth. The prevailing theory was that the Moon was the result of a collision between the early Earth and the protoplanet Theia. New measurements indicate that the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle with little contribution from Theia. In addition, the findings support the idea that water could have reached the Earth early in its development and may not have been added by late impacts. The results were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). -- The researchers analysed oxygen isotopes from 14 samples from the Moon and carried out 191 measurements on minerals from Earth. -- Isotopes are varieties of the same element that differ only in the weight of their nucleus. -- The team used an improved version of "laser fluorination," a method in which oxygen is released from rock using a laser. -- The new measurements show a very high similarity between samples taken from both Earth and the Moon of an isotope called oxygen-17 (17O). The isotopic similarity between Earth and Moon is a long-standing problem in cosmochemistry for which the term "isotope crisis" had been coined. -- "One explanation is that Theia lost its rocky mantle in earlier collisions and then slammed into the early Earth like a metallic cannonball," says Professor Andreas Pack, Managing Director of Göttingen University's Geoscience Centre and Head of the Geochemistry and Isotope Geology Division. -- "If this were the case, Theia would be part of the Earth's core today, and the Moon would have formed from ejected material from the Earth's mantle. This would explain the similarity in the composition of the Earth and the Moon." -- The data obtained also provide an insight into the history of water on Earth: according to a widespread assumption, it only arrived on Earth after the formation of the Moon through a series of further impacts known as the "Late Veneer Event." As the Earth was hit much more frequently by these impacts than the Moon, there should also be a measurable difference between the oxygen isotopes -- depending on the origin of the material that impacted. "However, since the new data shows this is not the case, many types of meteorites can be ruled out as the cause of the 'late veneer'," explains first author Meike Fischer, who was working at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Göttingen at the time of the research. "Our data can be explained particularly well by a class of meteorites called 'enstatite chondrites': they are isotopically similar to the Earth and contain enough water to be solely responsible for the Earth's water."	R01 C01	1,862
2504-E059	Zagros Mountains Influence Earth's Surface Bending Over Millions Of Years	An international research team has examined the geological impact of the Zagros Mountains on Earth’s surface over the last 20 million years. Their findings reveal that the Neotethys oceanic plate is currently breaking off beneath the mountains, influencing tectonic activity and surface deformation. Published in Solid Earth, this research highlights the intricate relationship between surface geology and deep Earth processes, enhancing our understanding of mountain formation and geological evolution.	University of Göttingen	Solid Earth	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research team led by the University of Göttingen has investigated the influence of the forces exerted by the Zagros Mountains in the Kurdistan region of Iraq on how much the surface of the Earth has bent over the last 20 million years. Their research revealed that in the present day, deep below the Earth's surface, the Neotethys oceanic plate -- the ocean floor that used to be between the Arabian and Eurasian continents -- is breaking off horizontally, with a tear progressively lengthening from southeast Turkey to northwest Iran. Their findings show how the evolution of the Earth's surface is controlled by processes deep within the planet's interior. The research was published in the journal Solid Earth. -- When two continents converge over millions of years, the oceanic floor between them slides to great depths beneath the continents. -- Eventually, the continents collide, and masses of rock from their edges are lifted up into towering mountain ranges. -- Over millions of years, the immense weight of these mountains causes the Earth's surface around them to bend downward. -- Over time, sediments eroded from the mountains accumulate in this depression, forming plains such as Mesopotamia in the Middle East. -- The researchers modelled the downward bend of the Earth's surfaces based on the Zagros Mountain's load where the Arabian continent is colliding with Eurasia. -- They combined the resulting size of the depression with the computed topography based on the Earth's mantle to reproduce the unusually deep depression in the southeastern segment of the study area. -- The researchers found that the weight of the mountains alone cannot account for the 3-4 km deep depression that has formed and been filled with sediment over the past 15 million years. -- "Given the moderate topography in the north-western Zagros area, it was surprising to find out that so much sediment has accumulated in the part of the area we studied. This means the depression of the land is greater than could be caused by the load of the Zagros Mountains," said Dr Renas Koshnaw, lead author and Postdoctoral Researcher at Göttingen University's Department of Structural Geology and Geothermics. -- Researchers propose that this is caused by the additional load of the sinking oceanic plate that is still attached to the Arabian plate.	C01	1,863
2504-T030	Dark Excitons Illumination Could Propel Advancements In Solar Technology	An international team of researchers has introduced a groundbreaking technique to track the elusive dark excitons, energy carriers vital for improving technologies such as solar cells and LEDs. By capturing their formation in real time, the study opens new avenues for understanding these particles, which, although difficult to detect, play an essential role in the efficiency of future energy technologies, according to findings published in Nature Photonics.	University of Göttingen	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	How can the latest technology, such as solar cells, be improved? An international research team led by the University of Göttingen is helping to find answers to questions like this with a new technique. For the first time, the formation of tiny, difficult-to-detect particles -- known as dark excitons -- can be tracked precisely in time and space. These invisible carriers of energy will play a key role in future solar cells, LEDs and detectors. The results were published in Nature Photonics. -- Dark excitons are tiny pairs made up of one electron together with the hole it leaves behind when it is excited. -- They carry energy but cannot emit light (hence the name "dark"). One way to visualise an exciton is to imagine a balloon (representing the electron) that flies away and leaves behind an empty space (the hole) to which it remains connected by a force known as a Coulomb interaction. -- Researchers talk about "particle states" that are difficult to detect but are particularly important in atomically thin, two-dimensional structures in special semiconductor compounds. -- In an earlier publication, the research group led by Professor Stefan Mathias from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Göttingen was able to show how these dark excitons are created in an unimaginably short time and describe their dynamics with the help of quantum mechanical theory. -- In the current study, the team has now developed a new technique known as "Ultrafast Dark-field Momentum Microscopy," and used it for the first time. -- This enabled them to show how dark excitons are formed in a special material made of tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS₂) -- and in an astonishing time, lasting just 55 femtoseconds (0.000000000000055 seconds) measured with a precise resolution of 480 nanometres (0.00000048 metres). -- "This method enabled us to measure the dynamics of charge carriers very precisely," explains first author Dr David Schmitt, also from Göttingen University's Faculty of Physics. -- "The results provide a fundamental insight into how the properties of the sample influence the movement of the charge carriers. This means that this technique can be used in future to specifically improve the quality and therefore also the efficiency of solar cells, for example." Dr Marcel Reutzel, Junior Research Group Leader in Mathias' research group, adds: "This means that this technique can be used not only for these specially designed systems, but also for research into new types of materials." -- The research was supported by the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centres "Control of Energy Conversion on Atomic Scales" and "Mathematics of Experimentation" in Göttingen and the Collaborative Research Centre "Structure and Dynamics of Inner Interfaces" in Marburg.	A01 C01 T01	1,864
2505-E015	Cacao Grafting: Boosting Yield While Preserving Biodiversity In Farming	An international research team has found that grafting highly productive cacao varieties onto older trees can rejuvenate plantations while minimizing ecological disruption. This method avoids the economic and environmental costs associated with clearing new land for cacao farming. By enhancing yields and profits through grafting, the study supports sustainable agriculture practices that benefit farmers and biodiversity, paving the way for more responsible cacao production in the future.	University of Göttingen	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Every cell in your body contains the same genetic sequence, yet each cell expresses only a subset of those genes. These cell-specific gene expression patterns, which ensure that a brain cell is different from a skin cell, are partly determined by the three-dimensional structure of the genetic material, which controls the accessibility of each gene. -- MIT chemists have now come up with a new way to determine those 3D genome structures, using generative artificial intelligence. Their technique can predict thousands of structures in just minutes, making it much speedier than existing experimental methods for analyzing the structures. -- Using this technique, researchers could more easily study how the 3D organization of the genome affects individual cells' gene expression patterns and functions. -- "Our goal was to try to predict the three-dimensional genome structure from the underlying DNA sequence," says Bin Zhang, an associate professor of chemistry and the senior author of the study. "Now that we can do that, which puts this technique on par with the cutting-edge experimental techniques, it can really open up a lot of interesting opportunities." -- MIT graduate students Greg Schuette and Zhuohan Lao are the lead authors of the paper, which appears today in Science Advances. -- From sequence to structure -- Inside the cell nucleus, DNA and proteins form a complex called chromatin, which has several levels of organization, allowing cells to cram 2 meters of DNA into a nucleus that is only one-hundredth of a millimeter in diameter. Long strands of DNA wind around proteins called histones, giving rise to a structure somewhat like beads on a string. -- Chemical tags known as epigenetic modifications can be attached to DNA at specific locations, and these tags, which vary by cell type, affect the folding of the chromatin and the accessibility of nearby genes. These differences in chromatin conformation help determine which genes are expressed in different cell types, or at different times within a given cell. -- Over the past 20 years, scientists have developed experimental techniques for determining chromatin structures. One widely used technique, known as Hi-C, works by linking together neighboring DNA strands in the cell's nucleus. Researchers can then determine which segments are located near each other by shredding the DNA into many tiny pieces and sequencing it. -- This method can be used on large populations of cells to calculate an average structure for a section of chromatin, or on single cells to determine structures within that specific cell. However, Hi-C and similar techniques are labor-intensive, and it can take about a week to generate data from one cell.	A01	1,865
2506-E019	Unraveling Ancient Burial Rituals: Evidence Of Cannibalism In Maszycka Cave	An international research team has uncovered evidence of complex burial rituals, including cannibalism, among Late Ice Age societies in Central Europe through the examination of human remains found in Maszycka Cave, Poland. Analyzed bones showed signs of systematic dissection, suggesting that these societies engaged in specific practices around death. This research provides new insights into the cultural dynamics of the Magdalenian people while raising questions about the motivations behind cannibalism, which may have been linked to resource conflicts rather than survival needs.	University of Göttingen	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research team including the University of Göttingen has gained new insights into the burial rituals of Late Ice Age societies in Central Europe. Signs of human remains from the Maszycka Cave in southern Poland being manipulated indicate systematic dissection of the deceased, as well as cannibalism. The research was published in Scientific Reports. -- The Maszycka Cave in Poland is a significant excavation site for the late Upper Palaeolithic times. More than 100 years ago, researchers discovered human bones there among stone and bone tools alongside the remains of hunted Ice Age animals. These discoveries were associated with a late Ice Age society in France, known as the Magdalenian, that existed between 20,000 and 14,500 years ago. Excavations in the 1960s yielded more human remains, so that a total of 63 bones from ten individuals dating back 18,000 years were available for examination. This is one of the most important collections of human remains from the late Upper Palaeolithic. -- Using modern methods, the team identified 36 bone fragments, which showed signs that the individuals were dissected immediately after death. Cut marks on skull fragments indicate that the muscle attachments and scalp were removed before the long bones were smashed to get to the bone marrow. First author Francesc Marginedas from the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution explains: "The position and frequency of the cut marks, as well as the targeted smashing of bones, leave no doubt that their intention was to extract nutritious components from the dead." -- But how and why did cannibalism happen here? The Magdalenian are known for their impressive art -- such as the famous cave paintings at Lascaux. "The wide range of artistic evidence points to favourable living conditions during this period. It therefore seems unlikely that cannibalism was practised out of necessity," says Professor Thomas Terberger from the Department of Prehistory and Early History at the University of Göttingen. Marginedas adds: "It is possible that this was an example of violent cannibalism. After the last Ice Age, there was population growth, and that may have led to conflicts over resources and territories. And there is evidence of isolated incidents of cannibalism in connection with violent conflict. Furthermore, human remains were found mixed with settlement debris in the Maszycka Cave, which indicates that the dead were not treated with respect." The results help to improve our understanding of the cultural development and group-dynamics in the Late Ice Age society.	N01	1,866
2508-020	Enhancing Our Understanding Of Life Through Microscopy Image Cell Structure Segmentation	The international research team, led by Göttingen University, has made significant advancements in the field of microscopy image analysis through a newly retrained AI model called Segment Anything for Microscopy. This model enhances the automatic segmentation of biological cell structures, allowing researchers to apply it across diverse conditions and settings, making it a valuable tool for medical and biological research.	University of Göttingen	Nature Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Identifying and delineating cell structures in microscopy images is crucial for understanding the complex processes of life. This task is called "segmentation" and it enables a range of applications, such as analysing the reaction of cells to drug treatments, or comparing cell structures in different genotypes. It was already possible to carry out automatic segmentation of those biological structures but the dedicated methods only worked in specific conditions and adapting them to new conditions was costly. An international research team led by Göttingen University has now developed a method by retraining the existing AI-based software Segment Anything on over 17,000 microscopy images with over 2 million structures annotated by hand. -- Their new model is called Segment Anything for Microscopy and it can precisely segment images of tissues, cells and similar structures in a wide range of settings. -- To make it available to researchers and medical doctors, they have also created μSAM, a user-friendly software to "segment anything" in microscopy images. -- Their work was published in Nature Methods. -- To adapt the existing software to microscopy, the research team first evaluated it on a large set of open-source data, which showed the model's potential for microscopy segmentation. -- To improve quality, the team retrained it on a large microscopy dataset. -- This dramatically improved the model's performance for the segmentation of cells, nuclei and tiny structures in cells known as organelles. -- The team then created their software, μSAM, which enables researchers and medical doctors to analyse images without the need to first manually paint structures or train a specific AI model. -- The software is already in wide use internationally, for example to analyse nerve cells in the ear as part of a project on hearing restoration, to segment artificial tumour cells for cancer research, or to analyse electron microscopy images of volcanic rocks. -- "Analysing cells or other structures is one of the most challenging tasks for researchers working in microscopy and is an important task for both basic research in biology and medical diagnostics," says Junior Professor Constantin Pape at Göttingen University's Institute of Computer Science. "My group specializes in building tools to automate such tasks and we often get asked by researchers to help. Before the development of Segment Anything for Microscopy, we had to ask them to first annotate a lot of structures by hand - a difficult and time-consuming task. μSAM has changed this! Tasks that used to take weeks of painstaking manual effort can be automated in a few hours, because the model can segment any kind of biological structure with a few clicks and can then be further improved to automate the task with our tool. This enables many new applications, and we have already used it in a wide range of projects, ranging from basic cell biology to developing tools for treatment recommendation in cancer therapies."	R01 T01	1,867
2508-E028	Collaborative Conservation Strategies: A Landscape-Level Approach To Protecting Species	To combat the loss of species and habitats in agricultural landscapes, researchers emphasize the importance of coordinated agri-environmental measures across farms. Successful initiatives rely on collaboration among farmers, local governments, and conservation stakeholders. A study conducted by the University of Göttingen identifies crucial factors for long-term collaboration, including communication platforms, regional coordinators for networking and expertise sharing, and addressing farmers' needs for streamlined processes and financial incentives.	University of Göttingen	People and Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	How can the loss of species and habitats in agricultural landscapes be stopped? Up to now, measures have mostly been implemented by individual farms. In contrast, agri-environmental measures that are planned across farms at landscape level offer greater potential for creating suitable habitats for different species as a mosaic in the landscape. However, successful landscape level approaches also require cooperation between farms and other stakeholders from local governments, politics and nature conservation. Researchers at the University of Göttingen have therefore identified essential key factors that facilitate successful agricultural-environmental collaboration at landscape level. The results of the study were published in People and Nature. -- The study is based on the "Kooperativ" project of the Universities of Göttingen and Rostock and the Landvolk Northeim-Osterode. -- 41 farmers have planted perennial flowering areas on a total area of 250 hectares in 31 landscapes, which not only serve as a habitat for species in the agricultural landscape, but also promote habitat connectivity. -- "Collaboration makes it possible to achieve ecological effects on a much larger scale than is possible through individual measures," explains project leader Professor Catrin Westphal from the Functional Agrobiodiversity and Agroecology Group at the University of Göttingen. -- From the project experience, the researchers have identified three key factors for the long-term success of such initiatives: Bridging structures, i.e. round tables, are essential for the exchange of ideas; regional coordinators -- so-called facilitators -- network those involved and provide support with agricultural expertise; taking needs such as simplified administrative processes and financial incentives into account increases motivation. -- The benefits of the project go far beyond biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes. -- The close collaboration also strengthens social interaction in rural regions: "Farmers really appreciate the fact that they can actively engage in dialogue with the local population," emphasises Dr Stefan Schüler from the same group, coordinator of the Kooperativ project. -- "At the same time, bridges are built between different interest groups, which strengthens mutual trust and understanding." -- Kooperativ is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation with funds from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection as part of the Federal Programme for Biological Diversity. It is regarded as a flagship project for transdisciplinary cooperation and implementation of agri-environmental measures at landscape level and shows how local initiatives can become European role models if they are based on collaboration, trust and shared responsibility.	A01 N02	1,868
2510-E050	Plants' Evolution From Algae: 600 Million Years Of Adaptation To Stress	A research team has compared algae and land plants to understand how terrestrial plants evolved to thrive in challenging environments. Their findings reveal a shared stress response network developed over 600 million years of evolution, showcasing how plants cope with rapid environmental changes. This research underscores the critical role of plants in sustaining life on Earth and provides insights into their adaptive mechanisms in response to environmental stressors.	University of Göttingen	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Without plants on land, humans could not live on Earth. From mosses to ferns to grasses to trees, plants are our food, fodder and timber. All this diversity emerged from an algal ancestor that conquered land long ago. The success of land plants is surprising because it is a challenging habitat. On land, rapid shifts in environmental conditions lead to stress, and plants have developed an elaborate molecular machinery for sensing and responding. Now, a research team led by the University of Göttingen has compared algae and plants that span 600 million years of independent evolution and pinpointed a shared stress response network using advanced bioinformatic methods. The results were published in Nature Communications. -- The closest algal relatives of land plants are the filamentous and unicellular conjugating algae, the zygnematophytes. This group of organisms has received major attention because when researchers compared data about land plants with data about these algae, they could trace back to the very first plants on land. -- One of the big questions is how the earliest land plants overcame the terrestrial stressors. -- To find out, the team generated hundreds of samples from a moss model system and two zygnematophyte algae challenged by environmental stressors found on land. -- Using high throughput sequencing of the active genes and profiling of the compounds produced by the moss and algae under stress, they obtained a comprehensive picture of how the organisms react to the challenges over a time-course of several hours. -- By combining evolutionary analysis with statistical modelling and machine learning methods, a shared network of gene regulation was predicted. -- Professor Jan de Vries, Göttingen University, who led the research, explains: "One of the big surprises was that we found several highly connected genes -- known as 'hubs' -- in the network shared by these very different organisms that actually split from each other in evolutionary terms around 600 million years ago. These hubs appear to bundle information and shape the overall network response." -- "Now we have a comprehensive dataset of stress responses, combining genetic and biochemical information that can be further explored for its physiological impact across plant diversity," adds Dr Tim Rieseberg, first author of the study and also at Göttingen University.	H02 C01 N02	1,869
2513-E002	Research Reveals How Environment Shapes Plant Biodiversity Over Millennia	An international study led by the University of Göttingen investigates the diverse factors influencing plant biodiversity across millions of years. By analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species, researchers found that environmental conditions and dispersal barriers play crucial roles in shaping plant distributions, emphasizing how climate and geography have consistently impacted plant evolution over time.	University of Göttingen	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	Why do some plants thrive in specific regions but not in others? A study led by researchers at the University of Göttingen explores the factors shaping plant distributions and how these patterns have changed over millions of years. Analyzing nearly 270,000 seed plant species worldwide, the research highlights the roles of environmental conditions and dispersal barriers in influencing global plant diversity. The results were published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. -- Using advanced methods that integrate plant distributions with phylogenetic information -- meaning data about the evolutionary relationships among plant species -- researchers combined modern environmental data with historical reconstructions of Earth's climate and geography spanning millions of years. -- The team examined how variations in climate, soil, and other environmental factors determine where plants can thrive and how physical barriers -- such as oceans, mountain ranges, and areas with inhospitable climates -- restrict plant dispersal. -- The findings show that environmental conditions, particularly climate, are important factors in shaping plant distributions, with their influence remaining consistent across evolutionary timescales. -- Physical barriers like oceans and mountains played a significant role in limiting the spread of more recently evolved plant groups but had a much smaller effect on ancient plant groups, which have had longer periods to disperse widely. -- Past tectonic plate positions and movements, reconstructed from geological data, were found to have only a modest impact on plant diversity, with their strongest effects occurring between 20 and 50 million years ago. -- "These findings reveal a fundamental process in nature," says Dr Lirong Cai from the University of Göttingen and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv). "Given enough time, plants can overcome the barriers of vast distances and geography, but they often remain limited by the environments they encounter."	C01 N02 T01	1,870
2501-054	Pioneering Study Reveals Intermittent Fasting Benefits For Blood Sugar And Weight Loss.	A groundbreaking study led by a team from the University of Granada and other institutions has shown that early intermittent fasting, specifically not eating from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m., can significantly enhance blood sugar regulation and reduce abdominal fat. Published in Nature Medicine, the research highlights the effectiveness of this fasting strategy in combating obesity and improving cardiovascular health, especially important given Spain's alarming obesity rates among adults. The study presents intermittent fasting as a practical approach to weight management, particularly after periods of excessive eating.	University of Granada	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists led by the University of Granada (UGR), the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) and the CIBER has shown that intermittent fasting (reducing the number of hours of intake and extending the hours of fasting each day) is an effective method for losing weight and improves cardiovascular health in people with obesity problems. -- Their work, published in the journal Nature Medicine, reveals that eating the last meal before 5pm and then not eating dinner at night is a safe and effective strategy for reducing subcutaneous abdominal fat, i.e. the fat just under the skin, especially after periods of excess such as Christmas. -- In Spain, the prevalence of overweight and obesity reaches 70% in men and 50% in women, which is associated with multiple metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and exponentially increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and certain types of cancer. This alarming weight gain in the population not only impacts people's quality of life, but also represents a major challenge for the public health system. Scientific research is working hard to implement effective yet simple strategies to treat this problem, which is now considered a disease. -- Calorie restriction diets help weight loss and improve cardiovascular health. However, they are not easy to maintain in the long term and often lead to most people eventually dropping out of treatment and thus regaining lost weight, or even gaining more than their starting weight. -- Faced with the difficulties of maintaining adherence to traditional calorie restriction, new nutritional strategies are emerging. One of these is intermittent fasting, which consists of alternating periods of eating with periods of fasting ranging from hours to days. One type of intermittent fasting that has gained popularity in recent years is that which reduces the number of hours of intake and extends the hours of fasting each day. This is known as time-restricted eating. Normally, in Spain, people have their first breakfast at 7-8 a.m. and dinner at 21-22 p.m., so they have a 12-14 hour window of intake. In this type of intermittent fasting, the intake window is reduced from 12-14 hours to 6-8 hours, and people fast for 16-18 hours. This nutritional strategy helps to maintain a daily cycle of eating and fasting, which stabilises our body's biological rhythms. We know that eating irregularly or at night disrupts these rhythms and increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. -- The research group PROFITH CTS-977 of the Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sports Sciences and the Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS) led by Dr. Jonatan Ruiz, in collaboration with ibs.Granada, the University Hospital Clínico San Cecilio and the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves of Granada, as well as the research group led by Dr. Idoia Labayen of the University of Granada, in collaboration with Dr. Idoia Labayen of the University of Granada and the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves of Granada. Idoia Labayen from the Public University of Navarra and the University Hospital of Navarra, together with the CIBER on Obesity (CIBEROBN) and the CIBER on Frailty and Healthy Ageing (CIBERFES) have investigated the effects of a 12-week intervention with three different fasting strategies: early fasting (intake sale: approximately 9:00-17:00), late fasting (approximately 14:00-22:00), and self-selected fasting, where people could select the time slot in which they wanted to eat, and did so on average between 12am and 8pm. -- Study with 197 participants -- In addition, all people participating in the study also received the standard treatment, which consisted of a nutrition education programme on Mediterranean diet and healthy lifestyles. In this randomised, controlled, multicentre trial, conducted in Granada (southern Spain) and Pamplona (northern Spain) and one of the largest to date, a total of 197 people (50% women) aged 30-60 years participated. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: treatment as usual (49 participants), early fasting (49 participants), late fasting (52 participants), or self-selected fasting (47 participants). -- This study was part of the doctoral thesis of Manuel Dote-Montero, who is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the United States. -- Manuel Dote-Montero, together with Antonio Clavero Jimeno, a predoctoral researcher at the UGR, and Elisa Merchán Ramírez, a postdoctoral researcher at the UGR, led this study in Granada, and indicate that it is unclear whether the timing of the intake window -- early, late or self-selected -- may have a different effect on weight loss, visceral fat (i.e. fat surrounding organs in the abdominal area) or overall cardiovascular health in people who are overweight or obese.	H01 R01	1,871
2508-057	Discovery Of Cancer Cells' Weakness Opens New Treatment Possibilities	A collaborative study has unveiled a mechanism that could address the challenge of therapy resistance in cancer treatment. Researchers discovered that natural cytotoxic agents can enhance the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into cancer cell membranes, making them more vulnerable to ferroptosis, an early form of cell death. These insights may lead to innovative treatment strategies for tumors resistant to conventional chemotherapy.	University of Graz	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	One particular challenge in the treatment of cancer is therapy resistance. An international research team has now discovered a mechanism that opens up new treatment strategies for tumours in which conventional chemotherapeutic agents have reached their limits. "Cytotoxic agents from nature lead to an increased incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into the membrane of cancer cells. This makes them more susceptible to ferroptosis, a type of cell death, at a very early stage," reports Andreas Koeberle, a pharmacist at the University of Graz and lead author of the study, which has just been published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. -- In the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy, natural substances, such as those from the Chinese "happy tree," play an important role. -- They interfere with vital cell processes and thereby damage them. -- However, a few cancer cells are often able to adapt to these challenges and survive. -- This is called resistance. -- While studying the effect of various cytotoxic natural products on different cancer cells, Andreas Koeberle from the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Graz has discovered a previously unknown mechanism that could point to new therapeutic options in the event of such resistance. -- "When the cancer cells come into contact with the active substance, they show a stress reaction. Even at this very early stage, long before they might possibly die, reduced growth signals cause increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids to be incorporated into the membrane. This makes them more susceptible to a particular cell death pathway, ferroptosis," explains the researcher, adding: "The mechanism appears to be universal. This means that it can be observed in all the cancer cells examined and in most cytotoxic agents." During ferroptosis, polyunsaturated fatty acids in cell membranes are damaged by oxygen radicals. -- The membranes become porous and the cell dies. -- These findings create a basis for the systematic research of innovative treatment strategies for therapy-resistant tumours. -- Even if conventional chemotherapeutic agents do not kill the cells, they at least trigger a membrane change that can be utilised.	H01 H02 R01	1,872
2505-E029	Freezing Water Droplets Study Enhances Understanding Of Earth's Water Cycle Processes	Researchers at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa have conducted a groundbreaking study on the freezing of water droplets in the atmosphere, providing insights into a key process in Earth's water cycle. Utilizing innovative ultrasonic levitation technology, the study captures real-time molecular changes during the transformation of supercooled water into ice. This research could inform future climate-friendly cooling technologies and enhance our understanding of cloud formation and precipitation, as noted by Professor Ralf I. Kaiser.	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	An international group of scientists, led by King's College London,has revealed how continued global warming will lead to more parts of the planet becoming too hot for the human body over the coming decades. -- The paper, published in Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, finds that the amount of landmass on our planet that would be too hot for even healthy young humans (18-60-year-olds) to keep a safe core body temperature will approximately triple (to six percent) -- an area almost the size of the US -- if global warming reaches 2°C above the preindustrial average. -- Under these conditions, they also warn that the area of land where the over 60s will be at risk will increase to about 35%. -- Last year was the first calendar year with a global mean temperature of more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial average, and at current rates of warming, 2°C could be reached by mid to late century. -- Dr Tom Matthews, lead author and Senior Lecturer in Environmental Geography at King's College London said: "Our findings show the potentially deadly consequences if global warming reaches 2°C. Unsurvivable heat thresholds, which so far have only been exceeded briefly for older adults in the hottest regions on Earth, are likely to emerge even for younger adults. In such conditions, prolonged outdoor exposure -- even for those if in the shade, subject to a strong breeze, and well hydrated -- would be expected to cause lethal heatstroke. It represents a step-change in heat-mortality risk ." -- For their assessment, the team drew together scientific findings to link physical climate science with heat mortality risk, including crossing 'uncompensable' and 'unsurvivable' thresholds. Scientists distinguish between uncompensable thresholds, beyond which human core body temperature rises uncontrollably, and unsurvivable thresholds, where the body's core temperature increases to 42°C within six hours. -- Between 1994-2023, human thermal tolerances, the combination of temperature and humidity, above which the human body can't cope -- were breached for about 2% of the global land area for adults under 60. More than 20% of the Earth's land surface crossed this threshold for older adults, who are more vulnerable to heat stress. -- Whilst uncompensable thresholds have been passed for all ages, unsurvivable thresholds have so far only been passed briefly for older adults. -- For higher warming levels of 4-5°C above preindustrial, older adults could experience uncompensable heat across around 60% of the Earth's surface during extreme events. At this level of warming, unsurvivable heat would also begin to emerge as a threat to younger adults in the hottest subtropical regions. -- Certain regions are more at risk of crossing the critical uncompensable and unsurvivable thresholds, with people in Saharan Africa and South Asia most in the firing line.	C01	1,873
2507-E059	Ten New Marine Sponge Species Discovered Near Hawaii	A team of biologists has introduced ten new marine sponge species, revealing more about these ancient and ecologically important organisms. Utilizing innovative genetic and structural analysis techniques, the researchers have provided new insights into sponge biodiversity in Kāne'ohe Bay, highlighting their critical role in coral reef ecosystems and emphasizing the need for further exploration of marine life.	University of Hawaii at Manoa	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Press Rel	PubMed	In a succession of breakthrough studies published this week and last month in the journals PeerJ and Zootaxa, researchers at Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) Toonen-Bowen (ToBo) Lab, using a technique that explores both genes and structural characteristics, have introduced 10 new species of marine sponge. Despite their distinction as one of Earth's oldest lifeforms and the key role they play in sustaining coral reef ecosystems, marine sponges are vastly understudied. -- Kāne'ohe Bay, where HIMB is located and the research was conducted, is abundant with small, isolated "patch reefs," which are teeming with undescribed sponge species as well as non-native species introduced from the Caribbean and the Western Indo-Pacific. -- These findings contribute to a broadening understanding of sponge biodiversity within the Hawaiian archipelago and throughout Oceania. -- "We used autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) to collect sponges from within the reef," explains Rachel Nunley, a Scientists in Parks (SIP) Intern at Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park and lead author of the PeerJ study in which 6 new sponge species were identified. -- "These structures mimic the reefʻs cryptic environment, allowing us to observe and document the species without causing harm to the surrounding reef. After sponge collection, we used DNA to narrow down what species we were looking at. Then we dug into the literature to see if these sponges existed anywhere else in the world. I created a database and compared characteristics to find the closest relatives. Through this integrative taxonomic approach, we found that these species found in Kāneʻohe Bay were new to science and have not been documented anywhere else in the world." -- Sponges are notoriously difficult to study, for a variety of reasons. -- "Sponges are found within the 'nooks and crannies' of the reef, making them difficult to collect without destroying the reef," shares Jan Vicente, a ToBo Lab post-doctoral researcher and lead author on the Zootaxia article, in which four new sponge species were detected. -- "Sponges are also very small and fragile, with very limited morphological characters which make identification difficult with the unaided eye. The sponge community within these cryptic spaces is also highly dynamic, because sponges have a lifespan of only two months! One month they are present, and they can be gone the next. These are all reasons why we have yet to fully understand the complex diversity of sponges and other metazoans deep within the reef matrix." -- "Taxonomy is tedious!" adds Nunley. "It involves every tiny detail. Missing a detail can change your species entirely. But the challenges make it that much more rewarding, and taxonomy is so much more than just describing species. It involves creating detailed visual representations of species, engaging with and collaborating with local communities, and contributing valuable information to the scientific community." -- The grueling work more than paid off, and detecting so many previously unknown species in the patch reefs that surround their island-based laboratory surprised the research team.	A01	1,874
2510-E018	O'ahu's Sinking Areas Face Flooding Risks Sooner Than Expected	A recent study reveals that certain areas in Hawai'i are sinking at alarming rates, posing risks for communities as sea levels rise. Researchers emphasize the importance of accounting for subsidence in flood risk assessments, calling for proactive measures to address impending flooding challenges, particularly in urban locations.	University of Hawaii at Manoa	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Some parts of Hawai'i are sinking faster than others. That discovery, published recently in a study by researchers at the University of Hawai'i (UH) at Manoa, also highlights that as sea level rises, the infrastructure, businesses, and communities in these low-lying areas are at risk of flooding sooner than scientists anticipated, particularly in certain urban areas of O'ahu. -- "Our findings highlight that subsidence is a major, yet often overlooked, factor in assessments of future flood exposure," said Kyle Murray, lead author of the study and researcher with the Climate Resilience Collaborative (CRC) at the UH Manoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST). "In rapidly subsiding areas, sea level rise impacts will be felt much sooner than previously estimated, which means that we must prepare for flooding on a shorter timeline." -- Murray and co-authors analyzed nearly two decades of satellite radar data to measure vertical land motion across the Hawaiian Islands. They also developed a high-resolution digital elevation model to accurately map coastal topography. By combining these datasets, they modeled how sea level rise and ongoing subsidence will exacerbate future flooding. -- As islands in the Hawaiian chain move farther from the hotspot beneath the Big Island, they very slowly sink due to their own weight. This island-wide subsidence rate is low on O'ahu, around 0.6 millimeters, about the thickness of 10 sheets of printer paper, each year. However, the researchers found localized areas on the south shore of O'ahu where land is sinking nearly 40 times faster, exceeding 25 millimeters per year. The rate and localized nature of the sinking surprised the research team. -- "Much of the urban development and infrastructure, including parts of the industrial Mapunapuna area, is built on sediments and artificial fill," said Murray. "We think the majority of subsidence is related to the compaction of these materials over time." -- "This rate of land subsidence is faster than the long-term rate of sea level rise in Hawai'i (1.54 millimeters per year since 1905), which means those areas will experience chronic flooding sooner than anticipated," said Phil Thompson, study co-author and director of the UH Sea Level Center in SOEST. "In places like the Mapunapuna industrial region, subsidence could increase flood exposure area by over 50% by 2050, while compressing flood preparedness timelines by up to 50 years." -- The shoreline plays a vital role in sustaining Hawai'i's coastal communities, economy, and infrastructure. The researchers found that sinking rates of certain coastal regions have remained consistent over the past two decades, suggesting that subsidence will persistently exacerbate flooding for parts of the island. If subsidence is not accounted for, urban planning and coastal adaptation strategies may underestimate the urgency of mitigation efforts. -- "Our research provides critical data that can inform state and county decision-making, helping to improve flood exposure assessments, infrastructure resilience, and long-term urban planning," said Chip Fletcher, co-author, director of CRC, and interim dean of SOEST. "This work directly serves the people of Hawai'i by ensuring that local adaptation strategies are based on the best available science, ultimately helping to protect homes, businesses, and cultural areas."	C01 T01	1,875
2505-E052	New Particles In Urban Areas Underestimated For Their Significant Climate Impact	A new study has revealed that the climate effects arising from new particles in urban areas are significantly underestimated. Researchers emphasize the importance of understanding new particles formed through atmospheric reactions, which can influence climate processes like cloud formation. Utilizing advanced measurement techniques in Beijing, the study highlights the need for comprehensive vertical observations to better assess urban aerosol behavior and enhance our understanding of their climatic impacts.	University of Helsinki	One Earth	Press Rel	PubMed	A paradigm-shifting study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) shows an experimental drug, GL-II-73, has the potential to restore memory and cognitive function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Recently published in Neurobiology of Aging, the study demonstrates that the drug improves memory deficits and reverses brain cell damage, offering hope for improving cognitive functioning, delaying Alzheimer's progression, and potentially preventing some of the brain damages associated with the disease. -- Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and nearly 50 million people worldwide are affected by Alzheimer's or related dementia. -- It is a progressive neurological condition that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and changes in behaviours, significantly impacting the lives of patients and their families. -- This paper builds on 12 years of previous research led by Dr. Etienne Sibille, Scientific Director of the Neurobiology of Depression and Aging Program at CAMH, and Dr. Thomas Prevot, Scientist in the same program, who are the co-lead authors of the study. -- "We have uncovered a critical vulnerability in brain pathways impacted by Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders, and this drug holds promise as a novel treatment," said Dr. Sibille. -- "By restoring neural function and reversing memory deficits, GL-II-73 represents a potential early intervention for Alzheimer's, addressing the root cause of memory loss -- something no current drugs can achieve." -- The study tested the drug in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, using both young and older mice to represent the early and later disease stages. -- Two groups were included: normal mice and genetically engineered mice prone to developing beta-amyloid buildup, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Genetically engineered mice received either a single dose of GL-II-73 before testing or underwent chronic treatment for four weeks. -- Researchers then assessed memory performance in all groups. -- Results showed GL-II-73 significantly improved memory in younger and older mice with Alzheimer's symptoms.	C01	1,876
2506-E032	Deep Borehole In Finland Reveals Unexpected Discovery Of Volatile Organic Compounds	A groundbreaking discovery in Finland revealed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a borehole over two kilometers deep, challenging previous understandings of these contaminants. Researchers found natural and industrially-derived VOCs in ancient groundwater, shedding light on their presence in crystalline bedrock. This study expands knowledge on VOCs, which are typically linked to poor air quality, and provides insights into their origins and environmental implications.	University of Helsinki	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Volatile organic compounds (VOC), were usually associated with poor indoor air, were discovered in Finland in a borehole more than two kilometres deep. Previously, groundwater dating back tens of millions of years was found in the hole. -- Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are known to be contaminants originating in industrial processes and materials, as well as a reason for substandard indoor air, but they are also formed in nature, including wetlands, forests, volcanoes and hydrothermal vents. -- Researchers from the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland took gas and microbial samples from a deep borehole drilled by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) for research purposes in an area known for its ore deposits in Outokumpu. -- A wide range of natural VOCs were found in bedrock groundwater from depths ranging between 500 and 2,300 metres. -- Prior to this, little information was available on the VOCs detected in crystalline bedrock and its uncontaminated groundwater. -- The results were recently published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal. -- Understanding the carbon cycle -- The research findings may have an impact on understanding the global carbon cycle as well as on the air quality of underground facilities, such as mines. -- The study demonstrated that microbes in the deep biosphere, particularly bacteria and fungi, play an important role in producing and breaking down VOCs. -- However, the concentration and composition of VOCs also reflect the characteristics of the local bedrock, such as carbon and sulphur content as well as oxidation-reduction conditions.	C01 N02	1,877
2511-075	Innovative Smart Jumpsuit Monitors Infant Motor Skills At Home	The innovative MAIJU jumpsuit offers a new way to monitor infants' motor development at home through advanced sensors and AI technology. By providing objective assessments of children's motions during play, the jumpsuit addresses the limitations of traditional monitoring methods, allowing for continuous tracking of developmental milestones and supporting early intervention strategies in pediatric healthcare.	University of Helsinki	Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Monitoring early neurological development is a central part of paediatric healthcare everywhere in the world. During the first two years of life, the motor development of children is monitored closely, as motion is the natural base for their other development and interaction with the environment. Current methods, such as parents' subjective assessment and observations made at medical appointments, do not allow accurate developmental monitoring throughout early childhood. -- MAIJU (Motor Assessment of Infants with a Jumpsuit) is designed to solve these problems. -- The suit is based on multisensor measurement, which are used to make reliable and versatile measurements of children's motion with the help of dedicated AI algorithms. -- The suit is worn at home, where the child's activity is measured during free play. -- The AI algorithms assess whether the child has reached specific motor milestones, how much time the child spends in different postures and steadily the child develops from month to month. -- Reliable, objective and internationally comparable developmental assessment -- A recent study demonstrates that the AI algorithms of the MAIJU jumpsuit identify motor milestones with the same precision as trained specialists employed in a multinational reference study by the World Health Organization (WHO). -- "This technique brings objectivity and global harmonisation to the assessment of motor development. It also boosts regional equality in children's developmental assessment both nationally and internationally," says Professor Sampsa Vanhatalo, the principal investigator. -- A total of 620 at-home measurements were carried out on 134 children aged from 4 to 22 months. -- The findings show that the MAIJU jumpsuit enables very reliable and objective developmental assessment at the child's home.	H01 T01	1,878
2513-T026	Near-Earth Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Risk Significantly Lowered For 2032	The tracking of near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 has shown promising results, with its impact probability for the year 2032 now reduced to below 0.001 percent. Initially, the asteroid posed a 3 percent risk after its discovery, prompting an international observing campaign led by the University of Helsinki. Researchers are closely monitoring the asteroid and analyzing its size and potential impact, demonstrating a proactive approach to planetary defense.	University of Helsinki	Research Notes of the AAS	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team is currently closely tracking the near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4. The impact probability estimates for the year 2032 has been reduced from a peak of 3 percent to below 0.001 percent. -- Asteroid 2024 YR4, first discovered in December 2024, triggered a first-ever notification from the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) on January 29th 2025. -- The early calculations predicted an impact probability of 1.3% with Earth on December 22nd 2032 and estimated its size between 40 and 90 meters. -- These estimates gave the asteroid a Torino scale rating of risk level 3 in the range of 0-10, which meant a target meriting close attention by astronomers. -- The global astronomy community quickly launched an international observing campaign, in which the researchers at the University of Helsinki have been at the forefront. -- Postdoctoral researchers Zuri Gray and Grigori Fedorets have been following the asteroid closely since January 30th. -- They observed the asteroid using the 2.5-meter Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) in La Palma, Canary Islands, which the Finnish astronomers have used for a long time to study asteroids close to Earth. -- "We have been focusing on the asteroid's precise position and motion, and to analyse its rotation, size and shape. This information is crucial for better predicting the asteroid's future trajectory, and ultimately refining its impact probability," says Gray. -- "Our recent observations continue to demonstrate the vital role that NOT plays in planetary defence efforts on a global level," adds Fedorets. -- Lunar impact as a risk	C01	1,879
2502-083	Lasting Benefits Of Contact Lenses In Slowing Myopia: A New Report	A long-term study led by the University of Houston reveals that wearing multifocal contact lenses can slow myopia progression in children, with effects lasting even after lens use ceases. The BLINK2 study followed previous research, confirming that benefits remain one year post-treatment, offering promising insights for managing nearsightedness, which is projected to affect half the global population by 2050.	University of Houston	JAMA Ophthalmology	Press Rel	PubMed	Capping ten years of work to stem the tide of nearsightedness, David Berntsen, Golden-Golden Professor of Optometry and chair of Clinical Sciences at the University of Houston College of Optometry, is reporting that his team's method to slow myopia not only works -- but lasts. -- The original Bifocal Lenses In Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study showed that having children with myopia wear high-add power multifocal contact lenses slows its progression. -- Now, new results from the BLINK2 Study -- that continued following these children -- found that the benefits continue even after the lenses are no longer used. -- "We found that one year after discontinuing treatment with high-add power soft multifocal contact lenses in older teenagers, myopia progression returns to normal with no loss of treatment benefit," reports Berntsen in JAMA Ophthalmology. -- The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health's National Eye Institute with collaborators from the Ohio State University College of Optometry. -- In focus: A major issue -- Leading the team at the University of Houston, Berntsen takes on a significant challenge. -- By 2050 almost 50% of the world (5 billion people) will be myopic. -- That means if you're not nearsighted and wearing glasses, the person sitting next to you may be. Myopia is associated with an increased risk of long-term eye health problems that affect vision and can even lead to blindness. -- From the initial study, high-add multifocal contact lenses were found to be effective at slowing the rate of eye growth, decreasing how myopic children became.	A01 H01	1,880
2502-E041	Hemp Microbes May Lead To Sustainable Farming By Boosting Plant Growth Naturally	A recent study on hemp microbes indicates the potential for more sustainable agricultural practices by enhancing plant growth naturally. Researchers from the University of Houston explored microbial communities associated with hemp, aiming to develop beneficial microbial mixtures that improve CBD production and fiber quality, offering eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers.	University of Houston	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Hemp has become increasingly popular for its versatile uses: CBD-rich varieties are in high demand for pharmaceutical products, while fiber-rich varieties are valued for industrial applications like textiles. Now, a new University of Houston study of hemp microbes, published in the journal Nature, may help scientists create special mixtures of helpful microbes to make hemp plants produce more CBD or have better-quality fibers. -- As a community of tiny organisms including microbes, the plant microbiome helps plants absorb nutrients, handle stress and produce valuable compounds. -- The study, led by Abdul Latif Khan, assistant professor of biotechnology at the Cullen College of Engineering Technology Division, examined the communities of microbiomes living in and around the roots (rhizosphere) and on the leaves (phyllosphere) of four types of hemp plants. -- Khan's team also compared how these microorganisms differ between hemp grown for fiber and hemp grown for CBD production. -- "In hemp, the microbiome is important in terms of optimizing the production of CBD and enhancing the quality of fiber. This work explains how different genotypes of hemp harbor microbial communities to live inside and contribute to such processes," reports Khan. -- "We showed how different types of hemp plants have their own special groups of tiny living microbes that help the plants grow and stay healthy." -- "Understanding these microorganisms can also lead to more sustainable farming methods, using nature to boost plant growth instead of relying heavily on chemicals," said Waqar Ahmad, the paper's first author and doctoral student of Khan's. -- Among the findings: -- · Microbiome diversity was significantly different in soil, root, leaf, stem -- and also in CBD and fiber genotypes. -- · Roots and soil showed higher bacterial diversity	H02 C01 N02	1,881
2506-E004	Major Breakthrough Brings Us Closer To Everyday High-Temperature Superconductors	New research from the University of Houston marks progress in developing superconductors that operate at ambient pressure and high temperatures, potentially revolutionizing energy-efficient technologies. This study explores the relationships between pressure, material properties, and superconductivity, aiming to uncover materials that can function under everyday conditions, thereby paving the way for practical applications in various industries.	University of Houston	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Houston's Texas Center for Superconductivity have achieved another first in their quest toward ambient-pressure high-temperature superconductivity, bringing us one step closer to finding superconductors that work in everyday conditions -- and potentially unlocking a new era of energy-efficient technologies. -- In their study titled "Creation, stabilization, and investigation at ambient pressure of pressure-induced superconductivity in Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3," published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, professors Liangzi Deng and Paul Ching-Wu Chu of the UH Department of Physics set out to see if they could push BST into a superconducting state under pressure -- without altering its chemistry or structure. -- "In 2001, scientists suspected that applying high pressure to BST changed its Fermi surface topology, leading to improved thermoelectric performance," Deng said. -- "That connection between pressure, topology and superconductivity piqued our interest." -- "As materials scientist Pol Duwez once pointed out, most solids that are crucial to industry exist in a metastable state," Chu said. -- "The problem with that is many of the most exciting superconductors only work under pressure, making them difficult to study and even harder to use in practical applications." -- That's where Deng and Chu's breakthrough comes in. -- Using a technique they developed called the pressure-quench protocol (PQP), described in an October UH news release, Deng and Chu successfully stabilized BST's high-pressure-induced superconducting states at ambient pressure -- meaning no special high-pressure environments needed. -- Why does this matter? It opens up a whole new way to retain valuable material phases that usually only exist under pressure for fundamental research and practical application. -- "This experiment clearly demonstrates that one may stabilize the high-pressure-induced phase at ambient pressure via a subtle electronic transition without a symmetry change, offering a novel avenue to retain the material phases of interest and values that ordinarily exist only under pressure," Chu said.	Z01	1,882
2508-041	New Membrane Technology Enhances Water Flow Rate For Desalination	Researchers have engineered a novel salt-blocking membrane that enables water to flow eight times faster, improving the efficiency of desalination systems. This breakthrough could make the process of turning salty water into clean drinking water more cost-effective and sustainable, addressing global water scarcity issues.	University of Houston	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	When you drink a nice refreshing glass of water, do you ever think, "Gee I'm glad that polymeric desalination membrane did its job!" -- Probably not, but maybe you should. -- Those thin polyamide, or plastic-like, membranes work as filters that turn salty water into fresh drinkable water. -- The salt-blocking membranes are widely used to turn both slightly salty water (brackish water) and seawater into fresh water. -- Enter Devin Shaffer, UH assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. -- He's developed a breakthrough membrane that lets water flow through up to eight times faster while still keeping out salt, making desalination more efficient and accessible than ever before. -- Shaffer's work, published in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, addresses the tradeoff between how much water can pass through (permeability) and how well the membrane blocks salt and other impurities (selectivity). If the membrane lets more water through, it may also allow more salt to pass, reducing effectiveness. -- If it blocks more salt, it may slow down water flow, making the process less efficient and more expensive in systems like reverse osmosis and nanofiltration. -- "We have developed a new type of ultrathin polyamide membrane with a unique, contorted structure that creates more open spaces, or enhanced free volume, within the material," reports Shaffer. -- "These new ultrathin contorted membranes break that trade-off by letting water through much faster without sacrificing salt rejection, making desalination systems more efficient and cost-effective."	Z01	1,883
2511-056	How Heart's Layers Communicate During Formation: New Insights On Heart Disease	Researchers at the University of Houston have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery related to heart formation, focusing on Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures that facilitate communication between heart cells. This insight could lead to innovative treatments for heart disease by enhancing understanding of how the heart develops and functions.	University of Houston	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	From his lab at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy Drug Discovery Institute, Mingfu Wu, associate professor, is offering new hope for treating heart disease by sharing his insights into the fundamental process of how the heart is formed in utero. His findings, published in Science, focus on long, thin, channels of membranes -- called Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures -- that connect cells together. Wu reports the structures may be a fundamental way for cells to communicate, offering new insights into heart disease development and potential treatments. -- The formation of the heart depends on critical signals exchanged between its two main layers: the myocardium (the muscle that powers the heartbeat) and the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart). This communication is essential for ensuring the heart takes shape correctly and functions effectively. -- "Here we characterized Tunneling Nanotube-Like Structures (TNTLs), which we found physically connecting cardiomyocytes in myocardium to endocardial cells in endocardium," reports Wu. "These structures likely help to facilitate long-distance intercellular communication essential for heart formation." Lianjie Miao, research assistant professor of pharmacology, is the paper's first author. -- The signals are particularly important during development of the trabeculae, which are crucial in early heart development. -- Before the coronary system develops, trabeculae supply blood by increasing the inner surface area of the heart wall and enhancing the exchange of oxygen and nutrients between blood and the heart wall. -- Wu and the team used genetic labeling, contact tracing techniques and advanced imaging to demonstrate the existence of the tunneling nanotubes in embryonic hearts. -- They found that the tubes extended across the heart's main layers and cardiac jelly, establishing direct connections that enable cells to communicate and transfer proteins that carry out important functions. -- "We found that TNTLs were able to transport signaling molecules, cytoplasmic proteins, and trafficking vesicles, underscoring their role as conduits for intercellular communication and proving them essential in cardiac morphogenesis," said Wu. -- "Disruption of TNTLs in embryonic hearts resulted in impaired ventricular wall morphogenesis, evidenced by loss of trabeculae and defective myocardial growth," he said. -- Wu said future research should explore the molecular machinery governing TNTLs formation, the potential functions of protein transfer between myocardium and endocardium during heart formation and how adjusting or controlling these structures could lead to new ways to treat congenital heart defects and heart failure.	A01 R01 T01	1,884
2512-066	New Approach Discovered: Potential Therapy For Aging And Muscle Injury Repair	Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a therapeutic target for repairing injured muscles caused by aging or degenerative muscle disorders. Their discovery about the protein Fn14 may pave the way for new treatments aimed at preserving muscle function and enhancing recovery for individuals suffering from muscle loss.	University of Houston	JCI Insight	Press Rel	PubMed	For millions of people, losing muscle isn't just about weakness; it's about losing independence. Whether caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aging or other degenerative conditions, muscle loss can make everyday activities -- like walking, climbing stairs or even standing up -- a daily struggle. But a recent discovery from researchers at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy could help change that. -- The team, led by Ashok Kumar, Else and Philip Hargrove Endowed Professor of Drug Discovery and director of the Institute of Muscle Biology and Cachexia, discovered a potential therapeutic target in muscular disorders by identifying a previously unrecognized role of a protein called Fn14 in regulating satellite cell stability and function. -- They have published their findings in JCI Insight. -- Also known as muscle stem cells, satellite cells are responsible for muscle growth, repair and regeneration. -- "Our research highlights how Fn14 helps in preserving muscle stem cells and ensuring efficient muscle regeneration," said Meiricris Tomaz da Silva, a post-doctoral fellow in Kumar's lab and the paper's first author. -- "By better understanding this mechanism, we can explore new ways to support muscle repair in conditions such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and age-related muscle loss." -- Doctoral student Aniket S. Joshi was also on the team. -- The study demonstrated that the levels of Fn14 were increased in satellite cells after muscle injury. -- Conversely, reduction in satellite cell content and function is a significant contributor for skeletal muscle wasting in many conditions, including aging and degenerative muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. -- "We have discovered the role of fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) in the regulation of skeletal muscle regeneration in response to acute injury and in a model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy," reports Kumar.	A01 H01	1,885
2502-E073	New Technique Eliminates Dead Zones In Desalination Technology: Enhancing Efficiency	Desalination Electrode Innovation: Engineers have developed a new tapered flow channel design for electrodes used in battery-based seawater desalination, effectively eliminating fluid flow dead zones. This innovation could enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption compared to traditional reverse osmosis methods, advancing desalination technology.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Electrochimica Acta	Press Rel	PubMed	Engineers have found a way to eliminate the fluid flow "dead zones" that plague the types of electrodes used for battery-based seawater desalination. The new technique uses a physics-based tapered flow channel design within electrodes that moves fluids quickly and efficiently, potentially requiring less energy than reverse osmosis techniques currently require. -- Technical hurdles have prevented the wide-scale implementation of desalination technology. -- The most-used method, reverse osmosis, pushes water through a membrane that filters out the salt and is costly and energy-intensive. -- By contrast, the battery method uses electricity to draw charged salt ions out of the water. -- Still, it also requires energy to help push the water through electrodes that contain tiny, nonuniform pore spaces. -- "Traditional electrodes still require energy to pump fluids through because they do not contain any inherently structured flow channels," said University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign mechanical science and engineering professor Kyle Smith, who led the study. -- "However, by creating channels within the electrodes, the technique could require less energy to push the water through and eventually become more efficient than what is commonly used in the reverse-osmosis process." -- Smith's battery-based desalination technique builds from years of modeling and experiments by his research group at Illinois, culminating in a recent study demonstrating the first use of electrodes containing tiny microchannels called interdigitated flow fields. -- The group's new study also incorporates IDFFs in electrodes, but this time the channel shape is tapered, not straight. -- Using electrodes with tapered channels improved fluid flow -- or permeability -- two to three times over straight channels.	R02	1,886
2502-T050	Recycled Polystyrene Creates Sustainable Aviation Fuel Additive: A Crucial Breakthrough	Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development: A new study reveals a cost-effective method for producing ethylbenzene from polystyrene, aiding the shift to sustainable aviation fuels. This research addresses a critical challenge in aviation, as ethylbenzene enhances fuel performance, facilitating the industry's transition away from fossil fuel dependency.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study overcomes a key challenge to switching commercial aircraft in the U.S. from their near-total reliance on fossil fuels to more sustainable aviation fuels. The study details a cost-effective method for producing ethylbenzene -- an additive that improves the functional characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels -- from polystyrene, a hard plastic used in many consumer goods. -- The findings are reported in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. -- Fuels derived from waste fat, oil, grease, plant biomass or other nonpetroleum sources lack sufficient levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, which help keep fuel systems operational by lubricating mechanical parts and swelling the seals that protect from leaks during normal operations, said Hong Lu, a research scientist at the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center who led the new research. -- ISTC is a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. -- While ethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon and can be derived from fossil fuels, finding a sustainable way to produce it would aid the aviation industry's conversion to sustainable jet fuels. -- The U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies created a roadmap for addressing the climate-related impacts of fossil-fuel-derived aviation fuels. -- The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge sets ambitious goals for the production of domestic sustainable aviation fuels to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030, and 100% of projected aviation jet fuel use, or 35 billion gallons per year, by 2050. -- Present standards require a minimum of 8.4% aromatic hydrocarbons be included in any blend of sustainable aviation fuels and fossil-derived fuels "to maintain compatibility with existing aircraft and related infrastructure," the researchers report. -- While this rule increases the safety and efficacy of the overall fuel mix, it severely limits the use of sustainable fuels, which currently contain only about 0.5% aromatic hydrocarbons, Lu said. -- "Currently, they use a blend of 20% to 30% sustainable aviation fuels and 70% to 80% conventional jet fuel," he said.	N02	1,887
2507-022	College Students' Romantic Relationship Expectations Remain While Paths Have Changed	A comparative study of college students conducted a decade apart reveals that expectations regarding romantic relationships have remained stable, despite evolving relationship trajectories. The research indicates that young adults navigate their romantic lives in diverse ways, challenging narratives about the state of dating in modern society.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Press Rel	PubMed	According to some popular culture writers and online posts by discouraged singles lamenting their inability to find romantic partners, dating is "broken," fractured by the social isolation created by technology, pandemic lockdowns and potential partners' unrealistic expectations. -- Yet two studies of college students conducted a decade apart found that their ideas about romantic relationships have remained much the same, although the trajectories of their relationships have changed somewhat, according to study leader Brian Ogolsky, a professor of human development and family studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. -- "College students in our study did not share this perception of dating as a broken system, despite many massive cultural shifts during this decade," Ogolsky said. "Their perspectives on relationships today aren't that different from what they were 10 years ago -- or even 10 years before that. Instead, young adults are taking more diverse and multifaceted pathways through romantic partnering and considering a broader range of outcomes." -- Ogolsky surveyed college students ages 18-29 in 2012 and in early 2022, asking them to describe their thoughts and experiences about the typical initiation and progression of romantic relationships. -- Published in the journal Personal Relationships, the study was co-written by Jennifer L. Hardesty, a professor in the same department; psychology professor Kiersten Dobson of McMaster University; and U. of I. graduate students Matthew Rivas-Koehl and Ghada Kawas. -- More than 250 students were surveyed, about half of whom said they had romantic partners at the time. -- Based upon participants' responses, the researchers identified four stages of romantic relationships. The first stage, which they called "flirtationship," may occur online or in person and involves the first sparks of attraction, fanning those embers through flirtation and exploring common interests. -- If the attraction and level of interest are mutual, the individuals test the waters for "relationship potential" -- the second stage in relationship development -- by spending increased time together, with a heavy focus on communicative activities that probe whether the relationship should move forward. Study participants repeatedly mentioned friendship as an important basis for romantic partnerships, and they most often mentioned dating in reference to this stage, the data indicated. -- "Young adults clearly distinguish dating from being in a relationship," Ogolsky said. "In our study, we used the term 'relationship development' to describe the activities we were investigating, but it became clear that participants did not view early behaviors as part of being in a relationship per se. Instead, they viewed flirting and even dating as part of a broader pattern of interpersonal interaction that may or may not eventually lead to the formation of a relationship." -- If romance does blossom and the union progresses to the third stage -- being in a relationship -- defining their union becomes important to the partners, such as labeling their status as "official" and identifying themselves as significant others, the researchers said.	Z01	1,888
2507-080	Scientists Unravel How The Brain Differentiates Between Internal And External Motion	A genetic mutation linked to schizophrenia has been shown to affect both human patients and mice, revealing a direct genetic connection to psychosis. The mutation increases glycine decarboxylase levels, impacting glutamate receptor activity. This finding may pave the way for understanding the complex genetics of schizophrenia and developing biochemical pathways that could lead to better diagnostic and treatment options.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Press Rel	PubMed	A genetic mutation found in two human patients with schizophrenia also increased schizophrenia-related behaviors in mice with the same mutation, a rare finding of a direct genetic link to psychosis, report researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and colleagues in Massachusetts and Germany. -- The mutation increases levels of glycine decarboxylase, or GLDC, an enzyme responsible for regulating glycine in the brain. -- Glycine activates receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate, called NDMA receptors. -- "The genetics of schizophrenia is very complex, and it is rare that mutations found in patients can be linked directly to the disease," said study leader Uwe Rudolph, a professor of comparative biosciences at Illinois. -- "Schizophrenia is not yet diagnosed by any kind of lab test or imaging; it's still a clinical diagnosis based on symptoms. The hope is that these kinds of rare mutations could lead us to the biochemical and physiological pathways that are important to study." -- The study began when a genetic mutation was found in two patients with schizophrenia at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. -- They had multiple copies of a section of DNA that included the gene for GLDC. -- Curious as to whether the mutation contributed to their symptoms, the McLean team studying the patients reached out to Rudolph's lab to create a line of mice with the same mutation. -- The mice with mutations analogous to those in the human patients also showed schizophrenia-associated behaviors. -- To further narrow down the genetic link, the researchers next developed lines of mice with multiple copies of only a few genes contained within the larger chromosome segment repeated in the patients, then a single gene: GLDC.	A01 R02 T01	1,889
2511-104	Study Reveals Trends In Drug-Resistant Campylobacter Infections Across U.S.	A new study outlines the prevalence of Campylobacter infections, the most common foodborne illness in the U.S., affecting approximately 1.5 million annually. It analyzes infection trends from 2013 to 2019, highlighting rising drug resistance among certain demographics and regional variations in antibiotic resistance.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents	Press Rel	PubMed	Campylobacter infections are the most common foodborne illnesses in the U.S., sickening an estimated 1.5 million people each year. A new study examined records of Campylobacter jejuni infections from 10 states, plotting regional, age-related, and drug-resistance trends from 2013 to 2019. -- The study found that drug-resistant C. jejuni infections were highest in the 20-39 age group and that quinolone-resistant C. jejuni infections increased from 22.6% of those tested in 2013 to 33.54% in 2019. -- The researchers also identified regional differences in C. jejuni resistance to quinolones and six other classes of antibiotics. -- The new findings are reported in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents. -- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the main source of Campylobacter infections in humans is the consumption of contaminated poultry. -- Failing to follow proper sanitation and cooking methods is the primary cause of infection. -- Pigs, cows, sheep and other animals also harbor Campylobacter in their digestive tracts and may transmit it to people or other animals. -- Most Campylobacter infections in humans are mild and resolve within about a week, but children under age five, adults 65 and older, and those with compromised immune systems may experience more serious infections that require hospitalization. -- More than 100 people die each year of Campylobacter infections in the U.S. -- The new study relied on publicly available data collected by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System, a U.S. public health service that tracks bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance in foodborne and other intestinal bacteria.	A01 H01 N01	1,890
2511-E002	Three-Year Crop Rotation Proven To Reduce Nitrogen Runoff Significantly	A nine-year study comparing traditional two-year crop rotations with a more intensive three-year system demonstrated that the latter could significantly reduce nitrogen runoff without affecting yield. Conducted by agricultural scientists, this research underscores the environmental benefits of innovative farming practices, as nitrogen runoff contributes to pollution in water bodies while impairing ecosystem health. The findings, published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, present a sustainable pathway for agricultural advancements.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Frontiers in Environmental Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A nine-year study comparing a typical two-year corn and soybean rotation with a more intensive three-year rotation involving corn, cereal rye, soybean and winter wheat, found that the three-year system can dramatically reduce nitrogen -- an important crop nutrient -- in farm runoff without compromising yield. -- The new findings are detailed in the journal Frontiers in Environmental Science. -- "Subterranean drainage pipes called tiles transport nitrogen, in the form of nitrate, from fields to streams, impairing downstream surface waters," the scientists wrote. -- Nitrate runoff from farms pollutes streams and lakes, some of which supply drinking water for nearby communities. -- Nitrates also are carried down major rivers like the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to a vast oxygen-starved "dead zone." -- "For maximum crop production we need artificial drainage, in the form of tiles and ditches, across much of Illinois. Unfortunately, nitrate can be lost from the rooting zone with tile water," said Lowell Gentry, a researcher in natural resources and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who led the new study with Eric Miller, a grower and landowner in Piatt County, Illinois, where the research was conducted. -- "Our study was designed to see if a more diverse crop rotation could reduce tile nitrate loss and still be competitive with the conventional system of corn and soybean." -- From 2015 to 2023, the researchers determined crop yield and monitored nitrate loss from tile-drained fields on a working farm. -- Their "control treatment" consisted of two conventionally managed fields under a corn and soybean rotation. -- The more intensive three-year crop-rotation system was employed on an adjacent field.	H01	1,891
2511-E056	Addressing Antibiotic Resistance: New Research Shows Infections May Be Treatable	New research employing a microfluidic device suggests that some difficult-to-treat infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as previously believed. By simulating fluid flow conditions found in the body, researchers discovered that antibiotics effectively target Pseudomonas aeruginosa when fluid flow is increased. These findings highlight the need for improved antibiotic testing methods, considering the impact of fluid dynamics on drug efficacy in treating resistant pathogens.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Some notoriously difficult to treat infections may not be as resistant to antibiotics as has been thought, according to new research using a microfluidic device that more closely duplicates the fluid flow found in the body than standard cultures. -- The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research team, led by biochemistry professor Joe Sanfilippo, tested antibiotic agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, considered one of the most highly resistant pathogens. -- They introduced the drugs at varying rates of fluid flow and found that, while the bacteria thrived at no or low fluid flow, the antibiotics killed the bacteria at higher flow rates. -- "Anytime you take an antibiotic orally or by IV, it's not immediately in the place it is supposed to be. It will get there by flowing in the bloodstream. Other fluids move throughout the body as well: in the lungs, the urinary tract, the digestive tract. Yet biologists don't really study the impact of fluid flow when they study pathogens," Sanfilippo said. -- "By using this microfluidic technology, often used in engineering, in a biology setting, we found that fluid flow is very important for antibiotic activity. We have an opportunity to make our drug screening and testing better by considering the effects of fluid flow." -- Whether in a biology lab or a clinical lab, the standard way to study pathogenic bacteria is in plates, tubes or wells -- settings not representative of the dynamics found in the body. -- The microfluidic devices the Illinois group used allow for precise control of the rate of fluid flowing. -- "It's a simple idea. Biologists just haven't done it because it's hard to achieve with what they usually have in their labs. The engineering is pretty simple, in terms of microfluidic design. We just had to put the technology and biology sides together," Sanfilippo said. -- The researchers tested three different antibiotic agents against which the Pseudomonas was supposedly resistant. -- They saw a gradient of antibiotic activity that was dependent on the flow rate.	C01 N02	1,892
2513-088	Targeted DNA Aptamers Deliver Dual Attack On Leukemia Stem Cells	Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed drug-carrying DNA aptamers that specifically target leukemia stem cells, delivering a dual attack on cancer. These aptamers not only transport anticancer drugs but are also toxic to the stem cells that drive relapse, offering a promising avenue for more effective targeted leukemia treatments.	University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Drug-carrying DNA aptamers can deliver a one-two punch to leukemia by precisely targeting the elusive cancer stem cells that seed cancer relapses, researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign report. -- The aptamers -- short single-strand snippets of DNA that can target molecules like larger antibodies do -- not only deliver cancer-fighting drugs, but also are themselves toxic to the cancer stem cells, the researchers said. -- Led by Xing Wang, a U. of I. professor of bioengineering and of chemistry, the researchers documented their findings in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. -- "This work demonstrates a way to get to the root of leukemia," Wang said. -- "Targeted cancer treatments often have problems with toxicity or efficacy. Our aptamers seek out these stem cells specifically and kill them effectively." -- Leukemia and other cancers of the blood are more difficult to target than cancers that produce localized tumors because the cancerous cells circulate throughout the body and can't be surgically removed, said postdoctoral researcher Abhisek Dwivedy, first author of the paper. -- Leukemia has a high rate of relapse due to its evasive stem cells. -- Though they make up a tiny fraction of cancerous cells, leukemia stem cells have the ability to evade chemotherapy by retreating to the bone marrow, since they share markers and properties, Dwivedy said. -- The cancerous cells can lurk, sometimes for years, and later proliferate and migrate. -- "It's important in leukemia, lymphoma or other blood cancers that we actually target and eliminate these stem cells, because as long as any are remaining, they can cause relapse and secondary cancers," Dwivedy said.	H01 R01	1,893
2510-043	Intranasal Herpes Infection Found To Cause Neurobehavioral Symptoms	Researchers have discovered that herpes infection through the nose can lead to significant cognitive issues, anxiety, and motor impairments. This study emphasizes the need for further research and preventative measures against herpes simplex virus-1, which affects billions globally and can cause severe long-term health consequences.	University of Illinois Chicago	mBio	Press Rel	PubMed	Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is commonly known for causing blisters and sores. But in some cases, the virus can migrate to the eye or nervous system, causing severe, chronic symptoms. -- Now, a study from University of Illinois Chicago researchers finds that herpes infection through the nose can lead to anxiety, motor impairment and cognitive issues. -- The research is the first to show that, by exploiting a cellular enzyme, the virus can produce behavioral symptoms. -- The finding emphasizes the need for prevention and treatment of a virus carried by billions of people worldwide. -- The research, published in mBio, is the latest from the College of Medicine group led by Deepak Shukla, the Marion H. Schenk Esq. -- Professor in Ophthalmology for Research of the Aging Eye and UIC professor of microbiology and immunology. -- Shukla's laboratory previously studied how the virus spreads to the eye and brain and can lead to blindness, encephalitis and other conditions. -- The new research looked at intranasal infection, where viral particles enter the body through the nose and have more direct access to the nervous system. -- "If an infected individual is shedding virus via tears, it could reach the nasal cavity, where it could go more directly to the brain," Shukla said. -- "I think it's underdiagnosed and understudied, but the neurological consequences, we believe, are much more severe than you would normally see with fever blisters or ocular infection."	A01 R01 R02	1,894
2512-044	Lasso-Shaped Antibiotic: A Game-Changer Against Infectious Diseases	A new antibiotic, lariocidin, derived from soil bacteria, shows promise against various infectious diseases by targeting unique mechanisms of action. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago, in collaboration with McMaster University, discovered how this lasso-shaped peptide works and how it effectively evades bacterial resistance, marking a significant advancement in antibiotic development.	University of Illinois Chicago	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A small molecule shaped like a lasso may be a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases, according to a new study in Nature co-authored by University of Illinois Chicago researchers. -- Lariocidin, a peptide made by bacteria living in soil, was effective against several different microbes responsible for deadly infections. UIC researchers working with collaborators at McMaster University in Canada determined how the new antibiotic works and why the drug evades bacterial resistance. -- "The holy grail in the field is to find an antibiotic that binds to a new site target, has a novel mechanism of action and has a new structure, compared to antibiotics that have been known before," said Alexander Mankin, distinguished professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UIC. "Lariocidin hits all these goals." -- The paper was co-authored by UIC postdoctoral researcher Dmitrii Travin and includes UIC co-authors Mankin, Elena Aleksandrova, Dorota Klepacki, Nora Vázquez-Laslop and Yury Polikanov. -- Lariocidin is a newly discovered member of the lasso peptide family -- tiny proteins shaped like a lasso, with a loop of amino acids at one end and a tail threaded through it. The new peptide was discovered in bacteria collected in the backyard of one of the scientists in Canada. -- After McMaster researchers observed that lariocidin could kill several disease-causing microbes, they worked with the UIC researchers to study how it works. In biochemical and structural experiments, the team found that lariocidin binds to and blocks the ribosome, the cell's factory for making new proteins. -- "We found a new job for these lasso peptides," Travin said. "No one knew that lasso peptides could bind to the ribosome and kill bacteria by not allowing them to make new proteins." -- Because lariocidin binds at a site different from where other antibiotics bind to ribosomes, it avoids the defenses that bacteria have evolved to resist other drugs. -- "In the antibiotic discovery field, you want a weapon which kills by targeting something different than the previous ones did before," said Polikanov, associate professor of biological sciences. "Otherwise, previously used protections will automatically lead to defense against the new molecule." -- The peptide's unique structure may also help circumvent another common bacterial defense, Travin said. To tie up a ribosome, an antibiotic first needs to get inside the bacterial cell. Many drugs sneak in through transporters, but bacteria can change or remove these to block the drugs.	H01	1,895
2512-E025	New Software Identifies Aging Cells Contributing To Chronic Diseases	New Software Identifies Aging Cells Contributing To Chronic Diseases	University of Illinois Chicago	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	For human health, prematurely aging cells are a big problem. When a cell ages and stops growing, its function changes, which can cause or worsen cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic diseases. But these cells are also like needles in a haystack, difficult to identify by traditional scientific measures. -- To find these problematic cells, a University of Illinois Chicago doctoral student has developed a powerful new software platform called SenePy. In a paper for Nature Communications, Mark Sanborn and co-authors from the College of Medicine announced the open-source tool to find aging -- or senescent -- cells in organs and tissues. -- The tool will give researchers a boost for studying these biologically important cells to better understand and treat several diseases, according to the paper's lead author, Dr. Jalees Rehman, Benjamin J. Goldberg Professor and head of the department of biochemistry and molecular genetics. -- "Cellular senescence describes the premature aging of a cell where the cell stops growing, doesn't die, but it stops functioning normally," said Rehman, who is also a member of the University of Illinois Cancer Center. "That causes problems because the cell is not replaced by healthy cells. Instead, it persists and promotes inflammation, thus disrupting the function of its neighboring cells." -- To develop SenePy, Sanborn analyzed single-cell sequencing data from over 1.6 million human and mouse cells. On this large dataset, he used computational tools to find genetic signatures that distinguish aging cells from their healthier neighbors. -- But it wasn't as simple as finding one set of common markers for senescent cells everywhere in the body. In different tissues, such as the heart, lungs or brain, the genetic profile of aging cells also differs, the researchers found. In all, they identified 72 mouse and 64 human signatures. -- SenePy helps make sense of that complexity, allowing researchers to analyze their own tissue samples and compare them to the database of signatures the UIC team discovered. The code for the platform is open-source and free to use. -- "More people will use it and find value in it because, as an open-source tool, it is freely available to the scientific community," said Sanborn, a doctoral student in the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences program. "If there's more people using it, then there's more potential for it to have a future therapeutic impact." -- In the Nature Communications paper, the researchers used SenePy to examine the role of senescent cells in cancer, heart attacks, COVID-19 and brain inflammation. -- "We found that senescent cells are clustered together, because premature senescence in one cell promotes dysfunction and senescence in its neighbors," Rehman said. "SenePy also allowed us to study how senescence acts as a natural brake which prevents tumor formation. High levels of activation of a cancer-promoting gene in cells also resulted in higher SenePy senescence scores."	A01 R01 R02 C01	1,896
2501-E037	AI-Powered Smart Drying Techniques Enhance Food Quality And Preservation Efficiency.	Recent advancements in food drying techniques utilizing AI and optical sensors have potential benefits for food preservation. A study highlights three emerging smart drying methods that enhance efficiency and quality, offering practical insights for the food industry in minimizing nutrient loss during the drying process.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Food Engineering Reviews	Press Rel	PubMed	Food drying is a common process for preserving many types of food, including fruits and meat; however, drying can alter the food's quality and nutritional value. In recent years, researchers have developed precision techniques that use optical sensors and AI to facilitate more efficient drying. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign discusses three emerging smart drying techniques, providing practical information for the food industry. -- "With traditional drying systems, you need to remove samples to monitor the process. But with smart drying, or precision drying, you can continuously monitor the process in real time, enhancing accuracy and efficiency," said corresponding author Mohammed Kamruzzaman, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and The Grainger College of Engineering at Illinois. -- In the paper, the researchers review academic literature about different types of equipment that apply precision techniques to enhance smart drying capabilities in the food industry. -- They focus on three optical sensing systems -- RGB imaging with computer vision, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, and near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) -- discussing the mechanisms, applications, advantages, and limitations of each. -- They also provide an overview of standard industrial drying methods, such as freeze drying, spray, microwave, or hot-air oven drying, which can be combined with the precision monitoring techniques. -- "You can use each of the three sensors separately or in combination. What you choose will depend on the particular drying system, your needs, and cost-effectiveness," said lead author Marcus Vinicius da Silva Ferreira, a postdoctoral fellow in ABE. -- RGB with computer vision uses a regular camera that captures visible light with a RGB color spectrum. -- It can provide information about surface-level features, such as size, shape, color, and defects, but it is not capable of measuring moisture content. -- NIR spectroscopy uses near-infrared light to measure the absorbance of different wavelengths, which can be correlated to unique chemical and physical product characteristics, and it can measure internal qualities such as moisture content. -- However, NIR scans one point at a time.	A01 H01 T01	1,897
2502-E055	Songbirds May Communicate Across Species During Migration: Social Connections Explored	New research conducted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign suggests that migrating songbirds may engage in vocal communication with other species during their flights. Through the analysis of over 18,300 hours of recorded flight calls, scientists found evidence indicating that these birds may form social connections and possibly exchange navigational information. This study encourages a re-evaluation of songbird migration, acknowledging the significance of social dynamics in their behavior.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	The night sky teems with migrating songbirds, aloft in their millions following routes etched in evolutionary time. But those flight paths may not be entirely innate, according to new research led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Evidence from over 18,300 hours of recorded flight calls suggests songbirds may "talk" to other species as they migrate, forming social connections and -- just maybe -- exchanging information about the journey. -- "We can't be sure what they're saying, but birds might broadcast calls during flight to signal their species, age, and sex. And we can certainly speculate that these flight calls could relate to navigation or finding suitable stopover habitat," said lead study author Benjamin Van Doren, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Van Doren began this research at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. -- Work from last year by the study's co-authors at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Appalachian Laboratory suggested birds "buddy up" with other species at stopover sites during migration, but there was no evidence until now that different songbird species pair up or communicate vocally on the wing. -- Although Van Doren believes innate patterning and memory are still important drivers of migration behaviors, he says it's time to rethink songbird migration through a social lens. -- "In recent years, there has been an increasing recognition of the importance of social information in bird migration, but scientists have mainly documented this in species that travel during the day or in family groups," he said. -- "The social environment also seems to be important in species like hawks and storks that form huge aggregations during their daytime migrations. Young birds learn behaviors from observing other birds and how they navigate -- and not necessarily from family." -- But those visual cues go dark at night, when most songbirds travel. -- That's what led Van Doren to wonder about other social cues. -- Fortunately, he had access to acoustic recordings of autumn nocturnal bird migrations from 26 sites over three years in eastern North America.	H02 N01	1,898
2503-E003	Gene-Edited Bacteria: New Solutions For Nitrogen Needs In Corn Farming	Advances in gene editing offer potential breakthroughs in optimizing corn's relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. A study from the University of Illinois demonstrates that gene-edited bacteria can provide substantial nitrogen during early corn growth, potentially reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This innovative approach holds promise for sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Agronomy Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	If corn was ever jealous of soybean's relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, advancements in gene editing could one day even the playing field. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply the equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from the air during early corn growth, which may reduce the crop's reliance on nitrogen fertilizer. -- "To replace all synthetic nitrogen would certainly be something. Maybe 100 years from now we will have found the microbes and genetic tweaks to get close to that goal, but these microbes are not there yet. However, we have to start somewhere, and this work demonstrates nitrogen-fixation for corn has potential," said study co-author Connor Sible, research assistant professor in the Department of Crop Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Sible and his co-authors tested products from Pivot Bio called PROVEN and PROVEN® 40, which includes one or two species of soil bacteria, respectively, that can turn atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available forms. -- The edited versions boost the activity of a key gene involved in nitrogen fixation, making more of it available to plants. -- When applied at planting, the bacteria colonize plant roots, delivering the nutrient where it is needed most. -- The company claims that biologically-fixed nitrogen can potentially replace the equivalent of up to 40 pounds per acre of fertilizer nitrogen. -- "There is a lack of peer-reviewed published data to support this claim. There is also no research estimating the magnitude of nitrogen replacement values and when in the growth cycle that additional nitrogen is accumulated," said Logan Woodward, who completed the study as a doctoral student at Illinois. -- "Our objective was to fill those knowledge gaps." -- The researchers applied the products at planting during three field seasons using standard agronomic practices for corn, including nitrogen fertilizer at 0, 40, 80, 120, or 200 pounds per acre. -- They then measured nitrogen in plant tissues at the V8 stage (eight fully-collared leaves) and at R1 (silk emergence), as well as grain yield at the end of each season.	N02	1,899
2503-T025	Innovative Weight Loss App Helps Users Plan Healthy Meals	A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has created an online weight management program that assists individuals in planning healthy meals with the help of a web application and registered dietitian support. The program, named EMPOWER, aims to provide accessible dietary guidance for weight loss and prevention, focusing on personalized nutrition and progress monitoring. This innovative approach addresses the complexities of healthy eating and weight management in today’s fast-paced world.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	JMIR Formative Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight, and choosing the optimal meals for weight loss can be challenging. A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has developed a weight management program that helps individuals plan meals with the assistance of a web application and support from a registered dietitian. In a new study, they discuss the app's features, development, and implementation. -- "The overall goal is to develop an online weight loss program that can be used as prevention as well as treatment in a clinical setting," said co-author Manabu Nakamura, associate professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the Division of Nutritional Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- The program's first iteration, the Individualized Dietary Improvement Program (iDip), was an in-person program where participants received education and feedback from registered dietitians. Subsequently, iDip was converted to a fully online program, EMPOWER, to increase accessibility. The researchers tested the program's efficacy with individuals in rural Illinois. -- EMPOWER has three components: Educational materials about nutrition; an online app where participants can design meals for weight loss and monitor their progress; and personalized support from registered dietitians, who are available for online chats. -- "There are already many apps available that can help you count calories. If you have a negative calorie balance, you can lose weight, but it's not always healthy. The worst thing you can do when you cut calories is to also cut protein. Then you don't lose fat mass, you are losing muscle and bone mass. To obtain a safe and effective weight loss, you need more protein and fewer calories," Nakamura said. -- That's why the research team developed MealPlot, an interactive feature that charts protein and fiber content in food. -- "Other dieting apps are usually macronutrient calculators. But we want people to focus on finding foods that have a high protein and fiber density to get them to their meal goals. It's less about counting calories and more about finding the foods that will satisfy us and provide the protein we need to maintain muscle mass as we lose weight. Foods that are high in fiber also have all the micronutrients we need, so we're not missing out on vitamins and minerals as we're eating less food," said lead author Ashleigh Oliveira, a doctoral student in DNS. -- People enter the food they want to eat into a chart that plots fiber and protein content. The goal is to ensure each day's overall food intake falls within a specific protein/fiber target range. -- "Intuitively, this does result in a calorie deficit for most people, because the foods that fit into your target zone on that chart are going to be satiating, such as lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Typically, the foods that lead to a calorie surplus are sugary or high fat and they won't fit in the target zone," Oliveira noted. -- However, the chart is based on an inclusion strategy, where no foods are off limits. You can eat what you want, as long as the overall daily food intake fits into the target.	H01	1,900
2505-026	Traffic Delays Make Fast Food Tempting: Study Links Road Stress To Unhealthy Choices	Have you ever felt the urge to grab fast food after being stuck in traffic? You're not alone; a study from the University of Illinois reveals that unexpected delays can result in a notable increase in fast food visits. Specifically, in Los Angeles County, such delays have led to a 1% rise in fast food visits, translating to about 1.2 million additional trips annually. This insight highlights how our eating choices can be influenced by daily stresses like traffic jams.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Journal of Urban Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	The world is experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The energy sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, yet it also plays a crucial role in the strategies needed to mitigate and adapt to its effects, contributing to the achievement of ambitious climate goals. -- In this global context, Lithuania is undergoing a significant energy transformation as it moves toward a more sustainable and independent future. -- By aligning its energy policies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the country is not only addressing its domestic challenges but also contributing to the broader fight against climate change. This determined effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen energy security demonstrates how even small nations can make a meaningful impact on global sustainability efforts. -- "Simple actions are important. Even small changes can help reduce environmental impacts, while awareness of the current state of energy and climate policy can have a significant effect on how we adapt and try to act accordingly to achieve these shared goals," says Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) junior researcher Alexandra Maria Alonso Soto. -- Progress surpasses EU average -- The Sustainable Development Goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet and achieve peace and prosperity by 2030. KTU researchers decided to focus on three of these goals and investigate how climate change mitigation policies are being applied in the energy sector. -- "Affordable and clean energy, sustainable cities and communities, as well as climate action, were our focus," says KTU PhD student Alonso Soto. -- To achieve these goals, Lithuania has had to manage significant energy transitions, such as the closure of the Ignalina nuclear power plant in 2009, which led to a major transformation of the Lithuanian energy sector. "After the plant stopped its operation, the country became dependent on energy imports of both electricity and natural gas, mostly from Russia," says KTU researcher. -- In response, Lithuania prioritised strengthening the country's energy security and energy independence. Investments in high-voltage grid interconnections with neighbouring countries and a growing focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar power have been central to this strategy. -- By investing in renewable energy and reducing dependency on imported fuels, Lithuania is not only enhancing energy security but also advancing the global goals of clean energy and climate action.	H01 H02	1,901
2505-E063	Forest Ownership Motivations Play A Crucial Role In Controlling Invasive Species	With many U.S. forests privately owned, controlling invasive species poses significant challenges requiring coordinated efforts among landowners. A study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign examines how differing motivations among landowners influence their willingness to manage invasives and explores economic incentives to optimize such efforts. This research emphasizes the need for strategic collaboration to effectively combat bioinvasion and protect forest ecosystems.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Land Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of physicists at Tampere University has developed a groundbreaking method for detecting congestive heart failure with greater ease and precision than previously thought possible. This multidisciplinary study, involving both cardiologists and computational physicists, builds on the team's earlier breakthroughs, for example, in predicting the risk of sudden cardiac death. -- Researchers at Tampere University have achieved a major milestone in diagnosing heart diseases. -- According to their new study, congestive heart failure can be reliably detected by analysing the intervals between successive heartbeats -- inter-beat or RR intervals -- which can be measured not only with professional equipment but also with smartwatches and heart rate monitors. -- The new method is based on advanced time-series analysis developed by the Quantum Control and Dynamics research group led by Professor Esa Räsänen. -- This analysis allows the investigation of dependencies between inter-beat intervals at different time scales, along with other complex characteristics typical of various heart diseases. -- The researchers analysed multiple international databases containing long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings from healthy control subjects and patients suffering from heart disease. -- The study particularly focused on distinguishing patients with congestive heart failure from healthy control subjects and patients with atrial fibrillation. -- The new method was capable of detecting congestive heart failure with an accuracy of 90%, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability as a diagnostic tool. -- More affordable and accessible cardiac monitoring -- Currently, diagnosing congestive heart failure often requires costly and time-consuming imaging techniques, such as echocardiography, also known as cardiac ultrasound.	Z01	1,902
2505-E073	Agroforestry Merges Trees And Agriculture For Environmental And Economic Benefits	A new study emphasizes the benefits of agroforestry—integrating trees into agricultural landscapes—challenging the longstanding belief that trees are detrimental to farming. Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign advocate for strategic plans that consider environmental, social, and economic factors to promote agroforestry practices in the Midwest, potentially enhancing crop yields and ecological health in farming communities.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The lab of The Wistar Institute's Jessie Villanueva, Ph.D., has identified a new strategy for attacking treatment-resistant melanoma: inhibiting the gene S6K2. The team published their findings in the paper, "Selective abrogation of S6K2 identifies lipid homeostasis as a survival vulnerability in MAPKi-resistant NRASMUT melanoma," from the journal Science Translational Medicine. -- "This work shows that, even in the face of notoriously treatment-resistant melanoma, targeting S6K2 is a viable strategy for improving therapeutic outcomes," said Dr. Villanueva, associate professor in Wistar's Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center. -- "We're excited to see where further research will lead us in the continued fight to reduce deaths from melanoma." -- Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, and it is also on the rise. -- Since 2000, the number of melanoma cases per 100,000 Americans has increased from roughly 18 to 24, which scientists suspect to be at least partially caused by increased exposure to UV radiation from sources like time spent without protection in sunlight or the use of tanning beds. -- In general, cancer tends to be a disease correlated with age, but melanoma is notable as one of the most common cancers diagnosed in people under 30, with cases on the rise in that age cohort as well. -- Although significant progress has been made in treating melanoma, drug resistance remains a daunting challenge, and many patients do not respond to current treatments. -- As part of The Wistar Institute's Melanoma Research Center, the Villanueva lab pursues new ways to overcome the challenge of melanoma drug resistance. -- In this paper, the group took aim at melanomas with a mutation in the NRAS gene (abbreviated as NRASMUT melanoma). -- NRASMUT melanoma accounts for about 30% of all melanoma cases, which has made it a priority of melanoma researchers.	R01 C01	1,903
2509-E007	Advanced Tools Offer Improved Health Insights For Endangered Bats	Wildlife researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are employing advanced molecular tools to assess the health of endangered Indiana bats by studying changes in their gut microbiome due to parasitic infections. The study highlights the challenges of tracking disease in wildlife populations and emphasizes a comprehensive approach to understanding microbial interactions over time. By analyzing fecal samples, the researchers aim to identify health indicators that could help in the conservation of these endangered species.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Microbial Genomics	Press Rel	PubMed	How do wildlife researchers know when an endangered population is sick? They can detect infectious microbes in animal waste, but the presence of a microbe doesn't always equate to impactful symptomatic infections. In a new study, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers used advanced molecular tools to survey the health status of endangered Indiana bats, identifying microbiome changes resulting from parasitic infections. -- "In conservation medicine, sick patients will rarely schedule a follow-up visit, so tracking the impact of a disease in real time is a challenge. We take a big picture view of microbial interactions at the population level to infer the burden of a disease over time from a snapshot," said lead study author Andrew Bennett, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Bennett and his colleagues temporarily captured Indiana bats at the entrance of a Missouri hibernation site, gently holding them long enough to collect a single fecal sample. -- They brought these samples back to a lab where they extracted DNA and identified the presence of gut microbes and parasites using a process called multiplex metabarcoding. -- They also documented changes in the makeup of the gut microbiome that corresponded with the amount of parasites present. -- What they found was Eimeria, a protozoan parasite that hangs out in the gut and causes coccidiosis, a disease that leads to economic losses in many livestock animals. -- Bennett says Eimeria can be present at low levels in the gut without causing problems, but research in other animals has shown that stress can cause Eimeria to proliferate, invading and damaging gut tissue and leading to secondary bacterial infections. -- "This is where our work adds value. Before, if we just detected Eimeria, we wouldn't necessarily be able to say whether it was causing problems," Bennett said. -- "But by analyzing changes in the microbiome that are associated with Eimeria load in these bats, we gain a non-invasive marker that can help us assess their gut health." -- The analysis revealed that bats with high loads of Eimeria had a corresponding proliferation of Clostridium bacteria, particularly those associated with severe tissue damage in other species.	A01 H02 R01 N01	1,904
2511-E012	Early Maternal Depression Can Lead To Emotional Overeating In Children	Research from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign underscores the long-term impacts of postpartum depression on children, revealing significant effects on their emotional functioning and eating behaviors. The study highlights the urgent need for support systems for new mothers, emphasizing how maternal mental health directly influences child development.	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Eating Behaviors	Press Rel	PubMed	Up to 25% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, which can significantly impact their parenting behavior and the wellbeing of their children. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at long-term effects of early maternal depression on children, underscoring the need to provide adequate support for mothers who might be struggling. -- "We wanted to explore how mother's early postpartum depression might influence children's executive function and emotional overeating, focusing on the psychological mechanisms driving the effects," said lead author Samantha Iwinski, postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Illinois. -- "Emotional overeating is about using food to cope with stress or emotions rather than using it to satisfy hunger. Instead of thinking about food as a source of nourishment or enjoyment, it becomes a coping strategy for negative emotions. If children aren't able to talk about their emotions or show how they really feel, they may react to a stressful situation by grabbing something to eat," Iwinski said. -- The study included families participating in the Midwest STRONG Kids2 project, which investigates how individual biology interacts with the family environment to promote healthy eating habits in young children. -- Mothers filled out questionnaires to assess postpartum depression at six weeks, children's emotional functioning at 24 months, and children's eating behavior at 48 months. -- The researchers analyzed the data using the biopsychosocial pathways model, which outlines how interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors affect health outcomes, including appetite self-regulation. -- They focused on postpartum depression as a critical social factor predicting children's emotional overeating, mediated through emotional and cognitive psychological processes. -- "In our sample, almost 12% of mothers met the criteria for postpartum depression, and we found that maternal postpartum depression at six weeks negatively influenced children's executive function with inhibition and emotional control at 24 months and overeating at 48 months," Iwinski said. -- "Inhibition involves being able to control one's attention, behaviors, and thoughts. This can include doing what may be appropriate in a given situation, which may involve overriding internal predispositions For example, if a child is doing their homework and the TV is playing, they can direct their attention and focus on their homework rather than the TV. Emotional control is about being able to regulate oneself when certain situations are happening; for example, crying might help in response to distress." -- In addition to the indirect effects on eating behavior through executive functioning, there was also a direct correlation between maternal depression and children's overeating.	H01 R01 N01	1,905
2512-033	New IVF Method Increases Sperm Viability By Mimicking Natural Environment	New IVF Method Increases Sperm Viability By Mimicking Natural Environment	University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	The success of in vitro fertilization depends on many factors, one of which is sperm viability. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign documents a new way to select viable sperm and prolong their viability in the laboratory, reducing one source of variability during the process. -- "The fallopian tube in women, or the oviduct, has an ability to lengthen sperm lifespan that, until now, we couldn't recreate in IVF. In 2020, we discovered that complex sugars called glycans are the components of the oviduct that can bind and store sperm and keep them alive," said senior study author David Miller, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at Illinois. -- Miller's group collaborated with chemists to test hundreds of oviduct glycans for their ability to bind pig sperm, settling on one called sulfated Lewis X trisaccharide, or suLeX, for further testing. They focused on pig sperm not only as a proof of concept for future human studies, but also because animal agriculture relies on IVF, too. In pig IVF, multiple sperm often fertilize single eggs, resulting in inviable embryos. The hope with using glycans was that fewer free-swimming sperm would approach and fertilize eggs simultaneously. -- The researchers attached suLeX to the bottom of culture dishes, then added sperm. The sperm were given 30 minutes to adhere to the compounds before the researchers began adding eggs, introducing them 0, 6, 12, or 24 hours later. -- "By adding eggs at later time points, we could test the system to see whether suLeX increased the longevity of the sperm. Essentially, we found we can maintain or extend fertilization rates over time, increasing the window of successful IVF," Miller said. -- At 0 hours, IVF efficiency (fertilized zygotes vs. total number of eggs) was significantly greater with sperm that were initially attached to suLeX (at 53%) than a control with no oviduct compounds (36%) and two alternative "control" compounds (about 40% each). -- The time delays decreased fertilization rates for all groups, but less so for suLeX. In the control group with no oviduct glycans, fertilization was down to 1% at the 24-hour time point. But with suLeX, 12% of the eggs were fertilized after 24 hours. -- The IVF setup with suLeX droplets also allowed the researchers to wash away free-swimming sperm before introducing eggs. -- "Because the sperm were bound securely to the glycan compound, we could reduce the overall number of sperm, which meant fewer cases where more than one sperm fertilized the eggs," Miller said. -- The foundational study could one day improve IVF success for both animals and humans.	N01	1,906
2507-077	Methodology Developed For CubeSats To Safely Repair Spacecraft In Orbit	Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are developing a methodology for multiple CubeSats to efficiently service or repair space telescopes. This approach focuses on minimizing fuel consumption and preventing collisions, showcasing the potential for advanced space operations that enhance satellite longevity and functionality in future missions.	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	As more satellites, telescopes, and other spacecraft are built to be repairable, it will take reliable trajectories for service spacecraft to reach them safely. Researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are developing a methodology that will allow multiple CubeSats to act as servicing agents to assemble or repair a space telescope. Their method minimizes fuel consumption, guarantees that servicing agents never come closer to each other than 5 meters, and can be used to solve pathway guidance problems that aren't space related. -- "We developed a scheme that allows the CubeSats to operate efficiently without colliding," said aerospace Ph.D. student Ruthvik Bommena. "These small spacecrafts have limited onboard computation capabilities, so these trajectories are precomputed by mission design engineers." -- Bommena and his faculty adviser Robyn Woollands demonstrated the performance of the algorithm by simulating two, three or four vehicle swarms simultaneously transporting modular components between a service vehicle and a space telescope undergoing in-space servicing. -- "These are difficult trajectories to compute and calculate, but we came up with a novel technique that guarantees its optimality," Bommena said. -- Bommena said the most difficult aspect is the scale of the distances. The James Webb Space Telescope's orbit is about 1.5 million kilometers away, at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2. It's where the gravitational force of the Sun and Earth balance each other, making it the perfect place in space for deep-space observation satellites to maintain orbit while facing away from the Sun. -- "Without getting too technical, we used indirect optimization methods to guarantee that the output solution is fuel optimal. Direct methods do not guarantee that." -- "We also incorporated the anti-collision path inequality constraints into the optimal control formulation as a hard constraint, so the spacecraft do not violate the constraint at any point during the trajectory." -- Bommena explained that traditional direct or indirect methods with constraints, such as collision-avoidance, break the trajectory into multiple arcs, increasing the complexity exponentially. -- "Our methodology allows the trajectories to be solved as single arcs. We are just going from the starting point directly to the destination point. It's more fuel optimal and more computationally efficient." -- Another major outcome from the research is the development of a novel target-relative circular restricted three-body problem dynamical model.	C01	1,907
2507-T014	3D Printing Technique Replicates Nature's Unique Fibers For Innovative Applications	Researchers have developed a novel 3D-printing technique that replicates fine hairs and fibers found in nature, enabling the production of complex structures with unprecedented detail. This bioinspired approach enhances the efficiency of creating intricate shapes and has significant implications for various applications, from sensory technology to material science.	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have been trying to find new ways to produce and replicate the various useful features observed in nature. Fine hairs and fibers, which are ubiquitous in nature, are useful for various applications ranging from sensory hairs to the fibers that give hagfish slime its unique consistency. -- MechSE Professors Sameh Tawfick and Randy Ewoldt, doctoral candidate M. Tanver Hossain, and external collaborators have addressed this need with their cutting-edge embedded 3D-printing technique, recently published in Nature Communications. Their article, "Fast 3D printing of fine, continuous, and soft fibers via embedded solvent exchange," discusses the science behind their bioinspired approach to the rapid printing of fine fibers in gel. -- Unlike traditional 3D-printing methods, in which material is deposited layer by layer in ambient air, embedded 3D printing deposits material in a support medium such as hydrogel. When printing in air, models must be oriented such that each layer can support the subsequent layer or, for structures with complex architecture, removable support structures can be printed and later discarded. Printing in gel negates the need for these structures, as the gel itself supports the shape of the printed material -- allowing for complex shapes, such as helical springs, to be printed more efficiently. Furthermore, the printed part can be cured in, and then removed from, the gel, allowing the gel to be reused for multiple prints. -- However, embedded 3D printing previously struggled with printing very thin features, which was reminiscent of 3D printing in air. Filaments below a sixteen-micron diameter would quickly break before the curing process due to surface tension. The research team wanted to print finer diameters to match the fibers found in nature, such as the silk produced by spiders or the slimy defensive thread extruded by hagfish. -- "In nature, there are many examples of filamentous structures that achieve a diameter of only a few microns," said Hossain, who is the second author and focused on designing the non-Newtonian gel. "We knew it had to be possible." -- The researchers employed a method of solvent exchange to inhibit capillary breakup from surface tension. "We modified the gel and the print ink so that the ink would cure as soon as it gets deposited in the gel," Hossain said. "This prevents the filament from snapping because it's almost instantaneously solid." Through this approach, the team achieved a resolution of 1.5 microns. They also experimented with printing through multiple nozzles in parallel, allowing for rapid manufacturing. -- First author Dr. Wonsik Eom, now a faculty member in the Department of Fiber Convergence Material Engineering at Dankook University in South Korea, is a former postdoctoral researcher in Tawfick's lab. -- "This research overcomes a long-standing limitation of 3D printing technology -- printing soft materials with a diameter as small as one micron," said Eom, who focused on designing the solvent exchange process. "Achieving such high printing resolution means we now have the technological foundation to mimic the microfibers and hair-like structures found in nature, which exhibit remarkable functionalities." -- The researchers became interested in embedded 3D printing because of its potential to replicate the properties of hagfish slime, which exhibits mechanical performance superior to other gels due to the presence of micron-scale thread bundles. Ewoldt has been studying the mechanics of hagfish slime for more than a decade with external collaborator Professor Douglas Fudge from Chapman University. -- "We adopted embedded 3D printing as a method to mimic these threads," Eom said. "Through our research, we discovered that developing high-resolution embedded 3D printing technology enables us to replicate a much wider range of natural structures than we initially expected."	N01	1,908
2512-T032	3D Simulations Reveal New Disturbances At Hypersonic Speeds	Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have successfully conducted 3D simulations to analyze gas behaviors at hypersonic speeds, revealing new complexities such as boundary layers and shock waves. This groundbreaking work, made possible by advanced computational resources, enhances the understanding of fluid dynamics during rapid vehicle movement.	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	Newton	Press Rel	PubMed	At hypersonic speeds, complexities occur when the gases interact with the surface of the vehicle such as boundary layers and shock waves. Researchers in the Department of Aerospace Engineering in The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign were able to observe new disturbances in simulations conducted for the first time in 3D. -- Fully 3D simulations require a great deal of processing power, making the work expensive to compute. -- Two things made it possible for Deborah Levin and her Ph.D. student Irmak Taylan Karpuzcu to conduct the research: Time on Frontera, the National Science Foundation-funded leadership-class computer system at the Texas Advanced Computing Center and software developed by in previous years by several of Levin's former graduate students. -- "Transitioning flows are 3D and unsteady in nature, regardless of the flow geometry. Experiments were conducted in 3D in the early 2000s didn't provide enough data to determine any 3D effects or unsteadiness because there weren't enough sensors all around the cone-shaped model. It wasn't wrong. It was just all that was possible then," said Karpuzcu. -- "We have those data to compare, but having the full picture now in 3D, it's different. Normally, you would expect the flow around the cone to be concentric ribbons, but we noticed breaks in the flow within shock layers both in the single and double cone shapes." -- Karpuzcu said they observed the breaks near the tip of the cone, and with a shock wave near where the air molecules were closer together making them more viscous and at Mach 16. -- "As you increase the Mach number, the shock gets closer to the surface and promotes these instabilities. It would be too expensive to run the simulation at every speed, but we did run it at Mach 6 and did not see the break in the flow." -- Karpuzcu said the cone geometry represents a simplified version of many hypersonic vehicles and understanding how the flow affects surface properties can help lead to design considerations. -- "Our group's in-house software made it efficient to run the simulation in parallel processors, so it's much faster. There were already data from experiments under high-speed conditions so we had some intuition about how the simulations would look, but in 3D we found breaks that we didn't expect to see." -- He said the most difficult part of the work for him was in analyzing why the break in the flow was happening.	T01	1,909
2513-E019	New Process Extracts Valuable Chemicals From Animal Waste For Sustainability	A collaborative effort has led to the development of a system that recycles valuable industrial chemicals from animal waste, promoting environmental sustainability. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created an energy-efficient nanofiltration method to extract volatile fatty acids from cattle manure, advancing circular economy practices by transforming waste into useful resources.	University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering	Advanced Functional Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A collaboration between chemical engineers and animal scientists has created a system for recovering valuable industrial chemicals from animal waste, representing a major step towards circularity and environmental sustainability. -- Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a nanofiltration system for separating volatile fatty acids (VFAs) -- organic molecules that are critical in fine chemical production across many sectors -- from cattle manure fermented in bioreactors. -- Thanks to the incorporation of selective ion-exchange membranes into an electrochemical separation system, the system is 80% more energy efficient than previous standard electrochemical processes. -- "It's incredible that we're able to obtain industrial chemicals like VFAs from something like manure," said Xiao Su, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Illinois. -- "Through our work, we believe that we are closer to circularity, where the waste is reprocessed into valuable resources, making chemical production more efficient and sustainable as a whole." -- The research was led by Wangsuk Oh, a postdoctoral research associate in Su's research group. -- It was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, and the article was featured on the inside front cover of the February 5, 2025, issue. -- VFAs -- such as acetate, butyrate and propionate -- are chemical building blocks used in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, food additives, pharmaceuticals and plastics. -- Their production often involves carbon-intensive processing of petrochemical feedstocks, but a more energy-efficient alternative has recently emerged: microbial anaerobic digestion, in which microorganisms break down biowaste. -- The main barrier to its widespread implementation is the lack of an efficient method for extracting VFAs from the chemically complex broths that result.	H01 C01 N01	1,910
2504-T005	New Method Enables Quantum Computers To Switch Error Correction Codes Seamlessly	A research team has developed a novel method allowing quantum computers to seamlessly switch between error correction codes, enhancing computational accuracy. This advancement addresses a significant challenge in quantum computing, facilitating more efficient error correction and expanding the potential of quantum systems for complex calculations.	University of Innsbruck	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	Various methods are used to correct errors in quantum computers. Not all operations can be implemented equally well with different correction codes. Therefore, a research team from the University of Innsbruck, together with a team from RWTH Aachen and Forschungszentrum Jülich, has developed a method and implemented it experimentally for the first time, with which a quantum computer can switch back and forth between two correction codes and thus perform all computing operations protected against errors. -- Computers also make mistakes. These are usually suppressed by technical measures or detected and corrected during the calculation. In quantum computers, this involves some effort, as no copy can be made of an unknown quantum state. This means that the state cannot be saved multiple times during the calculation and an error cannot be detected by comparing these copies. Inspired by classical computer science, quantum physics has developed a different method in which the quantum information is distributed across several entangled quantum bits and stored redundantly in this way. How this is done is defined in so-called correction codes. -- In 2022, a team led by Thomas Monz from the Department of Experimental Physics at the University of Innsbruck and Markus Müller from the Department of Quantum Information at RWTH Aachen and the Peter Grünberg Institute at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany implemented a universal set of operations on fault-tolerant quantum bits, demonstrating how an algorithm can be programmed on a quantum computer so that errors can be corrected efficiently. However, different quantum error correction codes also come with different difficulties. A theorem states that no correction code can implement all the gate operations required for freely programmable computations with the logical quantum bits easily and protected against errors. -- Quantum gates are realized with different correction codes -- To circumvent this difficulty, Markus Müller's research group has established a method that allows the quantum computer to switch back and forth between two correction codes in an error-tolerant manner. "In this way, the quantum computer can switch to the second code whenever a logic gate that is difficult to realize appears in the first code. This makes it easier to implement all the gates required for computing," explains Friederike Butt, a doctoral student in Markus Müller's research group. She developed the quantum circuits on which the experiment is based and implemented them in close collaboration with Thomas Monz's research group in Innsbruck. "Together, we have succeeded for the first time in realizing a universal set of quantum gates on an ion trap quantum computer using two combined quantum error correction codes," says PhD student Ivan Pogorelov from the Innsbruck research group. -- "This result is based on our many years of good collaboration with Markus Müller's team," says Thomas Monz, who knows the theoretical physicist from his doctoral studies at the University of Innsbruck. -- The findings of the current study were published in the journal Nature Physics. The research was financially supported among others by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG, the German DFG, the Bavarian State Government, the European Union and the Federation of Austrian Industries Tyrol.	T01	1,911
2512-T016	New Quantum Computer Breakthroughs Reveal Secrets of Elementary Particles	A team of physicists has explored a novel approach to studying elementary particles using an unconventional quantum computer, advancing our understanding of the universe. Their research demonstrates the successful simulation of a complete quantum field theory in multiple spatial dimensions, providing insights into particle interactions and forces. Published in Nature Physics, this work opens new avenues for addressing complex questions in particle physics, which were previously too intricate for traditional computational methods.	University of Innsbruck	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	The standard model of particle physics is our best theory of the elementary particles and forces that make up our world: particles and antiparticles, such as electrons and positrons, are described as quantum fields. They interact through other force-fields, such as the electromagnetic force that binds charged particles. -- To understand the behaviour of these quantum fields and with that our universe, researchers perform complex computer simulations of quantum field theories. -- Unfortunately, many of these calculations are too complicated for even our best supercomputers and pose great challenges for quantum computers as well, leaving many pressing questions unanswered. -- Using a novel type of quantum computer, Martin Ringbauer's experimental team at the University of Innsbruck, and the theory group led by Christine Muschik at IQC at the University of Waterloo, Canada report in a publication in the journal Nature Physics how they have successfully simulated a complete quantum field theory in more than one spatial dimension. -- A natural representation of quantum fields -- The crux that makes simulations of quantum field theories challenging for quantum computers comes from the need to capture the fields that represent the forces between particles, such as the electromagnetic force between charged particles. -- These fields can point in different directions and have different degrees of strength or excitations. -- Such objects do not neatly fit into the traditional binary computing paradigm based on zeros and ones, which is the basis of today's classical and quantum computers. -- The new advance was possible through the combination of a qudit quantum computer developed in Innsbruck, and a qudit algorithm to simulate fundamental particle interactions developed in Waterloo. -- This approach is based on using up to five values per quantum information carrier, rather than just zero and one, to efficiently store and process information.	T01	1,912
2501-043	Physical Activity Linked To Lower Risk Of Chronic Conditions, Study Reveals.	A study from the University of Iowa emphasizes the importance of surveying patients about their physical activity levels, revealing a significant association between regular exercise and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The findings advocate for healthcare systems to promote physical activity as a preventive health measure.	University of Iowa	Preventing Chronic Disease	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Iowa researchers are recommending all patients be surveyed about their physical activity levels, after a new study underscores the link between physical activity and chronic disease. -- The study, led by Lucas Carr, associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Physiology, examined responses from more than 7,000 patients at University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center who noted their level of physical activity in a questionnaire. -- From patients' answers to the questionnaire, the researchers found that those who reported the highest level of physical activity -- meaning they exercised moderately to vigorously at least 150 minutes per week -- were at statistically significant lower risk of having 19 chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes. -- The findings further suggest patients who are least active -- meaning they reported little to no exercise in a given week -- are at increased risk to develop a chronic disease. -- Based on those results, the Iowa researchers also recommend health care systems provide information on health and wellness services for physically inactive patients who are at most risk. -- "In our health care environment, there's no easy pathway for a doctor to be reimbursed for helping patients become more physically active," says Carr, the study's corresponding author. -- "And so, for these patients, many of whom report insufficient activity, we need options to easily connect them with supportive services like exercise prescriptions and/or community health specialists." -- Most hospitals in the United States do not ask patients about their physical activity, and no hospital system in the Midwest has done so, according to the researchers. -- In this study, Carr partnered with Britt Marcussen, a family medicine physician in UI Health Care, to offer the questionnaire to patients visiting for annual wellness exam appointments. -- The study period was from November 2017 to December 2022.	H01 R01	1,913
2504-010	Statins Do Not Affect Kidney Function, Research Shows	A study led by the University of Iowa has confirmed that statins, commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol, do not negatively impact kidney function in older adults. The research analyzed data from a large trial to assess the effects of statin use on kidney health, finding no significant associations with kidney injury indicators. These results provide reassurance for the continued use of statins in patients with or without chronic kidney disease.	University of Iowa	Journal of the American Geriatrics Society	Press Rel	PubMed	Statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, have no effect on kidney function, a research team led by the University of Iowa has found. -- The research team, led by clinical professors Michelle Fravel and Michael Ernst, in the College of Pharmacy, examined the association between statin use in older adults and changes in two important indicators of kidney function -- estimated glomerular filtration rate and urine albumin-to-creatinine (protein-to-waste) ratio. -- "The data supports the kidney safety of statins in older adults with or without chronic kidney disease," the authors write. -- They suggest that "the decision to use a statin for other indications should not be limited by concerns related to potential kidney harm." -- The researchers used data collected from a previous research trial that studied use of daily low-dose aspirin in more than 18,000 older adults from the United States and Australia between 2010 and 2017. -- Among that population, one in five participants had chronic kidney disease. -- The median age was 76 in participants with chronic kidney disease and 74 in those without. -- Examining the data, the Iowa researchers found statin use did not improve kidney function, as had been hypothesized in some previous scientific studies. -- The drugs also had no ill effects. -- Statins are commonly prescribed to older adults to help lower the risk of heart disease.	A01 H01 R01	1,914
2504-E012	Fruit Fly Courtship Gene Could Offer Solutions For Controlling Mosquito Populations	University of Iowa researchers have identified a gene in female fruit flies that enables them to synchronize their movements with courting males. This discovery could have implications for managing mosquito populations, as mosquitoes share a similar gene. By silencing this gene, there is potential to disrupt mating patterns, which may help control the spread of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, a significant public health concern.	University of Iowa	eneuro	Press Rel	PubMed	How fruit flies mate may hold a key to limiting the spread of diseases by mosquitoes. -- In a new study, University of Iowa researchers found a gene that orchestrates the antenna movements of female fruit flies, which is central for them to detect the unique sound produced by prospective male mates. -- That gene, the Iowa researchers say, is present in mosquitoes and can be silenced, which in theory would lessen the chances of mating, and thus limit mosquitoes' population growth. -- Mosquitoes are well-known vectors for a host of diseases that affect human health. -- In the United States, those diseases include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Zika. -- Female mosquitoes spread those diseases among animals and humans when biting them, extracting blood contaminated with a disease germ that then can be transmitted to others in subsequent bites. -- "Mosquitoes actually have a very similar mechanism to fruit flies of a type of active tuning, which could have implications for deterring the spread of so many diseases," says Daniel Eberl, professor in the Department of Biology at Iowa and the study's corresponding author. -- "So, understanding how fruit flies and mosquitoes not only mate but also how they hear could have important considerations for human health." -- The researchers used tiny microphones to pick up sound when a species of male fruit fly flaps its wings. -- It's those vibrations, or pulses, in the air from the beating of the wings that are picked by the antennae of the female fruit flies, signaling that a male mate is present.	A01 R01 N01	1,915
2501-080	Study Reveals Ebola's Cellular Route, Suggesting Skin Contact May Spread Infection.	Researchers have uncovered a cellular pathway that the Ebola virus uses to infect and exit through the skin, suggesting skin contact may be a route of transmission. The study identifies specific skin cell types targeted by the virus, highlighting the skin's role in the disease's spread. This novel understanding could inform future research on transmission prevention and antiviral strategies against Ebola.	University of Iowa Health Care	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Ebola is a deadly hemorrhagic disease caused by a virus that is endemic in parts of East-Central and West Africa. Most people are aware that a primary route for person-to-person transmission is through contact with bodily fluids from an infected person. But more recent outbreaks, including the 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, demonstrated that infectious Ebola virus (EBOV) is also found on the skin's surface of those who have succumbed to infection or at late times during infection. Although evidence suggests that EBOV can be passed on from skin contact with a person in the later stages of the disease, very little is known about how the virus makes its way out of the body and onto the skin's surface. -- In a new study, researchers at University of Iowa Health Care and colleagues at Texas Biomedical Research Institute and Boston University, have traced a cellular route the virus uses to traverse the inner and outer layers of skin and emerge onto the skin's surface. The study identifies new cell types within the skin that are targeted by EBOV during infection and shows that human skin specimens actively support EBOV infection. Overall, the findings, which were published Jan. 1 in Science Advances, suggest that the skin's surface may be one route of person-to-person transmission. -- "The skin is the largest organ in the human body yet is woefully understudied compared to most other organs. Interactions of EBOV with skin cells have not previously been extensively examined," says Wendy Maury, PhD, UI professor of microbiology and immunology, and senior author of the study. "Our work provides evidence for one mechanistic avenue that EBOV uses to exit from the human body. A comprehensive understanding of which cells are targeted during virus infection is critical for rational development of antiviral approaches." -- Human skin model helps trace EBOV escape -- The research team, led by Maury and Kelly Messingham, PhD, UI research professor of dermatology, developed a new approach to examine which cells within the skin are infected by Ebola virus.They created a human skin explant system using full-thickness skin biopsies from healthy individuals, which contained both deeper (dermal), and surface (epidermal) layers of skin. -- To study how Ebola virus moves through skin, the explants were placed dermal side down in culture media and virus particles were added to the media so that they entered the skin from the underside, modeling virus egress from the blood to the surface of the skin. The researchers used virus-tracing and cell-tagging techniques to follow the journey of the virus through the skin layers to the upper surface of the skin, identifying which cells were infected over time. -- Previous clinical and animal studies had reported that cells within the skin become infected with EBOV, but the specific cells targeted by the virus had not been identified. -- In the new study, the team showed that EBOV infected several different cell types in the skin explant, including macrophages, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. While some of these cell types are also found to be infected by EBOV in other organs, keratinocytes, that are unique to the skin, had not been previously appreciated to support EBOV infection. -- Interestingly, virus replication was more robust in the epidermal layer than the dermal layers on a per gram basis. Additionally, the infectious virus was detected on the epidermal surface within three days, indicating that the virus rapidly spreads and moves through the explants to the skin's surface. -- The researchers also showed that human skin explants can serve as complex, three- dimensional organ models for studying the efficacy of antivirals against EBOV, providing a new, highly useful, and inexpensive model system for therapeutic testing.	N01	1,916
2504-022	Positive Emotions Encourage Physical Activity During COVID-19 Restrictions	A study conducted in Finland reveals that a positive emotional state significantly boosts physical activity among older adults during COVID-19 restrictions, while negative feelings correlate with inactivity. The findings suggest that mental health plays a crucial role in maintaining physical engagement, which may establish a beneficial feedback loop between well-being and active living, particularly notable in individuals in their 60s.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	BMC Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	According to a recent study, the tendency to experience positive affectivity contributed to people being physically active or even increasing their activity during the COVID-19 restrictions. In contrast, depressive feelings were linked to lower physical activity. The results suggest that mental well-being can help maintain a physically active lifestyle. Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle. -- In a study conducted at the Gerontology Research Center and the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, it was found that most men and women aged 60 to 88 either maintained or even increased their level of physical activity during the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. -- Participants who experienced more positive affectivity had higher physical activity levels and were more likely to increase their activity during the restrictions. -- "It was interesting to observe that the link between positive affectivity and physical activity was more consistent in individuals around the age of 60 than in those over 70," says postdoctoral researcher Tiina Savikangas. -- "In Finland, no curfew was declared but the older participants faced stricter restrictions compared to working-age individuals, which may have reduced the role of positive mental well-being on physical activity." -- Previous research evidence has shown that physical activity contributes to mental well-being. -- However, recent findings suggest that mental well-being can also help maintain a physically active lifestyle. -- Mental well-being and physical activity may thus form a positive cycle. -- "Mental well-being is an important resource for physical activity." -- "Those who have such resources are more likely to stay active, even during exceptional circumstances," Savikangas notes.	A01 R01	1,917
2504-071	Biological Aging Doesn't Always Match Chronological Age: Diet Plays A Key Role	A study has found that biological aging does not always align with chronological age, with dietary habits influencing this discrepancy. Specifically, a diet high in red meat, fast food, and sugary drinks was linked to accelerated biological aging in young adults. Researchers utilized epigenetic clocks to measure biological age, underscoring the importance of nutrition in long-term health and the potential for early dietary interventions to mitigate age-related risks.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	Clinical Nutrition	Press Rel	PubMed	Humans do not always age biologically at the same rate as their chronological age. Faster biological aging compared to chronological age has been linked to higher risks of disease and mortality. According to a recent study, a diet low in vegetables and fruits and high in red meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks was associated with accelerated biological aging even in young adulthood. -- The rate of biological aging indicates the discrepancy between chronological age and biological age, that is, whether a person is biologically older or younger than their chronological age. -- Biological aging can be measured using epigenetic clocks. Epigenetic clocks are computational models developed through machine learning methods that predict biological age based on methyl groups that regulate the expression of genes. -- A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä and the Gerontology Research Center investigated whether diet predicts the rate of biological aging in young adulthood. -- The study participants were twins between the ages of 20 and 25. -- According to the results, diets characterized by low intake of vegetables and fruits and high consumption of red and processed meat, fast food, and sugar-sweetened soft drinks were associated with faster biological aging. -- Conversely, diets rich in vegetables and fruits and low in meat, fast food, and sugary soft drinks were associated with slower biological aging. -- 'Some of the observed associations may also be explained by other lifestyle factors, such as physical activity, smoking, and body weight, as healthy and unhealthy lifestyle habits tend to cluster in the same individuals,' says postdoctoral researcher Suvi Ravi. 'However, diet maintained a small independent association with aging even when we accounted for other lifestyle factors.' -- Since the study participants were twins, the research was able to investigate the genetic influence on the relationship between diet and biological age. -- The results suggest that a shared genetic background, but not the shared childhood environment of the twins, explains the relationship between diet and aging in young adulthood.	A01 H01	1,918
2505-T003	Discovery In Radioactive Lanthanum Isotopes Enhances Understanding Of Cosmic Element Formation	Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have made significant advances in understanding the nuclear binding energies of radioactive lanthanum isotopes, shedding light on the formation of elements heavier than iron. This discovery provides crucial data that could unravel the processes behind cosmic element production. Using sophisticated techniques, the team measured the atomic masses of several isotopes—two of which had never been measured before—thereby laying the groundwork for future studies exploring the nuclear structures that govern these binding energies.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have conducted one of the largest eye studies in the world to reveal new insights into retinal thickness, highlighting its potential in the early detection of diseases like type 2 diabetes, dementia and multiple sclerosis. -- The WEHI-led study, using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to analyse over 50,000 eyes, produced maps of the retina in unprecedented detail to better understand how retinal differences link to various diseases. -- The findings open up new possibilities for using routine eyecare imaging as a tool to screen for and manage diseases, much like mammograms have for breast cancer. -- At a glance -- Innovative AI-powered research has created the most detailed maps of the retina ever produced. -- WEHI researchers have used these maps to link retinal thinning to a range of diseases as well as identifying new genetic factors that influence retinal thickness. -- The findings could pave the way for routine eyecare imaging as a disease screening tool. -- Unlocking a window into the brain -- The retina is part of the central nervous system, which also comprises the brain and spinal cord. -- Many diseases are linked to degeneration or disruption of this critical system, including neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and metabolic disorders like diabetes.	A01 T01	1,919
2507-038	Eating Habits Linked To Increased Urinary Incontinence Risk Among Middle-Aged Women	Research from the University of Jyväskylä highlights a connection between eating behavior and pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. The study found that a diet high in processed foods increases the risk of urinary incontinence, while a diet rich in fruits lowers this risk, emphasizing the importance of nutrition on health.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	Press Rel	PubMed	According to a recent study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä, eating behaviour is associated with symptoms of pelvic floor disorders in middle-aged women. For example, higher consumption of highly processed ready-made foods and fast food increased the risk for experiencing symptoms of stress and urgency urinary incontinence. Higher consumption of fruits and an overall higher quality diet decreased the risk for stress urinary incontinence. -- The prevalence of pelvic floor disorders increases as women approach their menopausal years. -- Estrogen deprivation during menopause, natural aging, reproductive history, and factors increasing intra-abdominal pressure may lead to structural and functional failure in the pelvic floor. -- In addition, lifestyle choices such as quality of nutrition and eating behaviour may have a significant effect on the mechanisms of pelvic floor disorders. -- "Eating behaviour has been minimally studied as a potential risk factor for pelvic floor disorders," says doctoral researcher Mari Kuutti from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences of the University of Jyväskylä. "We studied how disordered eating can affect the onset of the symptoms." -- Disordered eating includes overeating, restrictive eating as well as alternating between the two behaviours. -- "We found that women who reported disordered eating were more likely to experience the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders than were women who had reported normal eating," Kuutti says. -- The disorders studied were stress urinary incontinence, urgency urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and constipation and defecation difficulties. -- Pelvic floor disorders are common -- Over half of the participants of the study had symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.	A01 H02	1,920
2509-E005	Policy Recommendations For Sustainable Development In Vulnerable Mangrove Ecosystems	Researchers recommend policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the vulnerable Sundarbans region, which is home to significant mangrove ecosystems. While it is no longer possible to prevent all climate change consequences, the study emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable livelihoods for local communities that rely on these ecosystems. The findings highlight the urgent need for strategies to adapt to rising sea levels and increased cyclone intensity, which threaten the region's stability and resilience.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	Wisdom Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Although preventing all the consequences of climate change is now impossible, we can adopt policies to mitigate its impact. In a set of policy recommendations produced by the University of Jyväskylä, researchers examine the development of sustainable livelihoods in the Sundarbans, a coastal region of India and Bangladesh that is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Sundarbans is one of the largest threatened mangrove ecosystems, which efficiently store carbon dioxide and protect coastal areas from cyclones. -- In a research project funded by the Research Council of Finland entitled Sustainable Livelihoods and Politics at the Margins: Environmental Displacement in South Asia, researchers Sirpa Tenhunen, Mohammad Jasim Udd and Dayabati Roy have prepared recommendations for developing sustainable livelihoods in coastal areas where fragile mangrove forests occur. -- Climate change will increase the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones in the region and raise sea levels, increasing salinity and threatening settlement in the most vulnerable areas. -- However, land level fluctuations are nothing new in this estuary, as the Sundarbans have been and continue to be shaped by the silt carried by rivers from the Himalayan mountains. -- Strips of land are constantly rising from the shore, while elsewhere they are being submerged. -- The report makes the following main recommendations for promoting sustainable development in mangrove forest areas: -- 1. Addressing the multiple drivers of vulnerability in coastal communities -- 2. Fostering sustainable livelihoods that do not exacerbate the adverse effects of climate change and harm the environment -- 3. Adopting participatory approaches that enable the recognition of local communities' unique needs, perspectives, and innovative practices in tackling the effects of climate change -- 4. Improving coastal communities' resilience to disasters	C01 N02	1,921
2510-042	Reducing Screen Time In Childhood May Protect Mental Health During Adolescence	A Finnish study suggests that reducing screen time and encouraging physical activity from a young age can significantly protect adolescents' mental health. This research underscores the growing concern of mental health issues among young people and highlights the importance of promoting healthier lifestyle choices to foster well-being.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent Finnish study suggests that limiting screen time and promoting physical activity from childhood may help safeguard mental health in adolescence. The findings are particularly significant given that mental health problems affect up to 30% of young people and pose a growing societal challenge. -- The study, conducted by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä and the Institute of Biomedicine at the University of Eastern Finland, followed 187 adolescents over an eight-year period. -- Researchers found that children who spent more time on screens -especially mobile devices -- were more likely to experience higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms in adolescence. -- Conversely, higher levels of physical activity and participation in organized sports were associated with lower stress and fewer depressive symptoms. -- However, the link between physical activity and depressive symptoms was weaker than that of screen time and depressive symptoms. -- Adolescents with both high screen time and low physical activity had the highest levels of stress and depressive symptoms. -- "Several international, evidence-based recommendations suggest that the leisure screen time of children and adolescents should be limited to two hours per day." -- "Personally, I think that even this figure is high, as it amounts to almost one month of screen time per year," says Senior Lecturer Eero Haapala from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. -- Balancing physical activity and screen time? -- These findings emphasize the need to promote healthy lifestyle habits early in life.	A01 H01 H02 T01	1,922
2510-080	Twin Study Reveals Exercise's Complex Role In Longevity And Lifespan	Finnish twin studies challenge the simple notion that physical activity directly extends lifespan. Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä explored the relationship between long-term leisure activity, mortality, and genetic predisposition to disease. They found that only moderate activity significantly lowered mortality risk, suggesting that the benefits of physical exercise may vary over time and intensity levels.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	European Journal of Epidemiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Physical activity is seen as a way to extend the human lifespan, but Finnish twin studies found the benefits of physical activity for longevity may not be as straightforward as has been previously thought. -- Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, investigated the links between long-term leisure-time physical activity and mortality, as well as whether physical activity can mitigate the increased risk of mortality due to genetic predisposition to diseases. Moreover, they examined the relationship between physical activity and later biological aging. -- The study included 22,750 Finnish twins born before 1958 whose leisure-time physical activity was assessed in 1975, 1981 and 1990. Mortality follow-up continued until the end of 2020. -- Moderate Activity Yields Maximum Longevity Benefits -- Four distinct sub-groups were identified from the data, which was based on leisure-time physical activity over the 15-year follow-up: sedentary, moderately active, active and highly active groups. When the differences in mortality between the groups were examined at the 30-year follow-up, it was found that the greatest benefit -- a 7% lower risk of mortality -- was achieved between the sedentary and moderately active groups. A higher level of physical activity brought no additional benefit. When mortality was examined separately in the short and long term, a clear association was found in the short-term: the higher the level of physical activity, the lower the mortality risk. In the long term, however, those who were highly active did not differ from those who were sedentary in terms of mortality. -- "An underlying pre-disease state can limit physical activity and ultimately lead to death, not the lack of exercise itself," says Associate Professor Elina Sillanpää from the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences. "This can bias the association between physical activity and mortality in the short term." -- Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines Does Not Guarantee a Lower Mortality Risk -- The researchers also investigated whether following the World Health Organization's physical activity guidelines affects mortality and genetic disease risk. The guidelines suggest 150 to 300 minutes of moderate or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity weekly. The study found that meeting these guidelines did not lower mortality risk or alter genetic disease risk. Even for twins who met the recommended levels of PA over a 15-year period, no statistically significant difference in mortality rates was found compared to their less active twin pair. -- "The widely observed favorable association between physical activity and mortality are based on observational studies that are prone to bias from different sources," says postdoctoral researcher Laura Joensuu from the Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences. "In our studies, we aimed to account for various sources of biases, and combined with the long follow-up period, we could not confirm that adhering to physical activity guidelines mitigates genetic cardiovascular disease risk or causally reduces mortality." -- Link Between Physical Activity and Biological Aging is U-shaped	A01 H01	1,923
2513-081	Outdoor Play And Multisport Activities Boost Children's Motor Skills Development	A study by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, tracked children's motor skill development over three years, emphasizing the importance of outdoor play and multisport activities. Findings indicate that even short durations of outdoor time can significantly enhance motor competence, particularly in girls, while boys' higher activity levels obscure similar connections, underscoring the necessity of diverse physical engagement for all children.	University of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto	Journal of Sports Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A study conducted by the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, followed the development of children's motor skills over a three-year period, from early childhood education to school age. The study showed that independent outdoor time and multisport activities support the development of motor competence. Even 30 minutes of outdoor time after a day at childcare makes a difference. -- The study found that time spent outdoors is associated with better motor competence, especially in girls. -- "Just 30 minutes of daily outdoor time after a day at childcare predicted better motor competence in school-age girls," says doctoral researcher and university teacher Nanne-Mari Luukkainen from the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. -- Boys were found to be significantly more active than girls, which may be one reason no connection between outdoor time and motor competence was observed in boys. -- Additionally, the study confirmed the importance of multisport activities for children's motor development. -- "We found a connection between multisport and the development of motor competence," Luukkainen says. -- "Engaging in two or more sports during early childhood education predicted better motor competence later in school age." -- The study emphasizes the independent roles and importance of outdoor time and multisport activities in the development of children's motor skills. -- Engaging in multisport activities, in particular, predicts the strengthening of motor competence. -- "Based on the results, coaches and physical education teachers should consider the importance of both organised and non-organised physical activities in the holistic development of children and encourage children to engage in diverse physical activities," Luukkainen emphasizes.	A01 H01	1,924
2502-038	Position-Specific Strength Differences Among Football Players May Improve Training Strategies For Performance	A study from the University of Kansas has identified distinct physical characteristics among college football players based on their positions, revealing differences in strength and power. These insights could inform targeted training regimens that optimize player performance and enhance overall athletic development by recognizing the specific fitness needs associated with various football roles.	University of Kansas	Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Even casual football watchers could tell you there are different body types based on the player's position. Linemen are big with a lot of body mass, and wide receivers are smaller and faster, for example. But a new study from the University of Kansas is setting the stage to determine if there are more subtle differences in fitness and strength characteristics by position that are not obvious, even to the trained football eye. -- If coaches and trainers could point to data that shows linebackers generally have higher upper body strength, while tight ends have a high level of flexibility or similar measures, that could lead to position-specific training and putting athletes in their most optimum positions to succeed. -- Quincy Johnson, assistant professor of health, sport & exercise science, led a study that used state-of-the-art technology to assess key performance indicators within a group of college football players that found significant differences in body type, muscular strength and power, though not flexibility, by position type. -- Offensive and defensive linemen, "big skill" positions such as linebackers and tight ends and skill players such as quarterbacks, wide receivers and safeties were the focus of the study. -- Researchers conducted a battery of tests with 16 starters from a NCAA Division II football team. -- All were free of musculoskeletal injuries and had regularly taken part in strength and conditioning training. -- "Even within the same sport you have different body types and different needs for the position they play," Johnson said. -- "Speed, mobility, flexibility all play a part in your ability to play football. Strength and power also play a huge role. We found significant differences among position groups in muscular power, as well as muscular strength. However, we didn't find a difference in flexibility." -- Players in the sample were separated into offensive and defensive groups and were tested for body composition, including height, body mass and lean body mass. -- Then, further key performance indicators like movement capacity, muscular strength and power were measured.	H01	1,925
2510-T027	Cities Conducting Emissions Inventories Show Significant CO2 Reduction	Research from the University of Kansas confirms that conducting greenhouse gas emissions inventories leads to significant reductions in municipal CO2 emissions, highlighting the effectiveness of sustainability measures. The findings emphasize the importance of data-driven approaches in urban sustainability efforts to combat climate change.	University of Kansas	Cities	Press Rel	PubMed	For years, cities have been taking on efforts to reduce their carbon footprint by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet little has been done to verify if such work has the intended outcome. -- New research from the University of Kansas found that completing a greenhouse gas emission inventory indeed moves the needle toward mitigation. -- "Sustainability" can refer to any number of efforts a municipality can employ, but research has found that when American cities conduct a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, they reduce their CO2 emissions significantly more than they would have otherwise. -- "We found evidence that the construction and development of a GHG (green house gas) emissions inventory was causally linked to fewer fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions," said Rachel Krause, professor of public affairs and administration at KU and the study's lead author. -- "Inventories reflect considerable investigation into the source and amount of local emissions, and we hypothesize that this information increases ability to manage efforts and allowed for change." -- Completing such an inventory, as well as employing sustainability directors or professionals in city government, are two of the most common methods cities have used to boost sustainability and reduce emissions, and researchers wanted to examine the understudied area of how effective those efforts are. -- Researchers gathered data from cities across the United States identifying whether they had an emissions inventory and/or sustainability staff in place in both 2010 and 2015. -- Because the goal was to determine the difference that these investments generate, only those without them in place in 2010 were included in the analysis. -- This yielded a sample of 702 municipalities to examine the emissions inventory and 484 for the sustainability staff. -- The research team then used satellite-gathered emissions data to calculate emissions released within the cities' boundaries and compared the differences in emissions from the two points in time for groups of cities that did and did not make these investments.	C01	1,926
2512-009	Farmers Avoid Discussing Climate Change To Protect Livelihoods And Relationships, Study Reveals	Research from the University of Kansas highlights that farmers in Missouri and Kansas are hesitant to discuss climate change due to fears of conflict and potential harm to their livelihoods. This reluctance poses challenges for addressing climate issues effectively, underscoring the need for dialogue among those most affected by environmental changes.	University of Kansas	Environmental Communication	Press Rel	PubMed	We have all avoided having conversations if the topic is controversial or may lead to an argument. Farmers, who are on the front lines of climate change, avoid talking about it with their neighbors, community members, elected officials and even their own families because of potential conflict and harm to their livelihood, new research from the University of Kansas has found. -- Researchers conducted interviews with more than 20 farmers in Kansas and Missouri to understand their communication about climate change. Results showed respondents had a range of views on climate change from being convinced of its effects and taking action in their farming operations to skepticism -- but all avoided discussing it to varying extents. -- "People were worried about a variety of reactions. Some said they couldn't even talk about it with their families because they would give them a weird look if they brought it up," said Hong Tien Vu, associate professor of journalism & mass communications at KU and lead author of the study. "That was a low-level worry, but others said they had heard people laughing at them or were concerned about their neighbors not working with them if they had different opinions." -- The study was born from research Vu and students started during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group received private donor funding to study local climate change effects. Students interviewed scientists on campus and farmers in surrounding communities about climate change, their views on it and how it affects them. Farmers were reluctant to discuss the topic on camera. -- "When we talk about climate change, we tend to look at broad effects like sea level rise. It can be difficult for people to find relevance in topics like that in their lives. We wanted to focus on factors that relate to people's lives here in Kansas," Vu said. "We wanted to interview farmers specifically because they are on the front lines of climate change impacts, both in terms of contributing to it through factors like emissions and feeling the effects of it." -- Given farmers' reluctance to discuss the topic on camera, researchers decided to conduct interviews in which they could guarantee anonymity for respondents. Farmers then discussed their opinions on the topic, how it affects their lives and work, and why they avoid discussing it. -- The researchers examined the topic through the lens of spiral of silence theory, which posits that when discussing controversial topics, people judge the prevailing opinion of others before deciding whether to speak. If they feel they are in the minority, people will often choose not to discuss a topic, which can have long-term ramifications, including silencing people and exacerbating problems that people choose not to address. -- The results confirmed the prevalence of a spiral of silence among Kansas and Missouri farmers. The respondents were both men and women, ranging in age from their 20s to 70s. When asked their thoughts on climate change, responses ranged from believing it is real, scientifically proven and having effects now, to being skeptical both of its prevalence and whether it is caused by humans. But across the board, respondents indicated they generally avoid discussing the topic. -- The farmers gave a range of reasons why they avoid it. Many simply did not want a conflict that could result in violence or an argument with neighbors or community members. Some feared it could damage their business, as neighbors might be less likely to work with them and share equipment or people might give them a negative online review and tell people not to buy their products at farmers' markets and other locales if they disagreed with their views. -- Farmers said they also tried to gauge a person's opinions based on interpersonal cues before deciding whether to discuss climate change. For example, the type of vehicle a person drives, whether a large pickup or hybrid car, can provide clues about their opinions on the matter.	R01 T01	1,927
2506-054	Trust In AI For Moral Decisions Faces Significant Challenges And Doubts	Psychologists caution that AI's perceived lack of human-like understanding may hinder its acceptance in making crucial moral decisions. The University of Kent's research explores public perceptions of artificial moral advisors (AMAs) based on ethical guidelines. As AI technology advances into moral domains, understanding how people trust these systems compared to human advisors is essential for their effective integration into decision-making processes.	University of Kent	Cognition	Press Rel	PubMed	Psychologists warn that AI's perceived lack of human experience and genuine understanding may limit its acceptance to make higher-stakes moral decisions. -- Artificial moral advisors (AMAs) are systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) that are starting to be designed to assist humans in making moral decisions based on established ethical theories, principles, or guidelines. -- While prototypes are being developed, at present AMAs are not yet being used to offer consistent, bias-free recommendations and rational moral advice. -- As machines powered by artificial intelligence increase in their technological capacities and move into the moral domain it is critical that we understand how people think about such artificial moral advisors. -- Research led by the University of Kent's School of Psychology explored how people would perceive these advisors and if they would trust their judgement, in comparison with human advisors. -- It found that while artificial intelligence might have the potential to offer impartial and rational advice, people still do not fully trust it to make ethical decisions on moral dilemmas. -- Published in the journal Cognition, the research shows that people have a significant aversion to AMAs (vs humans) giving moral advice even when the advice given is identical, while also showing that this is particularly the case when advisors -- human and AI alike -- gave advice based on utilitarian principles (actions that could positively impact the majority). Advisors who gave non-utilitarian advice (e.g. adhering to moral rules rather than maximising outcomes) were trusted more, especially in dilemmas involving direct harm. -- This suggests that people value advisors -- human or AI -- who align with principles that prioritise individuals over abstract outcomes. -- Even when participants agreed with the AMA's decision, they still anticipated disagreeing with AI in the future, indicating inherent scepticism. -- Dr Jim Everett led the research at Kent, alongside Dr Simon Myers at the University of Warwick.	T01	1,928
2507-143	Confident Decision-Making In Dominant Individuals Does Not Guarantee Accuracy	Research from the University of Kent indicates that individuals pursuing dominance in social settings may exhibit increased confidence in decision-making, but not greater accuracy. This study challenges the assumption that confidence equates to competence, revealing insights into how social dynamics influence leadership roles regardless of actual decision-making skills.	University of Kent	University of Kent	Press Rel	PubMed	Research from the University of Kent's School of Psychology has found that people who strive for dominance, whether in personal or professional life, are more confident in their decision-making but are no more accurate in their choices than those of a lower social status. -- The research, published by the journal Personality and Individual Differences, challenges the idea that confidence signals competence, a perception that often propels dominant individuals into leadership roles. -- Led by Dr Andrew Martin, the research found that social dominance was comparable between males and females and both showed an effect of greater confidence, debunking the long-held belief that dominance-driven strategies are primarily male traits. -- Dr Martin said: 'While high status within social hierarchies is often associated with socially dominant individuals, our research goes to show that there is no superiority in decision performance and why acting confidently can actually be an effective social strategy, regardless of ability. -- Our findings uncover how socially dominant individuals may traverse society, acquire and possibly even retain positions of social power and influence.' -- To reach their conclusions the psychologists assessed performance from participants through three studies using a two-choice statistical learning decision- making task and a self-referential memory task.	H02	1,929
2510-052	Short GIFs Found To Aid Sleep For Professional Female Footballers	A study from the University of Kent reveals that short animations known as GIFs can help improve sleep quality among professional female footballers. The research suggests that simple interventions, like visual aids, might enhance sleep hygiene, thereby positively impacting athletes' performance and overall wellbeing in a sport where sleep is essential.	University of Kent	European Journal of Sport Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study led by the University of Kent's School of Natural Sciences has found that short animations known as GIFs (Graphic Interchange Format) can improve the sleep of professional female footballers. -- Poor sleep quality is common among elite athletes, with sleep environment and bedtime routine often to blame. -- Many professional athletes look to sleep coaches to help improve their sleep, which can have a big impact on their performances and wellbeing, but this new research demonstrates that simpler sleep enhancement strategies could actually be adopted. -- Dr Julie Gooderick and her team of researchers worked with professional footballers from the Women's Super League (WSL), the highest level of women's football in England, to assess self-reported target areas of sleep hygiene that needed improvement in individuals. -- Sleep hygiene can be defined as practicing habits that facilitate sleep. -- GIFs were then designed with the purpose of giving a singular sleep hygiene message to each individual. -- The message was accompanied by a purposely short text to facilitate a high engagement rate. -- Messages included 'Screens away 30 minutes before bed' and 'Replace caffeinated drink with non-caffeinated herbal tea or water'. -- All participants received their bespoke messages daily across a two-week intervention period at a consistent time of 8pm, with the intention of them actioning the sleep hygiene prompt. -- Following the GIF interventions the professional footballers reported improvements to their sleep by the end of the nine-week study.	H02	1,930
2507-103	Self-Sampling Matches Speculum Testing Effectiveness For HPV Detection	A groundbreaking study reveals a shared biochemical connection between plant immune responses and human neurological health, focusing on vitamin B6 homeostasis. This research not only highlights the importance of vitamin B6 in epilepsy and immune function but also underscores the potential for cross-disciplinary insights between plant biology and human health, paving the way for future studies.	University of Kentucky	University of Kentucky	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study led by a team of researchers at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has revealed a surprising biochemical connection between plant immune responses and human neurological health. -- Researchers have discovered that the metabolic pathways regulating vitamin B6 homeostasis -- critical in certain forms of epilepsy and immune function -- are shared by plants and humans. -- This study was published in the journal Nature Plants and supported with funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. -- It highlights the importance of plant-based diets as a source of essential vitamins and amino acids, reinforcing the deep biochemical connections between plant resilience and human health. -- Understanding these shared metabolic pathways opens new avenues for improving both crop resilience and human nutrition. -- The study focuses on lysine catabolism. Catabolism, the breakdown of nutrients, is part of metabolism -- the complex series of chemical reactions that sustain life. -- Lysine is an important amino acid required for protein synthesis, collagen formation, calcium absorption and the production of enzymes, hormones and antibodies. -- Researchers found that plants produce Δ1-piperideine-6-carboxylic acid (P6C) as part of lysine breakdown, mirroring a process in humans where elevated P6C levels are linked to pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. -- In plants, increased P6C levels disrupted vitamin B6 balance, depleting key forms of B6 and compromising systemic immunity. -- "Our findings highlight the deep evolutionary processes that shape biochemical signaling across life forms," said Huazhen Liu, Ph.D., the study's lead researcher and a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Plant Pathology in Martin-Gatton CAFE.	H01 N02	1,931
2502-044	Gentle Touch Promotes Mental Health And Enhances Cooperative Behaviors	A study led by Michael Griesser from the University of Konstanz shows that gentle touch significantly benefits mental health and promotes cooperation among individuals. By examining social touch in both humans and animals, researchers found that such interactions foster trust and enhance social bonds, which can help mitigate stress in today's fast-paced world, thus supporting mental well-being.	University of Konstanz	Trends in Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	The power of touch and social connections helps people to cope with an increasingly stressful world as indicated by a recent decline in mental health. Gentle, caring touch plays a significant role in strengthening interpersonal bonds and enhancing mental health. It is often referred to as affective or consoling touch, and has been linked to many health benefits including enhanced social connection and trust, stress and pain reduction, and better mental health. As a Konstanz-based researcher and his team observe, caring, gentle social touch can also play a significant role in the lives of animals and may even allow for the evolution of cooperation. -- In a recently published study, an international research team, led by Michael Griesser from the University of Konstanz and its Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour" and Miya Warrington from Oxford Brookes University synthesizes evidence from the animal kingdom to highlight the key role of touch in animals for the evolution and persistence of friendships and cooperation. -- Griesser and Warrington noticed differences in the level of touch and cooperation between two wild bird species that they both study -- Apostlebirds in the Australian outback and Siberian jays in Swedish Lapland. -- They observed that the high-touch apostlebirds preen each other and cooperated in many contexts, including joint care of young, while Siberian jays do not preen each other and cooperate in few tasks. -- Teaming up with primatologists, Judith Burkart and Natalie Uomini at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and African mammal physiologists, Nigel Bennett and Daniel Hart at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, they explored the common features of touch, hormones and cooperation between birds and mammals. -- Astoundingly, the joint investigation revealed that touch has a key role in forming and maintaining social bonds in general, directly affecting how animals cooperate. -- The word "cooperation" is used for many behaviours where the involved individuals benefit, explains Warrington, "but, in fact, not all such behaviours are done out of kindness, or because we are bonded to the other individual. Actually, cooperative behaviours occur along a spectrum." For example, on one side of the spectrum there are animals, like impalas, that groom each other reciprocally, to remove the parasites off their necks that they can't reach themselves. -- Thus, this is a very transactional behaviour. On the other side of the spectrum, animals like marmosets, live in family groups and group members do everything together regardless of immediate direct benefits. -- Thus, marmosets are very prosocial in most aspects of their lives. -- This spectrum of cooperation is not entirely unexpected, reflecting the great diversity in how and why species cooperate.	H02 R01 R02 N01	1,932
2504-E047	Protein Pocket in Cyclin B Ensures Proper Cell Division Sequence	A recent study at the University of Konstanz identifies a crucial binding pocket in cyclin B that regulates the order of cell division, a process vital for organismal development. Understanding how this mechanism operates could help prevent errors that lead to tumor formation and infertility, emphasizing its significance in cellular biology and potential therapeutic applications.	University of Konstanz	Nature Communication	Press Rel	PubMed	Cell division is key for life. Every organism -- from the smallest yeast to complex human beings -- depends upon the constant reproduction of individual cells. In this process, various mechanisms ensure that all of the steps are completed in the correct order and that no errors are incorporated into new cells. This is important because such errors can, for example, cause tumours to form. A research team at the University of Konstanz led by biologist Thomas Mayer has now discovered that one of these control mechanisms is guided by a small binding-pocket that helps cyclins from the B type to dock onto substrates and thus significantly impacts the correct sequence of cell division events. -- The correct sequence of events is key -- During cell division, it is important that the many individual steps always occur in exactly the same order. -- If this does not happen, it results in malformations. Depending on the cell involved and the step in the process, this can, for example, lead to the formation of tumours or to infertility. -- "In two studies, we tested whether the docking site on cyclin B -- a type of pocket -- contributes to the correct sequence of events and, if so, what effects it has," Mayer says. -- "By making targeted changes to this docking site, we were able to demonstrate that malformations occur during cell division when the pocket loses its shape and can no longer dock onto the substrate." -- The reason for this lies in the cyclins' cooperation with a kinase. -- Kinases are responsible for phosphorylating amino acids in substrates -- a key process for cell division. -- Another important factor for the process is that the environment of the amino acids has a significant influence on how well phosphorylation takes place. -- If the kinase floats freely in the cell, it mainly phosphorylates amino acids that are in an ideal environment.	Z01	1,933
2506-023	Brain Activity Measurement Shows Effectiveness Of Public Alcohol Awareness Campaigns	Psychologists have utilized EEG measurements to investigate the effectiveness of public health campaigns aimed at reducing risky alcohol consumption. This research focuses on synchronizing brain activity among viewers as they engage with health messages. It aims to provide objective measures for evaluating campaign impacts, particularly in light of recent WHO initiatives encouraging reflection on alcohol’s health effects.	University of Konstanz	Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	Health campaigns, such as those against drug abuse or those promoting infection prevention measures during the coronavirus pandemic, are key public health tools and help protect the population. A recent campaign of the World Health Organization (WHO), for example, was launched in October 2024 under the motto "Redefine Alcohol." This call to action encourages people in Europe to reflect on the health effects of alcohol consumption, which, according to the WHO is currently directly responsible for one in eleven deaths in the European region. -- However, not all health campaigns achieve the desired effect. -- Having an objective measure of the effectiveness of health-related messages at the campaign development stage would thus be extremely valuable. -- To this end, psychologists from the Konstanz Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour" led by Harald Schupp and Britta Renner are conducting studies measuring the brain activity of viewers who watch real video health messages against risky alcohol consumption. -- In laboratory experiments using advanced imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) or electroencephalography (EEG), the researchers have previously demonstrated that particularly strong messages lead to an increased synchronization of the viewers' brain activity. -- This means that, when watching the video, the participants' brain activity changes in a similar way -- particularly in regions of the brain associated with higher-order processes such as attention, emotions and personal relevance. -- From the lab to real-world application -- The Konstanz researchers used simpler, portable EEGs for the first time in a recent study. -- They measured the brain waves of the viewers in a standard seminar room -- i.e. outside an elaborately shielded laboratory -- and of a whole group of participants at the same time. -- They demonstrated that the synchronization of brain waves while watching particularly strong video messages against risky alcohol consumption can also be measured under these real-world conditions and with the simplified, more cost-effective technical setup.	A01 R01 R02 T01	1,934
2506-E007	Advanced Techniques Allow Researchers To Track Fish Eye Movements In 3D	A new 3D eye-tracking technology has been developed to study fish movement and behavior within schools, providing insights into collective behavior rules. This non-invasive method allows researchers to analyze how individual fish perceive their environment and coordinate with each other, contributing to a greater understanding of swarm dynamics in aquatic ecosystems and their ecological significance.	University of Konstanz	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Schools of fish are mesmerizing examples of collective animal behavior. Thousands of individuals move in near-perfect synchrony, despite each fish having only a limited view of their surroundings. How do they achieve such effortless coordination with minimal local information? And what visual cues does an individual fish actually perceive within the shifting, dynamic group? -- Researchers from the Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour" and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior want to answer these questions and developed a new technology that looks deep into the fish's eye: Their new 3D eye tracking method is non-invasive and makes it possible to track the eye movements of free-swimming fish in a fully automated way, using only video recordings of the fish. -- Why the fish eye matters -- Why is it important to know the retinal view of the fish in 3D? -- Quite simply: In order to help us understand the "rules of collective behaviour," we need to estimate what information is available to the individual members of the swarm. -- For example: The school's collective behaviour is based on thousands of decisions that each individual fish makes. -- If a fish changes its direction of movement, what factors influence this decision? -- Which other fish were in its field of vision that it used for its orientation? -- Which fish, in turn, will react to this one? What rules of behaviour do fish collectives follow, and what sensory perceptions are their decisions based on? -- The scientists at the Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour" investigate the nature of interactions among individuals in collectives, from fish schools to flock of birds, from locust swarms to the large herds that migrate across continents.	N01	1,935
2507-T007	AI Enhances Speed And Efficiency In Nanoparticle Research	A team of researchers has successfully adapted an AI system to assist in nanoparticle measurement, significantly accelerating the research process. This technology addresses the time-consuming task of counting and measuring nanoparticles, enhancing the efficiency of statistical analyses necessary for advanced nanoparticle synthesis.	University of Konstanz	University of Konstanz	Press Rel	PubMed	Nanoparticle researchers spend most of their time on one thing: counting and measuring nanoparticles. Each step of the way, they have to check their results. They usually do this by analyzing microscopic images of hundreds of nanoparticles packed tightly together. Counting and measuring them takes a long time, but this work is essential for completing the statistical analyses required for conducting the next, suitably optimized nanoparticle synthesis. -- Alexander Wittemann is a professor of colloid chemistry at the University of Konstanz. -- He and his team repeat this process every day. "When I worked on my doctoral thesis, we used a large particle counting machine for these measurements. It was like a cash register, and, at the time, I was really happy when I could measure three hundred nanoparticles a day," Wittemann remembers. -- However, reliable statistics require thousands of measurements for each sample. -- Today, the increased use of computer technology means the process can move much more rapidly. -- At the same time, the automated methods are very prone to errors, and many measurements still need to be conducted, or at least double-checked, by the researchers themselves. -- A correct count -- even with complex particles During the coronavirus pandemic, good fortune brought Wittemann into contact with his doctoral student Gabriel Monteiro, who not only has knowledge of programming and AI, but also has connections to computer scientists. -- Wittemann and Monteiro developed a program based on Meta's open source AI technology "Segment Anything Model." The program enables the AI-supported counting of nanoparticles in a microscopic image and the subsequent automatic measurement of each individual particle. -- "For clearly definable particles, the 'watershed method' has worked quite well so far. Our new method, however, can also automatically count particles that have a dumbbell or caterpillar shape, consisting of strings of two or three overlapping spheres," Wittemann explains. -- "This saves a massive amount of time," he adds. "In the time it would usually take to complete a particle synthesis and make the corresponding time-consuming measurements, we can now concentrate on particle syntheses and examining them under the microscope, while the AI system takes care of most of the rest. This last step is now possible in a fraction of the time it used to require. This means, we can complete eight to ten particle analyses in the time we used to need for one."	R01 T01	1,936
2508-c016	Examining Animal Cooperation: Insights From Cross-Species Collaborations And Intelligence Evolution	An interdisciplinary team is investigating the cognitive mechanisms behind cross-species cooperation in animals, offering new insights into intelligence and social behavior evolution. The study, focusing on examples like octopuses hunting with fish, seeks to understand how animals perceive and learn to collaborate for mutual benefits. This research challenges traditional views on cooperation and intelligence, suggesting they may develop across species boundaries.	University of Konstanz	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Some animals are capable of cooperating with members of other species. An interdisciplinary team involving the biologist Eduardo Sampaio from the University of Konstanz explores the cognitive underpinnings of such cross-species collaborations, opening up a new perspective on the evolution of intelligence and cooperation in the animal kingdom. -- The animal world is full of fascinating examples of cooperation between different animal species: from cleaner wrasses that rid larger fish of their parasites, or birds from the drongo family that warn meerkats of predators, to octopuses that hunt together with fish. -- But what mechanisms of perception, learning or decision-making do animals need in order to cooperate with other species for mutual benefit? -- To address this question, biologist Eduardo Sampaio from the Cluster of Excellence "Collective Behaviour" at the University of Konstanz (Germany) and the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior teamed up with comparative psychologists Alexandra Schnell (Cambridge University; UK) and Piero Amodio (Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn; Italy). In their recent article in Current Biology, they explore possible cognitive foundations of cross-species social behaviour using the example of cooperative hunting in octopus and reef fish. -- "Partnerships like these challenge traditional views of intelligence and cooperation in the animal kingdom," says Sampaio. "From an evolutionary perspective, social complexity, problem solving and communication do not only arise within one's own group, but can also be shaped by the need to collaborate across species boundaries."	N01	1,937
2505-T024	Quantum Simulation Offers New Insights Into Cosmic Phenomena And The Universe's Fate	A team of physicists has conducted a pioneering simulation that illuminates a mysterious phenomenon with potential implications for the universe's fate. This research, stemming from quantum field theory, considers the possibility that the universe is in a false vacuum state, which may lead to a transition to a more stable true vacuum. Although the timeline for such a transition remains uncertain, experts suggest it could take millions of years.	University of Leeds	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of scientists have modelled formation and evolution of strongest magnetic fields in the Universe. -- Led by scientists from Newcastle University, University of Leeds and France, the paper was published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The researchers identified the Tayler-Spruit dynamo caused by fall back of supernova material as mechanism leading to formation of low-field magnetars. -- This new work solves the mystery of low-field magnetars formation puzzling scientists since low-field magnetar discovery in 2010. -- The team used advanced numerical simulations to model the magneto-thermal evolution of these stars, finding that a specific dynamo process within the proto-neutron star can generate these weaker magnetic fields. -- Study lead author, Dr Andrei Igoshev, Research Fellow at Newcastle University's School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, said: "Neutron stars are born in supernova explosions. Most of external layers of massive star are removed during the supernova, but some material falls back making the neutron star to spin faster. Researchers show that this process plays a very important role for formation of magnetic field via the Tayler-Spruit dynamo mechanism. This mechanism was suggested theoretically nearly a quarter of century ago, but it was only recently reproduced using computer simulations. The magnetic field formed via this mechanism is very complicated with internal field inside the start which is much stronger than the external." -- Magnetars are known to have enormous magnetic fields which are hundreds trillions times stronger the Earth magnetic fields. -- Due to these fields magnetars are bright and variable sources of X-ray radiation. -- Some of less magnetised stars also have similar X-ray emission. -- These less magnetised stars are known as low-field magnetars. -- Dynamo is a mechanism which convert plasma motion into magnetic fields.	T01	1,938
2507-063	Reintroducing Wolves In Scotland Could Help Combat Climate Change By Storing CO2	A study led by researchers at the University of Leeds suggests that reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could significantly enhance the region's native woodlands. By controlling the red deer population, which currently inhibits tree regeneration, wolves could facilitate an increase in woodland cover, sequestering up to one million tons of CO2 annually. This ecological intervention could play a vital role in meeting the UK's net-zero carbon targets by 2050.	University of Leeds	University of Leeds	Press Rel	PubMed	Reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could lead to an expansion of native woodland which could take in and store one million tonnes of CO2 annually, according to a new study led by researchers at the University of Leeds. -- The team modelled the potential impact that wolves could have in four areas classified as Scottish Wild Land, where the eating of tree saplings by growing red deer populations is suppressing natural regeneration of trees and woodland. -- They used a predator-prey model to estimate that a reintroduction of wolves to areas in the Cairngorms, South-west Highlands, Central Highlands and North-west Highlands would lead to a total population of around 167 wolves -- enough to reduce red deer populations to a level that would allow trees to regenerate naturally. -- Control of red deer by wolves could lead to an expansion of native woodland that would take up -- or sequester -- one million tonnes of CO2 each year -- equivalent to approximately 5% of the carbon removal target for UK woodlands that has been suggested by the UK's Climate Change Committee as being necessary to reach net-zero by 2050. -- The researchers estimate that each wolf would lead to an annual carbon uptake capability of 6080 tonnes of CO2, making each of the predators "worth" £154,000, using accepted current valuations of carbon. -- The results of their study are published today (17 February 2025) in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence. -- This is the first time that the potential impacts of a wolf reintroduction on woodland expansion and carbon storage in the UK have been assessed, and the researchers believe the results provide further evidence of the role large carnivores can play in delivering the nature-based solutions required to address the climate emergency. -- Lead author Professor Dominick Spracklen of the University of Leeds' School of Earth and Environment said: "There is an increasing acknowledgement that the climate and biodiversity crises cannot be managed in isolation. -- "We need to look at the potential role of natural processes such as the reintroduction of species to recover our degraded ecosystems and these in turn can deliver co-benefits for climate and nature recovery." -- Wolves were eradicated from Scotland around 250 years ago, leaving red deer with no natural predators and allowing their populations to grow across the country.	R01 C01 N02	1,939
2507-065	Rare Conditions Behind Formation Of Earth's Ice Caps Revealed In New Research	New research indicates that the Earth’s current ice cap conditions are exceptional and require a rare combination of factors to persist. A study by a team from the University of Leeds explored the historical prevalence of greenhouse conditions and revealed that the current climate is a result of fortunate coincidences rather than typical environmental conditions, highlighting the complex interplay of factors leading to ice cap formation.	University of Leeds	University of Leeds	Press Rel	PubMed	The cool conditions which have allowed ice caps to form on Earth are rare events in the planet's history and require many complex processes working at once, according to new research. -- A team of scientists led by the University of Leeds investigated why Earth has existed in what is known as a 'greenhouse' state without ice caps for much of its history, and why the conditions we are living in now are so rare. -- They found that Earth's current ice-covered state is not typical for the planet's history and was only achieved through a lucky coincidence. -- Many ideas have previously been proposed to explain the known cold intervals in Earth's history. -- These include decreased CO2 emissions from volcanoes or increased carbon storage by forests, or the reaction of CO2 with certain types of rocks. -- The researchers undertook the first ever combined test of all of these cooling processes in a new type of long-term 3D model of the Earth which was first developed at the University of Leeds. -- This type of 'Earth Evolution Model' has only recently been made possible through advances in computing. -- They concluded that no single process could drive these cold climates, and that the cooling in fact required the combined effects of several processes at once. -- The results of their study are published today (14 February 2025) in the Journal Science Advances. -- The findings will help to reconcile a debate in the Earth Science community about which processes were responsible for driving these cold periods.	C01 N02	1,940
2510-064	Affordable Polio Vaccine Innovations Are On The Horizon	Researchers at the University of Leeds have made strides in creating a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These VLPs mimic the poliovirus structure without the infection risk and have shown promising effectiveness comparable to the current inactivated polio vaccine, potentially revolutionizing polio vaccination strategies.	University of Leeds	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A more affordable, lower-risk polio vaccine is on the horizon, research led by the University of Leeds has found. -- Researchers have taken a major step towards producing a more affordable and lower-risk polio vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles mimic the outer protein shell of poliovirus, but are empty inside. -- This means there is no risk of infection, but the VLP still causes the immune system to respond. -- Now, a research project led by Professor David Rowlands, Emeritus Professor of Molecular Virology at the University of Leeds, has tested the effectiveness of using different yeast, insect, mammalian and plant cells as expression systems to generate VLPs. -- In a paper published in Nature Communications, the findings show that VLPs produced in both yeast and insect cells can perform equally or better than the current inactivated polio vaccine (IPV), which creates an immune system response by using a killed version of the poliovirus. -- Professor Nicola Stonehouse is Chair in Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and one of the senior authors on the paper. -- Professor Stonehouse said: "Any vaccine is only as effective as the number of children that it reaches. The key is to make vaccines universally accessible, as all children have a right to be protected from diseases such as polio, no matter where they live. Ultimately, VLPs would significantly contribute to vaccine equity. -- "Thanks to research like this, we are already working with commercial partners to produce the next generation of polio vaccines. Although we don't yet know when these will be widely available, we are getting much closer to a polio-free future." -- Today's polio vaccines -- Currently, IPV is relatively expensive to produce because it requires high levels of bio-containment to minimise the risk of leaks of live poliovirus, which could result in outbreaks.	H01 R01 N02	1,941
2512-057	Revolutionary Mini Robot Scans Inside The Body For Early Cancer Detection	Engineers from the University of Leeds have created an innovative tiny magnetic robot capable of capturing high-resolution 3D scans from deep within the body, a breakthrough for early cancer detection. This technology allows for non-invasive virtual biopsies, enabling immediate diagnostic evaluations without the need for traditional biopsies, significantly advancing cancer diagnosis and treatment.	University of Leeds	Science Robotics	Press Rel	PubMed	A tiny magnetic robot which can take 3D scans from deep within the body, that could revolutionise early cancer detection, has been developed by researchers. -- The team, led by engineers from the University of Leeds, say this is the first time it has been possible to generate high-resolution three-dimensional ultrasound images taken from a probe deep inside the gastrointestinal tract, or gut. -- It paves the way to a transformation of the diagnosis and treatment of several forms of cancer by enabling 'virtual biopsies' -- non-invasive scans that provide immediate diagnostic data, allowing doctors to detect, stage, and potentially treat lesions in a single procedure: eliminating the need for physical biopsies. -- The perhaps surprising key to the team's success was the use of a little-known 3D shape, the oloid, which gave the magnetic medical robot a previously impossible range of motion -- the roll -- essential for precise navigation and imaging inside the body. -- A paper, published today (March 26) in Science Robotics, explains how the team integrated the oloid shape, and its unique rolling motion, into a new magnetic flexible endoscope (MFE). They equipped it with a small, high-frequency imaging device to capture detailed 3D images of internal tissues. -- This technology was developed through a collaboration between engineers, scientists, and clinicians from the University of Leeds, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh. Leeds led the robotics development and integration of the probe, while Glasgow and Edinburgh provided the ultrasound probe and led the imaging component -- Pietro Valdastri, Professor and Chair in Robotics and Autonomous Systems and Director of the STORM Lab, coordinated the research behind this paper. He said: "For the first time, this research enables us to reconstruct a 3D ultrasound image taken from a probe deep inside the gut -- something that has never been done before. -- "This approach enables in-situ tissue analysis and diagnosis of colorectal cancer, with immediate results. The process of diagnosing colorectal cancer currently requires a tissue sample to be removed, then sent to a lab, with results taking from one to three weeks." -- The imaging device -- a 28 MHz micro-ultrasound array -- creates a high-resolution, 3D reconstruction of the area it scans. From this virtual reconstruction, clinicians can make cross-sectional images that mimic those generated by a standard biopsy, in which a sample of tissue is sliced into thin layers and placed on a slide to be examined under a microscope. -- High frequency, or high-resolution ultrasound, is different to the ultrasound most of us are familiar with, used to look at a fetus or internal organs. The high frequency/resolution ultrasound probe used in this study enables users to see features on a microscopic level, down to tissue layer level detail.	A01 R01 T01	1,942
2513-E004	Scientists Link Powerful Winter Storms In The UK To Arctic Wind Vortex	A study from the University of Leeds reveals that an intense Arctic wind vortex contributed to the severe winter storms in the UK and Ireland. Researchers connected these storms to stronger stratospheric winds, providing insights that could enhance forecasting models and prepare communities for future extreme weather events, highlighting the intersection of climate change and storm intensification.	University of Leeds	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Powerful winter storms which led to deaths and power outages in the UK and Ireland were made more likely by an intense swirling vortex of winds miles above the Arctic, say scientists. -- A team of researchers led by the University of Leeds has pinpointed a new reason for winter storm clusters such as the trio named Dudley, Eunice and Franklin, which hit the nation within the space of a week in February 2022. -- The findings which are published today in the journal Communications Earth and Environment reveal the cluster of extreme UK winter storms was connected to stronger winds in the Arctic stratosphere, and the researchers believe this could help weather forecasters to know when there is an increased risk of storm clusters up to a month before they happen. -- Lead author Dr Ryan Williams, who carried out the research while at the University of Leeds, said: "Our research demonstrates the need to better understand the different drivers of the North Atlantic storm track, such as the state of the stratospheric polar vortex that is potentially predictable several weeks in advance. -- "Being able to provide early warnings of possible severe weather is all the more pertinent with climate change, as there is evidence that major winter storms will become more intense, exacerbating impacts such as flooding and wind damage." -- February 2022 was a particularly stormy month in the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia and Germany with several intense cyclones -- rotating low pressure weather systems that often create strong winds and heavy rain. -- For the first time since 2015 when the UK Met Office began naming impactful cyclones, the UK experienced three named storms in a week -- Dudley, Eunice and Franklin. -- A total of seven storms were tracked near the UK during that month, the fourth highest number during February since 1979. -- Four deaths were reported across the UK and Ireland and 1 million homes were affected by power outages lasting up to several days. -- The estimated insurance bill in the UK and the rest of Europe due to the windstorms was almost four billion euros.	A01 C01	1,943
2511-096	First Molecular Movie Captures DNA Unzipping At The Atomic Level	Scientists at the University of Leicester have captured a groundbreaking "molecular movie" illustrating the DNA unzipping process at the atomic level. This detailed visualization of DNA helicases during replication could significantly enhance our understanding of genetic material copying, with implications for studying viruses and cancer.	University of Leicester	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the University of Leicester have captured the first detailed "molecular movie" showing DNA being unzipped at the atomic level -- revealing how cells begin the crucial process of copying their genetic material. -- The groundbreaking discovery, published in the journal Nature, could have far-reaching implications, helping us to understand how certain viruses and cancers replicate. -- Using cutting edge cryo-electron microscopy, the team of scientists were able to visualise a helicase enzyme (nature's DNA unzipping machine) in the process of unwinding DNA. DNA helicases are essential during DNA replication because they separate double-stranded DNA into single strands, allowing each strand to be copied. -- Dr Taha Shahid, from the University of Leicester's Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology and lead author on the paper, said: "We recorded multiple snapshots showing how this molecular motor methodically separates the DNA double helix. It's like a molecular-scale zipper in action and while scientists have long known that cells need to unzip their DNA to copy it, we have never before been able to see exactly how this happens. -- "Now we can watch the entire process unfold, in a moment-by-moment fashion, revealing the precise mechanics of one of life's most fundamental processes." -- The researchers found that rather than working by brute force as previously assumed, the helicase operates through an elegant mechanism that uses cellular fuel (ATP) as a precise trigger. -- It functions like a six-piston molecular engine -- each piston "fires" in sequence, driving the machine forward along the DNA. Crucially, instead of pushing the strands apart directly, it releases built-up tension -- like letting go of a compressed spring -- allowing the DNA to unwind naturally. -- Dr Shahid said: "This "entropy switch" mechanism is fundamentally different from how we thought molecular motors worked. We also solved a long-standing mystery about how cells coordinate DNA copying in both directions, discovering that two helicase machines work together at specific DNA sites, establishing "replication forks" that allow efficient copying of both strands simultaneously." -- The research was an international collaboration between the University of Leicester and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, which provided core funding and The Midlands Regional Cryo-EM Facility at the Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology (LISCB), which provided essential infrastructure for the work. -- Dr Shahid continued: "The helicase mechanism we've uncovered appears to be evolutionarily conserved from viruses to humans, providing a universal blueprint for understanding DNA replication across all domains of life. From a medical perspective, many viruses -- including poxviruses, papillomaviruses (which can cause certain cancers), and polyomaviruses -- rely on similar helicase machinery to replicate. Our detailed structural insights could guide development of precisely targeted antiviral therapies that disrupt viral replication without harming human cells."	H01 R01 C01	1,944
2504-T013	Innovative Helioseismology Method Unveils Solar Radiative Opacity Under Extreme Conditions	Researchers have introduced a pioneering method utilizing helioseismology to measure solar radiative opacity under extreme conditions. This innovative approach not only uncovers gaps in atomic physics understanding but also corroborates recent experimental findings, promising new insights in astrophysics and nuclear physics. By studying solar acoustic oscillations, the team can analyze the Sun's internal parameters, such as density and temperature, transforming the Sun into an astrophysical laboratory for refining stellar models and advancing our comprehension of stellar evolution in the universe.	University of Liège	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have pioneered an innovative method using helioseismology to measure the solar radiative opacity under extreme conditions. This groundbreaking work, published in Nature Communications, not only reveals gaps in our understanding of atomic physics but also confirms recent experimental results, thereby opening new perspectives in astrophysics and nuclear physics. -- Helioseismology is a discipline dedicated to studying the Sun's acoustic oscillations, enabling us to probe the interior of our star with remarkable precision. -- By analysing these waves, it is possible to reconstruct fundamental parameters such as the density, temperature, and chemical composition of the Sun's plasma -- essential elements for understanding how our star works and evolves. -- This method transforms the Sun into a true astrophysical laboratory, providing crucial data for refining stellar models and better understanding the evolution of stars in the Universe. -- A new international study, led by Gaël Buldgen, a researcher at the University of Liège, has used helioseismic techniques to provide an independent measurement of the absorption of high-energy radiation by the solar plasma in the deep layers of its structure. -- This collaborative work sheds new light on solar radiative opacity, a crucial physical quantity for understanding the interaction between matter and radiation in the extreme conditions of the Sun's interior. -- The results confirm observations made in American laboratories such as the Sandia National Laboratories and ongoing efforts at the Livermore National Laboratory, while revealing persistent gaps in our understanding of atomic physics and differences between the predictions of research groups at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Ohio State University and the research centre of the CEA Paris-Saclay in France. -- Unprecedented precision in stellar modelling -- The scientific team used advanced numerical tools developed at ULiège, drawing on the university's expertise in helioseismology and stellar modelling. -- "By detecting the Sun's acoustic waves with unparalleled precision, we can reconstruct our star's internal properties, in much the same way as we would deduce the characteristics of a musical instrument from the sounds it produces," explains Gaël Buldgen.	R01 C01	1,945
2511-T001	Discovery Of Super-Earth And Sub-Neptune Exoplanets 250 Light Years Away	Astronomers have discovered two new exoplanets—a super-Earth and a sub-Neptune—orbiting the star TOI-1453, located approximately 250 light years from Earth. These types of planets are common in the galaxy but absent in our solar system, presenting opportunities for future atmospheric studies to deepen our understanding of planetary formation and diversity. This discovery enhances the current knowledge of exoplanets and their characteristics.	University of Liège	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	Astronomers have discovered two exoplanets around TOI-1453, a star about 250 light years away. These two exoplanets, a super-Earth and a sub-Neptune, are common in the galaxy, yet are absent from our system. This discovery paves the way for future atmospheric studies to better understand these types of planets. -- Astrophysicists have once again enriched our knowledge of the cosmos with a new discovery: two small planets orbiting TOI-1453. -- Located at around 250 light years from Earth in the Draco constellation, this star is part of a binary system (a pair of stars orbiting each other) and is slightly cooler and smaller than our Sun. -- Around this star are two planets, a super-Earth and a sub-Neptune. -- These are types of planets that are absent from our own solar system, but paradoxically constitute the most common classes of planet in the Milky Way. -- This discovery sheds light on a planetary configuration that could provide valuable clues to the formation and evolution of planets. -- Using data from NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and the HARPS-N high-resolution spectrograph, the researchers were able to identify TOI-1453 b and TOI-1453 c, the two exoplanets orbiting TOI-1453. -- "The two planets present an interesting contrast in their characteristics," explains Manu Stalport, astrophysicist at the University of Liège and first author of the publication. -- TOI-1453 b is a super-Earth, slightly larger than our planet, and probably rocky. -- It completes its orbit in just 4.3 days, making it a very close planet to its star.	R01 C01	1,946
2510-E038	Innovative Method Uses Microwave Energy For Low-Cost Green Carbon Fiber Production	Researchers at the University of Limerick have pioneered a method for producing low-cost green carbon fiber using microwave energy, significantly reducing energy consumption by up to 70%. This innovative approach replaces traditional heating methods, promising a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective process for manufacturing carbon fiber, which is essential for various industries, including aerospace and renewable energy applications.	University of Limerick	Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team at University of Limerick in Ireland has developed a groundbreaking new method of producing carbon fibre while drastically reducing its energy footprint. -- Researchers at UL are leading a project that has developed a new method of producing carbon fibre, a high-cost light weight material used in sectors such as aerospace, wind energy, construction, and transportation. -- The CARBOWAVE project uses an innovative plasma and microwave heating method to make carbon fibre, replacing the conventional heating processes and significantly reducing energy consumption by as much as 70% while maintaining the materials performance. -- The reduction in the energy required to produce the material will make the process greener and less expensive. -- The ambitious new project, coordinated by UL's Professor Maurice N Collins and Dr Anne Beaucamp McLoughlin, is set to transform the energy intensive carbon fibre industry by deploying cutting-edge alternative heating technologies. -- The groundbreaking advancement, the first results of which were published in the journal Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, will help to address environmental challenges like energy consumption and emissions while also contributing to sustainable industrial growth. -- The advancements developed by the research team will enable a more efficient conversion of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), a key component in carbon fibre production, which needs a vast amount of energy to be converted into carbon fibres and is a strategic material vital for Europe's future energy security. -- The CARBOWAVE team will use susceptor-induced microwave heating utilising self-assembled nanostructures technology, initially developed by researchers at University of Limerick and University of Valencia, to convert PAN into carbon fibre. -- This will allow it to be heated quicker making the production process more efficient. -- Remarkably, during their research, the UL team discovered that carbon fibre can be produced in an inexpensive domestic microwave and exhibit mechanical performance equivalent to that produced using conventional heating.	C01	1,947
2505-E076	Climate Change Drives Increased Reproduction In European Beech Trees	A recent long-term study led by the University of Liverpool reveals that climate change is significantly impacting European beech trees, with a concerning 28% decline in growth since 2005. Researchers attribute this decline to temperature influences on seed production, challenging previous notions that drought was the sole factor. The findings suggest that even in regions not prone to drought, beech trees are vulnerable to climate change effects.	University of Liverpool	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Embedded counseling services are becoming increasingly common in veterinary medical programs, but their effectiveness has not historically been measured. A new study by University of Missouri researchers revealed that these programs may not only enhance access to mental health care but also lead to significant reductions in psychological distress among veterinary trainees. -- "It's the first study, as far as we know, to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health counseling for veterinary trainees," said Kerry Karaffa, PhD, a licensed psychologist at the Mizzou College of Veterinary Medicine. -- "Through our study on embedded counseling models, we found only one in three veterinary mental health practitioners were collecting outcome data with their clients. Data is important to evaluate whether what we're doing is working. If students know that there are good outcomes associated with counseling, they may be more likely to seek help." -- For the study, Karaffa partnered with fellow Mizzou psychologists Tiffany Sanford-Martens, PhD, and Anne Meyer, PhD. -- Together, the trio conducted an archival analysis of client data from 437 Mizzou doctor of veterinary medicine students, veterinary interns and veterinary residents who participated in embedded counseling services between 2016 and 2024. -- The researchers found veterinary trainees who took advantage of embedded counseling services reported improvements in psychological distress on every scale of the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 including depression, anxiety, academic distress, eating concerns and substance use. -- The study also identified several issues veterinary trainees may be navigating alongside mental health challenges, including financial stress, chronic health problems and histories of traumatic experiences. -- "These data suggest embedded counseling programs may enable veterinary students to manage their personal and academic challenges more effectively during their training," Karaffa said. -- Expanding the impact: lessons for veterinary medicine and beyond -- In addition to evaluating the effectiveness of embedded counseling services in the Mizzou CVM, the study also explored how veterinary trainees' experiences and needs compared to other college students seeking counseling services.	R01 C01	1,948
2509-023	Key Interventions Could Eliminate Hepatitis B Transmission In Africa's Vulnerable Populations	A groundbreaking study from the University of Liverpool offers strong evidence that key interventions could eliminate vertical transmission of hepatitis B in Africa, a region highly burdened by the virus. By highlighting the importance of administering the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine promptly and providing antiviral therapy to mothers, researchers suggest that these strategies could significantly reduce the alarming rates of hepatitis B infections.	University of Liverpool	The Lancet Global Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Liverpool have conducted a large-scale analysis that sheds light on the critical steps needed to combat the vertical transmission of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Africa. -- Almost two thirds of all new hepatitis B infections globally occur in Africa. -- The newly published paper in The Lancet Global Health shows the importance of giving the hepatitis B birth dose vaccine (HepB-BD) within 24 hours of birth, and the potential impact of providing antiviral therapy (antiviral prophylaxis) to mothers during pregnancy. -- The study estimates for the first time that hepatitis B vertical transmission (passed from mother to baby) could be eliminated in Africa, with increased coverage of these two key interventions. -- Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of liver cancer and liver cirrhosis in Africa and deaths are rising. -- Most cases of liver cancer are diagnosed late and are associated with a very poor prognosis in the region. -- Vertical transmission is one of the commonest routes of infection and is associated with an increased lifetime risk of severe liver disease. -- Dr Alexander Stockdale, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University's Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, based at the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, together with Dr Nicholas Riches at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, led the comprehensive analysis of more than 113 individual studies which reported on the prevalence of hepatitis B in more than 190,000 women and investigated rates of vertical transmission. -- The World Health Organization (WHO) African region faces a significant burden, accounting for 63% of the global total of new infections. -- This amounted to 771,000 new infections and 272,000 deaths in 2022.	H01 R01	1,949
2511-022	Global Partnership Enhances Diagnosis And Management Of Brain Infections	A research initiative led by the University of Liverpool has successfully improved the management of brain infections in hospitals across Brazil, India, and Malawi. The intervention, which includes clinical algorithms and essential equipment, demonstrates how targeted strategies can enhance healthcare delivery in low- and middle-income countries.	University of Liverpool	The Lancet	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Liverpool researchers have worked with global partners to identify and successfully implement an intervention package that has significantly improved the diagnosis and management of brain infections in hospitals across Brazil, India, and Malawi. -- The study, published in The Lancet, was coordinated by researchers at the University of Liverpool in collaboration with international partners and implemented across 13 hospitals in three low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). -- The intervention included: -- • A clinical algorithm which offered a flowchart of guidance for clinicians on how to manage the first crucial hours and days of suspected brain infections, including which tests (blood tests, lumbar puncture, brain scans) and treatments to administer. -- • A lumbar puncture pack, providing clinicians with sample containers, equipment, and guidance to ensure proper cerebrospinal fluid collection and testing, addressing challenges like knowing how much fluid to take and which tests to request. -- • A panel of laboratory tests to enable correct and timely testing for a wide range of pathogens, addressing gaps in availability and sequencing of tests, with the main goal of identifying the cause of infection. -- • Training for clinicians and lab staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in diagnosing and managing brain infections, including proper use of the new intervention tools. -- These measures led to significant improvements in diagnosing patients with suspected acute brain infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis. -- Both conditions cause significant mortality and morbidity, especially in LMICs, where diagnosis and management are hindered by delayed lumbar punctures, limited testing, and resource constraints. -- Improved diagnosis and optimal management are a focus for the World Health Organization (WHO) in tackling meningitis and reducing the burden of encephalitis.	A01 H01 R01 R02	1,950
2503-E027	Extreme Climate Events Cause West Greenland Lakes To Emit Carbon Instead Of Sequestering	Following record heat and precipitation in fall 2022, nearly 7,500 lakes in West Greenland transformed dramatically, turning brown and emitting carbon due to permafrost thawing. This rapid ecological shift led to significant changes in water quality and phytoplankton populations. Researchers, led by Jasmine Saros, documented these events, emphasizing the urgency of understanding climate change impacts on Arctic ecosystems and the importance of sharing findings with local communities for future resilience planning.	University of Maine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	West Greenland is home to tens of thousands of blue lakes that provide residents drinking water and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Yet after two months of record heat and precipitation in fall 2022, an estimated 7,500 lakes turned brown, began emitting carbon and decreased in water quality, according to a new study. -- Led by Fulbright Distinguished Arctic Scholar and University of Maine Climate Change Institute Associate Director Jasmine Saros, a team of researchers found that the combination of extreme climate events in fall 2022 caused ecological change that "pushed Arctic lakes across a tipping point," they wrote in a paper published in the the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences?(PNAS). By July 2023, less than one year later, the physical, chemical and biological properties of these lakes were altered, a widespread transformation that typically occurs over hundreds of years, Saros said. -- Their results were shared with nearby communities. -- Greenland normally experiences snow in the fall, but the spike in temperatures caused the precipitation to fall as rain instead, according to the study. -- The heat also caused permafrost -- frozen soil that stores a significant amount of organic carbon -- to thaw, releasing an abundance of carbon, iron, magnesium and other elements. -- As rain fell in record amounts, it washed these newly exposed metals and carbon from soil into lakes across Greenland's western region, turning them brown. -- Saros, also a professor of paleolimnology and lake ecology with UMaine's School of Biology and Ecology, said the rapid alteration in West Greenland's lakes contrasts with the slow, multi-decade-long browning experienced in lakes across the Northern Hemisphere, including those in Maine. -- "The magnitude of this and the rate of change were unprecedented," Saros said. -- The influx of dissolved organic carbon and nutrients from the permafrost can promote bacteria growth and produce an undesirable taste and odor in the water, in addition to altering color, Saros said. -- Increased exposure to metals released from permafrost can also cause health problems.	C01	1,951
2503-E038	Holistic Socioeconomic Indicators Developed To Monitor Lobster Industry Resilience	A research team developed new socioeconomic indicators to comprehensively assess the resilience of Maine's lobster industry, aiming to address gaps in traditional biological monitoring. These indicators evaluate various aspects of the industry's health, providing a holistic understanding of the social and economic factors influencing the wellbeing of this vital sector.	University of Maine	Marine Policy	Press Rel	PubMed	Maine's lobster fishery -- one that supports thousands of jobs statewide -- is extensively monitored. Management efforts are informed by biological monitoring surveys observing changes in abundance and distribution of the lobster population, and dealer and harvester reporting from the industry. Yet these statistics don't tell the whole story of an industry shaken by supply and market disruptions and geopolitical conflict, or the welfare of the people and communities that rely on it. -- Since the annual commercial lobster landings have declined 27% from 2016-2022, the Maine Lobsterman Association sought new ways to monitor the socioeconomic resilience of the industry and better position its leaders to respond to social, economic, environmental and regulatory changes. -- After two years of data collection, quantitative and qualitative analyses, meetings and interviews with lobstermen and other stakeholders, a University of Maine-led team of researchers devised new indicators to holistically monitor the industry's resilience. These metrics have the potential to offer greater insight into the well-being of fishermen and their families, haulers, processors, restaurateurs, other businesses and the communities in which they all reside. -- "For far too long, fishery managers have lacked the data needed to consider the social and economic impacts of regulations on Maine's lobster industry. This study provides a suite of indicators to fill that gap so that future regulations may address sustaining the resource, lobstermen and Maine's coastal communities," said Patrice McCarron, executive director for the Maine Lobstermen's Association. -- Published in the academic journal Marine Policy, the team identified eight socioeconomic indicators: coastal accessibility, operational condition, business investments, community composition, financial health, risk taking, personal spending and physical and mental health. Coastal accessibility is the availability and affordability of waterfront housing; operational condition equates to business expenses and cost proxies; and community composition means demographic information. -- Each indicator is backed by secondary data from state and federal agencies, as well as publicly available information from certain businesses and organizations. For example, the operational condition indicator uses landing, trip, crew and gear data from the Maine Department of Marine Resources; while coastal accessibility uses inventory, price and demographic data from the Maine Housing Authority, Realtor.com and Airbnb.com. -- "These indicators define important socioeconomic components of the fishery that lobstermen have been describing for many years. Quantifying the indicators provides an opportunity for fishermen, local communities and managers to identify and quickly respond to changes in socioeconomic condition of the fleet," said Theresa Burnham, a research associate with the UMaine School of Marine Sciences. Burnham co-led the study conducted to create these socioeconomic indicators with Joshua Stoll, associate professor of marine policy. -- Diving into the data -- When examining coastal accessibility, one of the team's findings was that waterfront housing statewide is unaffordable for median income earners. Coupled with a spike in short-term rentals, the data confirms that coastal accessibility has decreased since 2016 statewide. -- "The declines we are seeing in affordability of coastal housing can mean that lobstermen must travel further to the waterfront where they work, and may also be a barrier to people looking for seasonal work on lobster boats," Burnham said.	A01 N01	1,952
2502-E064	Climate Change Alters Water Movement In Grasslands: New Research Insights	A collaborative study reveals that drought and rising temperatures in CO2-rich environments dramatically impact water movement in grasslands. This research, which offers critical insights into how climate change alters ecosystem dynamics, emphasizes the need for thorough understanding of hydrological processes to predict and manage future water resources effectively.	University of Maryland	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	New research co-led by the University of Maryland reveals that drought and increased temperatures in a CO2-rich climate can dramatically alter how grasslands use and move water. The study provides the first experimental demonstration of the potential impacts of climate change on water movement through grassland ecosystems, which make up nearly 40% of Earth's land area and play a critical role in Earth's water cycle. The study appears in the January 17, 2025, issue of the journal Science. -- "If we want to predict the effects of climate change on Earth's water resources, we need data showing how the hydrologic cycle will respond at a small scale where we can define mechanisms, but that just hasn't been available," said Jesse Radolinski corresponding author of the study, a post-doctoral research associate in the UMD Department of Environmental Science & Technology who began the work at the University of Innsbruck. "Our experiments found that under summer drought conditions, and higher air temperatures that are expected under a future with elevated CO2, two things change fundamentally: One, the structural properties of the soil in the root zone change so that water flows differently than we expected, and two, these altered climate conditions and soil properties cause the plants to access water differently." -- Currently, new rainfall tends to linger in the root zone where it mixes with existing soil water (i.e., previous rainfall) before percolating into local streams and rivers. Radolinski said this study suggests that under future climate conditions, intense rainfall may move more quickly through the soil into local water bodies, interacting less with this stored water and potentially bringing nutrients and pollutants with it. In addition, plants subjected to these future drought conditions conserve more water, releasing less back to the atmosphere through transpiration. That could mean less atmospheric cooling, triggering a feedback loop of more drought and more warming. -- Radolinski and his colleagues conducted their experiment with the University of Innsbruck in open plots in an Austrian grassland. They simulated six different climate conditions by manipulating air temperature and CO2 levels, and introducing recurring drought with large, automatically deployed shelters that prevented natural rainfall from reaching the plots. When they simulated rainfall, they used water with a traceable isotope of hydrogen called deuterium, and then tracked its path through the plants and the soil. -- Their results showed that after recurring droughts in plots with elevated CO2 and warming, the structure of pores in the soil changed so that older water could remain locked in smaller pores, while newer water flowed into larger pores that drained more quickly. In addition, the plants were effective at accessing the most readily available soil moisture and conserved water loss by releasing less to the atmosphere through transpiration. This may help plants adapt to water stress under future drought conditions, though more research is needed to tease out the effects on growth. -- The study reveals that soil and plant water interactions could be much more complex than previously thought, with significant consequences for the ability of ecosystems to withstand and recover from drought. These insights will be critical in informing conservation strategies and managing ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate. -- Radolinski completed his fellowship as a post-doctoral research associate in the laboratory of Dr. Gurpal Toor in January, 2025. The study was an international collaboration co-led by researchers at the University of Innsbruck.	A01 H02 N02	1,953
2505-093	Key Mechanisms In Gene Regulation Uncovered For Improved RNA-Based Medicine Design	A study from the University of Maryland investigates how dsRNA molecules naturally enter cells, uncovering multiple pathways that could enhance RNA-based drug delivery. These findings could significantly advance the development of effective RNA medicines, addressing a major challenge in the field and paving the way for new therapeutic applications.	University of Maryland	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have developed a novel tool designed to protect and conserve coral reefs by providing them with an abundance of feeding opportunities. -- The device, dubbed the Underwater Zooplankton Enhancement Light Array (UZELA), is an autonomous, programmable underwater light that works to draw in nearby zooplankton, microscopic organisms that coral feed on. -- After testing the submersible on two species of coral native to Hawaii over six months, researchers found that UZELA could greatly enhance local zooplankton density and increase the feeding rates of both healthy and bleached coral. -- Importantly, providing coral with greater amounts of food makes them stronger and more likely to be resilient against certain environmental threats, like heat stress or ocean acidification. -- This result is impressive, especially at a time when rising ocean temperatures are forcing entire coral reefs to the cusp of collapse, said Andrea Grottoli, lead author of the study and a professor of earth sciences at The Ohio State University. -- "Coral reefs house one-third of all marine species, yet occupy less than 1% of the ocean," she said. -- "They are disproportionately responsible for ocean health and we're at risk of losing them." -- The study was recently published in the journal Limnology and Oceanography: Methods. -- Millions of humans rely on coral reefs, as they support fishing industries and protect coastline communities from dangers like erosion and floods. -- Unfortunately, many climate models project that at Earth's current rate of warming, these vital coral reefs may be completely devastated by 2050, jeopardizing the complex ecosystems they sustain.	H01 R01	1,954
2508-031	New Skin Disease Discovered After Traditional Treatments Failed To Help Patient	A new skin disease, characterized by pronounced erythroderma, has been identified in a patient who did not respond to traditional treatments. Researchers' innovative blood test, which analyzes cytokine signatures, may pave the way for precise diagnostics and targeted therapies for chronic inflammatory skin conditions, potentially transforming treatment approaches.	University of Maryland School of Medicine	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A significant number of Americans experience chronic inflammatory skin conditions with no pinpointed cause and often no effective treatments beyond symptom management. Now a new study could pave the way for precision-medicine based diagnostic testing and targeted treatment. -- In a recent paper published in the Nature journal Scientific Reports, researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine described a new skin disease in a male patient with erythroderma, causing 80 percent of his skin to be covered with red, exfoliating skin lesions that itched and burned. -- After undergoing months of treatment with traditional therapies for erythroderma, which included the steroid prednisone, anti-itch creams, and immunosuppressive drugs, the patient experienced little relief. -- "We isolated individual circulating blood cells and created a new blood test using flow cytometry to identify specific cytokine signatures," said study corresponding author Shawn Kwatra, MD, the Joseph W. Burnett Endowed Professor and Chair of Dermatology at UMSOM and Chief of Service Dermatology at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The authors received a patent for this new method, involving "peripheral blood flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping enabled us to identify a novel form of a severe and potentially life-threatening skin disease." -- Erythroderma is a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation that occurs on most of the body's skin surface. -- It causes redness and scaling of the skin that spreads over the body and causes the skin to peel (slough) off. -- This can lead to problems with the body's ability to manage temperature and can cause protein and fluid loss, leading to severe complications. -- To determine which of the immune system's components were driving the inflammatory disease, Dr. Kwatra and his team used a new flow cytometry platform technique, for which they received a patent, to immunophenotype skin diseases. -- They found that two of these cytokines, called interleukin-13 and interleukin-17, were at increased levels in this patient compared to healthy controls as well as when compared to patients with other known causes of erythroderma. -- Subsequently, targeted treatment with biologic inhibitors of IL-13 and IL-17 reversed the patient's disease.	H01	1,955
2511-041	New Vaccine For Meningitis In Infants Proves Safe And Effective In Africa	A recent global health study has led to new recommendations for the use of a pentavalent meningococcal vaccine in infants, offering protection against multiple strains of meningitis prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa. This development is expected to significantly reduce the burden of the disease on vulnerable populations, as endorsed by the World Health Organization.	University of Maryland School of Medicine	The Lancet	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) researchers helped conduct an important new global health study that found a vaccine that protects against five strains of meningitis prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa is safe and effective for use in young children beginning at 9 months of age. This study provided evidence that formed the basis for the World Health Organization's (WHO) decision last year to recommend the pentavalent Men5CV meningitis vaccine for infants ages 9 months and older. -- Results of the study were published today in the journal Lancet. -- In January 2024, the WHO recommended that all countries in the African meningitis belt introduce Men5CV into their routine immunization programs, providing a single-dose shot to infants and young children ages 9 to 18 months. -- Previous data supported use of this vaccine starting at age 1, but there was no data on whether the vaccine could be given as part of the routine vaccination schedule for infants or whether it should be given on a separate occasion, requiring an additional medical encounter. -- Receiving WHO approval could lead to a monumental shift in the burden of meningitis in susceptible parts of Africa. -- "This critical clinical study provides reassuring evidence that this pentavalent vaccine can be safely and effectively given along with other routine immunizations, which makes it far easier to curtail invasive meningococcal disease and potentially save tens of thousands of lives," said Wilbur Chen, MD, MS, the Frank M. Calia, MD Endowed Professor of Medicine at UMSOM's Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) and protocol chair for this study. -- The African meningitis belt is a region of 26 countries in sub-Saharan Africa where the rate of incidence of meningitis is very high. -- It includes Mali, where this study was conducted, and extends from Senegal to Ethiopia. -- Death rates from meningitis can surpass 15 percent in this region due to lack of healthcare access to medical care. -- Long-term complications like brain damage or paralysis occur twice as frequently compared to more developed countries.	A01 H01 R02	1,956
2502-084	Aspirin Aids Targeted Drug Delivery: Promising Advances In Cancer Treatment	Researchers from UMass Amherst and Ernest Pharmaceuticals are making strides in developing a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, that targets and delivers cancer drugs directly into tumors, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy. This approach not only aims to enhance treatment efficacy for aggressive cancers but also minimizes systemic side effects, with clinical trials expected to begin in 2027.	University of Massachusetts Amherst	Molecular Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Massachusetts Amherst-Ernest Pharmaceuticals team of scientists has made "exciting," patient-friendly advances in developing a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. This emerging technology holds promise for very safe and more effective treatment of cancers with high mortality rates, including liver, ovarian and metastatic breast cancer. -- Clinical trials with participating cancer patients are estimated to begin in 2027. "This is exciting because we now have all the critical pieces for getting an effective bacterial treatment for cancer," says Neil Forbes, senior author of the research published recently in the journal Molecular Therapy and professor of chemical engineering at UMass Amherst. -- "What we're trying to do is unlock the potential to treat late-stage cancers," adds lead author Vishnu Raman, who earned his Ph.D. in the Forbes Lab at the UMass Amherst Institute for Applied Life Sciences (IALS). "Bacteria naturally home to tumors and because this treatment is so targeted, it can treat some cancers without the harsh side effects you'd see with other systematically delivered therapies, like chemotherapy." -- The new findings are the culmination of more than a decade of research by Raman, chief scientific officer of Ernest Pharmaceuticals, an IALS startup co-founded by Raman, Forbes and co-author Nele Van Dessel, a bioengineer who developed the bacterial delivery system as a post-doctoral researcher in the Forbes Lab. -- The team has been finetuning the development of non-toxic, genetically engineered strains of Salmonella to target tumors and then control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells. In addition to sparing healthy tissue from damage, this cancer treatment platform is able to deliver orders of magnitude more therapy than the administered dose because the simple-to-manufacture bacteria grow exponentially in tumors. -- "We were focusing on how to make this strain really safe and user friendly," Raman says. "The genetic engineering steps we took made this strain at least 100 times safer than anything that's been tried in the past." -- In this third-generation delivery strain, Raman figured out a way to control when the bacteria, after it has been intravenously injected, invades the cancer cells and delivers the therapy. This greatly improved the ability to target the tumors with higher concentrations of the drug therapy, while also making the treatment much safer."In the first-generation strain, we were basically relying on the bacteria's own brain to go find the tumor and deliver the therapy. But we couldn't control exactly when that was happening so there were risks associated with invading healthy cells, as well as pre-mature clearance of the bacteria before they colonize tumors, and we wanted to mitigate both risks," Raman says. -- Early on in the research, the scientists discovered that it was the bacterial flagella -- part of the cell that aids in movement -- that enables the bacteria to invade cancer cells. So they engineered a genetic circuit in the bacteria that turns on the production of flagella with a simple, over-the-counter dose of aspirin. Without the turn-on switch provided by salicylic acid, the active metabolic product in the blood after a person takes an aspirin, the bacteria remain dormant in the tumor. -- "One core part of this technology is the controlled activation of flagella," Raman explains. "And the other core part is once the bacteria go inside cancer cells, we engineered them with a suicide circuit. So they rupture on their own and deliver the therapy inside the cancer cell." -- In pre-clinical research with mouse models, the bacteria is injected intravenously. "It goes everywhere, but then the immune system rapidly clears the attenuated bacteria from healthy organ tissue within two days. The bacteria continue to grow exponentially only within tumors during that time. On the third day, we give an over-the-counter dose of aspirin to trigger the bacteria to invade the cancer cells and then deliver the therapy," Raman says.	H01 R01	1,957
2511-E013	Epithelial Cells Communicate With Slow Electrical Signals, Challenging Previous Assumptions	Recent findings challenge long-held beliefs about epithelial cells by demonstrating their ability to communicate electrically with each other. Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that these cells can send slow electrical signals, suggesting new insights into their roles in bodily functions and potential applications in medical technology.	University of Massachusetts Amherst	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	It has long been thought that only nerve and heart cells use electric impulses to communicate, while epithelial cells -- which compose the linings of our skin, organs and body cavities -- are mute, serving mostly as protective barriers that can absorb and secrete various substances. But two researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have upended the status quo by showing that epithelial cells do indeed "talk" to each other, albeit with slow electrical signals. Led by Steve Granick, Robert K. Barrett Professor of Polymer and Science and Engineering, and postdoctoral fellow Sun-Min Yu, the discovery, published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could enable new applications for everything from wearable bioelectric sensors to wound healing. -- "Epithelial cells do things that no one has ever thought to look for," says Granick. -- "When injured, they 'scream' to their neighbors, slowly, persistently and over surprising distances. It's like a nerve's impulse, but 1,000 times slower." His team's curiosity-driven approach, blending polymer science and biology, unveiled this hidden cellular signaling. -- Granick and Yu used an epithelial-cell-coated chip with 60 precisely placed electrodes to eavesdrop. -- Yu, a cell-culture expert, grew a single layer of human epithelial cells on the chip, which detected minute electric shifts. -- Using a precise laser to produce "sting" patterns of individual cells, they watched as signals rippled outward. -- "We tracked how cells coordinated their response," Yu explained. -- "It's a slow-motion, excited conversation." -- Unlike the swift neurotransmitter bursts of nerve cells, epithelial cells rely on ion flows -- of calcium, especially -- that produce signals that are far slower than those in nerve cells, but with similar voltages. -- These signals can be long-lived: Granick and Yu observed cells that "talked" for over five hours across distances nearly 40 times their own length.	H01 N02	1,958
2513-T010	Nanoplastics Pose Hidden Health Threats; New Tools Aim To Uncover Their Toxicity	While the dangers posed by microplastics are widely recognized, researchers are now turning their attention to nanoplastics—ultra-tiny particles that can easily cross biological membranes. Given their size and mobility, understanding their toxicity remains a challenge. An international team from the University of Massachusetts Amherst introduced a novel tool, the OM-SERS setup, which quantifies nanoplastic concentration and identifies specific types in solid samples, thereby advancing the study of these particles' environmental and health impacts.	University of Massachusetts Amherst	Nature Water	Press Rel	PubMed	While the threat that microplastics pose to human and ecological health has been richly documented and is well known, nanoplastics, which are smaller than one micrometer (1/50th the thickness of an average human hair), are far more reactive, far more mobile and vastly more capable of crossing biological membranes. Yet, because they are so tiny and so mobile, researchers don't yet have an accurate understanding of just how toxic these particles are. The first step to understanding the toxicology of nanoplastics is to build a reliable, efficient and flexible tool that can not only quantify their concentration in a given sample, but also analyze which specific plastics that sample contains. -- An international team of scientists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently announced in Nature Water the development of a new tool, known as the OM-SERS setup, which can do all of these things and can furthermore be used to detect particular nanoplastic concentrations and polymer types in solid samples, such as soils, body tissues and plants. -- Plastic is an incredibly durable material, which can take up to 500 years to decompose. -- As plastic bottles, packaging and parts get older, teeny pieces of them break off. -- These microplastics have been found in every corner of the globe, from the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the Mariana Trench, and, according to recent reports, they are in many humans' blood, brain and heart tissue. -- If that's not bad enough, each individual microplastic could theoretically be broken down into 1 quadrillion nanoplastic particles -- which means that there are literally uncountable numbers of nanoplastics in our water, air and soils. -- These microplastics pose an as-of-yet unknown risk to the environment and to human health, and they're altering ecosystems throughout the world. -- "Because nanoplastics are so tiny, they have a much higher overall surface area and functional groups than microplastics, which means more of them can concentrate in water, soil and body tissues," says Baoshan Xing, University Distinguished Professor of Environmental and Soil Chemistry at UMass Amherst's Stockbridge School of Agriculture and one of the paper's senior authors. -- "They travel more easily and can wind up in more places in the environment and in our bodies. And once in those places, they are more reactive and the chemicals and additives in them can more easily leach out into their surroundings." -- However, in order for toxicologists to begin to understand just how dire is the threat that nanoplastics pose, they first need to be able to count how many nanoplastics are in a sample and what specific types of plastic -- each of which has a different chemical composition -- are represented.	A01 R01 R02 C01 N02	1,959
2505-043	Stem-Like T Cells Identified As Key To Maintaining Long-Term Immune Responses	Research led by the Doherty Institute and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre has identified a rare type of immune cell known as stem-like T cells, which may help combat immune exhaustion caused by prolonged illnesses like cancer and chronic infections. These ID3+ T cells possess a unique ability to self-renew and resist exhaustion, thus maintaining effective immune responses. Catarina Gago da Graça noted that understanding ID3+ T cells could be crucial for developing treatments that counteract immune exhaustion, particularly in therapies like CAR T cell therapy.	University of Melbourne	Science Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers report January 30 in the Cell Press journal Joule that a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of refrigeration might be on the horizon. The new technology is based on thermogalvanic cells that produce a cooling effect by way of a reversible electrochemical reaction. Thermogalvanic refrigeration is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than other cooling methods because it requires a far lower energy input, and its scalability means that it could be used for various applications -- from wearable cooling devices to industrial-grade scenarios. -- "Thermogalvanic technology is on its way to our lives, either in the form of clean electricity or low-power cooling, and both research and commercial communities should be paying attention," says senior author Jiangjiang Duan of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China. -- Thermogalvanic cells use the heat produced by reversible electrochemical reactions to create electrical power. -- In theory, reversing this process -- applying an external electrical current to drive electrochemical reactions -- enables cooling power to be generated. -- Previous studies have shown that thermogalvanic cells have a limited potential to produce cooling power, but Duan's team was able to dramatically increase this potential by optimizing the chemicals used in the technology. -- "While previous studies mostly focus on original system design and numerical simulation, we report a rational and universal design strategy of thermogalvanic electrolytes, enabling a record-high cooling performance that is potentially available for practical application," says Duan. -- The cooling thermodynamic cells are based on electrochemical redox reactions involving dissolved iron ions. -- In one phase of the reaction, iron ions lose an electron and absorb heat (Fe3+ → Fe2+), and in the other phase, they gain an electron and release heat (Fe2+ → Fe3+). The power produced by the first reaction cools the surrounding electrolyte solution, and the heat produced by the first reaction is removed by a heat sink. -- By tweaking the solutes and solvents used in the electrolyte solution, the researchers were able to improve the hydrogalvanic cell's cooling power. -- They used a hydrated iron salt containing perchlorate, which helped the iron ions dissolve and dissociate more freely compared to other previously tested iron-containing salts such as ferricyanide.	H01 H02 R01	1,960
2507-029	Dual-Target Drug May Supercharge Immune Cells Against Cancer	Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Pfizer have made significant strides in breast cancer treatment, discovering a dual-target drug that enhances the activity of immune cells in mice. This groundbreaking approach could represent a novel treatment avenue, potentially improving outcomes for breast cancer patients in the future.	University of Melbourne	University of Melbourne	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers, led by the University of Melbourne's Professor Laura Mackay, a Laboratory Head and Immunology Theme Leader at the Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute), in collaboration with Pfizer, have discovered new insights into possible future treatments for breast cancer. -- A new dual-target drug that has been shown to supercharge cancer-fighting immune cells in mice may support a new treatment approach for patients, potentially paving the way for improved outcomes in breast cancer care. -- Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in Australia, with more than 20,000 Australians diagnosed per year. -- Over 1,000 of those diagnosed are young Australian women under 40. There is an urgent need to discover more effective treatments for breast cancer. -- Immunotherapy represents one of the most promising new treatments for cancer, by boosting the body's own immune cells to kill cancer cells. -- However, only a small proportion of breast cancer patients respond to existing immunotherapy treatments. -- Results from a new study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that dual-target antibody therapy can enhance cancer-fighting T cells more effectively than current single-target therapy in mice. -- Professor Mackay explained the importance of this research for cancer patients. -- "We need to find new ways to instruct the immune system to fight cancer," said Professor Mackay. -- "Our research shows that a two-pronged strategy can better ignite cancer-fighting immune cells, which is the goal of immunotherapy."	H01 R01	1,961
2509-E017	Antarctic Ice Melt: Slowing The World’s Strongest Ocean Current	Researchers from the University of Melbourne and NORCE have found that melting Antarctic ice sheets are slowing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) by about 20% by 2050, which could have significant climate impacts. This change affects ocean circulation, salinity, and temperature, potentially leading to consequences such as rising sea levels and altered marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding these interactions in a high carbon emissions scenario.	University of Melbourne	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Melting ice sheets are slowing the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), the world's strongest ocean current, researchers have found. -- This melting has implications for global climate indicators, including sea level rise, ocean warming and viability of marine ecosystems. -- The researchers, from the University of Melbourne and NORCE Norway Research Centre, have shown the current slowing by around 20 per cent by 2050 in a high carbon emissions scenario. -- This influx of fresh water into the Southern Ocean is expected to change the properties, such as density (salinity), of the ocean and its circulation patterns. -- University of Melbourne researchers, fluid mechanist Associate Professor Bishakhdatta Gayen and climate scientist Dr Taimoor Sohail, and oceanographer Dr Andreas Klocker from the NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, analysed a high-resolution ocean and sea ice simulation of ocean currents, heat transport and other factors to diagnose the impact of changing temperature, saltiness and wind conditions. -- Associate Professor Gayen said: "The ocean is extremely complex and finely balanced. If this current 'engine' breaks down, there could be severe consequences, including more climate variability, with greater extremes in certain regions, and accelerated global warming due to a reduction in the ocean's capacity to act as a carbon sink." -- The ACC works as a barrier to invasive species, like rafts of southern bull kelp that ride the currents, or marine-borne animals like shrimp or molluscs, from other continents reaching Antarctica. -- As the ACC slows and weakens, there is a higher likelihood such species will make their way onto the fragile Antarctic continent, with a potentially severe impact on the food web, which may, for example, change the available diet of Antarctic penguins. -- More than four times stronger than the gulf stream, the ACC is a crucial part of the world's "ocean conveyor belt," which moves water around the globe -- linking the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans -- and is the main mechanism for the exchange of heat, carbon dioxide, chemicals and biology across these ocean basins. -- The researchers used Australia's fastest supercomputer and climate simulator, GADI, located at Access National Research Infrastructure in Canberra.	H01 C01 N01 T01	1,962
2504-051	Multilingual Children Demonstrate Enhanced Cognitive Skills And Executive Function	New research suggests that multilingual children may exhibit enhanced cognitive skills, including improved executive function and perspective-taking abilities. A study exploring bilingualism in children, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), found significant cognitive benefits associated with speaking multiple languages, highlighting the importance of fostering bilingualism to enhance learning and development and offering potential interventions to support children facing cognitive challenges.	University of Miami	Autism Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Encouraging bilingualism at home can have many cognitive benefits, which may be particularly helpful to kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), new research from the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences indicates. -- A team of researchers led by Celia Romero, a graduate student in clinical psychology, along with associate professor Lynn Perry, professor Michael Alessandri, and former University professor Lucina Uddin, explored the role of bilingualism in 112 children, including typically developing children and children with autism, between the ages of 7 to 12 years old. Overall, they found that children who spoke two or more languages often had stronger executive functioning skills. This means they are able to control impulses and to switch between different tasks more easily than children who only spoke one language. -- "We discovered that multilingualism is associated with improvements in executive function, which in turn is associated with improvements in autism symptoms," Perry said. "There were hints of this in the literature before, but it was exciting to see how far reaching those differences were in this research." -- Published in the journal Autism Research, the results are significant because executive functioning skills are a key challenge for children on the spectrum but are important for all kids to thrive in school and later in the workplace. Yet, the team found the benefits of speaking more than one language were not limited to children with autism. -- Key features of autism include social communication difficulties and restrictive and repetitive behaviors, as well as difficulty with executive function skills. These are mental processes that help us plan, focus, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks effectively. While executive function skills develop and improve across the lifespan, individuals with autism often struggle with executive functioning, impacting their ability to manage daily tasks and adapt to new situations. -- The study also looked at the impact of multilingualism on core symptoms of autism, including perspective taking, restricted and repetitive behaviors, and social communication. -- "We also found that multilingual children have enhanced perspective taking skills, or the ability to understand someone else's thoughts or point of view," Romero added. -- An idea called joint activation from the field of neuroscience can help explain the results. Prior research suggests that the bilingual brain has two languages constantly active and competing. As a result, the daily experience of shifting between these languages is associated with enhanced executive control. This concept is also known as the "bilingual advantage" and is a topic of much debate. -- "If you have to juggle two languages, you have to suppress one in order to use the other. That's the idea, that inhibition -- or the ability to stop yourself from doing something -- might be bolstered by knowing two languages," said Uddin, now a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and director of the Brain Connectivity and Cognition Laboratory. -- Romero realized she wanted to explore this topic while working in Uddin's neuroscience lab on campus that was doing brain imaging research on children with autism. She noticed that some bilingual families did not speak to their child in their native language because they thought it may be too challenging and harmful for their child to learn more than one language.	A01 H01 R02 T01	1,963
2504-E057	Amazon Rainforest Faces Significant Changes As Climate Change Impacts Intensify	Tropical biologists from the University of Miami have conducted research on a boiling river in Peru to forecast the Amazon rainforest's future amidst climate change. Their findings suggest that as temperatures rise, the river offers insights into potential shifts in forest composition. This unique natural experiment could help predict plant and tree community responses to environmental changes, thereby providing critical information for conservation strategies in the Amazon.	University of Miami	Global Change Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	It's a place where few living things can survive in the water. -- Deep in the world's largest rainforest, there is a boiling river. Found in eastern central Peru, it is a small tributary that eventually leads to the Amazon River. -- Heated by cracks in the Earth's crust, at its warmest spots, the water can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit, an inhospitable environment with air temperatures hotter than anywhere else in the Amazon. -- But the steamy river, known locally as "Shanay-Timpishka," which translates as "boiled with the heat of the sun," also offers an interesting perspective on what may happen to plant and tree communities as climate change pushes temperatures upward. After visiting in 2021, a team of University of Miami biologists recognized that the boiling river could serve as a natural experiment. -- "It really provides us a window into the future because the Amazon will get hotter whether we like it or not, so this allows us to understand what increases in temperature will do to the forest composition," said Riley Fortier, lead author on a study of the site published recently in Global Change Biology, and a graduate student in professor Kenneth Feeley's Jungle Biology lab. "It can tell us which species will be lost, and what the makeup of the forest might be like in the future." -- The boiling river, a tributary of the Amazon River. -- The team returned to Peru in 2022 and mapped the tropical plants and trees found in the area at 70 locations, starting upstream, where temperatures were cooler, down to the hottest part of the boiling river, where air temperatures often exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. -- By examining forests for about a mile along the sweltering river and monitoring temperatures with onsite sensors, the team found several insights. They saw that plant diversity declined in the hottest parts of the river -- with an 11 percent drop in tree diversity per each degree of warming -- and that only plants suited for very warm tropical climates are able to thrive near the boiling river. Their results predict how tropical rainforests could look in the future Amazon as global warming continues. -- "Overall, the tree community is less diverse, so we see fewer species in hotter spots," Fortier said. "And forest composition was also more homogenous in the warmest locations, whereas in cooler forest plots, there was more plant diversity." -- One thing that surprised Fortier was how quickly the vegetation changed along the river.	C01 N02	1,964
2505-092	Biophysics Research Deepens Understanding Of Left-Right Asymmetry Origins In Animal Development	A study from the University of Miami explores the origins of internal left-right asymmetry in animals, including humans. Researchers investigate how this asymmetry develops during embryonic gastrulation, shedding light on the biological processes that lead to the diverse internal structures observed in symmetrical organisms.	University of Miami	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren't necessarily experiencing better mental health and wellbeing, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts. -- In a landmark study published today (Wednesday 5 Feb) in Lancet Regional Health Europe, 1227 students from 30 schools across England provided data about smartphone and social media usage and a range of mental health, wellbeing and other outcomes. Among the schools that took part in the study, 20 had various forms of restrictive phone policies in place. -- The study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), found that there was no difference in outcomes for students who attend schools that ban smartphones throughout the school day, including: -- Mental wellbeing, anxiety and depression -- Physical Activity and Sleep -- Educational Outcomes -- English and Maths attainment and levels of disruptive classroom behaviour -- Smartphone bans in schools did lead to a slight decrease in students using phones (of approximately 40 minutes) and social media (approx. 30 minutes) in school, but the study suggests that the impact is small and that school policies banning recreational phone use didn't lead to a meaningful reduction in the overall time spent using phones and social media. -- Dr Victoria Goodyear, Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham and lead author of the study said: -- "This is the first worldwide study of its kind to evaluate the impact of school phone policies on adolescent mental health and wellbeing, and other health and educational outcomes. -- "We did find a link between more time spent on phones and social media and worse outcomes, with worse mental wellbeing and mental health outcomes, less physical activity and poorer sleep, lower educational attainment and a greater level of disruptive classroom behaviour.	R01	1,965
2502-E019	Coral Restoration Success Lies In Shallow Waters With Strong Currents	To enhance the survival of elkhorn corals in Florida, scientists recommend outplanting these key reef-building species in shallow waters with strong currents and low nutrient levels. A study from the University of Miami suggests that these conditions promote healthier microbial communities, crucial for coral health. With substantial losses observed in coral populations due to environmental stressors, this research offers essential guidance for effective coral restoration efforts in the face of climate change.	University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	To help rare elkhorn corals survive in Florida waters, coral researchers should place them in shallow ocean locations with fast currents, scientists at the University of Miami NOAA Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies and the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science explained in a recent publication. -- This new insight offers valuable guidance for coral restoration efforts, since elkhorn coral colonies are a key reef-building species throughout Florida and the Caribbean. They play a crucial role in providing structural support to reefs and habitat for many reef species due to their complex branch-like shape. -- According to a NOAA assessment published in 2024, the Florida Coral Reef lost 75% of its restored elkhorn coral populations during the Florida marine heat wave in the summer of 2023. Decline of elkhorn corals adversely affects overall ecosystem health and often prompts replacement by other species, such as sponges, macroalgae and other non-reef-building organisms. -- A major finding of the study indicates that outplanting of elkhorn coral colonies should prioritize shallower depths with faster currents in low-nutrient environments to promote a healthier microbial community. -- Other key findings include: -- Fine-scale differences in environmental conditions between reef habitats are correlated with differences in survivorship. Specifically, factors such as current velocity and shallower reef depth are associated with higher elkhorn survivorship. -- Certain bacteria are correlated with coral survivorship. -- Elevated levels of nitrate, nitrite, and temperature, particularly during summer months, negatively affect elkhorn at the microbial level by potentially contributing to the decline of core bacteria and an increase in potential coral pathogen. -- "Understanding how coral genetics and the surrounding environment affect restoration success can help guide conservation efforts worldwide," said Stephanie Rosales, the lead author of the study and an associate scientist at the Rosenstiel School's Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies. -- In 2019, the research team documented survivorship rates of four genets on three coral reefs in the upper Florida Keys that are actively being restored. (Genets refers to a genetically unique colony or group of colonies that can be traced back to a single sexual reproductive event.) The scientists collected habitat data, including the assessment of dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration, ocean current data, remotely sensed satellite sea surface temperature, and chlorophyll-a concentrations derived from ocean color radiometric measurements, coral outplant survivorship data, and microbiome data. The team correlated the data to understand how these factors interact.	H02 R01 C01 N02	1,966
2512-E006	Great White Shark Disappearance: Ecosystem Consequences Unveiled	A two-decade study by scientists at the University of Miami reveals the ecological consequences following the disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa. Documented in Frontiers in Marine Science, the research highlights the cascading effects on local ecosystems, such as increased populations of seals and changes in fish dynamics, reinforcing the critical role apex predators play in maintaining marine health and biodiversity.	University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science	Frontiers in Marine Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, has uncovered evidence of far-reaching ecosystem consequences following the disappearance of Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) from False Bay, South Africa. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, spans over two decades and documents cascading ecological disruptions, underscoring the crucial role apex predators play in maintaining ocean health. -- Key Findings: -- Decline of Great white sharks: Historically abundant in False Bay, Great white sharks have experienced a dramatic decline and subsequent disappearance. Potential factors contributing to their loss include decades of unsustainable captures in nets intended to protect bathers and some recent instances of predation by Orcas. -- Ecosystem Disruption: The absence of Great White sharks has led to an increase in Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus)and sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) and an associated decline in fish that the seals feed on and smaller shark species that the sevengills prey on, illustrating the ripple effect of losing an ocean top predator. -- Empirical Evidence: The study provides real-world evidence of food web cascades driven by the loss of top-down predation pressure from great white sharks, consistent with ecological theory and laboratory experiments. -- Using a combination of long-term boat-based surveys of shark sightings, citizen science observations on Cape fur seals, and Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys (BRUVS) of fishes and small sharks, the study provides evidence that the absence of Great white sharks has triggered significant shifts in the marine food web. -- "The loss of this iconic apex predator has led to an increase in sightings of Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks, which in turn has coincided with a decline in the species that they rely on for food," said Neil Hammerschlag, Ph.D., the study's lead author. -- Hammerschlag conducted the research while at the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School. -- "These changes align with long established ecological theories that predict the removal of a top predator, leads to cascading effects on the marine food web." -- "The use of underwater video surveys conducted more than a decade apart provided us with a snapshot of the food web both before and after the disappearance of white sharks from False Bay," said Yakira Herskowitz, a co-author of the study and a Rosenstiel School former graduate student that analyzed underwater video data.	H01 C01 N01	1,967
2512-E052	Coral Diseases Threaten Vital Reef Ecosystems: Restoration Efforts Face Major Challenges	Coral restoration efforts face significant challenges due to diseases affecting staghorn and elkhorn corals in the Caribbean. A recent study from the University of Miami reveals that while some coral genotypes may resist certain stressors, none are simultaneously resistant to high nutrient levels and disease, underscoring the complexities of coral health amid environmental pressures.	University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Coral diseases, particularly in the Caribbean, have caused major declines in coral populations, especially affecting staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn (A. palmata) corals, which play a crucial role in reef ecosystems. Despite efforts to identify the pathogens that cause diseases like White Band Disease (WBD), and Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), the specific agents remain largely unknown. Coral restoration programs aim to restore these once abundant coral species, but the effectiveness is threatened by multiple stressors, including increases in disease frequency and nutrient pollution caused from runoff from land-based activities. -- A recent study by scientists at the University of Miami NOAA Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), and the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML), which examined threatened Staghorn coral species (Acropora cervicornis), has uncovered important insights into how different coral genotypes respond to environmental stressors. The findings indicate that while some coral genotypes displayed resistance to either high nutrient levels or disease, none were resistant to both stressors simultaneously. -- The scientists tested 10 genotypes commonly used in coral restoration in South Florida. Coral samples were collected from different offshore nurseries from (Coral Restoration Foundation, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and Rosenstiel's Rescue a Reef Program) and transported to the CIMAS Experimental Reef Lab where they were exposed to two nutrient conditions: normal (ambient) or high ammonium levels for about 1.5 months. After this period, each coral was either exposed to a coral diseased tissue slurry or a healthy tissue slurry (i.e., placebo), creating four treatment groups: normal nutrients + placebo, normal nutrients + disease, high nutrients + placebo, and high nutrients + disease. -- Key findings include: -- • Coral genotypes that previously showed disease resistance did not necessarily maintain that resistance in this experiment, suggesting disease susceptibility may change based on disease cause, environment, or route of infection. -- • Elevated dissolved inorganic nitrogen, in the form of ammonium, reduced coral survival -- even in the absence of disease -- highlighting poor water quality as a significant threat. -- • When exposed to disease under normal conditions, four genotypes suffered complete mortality, while others showed varying degrees of resilience. -- • When both stressors were combined, all genotypes experienced mortality rates ranging from 30 to 100 percent. -- The researchers reinforce the urgent need for improving water quality by limiting runoff to support coral conservation efforts. Since coral disease outbreaks often coincide with pollution-related stress, reducing nutrient pollution is critical to enhancing coral resilience and increasing the success of restoration projects. -- "If water quality issues are not addressed, it will be difficult for both wild and restored coral colonies in Florida to survive." said Ana Palacio, the lead author of the study and a research scientist at CIMAS. "Our findings highlight the importance of selecting coral genotypes that are resilient to local stressors and ensuring improved water conditions before restoration efforts."	H02 N01	1,968
2501-028	Screen Time Reduction Efforts Struggle Without Access To Outdoor Green Spaces.	A University of Michigan study finds that community programs aimed at reducing children's screen time are more effective in neighborhoods with ample green spaces. The research suggests that access to outdoor play areas enhances the success of these programs, especially among underrepresented racial groups.	University of Michigan	Health & Place	Press Rel	PubMed	When children have a place to play outside, programs aimed at reducing their screen time use are more successful, according to a University of Michigan study. -- The study also found that such programs are less successful in neighborhoods where children have less access to green spaces, which include areas such as forests, shrubland, open spaces and grassland, according to lead author Ian-Marshall Lang, a researcher at U-M's School of Kinesiology and first author of the study. -- "Because prior studies have shown differences in the effectiveness of community programming and policies by race and ethnicity, we set out to show why this may be the case. We thought that access to green space might be a key factor, given that national research shows racial and ethnic inequities in green space availability," Lang said. -- "This raises the question of who has access to high green space. Both our study and national data show green space is less common in communities with higher Hispanic and Black populations. -- "These unfair differences in green space access might explain why community programs and policies are less effective in reducing screen time among different racial groups. To address screen time inequities, we need solutions that create fair, just and healthy environments for all communities." -- The study is published in the journal Health and Place. -- Lang and colleagues drew upon data from the Healthy Communities Study, which examines the use of community programs and policies and obesity-related behaviors among racially and ethnically diverse children. -- The researchers also linked new information about the participants' communities and neighborhoods so they could better understand what the children's neighborhoods looked like. -- About two-thirds of children ages 6 to 17 exceed the recommended limit of two hours of screen time each day. -- Community programs and policies aim to reduce children's screen use by providing community-based education and skill development programs for parents, or no-cost physical activity opportunities for children.	H01 N02	1,969
2502-T015	Organic Solar Cells: Promising Performance In Space Radiation	Research from the University of Michigan suggests that carbon-based solar cells could outperform traditional silicon and gallium arsenide cells in space, exhibiting resilience against radiation exposure. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms behind performance degradation, offering insights that could lead to the development of more durable and efficient solar technology for use in extreme environments.	University of Michigan	Joule	Press Rel	PubMed	Radiation testing suggests that solar cells made from carbon-based, or organic, materials could outperform conventional silicon and gallium arsenide for generating electricity in the final frontier, a study from the University of Michigan suggests. -- While previous research focused on how well organic solar cells converted light to electricity following radiation exposure, the new investigation also dug into what happens at the molecular level to cause drops in performance. -- "Silicon semiconductors aren't stable in space because of proton irradiation coming from the sun," said Yongxi Li, first author of the study to be published in Joule and a U-M associate research scientist in electrical and computer engineering at the time of the research. "We tested organic photovoltaics with protons because they are considered the most damaging particles in space for electronic materials." -- Space missions often land on gallium arsenide for its high efficiency and resistance to damage from protons, but it's expensive and, like silicon, is relatively heavy and inflexible. In contrast, organic solar cells can be flexible and are much lighter. This study is among those exploring the reliability of organics, as space missions tend to use highly trusted materials. -- Organic solar cells made with small molecules didn't seem to have any trouble with protons -- they showed no damage after three years worth of radiation. In contrast, those made with polymers -- more complex molecules with branching structures -- lost half of their efficiency. -- "We found that protons cleave some of the side chains, and that leaves an electron trap that degrades solar cell performance," said Stephen Forrest, the Peter A. Franken Distinguished University Professor of Engineering at U-M, and lead corresponding author of the study. -- These traps grab onto electrons freed by light hitting the cell, preventing them from flowing to the electrodes that harvest the electricity. -- "You can heal this by thermal annealing, or heating the solar cell. But we might find ways to fill the traps with other atoms, eliminating this problem," Forrest said. -- It's plausible that sun-facing solar cells could essentially self-heal at temperatures of 100°C (212°F) -- this warmth is enough to repair the bonds in the lab. But questions remain: for instance, will that repair still take place in the vacuum of space? Is the healing reliable enough for long missions? It may be more straightforward to design the material so that the performance-killing electron traps never appear. -- Li intends to explore both avenues further as an incoming associate professor of advanced materials and manufacturing at Nanjing University in China.	A01	1,970
2503-022	Brain-Controlled Technology: Enabling Independence For People With Paralysis	Researchers have made significant strides with brain-computer interfaces, enabling individuals with paralysis to engage in social interactions and remote work. A participant with tetraplegia was able to control a virtual quadcopter through thought alone, demonstrating a novel way of interacting with technology that could facilitate leisure activities and work. This groundbreaking development showcases the potential of such interfaces to enhance the quality of life for those with severe mobility impairments.	University of Michigan	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A brain-computer interface, surgically placed in a research participant with tetraplegia, paralysis in all four limbs, provided an unprecedented level of control over a virtual quadcopter -- just by thinking about moving his unresponsive fingers. -- The technology divides the hand into three parts: the thumb and two pairs of fingers (index and middle, ring and small). Each part can move both vertically and horizontally. -- As the participant thinks about moving the three groups, at times simultaneously, the virtual quadcopter responds, maneuvering through a virtual obstacle course. -- It's an exciting next step in providing those with paralysis the chance to enjoy games with friends while also demonstrating the potential for performing remote work. -- "This is a greater degree of functionality than anything previously based on finger movements," said Matthew Willsey, U-M assistant professor of neurosurgery and biomedical engineering, and first author of a new research paper in Nature Medicine. -- The testing that produced the paper was conducted while Willsey was a researcher at Stanford University, where most of his collaborators are located. -- While there are noninvasive approaches to allow enhanced video gaming such as using electroencephalography to take signals from the surface of the user's head, EEG signals combine contributions from large regions of the brain. -- The authors believe that to restore highly functional fine motor control, electrodes need to be placed closer to the neurons. -- The study notes a sixfold improvement in the user's quadcopter flight performance by reading signals directly from motor neurons vs. EEG. -- To prepare the interface, patients undergo a surgical procedure in which electrodes are placed in the brain's motor cortex.	T01	1,971
2503-E001	E. Coli Risks: Extreme Weather Heightens Dangers For Vulnerable Communities	Research from the University of Michigan reveals that communities of color in Texas face heightened risks of E. coli exposure in water following heavy rainfall, linking pollution to socioeconomic factors. E. coli, a marker of fecal contamination, poses serious health risks, and this study underscores the disproportionate impact of environmental pollution on marginalized communities. The findings call for targeted interventions to improve water quality and public health outcomes in affected areas.	University of Michigan	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Nobody wants to share a day on the water with E. coli. -- The bacteria is a sure sign of fecal contamination, which is washed into waterways from farm fields or sewage systems by rain. The microbes are also dangerous -- exposure to E. coli can lead to illness, hospitalization and even death. -- Still, as many beachgoers know, it's not uncommon for E. coli to temporarily shut down lakes and other recreational waters across the U.S. Now, research led by the University of Michigan shows that communities of color in Texas face pronounced risks of E. coli exposure in nearby waters following storms that dump abnormally high amounts of rain. -- "E. coli is the leading cause of water quality impairments in the United States, and exposure to this pollution is not evenly distributed. We're also seeing that extreme precipitation has a disproportionate effect on E. coli pollution," said lead author Xiaofeng Liu, a postdoctoral researcher at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability and a Schmidt AI in Science fellow at the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society. -- Liu and colleagues worked with E.coli, climate, environmental and socioeconomic data available for the state of Texas between 2001 and 2021. Using computational models, the team could spot when and where the extreme rainfall had the greatest impact on E. coli levels, while uncovering associations between these impacts and socioeconomic factors. -- The patterns were complex, but a couple of clear results emerged. -- Communities in the north and east with higher percentages of Black residents had higher concentrations of E. coli flushed into their recreational waters by extreme rain in winter. -- Predominantly Latino communities -- where the majority of residents were of Latin American descent -- in the southern and western parts of the state experienced outsize E. coli increases following intense storms in September. -- "This is a complicated issue. The communities live in these places all the time, but the rainfall impact is different in different seasons," Liu said. -- There are numerous social, historical, geological and meteorological variables at play for understanding this seasonality and location dependence, which are not all captured by available data, she says.	C01 T01	1,972
2503-T029	Carbon Cloth Electrodes Offer New Solution For Efficient Seawater Desalination	Engineers from the University of Michigan and Rice University have introduced a new carbon cloth electrode technology that can effectively remove boron from seawater, presenting a cost-effective alternative for desalination plants. This innovation addresses the challenge of ensuring safe drinking water by eliminating toxic boron levels, which often pass through conventional filters. The study emphasizes the importance of developing efficient solutions for water treatment in the face of growing global water scarcity.	University of Michigan	Nature Water	Press Rel	PubMed	Water desalination plants could replace expensive chemicals with new carbon cloth electrodes that remove boron from seawater, an important step of turning seawater into safe drinking water. -- A study describing the new technology has been published in Nature Water by engineers at the University of Michigan and Rice University. -- Boron is a natural component of seawater that becomes a toxic contaminant in drinking water when it sneaks through conventional filters for removing salts. -- Seawater's boron levels are around twice as high as the World Health Organization's most lenient limits for safe drinking water, and five to 12 times higher than the tolerance of many agricultural plants. -- "Most reverse osmosis membranes don't remove very much boron, so desalination plants typically have to do some post treatment to get rid of the boron, which can be expensive," said Jovan Kamcev, U-M assistant professor of chemical engineering and macromolecular science and engineering and a co-corresponding author of the study. -- "We developed a new technology that's fairly scalable and can remove boron in an energy-efficient way compared to some of the conventional technologies." -- In seawater, boron exists as electrically neutral boric acid, so it passes through reverse osmosis membranes that typically remove salt by repelling electrically charged atoms and molecules called ions. -- To get around this problem, desalination plants normally add a base to their treated water, which causes boric acid to become negatively charged. -- Another stage of reverse osmosis removes the newly charged boron, and the base is neutralized afterward by adding acid. -- Those extra treatment steps can be costly.	C01 N02	1,973
2503-T030	New Computational Method Enhances Understanding Of Galaxy Clusters In The Universe	Research led by the University of Michigan has unveiled a new computational method that enhances the analysis of galaxy clustering maps, offering deeper insights into the universe's structure. This approach aims to maximize the potential of current telescopes like the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) to address pressing cosmological questions. By leveraging advanced techniques, scientists hope to unlock vital information about dark matter and dark energy, contributing to our understanding of the cosmos.	University of Michigan	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Research led by the University of Michigan could help put cosmology on the inside track to reaching the full potential of telescopes and other instruments studying some of the universe's largest looming questions. -- The project showcased how a new computational method gleans more information than its predecessors from maps showing how galaxies are clustered and threaded throughout the universe. -- Scientists are currently using tools like DESI, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, to generate these maps and dig deeper into the nature of dark energy, dark matter and other cosmic mysteries. -- The dark side of cosmology -- Even as DESI makes headlines now, scientists know they will need more advanced tools to find the answers they seek. -- Some are developing the next generation of instruments like DESI. -- Minh Nguyen and his colleagues, however, are focusing on optimizing our understanding of the data we're getting now -- and in the future. -- "As we move to bigger and better telescopes, we might also be throwing away more information," said Nguyen, who helped lead the work as a Leinweber Research Fellow in the U-M Department of Physics. -- "While we're collecting more data, we can also try to get more out of the data." -- Teaming up with colleagues at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, or MPA, Nguyen worked with a computational framework dubbed LEFTfield to upgrade how scientists analyze the large-scale structure of the cosmos.	A01	1,974
2507-101	Radiation Plus Immunotherapy May Preserve Bladder In Cancer Patients	A sponge-like implant in mice has facilitated a nanoparticle treatment that can slow or halt a degenerative condition akin to multiple sclerosis. This research provides insights into primary progressive multiple sclerosis, demonstrating that early administration of the treatment can prevent severe symptoms like paralysis, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention in disease progression.	University of Michigan	University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	A sponge-like implant in mice helped guide a treatment that slowed or stopped a degenerative condition similar to multiple sclerosis in humans. It also gave University of Michigan researchers a first look at how primary progressive multiple sclerosis, the fastest-progressing version of the disease, attacks the central nervous system early on. -- If administered early, the nanoparticle-based treatment prevented mice from developing symptoms such as paralysis. -- If given after the first symptoms emerged, it reduced symptom scores by half compared to untreated mice. -- On average, primary progressive multiple sclerosis causes severe disability within 13 years -- including balance issues, difficulty walking and vision problems -- but this can also happen within two years. -- Researchers know that immune cells attack the myelin sheath around nerves -- a bit like the insulation around an electrical wire -- but it's hard to discover the details of how that is happening. -- Because the attacks occur in the brain and spinal cord, it's not possible to take biopsies from living patients. -- "Right now, we simply can't get access to diseased tissue from MS patients in any regular way. Some patients donate brains after death, but at that point the disease has progressed quite far," said Aaron Morris, U-M assistant professor of biomedical engineering and co-corresponding author of the study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Without an understanding of how the disease works, researchers have been unable to develop effective treatments. -- Currently, the only FDA-approved drug helps slow disease progression but does not offer full remission. -- Since it works by damping down the immune system, it also exposes patients to infection.	H01 R01 R02 N02	1,975
2507-E024	Investigating The Evolution Of Evolution: How Adaptation Processes Improve Over Time	A University of Michigan study suggests that the process of evolution itself is subject to evolutionary changes, helping organisms adapt to their environments more effectively. This research delves into the concept of "evolvability," which may provide insights into phenomena like antimicrobial resistance, reflecting the adaptability of biological systems over generations.	University of Michigan	University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	The field of evolution examines how organisms adapt to their environments over generations, but what about the evolution of evolution itself? -- Researchers have long questioned why biological populations are so good at exploiting their environments -- a trait called "evolvability." Think, for example, of antimicrobial resistance and the speed with which new viral pathogens change and are able to evade vaccines. -- Now, a University of Michigan study shows that perhaps why evolution is so effective is that evolution is itself something that can evolve. -- The research is published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "Life is really, really good at solving problems. If you look around, there's so much diversity in life, and that all these things come from a common ancestor seems really surprising to me," said Luis Zaman, an evolutionary biologist at U-M and lead author of the study. -- "Why is evolution so seemingly creative? It seems like maybe that ability is something that evolved itself." -- Whether evolvability itself can evolve is a question, Zaman says, because the major fuel of evolution are the mutations that increase an organism's fitness, increasing their ability to survive in the current environment, the most. -- But evolvability is not about increasing fitness. Instead, evolvability increases the future potential of an organism's fitness. -- "This forward-looking feature of evolvability makes it contentious," Zaman said. -- "We think it's important. We know it happens. Why it happens and when it happens is something we're less clear about. We were trying to figure out: Can we see the evolution of evolvability in a more realistic computational model?"	Z01	1,976
2507-E040	Sustainable Seafood Farming Can Help Feed The Planet While Protecting Biodiversity	New research indicates that strategic expansion of sustainable mariculture could help meet global food demands while minimizing biodiversity impacts. By balancing conservation efforts with increased sea farming, researchers suggest that it is possible to enhance food production from marine resources without compromising marine ecosystems, offering a promising pathway for sustainable development.	University of Michigan	University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	Humanity can farm more food from the seas to help feed the planet while shrinking mariculture's negative impacts on biodiversity, according to new research led by the University of Michigan. -- There is a catch, though: We need to be strategic about it. -- "We can achieve this sustainable mariculture development," said Deqiang Ma, who led the study as a postdoctoral researcher at the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability. -- "With strategic planning, we can achieve the goal of conserving marine species while meeting the global demand for the expansion of mariculture." -- Mariculture is the branch of aquaculture that farms saltwater seafood. -- In 2020, it accounted for about a fifth of the food farmed from fisheries, which is an important source of protein for billions of people worldwide. -- Demand for seafood is going up and mariculture production is growing rapidly to help meet that, Ma said. -- To predict the impact of that growth, Ma and an international team of researchers developed a model to assess mariculture's effects on the populations of more than 20,000 species of marine fauna. -- The model allowed the team to establish a baseline for mariculture's current impacts and forecast how those would change by 2050 under a range of scenarios, depending on, for instance, what was farmed where. -- The model also looked at two different climate scenarios, known as RCP 4.5 and 8.5, assuming different levels of warming and greenhouse gas emissions.	H01 C01 N01	1,977
2507-T016	Explore The Quantum 'Miracle Material' That Reactions To Magnetic Fields With Exciting Potential	Researchers from the University of Regensburg and the University of Michigan have discovered a quantum "miracle material" that supports magnetic switching, potentially impacting quantum computing and sensing applications. Their study connects the behavior of excitons in chromium sulfide bromide to the material's magnetic properties, offering insights into developing advanced quantum devices capable of utilizing multiple information encoding methods, including magnetism and photons.	University of Michigan	University of Michigan	Press Rel	PubMed	A quantum "miracle material" could support magnetic switching, a team of researchers at the University of Regensburg and University of Michigan has shown. -- This recently discovered capability could help enable applications in quantum computing, sensing and more. -- While earlier studies identified that quantum entities called excitons are sometimes effectively confined to a single line within the material chromium sulfide bromide, the new research provides a thorough theoretical and experimental demonstration explaining how this is connected to the magnetic order in the material. -- Chromium sulfide bromide is exciting to quantum researchers because it can support nearly any way information is physically encoded: in electric charge, photons (light), magnetism (electron spins) and phonons (vibrations, such as sound). -- "The long-term vision is, you could potentially build quantum machines or devices that use these three or even all four of these properties: photons to transfer information, electrons to process information through their interactions, magnetism to store information, and phonons to modulate and transduce information to new frequencies," said Mackillo Kira, U-M professor of electrical and computer engineering. -- One of the ways chromium sulfide bromide could encode quantum information is in excitons. -- An exciton forms when an electron is moved out of its "ground" energy state in the semiconductor into a higher energy state, leaving behind a "hole." The electron and hole are paired together, and that collective state is an exciton. -- The excitons are trapped in single layers by chromium sulfide bromide's unusual magnetic properties. -- The material is made up of layers just a few atoms thick, like molecular phyllo pastry. -- At low temperatures under 132 Kelvin (-222 Fahrenheit), the layers are magnetized -- the spins of the electrons align with one another.	T01	1,978
2509-E008	Rock Properties In Fault Zones Play A Role In Earthquake Generation	A University of Michigan study reveals that the physical properties of fault zone rocks significantly influence earthquake generation, challenging long-held beliefs about seismic forces. By examining the eastern Kanto region of Japan, researchers found that rock structure and arrangement play crucial roles in fault stress dynamics. This study opens new avenues for understanding earthquakes, suggesting that geological characteristics, in addition to pressure buildup, are key to predicting seismic events.	University of Michigan	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Earthquakes occur along fault lines between continental plates, where one plate is diving beneath another. Pressure builds between each plate, called fault stress. When this stress builds enough to release, the plates slip and grind against each other, causing an earthquake. -- Researchers have long thought that this force is the central driver of earthquakes. But another force is also in the mix: the properties of the rocks in the fault zones along the plate interface. This includes both the structure of the rock as well as how the rocks are arranged along the zones. -- Now, a University of Michigan study looking at a small region in Japan has shown that the properties of fault zone rocks really matter for the generation of earthquakes. -- Yihe Huang, lead author and U-M associate professor of earth and environmental sciences, and her team looked at data from the eastern Kanto region of Japan, including Tokyo. The region is situated where the Philippine Sea Plate is sandwiched between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. -- Earthquakes that occur there tend to be small and occurring at depths of about 60 to 70 kilometers -- fairly deep, according to Huang. The region generates about half of the earthquakes that can be felt in Tokyo. -- The researchers found that the rock material along this fault line is foliated, which means the minerals within the rocks are arranged in distinct layers. Their findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that the properties of rocks may contribute equally to the generation of earthquakes, alongside fault stress. -- Huang says finding active areas of subduction zones where earthquakes tend to occur, and examining why earthquakes occur in these areas, can help researchers devise better earthquake warning systems. -- "When we think about where earthquakes occur, we are always thinking about a broader scale, such as subduction zones more broadly. But it's not like that. Even in subduction zones, there are certain locations that are more active and we need to find those spots," Huang said. "Our study provides a way for us to find those spots. If they are linked together spatially or temporally, then they may contribute to the generation of bigger earthquakes. -- "The main takeaway is that the subduction zone plate boundary contains much more foliated, damaged rocks than what we thought about before at this kilometer scale, which is relevant to earthquake generation in all subduction zones that host earthquakes in localized spots." -- This foliation gives the rock what's called an anisotropic property, which means the rock exhibits different properties in different directions, similar to the difference in properties of wood along its grain compared to across it. This causes the rock to have different levels of strength in these directions, similar to how wood is stronger along its grain than across it. The rock layers themselves along this fault line are a mixture of different types of rocks.	H02 C01	1,979
2510-E065	Protecting Biodiversity: The Importance Of Large, Undisturbed Forests	A study demonstrates that large, undisturbed forests are significantly better for biodiversity than fragmented landscapes. Researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis revealing the negative effects of habitat fragmentation on species diversity across multiple scales, reinforcing the necessity of conservation efforts focused on preserving extensive, connected natural habitats to support ecological health.	University of Michigan	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Large, undisturbed forests are better for harboring biodiversity than fragmented landscapes, according to University of Michigan research. -- Ecologists agree that habitat loss and the fragmentation of forests reduces biodiversity in the remaining fragments. But ecologists don't agree whether it's better to focus on preserving many smaller, fragmented tracts of land or larger, continuous landscapes. The study, published in Nature and led by U-M ecologist Thiago Gonçalves-Souza, comes to a conclusion on the decades-long debate. -- "Fragmentation is bad," said study author Nate Sanders, U-M professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. "This paper clearly shows that fragmentation has negative effects on biodiversity across scales. That doesn't mean we shouldn't try to conserve small fragments when we can with our limited conservation dollars, but we need to be wise about conservation decisions." -- The study, conducted by researchers from U-M, Michigan State University and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research among others, examined 4,006 species of vertebrates, invertebrates and plants sampled at 37 sites around the world to provide a global synthesis comparing biodiversity differences between continuous and fragmented landscapes. They found that, on average, fragmented landscapes had 13.6% fewer species at the patch scale, and 12.1% fewer species at the landscape scale. -- Additionally, the findings suggest that generalist species -- species that are good at surviving in various environments -- primarily live in the fragmented areas. -- The scientists investigated what's called alpha, beta and gamma diversity at these sites. Alpha diversity refers to the number of species in a patch, while beta diversity refers to how species composition differs between two areas. Gamma diversity refers to biodiversity over a whole landscape. -- Think of driving through Ohio's farm fields and encountering patches of forests between fields, Sanders says. Each patch of forest might contain a handful of bird species (alpha diversity), but each patch of forest will have different species of birds compared to the previous patch (beta diversity). The biodiversity of the entire landscape containing the fragmented patches -- or likewise a continuous forest -- is the area's gamma diversity. -- "The heart of the debate is that people who argue that fragmentation isn't so bad say that because you have isolated habitats, you have different species composition, which means at a large scale, it's good. If they are different, we can assume that the gamma diversity is going to be higher," said Gonçalves-Souza, a postdoctoral fellow at U-M's Institute for Global Change Biology. "They say the opposite for large tracts of land: because this is a continuous and homogeneous patch, the species composition is too similar." -- But previous research didn't properly compare fragmented landscapes to large, continuous forests, Gonçalves-Souza said. For example, prior research may have looked at only one component of diversity, or may have compared a few continuous forests to dozens of fragmented patches. -- "One reason that this has been such a long-standing and unresolved debate is that we simply have not had the appropriate data and statistical tools to systematically evaluate the question at both smaller and larger scales," said co-author Jonathan Chase, a professor at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research.	R01 N01 N02	1,980
2510-T008	Air Drying Clothes Could Save Money And Reduce Carbon Emissions	A study from the University of Michigan suggests that air drying clothes instead of using dryers could save U.S. households over $2,100 and prevent approximately three tons of CO2 emissions per dryer’s lifetime. The research highlights the significant energy consumption of household dryers, which account for about 3% of residential energy use, and emphasizes the potential environmental benefits of adopting air drying practices.	University of Michigan	Resources, Conservation and Recycling	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Michigan are hoping their new study will inspire some Americans to rethink their relationship with laundry. Because, no matter how you spin it, clothes dryers use a lot of comparatively costly energy when air works for free. -- Household dryers in the U.S. consume about 3% of our residential energy budget, about six times that used by washing machines. -- Collectively, dryers cost more than $7 billion to power each year in this country, and generating that energy emits the equivalent of more than 27 million tons of carbon dioxide. -- The U.S. also leads the world in dryer ownership, with more than 80% of homes having one, compared with less than 30% in South Korea, just over 40% in Germany and just under 60% in the United Kingdom. -- That got researchers in the U-M School for Environment and Sustainability, or SEAS, wondering what it would mean for the average American household if we warmed up to air drying. -- "In most other places in the world, it's hard to find a clothes dryer," said Zhu Zhu, the lead author of the new study who performed the work as a master's student. -- He is now a doctoral student at Purdue University. -- "We know dryers consume a lot of energy, so what if you used line drying instead? How much could you save? How many CO2 emissions could you avoid?" Zhu said. -- Under the guidance of Shelie Miller, SEAS professor and co-director of the U-M Center for Sustainable Systems, Zhu investigated the costs and emissions associated with different drying technology and behaviors in the U.S. -- Over the lifetime of a dryer, 100% line drying could save a household upwards of $2,100.	C01	1,981
2512-053	Your Family Tree Comes Alive: Experience Ancestry In Motion Instead Of Still Portraits	Researchers from the University of Michigan have developed a groundbreaking statistical method that allows individuals to visualize their family tree as a dynamic movie, capturing the migrations of ancestors over time. This innovative approach not only enhances understanding of human ancestry but also has applications in modeling disease spread and tracking animal movements across geographical areas.	University of Michigan	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Michigan researchers have developed a statistical method that can be used for such wide-ranging applications as tracing your ancestry, modeling disease spread and studying how animals spread through geographic regions. -- One of the method's applications is to give a more complete sense of human ancestry, says Gideon Bradburd, U-M professor of ecology and evolutionary biology. For example, when you send your DNA off for a personalized ancestry report, the report you get back is only a very small view of your family tree pinned in a specific point and space in time. -- These types of genetic reports reflect the amount of a person's genome that they've inherited from individuals living in a specific area at a specific point in the past. If your ancestry report says that you're 50% Irish, that means you have a lot of second through fourth cousins who currently live in Ireland, says Bradburd. But in reality, your family tree is much more like a movie than this snapshot. -- The statistical method developed by Bradburd and fellow U-M researchers Michael Grundler and Jonathan Terhorst can give people a "movie" version of their ancestry, showing where their ancestors originated and how they moved across the globe. The method uses modern genetic sequence samples, estimates all of the locations of an individual's genetic ancestors, identifies the average location of those individuals based on assumptions about how people move, and tracks it back over centuries. -- The researchers' method can be used for more than tracing human ancestry. It can also be used to track the emergence of viruses, the divergence of animal populations and other genealogical tracking. Their results are published in the journal Science. -- "There's ways in which consumer ancestry reports are interesting, and certainly it's powerful to learn about your history, especially for folks who've been adopted or orphaned or are disconnected from their family," Bradburd said. "But there are other ways in which these ancestry reports can be really problematic. They really reify notions of the biological essentialism of race because they're presenting these categories of Irish, for example, as if they're ideals, that they're real and unchanging through time." -- But researchers know this isn't the case. A field, forged by Nobel Prize-winning geneticist Svante Pääbo, developed the tools to genotype ancient DNA. This allows researchers to trace waves of human populations as they spread throughout the world -- particularly in Eurasia, where most of this type of genetic sequencing has been happening, Bradburd says. This has allowed researchers to see how human groups enter and leave geographic regions through time. -- "Because the genetic flavor of a location changes so much through time, we know it's meaningless to say, 'This is what it means to be Irish,'" Bradburd said. "It's not just that being 'genetically Irish' doesn't mean anything; it also means that you are everything." -- Bradburd points to a thought experiment in human biology: imagine two biological parents and four biological grandparents. This doubles every generation, and it only has to double a relatively small number of generations before there are more people in that direct lineage than there have ever been humans alive on Earth. -- This also means that you don't have to go very far back in time to discover that many people share many ancestors.	R01 N01	1,982
2507-060	Selective Combustion Method Offers Energy-Efficient Solutions For Industrial Pollutant Removal	Researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have identified a groundbreaking method utilizing a bismuth oxide catalyst to selectively combust individual hydrocarbons within a mixture. This advancement holds promise for enhancing the efficiency of industrial processes, including the production of plastics, fuels, and medications, while also addressing pollutant removal. The findings, published in the journal Science, could significantly improve environmental outcomes in various sectors.	University of Minnesota	University of Minnesota	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities discovered a new method by which a catalyst can be used to selectively burn one molecule in a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made of hydrogen and carbon atoms. -- This new method could help in the removal of pollutants and improve efficiency for industrial processes ranging from the production of fuels and medications to fertilizers and plastics -- The research is published in Science. -- By using a bismuth oxide catalyst -- a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction -- the researchers can selectively burn one molecule in a mixture of combustibles. -- The researchers showed that you can effectively combust even small amounts of acetylene in mixtures with ethylene. -- Removing acetylene is a crucial process to prevent poisoning of polymerization catalysts, which is vital for the production of polyethylene plastics, a market that exceeds 120 million metric tons annually. -- "No one else has shown that you could combust one hydrocarbon present in low concentrations, in mixtures with others," said Aditya Bhan, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and lead investigator on the paper. -- Conventionally, combustion processes are used to burn all hydrocarbon fuel mixtures at high temperatures to produce heat. -- The use of a catalyst allowed the researchers to tackle the challenge of burning one molecule but not the others. -- The bismuth oxide catalyst is unique as it provides its own oxygen during combustion, rather than using oxygen from an outside source, in a process called chemical looping.	C01 T01	1,983
2501-026	Point-Of-Care Ultrasounds Enhance Early Pregnancy Care, Reducing Emergency Visits By 81%.	A new study at the University of Minnesota Medical School shows that using point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) in early pregnancy care dramatically reduces emergency visits. This integrated approach allows for immediate pregnancy assessments during a single appointment, enhancing patient care and addressing early pregnancy complications efficiently.	University of Minnesota Medical School	The Annals of Family Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Published in Annals of Family Medicine, a University of Minnesota Medical School research team found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) to assess the viability and gestational age of pregnancies in the first trimester enhanced care for pregnant patients and cut emergency visits by 81% for non-miscarrying patients. -- Previously, early pregnancy care was provided through separate appointments for ultrasound, risk assessment and patient education. -- This new integrated approach allows patients who are under 14 weeks pregnant to receive comprehensive care during a single visit. -- This includes ultrasound-based pregnancy dating, immediate assessment of pregnancy viability, risk evaluation and on-site counseling -- all based on real-time ultrasound results. -- "Our study demonstrates that the use of point-of-care ultrasound provides meaningful benefit to the patients we serve by addressing early pregnancy problems at the time they are identified," said Allison Newman, MD, an assistant professor at the U of M Medical School and family medicine physician with M Health Fairview. -- "POCUS in early pregnancy helps clinicians more efficiently and accurately diagnose problems without compromising the quality of needed first trimester assessments -- saving time, money and stress for patients." -- The research team introduced this integrated approach at M Health Fairview Clinic -- Bethesda in fall 2022, allowing the clinic to quickly identify high-risk cases and offer timely intervention for issues such as miscarriage or abnormal pregnancies. -- They found: -- The clinic saw an 81% reduction in emergency visits, urgent clinic appointments and first-trimester phone inquiries for non-miscarrying patients. -- Clinic implementation led to more timely diagnosis of abnormal pregnancies and improved education and support for all patients, including those who experience miscarriage.	H02	1,984
2501-E016	Groundbreaking Nanobodies Take Aim At Deadly Ebola Virus	Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus, aiming to combat this deadly pathogen. These tiny antibodies, derived from alpacas, have the potential to reach areas of the virus that conventional antibodies cannot, offering new therapeutic possibilities.	University of Minnesota Medical School	PLOS Pathogens	Press Rel	PubMed	Ebola virus, one of the deadliest pathogens, has a fatality rate of about 50%, posing a serious threat to global health and safety. To address this challenge, researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center have developed the first nanobody-based inhibitors targeting the Ebola virus. -- Nanobodies are tiny antibodies derived from animals like alpacas. -- Their small size allows them to access areas of the virus and human tissues that larger antibodies cannot. -- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the team created nine nanobodies to fight COVID-19. Now, they've used this technology to develop two new nanobody inhibitors for Ebola: Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2. -- The nanobodies work in different ways to stop Ebola. The virus hides the part it uses to attach to human cells under a protective layer. -- Nanosota-EB1 prevents this layer from opening, blocking the virus from attaching to cells. -- Nanosota-EB2 targets a part of the virus essential for breaking into cells, stopping its spread. -- In lab tests, Nanosota-EB2 was especially effective, greatly improving survival rates in Ebola-infected mice. -- These nanobodies represent a major step toward treatments for other viruses in the same family, like Sudan and Marburg viruses. -- This adaptability comes from a new nanobody design method recently developed by the team.	H01 R01 N01	1,985
2505-096	Research Investigates How Sudan Virus Attaches To Human Cells For Better Understanding	Researchers at the University of Minnesota are investigating how the Sudan virus, related to Ebola, infects human cells. By examining its interaction with the NPC1 protein, they discovered critical differences that enhance the virus's binding affinity, contributing to its high fatality rate and informing future pandemic preparedness strategies.	University of Minnesota Medical School	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	"Honey, do you think I look good in this outfit?" That's hands down a loaded question. One that begs an even deeper question -- is honesty always the best policy in a relationship? While a truthful answer may offend and lead to a quarrel, a dishonest one may create trust issues down the road. Does telling the truth strengthen romantic relationships, or does it backfire? -- Bonnie Le, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester, may have the answer -- based on a recent study with more than 200 couples. -- Published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, her team's research looked at the role of honesty in romantic relationships. -- The study, based on face-to-face conversations between romantic partners in a lab setting, examined the effects of expressing honesty, perceiving honesty, and accurately discerning honesty among romantic partners who shared so-called relationship-threatening information. -- Specifically, the study participants talked in one-on-one conversations with their partners about a change they wanted to see in the other. -- The finding? Just tell the truth. -- Of course, most of us value honesty in our close relationships, romantic or not. -- Honesty can help create a connection and foster closeness; yet it can also hurt our partners when we share potentially threatening information, such as, "I really dislike when you do x," or, "I wish you'd do y instead." -- But, in the long run, expressed and perceived honesty has several positive effects, according to the Rochester team. -- "We found that being more honest in expressing a desired change predicted greater personal and relationship well-being for both partners, as well as greater partner motivation to change in the moment," says Le. "The same pattern emerged when the person receiving a request to change perceived honesty in their partner, regardless of whether their partner was being honest or not."	R01	1,986
2509-080	Anxiety And Apathy Affect Learning And Decision-Making In Distinct Ways	Research from the University of Minnesota Medical School illustrates how anxiety and apathy—two distinct emotional states—significantly influence learning and decision-making processes. The study discovered that while both conditions can coexist, they lead to opposing effects on how individuals perceive uncertainty and make choices, offering valuable insights for psychological and behavioral sciences.	University of Minnesota Medical School	Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging	Press Rel	PubMed	Making decisions in uncertain situations is part of daily life. New research from the University of Minnesota Medical School has uncovered that anxiety and apathy -- two common but distinct emotional states -- lead to fundamentally different patterns in how people learn and make decisions. -- The findings were recently published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging. -- The study investigated how anxiety and apathy -- or a lack of interest and enthusiasm -- affects people's perception of uncertainty and their subsequent decision-making behaviors. -- Using a combination of behavioral experiments and computational modeling, researchers examined how more than 1,000 participants made choices in a dynamic environment where they had to repeatedly decide between exploring new options or sticking with familiar ones. -- "While anxiety and apathy often occur simultaneously in clinical conditions, our findings show they actually lead to opposite patterns in how people process uncertainty and make decisions," said Alexander Herman, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the U of M Medical School. -- "This helps explain why these conditions might require different therapeutic approaches." -- Key findings include: -- Anxious individuals perceive higher environmental volatility and explore more options, especially after negative outcomes -- Apathetic individuals view outcomes as more random and show reduced exploratory behavior -- The ratio of perceived volatility to randomness mediates the relationship between anxiety and exploratory behavior	A01 H02 T01	1,987
2507-E006	AI Innovations Enhance Infrastructure Durability, Reducing Costs And Time	Research from the University of Mississippi shows how artificial intelligence can enhance infrastructure durability and reduce costs. By predicting issues like potholes and improving material designs, AI contributes to developing sustainable infrastructure, focusing on optimizing recycled materials and minimizing environmental impact throughout construction processes.	University of Mississippi	University of Mississippi	Press Rel	PubMed	From predicting potholes to designing more durable concrete, artificial intelligence is paving the way for smarter infrastructure, a University of Mississippi researcher says. -- Ali Behnood, assistant professor of civil engineering, has dedicated more than 10 years to this field of study. -- He has contributed to more than 60 published research articles about the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable infrastructure. -- "The goal of our team in the NextGen Infrastructure Lab is to move towards the next generation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure," he said. -- "We're trying to optimize the use of recycled materials, industrial by-products, renewable resources, and alternative sustainable materials in construction while reducing not only physical cost, but labor costs, energy costs, environmental impact costs, and lifecycle maintenance expense as well." -- In one of his most recent publications, Behnood and Abolfazl Afshin, an Ole Miss doctoral student in civil engineering, tested different artificial intelligence algorithms' abilities to predict how well asphalt pavements with reclaimed asphalt pavement materials could withstand moisture. -- When water seeps into asphalt, it can break the bonds that hold the materials together. -- In its weakened state, the asphalt is more likely to crack or otherwise fail, Afshin said. -- "We focused on moisture damage, which is one of the most critical issues in asphalt pavements, particularly for wet and cold regions, because it results in a variety of distresses like stripping, potholes and cracking," he said. -- "We evaluated the effectiveness of four different artificial intelligence algorithms in predicting moisture damage in asphalt mixtures containing (reclaimed asphalt pavement) materials.	H02 T01	1,988
2510-083	Emotional Labor At Work Linked To Increased Burnout And Reduced Mental Health	New research indicates that maintaining a work persona, often seen as a strategy for career advancement, can lead to burnout and mental health issues. Professors Kash Afshar and Omar Itani studied emotional labor in sales roles, revealing that the pressure to project a curated image at work can threaten employee well-being and lead to emotional exhaustion over time.	University of Mississippi	Industrial Marketing Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Kash Afshar, University of Mississippi assistant professor of marketing, and Omar Itani, associate professor of marketing at Lebanese American University, recently published their team's findings in Industrial Marketing Management. The study looks at how image management -- curating a work persona -- can affect mental health and well-being in the long run. -- "We are all under a lot of pressure, a lot of deadlines at work, right?" Afshar said. -- "We wanted to look at the different factors that threaten employee's mental health and lead to emotional exhaustion. -- "One such factor that is very interesting to us was emotional labor." -- The term emotional labor is managing emotions to fulfill the expectations of a job or social role, or pretending to feel differently than you actually do. Afshar and Itani's research looked specifically at salespersons. -- "Managing emotions to meet job demands can lead to exhaustion, dissatisfaction and negative customer reactions," Itani said. -- "Job satisfaction is essential for overall well-being, emphasizing the need for supportive workplace cultures. -- "Employees should not be forced to act but encouraged to be genuine, as authentic interactions foster better customer relationships and contribute to long-term organizational success." -- In sales roles, where employees often face rejection, the pressure to perform can lead to significant emotional strain. -- More than 70% of people working in sales also reported struggling with mental health in the 2024 State of Mental Health in Sales report.	A01	1,989
2512-084	Intermittent Fasting With Exercise Leads To Greater Fat Loss Than Exercise Alone	New research suggests that combining intermittent fasting with exercise leads to greater fat loss compared to exercise alone. By adhering to an eight-hour eating window alongside regular physical activity, participants not only shed more fat but also preserved lean muscle, highlighting the potential benefits of this dietary approach for weight management.	University of Mississippi	International Journal of Obesity	Press Rel	PubMed	Time-restricted eating is the latest craze for people looking to lose weight, but whether it works is still the calorie-burning question. -- A new study from the University of Mississippi shows that when healthy adults pair an eight-hour eating window with regular exercise, they lose more fat -- without sacrificing lean muscle -- compared to exercise alone, according to a study released in theInternational Journal of Obesity, which is published by the Nature Publishing Group. -- "We saw that this did lead to more fat loss and reduced body fat percentage over time when healthy adults were following both exercise with time-restricting eating compared to those who were only exercising for at least 4 weeks," said Nadeeja Wijayatunga, assistant professor of nutrition and hospitality management. -- "It is important to note lean mass preservation." -- Wijayatunga and Michael Hays, tactical dietitian and recent Ole Miss graduate, began their study after seeing the dramatic rise in time-restricted eating. -- Together, they conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis where they analyzed data from 15 studies conducted on time-restricted eating with exercise from the last decade. -- Time-restricted eating is one of many diets included in the umbrella term intermittent fasting. -- "People like time-restricted eating because they feel it's easier to adhere to because they don't have to think too much," she said. -- "It's all about time, not calorie-counting or watching out for certain foods." -- Intermittent fasting has quickly become one of the most popular diets in the United States, with 12% of Americans having tried it, according to the 2023 International Food and Health Survey.	H01	1,990
2513-038	Rising Deaths Linked To Nitrous Oxide Misuse Concerns Researchers	Misuse of nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is on the rise in the U.S., leading to an increase in hospitalizations and deaths despite FDA warnings. Researchers Andrew Yockey and Rachel Hoopsick are studying this trend, which reflects a troubling shift from medical use to recreational abuse. With over 13 million Americans having misused nitrous oxide, understanding the factors driving this rise is crucial for public health and safety.	University of Mississippi	Journal of Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite a recent Food and Drug Administration warning against inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, deaths due to misusing the substance are on the rise in the United States. -- Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi assistant professor of public health, and Rachel Hoopsick, assistant professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, are studying the rise of nitrous oxide misuse. -- "This is a chemical that is commonly used as a sedative or anesthetic, but what we're seeing is a rise in recreational use," Yockey said. -- "But what we're also seeing is also a rise in hospitalizations, in poisonings and in deaths." -- More than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetimes, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. -- The number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisonings rose by more than 110% between 2019 and 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. -- "The preliminary findings of our study are that deaths have remained fairly small compared to other dangerous substances," Hoopsick said. -- "But what we're seeing is that over the last couple of years, those rates have increased exponentially. -- "At that continued rate, we could be looking at a much larger problem." -- People have misused nitrous oxide -- also called whippets -- for decades to get a fleeting high, but the long-term effects of misusing the gas are potentially deadly.	H01	1,991
2503-T022	Unlocking Energy Efficiency With Halide Perovskites: A New Future	University of Missouri scientists are investigating halide perovskites at the nanoscale, a material that holds promise for revolutionizing energy-efficient optoelectronics. Their research aims to discover how these unique ultra-thin crystals can enhance solar panel efficiency and LED performance. By unlocking the secrets of halide perovskites, the professors hope to contribute to a sustainable future with more effective energy solutions, offering exciting possibilities for improved technology in renewable energy applications.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Small	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Missouri scientists are unlocking the secrets of halide perovskites -- a material that's poised to reshape our future by bringing us closer to a new age of energy-efficient optoelectronics. -- Suchi Guha and Gavin King, two physics professors in Mizzou's College of Arts and Science, are studying the material at the nanoscale: a place where objects are invisible to the naked eye. -- At this level, the extraordinary properties of halide perovskites come to life, thanks to the material's unique structure of ultra-thin crystals -- making it astonishingly efficient at converting sunlight into energy. -- Think solar panels that are not only more affordable but also far more effective at powering homes. -- Or LED lights that burn brighter and last longer while consuming less energy. -- "Halide perovskites are being hailed as the semiconductors of the 21st century," said Guha, who specializes in solid-state physics. -- "Over the past six years, my lab has concentrated on optimizing these materials as a sustainable source for the next generation of optoelectronic devices." -- To create the material, the scientists used a method called chemical vapor deposition. -- It was developed and optimized by Randy Burns, one of Guha's former graduate students, in collaboration with Chris Arendse from the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. -- And because it's scalable, it can easily be used to mass produce solar cells.	C01 T01	1,992
2504-006	New Tool Invented To Reduce Prescription Medication Costs	A novel chemical tool called AshPhos has been developed by researchers at the University of Missouri, aiming to lower the costs of prescription medications. This ligand enhances the creation of carbon-nitrogen bonds, crucial for over half of all medicinal compounds. What sets AshPhos apart is its cost-effectiveness and superior efficiency compared to existing ligands, indicating a promising step towards more sustainable and affordable drug development.	University of Missouri-Columbia	JACS Au	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Missouri researchers and collaborators have developed a new chemical tool that could help lower the cost of prescription medications. -- The tool, called AshPhos, is a ligand, or molecule, that makes it easier to create special carbon-nitrogen bonds. These bonds are the backbone of more than half of all medicines on the market today. -- "What makes AshPhos special from other existing ligands is that it's made from inexpensive and easy-to-find materials, and it is far better in terms of activity and efficiency," said Sachin Handa, an associate professor of chemistry at Mizzou's College of Arts and Science. -- That's by design. -- The team, led by Handa and graduate student Ashish Dusunge, alongside Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, developed AshPhos with the goal of promoting sustainable chemistry. -- "It's eco-friendly because it's made with less waste and uses materials from renewable sources," Handa said. "It will also make medicine production cheaper, helping more people afford the medications they need." -- Handa, who grew up in India and was a first-generation high school student, knows firsthand the importance of providing affordable life-saving medication. -- "Witnessing people in India struggle to access essential health care during my childhood continues to motivate me to use my expertise as a chemist to create solutions that benefit society as a whole," he said. -- Other potential applications -- Looking ahead, researchers plan to explore the use of AshPhos beyond pharmaceutical applications.	H01 C01	1,993
2505-038	Researchers Reveal ApoB100 Protein Structure: A Potential Key To Targeting Heart Disease	Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a pivotal discovery regarding ApoB100, a protein that plays a crucial role in the transport of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad cholesterol." By revealing the specific structure of this protein, the study opens up possibilities for targeted heart disease treatments. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new drugs that effectively manage LDL levels, ultimately improving health outcomes associated with high cholesterol.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The blue whale is the largest animal on the planet. It consumes enormous quantities of tiny, shrimp-like animals known as krill to support a body of up to 100 feet (30 meters) long. Blue whales and other baleen whales, which filter seawater through their mouths to feed on small marine life, once teemed in Earth's oceans. Then over the past century they were hunted almost to extinction for their energy-dense blubber. -- As whales were decimated, some thought the krill would proliferate in predator-free waters. But that's not what happened. Krill populations dropped, too, and neither population has yet recovered. -- A recent theory proposes that whales weren't just predators in the ocean environment. Nutrients that whales excreted may have provided a key fertilizer to these marine ecosystems. -- Research led by University of Washington oceanographers supports that theory. It finds that whale excrement contains significant amounts of iron, a vital element that is often scarce in ocean ecosystems, and nontoxic forms of copper, another essential nutrient that in some forms can harm life. -- The open-access study, the first to look at the forms of these trace metals in what's commonly known as whale poop, was published in January in Communications Earth & Environment. -- "We made novel measurements of whale feces to assess how important whales are to recycling important nutrients for phytoplankton," said first author Patrick Monreal, a UW doctoral student in oceanography. "Our analysis suggests that the decimation of baleen whale populations from historical whaling could have had larger biogeochemical implications for the Southern Ocean, an area crucially important to global carbon cycling." -- The Southern Ocean encircling Antarctica harbors little human life but is thought to play an important role in the global climate. Strong circumpolar currents bring deep ocean water up to the surface. Huge blooms of plant-like organisms known as phytoplankton support populations of krill, which are still harvested in unprotected waters today for aquaculture and pet food. -- To investigate what role whale poop may have played in this ecosystem, the study analyzed five stool samples. Two samples were from humpback whales in the Southern Ocean and three were from blue whales off the central Californian coast. The samples were collected when researchers out studying whale populations saw an opportunity. -- "The nice thing, I guess, is that whale excrement floats," said senior author Randie Bundy, an assistant professor of oceanography at the UW. Researchers collect it using a net attached to a jar to collect the substance typically found as a slushy or slurry material. -- "The hypothesis is that the whales were actually adding nutrients to the ecosystem that these phytoplankton were able to use, so they would bloom more and then the krill could eat them," Bundy said.	H01 R01 T01	1,994
2505-E060	New Method Found To Remove Forever Chemicals From Drinking Water	A University of Missouri researcher has unveiled a promising method for removing 'forever chemicals,' or PFAS, from drinking water using heated granular activated carbon. This breakthrough addresses the environmental and health concerns surrounding these persistent pollutants, which have been linked to various health issues and can linger in ecosystems for centuries. The new technique signifies a major advancement in tackling PFAS contamination in water supplies, benefiting both communities and agriculture.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new AI-based analysis of almost 10,000 pregnancies has discovered previously unidentified combinations of risk factors linked to serious negative pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth. -- The study also found that there may be up to a tenfold difference in risk for infants who are currently treated identically under clinical guidelines. -- Nathan Blue, MD, the senior author on the study, says that the AI model the researchers generated helped identify a "really unexpected" combination of factors associated with higher risk, and that the model is an important step toward more personalized risk assessment and pregnancy care. -- The new results are published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. -- Unexpected risks -- The researchers started with an existing dataset of 9,558 pregnancies nationwide, which included information on social and physical characteristics ranging from pregnant people's level of social support to their blood pressure, medical history, and fetal weight, as well as the outcome of each pregnancy. By using AI to look for patterns in the data, they identified new combinations of maternal and fetal characteristics that were linked to unhealthy pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth. -- Usually, female fetuses are at slightly lower risk for complications than male fetuses -- a small but well-established effect. But the research team found that if a pregnant person has pre-existing diabetes, female fetuses are at higher risk than males. -- This previously undetected pattern shows that the AI model can help researchers learn new things about pregnancy health, says Blue, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. "It detected something that could be used to inform risk that not even the really flexible, experienced clinician brain was recognizing," Blue says. -- The researchers were especially interested in developing better risk estimates for fetuses in the bottom 10% for weight, but not the bottom 3%. These babies are small enough to be concerning, but large enough that they are usually perfectly healthy. Figuring out the best course of action in these cases is challenging: will a pregnancy need intensive monitoring and potentially early delivery, or can the pregnancy proceed largely as normal? Current clinical guidelines advise intensive medical monitoring for all such pregnancies, which can represent a significant emotional and financial burden. -- But the researchers found that within this fetal weight class, the risk of an unhealthy pregnancy outcome varied widely, from no riskier than an average pregnancy to nearly ten times the average risk. The risk was based on a combination of factors such as fetal sex, presence or absence of pre-existing diabetes, and presence or absence of a fetal anomaly such as a heart defect.	A01 H01 R01 C01	1,995
2505-E067	Embedded Counseling Services Show Promise In Veterinary Education For Mental Health	Research from the University of Missouri assesses the effectiveness of embedded counseling services in veterinary medical programs, revealing significant reductions in psychological distress among trainees. By evaluating the impact of mental health support, the study underscores the importance of accessible counseling for veterinary students and the necessity of gathering data on outcomes to encourage help-seeking behaviors and improve overall mental well-being.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Journal of Veterinary Medical Education	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite new medication, cystic fibrosis often leads to permanent lung damage. Working with an international team, researchers from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have discovered that the disease causes changes in the immune system early in life, presumably even in newborns. These changes lead to frequent inflammation and are not affected by drugs targeting the altered mucus production. -- Cystic fibrosis is caused by hereditary genetic mutations that impair or halt the production of the CFTR protein. -- The respiratory tract is most severely affected. There, the mucus becomes so viscous that pathogens like bacteria cannot be removed by coughing. -- The result is often a deadly cycle of infection and inflammation. -- In recent years, doctors have started using so-called CFTR modulator therapies to enhance the protein's function. -- This reduces mucus formation and significantly improves the quality of life for those affected. -- However, clinical studies show that airway inflammation continues to occur frequently. -- In older patients, the decline in lung function seems unstoppable. -- Current research aims to uncover additional processes in cystic fibrosis. -- "We specifically looked at how the immune system behaves in cystic fibrosis before the cycle of infection and inflammation begins," said Prof.	H02	1,996
2506-072	Unlocking Female Egg DNA Repair Mechanisms To Improve Reproductive Health	DNA Repair in Female Eggs: Researchers at the University of Missouri are investigating how female eggs repair DNA damage, a crucial aspect of reproductive health. They discovered that the process of autophagy, essential for cellular health, is less effective in female eggs with significant DNA damage, particularly in older women. Understanding this process could improve fertility outcomes and reduce risks of birth defects.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Our cells constantly receive DNA damage from factors such as ultraviolet rays, irradiations, toxins and chemicals. For women, that can lead to poor egg quality, which in turn can cause infertility, miscarriage, birth defects or genetic disorders. -- Researchers at the University of Missouri are now working to better understand a process that can help repair that damage. -- In a recent study, a team led by Ahmed Balboula, an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) and researcher at the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building, is studying a process known as autophagy. -- The unsung hero of cellular biology, autophagy serves as the body's natural defense mechanism, maintaining cellular health by recycling components, ensuring the body's systems stay balanced and functional. -- But in Balboula's recent study, his research team discovered that in female eggs, autophagy is less efficient when there is moderate or severe DNA damage, which is more common in older women. -- "When autophagy activity decreases in DNA-damaged eggs or in maternally aged eggs, which have moderate DNA damage, there is an increased risk for aneuploidy," Balboula said. -- "Aneuploidy -- an abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell -- is the leading genetic cause of miscarriage and congenital birth defects, including Down syndrome." -- Balboula and his team also discovered a possible solution. In the study, they found that by boosting or stimulating the process of autophagy in female eggs, they were able to improve egg quality by reducing DNA damage and the likelihood of abnormal chromosome numbers. -- By successfully showing that stimulating autophagy can reduce the levels of DNA damage in female eggs, the findings can open up new directions for improving the quality of female eggs, ultimately improving reproductive health for both humans and animals. -- "The deactivation of autophagy that we found is likely just one of many underlying mechanisms contributing to aneuploidy," Balboula said.	A01 H01 N01	1,997
2509-T013	Researchers Aim To Revolutionize Solid-State Battery Performance With Advanced Techniques	Researchers at the University of Missouri are working to enhance solid-state battery performance by addressing the challenges posed by interphase layers between solid electrolytes and electrodes. Their research aims to improve energy efficiency and safety in batteries, representing a significant step forward in developing reliable alternatives to traditional lithium-ion technologies.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Advanced Energy Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	From electric vehicles to wireless earbuds, traditional lithium-ion batteries power our daily lives as they charge fast and store plenty of energy. However, they rely on a solution known as liquid electrolyte, which can catch on fire if damaged or overheated. -- University of Missouri researchers may have a solution. Assistant Professor Matthias Young and team are figuring out how to use solid electrolytes instead of liquids or gels to make solid-state batteries, which are safer and more energy efficient. -- "When the solid electrolyte touches the cathode, it reacts and forms an interphase layer that's about 100 nanometers thick -- 1,000 times smaller than the width of a single human hair," said Young, who has joint appointments in Mizzou's College of Engineering and College of Arts and Science. -- "This layer blocks the lithium ions and electrons from moving easily, increasing resistance and hurting battery performance." -- Understanding this issue with solid-state batteries -- and how to overcome it -- has vexed scientists for more than a decade. -- Young's team tackled the problem by better understanding the root cause. -- Using four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM), the researchers examined the atomic structure of the battery without taking it apart -- a revolutionary breakthrough for the field. -- This novel process allowed them to gain a fundamental understanding of the chemical reactions happening inside batteries, ultimately determining that the interphase layer was the culprit. -- A potential solution -- From electric vehicles to wireless earbuds, traditional lithium-ion batteries power our daily lives as they charge fast and store plenty of energy.	Z01	1,998
2511-028	AI-Powered System Aims To Detect Cognitive Impairment Early	A team from the University of Missouri has designed a portable system that uses artificial intelligence to detect cognitive impairment, particularly mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. This affordable device combines a depth camera and force plate to assess various aspects of motor function, thereby improving accessibility to cognitive assessments, especially in rural areas with limited neuropsychological resources.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Alzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, so identifying those with cognitive issues early could lead to interventions and better outcomes. But diagnosing MCI can be a long and difficult process, especially in rural areas where access to licensed neuropsychologists is limited. -- To increase accessibility to cognitive assessments, a team of researchers at the University of Missouri created a portable system to efficiently measure multiple aspects of motor function. -- The device is simple and affordable, combining a depth camera, a force plate and an interface board. -- The interdisciplinary team of Mizzou researchers includes Trent Guess, an associate professor in the College of Health Sciences, Jamie Hall, an associate teaching professor in the College of Health Sciences, and Praveen Rao, an associate professor in the College of Engineering. -- In a recent study, the team examined older adults, some of whom had MCI, and asked them to complete three activities: standing still, walking and standing up from a bench. -- The catch? Participants had to complete these activities while counting backwards in intervals of seven at the same time. -- Based off their performance, which was captured by the new portable system, the data was fed into a machine learning model -- a type of artificial intelligence -- that accurately identified 83% of those in the study with MCI. -- "The areas of the brain involved in cognitive impairment overlap with areas of the brain involved in motor function, so when one is diminished, the other is impacted as well," said Guess. -- "These can be very subtle differences in motor function related to balance and walking that our new device is able to detect but would go unnoticed through observation." -- With the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease expected to more than double by 2060 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the portable device has the potential to help millions of older adults given that MCI is one of the precursors to Alzheimer's and dementia.	A01 R02 T01	1,999
2511-107	Can Video Games Help Teens Overcome Substance Abuse?	A researcher at the University of Missouri aims to leverage digital games to help adolescents overcome substance abuse. By analyzing elements that make digital interventions effective, the study identifies key features for game design that could engage youth in developing healthier habits and reducing risky behaviors.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Children	Press Rel	PubMed	For adolescents struggling with substance abuse, traditional in-person interventions such as counseling are not always effective, and rural areas often lack access to these services. -- A researcher at the University of Missouri is thinking outside the box, aiming to help game designers develop fun, digital games that make ditching bad habits easier by meeting adolescents where they already are: online. -- Mansoo Yu, a professor in the College of Health Sciences, looked at 26 studies involving digital interventions including online games, virtual reality games, mobile app games and video games, to identify the key elements that make these interventions effective in helping adolescents reduce drinking, smoking and illicit drug use. -- He found the most effective games were personalized to the individual playing the game, had a social component for users to compete against their friends and family, and included content that encouraged behavior change. -- The findings can provide a blueprint to design digital game-based interventions in ways that are most likely to help adolescents reduce substance abuse and encourage positive development. -- "When it comes to designing the most effective interventions, you always want to meet people where they are, and the younger generation often prefers to meet up virtually instead of in person," Yu said. -- "Online interventions also increase accessibility in rural areas where in-person clinics and counseling services are not always available." -- Yu added that unhealthy behaviors such as smoking often serve as a way of coping with underlying mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. -- Therefore, a key element of a successful digital game-based intervention is emphasizing positive activities that can serve as an alternative to unhealthy behaviors. -- "Whether it's sports, mentorship programs, music, painting, outdoor activities or recreation centers, providing resources about healthier alternatives can be very helpful," Yu said.	H01 H02	2,000
2513-E016	Starfish-Inspired Wearable Device Enhances Heart Activity Monitoring During Movement	Inspired by the unique motion of starfish, researchers have designed a starfish-shaped wearable device that accurately tracks heart activity. This innovative device maintains stability during movement due to its multiple contact points with the skin, enabling it to collect precise heart data, thereby providing users with real-time health insights and enhancing heart health monitoring.	University of Missouri-Columbia	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	When we move, it’s harder for existing wearable devices to accurately track our heart activity. But University of Missouri researchers found that a starfish’s five-arm shape helps solve this problem. -- Inspired by how a starfish flips itself over — shrinking one of its arms and using the others in a coordinated motion to right itself — Sicheng Chen and Zheng Yan in Mizzou’s College of Engineering and collaborators have created a starfish-shaped wearable device that tracks heart health in real time. -- Because the starfish-inspired device has multiple points touching the skin near the heart, it stays more stable than traditional wearables built as a single, unified structure, such as a smartwatch. This allows the device to collect clearer, more accurate heart data — even while someone is moving. -- The device conveniently pairs with a smartphone app to provide the user with health insights and help detect potential heart problems. -- “Similar to a starfish, our device has five arms, each equipped with sensors that simultaneously capture both electrical and mechanical heart activity,” Chen, a postdoctoral fellow and lead author, said. “Most current devices focus on capturing only one signal or require separate devices to track multiple signals at the same time. This allows us to provide a more complete picture of someone’s heart health.” -- AI for smarter heart monitoring -- The team developed an artificial intelligence-powered system that learned from a large collection of heart data, including signals from both healthy individuals and people with heart disease. Using smart technology, the system filters out movement-related disruptions and analyzes heart signals to determine if someone’s heart is healthy or showing signs of trouble. The findings are shown on the smartphone app. -- This AI-based approach correctly identifies heart conditions more than 90% of the time. Because the device has Bluetooth capability, doctors can review the data remotely, making it a convenient option for at-home monitoring between medical visits. -- "This is also a benefit over traditional clinical heart tests such as the Doppler ultrasound, which usually requires patients to stay still to get accurate results," Chen said. -- Designed for comfort and long-term use	H01 R01 N01 T01	2,001
2503-023	Impact Of Violent Media: Long-Term Effects On Children’s Behavior	A study led by Professor Linda Pagani at the Université de Montreal reveals that preschool boys exposed to violent screen content are more likely to exhibit antisocial behavior in their mid-teens. By examining nearly 2,000 children, the research highlights long-term risks associated with early exposure to media violence. The findings underscore the need for careful monitoring of children's media consumption and its potential influence on their behavior and social interactions over time.	University of Montreal	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Results of new study led by Linda Pagani, Professor at the Université de Montreal's School of Psychoeducation, long-term associated risks of early exposure to violent content in childhood and later teen antisocial behavior, more than a decade later. -- "Although past evidence showing causal links between modelling and getting rewarded for violence had an immediate impact on aggressive behavior in 4-year-old children, few studies have investigated long-term risks with antisocial behavior. We studied such risks in mid-adolescence, explained Pagani, who is also a researcher at the Centre de recherche Azrieli du CHU Sainte-Justine. It was ideal to study this question with typically developing middle-class children because, as a population, they have the lowest chances of engaging in aggression and behavior harmful to others." -- Close to 2,000 children -- In all, Pagani and her team looked at 963 girls and 982 boys born between the springs of 1997 and 1998 who were enrolled in the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Parents reported the frequency of their child's exposure to violent television content at ages 3.5 and 4.5 years old. Boys and girls then self-reported on several aspects of antisocial behavior at age 15. -- The study defines screen violence as anything "characterized by physical aggression, verbal aggression, and relational aggression […] depicting situations that intentionally attempt or cause harm to others." Children, the study says "are attracted to fast-paced, stimulating violent content, which often features appealing characters like superheroes who commit and are rewarded for aggressive acts, thus increasing the likelihood of exposure." -- The researchers then conducted analyses to examine whether exposure to violent television content at ages 3.5 and 4.5 years predicted later antisocial behavior eleven years later. -- The researcher added, "We statistically took into account alternative child and family factors that could have explained our results, to be as close as possible to the truth in the relationships we were looking at." -- Boys stand out -- At age 15, for boys only, preschool violent televiewing predicted increases in antisocial behavior. Being exposed to violent content in early childhood predicted later aggressive behaviors such as hitting or beating another person, with the intention of obtaining something, stealing, with or without any apparent reason. -- Risks also included threats, insults, and gang fight involvement. The use of weapons is also among the behavioral outcomes predicted by exposure to childhood television violence in this study. No effects were found for girls, which was not surprising given that boys are generally more exposed to such content.	A01 H01	2,002
2505-030	O'stress Program Significantly Reduces Cortisol Levels In Seniors: A Stress Management Breakthrough	A Canadian study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights the long-term benefits of the O'stress program for seniors, demonstrating significant reductions in cortisol levels, a marker for chronic stress. Participants, averaging 76 years of age, reported greater use of problem-solving strategies and reduced anxiety post-program. The O'stress program, adapted from a successful teen initiative, illustrates how effective stress management can be tailored across different age groups to improve emotional health.	University of Montreal	Frontiers in Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy have developed a computer model to help scientists identify tumor-fighting immune cells in patients with lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. -- In their study published Feb. 3 in Nature Communications, the team, including first author Zhen Zeng, Ph.D., a bioinformatics research associate at the Kimmel Cancer Center, demonstrated that their three-gene "MANAscore" computer model can identify the immune-cells targeted by immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. -- It also helped the team identify differences associated with patient response to immunotherapy. -- "We have developed a way to identify the cells directly targeted by immune checkpoint inhibitors, and if we can identify them, we can study them," says the study's senior author, Kellie Smith, Ph.D., an associate professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins. -- "If we can study them, that means we can identify better biomarkers and better targets for combination immunotherapy." -- Immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1 inhibitors are available to treat dozens of cancer types. -- These revolutionary therapies work by unleashing tumor-killing immune cells, called T cells, that are switched off by the protein PD-1. PD-1 inhibitors turn the patient's T cells back on, allowing patients' immune systems to fight cancer more effectively. -- But not all patients respond to these therapies, and scientists need to know why in order to develop improved therapies that help nonresponders. -- "Tumor-active T cells are very important to a patient's response to therapy, but they are difficult to find," Zeng says. -- Smith helped develop the MANAFEST technology (Mutation-Associated NeoAntigen Functional Expansion of Specific T Cells), which she and colleagues first described in the journal Cancer Immunology Research in 2018.	A01 H02	2,003
2508-T021	Exoplanet LTT 9779 b's Extreme Weather Patterns: New Discoveries From JWST	Utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have uncovered intricate atmospheric properties of exoplanet LTT 9779 b, revealing its dynamic weather patterns. The study shows mineral clouds forming on the planet's cooler side, while intense heat evaporates clouds on the hotter side, providing valuable insights into this ultra-hot Neptune's atmospheric behavior.	University of Montreal	Nature Astronomy	Press Rel	PubMed	The exotic atmosphere of LTT 9779 b, a rare "ultra-hot Neptune," is coming to light thanks to observations via the James Webb Space Telescope led by Louis-Philippe Coulombe, a graduate student at Université de Montréal's Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets (IREx). -- Published today in Nature Astronomy, the observations by Coulombe and his team, offer new insights into the extreme weather patterns and atmospheric properties of this fascinating exoplanet. -- Orbiting its host star in less than a day, LTT 9779 b is subjected to searing temperatures reaching almost 2,000°C on its dayside. -- The planet is tidally locked (similar to Earth's Moon), meaning one side constantly faces its star while the other remains in perpetual darkness. -- Despite these extremes, Coulombe's team discovered that the exoplanet's dayside hosts reflective clouds on its cooler western hemisphere, creating a striking contrast to the hotter eastern side. -- "This planet provides a unique laboratory to understand how clouds and the transport of heat interact in the atmospheres of highly irradiated worlds," said Coulombe. -- Asymmetry on the dayside -- Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), his team uncovered an asymmetry in the planet's dayside reflectivity. -- They propose that the uneven distribution of heat and clouds is driven by powerful eastward winds that transport heat around the planet. -- These findings help refine models describing how heat is transported across a planet and cloud formation in exoplanet atmospheres, thereby also bridging the gap between theory and observation.	C01	2,004
2504-E023	Discovering How Plants Respond To Pathogens With New Molecular Insights	A research team has identified a pivotal 'bi-kinase module' that acts as a molecular switch in plants, enhancing their immune responses to pathogens. This discovery sheds light on how plants transmit information about infections while maintaining other cellular signaling processes. Understanding this complex immune circuitry is crucial for developing effective agricultural strategies to combat plant diseases.	University of Münster	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Plant pests such as bacteria and fungi lead to significant yield losses in agriculture. In order to develop new strategies against such pathogens, understanding the plant's immune response is of central importance. A team headed by biologist Prof Jörg Kudla of the University of Münster (Germany) has identified important components and mechanisms of the molecular machinery that transmits information about a pathogen encounter within the plant organism. The study, which has now been published in the journal Science Advances, also provides clues as to how plants manage to transmit immune signals from cell to cell without disrupting other signalling chains in the affected cells. -- When plants are infected by pathogens, they mount a two-phase immune response, which first develops directly at the infection site and then spreads throughout the entire organism. -- This prepares the previously unchallenged parts of the plant for a possible attack. -- Calcium signals play an essential role in this process. When plant tissue is damaged by a pathogen, it triggers calcium signals which are then passed on from cell to cell. -- In addition, the cells use an NADPH oxidase (an enzyme in the cell membrane) to release reactive oxygen species as further signalling molecules, which then interact with the calcium signals to enable the systemic propagation of the immune response. -- Until now, researchers did not fully understand this interplay between calcium and reactive oxygen species and the regulation of NADPH oxidase by calcium-dependent phosphorylation. -- Jörg Kudla's team showed for the first time that two different kinases, both of which are activated by calcium, have to work together in order to facilitate efficient systemic immune signal proliferation. -- This "bi-kinase module" sensitises the NADPH oxidase to calcium and enables synergistic activation of this enzyme, which then produces more reactive oxygen species. -- One of the two calcium-dependent kinases was already known, while the second was identified by the team as part of the recently published study. -- "Such a calcium-activated bi-kinase module has never been described before," explains Jörg Kudla.	N02	2,005
2512-E015	New Findings Reveal Structure Of Protective Layer Around Cellular Protrusions	A collaborative study from Germany and Italy has revealed the protective structure surrounding cilia in cells, known as the glycocalyx. By mapping its composition in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, researchers identified key glycoproteins that play a vital role in cellular adhesion and environmental sensing, enhancing our understanding of cell biology.	University of Münster	Advanced Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Biological cells often possess thin, hair-like protrusions on their surface known as cilia, which serve various functions ranging from movement to sensing environmental signals. Researchers from Germany and Italy have recently revealed new insights into the protective layer surrounding these cilia. -- This protective sheath, called the glycocalyx, consists of sugar-rich proteins (glycoproteins). As the first contact to the environment, it determines how cells adhere to surfaces, move and sense environmental signals. -- However, its exact structure was previously unknown. The research team has now mapped the structure of this layer in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in detail and identified the glycoproteins FMG1B and FMG1A as its main components. -- FMG1A is a previously unknown variant of FMG1B, and the two glycoproteins show a biochemical similarity to mucin proteins found in mammals. -- Mucins are also glycoproteins and a central component of protective mucus found in many organisms, for example on mucous membranes or in internal organs. -- For their study, the team removed the two glycoproteins from the alga, which resulted in the cilia showing significantly increased stickiness. -- Nonetheless, the algal cells were still able to move on surfaces by means of the adhering cilia. -- This led the researchers to conclude that these proteins do not, as previously assumed, directly enable adhesion to surfaces and transmit the force needed for gliding motility from inside the cilium, but instead form a protective layer that regulates the adhesiveness of the cilia. -- 'This discovery expands our knowledge of how cells regulate direct interaction with their environment,' explains plant biotechnologist Prof Michael Hippler from the University of Münster (Germany). 'We are also gaining insights into how similar protective mechanisms might work in other organisms,' adds Dr Adrian Nievergelt from the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology in Potsdam (Germany) who collaborated on the project with Dr Gaia Pigino's research group at the Human Technopole in Milan (Italy). -- The team used a wide range of cutting-edge imaging and protein analysis techniques, including cryogenic electron tomography and electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, mass spectrometry, as well as genetic manipulation to remove the glycoproteins from the algal genome.	A01 N01 N02 T01	2,006
2507-E007	Methanogens Dissolve Calcium Carbonate, Shedding Light On Carbon Flow In Nature	A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reveals that methanogens can promote their growth by dissolving calcium carbonate, contributing to a clearer understanding of carbon flow in ecosystems. This discovery has implications for bioenergy development, showcasing the intricate connections between microbial activity and global carbon cycles.	University of Nebraska-Lincoln	University of Nebraska-Lincoln	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Nebraska-Lincoln research team has identified new microscopic players in the global carbon cycle, a discovery that paints a clearer picture of carbon flow through the environment and provides key information for the sustainable development of bioenergy sources. -- A recent publication in Communications Earth and Environment is among the first studies to show that methanogens -- microorganisms ubiquitous in low-oxygen environments like lakes, wetlands, aquifers, freshwater habitats, a variety of soils and even permafrost -- can propel their growth by consuming hydrogen and dissolving calcium carbonate, one of Earth's most abundant minerals. -- This metabolic process produces methane, which is both a biofuel and a potent greenhouse gas. -- "This is one of the first demonstrations of microbial dissolution of calcium carbonate at a higher pH," said Karrie Weber, professor of biological sciences and Earth and atmospheric sciences. -- Weber and Nicole Fiore, a lecturer and former graduate student in biological sciences, led the Husker team. -- The paper culminates more than a decade of work at the university, including contributions from many graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers. -- By pinpointing the carbonate-dissolving microorganisms, the team has challenged the prevailing belief that carbonate minerals -- which contain roughly 80% of the Earth's carbon -- are stable at elevated pH levels. -- This potential instability means that in certain locations -- where there is subsurface carbon sequestered as carbonates and conditions that support microbial life -- the sequestered carbon may be converted to methane, especially in underground hydrogen energy reservoirs. -- "Something to consider, when looking at these kinds of strategies, is whether there are methanogens present and the extent to which they might be able to undo what we are doing with mineral sequestration," said Fiore, whose National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship funded a portion of the work. -- The work started with a mud sample from alkaline saline wetland soil in Lincoln.	C01	2,007
2512-085	Study Reveals High Blood Sugar Mimics Alzheimer's Effects On Memory And Reward	A study by UNLV researchers indicates that high blood sugar levels may impair the anterior cingulate cortex, mimicking early Alzheimer's disease symptoms. This link between Type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders offers new insights into how diabetes may affect brain function, potentially explaining the increased risk of Alzheimer's in diabetic patients.	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	The Journal of Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	Type 2 diabetes may rewire the brain in ways that mimic early Alzheimer's disease -- and UNLV researchers say the "why" may lie in a previously unexplored connection between high blood sugar levels and a key part of the brain called the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). -- Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by an imbalance of blood sugar or insulin levels. -- Scientists have long known that Type 2 diabetes patients are more prone to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. -- The risk of developing Alzheimer's is 65% higher in diabetics. -- But the exact link between diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases has been poorly understood. -- The UNLV research team went searching for answers. -- Based on their findings, published this week in the Journal of Neuroscience's Computational Properties of the Prefrontal Cortex Special Collection, it appears that diabetes weakens ACC function -- suppressing reward perception and memory signals -- and induces mild cognitive impairment similar to that observed during the brain's progression towards Alzheimer's disease. -- "Diabetes may be altering the brain similarly to early stages of Alzheimer's disease," said lead researcher and UNLV psychology professor James Hyman. -- "Further research is needed but these findings have the potential to help researchers unlock clues to improved diagnostic or treatment strategies for the disease." -- The study builds on the UNLV team's previous research into the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's, and represents the first time scientists have looked for clues within the ACC.	H02 R01 R02 C01	2,008
2505-036	Standardizing Rock Climbing Difficulty: Machine Learning Techniques Offer New Evaluation Methods	Researchers from the University of New Hampshire are addressing grading bias in rock climbing with a novel system that employs machine learning techniques. Their study found that using route-centric natural language processing methods offers a standardized approach to evaluate climbing routes, promoting inclusivity and accuracy. As the sport grows in popularity, establishing a consistent grading scale is crucial for ensuring that climbers of all levels can assess their abilities fairly.	University of New Hampshire	Frontiers in Sports and Active Living	Press Rel	PubMed	Land topography is usually formed gradually over long periods of time, but sometimes a single event can dramatically change things. On New Year's Day in 2024, a devastating earthquake in the Noto Peninsula upended the region. -- A group of researchers sought to examine how this earthquake -- and possibly others like it in the past -- played a role in shaping the topography of the Noto Peninsula. -- They found evidence that the main geomorphic characteristics of the Noto Peninsula (such as its steep cliffs in the North and gentle slopes in the South) could be explained by repeated occurrences of earthquakes of the same kind as the one that occurred on January 1. This finding may also be useful for understanding the impact future earthquakes may have. -- A team of researchers from Tohoku University, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Oita University, and the German Research Center for Geosciences conducted a multi-disciplinary study that involved experts in geodesy, seismology, and geomorphology. -- Satellite radar images acquired by the ALOS-2 satellite operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) were used by the geodesy specialists to construct maps of the three-dimensional displacements caused by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. -- The results showed more than 4m of uplift and emergence of new terraces along the northern coast of the peninsula, westward movement of the whole North Noto, and slope displacements in mountainous areas. -- Some aspects could only be fully captured by the satellite radar image analyses, such as wide-area slumps (a type of landslide) spanning several kilometers. -- "To support the satellite image analyses, we had a geomorphology team conduct fieldwork and actually measure the amount of uplift in person," explains Yo Fukushima, "They traveled to 52 sites along a 120-km section of the coastline." -- This allowed the team to compare their on-the-ground observations with the satellite image analyses. -- The uplift distribution was in agreement with the results of the satellite image analyses, supporting their accuracy.	T01	2,009
2502-T040	Engineers Realize Quantum Thought Experiment, Advancing Quantum Computation And Error Correction	UNSW engineers have successfully demonstrated a real-world application of the famous quantum thought experiment "Schrödinger's cat," enhancing the potential for robust quantum computations. Their research, published in Nature Physics, addresses one of the major challenges in quantum computing: error correction. By providing a tangible realization of quantum superposition, this work contributes to the ongoing development of functional quantum computers, showcasing the practical implications of quantum mechanics.	University of New South Wales	Nature Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	UNSW engineers have demonstrated a well-known quantum thought experiment in the real world. Their findings deliver a new and more robust way to perform quantum computations -- and they have important implications for error correction, one of the biggest obstacles standing between them and a working quantum computer. -- Quantum mechanics has puzzled scientists and philosophers for more than a century. One of the most famous quantum thought experiments is that of the "Schrödinger's cat" -- a cat whose life or death depends on the decay of a radioactive atom. -- According to quantum mechanics, unless the atom is directly observed, it must be considered to be in a superposition -- that is, being in multiple states at the same time -- of decayed and not decayed. This leads to the troubling conclusion that the cat is in a superposition of dead and alive. -- "No one has ever seen an actual cat in a state of being both dead and alive at the same time, but people use the Schrödinger's cat metaphor to describe a superposition of quantum states that differ by a large amount," says UNSW Professor Andrea Morello, leader of the team that conducted the research, published recently in the journal Nature Physics. -- Atomic cat -- For this research paper, Prof. Morello's team used an atom of antimony, which is much more complex than standard 'qubits', or quantum building blocks. -- "In our work, the 'cat' is an atom of antimony," says Xi Yu, lead author of the paper. -- "Antimony is a heavy atom, which possesses a large nuclear spin, meaning a large magnetic dipole. The spin of antimony can take eight different directions, instead of just two. This may not seem much, but in fact it completely changes the behaviour of the system. A superposition of the antimony spin pointing in opposite directions is not just a superposition of 'up' and 'down', because there are multiple quantum states separating the two branches of the superposition." -- This has profound consequences for scientists working on building a quantum computer using the nuclear spin of an atom as the basic building block. -- "Normally, people use a quantum bit, or 'qubit' -- an object described by only two quantum states -- as the basic unit of quantum information," says co-author Benjamin Wilhelm.	R01 T01	2,010
2503-E007	Livestock Models: Utilizing Manure To Enhance Global Herbivore Distribution Maps	Researchers have developed detailed livestock models using dung records to assess herbivore distribution, revealing insights into environmental health and land-use planning. The study, published in Nature Food, highlights the importance of dung as a biological footprint, linking its presence to grazing pressure. This global assessment aids in understanding ecological patterns and supports sustainable management practices in arid regions.	University of New South Wales	Nature Food	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have used dung records to create high-resolution maps of herbivore distribution around the world. Their new study, recently published in Nature Food, reveals a strong positive relationship between dung presence and grazing pressure, meaning the amount of dung found in a particular location could help us understand approximately how many herbivores live there. -- Many people consider dung simply as the manure left behind by horses and cows at country shows, or something to be avoided when you visit the cousins' farm. But dung is actually an important resource for millions of people worldwide. -- Dung also acts a biological footprint -- it can tell us a lot about our environment, such as what animals are grazing where, and what this might mean for environmental health. -- Now, scientists from Australia, Spain, China and Saudi Arabia, led by Professor David Eldridge from UNSW Sydney, have produced the first global assessment of dung produced by livestock and native grazing animals in drylands -- arid and semi-arid environments that occupy about 40% of the world's land area. -- The research revealed hotspots of dung production, but also highlighted that broadly speaking, livestock and wild herbivores -- animals like horses, cows and kangaroos that only eat vegetation -- don't occupy the same spaces on earth. -- "Understanding where herbivores are distributed is important for a number of reasons," says Prof. Eldridge. "It helps us to improve our understanding of the grazing industry, like the spread of bovine diseases. If we have a better understanding of where animals are, we've got a better understanding of where we might need to target particular land management practices." -- Estimating livestock density -- Current assessments of livestock density are based on crude estimates of environmental variables such as mean annual rainfall, temperature, and some soil variables. These environmental variables are broad indicators of habitats that are likely to be occupied by herbivores, because more productive systems generally have more grass and therefore support more herbivores. -- International organisations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) need to know where livestock are concentrated, and in what numbers. To do this they use relatively coarse computer models. -- Improving these existing methods of predicting herbivore distribution is central to a number of agricultural industries. So, Prof. Eldridge and his team set out to solve some of these challenges with a somewhat unusual solution.	H01 C01 N01 N02 T01	2,011
2504-E049	New Mapping System Aims To Protect Antarctica's Unique Flora And Fauna	An ambitious new mapping project of Antarctica's ice-free lands provides a detailed classification system essential for conserving its unique ecosystems. This high-resolution inventory categorizes various habitats, aiding conservation efforts against the backdrop of climate change and human impact, and highlighting the importance of protecting the continent's biodiversity.	University of New South Wales	Scientific Data	Press Rel	PubMed	Antarctica, often regarded as the planet's last true wilderness, harbours unique ecosystems that support extraordinary biodiversity and contribute to global diversity and environmental stability. These ecosystems, which occupy permanently ice-free land covering less than 0.5% of the continent, are now under growing threat from human activity and climate change. -- Now, a team led by researchers at UNSW Sydney's Centre for Ecosystem Science has developed a high-resolution map and hierarchical classification system of Antarctica's ice-free lands, which can be seen in full in Scientific Data. -- This new inventory categorizes Antarctica's ecosystems into nine Major Environment Units, 33 Habitat Complexes, and 269 Bioregional Ecosystem Types, providing an unprecedented level of detail. Together they are a groundbreaking resource that will help protect the biodiversity of Antarctica's ice-free lands. -- Ice-free Antarctica -- "Many people are surprised to learn that Antarctica has any permanently ice-free lands at all. And yet, these tiny habitat patches contain the vast majority of the continent's biodiversity," says lead author Dr Anikó B. Tóth. -- The ice-free lands are home to uniquely adapted flora including 'micro-forests' of lichens, moss and two flowering plants, Antarctic hairgrass and pearlwort. They also sustain a variety of mites and springtails (very tiny arthropods related to spiders and insects, respectively), tardigrades, nematodes and many algaes and microbes. Seabirds, including land-breeding penguins, petrels, gulls, skuas and albatrosses have established breeding colonies in these areas too. -- As the climate changes and ice melts, the patches will likely become milder and less isolated, opening them up to colonisation by hardy species from lower latitudes. -- "It's the opposite problem that many conventional ecosystems face today. Instead of fragmentation and loss of area, ice-free patches will become larger and more interconnected," says Dr Tóth. -- "This could completely change the dynamics and resident species of these ecosystems, whose distinctiveness is often founded on isolation." -- A game changer for conservation	C01 N01 N02	2,012
2509-E002	Are Refrigerants Safe? Understanding The Environmental Impact Of New Chemicals	A team at UNSW has uncovered that some new refrigerants break down into harmful pollutants, raising environmental concerns. The research indicates that hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), considered a greener alternative, can decompose into compounds harmful to the environment. The study emphasizes the need for a closer examination of HFOs' long-term effects as scientists work to prevent potential environmental harm from these chemicals, which are used in various applications, including refrigeration and aerosol products.	University of New South Wales	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of scientists at UNSW has discovered that some of the most important new refrigerants break down, in part, into persistent greenhouse gas pollutants, including compounds that have been banned internationally. Refrigerants are chemicals that turn from a liquid to a gas -- and vice-versa -- and transfer heat in the process, that are used for refrigeration and indoor heating and cooling. The chemicals are also used as aerosol propellants, fire retardants and in the manufacture of foamed plastics. -- Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), which react rapidly in the lower atmosphere, have emerged as the lead synthetic chemical for refrigerants, and are considered a more environmentally friendly alternative to their chemical predecessors. -- While it's known that HFOs decompose into chemicals like trifluoroacetaldehyde, there has been persistent discussion about whether this compound further breaks down into fluoroform -- the most environmentally damaging hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) they were used to replace. -- A paper led by Dr Christopher Hansen from UNSW Chemistry, and published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, has demonstrated that HFOs do break down into a small amount of fluoroform. This new research suggests we need to more closely examine HFOs' environmental impact, raising questions about their long-term safety. -- "We don't fully understand the environmental impacts of HFOs at this point," says Dr Hansen. "But, unlike previous examples such as the CFCs and leaded petrol, we are trying to figure out the consequences of large-scale emission before we've potentially harmed the environment and human health in an irreversible way. We're trying to try to change the way that science introduces new products." -- The story so far -- The hole in the ozone layer is a result of human activities that have released ozone-depleting chemicals, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) -- some of the first synthetic chemicals used as refrigerants and in aerosol cans. -- Thanks to The Montreal Protocol, society began phasing these out internationally, and they were largely replaced with HFCs, which were used on a global scale from the mid 90s. -- Although HFCs don't cause any ozone layer depletion, they turned out to be potent greenhouse gases. "In the end, scientists discovered that 1kg of fluoroform -- a once commonly used HFC -- emitted today will contribute to as much to surface heating of the planet over the next century as more than 14,000kg of carbon dioxide," says Dr Hansen. -- After realising the extreme greenhouse warming potential of HFCs, their global phaseout began in 2016.	A01 C01	2,013
2509-E044	Global Warming Poses Serious Threat To Amphibians: A Growing Crisis	New research highlights the vulnerability of amphibians to global warming, providing insights into species and habitats most at risk. UNSW researchers have developed methods to predict heat tolerance across numerous species, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these at-risk vertebrates from climate change impacts.	University of New South Wales	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists will be able to better identify what amphibian species and habitats will be most impacted by climate change, thanks to a new study by UNSW researchers. -- Amphibians are the world's most at-risk vertebrates, with more than 40% of species listed as threatened -- and losing entire populations could have catastrophic flow-on effects. -- Being ectothermic -- regulating their body heat by external sources -- amphibians are particularly vulnerable to temperature change in their habitats. -- Despite this, the resilience of amphibians to rising temperatures has been poorly understood, with limited data for scientists to draw on. -- But now, UNSW researchers have found out how to predict the heat tolerance of 60% of the world's amphibian species -- and they've shared their landmark findings in a study published in Nature today. -- Quantifying the resilience of biodiversity to a changing climate is one of the most pressing challenges for contemporary science, says Dr Patrice Pottier, UNSW post-doctoral researcher and lead author on the paper. -- "We wanted to better understand the risk climate change poses to amphibians, and so put together the most comprehensive compilation of heat tolerance limits to date," Dr Pottier says. -- "Heat tolerance limits are the maximum temperature amphibians can tolerate before their physiological systems fail," he explains. -- The scientists used 2661 heat tolerance limit estimates from 524 species to generate data for 5203 species through data imputation -- a statistical method that fills in missing information using patterns from existing data. -- "In this case, it predicts heat tolerance limits for species we do not have data for by looking at how heat tolerance is linked to factors like habitat type, environmental temperature, and evolutionary history," says Dr Pottier.	C01	2,014
2509-T030	Discovery Of New Exoplanet Candidate Provides Insights Into Planet Formation Processes	Scientists at UNSW Sydney have identified a potential new exoplanet using transit timing variation methods, indicating the presence of a companion planet to a known hot Jupiter. This discovery could offer insights into the formation processes of hot Jupiters and contribute to our broader understanding of planetary systems beyond our own.	University of New South Wales	The Astrophysical Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from UNSW Sydney have located a potential new exoplanet -- a planet that orbits a star outside of our solar system -- using a technique known as 'transit timing variation'. -- In research highlighted in a new paper, published today in The Astrophysical Journal, Scientia Senior Lecturer Ben Montet and PhD candidate Brendan McKee analysed changes in the timing of a known planet's transit across its star, to infer the presence of a second exoplanet. -- After identifying an unusual trend in the movement of the hot Jupiter planet TOI-2818b, the team, from the UNSW School of Physics, ran a series of model simulations that pointed to the presence of a small planetary companion to the known hot Jupiter. -- The new exoplanet is estimated to be 10-16 times the size of Earth, with a predicted orbital period less than 16 days. -- "It's rare for hot Jupiters to have other planets near them," says Dr Montet. "So this new planet could have implications about how hot Jupiters form and in turn, help us to understand other solar systems." -- Hunting for exoplanets -- An exoplanet is any planet outside of our own solar system. Like the planets in our solar system orbit the sun, most exoplanets also orbit a star. -- To date there are over 5500 known exoplanets confirmed by NASA, with trillions more predicted to exist within the Milky Way galaxy. Of the known exoplanets, there are approximately 500 known hot Jupiters -- hot, gaseous exoplanets. Even lesser-known are companion planets to hot Jupiters -- planets that orbit the same star as a hot Jupiter. -- One method for hunting exoplanets, known as Transit Timing Variation (TTV), uses the movement of planets around their stars, which can affect the signal for the star's brightness. -- "The planet passes in front of its star from where we see it on Earth, a bit like an eclipse, and it blocks some of its light," says Mr McKee. "And our records will show that the light emitted from the star will dip for a few hours as the planet travels in front of it. And we see those dips every single time a planet orbits."	C01	2,015
2510-E049	DNA Evidence Confirms Feral Cats Are Killing Native Species In Australia	Conservation scientists from UNSW Sydney have confirmed through DNA testing that feral cats are the primary predators responsible for the deaths of reintroduced native species in South Australia. The research highlights the significant impact feral cats have on native wildlife, contributing to mammal extinctions since European settlement. This study emphasizes the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the threat posed by feral cats to vulnerable species and ecosystems.	University of New South Wales	Conservation Science and Practice	Press Rel	PubMed	Conservation scientists from UNSW Sydney have used DNA technology to identify feral cats as the primary predators responsible for the deaths of reintroduced native animals at two conservation sites in South Australia. -- The finding fits in with research data that suggests feral cats have killed more native animals than any other feral predators in Australia, and are believed to be responsible for two thirds of mammal extinctions since European settlement. -- But in a study published recently in the Australian Mammalogy journal, the researchers from UNSW and the University of Adelaide say the effect of feral cats on native animals is likely larger than previously thought. -- Study co-author Professor Katherine Moseby says correctly determining cause of death of native animals and attributing it to the right predator has always been difficult. -- "In past releases, we'd be radio tracking animals after release, and if we found dead animals, it would be difficult to determine what caused their death. We would use field evidence like animal spoor, carcass remains, or bite marks on collars to guess whether it was feral cats, birds of prey, fox, or if they just died a natural death. -- "And because we're working in really remote areas, it is difficult to access vets for necropsy. So taking a DNA swab of the dead animal was a really good way to identify if predation was the cause of death. And then we decided to compare the DNA outcomes with evidence in the field to determine if the latter was a reliable method of determining cause of death." -- The main finding of the study was that field evidence was not a reliable indicator of predation by feral cats, and that DNA and necropsy were needed to confirm cat predation. -- Whodunnit -- Most feral cat DNA was found either on radio tracking collars fitted to some of the animals post-release, or on wounds to the body. -- The study focused on two South Australian sites where researchers had released native animals in previous translocations of four different species.	N01	2,016
2513-E038	New Projections Show Devastating Economic Impact Of Rising Global Temperatures	A new analysis by the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response reveals that a 4°C rise in global temperatures could devastate the global economy, reducing GDP by 40% by 2100. This significant increase from prior estimates reinforces the urgency of climate action to limit warming and mitigate economic damages.	University of New South Wales	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	New projections by the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response (ICRR) reveal a 4°C rise in global temperatures would cut world GDP by around 40% by 2100 -- a stark increase from previous estimates of around 11%. -- The recently-published analysis fixes an oversight in the current economic model underpinning global climate policy, toppling previous carbon benchmarks. -- The results support limiting global warming to 1.7 °C, which is in line with significantly faster decarbonisation goals like the Paris Agreement, and far lower than the 2.7°C supported under previous models. -- Accounting for an interconnected world -- Lead researcher Dr Timothy Neal, a Scientia Senior Lecturer in the School of Economics and also the ICRR, says his analysis uses traditional economic frameworks that weigh immediate transition costs against long term climate damages, but refine a key input. -- "Economists have traditionally looked at historical data comparing weather events to economic growth to cost climate damages," he says. -- What they fail to account for, he says, are interruptions to the global supply chains currently buffering economic shocks. -- "In a hotter future, we can expect cascading supply chain disruptions triggered by extreme weather events worldwide." -- Dr Neal says the economic case for stronger climate change actions is clear. -- "Because these damages haven't been taken into account, prior economic models have inadvertently concluded that even severe climate change wasn't a big problem for the economy -- and it's had profound implications for climate policy."	C01	2,017
2512-E042	Innovative Technique Transforms Rubber Waste From Tires Into Valuable Epoxy Precursors	The alarming environmental crisis of tire waste is addressed by a pioneering study that introduces an innovative method to recycle tires into valuable precursors for epoxy resins. Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and led by Dr. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy, this research presents a sustainable alternative to traditional recycling techniques, aiming to significantly diminish the impact of discarded tires on landfills.	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Every year, millions of tires end up in landfills, creating an environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences. In the United States alone, over 274 million tires were scrapped in 2021, with nearly a fifth of them being discarded into landfills. The accumulation of these waste materials presents not only a space issue but also introduces environmental hazards, such as chemical leaching and spontaneous combustion. While pyrolysis -- a process that chemically recycles rubber through high-temperature decomposition -- is widely used, it generates harmful byproducts like benzene and dioxins, posing health and environmental risks. -- A U.S. Department of Energy-funded study, "Deconstruction of Rubber via C-H Amination and Aza-Cope Rearrangement," recently published in Nature and led by Dr. Aleksandr Zhukhovitskiy, William R. Kenan, Jr. Fellow and Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at UNC-Chapel Hill, introduces a novel chemical method for breaking down rubber waste. -- This pioneering technique utilizes C-H amination and a polymer rearrangement strategy to transform discarded rubber into valuable precursors for epoxy resins, offering an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional recycling methods. -- Rubber, including the synthetic kind used in tires, is composed of polymers cross-linked together into a three-dimensional network that behaves as a tough, flexible material. -- Recycling these materials is difficult due to the extensive cross-linking within the polymer structure, which gives rubber its durability but also makes it resistant to degradation. -- Traditional methods for breaking down rubber focus on two main approaches: de-vulcanization, which breaks sulfur cross-links but weakens the polymer's mechanical properties, and cleavage of the polymer backbones using oxidative or catalytic methods, which often result in complex, low-value byproducts. -- Neither approach provides an efficient, scalable solution for repurposing rubber waste. -- "Our research seeks to overcome these challenges by developing a method that breaks down rubber into functional materials that possess value even as a mixture," said Dr. Zhukhovitskiy, who is the corresponding author of the study. -- The researchers introduce a sulfur diimide reagent that enables the installation of amine groups at specific locations in the polymer chains. -- This step is crucial because it sets the stage for the subsequent backbone rearrangement.	C01	2,018
2502-061	New Drug Combo Boosts CAR-T Cell Production For Better Cancer Treatment Outcomes	A University of North Carolina study identifies a three-drug combination that enhances the production of CAR-T cells, which are crucial for cancer immunotherapy. The findings highlight the role of T-memory stem cells in improving cancer responses, signaling a shift towards pharmacological methods for generating effective CAR-T cells in clinical treatments.	University of North Carolina Health Care	Nature Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Preclinical research findings from the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a cocktail of three different drugs that can be used to generate more robust immune system CAR-Ts (chimeric antigen receptor-T cells) to fight cancer. This finding may have a significant impact on improving the production of CAR-T cells for clinical use. -- CAR-T cell immunotherapy involves harvesting immune-system T cells from a patient and genetically re-engineering them in the lab to recognize targets on the surface of cancer cells when they are reinfused into patients. -- Patients treated with certain types of CAR-T cells can have significant responses to their cancer, particularly when the re-engineered cells contain a subset of immune cells identified as T-memory stem cells (TSCM). -- The research findings appeared Jan. 8 in Nature Immunology. -- "CAR-T cells produced in the lab for reinfusion can be extremely different from one patient to another and the lack of certain types of cells in the end product can significantly reduce the capacity of these cells to persist long term," said Gianpietro Dotti, MD, professor of microbiology and immunology at UNC School of Medicine and co-leader of the UNC Lineberger immunology research program. -- "Our study demonstrates that the addition of the drugs we have identified during the re-engineering process allows the preservation of a critical cell subset responsible for long-term persistence." -- Dotti and Yang Xu, PhD, are the paper's corresponding authors. -- Feifei Song, PhD, a UNC Lineberger postdoctoral research fellow, is the first author. -- The researchers, using lab and mouse experiments, identified several enzymes called kinases (ITK, ADCK3, MAP3K4 and CDK13) that are involved in the enrichment of TSCM-like CAR-T cells. -- In particular, ADCK3 and MAP3K4 were found to be potential novel targets in T cells, suggesting that further study into their functions and signaling pathways might reveal insights into how T cells differentiate, or change, to perform important immune functions.	H01 H02 R02 T01	2,019
2507-019	Diabetes Drives Evolution Of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria, Researchers Find	Research at UNC School of Medicine reveals that diabetes increases the likelihood of developing antibiotic-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. The findings emphasize the need to understand how the diabetic environment cultivates resistance, potentially guiding strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections in diabetic patients.	University of North Carolina Health Care	University of North Carolina Health Care	Press Rel	PubMed	Antibiotics are powerful, fast-acting medications designed to eradicate bacterial infections. However, in recent years, their dependability has waned as antibiotic resistant bacteria continues to evolve and spread. -- Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of antibiotic resistance associated infections and deaths. -- It is also the most prevalent bacterial infection among those with diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition that affects blood sugar control and reduces the body's ability to fight infections. -- Microbiologists Brian Conlon, PhD, and Lance Thurlow, PhD, at the UNC School of Medicine have just shown that people with diabetes are more likely to develop antibiotic-resistant strains of Staph, too. -- Their results, which were published in Science Advances, show how the diabetic microbial environment produces resistant mutations, while hinting at ways antibiotic resistance can be combatted in this patient population. -- "We found that antibiotic resistance emerges much more rapidly in diabetic models than in non-diabetic models of disease," said Conlon, associate professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. -- "This interplay between bacteria and diabetes could be a major driver of the rapid evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance that we are seeing." -- Diabetes affects the body's ability to control a type of sugar called glucose, often causing excess glucose to build up in the bloodstream. -- Staph feeds off these high sugar levels, allowing it to reproduce more rapidly. -- The bacterium can also grow without consequence, as diabetes also impairs the immune system's ability to destroy cells and control infection.	H02 R01	2,020
2501-049	Gender Issues Critical For Successful Peace Agreements, U.N. Women Study Shows.	A study by U.N. Women emphasizes the importance of including gender-related issues in peace negotiations, using Colombia as a case study. The research indicates that addressing these concerns not only strengthens peace agreements but also empowers marginalized communities and fosters broader societal buy-in.	University of Notre Dame	Policy Studies Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to peace processes and negotiations, U.N. Women highlights a stark reality: All too often, women remain invisible and excluded. But a new study by University of Notre Dame political scientist Madhav Joshi draws on evidence from Colombia to show that addressing gender-related issues helps peace agreements succeed. -- Gender-inclusive peace-building: lessons from Colombia -- The study, published in Policy Studies Journal, is the first peer-reviewed research that examines Notre Dame's ongoing work to monitor the Colombian peace accord. -- It has implications for strengthening peace agreements as well as the women, peace and security agenda that was inspired by a landmark U.N. resolution more than two decades ago. -- "An inclusive approach that sees women as changemakers and addresses gender-specific concerns empowers other marginalized groups and cultivates meaningful buy-in from more people," said Joshi, research professor and associate director of the Peace Accords Matrix, part of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. -- "When you prioritize gender, you end up addressing the broader society's needs." -- Monitoring progress on Colombia's peace agreement -- The study is a natural progression for Notre Dame researchers. -- Since the 2016 Colombian peace agreement ended 50 years of conflict, the Peace Accords Matrix has had primary responsibility for technical verification and for monitoring the implementation of the agreement through its Barometer Initiative. -- In his latest research, Joshi analyzed monthly monitoring data for provisions outlined in the Colombian accord.	Z01	2,021
2501-089	Robots In Nursing Homes Linked To Better Patient Care And Staff Retention.	A study reveals that robotics in nursing homes can positively influence employee retention, productivity, and quality of care amidst high turnover rates and an aging population. This research highlights the potential for robots to alleviate some care tasks and support workers, offering crucial insights into the future of long-term care and workplace dynamics in healthcare settings.	University of Notre Dame	Labour Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	Facing high employee turnover and an aging population, nursing homes have increasingly turned to robots to complete a variety of care tasks, but few researchers have explored how these technologies impact workers and the quality of care. -- A new study from a University of Notre Dame expert on the future of work finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and employee retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care. -- The research has important implications for the workplace and the long-term care industry. -- Yong Suk Lee, associate professor of technology, economy and global affairs at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs, was the lead author for the study, published in Labour Economics. -- Most studies of robots in the workplace have focused on manufacturing and the industrial sector, but Lee's research broke new ground by analyzing long-term care -- and by looking at the different types of robots used in this setting. -- Researchers drew on surveys of Japanese nursing homes taken in 2020 and 2022. -- "Our research focused on Japan because it is a super-aging society that provides a good example of what the future could entail elsewhere -- a declining population, a growing share of senior citizens and a declining share of working-age people," Lee said. -- "We need to be ready for this new reality." -- In 2022, for instance, more than 57 million U.S. residents were 65 or older, according to the National Council on Aging. -- The Census Bureau forecasts that by 2050, this number will grow to 88.5 million.	A01	2,022
2512-E043	Drug Nitisinone Makes Human Blood Toxic To Mosquitoes	A recent study unveils that administering the drug nitisinone can make patients' blood lethal to mosquitoes, a promising development in malaria control. This research adds to the arsenal of mosquito population management methods, which currently includes ivermectin, although concerns over ivermectin's environmental toxicity and potential resistance highlight the need for alternative solutions.	University of Notre Dame	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	In the fight against malaria, controlling the mosquito population is crucial. -- Several methods are currently used to reduce mosquito numbers and malaria risk. -- One of these includes the antiparasitic medication ivermectin. -- When mosquitoes ingest blood containing ivermectin, it shortens the insect's lifespan and helps decrease the spread of malaria. -- However, ivermectin has its own issues. Not only is it environmentally toxic, but also, when it is overused to treat people and animals with worm and parasite infections, resistance to ivermectin becomes a concern. -- Now a study in Science Translational Medicine has identified another medication with the potential to suppress mosquito populations to help control malaria. -- Researchers found when patients take the drug nitisinone, their blood becomes deadly to mosquitoes. -- "One way to stop the spread of diseases transmitted by insects is to make the blood of animals and humans toxic to these blood-feeding insects," said Lee R. Haines, associate research professor of biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame, honorary fellow at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and co-lead author of the study. -- "Our findings suggest that using nitisinone could be a promising new complementary tool for controlling insect-borne diseases like malaria." -- Typically, nitisinone is a medication for individuals with rare inherited diseases -- such as alkaptonuria and tyrosinemia type 1 -- whose bodies struggle to metabolize the amino acid tyrosine.	R01 N01	2,023
2502-E018	Drought Survival: How Plants Reach Deeper Water With Their Roots	Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Shanghai Jiao Tong University have identified how plants adapt their root systems to grow deeper during drought conditions. Focusing on the role of abscisic acid (ABA), the study highlights how this hormone influences root growth angles, enabling plants like rice and maize to access water reserves more efficiently. The findings could inform strategies to develop drought-resistant crops, addressing the challenges posed by climate change on agricultural productivity.	University of Nottingham	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have discovered how plants adapt their root systems in drought conditions to grow steeper into the soil to access deeper water reserves. -- Plant scientists from the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, have identified how abscisic acid (ABA), a plant hormone known for its role in drought response, influences root growth angles in cereal crops such as rice and maize. The results have been published in Current Biology. -- The study highlights how ABA and auxin, another key hormone, work together to shape root growth angle, providing a potential strategy to develop drought-resistant crops with improved root system architecture. -- Drought poses a major threat to global food security, and enhancing the ability of crops to withstand water shortages is crucial. Drought, a major abiotic stressor, has caused substantial crop production losses of approximately $30 billion over the past decade. With a projected population of 10 billion by 2050 and serious freshwater depletion, developing drought-resistant crops is of paramount importance -- Plants rely on their root systems, the primary organs for interacting with soil, to actively seek water. In drought conditions, water often depletes in the topsoil and remains accessible only in the deeper subsoil layers. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in helping plants adapt to these challenging conditions. This new study gives new insights into how ABA changes root growth angles to enable plants to reach out deeper subsoils in search of water. -- The researchers discovered a new mechanism where ABA promotes the production of auxin, which enhances root gravitropism to grow them at steeper angles in response to drought. Experiments showed that plants with genetic mutations that block ABA production had shallower root angles and weaker root bending response to gravity compared to normal plants. These defects were linked to lower auxin levels in their roots. By adding auxin externally, the researchers restored normal root growth in these mutants, showing that auxin is key to this process. -- The findings were consistent across both rice and maize, suggesting that this mechanism could apply to other cereal crops as well. -- Dr Rahul Bhosal, Assistant Professor from the School of Bioscience is one of the lead authors on the study, he said: "Finding ways to tackle food insecurity is vital and the more we understand the mechanisms that control plant growth, the closer we are to designing systems to help plants to do this and improve crop yields during droughts."	H01 H02 R02 N02 T01	2,024
2502-E020	New Catalyst For Hydrogen Production From Ammonia Could Shape Sustainable Energy	Researchers have developed a time-sensitive catalyst for hydrogen production from ammonia that improves its efficiency over time. The innovative material consists of nanosized ruthenium clusters on graphitized carbon, which facilitate the splitting of ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen. This advancement represents a significant step toward sustainable hydrogen production, crucial for addressing energy needs in a zero-carbon economy, as detailed in their recent publication in Chemical Science.	University of Nottingham	Next Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have created a catalyst for hydrogen generation from ammonia that becomes more active with time, and by counting atoms revealed changes that boost the catalyst's performance. -- A research team from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry, in collaboration with the University of Birmingham and Cardiff University, has developed a novel material consisting of nanosized ruthenium (Ru) clusters anchored on graphitized carbon. -- These Ru nanoclusters react with ammonia molecules, catalysing splitting ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen -- an essential step toward green hydrogen production. -- This groundbreaking research is published in Chemical Science, the flagship journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry. -- With its high volumetric energy density, ammonia holds promise as a zero-carbon energy carrier that could drive a sustainable new economy in the near future. -- Finding fast and energy-efficient methods to crack ammonia into hydrogen (H₂) and nitrogen (N₂) on demand is essential. -- While catalyst deactivation is common, it is rare for a catalyst to become more active with use. -- Therefore, understanding the atomic-level mechanisms behind changes in the catalyst activity is critical for designing the next generation of heterogeneous catalysts. -- Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes, an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, and co-leader of the research team, explained: "Traditional catalysts consist of nanoparticles, with most atoms inaccessible for reactions. Our approach starts with individual atoms that self-assemble into clusters of a desired size. Therefore, we can halt the growth of the clusters when their footprints reach 2-3 nm-squared, ensuring that the majority of atoms remain on the surface and available for chemical reactions. In this work, we harnessed this approach to grow ruthenium nanoclusters from atoms directly in a carbon support." -- The researchers employed magnetron sputtering to generate a flux of metal atoms for constructing the catalyst.	R01 C01 T01	2,025
2506-E028	Innovative Catalyst Development: Enhancing Carbon Dioxide Conversion Efficiency	A team of researchers has developed a sustainable catalyst that enhances its performance during use while converting carbon dioxide into valuable products. This innovation, resulting from collaboration between the University of Nottingham and the University of Birmingham, paves the way for next-generation electrocatalysts. The catalyst consists of tin microparticles supported by a nanotextured carbon structure, facilitating effective electron transfer, which is crucial for efficient CO2 conversion, thus addressing a significant contributor to global warming.	University of Nottingham	ACS Applied Energy Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a sustainable catalyst that increases its activity during use while converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable products. This discovery offers a blueprint for designing next-generation electrocatalysts. -- A collaborative team from the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry and the University of Birmingham have developed a catalyst made of tin microparticles supported by a nanotextured carbon structure. -- The interactions between the tin particles and graphitised carbon nanofibers play a critical role in transferring electrons from the carbon electrode to CO2 molecules -- an essential step in converting CO2 into formate under an applied electric potential. -- The findings of this research are published in ACS Applied Energy Materials, a journal of the American Chemical Society publishing interdisciplinary research on materials for energy applications. -- CO2 is the primary contributor to global warming. -- While CO2 can be converted into useful products, traditional thermal methods typically rely on hydrogen sourced from fossil fuels. -- Therefore, it is essential to develop alternative methods like electrocatalysis, which utilises sustainable energy sources, such as photovoltaics and wind power, as well as the abundant availability of water as a hydrogen source. -- In electrocatalysis, applying an electric potential to the catalyst drives electrons through the material to react with CO2and water, producing valuable compounds. -- One such product, formate, is widely used in the chemical synthesis of polymers, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, and more. -- For optimal efficiency, this process must operate at low potential while maintaining high current density and selectivity, ensuring effective use of electrons to convert CO2 to desired products.	C01 T01	2,026
2506-T020	Groundbreaking Insights From Worm Surface Chemistry On Environmental Interactions	A groundbreaking study has provided insights into the surface chemistry of worm species, enhancing our understanding of their environmental interactions. Researchers utilized advanced mass spectrometry to analyze the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, revealing complex lipid-based surface compositions. These findings could inform evolutionary studies and strategies to combat parasitic infections, paving the way for advancements in behavioral and physiological research.	University of Nottingham	Journal of the American Chemical Society	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has revealed the clearest-ever picture of the surface chemistry of worm species that provides groundbreaking insights into how animals interact with their environment and each other. These discoveries could pave the way for strategies to deepen our understanding of evolutionary adaptations, refine behavioural research, and ultimately overcome parasitic infections. -- Scientists from the University's School of Pharmacy used an advanced mass spectrometry imaging system to examine the nematodes Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, aiming to characterise species-specific surface chemical composition and its roles in physiology and behaviour. -- Their results show that nematode surfaces are predominantly oily or lipid-based, forming a complex chemical landscape. -- The findings have been published today in the journal JACS. -- Nematodes, or worms, are found in nearly every environment on Earth, including inside animals, soil, plants, seeds, water, and even humans. -- Infections caused by nematodes can lead to serious health conditions in severe cases. -- This research was led by Dr Veeren Chauhan, an Assistant Professor in Whole Organism Analytics at the School of Pharmacy, he explained: "Nematodes are an excellent model for human biology and are considered to be some of the most completely understood animals on the planet -- especially in terms of genetics, neurology and developmental biology. We share around 60-70% of our DNA with these worms so any new discoveries about them can significantly enhance our understanding of human biology and can contribute towards solving global human health challenges. -- Using world-leading mass spectrometry facilities, we studied the surface chemical properties of nematodes throughout their development. -- This allowed us to track molecular changes in detail and observe how surface chemistry differs during development, varies between species, and, importantly, influences their interactions with one another." -- The team used the state-of-the-art 3D-OrbiSIMS instrument at the University of Nottingham to reveal that the surface chemistry of both worm species change over time and they are made up of predominantly lipids, which account for approximately 70-80% of the molecular composition.	A01 C01 N01 N02 T01	2,027
2509-E014	Genetic Circuit Identified In Plants Governs Leaf Growth And Environmental Adaptation	Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified a genetic circuit in plants that regulates leaf growth, which could enhance the development of drought-resistant crops. Their study emphasizes the role of leaf-associated microbes in growth adaptation, paving the way for improved agricultural resilience in changing climates.	University of Nottingham	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has identified a genetic circuit in plants that controls individual leaf growth and allows the plants to adapt to their environment. The findings could help the development of more drought-resistant crops. -- Scientists from the University of Nottingham's School of Biosciences investigated the growth of maizeleaves in plants cultivated in three different soils containing differential amounts of nutrients and water. -- They found that microbes colonising plant leaves across these soils influence the growth of the leaves independently of the concentration of nutrients and soil properties. -- The findings have been published today in Cell, Host and Microbe. -- The leaf is one of the most important organs of a plant, they produce food for the plant through photosynthesis. -- Plant leaves are colonised by microbes that are vital for the survival and health of the plants, particularly in dry weather conditions. -- The complex microbiota help the plant to 'digest' the nutrients it needs. -- This new study was led by Associate Professor Gabriel Castrillo, he said: "In nature, plant leaves are colonised by microbes. Whether and how these microbial communities modulate the growth of leaves is something poorly understood. We have now revealed more about this process through experiments of recolonization with synthetic communities of microbes. We demonstrated that abundant bacteria inhabiting young leaves promote individual leaf growth." -- By analysing and sequencing the RNA molecules in the leaf the team uncovered a genetic circuit related to plant defence that controls microbiota effect on individual leaf growth. -- Dr Castrillo continues: "We consider that the mechanism discovered here is responsible for balancing the growth of different leaves through differential activation of the growth-defense trade-off. We predict that this mechanism intersects with other branches of the leaf growth regulatory network to establish a hierarchy of biotic or abiotic stress responses to ensure plant survival in nature where the present of multiple stresses is frequent.	H01 H02 C01 N02	2,028
2512-T021	New Footage Reveals Growth Patterns Of Palladium Nanoparticles For Recycling Advantages	Researchers at the University of Nottingham have achieved a groundbreaking feat by capturing the real-time growth and contraction of Palladium nanoparticles using transmission electron microscopy. This study, published in Nanoscale, reveals the nanoparticles' lifecycle and could lead to enhanced catalytic applications and recycling methods for precious metals, thereby addressing dwindling global supplies.	University of Nottingham	Nanoscale	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have for the first time filmed the real-time growth and contraction of Palladium nanoparticles, opening new avenues for utilising and recycling precious metal catalysts. -- Researchers at the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the complete lifecycle of palladium nanoparticles in a liquid environment, from nucleation through growth to dissolution, with the entire cycle repeating multiple times. -- This study has been published today in Nanoscale. -- One of the most important applications of metal nanoparticles is in catalysis, which forms a backbone of chemical industries. -- Dr Jesum Alves Fernandes, an expert in the field, said: "The mechanisms of catalysis involving palladium have been hotly debated for many years, particularly as the distinction between homogeneous (in solution) and heterogeneous (on the surface of nanoparticles) catalysts becomes blurred at the nanoscale. The discovery that palladium nanoparticles can switch between these two modes can help us to develop new efficient catalysts for net-zero reactions, such as carbon dioxide reduction and ammonia synthesis. Additionally, this knowledge could help in the recycling and reuse of critical metals like palladium, whose global supplies are rapidly decreasing." -- The laws of thermodynamics cause chemical reactions, including those involving nanoparticles, to proceed in one direction. -- While oscillating chemical reactions are uncommon in humanmade processes, they frequently occur in living organisms that exist away from thermodynamic equilibrium. -- Understanding these chemical oscillations could help us unravel some of nature's mysteries, including transitions from chaos to order, emergent behaviours, patterns in animal coats, and even the origins of life on Earth. -- Professor Andrei Khlobystov, leads the research group at the University of Nottingham that focuses on imaging chemical reactions of individual molecules and atoms, in real time, and direct space, he says "We set out to study the formation of palladium nanoparticles in a liquid and were happy to observe the nanoparticles forming directly during TEM observation. These nanoparticles emerged from the palladium salt solution, growing larger and more structured over time. To our astonishment, once the nanoparticles reached a size of about 5 nanometres, they began to dissolve back into the solution, disappearing completely, only to undergo re-growth again." -- The nanoparticles create a complex branching pattern in a liquid pool, pulsating cyclically as they grow and dissolve.	A01 C01 N01 T01	2,029
2506-E054	Arctic Cyclones May Be Key To Understanding Sea Ice Loss	A recent study sheds light on the underestimations of sea ice depletion and Arctic cyclone formation, potentially improving climate model accuracy. Led by Steven Cavallo, the research focuses on rapid sea ice loss events, revealing that since 1979, Arctic sea ice coverage has dropped significantly. By understanding these patterns, scientists hope to enhance forecasting capabilities for future climate events in the Arctic region.	University of Oklahoma	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A study published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment gives possible insight into the underprediction of sea ice depletion and the formation of Arctic cyclones. Led by Steven Cavallo, a professor in the School of Meteorology at the University of Oklahoma, the study could lead to more accurate weather and climate models and better forecasting of Arctic cyclones. -- Since 1979, Arctic sea ice extent, a term that describes the area of the Arctic Ocean covered by ice, has been reduced by 40% in the late summer months. -- Global climate models have consistently underpredicted that reduction. -- The study examines what Cavallo and his co-authors call "very rapid sea ice loss events," or VRILEs. -- The sea ice decline since 1979 is the sum of numerous VRILEs that individually occur in periods of 5 to 18 days. -- Cavallo's publication suggests that Arctic cyclones are at least partially to blame. -- Arctic cyclones are weather phenomena that are tricky to predict and even trickier to incorporate into models. -- Though the exact mechanisms of why these cyclones may accelerate the ice loss are not fully understood, Cavallo suggests two theories. -- The first is the interaction of turbulent seas with ice. -- "If the winds get strong and the ice is thin enough, [the cyclone] can create waves that break the larger ice floes. Breaking them up into smaller ice floes accelerates the melting; it can happen at a really fast time scale," he said.	C01	2,030
2508-049	Rare Gene Variants Offer Insight Into Tailored Type 2 Diabetes Treatments	A recent study has identified rare genetic variants that contribute to a heightened prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among Asian Indian populations. These findings underline the complex genetic influences on diabetes and could pave the way for more targeted treatment options. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding genetic factors within families, as Asian Indians face a significantly higher risk of developing this condition compared to other groups.	University of Oklahoma	Communications Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study published in Communications Medicine, a Nature publication, details the discovery of rare gene variants that increase the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in multiple generations of Asian Indian people. The unusual finding is a step toward more targeted treatment for all people with Type 2 diabetes, a disease with complex genetic influences. -- "We wanted to study several generations of Asian Indians because understanding genetics in families can give us better information, and Asian Indians have up to six times higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes than Europeans. In addition, Asian Indians tend to live clustered together and marry within the same caste system," which helped us to identify these rare variants, said lead author Dharambir Sanghera, Ph.D., a professor of pediatric genetics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. -- "Our study found that the participants have their own rare gene changes, which aren't found in other unrelated populations around the world," Sanghera added. -- "This is important because it helps us understand the different causes of diabetes. It also gives us ideas for creating new medications that target specific proteins or pathways. Treating diabetes in a tailored way is important because not everyone responds well to metformin or other medications that lower blood sugar. Moreover, we need to prevent or delay diabetes in children from families who carry many of these gene changes." -- When people develop Type 2 diabetes, their genes contribute about 50% to the onset of the disease, and the other 50% is due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. -- There are three main ways genes can affect diabetes: monogenic, where one gene causes the disease; oligogenic, where a few genes have a big impact, regardless of diet or exercise; and polygenic, where some portion of many genes (over 400) each contribute a small effect, combined with lifestyle factors. -- Scientists have found these genes by studying millions of people, mostly of European descent. -- The rare gene variations that Sanghera's team found are an example of oligogenic diabetes, she said. -- Sanghera and her team also made an unexpected finding: The gene variants were non-coding. -- While coding genes are like a "recipe" for building a protein, non-coding gene variants are like "instructions" for when to use the recipe, therefore controlling when and where a protein is made.	H01 R01 C01	2,031
2511-009	High-Fat Maternal Diet Linked To Liver Stress In Developing Fetuses	A recent study sheds light on how a high-fat and high-sugar maternal diet leads to liver stress in unborn babies through alterations in bile acid levels. The research indicates that this exposure may significantly influence the development of metabolic dysfunction and liver diseases in infancy, highlighting the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy.	University of Oklahoma	Liver International	Press Rel	PubMed	When mothers eat a diet high in fat and sugars, their unborn babies can develop liver stress that continues into early life. A new study published in the journal Liver International sheds light on changes to the fetus's bile acid, which affects how liver disease develops and progresses. -- Bile acids typically help with digestion and absorb dietary fats in the small intestine, but when they reach excessive levels, they become toxic and can damage the liver. -- While the mother can detoxify the acids, the fetus lacks that ability. -- Bile acids may re-circulate to the mother for detoxification, but if they don't, they build up in the fetal liver, setting the stage for future problems. -- The findings suggest that early exposure to excess bile acids in the womb may be one important factor underlying the early development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which affects up to 30% of youth. -- "It's a huge public health concern, as we know mothers with obesity or those eating a poor diet can predispose the next generation to a risk for obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases beginning in the womb, thus completing a vicious cycle from mother to infant," said Jed Friedman, Ph.D., associate vice provost for diabetes programs at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences and director of OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center. -- Friedman was co-senior author of the study with Stephanie Wesolowski, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. -- By the time the offspring studied were juveniles, they had liver damage, including increased amounts of a protein called collagen, which is linked to fibrosis (a build-up of scar tissue), and activated liver cells involved in fibrosis. -- The high-fat diet also led to changes in how some liver genes worked, particularly those related to bile acid processing. -- These changes persisted regardless of what the offspring ate after being weaned.	H01 H02 R01	2,032
2512-046	Breast Milk: Uncovering Its Powerful Role in Infant Health	David Fields, a researcher from the University of Oklahoma, discovered an intriguing pattern regarding infant weight in formula-fed babies versus breastfed ones, prompting him to investigate breast milk's effects on health. His ongoing research looks into the connections between maternal gestational diabetes and infant health, particularly focusing on how breastfeeding may alleviate risks associated with maternal diabetes.	University of Oklahoma	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2010, University of Oklahoma researcher David Fields, Ph.D., was pouring over research data when he discovered something he thought was odd: His data showed that at 6 months of age, formula-fed babies born of mothers who were categorized as medically obese weighed about 5% units less fat than breastfed babies in the same dataset. That discovery struck him as unusual and led him on a research journey to better understand breast milk. Now, he's studying the connections between maternal gestational diabetes, breastfeeding and infant health. -- Fields is part of the research team behind a recent study in The Journal of the American Medical Association that examines the effects of breast milk on the children of mothers with gestational diabetes. -- "Gestational diabetes is a big deal," said Fields, an associate professor of pediatrics in the OU College of Medicine. -- "It's bad for the mother because, while it goes away after giving birth, it usually portends that later in life, the mother will get diabetes." -- Fields and his colleagues began studying mother-infant pairs with gestational diabetes in 2019, when the National Institutes for Health renewed funding for his 2015 project with University of Minnesota researcher Ellen Demerath, Ph.D., called the Mothers and Infants LinKed for Health Growth (MILK) study, one of the largest and longest-running studies on breastfeeding in the country. -- At that time, Fields suspected the breast milk composition of mothers with gestational diabetes would be different from mothers without the disease. -- When they began digging into the compositional differences between breast milk for mothers with and without gestational diabetes, the results told an unexpected story. -- While nine differences existed between the breast milk of mothers with gestational diabetes and those without, three were significantly associated with growth and body composition. -- Those differences benefitted the children of mothers with gestational diabetes. -- Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes had faster linear growth: They were longer and growing faster.	H01 R01	2,033
2502-E058	New Findings Reveal Large Aquifer Under Oregon Cascades: Implications For Water Resources	Scientists have identified a massive aquifer beneath the Oregon Cascades, significantly larger than previously estimated, containing at least 81 cubic kilometers of water. This discovery has crucial implications for water management in an era of climate change, where dwindling snowpack and increasing drought pose significant challenges. The findings enhance our understanding of water resources in the region and could inform policies as demand for water continues to rise.	University of Oregon	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Oregon's Cascade Range mountains might not hold gold, but they store another precious resource in abundance: water. -- Scientists from the University of Oregon and their partners have mapped the amount of water stored beneath volcanic rocks at the crest of the central Oregon Cascades and found an aquifer many times larger than previously estimated -- at least 81 cubic kilometers. -- That's almost three times the maximum capacity of Lake Mead, the currently overdrawn reservoir along the Colorado River that supplies water to California, Arizona and Nevada, and greater than half the volume of Lake Tahoe. -- The finding has implications for the way scientists and policymakers think about water in the region -- an increasingly urgent issue across the Western United States as climate change reduces snowpack, intensifies drought and strains limited resources. -- It also shapes our understanding of volcanic hazards in the area. -- Magma interacting with lots of water often leads to explosive eruptions that blast ash and gas into the air, rather than eruptions with slower-moving lava flows. -- "It is a continental-size lake stored in the rocks at the top of the mountains, like a big water tower," said Leif Karlstrom, a UO earth scientist who led the study alongside collaborators from Oregon State University, Fort Lewis College, Duke University, the University of Wisconsin, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. -- "That there are similar large volcanic aquifers north of the Columbia Gorge and near Mount Shasta likely make the Cascade Range the largest aquifer of its kind in the world." -- The team reported the findings in a paper published Jan. 13 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Most Oregonians rely on water that originates from the Cascades.	C01 N02	2,034
2505-E054	California Two-Spot Octopus Features One Of The Oldest Known Sex Chromosomes	Researchers at the University of Oregon have uncovered an ancient sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus, believed to be around 480 million years old. This finding provides crucial evidence that octopuses, along with other cephalopods, utilize chromosomes for sex determination, addressing a long-standing question in biology. The discovery highlights not only the evolutionary significance of these creatures but also the ongoing research into their fascinating biology.	University of Oregon	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Cleaning up after a major oil spill is a long, expensive process, and the damage to a coastal region's ecosystem can be significant. This is especially true for the world's Arctic region, where newly opened sea lanes will expose remote shorelines to increased risks due to an anticipated rise in sea traffic. -- Current mitigation techniques even in heavily populated regions face serious limitations, including low oil absorption capacity, potential toxicity to marine life and a slow remediation process. -- However, advances in nanotechnology may provide solutions that are more effective, safer and work much faster than current methods. -- That's according to a new paper in Environmental Science: Nano by a Concordia-led team of researchers. -- "Using nanomaterials as a response method has emerged as a promising sustainable approach," says lead author Huifang Bi, a PhD candidate in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. -- "This paper synthesizes, reviews and analyzes between 40 and 50 studies on the subject to give us a big-picture look of the status of nanotechnologies in coastal oil spill response. At the same time, we are also presenting our own suggestions and identifying research gaps between using nanomaterials in the lab and how they can be used in real-world applications." -- She adds that nanomaterials are being widely studied to combat marine oil spills, but she is focusing specifically on coastline remediation. -- She estimates that more than 90 per cent of the papers she reviewed were exclusively lab-based and not yet available for field use. -- Encouraging results need field testing -- The unique properties found in nanomaterials can help mitigation across different remediation efforts.	Z01	2,035
2504-E005	Epigenetic Tool Reveals Insights For Medicine, Sports, And Agriculture	A pioneering epigenetic tool developed by researchers at the University of Otago can predict the duration of exposure to male hormones in animals. The "Androgen Clock" analyzes specific DNA changes associated with androgens, potentially influencing fields such as medicine, sports, and agriculture. Although the tool is not yet applicable to humans, researchers are excited about its future implications for understanding hormone effects and improving health assessments.	University of Otago	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Otago -- Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka have created a world-first epigenetic tool which has implications for medicine, sports, and agriculture. -- In a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers found that DNA can be used to predict how long an animal has been exposed to male hormones, otherwise known as androgens. -- To do this, they developed the "Androgen Clock," an analysis platform which examines specific DNA regions that change over time in the presence of androgens. -- While researchers have not yet been able to create a clock for humans, they are actively working on it and excited by potential applications. -- Lead author Dr Victoria Sugrue, a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Anatomy, says androgens alter DNA over time in a predictable "clock-like" manner and researchers have developed a method to measure it easily. -- "We turned the results into a linear model that could estimate months of androgen exposure with surprising accuracy for both mice and sheep," Dr Sugrue says. -- "Importantly, when we removed the receptor protein from mice that binds to androgens, the Androgen Clock stopped. Moreover, when we gave androgen to females, the clock started ticking again. This proves the clock depends on androgens and not some other male factor." -- High levels of androgen hormone are what makes the average male stronger and faster (and hairier) than the average female. -- Yet, until now there has been no way to measure long-term male hormone exposure. -- Associate Professor Tim Hore, research team leader in the Department of Anatomy, says there are many potential applications for the Androgen Clock in medicine, sports, and agriculture, including meat testing, as performed in the study.	N01	2,036
2504-E055	Antarctic Sea Ice Analysis Sheds Light On Climate Change Impacts Over Decades	Scientists from the University of Otago have analyzed over three decades of data on landfast sea ice in Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, vital for understanding climate change impacts. The research reveals key factors influencing ice thickness, which supports diverse marine life and serves as a platform for scientific studies. This comprehensive analysis, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, aims to enhance predictions related to future climate scenarios.	University of Otago	Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Otago -- Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka scientists have successfully analysed more than 30 years of vital data on the thickness of landfast sea ice in Antarctica's McMurdo Sound, which will prove useful to measure future impacts of climate change. -- The study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, set out to discover what key influences determine the thickness of landfast sea-ice, known as fast ice, using data from 1986 to 2022. -- Fast ice is frozen ocean water that is attached to shorelines and persists for at least 15 days. -- It provides vital habitats for penguins and seals, as well as fish, krill and algae underneath the ice. -- Scientists also traverse around McMurdo Sound on fast ice to perform experiments and measure the ocean underneath and the atmosphere above. -- The ice needs to be stable and thick enough to do this safely. -- Instead of a long-term trend of increasing or declining thickness, the researchers found storm events, air temperature and winter wind speed cause fast ice thickness to vary year to year. -- Lead researcher Dr Maren Richter, who completed the research as part of her PhD at Otago, says fast ice in McMurdo Sound has not (yet) seen strong effects of climate change. -- "The ocean/ice/atmosphere system there seems to still be able to balance out effects of climate change. -- "We see a slight increase in air temperatures over the last 10 years of our study period, but if we look at air temperature over a longer time period (from the mid-1980s to now) there is no clear trend," she says.	C01 N01	2,037
2505-E055	New Technique Aims To Reveal Hidden Secrets Of Marine Wildlife	Scientists from the University of Otago are employing a new research technique to uncover the underwater behaviors of marine wildlife. By attaching miniature cameras to animals like penguins, researchers can observe their feeding strategies and interactions with prey. A recent study analyzed footage from various penguin species, using advanced image-measuring software to gain insights into their energy consumption during foraging, ultimately enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics.	University of Otago	PeerJ	Press Rel	PubMed	Men undergoing radiation therapy for prostate cancer who experience side effects early in treatment may face a higher risk of developing more serious long-term urinary and bowel health issues, according to a new study led by investigators from the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. -- The study found that patients who experienced moderate acute urinary side effects in the first three months after radiation were nearly twice as likely to develop late urinary complications years later compared to those without early symptoms. -- Similarly, patients with early bowel side effects had nearly double the risk of chronic bowel issues. -- The findings, published in the Lancet Oncology, highlight the importance of developing strategies to better manage acute toxicities to help improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for patients. -- "Men with prostate cancer are living longer than ever, and our goal is to reduce the risk of late toxicities, such as difficulty urinating or rectal bleeding, that can impact a patient's quality of life for years," said Dr. Amar Kishan, executive vice chair of radiation oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and senior author of the study. -- "This study highlights innovations we're developing, such as using smaller treatment margins in prostate radiation to minimize early side effects, that can lead to lasting benefits by also reducing the risk of long-term complications for patients." -- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with radiation therapy often serving as a key treatment for localized prostate cancer, often involving higher doses to better control the disease. -- While this approach effectively controls cancer, it can also harm nearby healthy tissues, causing acute and late-term side effects. -- Acute toxicity refers to side effects that occur during treatment or within the first three months after it ends, and they are typically temporary. -- Common urinary side effects include increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating and discomfort during urination.	A01 H01	2,038
2507-E032	Genetic Material Introduced Into Plants Via Roots For Crop Improvement	A study from the University of Otago shows that since the Ice Age, Aotearoa has increasingly accepted new bird species, offering insights into future migration patterns. By examining mitogenome data from various bird species, researchers found adaptations to the changing landscape. The findings suggest that while some species may be recent arrivals, they have played significant roles in New Zealand's avian biodiversity, challenging notions of what constitutes "iconically New Zealand" birds.	University of Otago	University of Otago	Press Rel	PubMed	New University of Otago -- Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka research shows Aotearoa has been increasingly accepting new bird species from around the world since the start of the Ice Age, offering clues into future migration patterns. -- Since the Ice Age drastically changed the Aotearoa landscape from widely forested to grass and shrubland, researchers set out to determine which of our living and recently extinct birds are a result of existing lineages that adapted to their environment tens of millions of years ago and which are the descendants of comparatively recent invaders. -- Using mitogenome data from nearly all living and recently extinct New Zealand mainland bird species, researchers discovered many species associated with grass and shrubland, like pīhoihoi New Zealand pipit and pūtangitangi paradise shelduck, colonised Aotearoa at the start of the Ice Age, most likely from Australia. -- Lead author Dr Pascale Lubbe, of the Department of Zoology, says despite this, suggestions that such recent immigrants are not "iconically New Zealand" are misleading. -- "Repeated invasions by species are actually very typical of New Zealand's biological heritage throughout geological history," Dr Lubbe says. -- "Many of our most iconic endemic birds that are found nowhere else on earth, like the Haast's eagle, kakī/black silt and fantails, are Ice Age arrivals." -- Published in the international journal Molecular Ecology, researchers investigated the relationships between the birds of Aotearoa and their overseas relatives, and when they split into distinct species. -- While the country's flora and fauna has been researched intensely for more than a century, previous studies have mostly been conducted on a species-by-species basis. -- "Our research approach is a broad scope investigation of the global origins of nearly all our endemic bird species, providing an overall view of the evolution of these birds," she says. -- "We have been able to show that colonisation patterns are driven in part by the habitat preferences of the invading species over geological time."	N01 N02	2,039
2512-E018	Southern Elephant Seals Provide Crucial Insights Into Future Ecosystem Changes	Southern elephant seals are being studied as indicators of climate change impacts in the Southern Ocean. This research reveals that their historical presence in New Zealand can provide vital clues about ecosystem responses to climate fluctuations, emphasizing the importance of these seals in understanding environmental shifts.	University of Otago	Global Change Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Southern elephant seals are the "canary in the coal mine" for the Southern Ocean, offering insight into how the ecosystem may react to future climate change and human impact, new research shows. -- Joint senior author Associate Professor Nic Rawlence, Director of the Otago Palaeogenetics Laboratory, says while elephant seals now only inhabit the subantarctic islands and South America, Aotearoa beaches used to be "heaving" with the colossal animals. -- "At the time of human arrival in New Zealand, you would be hard pressed to find room on the beaches, with fur seals on the rocky headlands, prehistoric sealions and elephant seals on the sand, and lots of penguins," he says. -- "It's a picture that is very hard to imagine today, especially as most New Zealanders wouldn't think that these majestic giants were once part of our biological heritage." -- The study was undertaken by a group of international researchers, led by postgraduate students Andrew Berg, of the University of Sydney, and Otago's Megan Askew, and recently published in the leading journal Global Change Biology. -- They used palaeogenetic techniques on specimens dating back thousands of years from New Zealand, Tasmania and Antarctica to show that southern elephant seals used to be spread across the entire Southern Ocean. -- Joint senior author Dr Mark de Bruyn, of Griffith University, says their whereabouts was heavily impacted by climate change and humans over a short evolutionary period. -- "The Ice Ages would have rapidly increased the amount of sea ice surrounding Antarctica, forcing elephant seals to retreat to multiple refugia in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America, before they expanded back out as the climate warmed, including temporarily to the Antarctic mainland," Dr de Bruyn says. -- "However, indigenous subsistence hunting and European industrial sealing once again resulted in the contraction of their range, this time to the deep Southern Ocean with their extirpation from Australia and New Zealand." -- Associate Professor Rawlence says knowing how elephant seals responded to these changes will provide insights into how they -- and the Southern Ocean ecosystem, which New Zealand and Australia are part of -- may be impacted in the future.	N01	2,040
2503-T023	Enhancing Wireless Communication By Improving Terahertz Wave Conversion	A team from the University of Ottawa has made strides in enhancing the frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, which could accelerate advancements in wireless communication and signal processing. This research focuses on THz waves' potential for non-invasive imaging and high-speed communications, laying the groundwork for innovations in future technologies, including 6G systems and beyond, highlighting the vital role of graphene in next-generation applications.	University of Ottawa	Light: Science & Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed innovative methods to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing. -- THz waves, located in the far-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, can be used to perform non-invasive imaging through opaque materials for security and quality control applications. -- Additionally, these waves hold great promise for wireless communication. -- Advances in THz nonlinear optics, which can be used to change the frequency of electromagnetic waves, are essential for the development of high-speed wireless communication and signal processing systems for 6G technologies and beyond. -- THz technologies are rapidly evolving as they are poised to play a critical role in health, communication, security, and quality control. -- Jean-Michel Ménard, Associate Professor of Physics from the Faculty of Science and a team of researchers have paved the way for developing devices capable of upconverting electromagnetic signals to higher oscillation frequencies, effectively bridging the gap between GHz electronics and THz photonics. -- These findings -- published in Light: Science & Applications -- demonstrate innovative strategies for enhancing THz nonlinearities in graphene-based devices. -- "The research marks a significant step forward in improving the efficiency of THz frequency converters, a critical aspect for multi-spectral THz applications and especially the future of communication systems, like 6G," says Professor Ménard, who collaborated on the project with fellow uOttawa researchers Ali Maleki and Robert W. Boyd, plus Moritz B. Heindl and Georg Herink from the University of Bayreuth (Germany) and Iridian Spectral Technologies. -- This new research showcases methods to leverage the unique optical properties of graphene, an emerging quantum material made of a single layer of carbon atoms. -- This 2D material can be seamlessly integrated into devices, enabling new applications for signal processing and communication.	A01 C01 T01	2,041
2508-E025	Urgent Call For Climate Action: 2 Degrees Celsius No Longer The Worst Scenario	A comprehensive new study raises alarms about the substantial risks of surpassing 2.7°C of global warming due to insufficient national climate commitments. Researchers, including experts from the University of Ottawa, underline that every sector of society will be affected, from marine ecosystems to infrastructure. The assessment focuses on the Arctic, emphasizing the extensive implications of rising temperatures and the urgent need for effective climate action.	University of Ottawa	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Remember when 2°C of global warming was the doomsday scenario? Well, we're now staring down the barrel of something much worse. From the fish on your plate to the weather outside your window, everything's about to change. -- A new study by an international team of researchers, including Jackie Dawson, full professor, Geography, Environment and Geomatics at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Arts, underscores the grave risks posed by insufficient national commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. -- "Our findings reveal that the risk of reaching 2.7°C of warming is substantial and that there is not a single sector in society that will remain untouched," explains Professor Dawson who is also a tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Human and Policy Dimensions of Climate Change. -- "From marine ecosystems to local infrastructure, the cascading impacts will affect every individual." -- This comprehensive assessment focused on the global Arctic, analyzing existing studies and climate model outputs to highlight the implications of rising temperatures. -- The research underscores that current nationally determined contributions (NDCs) -- the promises made by nations under the Paris Agreement -- will not suffice to achieve the 2°C target, which is the threshold marking a known tipping point beyond which widespread and severe global impacts are expected. -- Without substantial increases in these commitments, a future characterized by extreme temperatures and profound ecological disruptions appears unavoidable. -- This also suggests that scientific and policy efforts to understand the future risks of climate change need to now consider what a +3 or +4 degree world means. -- As the Arctic continues to warm at nearly four times the global average, researchers noted that the region could become virtually ice-free during summer months, leading to devastating effects on marine ecosystems and the livelihoods they support as well as increased geopolitical and industrial pressures in the region. -- The study also illustrates how severe climate changes can exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities, particularly for Indigenous peoples and communities that rely on these ecosystems for livelihood and well-being.	C01 N01	2,042
2509-052	Novel Optogenetic Mouse Model Enhances Research For Treating Limb Spasticity	Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed an optogenetic mouse model for studying limb spasticity following spinal cord injuries, addressing limitations in prior research methods. This innovative approach allows precise activation of specific neural circuits, potentially leading to better treatments for the two-thirds of Canadians affected by spasticity.	University of Ottawa	Experimental Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made a significant advancement in the field of spinal cord injury research, developing a novel optogenetic mouse model that could lead to improved treatments for limb spasticity. -- Spasticity, characterized by involuntary and sustained muscle contractions, affects approximately two-thirds of Canadians with spinal cord injuries. -- This new model addresses the limitations of previous research methods, offering a more reliable and consistent approach to studying this debilitating condition. -- "Our team has created a transgenic mouse model where we can activate specific nerves in the hind paws using blue light. This allows us to reliably trigger the neural circuits potentially responsible for spasticity after spinal cord injury," explains Tuan Bui, Chair and Professor in the Department of Biology at uOttawa. -- "By utilizing optogenetics, we were able to activate specific sensory pathways with light, allowing us to induce spasticity in a controlled manner." -- The research, conducted over the past three years at the Motor Circuits Laboratory at the University of Ottawa, involved generating a unique transgenic mouse model and developing a method to induce limb spasticity consistently. -- This innovative approach enables researchers to study the underlying causes of spasticity more effectively and could accelerate the development of new treatments. -- The study was a collaborative effort involving PhD graduate Sara Goltash, honours undergraduate student Riham Khodr, and postdoctoral fellow Alex Laliberte. -- Their work not only advances our understanding of spasticity but also showcases the University of Ottawa's commitment to cutting-edge research in neuroscience and rehabilitation. -- Alex Laliberte, last author of the study, emphasizes the potential impact of this research: "Our new animal model could significantly facilitate the study and discovery of new therapeutics for the treatment of spasticity. By providing a more reliable experimental platform, we're opening doors to better understand and potentially alleviate this challenging condition."	N01	2,043
2510-E045	New Needleleaf Index Monitors North American Boreal Forest Health	Researchers have introduced a novel needleleaf index for analyzing satellite imagery of North America's boreal forests, leading to better assessments of their health and dynamics. This innovative tool, developed by scientists at Université Laval and uOttawa, enables precise identification of coniferous forest areas through unique spectral signatures. The advancement in monitoring these crucial ecosystems offers unprecedented insights into their changes and overall ecological well-being.	University of Ottawa	npj Natural Hazards	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has introduced a powerful tool for analyzing satellite imagery of boreal forests (also known as "Taiga" in North America), offering unprecedented insights into the health and dynamics of these crucial ecosystems. -- The research, conducted by Afshin Amiri, Keyvan Soltani, and Silvio Jose Gumiere, scientists in the Department of Soils and Agri-Food Engineering at Université Laval, was led and supervised by Hossein Bonakdari, an Associate Professor at uOttawa's Faculty of Engineering, introduced the "needleleaf index" (NI), a novel spectral index designed to extract coniferous forest areas from Landsat satellite imagery with remarkable precision. -- "Every object emits a spectral signature or a unique pattern of electromagnetic radiation that reveals its composition, be it vegetation, mineral, or human-made structures. By leveraging the unique spectral signatures of coniferous trees, we can now track changes in these ecosystems with unprecedented accuracy and detail," explains professor Bonakdari. -- Innovative Methodology -- The needleleaf index utilizes specific infrared bands from Landsat satellites, allowing researchers to distinguish coniferous forests from other vegetation types with high accuracy. -- This approach overcomes previous challenges in separating the spectral signatures of different forest types. -- "By focusing on the unique reflectance patterns of coniferous trees in the infrared spectrum, we've developed a method that can reliably map these forests at a 30-meter resolution," continues professor Bonakdari. -- "This level of detail is essential for understanding the fine-scale dynamics of boreal ecosystems." -- Key Findings -- The study, which analyzed over 24,000 Landsat images spanning nearly four decades, revealed several critical insights:	A01 H01 N02	2,044
2511-E034	New Study Explores Heart Health Impacts Of Extreme Heat Exposure	A recent study has uncovered that encapsulated heating techniques, frequently used for heat simulations, elevate heart rates and cardiac stress significantly more than natural heat exposure typical in warm weather. This research, involving a collaboration between multiple institutions, sheds light on the critical impact of extreme heat on heart function, which is increasingly important as global temperatures rise. Understanding these cardiovascular effects is essential for implementing protective measures for at-risk populations.	University of Ottawa	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have been testing how heat affects our hearts for years. But here's the thing: the most commonly used method might not provide much insight into what happens to the heart during heat waves. -- A new study led by the University of Ottawa, Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit with researchers from Harvard University, University of Otago, Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, and the University of Portsmouth, has revealed critical insights into how we test extreme heat's impact on heart function. With rising global temperatures, understanding these effects is crucial for protecting public health, especially during heat waves. -- The research, which analyzed data from over 400 laboratory studies involving more than 6,800 participants, highlights how different heating methods affect the heart's performance under heat stress. "Our study shows that exposure to encapsulated heating methods, like water-perfused suits or hot water immersion, can lead to significantly increased heart rates, blood pressures, and cardiac strain when compared to natural heat exposures, like those experienced during hot weather" says Robert Meade, who was a postdoctoral fellow at uOttawa's Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit and lead author of the study. -- When exposed to heat, the body may struggle to function normally, potentially resulting in serious cardiovascular issues. To cool down, the body increases blood flow to the skin, leading to higher heart rates and increased cardiac workloads. The resultant increase in strain on the heart can pose a significant risk for vulnerable groups, including older adults and individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. -- Glen Kenny, a full professor of physiology at uOttawa's Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, emphasizes the importance of these findings. "As temperatures continue to rise, we need to understand how heat affects heart health. This research helps us address the physiological challenges posed by heat and will inform how we protect individuals during extreme weather events." -- The study revealed that the most common heating method, suits that perfuse large volumes of hot water directly over the skin, may result in rapid overheating and exacerbated increases in cardiac strain. In contrast, participants exposed to climate-controlled environments simulating hot weather or heat waves exhibited distinct cardiac responses that are likely more applicable to real-life scenarios. "Our research offers vital data that can be used to design laboratory-studies that will more easily translate to the real world to enhance public health strategies," notes Meade. -- The researchers hope their findings will influence how health agencies develop strategies to protect people during extreme heat events. -- Scientists are now heading back to the drawing board, ready to figure out what really happens when the mercury rises -- not in the lab, but in the real world where it matters most.	Z01	2,045
2511-T010	Innovative Light Beams Control Atom Ionization, Advancing Quantum Technologies	Researchers at the University of Ottawa have made significant advancements in controlling the ionization of atoms and molecules through specially structured light beams. This breakthrough has important implications for various fields, including quantum computing and imaging, as it challenges traditional limitations in understanding electron ejection processes.	University of Ottawa	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has made significant strides in understanding the ionization of atoms and molecules, a fundamental process in physics that has implications for various fields including x-ray generation and plasma physics. -- Think about atoms -- the building blocks of everything around us. Sometimes, they lose their electrons and become charged particles (that's ionization). It happens in lightning, in plasma TVs, and even in the northern lights. -- Until now, scientists thought they could only control this process in limited ways. -- Led by Ravi Bhardwaj, Full Professor at uOttawa's Department of Physics, and PhD student Jean-Luc Begin, in collaboration with Professors Ebrahim Karimi, Paul Corkum and Thomas Brabec, the research introduces innovative methods to control ionization using specially structured light beams. -- Ionization is crucial in strong field physics and attosecond science, where it describes how electrons escape from their atomic bonds. -- Traditionally, it was understood that this process could not be manipulated beyond certain limits. -- However, this new study challenges that notion. -- "We have demonstrated that by using optical vortex beams -- light beams that carry angular momentum -- we can precisely control how an electron is ejected from an atom," explains Professor Bhardwaj. -- "This discovery opens up new possibilities for enhancing technology in areas such as imaging and particle acceleration." -- The research took place over two years at uOttawa's Advanced Research Complex.	C01	2,046
2513-004	Cold Water Immersion Boosts Cellular Resilience And Supports Healthy Aging	Cold water immersion has been shown to enhance cellular resilience and autophagic functions in young males, according to new research from the University of Ottawa. This seven-day study indicates that regular exposure to cold water not only helps cells manage stress better but may also promote health and longevity by slowing down aging processes at the cellular level, leading to exciting implications for overall well-being.	University of Ottawa	Advanced Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Ever wondered what happens to your body when you take those trendy ice baths? Scientists at the University of Ottawa just found out, and it's pretty fascinating. -- A new study conducted at the Human and Environmental Physiology Research lab (HEPRU) at the University of Ottawa has unveiled significant findings on the effects of cold water acclimation on autophagic (the cells' recycling system, which promotes cellular health) and apoptotic (the programmed cell death that gets rid of damaged cells) responses in young males. -- The research highlights the potential for cold exposure to enhance cellular resilience against stress. -- The study, conducted by Kelli King, postdoctoral fellow, and Glen Kenny, Full Professor at uOttawa's School of Human Kinetics and Director of HEPRU, involved ten healthy young males who underwent cold-water immersion at 14°C (57.2°F) for one hour across seven consecutive days. -- Blood samples were collected to analyze the participants' cellular responses before and after the acclimation period. -- "Our findings indicate that repeated cold exposure significantly improves autophagic function, a critical cellular protective mechanism," says Professor Kenny. -- "This enhancement allows cells to better manage stress and could have important implications for health and longevity." -- The research revealed that while autophagy was initially dysfunctional after high-intensity cold stress, consistent exposure over a week led to increased autophagic activity and decreased cellular damage signals. -- "By the end of the acclimation, we noted a marked improvement in the participants' cellular cold tolerance," explains King, the study's first author. -- "This suggests that cold acclimation may help the body effectively cope with extreme environmental conditions."	A01 H02 R01	2,047
2513-024	Human Bodies May Struggle To Adapt As Climate Becomes Hotter And Humid	Research from the University of Ottawa reveals that human thermoregulation limits are lower than previously understood, prompting concerns about the health impacts of climate change. Led by Dr. Robert D. Meade and Dr. Glen Kenny, the study stresses that many regions may face extreme heat conditions, underscoring the need for urgent action to safeguard human health as global temperatures rise.	University of Ottawa	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A study from the University of Ottawa's Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit (HEPRU) has confirmed that the limits for human thermoregulation -- our ability to maintain a stable body temperature in extreme heat -- are lower than previously thought. -- This research, led by Dr. Robert D. Meade, former Senior Postdoctoral Fellow and Dr. Glen Kenny, Director of HEPRU and professor of physiology at uOttawa's Faculty of Health Sciences, highlights the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change on human health. -- The study found that many regions may soon experience heat and humidity levels that exceed the safe limits for human survival. -- "Our research provided important data supporting recent suggestions that the conditions under which humans can effectively regulate their body temperature are actually much lower than earlier models suggested," states Kenny. -- "This is critical information as we face increasing global temperatures." -- Utilizing a widely used technique known as thermal-step protocols, Meade and his team exposed 12 volunteers to various heat and humidity conditions to identify the point at which thermoregulation becomes impossible. -- What made this study different, was that participants returned to the laboratory for a daylong exposure to conditions just above their estimated limit for thermoregulation. -- Participants were subjected to extreme conditions, 42°C with 57% humidity, representing a humidex of approximately 62°C. "The results were clear. The participants' core temperature streamed upwards unabated, and many participants were unable to finish the 9-hour exposure. These data provide the first direct validation of thermal step protocols, which have been used to estimate upper limits for thermoregulation for nearly 50 years," says Meade. -- "Our findings especially timely, given estimated limits for thermoregulation are being increasingly incorporated into large scale climate modelling" explains Meade. -- "They also underscore the physiological strain experienced during prolonged exposure to extreme heat, which is becoming more common due to climate change."	H02 C01	2,048
2501-T013	Citizen Scientists Reveal Jupiter's Clouds Composed Of Unexpected Materials	Collaborative efforts between amateur and professional astronomers have clarified the composition of Jupiter's clouds, revealing they are likely made of ammonium hydrosulfide rather than ammonia ice. This discovery, initiated by amateur astronomer Dr. Steven Hill, utilized accessible telescopes and colored filters to conduct detailed atmospheric mapping. Published findings shift our understanding of Jupiter's cloud structures and their implications for the planet's atmospheric chemistry.	University of Oxford	Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets	Press Rel	PubMed	Collaborative work by amateur and professional astronomers has helped to resolve a long-standing misunderstanding about the composition of Jupiter's clouds. Instead of being formed of ammonia ice -- the conventional view -- it now appears they are likely to be composed of ammonium hydrosulphide mixed with smog. -- The findings have been published in the Journal of Geophysical Research -- Planets. -- The new discovery was triggered by amateur astronomer, Dr Steven Hill, based in Colorado. -- Recently, he demonstrated that the abundance of ammonia and cloud-top pressure in Jupiter's atmosphere could be mapped using commercially-available telescopes and a few specially coloured filters. -- Remarkably, these initial results not only showed that the abundance of ammonia in Jupiter's atmosphere could be mapped by amateur astronomers, they also showed that the clouds reside too deeply within Jupiter's warm atmosphere to be consistent with the clouds being ammonia ice. -- In this new study, Professor Patrick Irwin from the University of Oxford's Department of Physics applied Dr Steven Hill's analytical method to observations of Jupiter made with the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument at the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile. -- MUSE uses the power of spectroscopy, where Jupiter's gases create telltale fingerprints in visible light at different wavelengths, to map the ammonia and cloud heights in the gas giant's atmosphere. -- By simulating how the light interacts with the gases and clouds in a computer model, Professor Irwin and his team found that the primary clouds of Jupiter -- the ones we can see when looking through backyard telescopes -- had to be much deeper than previously thought, in a region of higher pressure and higher temperature. -- Too warm, in fact, for the condensation of ammonia. Instead, those clouds have to be made of something different: ammonium hydrosulphide. -- Previous analyses of MUSE observations had hinted at a similar result.	T01	2,049
2502-E012	Logging Versus Oil Palm Plantations: What’s Really Happening To Tropical Forests?	An extensive study by the University of Oxford examined the environmental impacts of logging and converting tropical forests into oil palm plantations, revealing significant differences in their consequences. By evaluating over 80 metrics on ecosystem structure and biodiversity, researchers aim to inform conservation priorities and land-use decisions, addressing the cumulative effects of these activities and guiding future restoration strategies for tropical forests.	University of Oxford	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by the University of Oxford has carried out the most comprehensive assessment to date of how logging and conversion to oil palm plantations affect tropical forest ecosystems. The results demonstrate that logging and conversion have significantly different and cumulative environmental impacts. The results have been published today (10 January) in Science. -- Understanding how different aspects of tropical forests are affected by logging and conversion to oil palm plantations is important for identifying priority habitats for conservation and restoration. -- It can also help aid decisions on land use -- for instance, whether a logged forest should be protected, restored, or allowed to be converted into a plantation. -- But up to now, most studies have focused on a limited number of factors, making the overall impact on the whole ecosystem difficult to assess. -- In this new study, the researchers looked at over 80 metrics describing multiple aspects of the structure, biodiversity, and functioning of the tropical forest ecosystem -- from soil nutrients and carbon storage, to photosynthesis rates and numbers of bird and bat species. -- These were measured in study sites in three areas of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo that were either in undisturbed old growth forest, logged forest (moderately or heavily logged), or in previous logged forests that had been converted to oil palm plantation. -- The research, unprecedented in investigating such a broad spectrum of indicators for the health of tropical forest ecosystems in a single analysis, was made possible due to the wide range of study sites established and maintained by the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership. -- In total, logging and conversion had widespread impacts, affecting most of the measured properties -- 60 of the 82 ecosystem metrics. -- However, there were clear differences between the two. -- In general, logging mostly impacted factors associated with forest structure and environment.	C01 N02	2,050
2502-T019	Understanding AI Risks: A Mathematical Model For Privacy Protection	A new mathematical model developed by computer scientists at the Oxford Internet Institute and collaborators aims to assess the risks of AI in tracking and monitoring individuals. This innovative framework enhances understanding of identification techniques and can assist regulatory efforts to protect privacy, particularly in high-stakes environments where accurate identification is crucial for safety and ethical considerations.	University of Oxford	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	AI tools are increasingly being used to track and monitor us both online and in-person, yet their effectiveness comes with big risks. Computer scientists at the Oxford Internet Institute, Imperial College London, and UCLouvain have developed a new mathematical model which could help people better understand the risks posed by AI and assist regulators in protecting peoples' privacy. The findings have been published in Nature Communications. -- For the first time, the method provides a robust scientific framework for evaluating identification techniques, especially when dealing with large-scale data. -- This could include, for instance, monitoring how accurate advertising code and invisible trackers are at identifying online users from small pieces of information such as time zone or browser settings (a technique called 'browser fingerprinting'). -- Lead author Dr Luc Rocher, Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Internet Institute, part of the University of Oxford, said: "We see our method as a new approach to help assess the risk of re-identification in data release, but also to evaluate modern identification techniques in critical, high-risk environments. In places like hospitals, humanitarian aid delivery, or border control, the stakes are incredibly high, and the need for accurate, reliable identification is paramount." -- The method draws on the field of Bayesian statistics to learn how identifiable individuals are on a small scale, and extrapolate the accuracy of identification to larger populations up to 10x better than previous heuristics and rules of thumb. -- This gives the method unique power in assessing how different data identification techniques will perform at scale, in different applications and behavioural settings. -- This could help explain why some AI identification techniques perform highly accurately when tested in small case studies but then misidentify people in real-world conditions. -- The findings are highly timely, given the challenges posed to anonymity and privacy caused by the rapid rise of AI-based identification techniques. -- For instance, AI tools are being trialled to automatically identify humans from their voice in online banking, their eyes in humanitarian aid delivery, or their face in law enforcement. -- According to the researchers, the new method could help organisations to strike a better balance between the benefits of AI technologies and the need to protect people's personal information, making daily interactions with technology safer and more secure.	R01 T01	2,051
2503-037	Clear Framework Needed For AI Research Impact On Youth Mental Health	Experts at the Oxford Internet Institute stress the urgent need for a cohesive framework in AI research, particularly regarding its impact on youth. Their analysis indicates significant gaps in current research methodologies and calls for improved studies that can accurately assess how AI and digital technologies affect the mental health of children and adolescents in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.	University of Oxford	The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health	Press Rel	PubMed	A new peer-reviewed paper from experts at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, highlights the need for a clear framework when it comes to AI research, given the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence by children and adolescents using digital devices to access the internet and social media. -- Its recommendations are based on a critical appraisal of current shortcomings in the research on how digital technologies' impact young people's mental health, and an in-depth analysis of the challenges underlying those shortcomings. -- The paper, "From Social Media to Artificial Intelligence: Improving Research on Digital Harms in Youth,' published 21 January in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, calls for a "critical re-evaluation" of how we study the impact of internet-based technologies on young people's mental health, and outlines where future AI research can learn from several pitfalls of social media research. Existing limitations include inconsistent findings and a lack of longitudinal, causal studies. -- The analysis and recommendations by the Oxford researchers are divided into four sections: -- A brief review of recent research on the effects of technology on children's and adolescents' mental health, highlighting key limitations to the evidence. -- An analysis of the challenges in the design and interpretation of research that they believe underlie these limitations. -- Proposals for improving research methods to address these challenges, with a focus on how they can apply to the study of AI and children's wellbeing. -- Concrete steps for collaboration between researchers, policymakers, big tech, caregivers and young people. -- "Research on the effects of AI, as well as evidence for policymakers and advice for caregivers, must learn from the issues that have faced social media research," said Dr Karen Mansfield, postdoctoral researcher at the OII and lead author of the paper. -- "Young people are already adopting new ways of interacting with AI, and without a solid framework for collaboration between stakeholders, evidence-based policy on AI will lag behind, as it did for social media."	A01 H01 H02 T01	2,052
2503-E049	Plants Likely Eavesdrop Rather Than Warn Neighbors Of Threats	A study from the University of Oxford challenges the notion that plants evolve to warn each other of impending attacks. Instead, the research suggests that plants are more likely to 'eavesdrop' on neighboring plants through a complex underground fungal network. By analyzing these findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers highlight the intricate dynamics of plant communication and defense strategies, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of how plants interact in their environments.	University of Oxford	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by the University of Oxford has used a modelling approach to show that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attack. Instead of using their communication networks to transmit warning signals, the findings suggest it is more likely that plants 'eavesdrop' on their neighbours. The study has been published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). -- Land plants can be connected to a complex, underground fungal network known popularly as 'the wood wide web.' Networks emerge because mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic partnerships with plant roots, through which the plants receive nutrients and the fungi receive carbon. -- It has been demonstrated that plant resources and information can be transmitted through the mycorrhizal network, and be used by other individuals. -- Previous studies have found that, if a plant is attacked by a herbivore or pathogen, this often leads to other plants connected to the same fungal network upregulating their defence mechanisms. -- However, it has not been clear whether plants being attacked by herbivores actively signal through this network, to warn others to activate their defences. -- Active signalling between plants appears to contradict evolutionary theory, which suggests that this kind of behaviour would only be favoured when it provides a benefit to both the sender and the receiver of the signal. -- This presented a conundrum for researchers -- why should a plant being attacked send signals to warn its neighbours? -- To investigate this, a team of researchers led by the University of Oxford in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, used mathematical models to investigate different hypothetical conditions. -- They found that it is extremely hard to find situations where plants would be evolutionarily selected to warn their fellows of impending attack. -- The likely reason for this is that plants compete with neighbours for resources such as sunlight and nutrients, and so do not benefit from helping neighbouring competitors.	C01 N02	2,053
2505-E066	CITES Needs Reforms To Effectively Regulate Global Wildlife Trade	At the 78th CITES meeting in Geneva, new findings reveal that the convention is struggling to effectively deter the illegal trade of endangered species. Researchers propose a new framework that emphasizes sustainability and socio-economic analysis in wildlife trade systems to enhance enforcement and compliance. With billions relying on wild species for their livelihoods, the study calls for urgent reforms to ensure the long-term viability of global biodiversity.	University of Oxford	Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new publication in the journal Nature Communications, Montana State University scientists in College of Agriculture highlight fresh knowledge of how ancient microorganisms adapted from a low-oxygen prehistoric environment to the one that exists today. The work builds on more than two decades of scientific research in Yellowstone National Park by MSU professor Bill Inskeep. -- The article, titled "Respiratory Processes of Early-evolved Hyperthermophiles in Sulfidic and Low-oxygen Geothermal Microbial Communities" was published Jan. 2. Authors Inskeep, a professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, and Mensur Dlakic, an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, compared the heat-loving organisms in two Yellowstone thermal features, Conch Spring and Octopus Spring, located in the park's Lower Geyser Basin. -- Inskeep and Dlakic selected the locations because they are geochemically similar, with one notable exception: Conch Spring is higher in sulfide and oxygen compared to Octopus Spring. For that reason, they were able to focus on two contrasting thermal environments with both low and high levels of oxygen. -- Three types of thermophilic microbes -- organisms that thrive in high-temperature environments -- were found in both springs, whose temperatures hover around 190 degrees Fahrenheit. The paper states that microbes' lifestyles in their respective environments can shed light on how life evolved prior to and through the Great Oxidation Event, the period roughly 2.4 billion years ago when Earth's atmosphere transitioned from having almost no oxygen to the nearly 20% oxygen content it has today. -- "When oxygen started to increase in the environment, these thermophiles were likely important in the origin of microbial life," said Inskeep, who has conducted research in Yellowstone since 1999. "There was an evolution of organisms that utilized oxygen. Octopus has more oxygen and sure enough, there's more aerobic organisms there. These environments have different casts of characters." -- The microorganisms that Inskeep and Dlakic studied are found within "streamers" that live in the rapid stream currents . Streamers, which look like small kelp plants, attach to rocks and other objects within the spring and grow filaments that 'wiggle' in the current. -- While visually similar, the streamers in Conch and Octopus springs hosted very different collections of microbes. Although three species of microbes were common to both springs, the higher-oxygen Octopus Spring had much greater diversity. That offers insight into how they evolved to thrive in a higher-oxygen world, the scientists said. -- The authors compared respiratory genes found in the microbes of Conch versus Octopus Spring. Genes adapted to very low oxygen were "highly expressed, meaning they were more active, in Conch Spring. Conversely, the organisms in Octopus Spring were expressing genes adapted to higher oxygen levels, likely more important as oxygen levels increased throughout the Great Oxidation Event. -- In his three decades at MSU, Inskeep has collected extensive data from Yellowstone, but he said there is always more to learn and more questions to ask. In 2020, he and Dlakic received a grant from the National Science Foundation's Opportunities for Promoting Understanding through Synthesis program to study Yellowstone's thermophiles, and their collaboration has continued to illuminate previously unknown aspects of how life on Earth came to be. -- MSU's placement in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem also makes it ideally placed to conduct this type of research, Inskeep said.	H01	2,054
2506-E047	Climate Change Threatens Chocolate Supplies: Can Sustainable Farming Save Cocoa?	Sustainable Cocoa Farming: Amid concerns about climate change impacting chocolate supplies, a study shows that sustainable agricultural practices can enhance cocoa yields while protecting pollinators. Led by researchers at the University of Oxford, this work emphasizes the need for sustainable farming methods that mitigate climate risks, ensuring the future viability of cocoa production amidst rising global demand.	University of Oxford	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	This Valentine's Day, millions of pounds worth of chocolate will be exchanged as gifts, but climate change and biodiversity loss imperil future global supplies of this treat. A new research study led by the University of Oxford and published today (14 February) demonstrates that sustainable agricultural practices that both protect pollinator populations and mitigate climate risks could help secure -- and even improve -- global cocoa yields. -- Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a vital cash-crop for four to six million small-holder farmers across the tropics, and supports a global chocolate industry valued at over USD 100 billion annually. -- The combination of millions of farmers relying on cocoa for their livelihoods, and increasing global demand for the crop, has driven cocoa plantation expansion and intensification of farming practices, often at the expense of biodiversity and long-term sustainability. -- A new research study led by the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Westlake University, China, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brazil, and University of Göttingen, Germany, has highlighted the significant risks posed to cocoa production by climate change. -- However, the authors also identified farm management solutions that can both climate-proof cocoa crops and boost productivity without the need to expand plantations into forests. -- The research, conducted across three major cocoa-producing countries -- Brazil, Ghana, and Indonesia, which together account for 33% of global cocoa production -- investigated key factors influencing cocoa yields. -- The findings revealed that increasing pollination rates above current levels could boost yields by 20%. This demonstrates that insufficient pollination is occurring to produce the maximum possible yield for many cocoa plantations. -- Separate to the impact of pollination, sites where temperatures were up to 7 degrees warmer had 20-31% lower cocoa yields, underscoring the vulnerability of cocoa-producing regions to the effects of climate change. -- Co-author Dr Acheampong Atta-Boateng, who recently completed his doctoral work at the University of Oxford, said: 'Cocoa is pollinated by tiny insects such as midges and thrips, and it comes as quite a surprise that most of the time there simply isn't enough pollination happening to produce the cocoa crop that is possible.' -- To support sustainable cocoa production, researchers recommend practical strategies to enhance pollination, such as maintaining leaf litter and other understory biomass, preserving soil organic matter, providing moderate shade, and reducing agricultural chemical use.	A01 C01 N02	2,055
2507-085	Delays In Epilepsy Diagnosis Complicated By Socioeconomic Factors	A comprehensive study illustrates the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in infectious disease research and pandemic preparedness. Highlighting ethical considerations and the need for collaboration, the research calls for the integration of AI technologies to enhance outbreak response capabilities and accelerate scientific breakthroughs, paving the way for a safer and more efficient approach to managing infectious diseases.	University of Oxford	University of Oxford	Press Rel	PubMed	A study published in Nature today outlines for the first time how advances in AI can accelerate breakthroughs in infectious disease research and outbreak response. -- The study -- which is published following last week's AI Action Summit and amidst increasing global debate on AI investment and regulation -- puts particular emphasis on safety, accountability and ethics in the deployment and use of AI in infectious disease research. -- Calling for a collaborative and transparent environment -- both in terms of datasets and AI models -- the study is a partnership between scientists from the University of Oxford and colleagues from academia, industry and policy organisations across Africa, America, Asia, Australia and Europe. -- So far, medical applications of AI have predominantly focused on individual patient care, enhancing for example clinical diagnostics, precision medicine, or supporting clinical treatment decisions. -- This review instead considers the use of AI in population health. The study finds that recent advances in AI methodologies are performing increasingly well even with limited data -- a major bottleneck to date. Better performance on noisy and limited data is opening new areas for AI tools to improve health across both high-income and low-income countries. -- Lead author Professor Moritz Kraemer from the University of Oxford's Pandemic Sciences Institute, said: "In the next five years, AI has the potential to transform pandemic preparedness. -- "It will help us better anticipate where outbreaks will start and predict their trajectory, using terabytes of routinely collected climatic and socio-economic data. It might also help predict the impact of disease outbreaks on individual patients by studying the interactions between the immune system and emerging pathogens. -- "Taken together and if integrated into countries' pandemic response systems, these advances will have the potential to save lives and ensure the world is better prepared for future pandemic threats." -- Opportunities for AI and pandemic preparedness identified in the research include: -- Promising advances in improving current models of disease spread, aiming to make modelling more robust, accurate and realistic.	A01 T01	2,056
2508-037	AI Tool Enhances Forensic Investigations Of Traumatic Brain Injuries	A collaboration between multiple academic and law enforcement institutions has resulted in an AI-based tool designed to improve forensic investigations of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Utilizing mechanics-informed machine learning, this tool aims to provide accurate predictions of TBI outcomes, enhancing the legal and medical understanding of such injuries.	University of Oxford	Communications Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from the University of Oxford, in collaboration with Thames Valley Police, the National Crime Agency, the John Radcliffe Hospital, Lurtis Ltd. and Cardiff University, has developed an advanced physics-based AI-driven tool to aid the forensic investigation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). -- The study, published today (26 Feb) in Communications Engineering, introduces a mechanics-informed machine learning framework to help police and forensic teams accurately predict TBI outcomes based on documented assault scenarios. -- TBI is a critical public health issue, with severe and long-term neurological consequences. -- In forensic investigations, determining whether an impact could have caused a reported injury is crucial for legal proceedings, yet there is currently no standardised, quantifiable approach to do this. -- The new study demonstrates how machine learning tools informed by mechanistic simulations could provide evidence-based injury predictions, to improve the accuracy and consistency of TBI investigations. -- Lead researcher Antoine Jérusalem, Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford said: 'This research represents a significant step forward in forensic biomechanics. -- By leveraging AI and physics-based simulations, we can provide law enforcement with an unprecedented tool to assess TBIs objectively.' -- The study's AI framework, trained on real, anonymised police reports and forensic data, achieved remarkable prediction accuracy for TBI-related injuries: -- 94% accuracy for skull fractures -- 79% accuracy for loss of consciousness	A01 R02 T01	2,057
2509-E034	Distinct Histories Of Earth's Deep Mantle Regions Revealed By Scientists	A collaborative study from Cardiff University and other institutions has revealed that two vast regions in Earth’s deep mantle have distinct chemical compositions and histories, challenging the long-held belief that they are uniform. This research enhances our understanding of the planet’s interior dynamics and the complexities inherent in its geological processes.	University of Oxford	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by researchers at Cardiff University, the University of Oxford, the University of Bristol, and the University of Michigan has revealed that two continent-size regions in Earth's deep mantle have distinctive histories and resulting chemical composition, in contrast to the common assumption they are the same. The findings are available to read in the journal Scientific Reports. -- Seismologists have long known that seismic waves -- generated by earthquakes -- do not travel through all parts of Earth's interior at the same speed. -- This principle has allowed them to visualise the inside of our planet, even at depths inaccessible by humans, using techniques similar to employed in CT scans for medical imaging. -- Deep inside the mantle (the layer between Earth's iron core and its silica-dominated crust), there are vast areas beneath the Pacific Ocean and the African continent where seismic waves travel much slower than average. -- These "Large-Low-Velocity-Provinces" (LLVPs) are bigger than continents, up to 900 kilometres in height and thousands of kilometres wide. -- One common hypothesis is that the LLVPs are made up of oceanic crust that was pushed into the mantle at subduction zones. -- This crustal material was then stirred through the mantle over millions of years and accumulated to form the LLVPs. -- Researchers have typically assumed that both LLVPs are similar to each other in nature, e.g. chemical composition and age, because seismic waves travel through them in similar ways. -- But a new study, co-authored by Dr Paula Koelemeijer (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford), has challenged this view by modelling the formation of the LLVPs through time. -- By combining a model of mantle convection, including a reconstruction of how tectonic plates have moved over the Earth's surface over the last billion years, the study has been able to show that the African LLVP consists of older and better mixed material than the Pacific LLVP, which contains 50% more and younger subducted oceanic crust (and therefore is more different to the surrounding mantle). The resulting differences in density could also explain why the African LLVP is more diffuse and taller than its Pacific counterpart.	A01 C01 T01	2,058
2510-056	Psychological 'Booster Shots' Improve Memory And Fight Misinformation Over Time	Targeted psychological interventions, referred to as "psychological booster shots," have been found to significantly improve long-term resistance to misinformation, according to a study published in Nature Communications. The research involved over 11,000 participants and explored various approaches, such as text messages and online games, to enhance memory retention and recognition of misleading information. The findings suggest that these interventions can effectively arm individuals against the influence of false narratives over time.	University of Oxford	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has found that targeted psychological interventions can significantly enhance long-term resistance to misinformation. Dubbed "psychological booster shots," these interventions improve memory retention and help individuals recognize and resist misleading information more effectively over time. -- The study, published in Nature Communications, explores how different approaches, including text-based messages, videos, and online games, can inoculate people against misinformation. -- The researchers from the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Potsdam and King's College London conducted five large-scale experiments with over 11,000 participants to examine the durability of these interventions and identify ways to strengthen their effects. -- The research team tested three types of misinformation-prevention methods: -- Text-based interventions, where participants read pre-emptive messages explaining common misinformation tactics. -- Video-based interventions, short educational clips that expose the emotional manipulation techniques used in misleading content. -- Gamified interventions, an interactive game that teaches people to spot misinformation tactics by having them create their own (fictional) fake news stories in a safe, controlled environment. -- Participants were then exposed to misinformation and evaluated on their ability to detect and resist it over time. -- The study found that while all three interventions were effective, their effects diminished quickly over time, prompting questions about their long-term impact. -- However, providing memory-enhancing "booster" interventions, such as a follow-up reminder or reinforcement message, helped maintain misinformation resistance for a significantly longer period.	H02	2,059
2510-E028	Bird Songs Evolve Over Time: Insights Into Their Diverse Melodies	Research from the University of Oxford sheds light on the evolution of bird songs, emphasizing the influence of population dynamics on song diversity. By analyzing over 100,000 songs, the study highlights how the movement and turnover of birds affect which songs thrive, providing a deeper understanding of animal communication.	University of Oxford	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from the University of Oxford has provided fresh insights into how bird songs evolve over time, revealing a significant role for population dynamics in shaping song diversity and change. The findings -- based on an analysis of over 100,000 bird songs -- have been published today (7 March) in the journal Current Biology. -- The researchers spent three years collecting over twenty thousand hours of sound recordings from a wild population of great tits (Parus major) in Oxfordshire, which has been studied for the past 77 years as part of the Wytham Great Tit study. -- Their aim was to investigate how the movement, age, and turnover of birds within a population influences the diversity and evolution of their songs -- including which songs become locally popular, which fade away, and how varied their song repertoires become. -- To achieve this, they used a new approach involving training an AI model to recognise individual birds based on their songs alone and measure song differences between individuals. -- This method allowed them to track variations in song repertoires across the population and uncover patterns in song evolution. -- The results showed that birds of similar age tend to have more similar repertoires, with mixed-age neighbourhoods having higher cultural diversity. -- Furthermore, the pace of song turnover within neighbourhoods is driven by individuals coming and going; when birds leave or die, many song types disappear with them and the young birds that replace them can speed up the adoption of new song types. -- At the same time age serves as a brake on change, as older birds continue to sing song types that are becoming less frequent in the population. -- In this way, older birds can function as 'cultural repositories' of older song types that younger birds may not know, just as grandparents might remember songs that today's teenagers have never heard. -- However, age is not the sole factor influencing song change.	A01 C01 N01 T01	2,060
2510-E031	Tropical Forests Struggling To Adapt Quickly Enough To Climate Change	A significant study reveals that tropical rainforests in the Americas are failing to adapt quickly enough to climate change. Led by Dr. Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez, the research underscores the importance of understanding tree species responses to environmental changes, raising concerns about the long-term resilience of these critical ecosystems.	University of Oxford	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Tropical rainforests play a vital role in global climate regulation and biodiversity conservation. However, a major new study published in Science reveals that forests across the Americas are not adapting quickly enough to keep pace with climate change, raising concerns about their long-term resilience. -- The research, led by Dr. Jesús Aguirre-Gutiérrez from the University of Oxford's Environmental Change Institute (ECI), involved over 100 scientists and local partners analysing data from 415 permanent forest plots spanning Mexico to southern Brazil. -- By examining the traits of more than 250,000 trees, the team assessed how different species are responding to shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns. -- Key Findings: -- Forest adaptation is lagging: While climate change is altering temperature and precipitation patterns, tree communities are changing too slowly to remain in equilibrium with their environment. -- Survival strategies vary: Some tree species are thriving while others struggle. Traits such as being deciduous, wood density, leaf thickness, and drought tolerance influence a tree's ability to survive in a changing climate. -- Elevation matters: Mountainous forests show more rapid adaptation than lowland forests, likely due to greater climate variability. -- Recruitment differences: Younger trees (recruits) show the most noticeable shifts in traits, yet the overall forest composition remains largely unchanged. -- Future risks: By 2100, temperatures in the region could rise by up to 4°C, with rainfall decreasing by as much as 20%. This could push tropical forests further out of balance, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events. -- Dr. Aguirre-Gutiérrez explained: "Tropical forests are among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, yet their ability to adapt to climate change is limited. Understanding which traits help trees survive can guide conservation efforts and policy decisions. Given the changes in climate we have observed over the last 40 to 50 years, you might think there have also been lots of changes in the tree communities in tropical rainforests. But some of these changes are too small and too slow to actually adapt to the observed changes in climate. By looking at individual trees from different communities, we found some have suffered due to climate shifts, while others have thrived. We can study the characteristics, also known as 'tree traits', of those that have survived, as well as new individuals joining the communities and those that have died, to understand what makes them react differently to a changing climate."	C01 N02	2,061
2512-E001	African Elephants Efficiently Meet Food Needs Through Strategic Planning	Research on African elephants reveals their remarkable ability to optimize food foraging by planning their movements based on energy costs and resource availability. This study utilized extensive GPS tracking data, highlighting the challenges elephants face in searching for food and providing valuable insights for conservation efforts aimed at protecting these majestic animals and their habitats amidst environmental threats.	University of Oxford	Journal of Animal Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has revealed that African Elephants have an extraordinary ability to meet their colossal food requirements as efficiently as possible. Data from over 150 elephants demonstrated that these giants plan their journeys based on energy costs and resource availability. The findings - published today (26 March) in the Journal of Animal Ecology- could provide crucial information to help protect these iconic animals and their habitats. -- Being an elephant is no easy task. As massive herbivores weighing several tons, they must consume vast amounts of low-calorie vegetation every day. However, their sheer size means that moving around to find food costs significant physical effort. Literally every step matters -- especially in the vast, often harsh landscapes they traverse. -- Understanding how elephants move through the landscape is essential for designing effective conservation strategies, particularly as habitat fragmentation and human activities continue to threaten populations. But up to now, key drivers behind elephant movements have been unclear. -- The new study, led by researchers from the University of Oxford, the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, used GPS tracking data from 157 African elephants collected over a 22-year period (1998-2020) in Northern Kenya. Data was collected by Save the Elephants, a UK-registered, Kenya-based research and conservation charity. -- Key findings: -- Elephants strongly prefer landscapes with lower movement costs, with 94% of the elephants studied avoiding steep slopes and rough terrain. This suggests they are aware of their surroundings and make cost-benefit decisions to choose the most energy-efficient paths. -- Elephants actively select areas with higher vegetation productivity, with 93% indicating a preference for resource-rich environments. -- Water sources play a role in where elephants choose to go, but individual elephants can respond differently. Some remain close to water sources, while others roam farther, showing that their movement choices are more complex than travelling to the nearest river or pond. -- Elephants moving at speed show an even stronger avoidance of difficult, more energetically-costly terrain. 74% of individuals avoided costly areas when moving slowly, which increased to 87% when moving at intermediate speeds and to 93% when moving fast. This suggests the animals carefully balance effort and energy efficiency, especially during long journeys. -- According to the researchers, the elephants' behaviour is comparable to birds appearing to deliberately use favourable thermal uplifts to reduce the energetic costs of flying.	A01 H01 C01 N01	2,062
2512-T023	Innovative Method Recycles Fluoride From Persistent PFAS Chemicals	Oxford Chemistry researchers have unveiled an innovative method to safely decompose fluorinated PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as "forever chemicals," while recovering their fluorine for reuse. This significant breakthrough, published in Nature, addresses the environmental challenges posed by these persistent pollutants found in numerous everyday products, offering a sustainable solution to water contamination.	University of Oxford	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Oxford Chemistry researchers have developed a method to destroy fluorine-containing PFAS (sometimes labelled 'forever chemicals') while recovering their fluorine content for future use. The results have been published today (26 March 2025) in Nature. -- PFAS -- which stands for poly- and perfluoroalkylated substances -- have been produced in large quantities for over 70 years. -- They are found in a wide variety of products including textiles, food packaging, non-stick cookware, and medical devices. -- Their unique properties come from multiple carbon-fluorine chemical bonds, a particularly strong chemical motif that also explains their resistance to degradation. -- This longevity has led to PFAS sometimes being referred to as "forever chemicals." Their persistence has resulted in widespread contamination around the world. -- Traces of PFAS have been found in drinking water and livestock, and have been associated with negative human health effects after chronic exposure. -- This global problem urgently needs innovative technologies for the detection, recovery, and destruction of PFAS, as well as responsible pipelines to manage PFAS waste. -- Now, a team of chemists at the University of Oxford and Colorado State University have shown it is possible to destroy a wide variety of these fluorine-containing PFAS chemicals while also recovering their fluorine content for reuse in industrial processes. -- This operationally straightforward method works by reacting PFAS samples with potassium phosphate salts in the solid state. -- The reactants are ground together with ball bearings, which breaks down the long-lasting PFAS chemicals and allows the researchers to extract the fluorine content from the resulting product.	A01 H01 C01 T01	2,063
2504-E060	Temperature Control May Revolutionize Cellular Behavior And Targeted Therapies	Researchers are harnessing temperature as a means to influence cellular behavior, leading to improvements in diagnostics and therapies. By remotely controlling engineered cells within the human body—akin to guiding friends in a crowded arena—scientists, led by bioengineer Lukasz Bugaj, have developed tools to communicate with these cells for precise, effective functioning, enhancing their ability to target cancer or repair tissue damage.	University of Pennsylvania	Nature Methods	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine being at a big marquee event at an arena, like the Super Bowl, with the roar of the crowd, the smell of hot dogs, and a sea of jerseys all merging into one chaotic blur. While the frenzied, exciting environment certainly enhances your viewing experience, it can also make it difficult to find the people you came with if you get separated. If you're communicating by phone or waving from the stands, it can be an exhausting game of hide-and-seek amid the noise and commotion. -- Now imagine if you had a way to remotely guide them to you with pinpoint precision -- an app that highlighted their exact location and gently nudged them to move in the right direction. -- That, in essence, is what bioengineer Lukasz Bugaj and his team at the University of Pennsylvania have achieved -- except the arena is the human body, and the people you are directing are engineered cells sent in to carry out specific tasks like killing cancer or repairing damaged tissue. -- "There's a lot going on in complex living systems, so when we send modified cells into the body to execute a particular function, like to go in and find pathogens or cancerous cells, wouldn't it be great if we could communicate with them, guide them, make sure they're going exactly where they need to go, at the right time, to do the right thing?" asks Bugaj. -- In a new paper, the Bugaj Lab introduces tools that essentially, "remotely and non-invasively communicate with and control the activity of cells" once they've entered the arena. -- Published in Nature Methods, the paper focuses on a protein the team developed called Melt, which can be toggled by temperature. -- From light to heat: developing Melt -- Controlling cellular behavior with light -- a field known as optogenetics -- has been a game-changer in biology since its development almost two decades ago. -- It involves researchers using light-sensitive proteins to activate or deactivate specific pathways within cells. -- But there's a catch, light doesn't penetrate deeply into tissues, making it impractical for many therapeutic applications.	R01	2,064
2508-T029	Mathematical Model Brings Predictability To Knitting, Unlocking New Material Potential	Physicists have created a mathematical model to clarify the complexities of knitting, aiming to develop lightweight, ultra-strong materials. This ancient craft, despite its longstanding history, lacks predictive understanding; hence, the study seeks to translate knitting patterns into scientific language. The results showcase engineered stitch patterns that can create self-folding textiles, highlighting the intersection of art and science. This innovative approach could revolutionize material design and engineering applications.	University of Pennsylvania	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	The practice of purposely looping thread to create intricate knit garments and blankets has existed for millennia. Though its precise origins have been lost to history, artifacts like a pair of wool socks from ancient Egypt suggest it dates back as early as the 3rd to 5th century CE. Yet, for all its long-standing ubiquity, the physics behind knitting remains surprisingly elusive. -- "Knitting is one of those weird, seemingly simple but deceptively complex things we take for granted," says theoretical physicist and visiting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania, Lauren Niu, who recently took up the craft as a means to study how "geometry influences the mechanical properties and behavior of materials." -- Despite centuries of accumulated knowledge, predicting how a particular knit pattern will behave remains difficult -- even with modern digital tools and automated knitting machines. "It's been around for so long, but we don't really know how it works," Niu notes. "We rely on intuition and trial and error, but translating that into precise, predictive science is a challenge." -- These experimental knitted structures showcase how stitch patterns can be engineered to create self-folding and shape-morphing textiles. On the left, a variety of stitch motifs demonstrate different programmed curvatures in a scarf-like garment, while the right displays a take on an eerie, mask-like appearance, showcasing how controlled stitch arrangements can create complex three-dimensional forms. (Image: Courtesy of Lauren Niu) -- In a paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Niu and her mentors Randall Kamien of Penn's School of Arts & Sciences and Geneviève Dion of the Center for Functional Fabrics at Drexel University have presented a model that seeks to decode the ancient practice of knitting by ascribing a mathematical language to the stitches in knits and purls. -- "The beautiful thing about Lauren's approach is that it doesn't just describe what's happening -- it predicts it," says Kamien. "We're taking the tools we use to study everything from gravity to soap bubbles and applying them to knitting. And, remarkably, it works." -- Dion, drawing from her experience as a textile researcher and garment designer, views this work as a crucial convergence of scientific theory and practical design applications. "Right now, fabric design relies on experience, experimentation, and intuition," she says. "If we can apply predictive models to textiles, we open the door to fabrics with precise, engineered properties -- whether it's self-folding medical materials, reconfigurable structures for soft robotics, or garments that adapt to the body in new ways." -- Decoding knitting, one stitch at a time -- To build their model, Niu borrowed mathematical techniques from an unexpected source: general relativity, the theory used to describe the warping of space and time. While relativity explains how gravity bends space-time, the researchers applied similar geometric principles to explain how the looping paths of yarn create curvature in knitted fabrics. -- "It started with the simple observation that knit fabrics curl in specific ways," Niu says. "Think of when you cut the sleeves off a T-shirt, and it curls up; that usually means it's made with only knit stitches. Purls just curl in the other direction."	Z01	2,065
2509-021	Trained Immunity Linked To Increased Bone Loss In Periodontal Disease And Arthritis	Researchers have discovered that innate immune training, or trained immunity (TRIM), exacerbates bone loss in chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis and arthritis. This study from Penn's School of Dental Medicine contrasts previous research that focused on the adaptive immune system, shedding light on how innate immunity can also "remember" past challenges and respond more aggressively, thus impacting bone health significantly.	University of Pennsylvania	Developmental Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Clinical research has long focused on ways to harness the actions of the immune system. From vaccines to immunotherapies, researchers have used their knowledge of the immune system to develop therapies to treat or prevent diseases from influenza to autoimmune disease and cancer. -- Now, researchers from Penn's School of Dental Medicine and international collaborators have investigated the effects of training the innate immune system in experimental models of two chronic inflammatory diseases, periodontitis and arthritis. They found that this "trained" immunity, or TRIM, led to increased bone loss in these models. This study is published in Developmental Cell. -- Previous approaches have largely focused on the adaptive immune system, that branch of the immune system that "remembers" previous threats and launches specific attacks when it encounters them again. The body also has an innate immunity branch, which, for a long time, was just considered the first-line, general attack arm of the immune system with no ability to remember prior assaults or respond differently when rechallenged. -- "If you go and look at an immunology textbook -- even today -- it will likely tell you that innate immunity has no memory; its response doesn't get improved the second time," says George Hajishengallis, the Thomas W. Evans Centennial Professor in the Department of Basic & Translational Sciences at Penn Dental Medicine. -- This belief, Hajishengallis notes, has been challenged over the past decade. Studies have shown that the innate immune system can respond more strongly when challenged again with the same or different stimulus -- in other words, it can be "trained." -- And importantly, these studies have also shown that "training" the innate immune system has beneficial effects, such as anti-tumor activity and an increased response to fighting infections in certain experimental models. -- But inflammation -- the innate immune system's natural response to harmful stimuli -- can also exacerbate symptoms or even cause diseases, demonstrating the need to better understand the immune system when developing immune-based therapies. An increased response may not always be beneficial. -- "Trained innate immunity (TRIM) has emerged as a major immunological principle that challenges the dogma that memory is restricted to adaptive immunity," says Hajishengallis. "So, a better understanding of TRIM is imperative to appropriately harness it for therapeutic gain in human disease." -- The Hajishengallis team along with a collaborative lab led by Triantafyllos Chavakis at the Dresden University of Technology, induced TRIM using ß-glucan, a compound found in certain fungi, and measured the generation of osteoclasts, which resorb bone during growth and healing, in models of inflammatory periodontitis and arthritis. -- "We found that this treatment primed osteoclast precursors to differentiate into osteoclasts more readily if presented with an inflammatory challenge like arthritis," says Chavakis.	H02 R01	2,066
2512-010	Discover How Low-Cost Nudges Can Supercharge Math Learning For Teachers And Students	A recent study led by the Behavior Change for Good Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania highlights how low-cost email nudges can support teachers in improving their students' math performance. Despite the ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and historically low U.S. math scores compared to global peers, behaviorally informed interventions showed notable improvements in student learning, even sustaining effects for weeks after the nudges ended.	University of Pennsylvania	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	American students have been falling behind in math for decades -- with test scores that consistently rank in the bottom 25% globally compared to students in other developed countries -- and the COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse. -- Previous research has shown that interventions grounded in behavioral science that target student motivation have been effective at increasing math scores, suggesting that taking a similar "behaviorally informed" approach with teachers might have a comparable effect. -- Now, a collaborative study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and led by researchers at the Behavior Change for Good Initiative (BCFG) at the University of Pennsylvania has found that behaviorally informed email messages slightly improved students' math progress compared to control messages. -- "Our results showed that simple, low-cost nudges can help teachers support student progress in math," says Angela Duckworth, Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor in Penn's School of Arts & Sciences and the Wharton School, who led the study and co-directs BCFG. "These nudges worked across different school contexts, with effects persisting eight weeks after teachers stopped receiving the nudges." -- The key to this megastudy was the partnership with Zearn Math, a nonprofit educational platform. "Large-scale studies on teacher-focused interventions have been rare due to the high cost and logistical challenges involved. Thanks to our partnership with Zearn Math, we were able to overcome these challenges," says co-author Dena Gromet, executive director of BCFG. -- A megastudy is "a large-scale experiment in which multiple interventions are tested simultaneously on the same outcome, a tournament approach, if you will," says co-author Katy Milkman, James G. Dinan Endowed Professor and professor of operations, information and decisions at the Wharton School and co-director of BCFG. "Because all interventions run concurrently and are compared to a common control group, this method allows for direct comparisons of their effectiveness." -- In one of the largest studies of its kind -- involving more than 140,000 teachers and nearly 3 million elementary students -- the researchers compared the impact of 15 different interventions to a reminder-only message. -- "These messages were behaviorally informed, meaning they were based on prior insights from behavioral science. For instance, one intervention asked teachers to make a specific plan for how they would use Zearn Math that week, an approach backed by research showing that people are more likely to follow through when they make detailed plans. Another intervention appealed to teachers' empathy for their students, which previous research has demonstrated is supportive of student success," Duckworth says. -- Co-authors Katy Milkman (left) and Angela Duckworth are committed to dig deeper into what makes these kinds of interventions work and how to make them even more effective over time. -- Specifically, the research team found that, compared to standard email reminders, behaviorally informed email messages improved students' math progress during the four-week intervention period by 1.89%. The most effective intervention, which increased student math progress by about 5.06%, encouraged teachers to log into Zearn Math weekly for an updated, personalized report on their students' progress.	R01 C01	2,067
2512-076	Immune System And Toxoplasma: Understanding Latent Infection Control Opens New Avenues	Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated that the immune system can recognize the latent stage of the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, providing insights into how infections can persist in the body. This finding challenges existing assumptions about immune responses in the brain and may lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting dormant infections more effectively.	University of Pennsylvania	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Most humans have long-lived infections in various tissues -- including in the nervous system -- that typically do not result in disease. The microbes associated with these infections enter a latent stage during which they quietly hide in cells, playing the long game to evade capture and ensure their own survival. But a lack of natural models to study these quiescent stages has led to gaps in scientists' understanding of how latency contributes to pathogen persistence and whether these stages can be targeted by the immune system. -- Now, a team led by University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine researchers shows that the immune system indeed recognizes the latent stage of the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis -- challenging some common assumptions about how the immune system deals with infections in the brain. -- Penn Vet professor Christopher A. Hunter, the paper's senior author, says this knowledge supports the idea that Toxoplasma gondii cysts can be targeted and perhaps even cleared, and the findings have implications for other infections and potential future therapies. -- The paper also demonstrates how cysts promote the mutual survival of the parasite and host. -- In its latent stage, Toxoplasma gondii forms long-lived cysts in neurons in the brain, which helps the parasite evade the host's immune response. -- However, in this study, the researchers found that certain T cells can target neurons containing cysts, thereby promoting parasite control. -- But there's a tradeoff: They also found that when cysts are not formed, there is an even higher parasite burden and increased damage to the brain. -- The study is published in Nature Microbiology. -- "There's this balance of the pathogen needing to take hold in the host but not expand so much that it's detrimental to the host, because if the host dies, the pathogen may not survive," says author Lindsey A. Shallberg, who at the time of the research was a doctoral student in Hunter's lab. -- Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, an infection that is asymptomatic for most healthy people but poses a greater risk for those who are immunocompromised or pregnant.	R02	2,068
2513-E039	Antiviral Chewing Gum Reduces Transmission Of Influenza And Herpes Simplex Viruses	The need for new strategies to combat viral transmission is underscored by low vaccination rates for influenza and the absence of an HSV vaccine. Researchers have developed a clinical-grade antiviral chewing gum that effectively lowers viral loads of herpes simplex and influenza viruses, highlighting the importance of addressing common viral diseases, which contribute significant health and economic burdens globally, as seen during various viral outbreaks.	University of Pennsylvania	Molecular Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	In today's interconnected world, infectious diseases pose an escalating threat, as demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic and outbreaks of H1N1, SARS, Ebola, Zika, and H5N1 (bird flu) viruses -- all of which have had significant global health and economic impacts. -- But more common viral diseases also contribute to global health challenges and economic costs. -- For example, seasonal influenza epidemics occur annually, causing a substantial global disease burden and economic losses exceeding $11.2 billion each year in the United States alone. -- Meanwhile, herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), spread primarily through oral contact, infects over two-thirds of the global population and is the leading cause of infectious blindness in Western countries. -- Low vaccination rates for influenza viruses and the lack of an HSV vaccine underscore the need for a new approach -- one that targets reducing viral loads at the sites where transmission occurs. -- And for viruses like these, which are transmitted more efficiently through the mouth than the nose, this means focusing on the oral cavity. -- Now, in a study published in Molecular Therapy, researchers at the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and collaborators in Finland, have done just that. -- Building on their previous work -- now in clinical trial -- showing that a similar approach was able to reduce SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patient saliva or swab samples by more than 95%, Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor in Penn's School of Dental Medicine, and collaborators tested the ability of a chewing gum made from lablab beans, Lablab purpureus -- that naturally contain an antiviral trap protein (FRIL) -- to neutralize two herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2). The chewing gum formulation allowed for effective and consistent release of FRIL at sites of viral infection. -- They demonstrated that 40 milligrams of a two-gram bean gum tablet was adequate to reduce viral loads by more than 95%, a reduction similar to what they saw in their SARS-CoV-2 study. -- Importantly, the researchers prepared the gum as a clinical-grade drug product to comply with the FDA specifications for drug products and found the gum to be safe.	H01 R01	2,069
2501-056	New mvGPT Technology Revolutionizes Gene Editing And Treatment Of Genetic Diseases.	Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have introduced a revolutionary gene-editing technology known as minimal versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT). This innovative platform allows scientists to simultaneously edit genes, activate, and repress gene expression, streamlining the process of manipulating genetic material for research and therapeutic applications. Published in Nature Communications, this work combines multiple genetic techniques into one tool, paving the way for more effective treatments for genetic diseases and enhancing our understanding of DNA functionality.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Influential inventions often combine existing tools in new ways. The iPhone, for instance, amalgamated the telephone, web browser and camera, among many other devices. -- The same is now possible in gene editing. Rather than employ separate tools for editing genes and regulating their expression, these distinct goals can now be combined into a single tool that can simultaneously and independently address different genetic diseases in the same cell. -- Merging Gene Editing and Regulation -- In a new paper in Nature Communications, researchers in the Center for Precision Engineering for Health (CPE4H) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) describe minimal versatile genetic perturbation technology (mvGPT). -- Capable of precisely editing genes, activating gene expression and repressing genes all at the same time, the technology opens new doors to treating genetic diseases and investigating the fundamental mechanisms of how our DNA functions. -- "Not all genetic diseases are solely caused by errors in the genetic code itself," says Sherry Gao, Presidential Penn Compact Associate Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and in Bioengineering (BE) and the paper's senior author. -- "In some cases, diseases with genetic components -- like type I diabetes -- are due to how much or little certain genes are expressed." -- One Tool, Multiple Functions -- In the past, addressing multiple, unrelated genetic abnormalities at once -- by, say, editing one gene and suppressing another -- would have required multiple distinct tools. -- "We wanted to build a single platform that could precisely and efficiently edit DNA as well as upregulate and downregulate gene expression," says Tyler Daniel, a doctoral student in the Gao Lab and one of the paper's co-first authors.	R01 T01	2,070
2501-T014	Quantum Sensors Achieve Unprecedented Precision In Drug Detection And Analysis	Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have advanced nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy using quantum sensors to detect individual atoms, a development previously deemed impossible. This high sensitivity opens new doors for drug development and protein research by allowing scientists to observe atomic interactions that influence molecular functionality. The research represents a significant leap in analytical techniques for studying complex biological systems.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nano Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Since the 1950s, scientists have used radio waves to uncover the molecular "fingerprints" of unknown materials, aiding in tasks as varied as scanning the human body with MRI machines and detecting explosives at airports. -- These methods, however, rely on signals averaged from trillions of atoms, making it impossible to detect tiny variations between individual molecules. -- Such limitations hinder applications in fields like protein research, where small differences in shape control functionality and can determine the difference between health and disease. -- Sub-Atomic Insights -- Now, engineers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) have utilized quantum sensors to realize a groundbreaking variation of nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, a technique traditionally used to detect drugs and explosives or analyze pharmaceuticals. -- Described in Nano Letters, the new method is so precise that it can detect the NQR signals from individual atoms -- a feat once thought unattainable. -- This unprecedented sensitivity opens the door to breakthroughs in fields like drug development, where understanding molecular interactions at the atomic level is critical. -- "This technique allows us to isolate individual nuclei and reveal tiny differences in what were thought to be identical molecules," says Lee Bassett, Associate Professor in Electrical and Systems Engineering (ESE), Director of Penn's Quantum Engineering Laboratory (QEL) and the paper's senior author. -- "By focusing on a single nucleus, we can uncover details about molecular structure and dynamics that were previously hidden. This capability allows us to study the building blocks of the natural world at an entirely new scale." -- An Unexpected Discovery	H01	2,071
2501-T022	Engineers Revolutionize Data Centers With New High-Speed Photonic Switching Technology	Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a compact photonic switch that overcomes the size-speed tradeoff in data centers, enabling faster and more efficient data routing. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance streaming and AI training processes by optimizing data transmission.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nature Photonics	Press Rel	PubMed	Every second, terabytes of data -- the equivalent of downloading thousands upon thousands of movies at once -- travel around the world as light in fiber-optic cables, like so many cars packed onto a super-fast highway. When that information reaches data centers, it needs a switching system, just as cars need traffic lights, to exit the highway in an orderly fashion. -- Until now, the photonic switches used for routing optical signals have been hindered by a fundamental tradeoff between size and speed: Larger switches can handle higher speeds and more data but also consume more energy, occupy more physical space and drive up costs. -- Speeding Up the Information Superhighway -- In a new paper in Nature Photonics, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering) describe the creation of a novel photonic switch that overcomes this size-speed tradeoff. -- And at just 85 by 85 micrometers, the new switch's units are smaller than a grain of salt. -- By manipulating light at the nanoscale with unprecedented efficiency, the new switch speeds up the process of getting data on and off the literal information superhighway of fiber-optic cables that encircles the globe. -- "This has the potential to accelerate everything from streaming movies to training AI," says Liang Feng, Professor in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and in Electrical and Systems Engineering (ESE) and the paper's senior author. -- Quantum Mechanics Meets Optics -- The new switch relies on non-Hermitian physics, a branch of quantum mechanics that explores how certain systems behave in unusual ways, giving researchers more control over light's behavior. -- "We can tune the gain and loss of the material to guide the optical signal towards the right information highway exit," says Xilin Feng, a doctoral student in ESE and the paper's first author.	T01	2,072
2504-031	New Lipids Boost Delivery Of RNA Therapeutics And Gene Editing Tools Effectively	A novel class of lipids has been discovered that enhances the effectiveness of lipid nanoparticles in delivering RNA therapeutics and gene editing tools. This advancement could significantly improve the precision of mRNA delivery systems, crucial for developing transformative medicines, especially in the wake of COVID-19 vaccine technologies.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Every time a shuttle docks with the International Space Station (ISS), a delicate dance unfolds between the shuttle's docking system and its counterpart on the station. Thanks to international standards, these mechanisms are universally compatible, ensuring astronauts and cargo can safely and seamlessly enter the station. -- A similar challenge arises at the microscopic level when lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) -- the revolutionary drug delivery vehicles behind the COVID-19 vaccines -- attempt to deliver mRNA to cells. -- Optimizing the design and delivery of LNPs can greatly enhance their ability to deliver mRNA successfully, empowering cells with the disease-fighting instructions needed to transform medicine. -- Escaping the Endosome -- Unfortunately, even when LNPs reach their target cells, the nanoparticles are typically captured by endosomes -- tiny protective sacs within the cell. -- If LNPs can't escape, it's like a shuttle getting stuck in the docking process, the safety of the station just out of reach. -- "If the endosomal escape process doesn't happen, LNPs become trapped and cannot deliver therapeutic cargo," says Michael J. Mitchell, Associate Professor in Bioengineering (BE) at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering). "They can make it all the way from a needle into the cell, but if they don't open that final barrier, they're useless." -- A New Approach -- A few years ago, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University made an intriguing discovery: adding a branch to the end of LNPs' normally linear lipid tails dramatically improved mRNA delivery. -- This discovery prompted Marshall Padilla, a postdoctoral fellow in the Mitchell Lab, to question if it could serve as the key to developing more effective lipids for mRNA delivery.	R01	2,073
2505-015	Scientists Replicate Human Bone Marrow Environment For Better Medical Research	A new platform has been developed that closely simulates the human bone marrow environment, addressing critical challenges in medical research. This innovative device allows the generation of functional human blood cells and offers insights into the effects of treatments, such as chemotherapy. By creating a biologically inspired environment, researchers can better study bone marrow function, paving the way for improved therapies for conditions that affect blood cell production.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Cell Stem Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	People's bodies can be old or young for their chronological age, depending, in part, on the amount and types of stressors they have experienced. Scientists can estimate people's biological age, but whether they use oral tissue or blood to make the measurement matters, according to a new study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Biobehavioral Health. -- Biological age -- a measure of how well one's body is functioning -- differs from chronological age -- the amount of time since someone was born. -- While chronological age can be correlated to disease risk, researchers and medical doctors can use biological age, which can be slowed or accelerated by environmental or behavioral factors, to more precisely understand a person's risk for certain diseases, including cancers and dementia. -- The correct type of tissue is needed to estimate biological age accurately, according to the study led by Abner Apsley, doctoral candidate in the Penn State Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences Graduate Program, and his adviser, Idan Shalev, associate professor of biobehavioral health at Penn State. -- Their results were published in Aging Cell. -- In recent years, researchers created several epigenetic clocks -- tools that compare a person's biological age to their chronological age. -- As these clocks have become widely available, multiple companies have begun to offer services that estimate people's biological age by comparing customer tissue samples to established epigenetic clocks. -- Researchers construct epigenetic clocks by collecting tissue samples from a large number of people and examining differences in epigenetic markers -- which indicate points of DNA methylation -- across the lifespan. -- Using machine learning to identify which epigenetic markers predict chronological age, the researchers can then determine if a person's epigenome, or the set of markers, matches their chronological age. -- In theory, knowing a person's biological age could indicate what behaviors that person needs to modify in order to extend their life.	H01 R01 C01 T01	2,074
2507-073	Disorder In Material Geometry Found To Enhance Toughness And Resistance To Cracking	Researchers at Penn Engineering and Aarhus University have discovered that introducing controlled disorder into the structure of materials can remarkably enhance their toughness. This finding may enable the widespread application of mechanical metamaterials, whose unique internal structures allow for improved strength and resilience, potentially revolutionizing material science and engineering practices.	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Cut open a bone and you'll see a subtly disordered structure. Tiny beams, called trabeculae, connect to one another in irregular patterns, distributing stress and lending bones an impressive toughness. What if human-made materials could exhibit similar properties? -- In a new paper in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Nexus, researchers at Penn Engineering, Penn Arts & Sciences and Aarhus University found that adding just the right amount of disorder to the structure of certain materials can make them more than twice as resistant to cracking. -- The finding opens the door to more widespread use of so-called "mechanical metamaterials," a class of materials whose internal structures -- often produced via digital manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and laser cutting -- give them unique properties, including enhanced strength or stiffness per weight. -- Until this point, one of the greatest challenges posed by mechanical metamaterials has been their fragility. "Toughness is a limiting factor in not all, but many 3D-printed mechanical metamaterials," says Kevin Turner, Professor and John Henry Towne Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (MEAM) at Penn Engineering and the paper's senior author. -- This new result promises to address this issue and at relatively low cost. "Without changing the material at all, just simply by altering the internal geometry," says Turner, "you can increase the toughness by 2.6 times." -- Inspired by Nature -- Natural materials commonly exhibit disorder at small scales. In addition to human bone, the researchers point to nacre, the iridescent material inside seashells, and the threads mussels use for attaching to surfaces. Rather than regular repeating structures, these materials contain minute, seemingly random variations in the space between their structural components. -- For decades, engineers have taken inspiration from nature, but often by replicating easy-to-manufacture structures like a honeycomb pattern, which reduces a material's weight while maintaining its strength. Honeycomb structures can be found in some cardboard packaging and the metal reinforcements inside airplane wings. "That's a very regular pattern," Turner points out. -- In contrast, the metamaterials tested in the paper exhibited a wide range of patterns, from regular to highly disordered. "The samples that performed the best, in which it was most difficult for a crack to grow, did not consist of regular repeating patterns," says Sage Fulco, a postdoctoral researcher in MEAM and the paper's lead author. "They had different geometry in different areas." -- Testing the Limits of Disorder	A01 H02	2,075
2512-028	New Antibiotics Derived From Frog Secretions Show Promise Against Superbugs	New Antibiotics Derived From Frog Secretions Show Promise Against Superbugs	University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science	Trends in Biotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	Frogs have thrived for hundreds of millions of years, spreading across virtually every corner of the earth, from tropical jungles to subarctic forests. Throughout their evolution, they have developed remarkable defenses -- including previously unreported antibiotics -- against the hordes of bacteria that thrive in their moist environments. Variants of these compounds may one day protect humans from drug-resistant pathogens. -- In a new paper in Trends in Biotechnology (Cell Press), Cesar de la Fuente, Presidential Associate Professor in Bioengineering and in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in theUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science (Penn Engineering), in Psychiatry and Microbiology in the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM), and in Chemistry in the School of Arts & Sciences, describes the creation of synthetic peptides, a class of antibiotics, derived from the secretions of a frog commonly found in South Asia. -- Nature's Antibiotic Toolkit -- The paper builds on previous work from de la Fuente's lab, which has discovered novel antibiotics in a range of unlikely places: the DNA of extinct organisms, including the wooly mammoth; the DNA of Neanderthals; and the human gut microbiome. -- "Each study is motivated by imagining environments where evolution would spur the creation of antibiotics," says de la Fuente. -- "Amphibians live in very microbe-rich environments. They very rarely get infected despite being surrounded by microbes, so they must produce antimicrobial compounds." -- In 2012, researchers in China discovered that Odorrana andersonii, a species of frog first described in the late 19th century by a Belgian naturalist and named for its distinctive odor, secretes a peptide with antimicrobial activity, dubbed Andersonnin-D1. -- However, that peptide tends to form clumps, increasing the likelihood of toxic side effects and diminishing its efficacy at fighting bacteria, making it unsuitable for clinical use. -- Improving Nature's Molecules -- In the new paper, de la Fuente and his co-authors demonstrate how "structure-guided design," a process involving minute changes to the peptide's chemical structure, yields multiple antibiotic candidates without the drawbacks of the unmodified peptide.	R01 N02	2,076
2501-041	Cell Patterns In Tumors May Provide Insights For Personalized Kidney Cancer Therapy.	New research indicates that distinct cellular patterns in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) may guide personalized therapies. A study by the University of Pennsylvania identifies correlations between nuclear speckle arrangements in tumors and patient responses to treatment, signaling advancements in individualized cancer care.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Nat Cell Biol	Press Rel	PubMed	Fighting cancer can seem like a deadly game of chance. While some patients may respond well to certain treatments, others might not be as fortunate. Doctors and scientists have long struggled to explain why. Now, in new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Shelley Berger, PhD, the Daniel S. Och University Professor and Director of Penn's Epigentics Institute, and Katherine Alexander, PhD, currently an assistant professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found a possible source of this variability in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) -- the most common kidney cancer diagnosed in adults. The findings of their study were published today in Nature Cell Biology. -- The research found that kidney tumors have two different patterns of cellular structures known as nuclear speckles. -- The research, conducted in Berger's lab at Penn, shows a potential correlation between speckle patterns and patient outcomes. -- Berger and Alexander collaborated with Celeste Simon, PhD, Arthur H. Rubenstein Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Scientific Director of the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute at Penn. -- "We found if a patient has a normal or abnormal speckle arrangement, they might be more responsive to one drug versus another. Of course, more research needs to be done," explained Alexander, who completed her postdoctoral fellowship in Berger's lab. -- What is a Nuclear Speckle? -- Discovered more than 100 years ago, nuclear speckles are tiny cellular structures that reside in the nucleus. -- These speckles intermingle with DNA and help regulate gene activity. -- This newly published research reveals that nuclear speckles have two different signatures in ccRCC: normal-like and aberrant. -- It's a matter of positioning. Normal speckles tend to congregate toward the center of the nucleus.	H01 R01	2,077
2502-069	Nano-Particles Trigger Self-Destruction In Cancer Cells: A New Immunotherapy Approach	Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an innovative cancer treatment approach utilizing small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that target tumor cells to induce self-destruction. This method shows powerful effects against various cancers in preclinical tests, surpassing traditional DR5-targeting antibodies. This promising immunotherapy could lead to more effective treatments as it progresses through advanced development and testing stages.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A new twist on a decades-old anticancer strategy has shown powerful effects against multiple cancer types in a preclinical study from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The experimental approach, which uses tiny capsules called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), could offer an innovative new type of immunotherapy treatment and is poised to move toward more advanced development and testing. -- Today in Science Advances, the researchers describe how they used sEVs, which are engineered in the lab from human cells, to target a cell-surface receptor called DR5 (death receptor 5) that many tumor cells have. -- When activated, DR5 can trigger the death of these cells by a self-destruct process called apoptosis. -- Researchers have been trying for more than 20 years to develop successful DR5-targeting cancer treatments. -- The new approach, using engineered sEVs to target DR5, outperformed DR5-targeting antibodies, which have been considered a leading DR5-targeting strategy. -- The sEVs were efficient killers of multiple cancer cell types in lab-dish tests, and blocked tumor growth in mouse models, enabling much longer survival than DR5-targeting antibodies. -- "This new strategy has a number of advantages compared to previous DR5-targeting strategies and other anticancer immunotherapies, and after these encouraging preclinical results, we're developing it further for human clinical trials," said senior author Xiaowei "George" Xu, MD, PhD, a professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and member of the Tara Miller Melanoma Center in Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. -- "We've seen that many patients have benefited from advances in cancer immunotherapy but know there's more to work to do. This is our motivation for seeking new strategies for cellular therapies, particularly in solid tumor cancers, like melanoma, where current immunotherapies only work for about half of patients." -- A better way to target DR5 -- The DR5 death receptor appears to have evolved, at least in part to destroy cells that are malignant, damaged.	A01 H01 R01 R02	2,078
2503-060	New Guidelines Aim To Diagnose Common Memory Disorder Often Misidentified As Alzheimer’s	New diagnostic guidelines for limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) have been introduced, aiding in the identification of this common memory-loss condition often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's. These criteria, developed by Penn Medicine researchers, aim to enhance treatment options and clinical trials for patients affected by this less understood form of dementia.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Alzheimer's & Dementia	Press Rel	PubMed	New guidelines will help doctors identify patients with a common memory-loss syndrome that is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The diagnostic criteria for limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) are published this month in Alzheimer's and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association from an international team led by Penn Medicine researchers. These guidelines are an important first step in advancing clinical trials and treatments for this lesser-known, but common type of memory loss disorder. -- "Clear guidelines to diagnose different diseases not only help inform patients and their families of their prognosis but also help to guide decisions about which treatments to pursue," said David Wolk, MD, co-director of the Penn Memory Center and first author of the research. "As therapies that clear the amyloid associated with Alzheimer's disease become available to patients, we need to be able to determine whether a patient actually has these proteins in their brain and will benefit from the treatment. And if they don't, we need to identify what disease they do have, which can be LATE." -- A prevalent, but not widely known condition -- LATE is a newly characterized type of dementia that causes memory loss in individuals generally over 80 years of age. Because the main symptom of LATE is memory loss, it is often incorrectly diagnosed as AD. However, LATE has a different underlying cause than AD; while AD is characterized by buildup of proteins called beta-amyloid and tau on the brain, LATE is caused by a buildup of a different protein, called TDP-43, which was discovered at Penn Medicine by Breakthrough Prize-winning researchers Virginia Lee and colleagues. -- Autopsy analysis has revealed that LATE is quite common among adults over 80 years old; TDP-43 buildup associated with LATE was present in 40 percent of adults in that age group. Autopsy of individuals with AD revealed that 55 percent also had LATE. As compared to people with only AD, those with only LATE have different cognitive symptoms. LATE predominantly affects memory, while individuals with AD experience impairment of more wide-ranging roles of cognition, like executive functioning, planning, language and visuospatial function. Individuals with LATE tend to also have a slower progression of symptoms than AD, but when individuals have both LATE and AD, symptoms tend to progress faster. Research suggests that patients with just LATE have a more stable course and live longer than patients with just AD, or patients with both LATE and AD. -- Unlike beta-amyloid and tau, there is no test for TDP-43, and its presence on the brain can only be confirmed by brain autopsy after death. In the new report, researchers detail criteria for diagnosing LATE by itself or when it co-occurs with AD, using cognitive evaluations, MRI scans looking for atrophy in the hippocampus, and testing for the presence of beta-amyloid and tau in cerebrospinal fluid and in PET scans of the brain. -- These diagnostic criteria also help differentiate LATE from other types of dementia, like frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), which also involves TDP-43 buildup, or dementia with Lewy bodies, where proteins mis-fold and accumulate on the brain. In FTLD, individuals experience loss of executive function and language rather than memory loss, which can be noted by cognitive evaluation. Additionally, these individuals will not exhibit atrophy of the hippocampus or medial temporal lobe. In dementia with Lewy bodies, individuals experience impaired motor function, in addition to other cognitive impairments. -- "Being able to accurately diagnose LATE in both forms sets the stage to engage in further, important research," Wolk said. "Not only can we use this diagnosis to develop clinical trials for TDP-43 drugs, but we can also investigate the efficacy of existing therapies on individuals with both LATE and AD, and potentially develop and test new therapies that target both diseases. These criteria offer a first step in this direction." -- This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (P30AG072979, R01 AG064233, P01 AG066597, R01AG034374, R01AG080667, K23AG062750, P30 AG066509).	A01 H01 R02	2,079
2505-127	AI-Guided Analysis Helps Identify Life-Saving Treatment For Rare Disease	Groundbreaking research from the University of Pennsylvania shows that an artificial intelligence system identified adalimumab as a promising treatment for a patient with idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease. By analyzing thousands of existing medications, the AI pinpointed this FDA-approved drug, illustrating how AI tools could revolutionize treatment options for rare diseases and potentially improve survival rates for patients facing dire conditions.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	New England Journal of Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A 3D model accurately mimicking the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) in a laboratory environment has been successfully developed by research teams led by Professor Jinah Jang from the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences, IT Convergence Engineering, and the Graduate School of Convergence at POSTECH, and Professor Sun Ha Paek from the Department of Neurosurgery at Seoul National University Hospital. This study was recently published in Biomaterials Research, an international academic journal on materials science. -- Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), result from the progressive decline of brain and nervous system functions, primarily due to aging. -- Chronic neuroinflammation, a key driver of these disorders, arises from the intricate interactions between cerebral blood vessels and neural cells, where the BBB plays a pivotal regulatory role. -- However, existing BBB models have been unable to replicate the complex three-dimensional 3D structure of cerebral blood vessels, posing significant challenges for research and drug development. -- To address these limitations, the research team developed a cerebrovascular-specific bioink using "decellularized extracellular matrix" (CBVdECM), derived from porcine brain and blood vessels. -- Additionally, the team applied 3D bioprinting technology to construct a tubular vascular model that precisely replicates the anatomical structure and function of the human BBB. -- A key feature of this model is the spontaneous formation of a dual-layered structure without external stimuli. -- When "HBMEC (human brain microvascular endothelial cells)" and "HBVP (human brain vascular pericytes)" were incorporated into the CBVdECM bioink and printed, the endothelial cells self-assembled into the inner vascular wall, while pericytes formed a surrounding layer. -- This resulted in the creation of a dual-layered structure that closely resembles the architecture of actual blood vessels. -- Further, the research team successfully replicated the arrangement and organization process of "tight junction proteins," a component typically absent in conventional 2D models.	T01	2,080
2506-062	Over 1,000 Genes Identified As Targets For Kidney Disease Treatment	A comprehensive genetic map of kidney function has identified over 1,000 genes that could serve as potential treatment targets for kidney disease. This research, published by the University of Pennsylvania, paves the way for improved diagnosis and treatment strategies. Insights gained from the study are critical for addressing the rising incidence of chronic kidney disease, affecting millions globally.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Over 1,000 genes may serve as possible treatment targets for individuals with kidney disease, according to a new study, published in Science, from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. By creating the most complete and detailed genetic "map" of kidney function to date, the researchers have paved the way for more precise diagnosing of kidney disease, strategies to prevent it, and ways to treat it. In addition, they also created a "Kidney Disease Genetic Score card" that doctors can use with their patients to see what specific genes and variants may be most likely tied to a particular patient's kidney disease. -- "Kidney dysfunction is a major global health issue, and our findings shed new light on the specific genes and biological pathways that underlie disease risk," said co-senior author Katalin Susztak, MD, PhD, MSc, leader of the Penn/CHOP Kidney Innovation Center, and a professor of Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension at Penn. "Studying close to 1,000 human kidney samples and hundreds of thousands of kidney cells one by one was key to offering a clearer picture of what is going on 'behind the scenes.'" -- Chronic kidney disease affects nearly 10 percent of the world's population and incidence is rising. There is no cure and current treatments only slow disease progression. Ultimately, a person with the disease usually requires dialysis or a transplant once their kidneys cannot keep up with the body's need to filter blood, remove waste, and regulate electrolytes. At any point, there are approximately 90,000 people waiting for a kidney transplant according to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). In addition, 13 people die in the US every day waiting for a kidney. But with insights from this research, new effective or preventive treatments could be on the horizon. -- Zeroing in on critical kidney cells -- Among the findings, Susztak and her colleagues discovered that proximal tubule cells are one "hotbed" of disease-causing variants. These cells play various kidney-function roles including reabsorption of water and electrolytes, and secretion of different chemicals and compounds, so variants in these cells could lead to disease by impeding these essential functions. -- "It's critical to pinpoint which cells are truly relevant for disease," said first author Hongbo Liu, PhD, a former postdoctoral fellow in the division of Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension at Penn who is now a research assistant professor at the University of Rochester. "By creating single-cell profiles of thousands of kidney cells, we were able to 'zoom in' and find how certain genetic variants disrupt the regulatory machinery in key kidney cell types." -- In addition to zooming in, researchers also looked at the bigger picture and saw some gene regions had two kinds of variants, variants in the coding or instructions to build essential bodily proteins, and variants that don't code for a protein or change its sequence that can control how much of a protein is made. -- "That was a key breakthrough from this study," said Liu. "More than 600 genes had these two variant types, and having more than one variant type makes us strongly suspect the genes as causes of kidney disease. Among the genes we highlighted, genes with both variant types should be the first to be studied further." -- The future of kidney disease research -- These findings set the stage for research that could directly impact the clinical care of people with or at risk of kidney disease. In fact, there are FDA-approved drugs, for other conditions, that are also known to influence some of the genes from this study. That means scientists should study whether repurposing or refining some already available drugs could potentially halt this disease's progression or even repair the kidneys.	H01 R01 N02	2,081
2511-002	Immunotherapy Combined With KRAS Inhibitors May Revolutionize Pancreatic Cancer Treatment	A recent preclinical study has demonstrated that combining immunotherapy with novel KRAS inhibitors significantly extends the effectiveness of treatment in pancreatic cancer models. Conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, this promising strategy addresses the challenges of targeting the notoriously "undruggable" KRAS mutations, which are responsible for most pancreatic cancers, setting the stage for future clinical trials that could improve patient outcomes.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	Adding immunotherapy to a new type of inhibitor that targets multiple forms of the cancer-causing gene mutation KRAS kept pancreatic cancer at bay in preclinical models for significantly longer than the same targeted therapy by itself, according to researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. The results, published in Cancer Discovery, prime the combination strategy for future clinical trials. -- Combatting the "undruggable" RAS genes -- Patients with pancreatic cancer have an overall poor prognosis: in most patients, the disease has already spread at the time of diagnosis, resulting in limited treatment options. -- Nearly 90 percent of pancreatic cancers are driven by KRAS mutations, the most common cancer-causing gene mutation across cancer types, which researchers long considered "undruggable." In 2021, the first KRAS inhibitor was approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS G12C mutations, but with longer follow-up, it has become clear that KRAS-mutant cancers can quickly evolve to resist therapies targeted at one specific form of the gene mutation. -- "We've been excited by the prospect of RAS inhibition for pancreatic cancer, which remains one of the deadliest and most difficult forms of cancer to treat," said co-corresponding senior author Ben Stanger, MD, PhD, the Hanna Wise Professor in Cancer Research and director of the Penn Pancreatic Cancer Research Center. -- "While the first wave of KRAS inhibitors have had limited impact in cancer care, this research shows that newer RAS inhibition tools may have an immune stimulatory effect, making them ideal to pair with immunotherapy for longer and better treatment response." -- Previous research led by Stanger and Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center, who is also co-corresponding author on this study, showed that a small molecule inhibitor specifically targeting KRAS G12D, the form of the mutation more commonly found in pancreatic cancer, stimulated the immune system while shrinking tumors or stopping cancer growth in preclinical mouse models of pancreatic cancer. -- A new type of RAS inhibitor -- In this study, the researchers used RAS(ON) multi-selective inhibitors, the investigational agent daraxonrasib (RMC-6236) and the preclinical tool compound RMC-7977 (both discovered by Revolution Medicines, whose scientists contributed to the study). These inhibitors use a different mechanism of action than most other KRAS inhibitors (including that in the previous study) to target the active or ON-state of multiple forms of RAS mutations. -- "The benefit of this 'multi-selective' approach is that the inhibitors are designed to inhibit multiple RAS mutations, so if the cancer mutates, and another type of RAS mutation emerges, the treatment may not necessarily stop working," Vonderheide explained.	H01 R01	2,082
2511-010	Older Adults Show Increased Resistance To Bird Flu Compared To Children	New research indicates that older adults exposed to seasonal flu viruses before 1968 may possess some immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus. The study suggests that younger individuals, including children, would benefit more from H5N1 vaccinations, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of early childhood viral exposures on immune response.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Prior exposures to specific types of seasonal influenza viruses promote cross-reactive immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Older adults who were exposed to seasonal flu viruses that circulated prior to 1968 were found to be more likely to have antibodies that bind to the H5N1 avian flu virus. The findings, published today in Nature Medicine¸ suggest that younger adults and children would benefit more from H5N1 vaccines, even those not tailored specifically to the current strain circulating in birds and cattle. -- "We know that early childhood influenza exposures can elicit immune responses that last a lifetime," said senior author Scott Hensley, PhD, a professor of Microbiology. -- "We found that antibody responses that were primed by H1N1 and H3N2 viruses decades ago can cross-react to H5N1 avian viruses circulating today. Most of these cross-reactive antibodies cannot prevent infections, but they will likely limit disease if we have an H5N1 pandemic." -- Potential protection from a rapidly changing virus -- H5N1 viruses have circulated in birds for many years, but a new version, called clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 virus emerged more recently, and has since spread among cattle. -- This current H5N1 strain does not bind well to receptors in the human upper airway, but widespread circulation in mammals could lead to mutations that help the virus infect human airway cells and increase transmission. -- If this occurs, H5N1 could potentially start spreading from human to human. -- Influenza viruses are covered with two lollipop-shaped proteins called hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, for which the viruses are named (H5N1, for example). These proteins are what allows a virus to attach to "healthy" cells and start the process of infection. -- Current influenza vaccines primarily elicit antibodies that recognize hemagglutinin proteins, and prevent them from infecting a person's cells. -- The lollipop "heads" of hemagglutinin proteins evolve more frequently while the "sticks" of the hemagglutinin lollipops, called stalks, don't evolve as quickly.	A01 H01 R01 N01	2,083
2513-003	Customizable Hydrogel Shows Promise For Treating Meniscus Injuries In Preclinical Trials	A groundbreaking study introduces a 3D-printed hydrogel designed for repairing meniscal tears, a common knee injury that poses treatment challenges. By customizing the hydrogel based on patients' specific tissue needs, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania aim to enhance healing. Their innovative approach addresses the anatomical complexities of the meniscus, potentially transforming treatment options and improving outcomes for patients suffering from these injuries.	University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine	Bioactive Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Meniscus tears are common knee injuries that have long frustrated patients and doctors due to limited repair options.A new 3D-printed hydrogel made from cow meniscus could transform how these injuries heal, according to results of a pre-clinical study published in Bioactive Materials. from researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. -- The meniscus is a complex structure that serves as a critical shock absorber in the knee. and one-size-fits-all treatments aren't always effective. Through creating a treatment adaptable to the different needs of patients, the researchers believe they may have unlocked a better fix no matter where the injury occurs in a meniscus. -- "We developed a hydrogel that can be adjusted based on the patient's age and the stiffness requirements of the injured tissue, which is important because the meniscus has different biochemical and biomechanical properties that vary depending upon the location in the tissue," said the study's senior author, Su Chin Heo, PhD, an assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery in the McKay Orthopaedic Research Lab at Penn. "Current treatments, including graft-base methods, do not fully recreate these complex differences, leading to poor healing." -- Hydrogels are flexible, water-absorbing materials commonly found in everyday products like contact lenses and baby diapers. The researchers developed a specialized hydrogel by first extracting proteins from donor cow meniscus tissue. Those proteins then directed new cells to become the right types of repair cells for the damaged meniscus and were used as the basis for the treatment's structures. -- To prevent rejection, the team removed cellular components from the cow tissue while preserving its structural framework. This "decellularization" process reduces the risk of immune reactions when implanted, making the treatment both safer and more effective. -- To further customize the hydrogels, Heo and his fellow researchers used 3D-printing techniques to account for the variation in the meniscus tissue. That way, they could more closely match the tissue in the areas they were trying to repair. Mismatched tissues might not heal well. -- "In our animal studies, we've seen the hydrogel integrate well with the surrounding tissue, potentially offering patients a more complete recovery," said the study's first author Se-Hwan Lee, PhD, a post-doctoral fellow in the McKay Lab. "It's a more precise, biologically matched solution. We believe this could outperform current treatments." -- The team is now transitioning from small mammal studies to large animal models. -- "Our first clinical goal will be to treat smaller, localized meniscus tears," Heo said. "Once we have success there, I believe we could expand to more complex injuries in the meniscus." -- The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (K01 AR07787, R21 R077700, P30 AR069619, R01 AR056624, R01 HL163168), the National Science Foundation (CMMI 1548571), and Department of Veterans Affairs' CReATE Motion Center (I50 RX004845) in the United States. It was also supported by the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (HI19C1095) and National R&D Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF), funded by Ministry of Science and ICT (RS-2024-00405574) in South Korea.	N01 N02	2,084
2509-009	Identifying Key Brain Circuits Can Aid Recovery From Cocaine Addiction	A groundbreaking study has pinpointed a crucial brain circuit linked to cocaine-seeking behavior, shedding light on potential new treatments for cocaine use disorder. This research from Penn Nursing highlights the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in regulating cravings, offering hope for developing effective therapies that could reduce dependency and improve recovery outcomes.	University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Imagine a future where the grip of cocaine use disorder can be loosened, where cravings fade, and the risk of relapse diminishes. A new study published in Science Advances, led by Penn Nursing's Heath Schmidt, PhD, brings this vision closer to reality. The research has identified a critical brain circuit that plays a pivotal role in regulating cocaine-seeking behavior. -- Cocaine use disorder casts a long shadow, trapping individuals in a cycle of dependence and leaving limited options for effective treatment. -- This study delves deep into the brain, offering crucial insights into the underlying mechanisms of this complex disorder. -- By understanding how this intricate circuitry functions, scientists can pave the way for the development of more effective therapies, offering new hope to those struggling with this debilitating disorder. -- At the heart of this discovery lies the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone known for its involvement in regulating food intake and blood sugar. -- The study reveals that chronic cocaine use is associated with reduced GLP-1 levels, effects that suggest that increasing central GLP-1 signaling could reduce cocaine seeking. -- Further investigation pinpointed a specific brain circuit: GLP-1-producing neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) that project to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a key brain region involved in reward and motivation. -- By manipulating this circuit, researchers were able to significantly reduce cocaine-seeking behavior in animal models. -- The study also sheds light on the specific cells involved. GLP-1 receptors were found to be primarily located on GABA neurons within the VTA. -- GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in regulating brain activity.	H01 R01 R02 N01	2,085
2501-044	Herpes Virus Potentially Contributes To Alzheimer's Disease Pathology, Researchers Find.	Research from the University of Pittsburgh uncovers a link between the herpes simplex virus and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that viral infections may influence the condition’s development. The study provides insights into the dual role of tau protein in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration, opening avenues for new therapeutic approaches.	University of Pittsburgh	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Pittsburgh researchers uncovered a surprising link between Alzheimer's disease and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), suggesting that viral infections may play a role in the disease. The study results are published today in Cell Reports. -- The study also revealed how tau protein, often viewed as harmful in Alzheimer's, might initially protect the brain from the virus but contribute to brain damage later. -- These findings could lead to new treatments targeting infections and the brain's immune response. -- "Our study challenges the conventional view of tau as solely harmful, showing that it may initially act as part of the brain's immune defense," said senior author Or Shemesh, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Pitt. -- "These findings emphasize the complex interplay between infections, immune responses and neurodegeneration, offering a fresh perspective and potential new targets for therapeutic development." -- The scientists identified forms of HSV-1-related proteins in Alzheimer's brain samples, with greater amounts of viral proteins co-localized with tangles of phosphorylated tau -- one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease pathology -- in brain regions especially vulnerable to Alzheimer's across disease stages. -- Further studies on miniature models of human brains in a Petri dish suggested that HSV-1 infection could modulate levels of brain tau protein and regulate its function, a protective mechanism that seemed to decrease post-infection death of human neurons. -- While the precise mechanisms by which HSV-1 influences tau protein and contributes to Alzheimer's disease are still unknown, Shemesh and his colleagues plan to explore those questions in future research. -- They aim to test potential therapeutic strategies that target viral proteins or fine-tune the brain's immune response and investigate whether similar mechanisms are involved in other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and ALS. -- Other authors of the study are Vanesa Hyde, Chaoming Zhou, M.D., Juan Fernandez, Krishnashis Chatterjee, Ph.D., Pururav Ramakrishna, Amanda Lin, Gregory Fisher, Ph.D., Orhan Tunç Çeliker, Jill Caldwell, and Leonardo D'Aiuto, Ph.D., all of Pitt; Omer Bender, Ph.D., and Daniel Bar, Ph.D., both of Tel Aviv University; and Peter Joseph Sauer and Jose Lugo-Martinez, Ph.D., both of Carnegie Mellon University.	R01 R02 N01	2,086
2501-047	Non-Invasive Nasal Swab Test Accurately Identifies Asthma Subtypes In Children.	A novel nasal swab test developed by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh aims to diagnose specific asthma subtypes in children, facilitating more tailored treatment strategies. This non-invasive method has significant implications for addressing asthma disparities, particularly among minority populations disproportionately affected by the condition.	University of Pittsburgh	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a nasal swab test for kids that diagnoses specific asthma subtype, or endotype. This non-invasive approach could help clinicians prescribe medications more precisely and pave the way for research toward better treatments for lesser-studied asthma types, which have been difficult to diagnose accurately until now. -- Published today in JAMA, the findings are based on data from three independent U.S.-based studies that focused on Puerto Rican and African American youths, who have higher rates of asthma and are more likely to die from the disease than their non-Hispanic white counterparts. -- "Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, and it disproportionately affects Black and Puerto Rican children, so it's essential that we develop new therapies to better treat these young patients," said senior author Juan Celedón, M.D., Dr.P.H., professor of pediatrics at Pitt and chief of pulmonary medicine at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. -- "Because asthma is a highly variable disease with different endotypes, which are driven by different immune cells and respond differently to treatments, the first step toward better therapies is accurate diagnosis of endotype." -- Traditionally, asthma has been classified into endotypes known as T2-high or T2-low based on the amount of T helper 2 inflammation present. -- More recently, T2-low has been split into two endotypes: T17-high, which has less T helper 2 inflammation and more T helper 17 inflammation, and low-low, which has low levels of both types of inflammation. -- Precise diagnosis of endotype usually involves genetic analysis of a lung tissue sample taken by a procedure called a bronchoscopy, which is done under general anesthesia. -- For children, especially those with milder disease, it's not feasible or ethical to perform this invasive procedure, so clinicians have had to rely on imperfect tools, including immune markers in the blood, lung function and whether or not they have allergies. -- "These tests allow us to presume whether a child has T2-high disease or not," said Celedón. "But they are not 100% accurate, and they cannot tell us whether a child has T17-high or low-low disease. There is no clinical marker for these two subtypes. This gap motivated us to develop better approaches to improve the accuracy of asthma endotype diagnosis." -- Celedón and his team, including first authors Molin Yue, M.S., a Pitt graduate student, and Kristina Gaietto, M.D., M.P.H., instructor of pediatrics at Pitt, collected nasal samples from 459 youth across three different studies.	H01 R01	2,087
2502-001	Built-In Protection Mechanisms Combat Deadly Diseases More Effectively With Self-Destructing Vaccines	Recent research from the University of Pittsburgh reveals a self-destructing intravenous vaccine that offers a safer alternative for tuberculosis protection in macaque monkeys. This innovative approach circumvents risks associated with traditional live vaccines, showing promising effectiveness that could redefine strategies against tuberculosis, which has been labeled the deadliest disease of 2024.	University of Pittsburgh	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	A self-destructing vaccine administered intravenously provides additional safety and protection against tuberculosis (TB) in macaque monkeys, suggests new University of Pittsburgh research published today in Nature Microbiology. -- The in-built safety mechanisms circumvent the possibility of an accidental self-infection with weakened mycobacteria, offering a safe and effective way to combat the disease that was named as the deadliest of 2024 by the World Health Organization. -- "Although the idea of intravenous vaccination with a live vaccine may sound scary, it was very effective in our previous studies in non-human primates. Here, we focused on the safety aspect of IV vaccination and used a strain of mycobacteria that kills itself once administered to the animals. To our surprise, it was equal or slightly better than the regular TB vaccine in protecting monkeys against infection, providing sterilizing immunity in almost all animals," said JoAnne Flynn, Ph.D., distinguished professor and chair of microbiology and molecular genetics at Pitt. "The live-attenuated form of the mycobacteria does not need to be alive for very long to provide outstanding protection and with this strain there is essentially no chance for a vaccine-derived infection, even in an immunocompromised host." -- Despite the ongoing global public health burden of TB, safe and effective protection strategies against the infection are lacking. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine -- named for its developers -- contains inactivated mycobacteria that infect cattle and remains the only vaccination strategy against the infection in humans. Injected into the skin, it provides only partial protection against TB in young children and no protection in adults. -- To develop a more universally effective vaccination approach, Flynn partnered with colleagues at Cornell University. In Flynn's earlier work in macaque monkeys with collaborators at the National Institutes of Health, researchers saw a 100,000-fold reduction in bacterial burden in the lungs of animals who were given the BCG vaccine intravenously compared with the standard intradermal route. Nine out of 10 animals showed no inflammation in their lungs. -- To improve the safety of IV BCG delivery in the new study, researchers engineered two built-in mechanisms that instruct the BCG particles to dissolve either upon exposure to the antibiotic doxycycline or when chronic doxycycline treatment is stopped. Mouse experiments showed that the BCG vaccine containing this dual safety switch protects the animals against TB comparable to a standard BCG vaccination but has the added benefit of faster elimination and safety, even for mice that were immunocompromised. -- In macaque monkeys, the updated self-destructing BCG vaccine caused an even stronger immune response and better protection against TB than a standard IV BCG injection. None of the monkeys that received the updated BCG vaccine had any detectable level of lung inflammation eight weeks after being infected with live Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition, six out of eight monkeys had no traces of recoverable live M. tuberculosis compared to two out of eight monkeys that received the standard BCG intravenously. -- Despite the additional challenges of clinical testing required for expanding the use of the updated BCG vaccine in humans, researchers are optimistic. -- "We hope that this 'kill switch' BCG strain could limit safety concerns over intravenous vaccine administration and provide an option for a safer and more effective vaccination route for individuals who are immunocompromised," Flynn said. -- The other senior authors of this research are Dirk Schnappinger, Ph.D., and Sabine Ehrt, Ph.D. of Weill Cornell Medicine. Other authors of this research are Alexander Smith, Ph.D., Pauline Maiello, M.S., H. Jacob Borish, Ph.D., Caylin Winchell, Ph.D., Andrew Simonson, Ph.D., Philana Ling Lin, M.D., Mark Rodgers, M.S., Daniel Fillmore and Jennifer Sakal, all of Pitt; and Hongwei Su, Ph.D., Joshua Wallach, Yao Liu, Ph.D., Kan Lin, Ph.D., Valerie Vinette, Ph.D., all of Weill Cornell Medicine.	H01 R01 N01	2,088
2504-064	Scratching An Itchy Rash Can Make It Worse: New Research Reveals Why	New research published in Science reveals why scratching an itchy rash, especially in allergic contact dermatitis, worsens inflammation and swelling. Although scratching provides temporary relief, it triggers a cycle of increased immune response, leading to more severe symptoms. The study, conducted on mice, demonstrated that the act of scratching exacerbates the condition by promoting inflammation and attracting immune cells, ultimately complicating the healing process.	University of Pittsburgh	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Your parents were right: Scratching an itchy rash really does make it worse. Now we know why, thanks to new research published today in the journal Science that uncovers how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a mouse model of a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis. -- "At first, these findings seemed to introduce a paradox: If scratching an itch is bad for us, why does it feel so good?" said senior author Daniel Kaplan, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology and immunology at the University of Pittsburgh. "Scratching is often pleasurable, which suggests that, in order to have evolved, this behavior must provide some kind of benefit. Our study helps resolve this paradox by providing evidence that scratching also provides defense against bacterial skin infections." -- Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to allergens or skin irritants -- including poison ivy and certain metals such as nickel -- leading to an itchy, swollen rash. Succumbing to the often-irresistible urge to scratch triggers further inflammation that worsens symptoms and slows healing. -- To figure out what drives this vicious cycle, Kaplan, first author Andrew Liu, student in Pitt's Medical Scientist Training Program, and their team used itch-inducing allergens to induce eczema-like symptoms on the ears of normal mice and those that don't get itchy because they lack an itch-sensing neuron. -- When normal mice were allowed to scratch, their ears became swollen and filled with inflammatory immune cells called neutrophils. In contrast, inflammation and swelling were much milder in normal mice that couldn't scratch because they wore tiny Elizabethan collars, similar to a "cone of shame" that a dog might sport after a visit to the vet, and in animals that lacked the itch-sensing neuron. This experiment confirmed that scratching further aggravates the skin. -- Next, the researchers showed that scratching causes pain-sensing neurons to release a compound called substance P. In turn, substance P activates mast cells, which are key coordinators of inflammation that drive itchiness and inflammation via recruitment of neutrophils. -- "In contact dermatitis, mast cells are directly activated by allergens, which drives minor inflammation and itchiness," explained Kaplan. "In response to scratching, the release of substance P activates mast cells through a second pathway, so the reason that scratching triggers more inflammation in the skin is because mast cells have been synergistically activated through two pathways." -- Mast cells are culprits in a range of inflammatory skin conditions and allergic reactions, but they're also important for protecting against bacteria and other pathogens. As such, the researchers wondered if scratching-induced activation of mast cells could affect the skin microbiome. -- In experiments led by coauthor Marlies Meisel, Ph.D., assistant professor of immunology at Pitt, the team showed that scratching reduced the amount of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common bacteria involved in skin infections, on the skin. -- "The finding that scratching improves defense against Staphylococcus aureus suggests that it could be beneficial in some contexts," said Kaplan. "But the damage that scratching does to the skin probably outweighs this benefit when itching is chronic."	N01	2,089
2504-065	New Antibody Treatment Can Provide Long-Term Protection Against Bird Flu Variants	A novel antibody therapy shows promise in providing long-lasting protection against the H5N1 avian flu in monkeys by targeting a stable part of the virus. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and NIH found that this broadly neutralizing antibody maintains its effectiveness against potential viral variants, offering a proactive approach to manage bird flu outbreaks. Their findings could also help in developing strategies for universal flu vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations.	University of Pittsburgh	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A prophylactic antibody-based immune therapy protects monkeys against severe disease caused by H5N1 avian flu, University of Pittsburgh and NIH Vaccine Research Center researchers report today in Science. -- The broadly neutralizing antibody, which recognizes a relatively stable region of the bird flu virus, is less prone to losing its efficacy than antibodies targeting influenza's more mutation-prone structures. -- This feature ensures that the immune protection can withstand the possible emergence of virus variants, akin to the SARS-CoV-2 mutants that evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic, and provide lasting protection against a globally spreading airborne infection. -- "This type of prevention can be very useful in controlling infection outbreaks and containing the bird flu pandemic," said co-corresponding author Douglas Reed, Ph.D., associate professor of immunology at Pitt's School of Medicine and the Center for Vaccine Research. -- "In our testing, the antibody performed beautifully. The antibody could be useful as a prophylactic of severe disease in vulnerable populations, and it also helped us establish the testing threshold for antibody levels in blood, which would be useful for judging the immune protection generated by a universal flu vaccine." -- While, as of January 2025, only one reported case of H5N1 infection in the U.S has resulted in death, the World Health Organization has reported over 950 cases globally since 1997, with more than half of them fatal. -- And the concern for wider spread continues to grow. In addition to spreading among cattle in the U.S., H5N1 has spread from wild birds to mammals around the world, including sea lions in South America and mink in Europe. -- Genetic analysis of two human samples from North America suggested that the virus is adapting and getting better at causing disease and spreading in mammals. -- Pitt researchers have long been concerned about the possible spread of avian flu from animals to humans, and have been developing and testing prophylactic interventions -- vaccines and protective antibodies -- in animal models closely resembling humans. -- In a study published in iScience in 2023, the group reported on further refinements of their aerosol monkey model that closely mimics the symptoms of severe infection with H5N1 in humans, including acute respiratory distress syndrome -- a life-threatening lung injury that can occur upon exposure to bird flu.	H01 H02 R01 C01 N01	2,090
2505-077	Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Game Changer For Reversing Spinal Muscle Atrophy Progression	Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a novel intervention that employs spinal cord stimulation to reverse spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) progression. This groundbreaking, drug-free approach has shown promise in early clinical trials, enhancing muscle strength and mobility in adult SMA patients by reactivating dormant motor neurons, potentially offering new treatment avenues for other motoneuron diseases.	University of Pittsburgh	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A new climate modeling study published in the journal Science Advances by researchers from the IBS Center for Climate Physics (ICCP) at Pusan National University in South Korea presents a new scenario of how climate and life on our planet would change in response to a potential future strike of a medium-sized (~500 m) asteroid. -- The solar system is full of objects with near-Earth orbits. Most of them do not pose any threat to Earth, but some of them have been identified as objects of interest with non-negligible collision probabilities. Among them is the asteroid Bennu with a diameter of about 500 m, which, according to recent studies [Farnocchia et al. 2021], has an estimated chance of 1-in-2700 of colliding with Earth in September 2182. This is similar to the probability of flipping a coin 11 times in a row with the same outcome. -- To determine the potential impacts of an asteroid strike on our climate system and on terrestrial plants and plankton in the ocean, researchers from the ICCP set out to simulate an idealized collision scenario with a medium-sized asteroid using a state-of-the-art climate model. The effect of the collision is represented by a massive injection of several hundred million tons of dust into the upper atmosphere. Unlike previous studies, the new research also simulates terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as the complex chemical reactions in the atmosphere. -- Using the IBS supercomputer Aleph, the researchers ran several dust impact scenarios for a Bennu-type asteroid collision with Earth. In response to dust injections of 100-400 million tons, the supercomputer model simulations show dramatic disruptions in climate, atmospheric chemistry, and global photosynthesis in the 3-4 years following the impact. For the most intense scenario, solar dimming due to dust would cause global surface cooling of up to 4 degrees Celsius, a reduction of global mean rainfall by 15%, and severe ozone depletion of about 32%. However, regionally, these impacts could be much pronounced. -- "The abrupt impact winter would provide unfavorable climate conditions for plants to grow, leading to an initial 20-30% reduction of photosynthesis in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. This would likely cause massive disruptions in global food security," says Dr. Lan DAI, postdoctoral research fellow at the ICCP and lead author of the study. -- When the researchers looked into ocean model data from their simulations, they were surprised to find that plankton growth displayed a completely different behaviour. Instead of the rapid reduction and slow two-year-long recovery on land, plankton in the ocean recovered already within 6 months and even increased afterwards to levels not even seen under normal climate conditions. -- "We were able to track this unexpected response to the iron concentration in the dust," says Prof. Axel TIMMERMANN, Director of the ICCP and co-author of the study. Iron is a key nutrient for algae, but in some areas, such as the Southern Ocean and the eastern tropical Pacific, its natural abundance is very low. Depending on the iron content of the asteroid and of the terrestrial material, that is blasted into the stratosphere, the otherwise nutrient-depleted regions can become nutrient-enriched with bioavailable iron, which in turn triggers unprecedented algae blooms. According to the computer simulations, the post-collision increase of marine productivity would be most pronounced for silicate-rich algae -- referred to as diatoms. Their blooms would also attract large amounts of zooplankton -- small predators, which feed on the diatoms. -- "The simulated excessive phytoplankton and zooplankton blooms might be a blessing for the biosphere and may help alleviate emerging food insecurity related to the longer-lasting reduction in terrestrial productivity," adds Dr. Lan DAI. -- "On average, medium-sized asteroids collide with Earth about every 100-200 thousand years. This means that our early human ancestors may have experienced some of these planet-shifting events before with potential impacts on human evolution and even our own genetic makeup," says Prof. Timmermann. -- The new study in Science Advances provides new insights into the climatic and biospheric responses to collisions with near-Earth orbit objects. In the next step the ICCP researchers from South Korea plan to study early human responses to such events in more detail by using agent-based computer models, which simulate individual humans, their life cycles and their search for food.	R02	2,091
2506-005	New Biomarker Test Detects Alzheimer's Disease Earlier Than Ever Before	Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a biomarker test capable of detecting tau protein clumping well before it becomes visible in brain scans of Alzheimer's patients. This test, correlating with cognitive decline, opens new avenues for early diagnosis and intervention in Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the importance of tau accumulation in understanding the disease's progression.	University of Pittsburgh	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Years before tau tangles show up in brain scans of patients with Alzheimer's disease, a biomarker test developed at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine can detect small amounts of the clumping-prone tau protein and its misfolded pathological forms that litter the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and potentially blood, new research published today in Nature Medicine suggests. -- The cerebrospinal fluid biomarker test correlates with the severity of cognitive decline, independent of other factors, including brain amyloid deposition, thereby opening doors for early-stage disease diagnosis and intervention. -- Since amyloid-beta pathology often precedes tau abnormalities in Alzheimer's disease, most biomarker efforts have focused on early detection of amyloid-beta changes. -- However, the clumping of tau protein into well-ordered structures referred to by pathologists as "neurofibrillary tangles" is a more defining event for Alzheimer's disease as it is more strongly associated with the cognitive changes seen in affected people. -- "Our test identifies very early stages of tau tangle formation -- up to a decade before any tau clumps can show up on a brain scan," said senior author Thomas Karikari, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry at Pitt. -- "Early detection is key to more successful therapies for Alzheimer's disease since trials show that patients with little-to-no quantifiable insoluble tau tangles are more likely to benefit from new treatments than those with a significant degree of tau brain deposits." -- Since many elderly people who have amyloid-beta plaques in their brains will never go on to develop cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease during their lifetime, the widely adopted diagnostics framework developed by the Alzheimer's Association specifies the three neuropathological pillars necessary to diagnose the disease -- combined presence of tau and amyloid-beta pathology and neurodegeneration. -- In a quest for early and accessible biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, Karikari's earlier work showed that a brain-specific form of tau, called BD-tau, can be measured in blood and reliably indicate the presence of Alzheimer's disease-specific neurodegeneration. -- Several years prior, Karikari showed that specific forms of phosphorylated tau, p-tau181, p-tau217 and p-tau212, in the blood can predict the presence of brain amyloid-beta without the need for costly and time-consuming brain imaging. -- But these tools largely detect amyloid pathology, so the issue of early detection of tau still looms large.	A01 R02 T01	2,092
2507-079	Cooperation Among Cancer Cells: A New Target For Treatment	Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a new class of immune cells, known as double negative memory B cells, which reside outside their usual environment and become dysfunctional near tumors. This discovery could lead to improved immunotherapy strategies and offers a new diagnostic marker in cancer treatment, as understanding the role of these cells may help oncologists enhance their anti-tumor capabilities.	University of Pittsburgh	University of Pittsburgh	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center scientists have discovered a novel subset of cancer-fighting immune cells that reside outside of their normal neighborhood -- known as the tertiary lymphoid structure -- where they become frustratingly dysfunctional when in close contact with tumors. -- Described today in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the finding gives oncologists a new target for developing immunotherapies: double negative memory B cells, so-called because they are negative for two markers found on the surface of their more common brethren. They may also be a useful diagnostic marker when creating treatment plans. -- "The responsiveness of B cells is an important part of whether a patient with cancer does well or not," said senior author Tullia Bruno, Ph.D., assistant professor of immunology at Pitt and a member of the Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program and Tumor Microenvironment Center at UPMC Hillman. "By better understanding different types of B cells and their location, we can aim to reinvigorate them and unleash their anti-tumor potential." -- B cells are white blood cells, produced in the bone marrow, that neutralize pathogens -- such as bacteria, viruses and cancer cells -- and tag them for removal from the body. Memory B cells are particularly long-lived and "remember" pathogens, priming the immune system to respond quickly if it encounters the pathogen again. When someone has cancer or a chronic infection, their body may form tertiary lymphoid structures near or within the cancer. The structures contain immune cells -- predominantly B cells -- and patients with the structures tend to have better outcomes. -- While doing her graduate work in Pitt's Program in Microbiology and Immunology, co-lead author Ayana Ruffin, Ph.D., now a postdoctoral research fellow at Emory University, observed that memory B cells were abundant in the blood of head and neck cancer patients -- particularly those doing well. Curious, she pored over existing research and found that, while double negative memory B cells were well-characterized in chronic infection and autoimmune studies, little was known about their role in cancer. -- She turned from blood to tumor samples and found double negative memory B cells there as well -- but they were more dysfunctional, displaying features of exhaustion. Exhaustion is something cancer immunologists have been focused on with T cells -- immune cells that destroy pathogens, such as cancer. But Ruffin was one of the first to observe this exhaustion in memory B cells in and near tumors, outside of the tertiary lymphoid structure. -- "Historically, B cells have largely been ignored in the cancer research field, with scientists instead favoring research on 'killer' T cells," said co-lead author Allison Casey, Ph.D. candidate in Pitt's Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology graduate program who took over the research when Ruffin graduated. "But B cells are really unique -- they're like the cool person at school who talks to everyone. They can use antibodies to neutralize pathogens and engage other immune cells. They educate T cells so they know to destroy cancer or infections." -- Casey and the research team are now exploring existing cancer immunotherapies -- which are mostly aimed at helping T cells fight cancer -- to see if there are ways to modify them to also boost memory B cells. They're also investigating B cell therapies used in autoimmune diseases to see if they can be leveraged to fight cancer. -- "This is a really good example of when a graduate student comes to you with an awesome idea and runs with it -- she breaks new ground in the field," Bruno said. "This research is a testament to what happens when students are encouraged to think creatively." -- Co-authors on this research are Sheryl R. Kunning, M.S., Ian P. MacFawn, Ph.D., Zhentao Liu, Charu Arora, M.S., Anjali Rohatgi, M.D., Ph.D., Felicia Kemp, M.A., Caleb Lampenfeld, Ashwin Somasundaram, M.D., John M. Kirkwood, M.D., Umamaheswar Duvvuri, M.D., Ph.D., Raja Seethala, M.D., Riyue Bao, Ph.D., Yufei Huang, Ph.D., Anthony R. Cillo, Ph.D., and Robert L. Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., all of Pitt currently or at the time of the research; and Giovanna Rappocciolo, Ph.D., of Prellis Biologics.	H01 H02 R01	2,093
2508-E038	Seasonal H1N1 Immunity May Reduce Severity Of Bird Flu Infections	A recent study suggests that pre-existing immunity to seasonal H1N1 flu may play a protective role against severe outcomes from H5N1 bird flu infections in humans. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Emory University utilized a ferret model to show that ferrets previously exposed to H1N1 had milder illness from H5N1 compared to those without prior immunity. This highlights the significance of considering existing immune responses in assessing risks associated with emerging infectious diseases.	University of Pittsburgh	Emerging Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	Pre-existing immunity against seasonal H1N1 flu might help explain why most reported human cases of H5N1 bird flu in the U.S. have not resulted in lethal outcomes, suggests a new study by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Emory University researchers. The report was published last week in Emerging Infectious Diseases. -- In a ferret model of virus transmission used to study the potential of viruses to spread between people, pre-existing immunity appeared to influence infection severity in ferrets. -- Compared to immunologically naïve animals, ferrets that were immune to H1N1 because of an earlier infection were protected against severe disease and death caused by a strain of H5N1 bird flu currently circulating in wild birds, poultry and cows. -- Ferrets without prior immunity had more severe illness and fatal outcomes. -- The study underscores the contributions of pre-existing immunity to flu viruses in shaping disease severity against future infections and highlights the need for a concerted effort to consider pre-existing immunity in the context of pandemic risk assessment. -- As of this article's writing, the World Health Organization rates the bird flu risk to the general population as low, despite the first death reported in the U.S. -- "All human flu pandemics emerge in the context of pre-existing immunity," said lead author Valerie Le Sage, Ph.D., research assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the University of Pittsburgh. -- "Our model isn't perfect because the human immune response is complicated. But if we are using ferrets as surrogates for humans, it is very important to do so in the context of prior immunity." -- An ongoing outbreak of H5N1 bird flu virus has been spreading in dairy cow herds across state lines since March 2024. -- Yet, despite its deadliness for poultry, foxes, mink, cats and even whales, dolphins and seals, the virus has not appeared to be devastating cow populations and has not caused severe disease in the majority of cases.	R01 N01	2,094
2511-062	Harnessing Immunotherapy Success For Childhood Brain Cancer Treatments	Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a groundbreaking diagnostic platform for childhood brain cancers, inspired by the success of immunotherapies for leukemia. This innovative approach profiles tumors according to immune responses, promising personalized treatment strategies that could revolutionize outcomes for young patients with brain tumors, which are currently among the most deadly childhood cancers.	University of Pittsburgh	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers and pediatric neurosurgeons at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh developed a new way to profile brain cancers in children, paving the way for improved diagnostics and treatments. -- Today in Science Translational Medicine, researchers describe a diagnostic platform that could classify brain tumors based on the body's cancer-fighting immune response. This approach, which is complementary to traditional microscopic and genetic cancer cell analyses, establishes an opportunity to tailor cancer therapies to each patient's unique immune response and harness the success of immunotherapies that revolutionized the treatment of childhood leukemias. -- "Understanding how the repertoire of immune cells fits with the diverse landscape of brain cancer types can help us find new therapies in the future," said lead author Itay Raphael, Ph.D., research assistant professor of neurological surgery at Pitt. -- Brain cancer is the second most common cancer in children after leukemia, and it is also the deadliest. This is due to a constellation of factors: Brain tumors are diverse, resistant to treatments and often hard to access surgically. On the other hand, the sharp reduction of deaths from leukemia over the recent decades is due in part to the enormous success of immune-based therapies, which harness the body's intrinsic protective mechanisms by expanding the pool of cancer-fighting white blood cells called T cells. -- T cells are precisely tuned to recognize molecules on the surface of cancer cells -- called antigens -- and use them as signals to attack and clear out tumor cells while leaving healthy cells intact. When T cells find a target on the tumor cell surface, they become activated and start rapidly doubling their numbers in a process called clonal expansion, aimed to clear the cancer. -- Because of how varied brain tumors and their antigens are, understanding the tumor's molecular composition can help clinicians personalize each patient's treatment. Similarly, the new study's complementary approach can help pinpoint the best treatment option by identifying which T cell-surface receptors are most abundant in the environment surrounding the tumor. -- "The success of T cell-based therapies for non-brain tumors, including childhood leukemias, suggests tremendous potential for brain cancers," said senior author Gary Kohanbash, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurological surgery at Pitt. "Having access to an unprecedented dataset of pediatric tumors and new bioinformatic tools allowed us to investigate how T cell immune response and clonal expansion could be used as markers for treatment classification and prognosis independent of other diagnostic tools." -- As part of the study, the researchers profiled nearly 1,000 pediatric brain tumor samples, which were collected through the Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), a medical research consortium of 35 medical centers across the nation and globally. The study was first to look at the T cell clonal repertoire and expansion in this sample group. -- The group observed that very aggressive tumor types are associated with less T cell expansion than less aggressive ones, suggesting that clonality can inform patient outcomes across tumor types. On the other hand, studying T cell response can shed light on which antigens on the surface of cancer cells can be exploited therapeutically, offering avenues for development of cancer-antigen peptide immunotherapy. -- "Ultimately, we hope for a future where clonal T cell expansion is incorporated into pediatric cancer diagnosis," said co-author Ian Pollack, M.D., distinguished professor of neurological surgery at Pitt, and a founding institutional principal investigator of CBTN. "UPMC Children's Hospital is committed to supporting brain tumor research and developing new life-saving treatments, and we think that this landmark study represents a foundational shift to how the field will be considering pediatric tumors in the future."	H01 R01 R02	2,095
2512-073	New Treatment Method For Anthrax: Growth Factors Reverse Severe Cell Damage In Mice	Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that a growth factor cocktail can reverse potentially fatal cell damage caused by anthrax in mice. This finding hints at a transformative treatment potential for patients with advanced anthrax, highlighting the urgency for novel therapeutic strategies as early detection is often challenging due to non-specific symptoms, which can lead to dire outcomes before effective treatment is possible.	University of Pittsburgh	Nat Microbiol	Press Rel	PubMed	Anthrax, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is often treatable in its early stages. But once the disease has progressed beyond the "point of no return" after just a few days, patients are almost certainly doomed. -- In a new Nature Microbiologystudy, University of Pittsburgh researchers show that a cocktail of growth factors reversed would-be lethal cell damage in mice with anthrax, suggesting that this approach could be adapted for use in patients beyond the brink. -- "While only a few people die from anthrax in the United States each year, there is always the concern that the bacterium could be released on a large scale as a bioweapon," said senior author Shihui Liu, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at the Pitt School of Medicine and member of the Aging Institute, a joint venture of Pitt and UPMC. "Because the early symptoms of anthrax are non-specific and flu-like, the disease often isn't diagnosed until it's too late for current treatments to help. We need new approaches to treat this later stage of the disease." -- When B. anthracis enters the body through inhalation, ingestion, injection or contact with skin, it produces two proteins that combine to form lethal toxin. -- Early on, anthrax can be treated with antibiotics that eliminate the bacterium or antibodies that neutralize lethal toxin before it enters cells. But once inside cells, the toxin inactivates members of a group of enzymes known as MEKs by cleaving off one of their ends, disrupting the important pathways they control and rapidly causing widespread cellular, tissue and organ damage -- and death. -- To learn more about the roles of MEK-controlled pathways in anthrax toxicity, Liu and his team generated mice with modified MEKs that were resistant to being cleaved by lethal toxin. These included MEK1 and MEK2, which control a pathway called ERK involved in cellular division and survival, and MEK3 and MEK6, which regulate the p38 pathway that's involved in stress-induced defense. -- When exposed to lethal toxin or B. anthracis, mice with either modified MEK1/2 or MEK3/6 had much greater survival than normal animals, indicating that anthrax must inactivate both the ERK and p38 pathways to kill its host. -- In mice and human cells exposed to lethal toxin or B. anthracis, a combination of three growth factors -- all individually approved as treatments for other conditions -- reactivated the ERK pathway and brought them back from the point of no return. -- "Because lethal toxin breaks MEK proteins by clipping off their ends, we thought that this cellular damage was irreversible," said Liu. "So we were really surprised to find that specific growth factors were able to reactivate the ERK pathway and rescue the cell." -- Because different types of cells in the body may require different growth factors to activate ERK, the researchers are now working to optimize a treatment for anthrax in humans.	A01 H02 N01	2,096
2501-E045	Conservation Efforts For Sharks And Rays Face Monitoring Challenges In The Mediterranean.	A study examining measures to protect sharks and rays in the Mediterranean highlights inconsistencies in legislation and monitoring efforts across 22 coastal states. While over 200 protective measures exist, the findings emphasize the need for unified tracking and enforcement to address significant risks to these species.	University of Plymouth	Biological Conservation	Press Rel	PubMed	Overfishing, illegal fishing and increasing marketing of shark meat pose significant threats to the more than 80 species of sharks and rays that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, according to a new study. -- The research examined current levels of legislation in place to protect elasmobranch populations (which include sharks, rays and skates) within each of the 22 coastal states of the Mediterranean region. -- Across those countries -- stretching from Spain and Morocco in the west to Israel, Lebanon and Syria in the east -- the researchers identified more than 200 measures that concern elasmobranchs in some way, ranging from national legislation to implemented conservation efforts by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs). -- European Union countries generally led the implementation of more measures than non-EU ones, with Spain having the highest number of measures in place. -- Governments were responsible for leading 63% of measures, mainly relating to legal requirements. -- However, while elasmobranchs have made it onto many policy agendas, the study found considerable differences in how effectively any legislation was being monitored with no single source for tracking progress in the conservation and management of sharks at national levels. -- Experts and NGOs across the region also highlighted that sharks are increasingly being landed intentionally and unintentionally by fishers, often to meet the demand for shark products. -- However, there is often little control in place where sharks are landed, leading researchers to call for increased monitoring to protect threatened species, in addition to more public education and incentives for fishers to use equipment that is less threatening to shark species. -- The research, published in the journal Biological Conservation, represents the first region-wide assessment of actions being taken to protect shark populations through international law. -- It was led by Dr Lydia Koehler and Jason Lowther, both experts in environmental law from the School of Society and Culture at the University of Plymouth.	N01	2,097
2502-T009	Advocating For An 18th Sustainable Development Goal To Combat Space Junk	An international team of scientists is advocating for a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG18) to address the growing problem of space junk in Earth’s orbit. Drawing inspiration from existing SDGs, the proposed goal seeks to apply lessons from marine debris management to prevent further environmental degradation in space, emphasizing the need for global cooperation as satellite operations increase.	University of Plymouth	One Earth	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have called for the designation of a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) with the aim to conserve and sustainably use Earth's orbit, and prevent the accumulation of space junk. -- There are currently 17 SDGs, adopted by UN members in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet for future generations, and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity. -- But with growing numbers of satellites and other objects now orbiting our planet, there is growing concern that without some form of global consensus another of Earth's once pristine environments is at risk of being irrevocably changed. -- Writing in the journal One Earth, an international collaboration of experts -- in fields including satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution -- have proposed an 18th SDG dedicated to the protection of Earth's orbit. -- The study highlights that there are now around 100 nations involved in varying levels of space activity, and that since the 1950s, almost 20,000 satellites have been launched into Earth's orbit. -- These satellites bring immense benefits to society, from monitoring ecosystems and supporting global communications, to facilitating services used by billions of people across the planet such as satellite television and contactless bank card payments. -- However, once they reach the end of their useful life, the experts say abandoned satellites, launch stages, and fragments resulting from explosions or collisions can accumulate as orbital debris. -- This raises the chance of collisions with active satellites, which would not only impact their ability to function but would also result in further increases in debris. -- While a number of organisations have begun to recognise the need for action to address this, the authors say an additional SDG could deliver the global consensus and mechanisms for effective enforcement required to address the issue. -- They believe a new SDG18 could draw direct inspiration from one of the existing goals -- SDG14: Life Below Water -- with lessons learned in marine debris management being used to prevent another planetary crisis before it is too late.	R01	2,098
2504-E041	New Tech Pairs With Long-Term Monitoring To Boost Plankton Health Insights	New research advocates for the integration of advanced technologies with long-established plankton monitoring programs to enhance ocean health assessments. While modern imaging techniques hold promise for efficient data collection, they should complement existing monitoring efforts, ensuring a holistic approach to understanding marine biodiversity and the impacts of climate change on ocean ecosystems.	University of Plymouth	Ocean & Coastal Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Advances in technology -- such as microscopic imaging and molecular techniques -- have the potential to transform our understanding of global ocean health, according to the authors of a new study. -- However, they should not be employed at the expense of long-term plankton monitoring programmes, which continue to provide an essential role in tracking how our seas are shifting in the face of a changing global climate and are essential for informing routine assessments of marine biodiversity required by international law -- Writing in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, scientists say novel techniques do offer means of collecting and analysing select types of plankton data more efficiently than traditional methods. -- They also have the potential to fill knowledge gaps and generate more complete pictures of plankton dynamics, factors which have led to them being proposed as possible alternatives to current monitoring programmes. -- However, the authors say that the old and new methods come with different advantages and costs, while their uses and benefits -- across marine management and scientific communities -- can actually complement each other. -- As such, they believe more effective ways should be found for old and new programmes to integrate with each other, combined with greater efforts to retain the specialist taxonomic skills needed to accurately assess plankton species and diversity. -- The research was developed by some of Europe's leading experts in plankton science, working at universities and government organisations in the UK, France, Sweden and the Netherlands. -- Many of them are directly involved in long-term monitoring programmes that have been running for more than six decades, and the development of new monitoring technologies, as well as advising on the management of our ocean and seas. -- Dr Matthew Holland, Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth and the study's lead author, said: "Plankton support the entire marine food web and generate much of the oxygen we breathe. As such, we need to generate any information possible to ensure we know of changes in plankton communities and the impacts they could have on commercial fish stocks, sea birds, and the general health of the planet. There are amazing technologies coming on stream that can help with that -- but existing monitoring has provided us with hugely valuable insights over the past six decades, and remains essential in tracking long-term changes in ocean health." -- The new study has been published at a time when there is growing global appreciation of plankton.	A01 H01 C01 N01 T01	2,099
2507-E056	Critically Endangered Whitefin Swellshark Faces Challenges In Adapting To Climate Change	The critically endangered whitefin swellshark faces looming challenges due to climate change, which is predicted to force it to adapt to new habitats or risk extinction. New research indicates that changes in ocean conditions, including rising temperatures, threaten the species' survival. Researchers' modeling suggests that a significant portion of its currently suitable habitats may vanish, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.	University of Plymouth	University of Plymouth	Press Rel	PubMed	A critically endangered species of shark could be forced to adapt to new habitats -- or face extinction -- as a result of changes in the ocean predicted to occur as a result of climate change, a new study has suggested. -- The whitefin swellshark (Cephaloscyllium albipinnum) is a species of catshark found in deeper waters just off Australia's south and east coasts. -- Its precise population numbers are uncertain, but the species has been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Critically Endangered for a number of years due to declines largely attributed to fishing practices. -- The new study, by researchers at the University of Plymouth, suggests that degrees of ocean change -- including higher sea temperatures and shifts in ocean chemistry -- predicted to occur by the end of this century could heighten its vulnerability. -- Using a range of computer modelling, which accounted for the species' favoured habitats and forecast ocean conditions, researchers found that up to 70% of currently suitable habitats will be lost over the next 75 years. -- There is predicted to be an area within the Great Australian Bight that could offer whitefin swellshark populations refuge, with favourable ocean conditions and sources of the food they need to survive. -- The only challenges with that, based on current knowledge of the species' whereabouts, are that the sharks -- which grow to around 1.1-metres long -- may need to move anywhere between 70km and 1100km in order to reach their potential new home. -- And it is likely they will not be the only species seeking refuge in the area, with a number of other marine species also likely to be forced to migrate polewards as they look to leave areas impacted by climate change. -- Writing in the journal PeerJ, the researchers say the vulnerability of the species to the future effects of climate change is clear. -- However, they do believe there is cause for hope, with Australia being one of the world's more proactive nations when it comes to implementing conservation measures and management strategies, such as marine protected areas (MPAs).	H01 C01 N01 T01	2,100
2510-E056	Climate Change May Impact Early Development Of Christmas Island Red Crabs	Researchers from the University of Plymouth investigate how environmental changes, particularly lower salinity from increased rainfall, may affect the early development of Christmas Island's red crabs. The study examines its impact on crab embryos, shedding light on how climate change could influence this unique species' lifecycle.	University of Plymouth	Journal of Experimental Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	The annual migration of Christmas Island's red crabs -- where millions of creatures cover its beaches as they make their way from land to sea -- is a true natural spectacle. -- However, little is known about whether and how the species might be impacted under the future environmental conditions created by the changing global climate. -- A new study by scientists and graduates at the University of Plymouth has investigated one aspect of how such shifts might affect its earliest development. -- Specifically, the research focused on whether lower salinity -- caused by future increased rainfall during the tropics' monsoon season, which would in turn dilute coastal waters -- might delay the development of crab embryos. -- To understand that, the researchers exposed fertilised late-stage embryos of the crab (Gecarcoidea natalis) to four different levels of sea water salinity. -- Over the space of 24 hours, they then used a specially-developed and autonomous analysis technology -- the LabEmbryoCam -- to measure a number of the embryos' key developmental and physiological traits. -- Previous research had shown that environmental drivers such as salinity can impact the timing and duration of developmental events in aquatic early life stages of crustaceans. -- However, the results of this new study found that changes in salinity had no impact on the time of first heartbeat, time of hatching, first in-egg embryonic and post-hatch heart rate, or post-hatch movement. -- Writing in the study, published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, the researchers say the findings may -- on the face of it -- appear positive for the red crabs' future survival. -- However, with the study focused on just one environmental stressor -- and one period of embryo development -- they also highlighted the importance of considering all early life stages when fully characterising the effects of environmental drivers on crustacean development.	H02 R01 C01	2,101
2512-E054	Local Fishermen's Knowledge Proves Nearly As Accurate As Satellite Data For Environmental Mapping	A study demonstrates the effectiveness of local ecological knowledge (LEK) in mapping seagrass beds, with fishermen around the Aegean Sea achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 78%. This innovative approach showcases how leveraging local expertise can provide valuable environmental data at a lower cost, enhancing ecological management efforts.	University of Plymouth	Ocean & Coastal Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Artisanal fishers can be almost as accurate as satellite data when it comes to their awareness of features that can be found in the marine environment, a new study has shown. -- Published in the journal Ocean and Coastal Management, the research set out to establish the value of local ecological knowledge (LEK) and its ability to generate high quality habitat maps around five Greek islands in the eastern Aegean Sea. -- Ten fishermen, based on their individual experience and knowledge, were asked to pinpoint areas where they believed seagrass beds could be found along the coastlines of their respective islands. -- The maps they produced were then compared with satellite data of the same regions, with analysis showing an average accuracy of 78% -- and a high of 92%. -- The fishermen's maps were also 11% more accurate than those used by the Greek government in the development of environmental policies, with more than half of the government maps underestimating the scale of seagrass beds found across the region. -- The researchers say their findings are a clear demonstration of the value of tapping into local knowledge, and how doing so can be a low-cost means of generating environmental data without compromising the high accuracy needed for the data to be still valuable for policy use. -- The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Plymouth and the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation. -- They worked closely with fishermen on the islands of Fourni, Arki, Patmos, Lipsi and Leros, each of which are home to communities made up largely of small artisanal fishing vessels. -- Konstantis Alexopoulos, a BSc (Hons) Ocean Science and Marine Conservation graduate from the University of Plymouth, now pursuing a PhD with the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge, is its lead author. -- He said: "Some of the fishermen we spoke to had been sailing the same waters every day for more than 60 years. That experience has given them a huge amount of knowledge, but we wanted to test precisely how accurate their empirical data were in comparison to more traditional sources of information. For some personal recollections to be 90% as accurate as the data provided from satellites is really impressive, and something we should be taking into greater account. It also highlights the importance of gathering such information, as there is a huge wealth of data within local fishing communities that is otherwise at risk of being lost as fewer younger people enter the profession in the future."	A01 C01 N01 N02	2,102
2503-E006	Glacier Surge Monitoring: Using Satellites To Predict Lake Drainage Hazards	New research utilizing satellite imagery has identified lake drainage hazards associated with glacier surges in the Karakoram Mountains. The study focuses on the Shisper Glacier, monitoring the dynamics of an ice-dammed lake formed during a surge. Understanding these environmental changes is critical for assessing risks to downstream communities and developing effective disaster preparedness strategies.	University of Portsmouth	Journal of Glaciology	Press Rel	PubMed	New research has tracked the evolution of a glacier lake dammed by a surge using satellite images, to help better understand its life cycle and the hazard it presents to nearby communities. -- During glacier surges the ice begins moving at speed and the front can advance, in some settings blocking rivers and forming lakes that put communities and infrastructure downstream at risk of flooding. -- The study, published in the Journal of Glaciology, monitored a lake dammed by a surge of the Shisper Glacier, located in the Karakoram mountain range, which extends across the borders of Pakistan, China, and India. -- Life cycle of the Shisper Glacier lake -- The glacier began surging in early 2018, blocking a river and forming an ice-dammed lake. -- Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and International Centre of Integrated Mountain Development analysed this phenomenon using satellite images captured by the European Space Agency. -- They identified that the lake underwent six phases of filling and drainage, continuing even after the glacier stopped surging in 2020. -- Four of the phases led to the formation of a large lake that grew to its maximum size by May each year, threatening the safety of the communities below. -- It took on average at least 155 days for the lake to fill. -- The largest lake phase reached a volume of 33.7 million cubic metres in May 2022 -- more than 13,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.	C01	2,103
2505-079	Small Study Shows Drinking Ketones Can Improve Heart Health Significantly	A small-scale study from the University of Portsmouth shows that drinking ketones may improve heart health, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The research, which investigates the effects of ketone esters on cardiac efficiency, suggests that these compounds could have beneficial implications for cardiovascular health, although further research is needed to confirm these promising results.	University of Portsmouth	Journal of Applied Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Where lies the origin of the Indo-European language family? Ron Pinhasi and his team in the Department of Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Vienna contribute a new piece to this puzzle in collaboration with David Reich's ancient DNA laboratory at Harvard University. They analyzed ancient DNA from 435 individuals from archaeological sites across Eurasia between 6400-2000 BCE. They found out that a newly recognized Caucasus-Lower Volga population can be connected to all Indo-European-speaking populations. The new study is published in Nature. -- Indo-European languages (IE), which number over 400 and include major groups such as Germanic, Romance, Slavic, Indo-Iranian, and Celtic, are spoken by nearly half the world's population today. Originating from the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) language, historians and linguists since the 19th century have been investigating its origins and spread as there is still a knowledge gap. -- The new study published in Nature, also involving Tom Higham and Olivia Cheronet from the University of Vienna, analyzes ancient DNA from 435 individuals from archaeological sites across Eurasia between 6400-2000 BCE. Earlier genetic studies had shown that the Yamnaya culture (3300-2600 BCE) of the Pontic-Caspian steppes north of the Black and Caspian Seas expanded into both Europe and Central Asia beginning about 3100 BCE, accounting for the appearance of "steppe ancestry" in human populations across Eurasia 3100-1500 BCE. These migrations out of the steppes had the largest effect on European human genomes of any demographic event in the last 5000 years and are widely regarded as the probable vector for the spread of Indo-European languages. -- The only branch of Indo-European language (IE) that had not exhibited any steppe ancestry previously was Anatolian, including Hittite, probably the oldest branch to split away, uniquely preserving linguistic archaisms that were lost in all other IE branches. Previous studies had not found steppe ancestry among the Hittites because, the new paper argues, the Anatolian languages were descended from a language spoken by a group that had not been adequately described before, an Eneolithic population dated 4500-3500 BCE in the steppes between the North Caucasus Mountains and the lower Volga. When the genetics of this newly recognized Caucasus-Lower Volga (CLV) population are used as a source, at least five individuals in Anatolia dated before or during the Hittite era show CLV ancestry. -- Newly recognized population with broad influence -- The new study shows the Yamnaya population to have derived about 80% of its ancestry from the CLV group, which also provided at least one-tenth of the ancestry of Bronze Age central Anatolians, speakers of Hittite. "The CLV group therefore can be connected to all IE-speaking populations and is the best candidate for the population that spoke Indo-Anatolian, the ancestor of both Hittite and all later IE languages," explains Ron Pinhasi. The results further suggest that the integration of the proto-Indo-Anatolian language, shared by both Anatolian and Indo-European peoples, reached its zenith among the CLV communities between 4400 BC and 4000 BC. -- "The discovery of the CLV population as the missing link in the Indo-European story marks a turning point in the 200-years-old quest to reconstruct the origins of the Indo-Europeans and the routes by which these people spread across Europe and parts of Asia," concludes Ron Pinhasi.	H01 R01	2,104
2507-091	Postoperative Infections In Older Adults Underestimated, Particularly Among Women	New research from the University of Portsmouth investigates the reliability of intoxicated witnesses in identifying suspects after crimes. The findings indicate that alcohol consumption can significantly impair recall of facial features, raising concerns about the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. This study highlights the implications of intoxication on memory and its potential effects on the justice system.	University of Portsmouth	University of Portsmouth	Press Rel	PubMed	New research has revealed that alcohol can impair the ability of eyewitnesses to accurately recall a suspect's facial features, particularly key details such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. -- Intoxicated offenders commit around half the 1.4 million violent incidents reported annually in England and Wales, and alcohol is the drug most likely to be found in perpetrators and victims of violent crime. -- A study, led by the University of Portsmouth, conducted experiments to explore how alcohol consumption affects face memory. -- Thirty-eight participants, all of whom had normal or corrected to normal vision, consumed either alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks before viewing videos of unfamiliar female faces. -- The following day, they were asked to describe these faces. -- Those who drank alcohol had more difficulty accurately recalling internal facial features compared to the sober participants, but they could still remember external features like hairstyles. -- Interestingly, whether or not the models' hair was tied back or worn loose did not influence recall accuracy. -- The paper, published in the journal Memory, says this suggests that alcohol narrows attention to more noticeable external features, while impairing memory for the defining internal facial features that are crucial for suspect identification. -- Lead author Dr Alistair Harvey, a Visiting Researcher at the University of Portsmouth's Department of Psychology, said: "Given that many crimes occur in bars and nightclubs where witnesses may have been drinking, these findings have important implications for law enforcement. -- "Getting accurate perpetrator descriptions from witnesses is crucial for locating and identifying suspects -- especially during line-ups."	A01 H02	2,105
2512-065	Smart Insoles: Innovative Technology Aims To Prevent Injuries And Enhance Recovery	Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and TG0 have developed a prototype for smart insoles that measure how the body interacts with the ground, potentially aiding in injury prevention for athletes and monitoring recovery for patients. This innovation could significantly advance the fields of sports science and rehabilitation.	University of Portsmouth	Intelligent Sports and Health	Press Rel	PubMed	What if your insoles could do more than just cushion your feet? Imagine a pair that could track your movements, help athletes avoid injuries, or even assist doctors in monitoring recovery. -- A new study by scientists at the University of Portsmouth and technology company TG0, funded by Innovate UK via a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), has brought us closer to making this idea a reality. -- A team of researchers have successfully designed a new smart insole system that can accurately measure the body's interaction with the ground, opening new possibilities in sports science and healthcare by estimating ground reaction forces (GRFs). -- This data is crucial in sports science, rehabilitation, and even injury prevention, but until now, capturing it outside of a lab was nearly impossible. -- Currently, researchers and medical professionals use force plates to measure GRFS, which are large, expensive machines. -- But these systems are bulky, costly, and can't track movement in everyday environments. -- The TG0 Smart Insole uses built-in pressure sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to track foot pressure and movement with impressive accuracy. -- Combined with artificial intelligence (AI), they can predict ground reaction forces with just a 4.16 per cent error rate, making them one of the most precise wearable movement trackers available. -- Earlier methods, such as motion sensors or pressure insoles, typically had error rates ranging from 8 per cent to 20 per cent. -- The smart insoles are equipped with an integrated battery that supports approximately eight hours of continuous data collection.	T01	2,106
2509-016	Ghanaian Babies Exposed To Multiple Languages From Infancy	A study from Potsdam psycholinguists shows that Ghanaian infants are exposed to multiple languages from a young age, laying the foundation for multilingualism. The research highlights the diverse linguistic environment, where babies interact with caregivers and hear various languages indirectly, challenging the notion that language acquisition is limited to direct communication with a single caregiver.	University of Potsdam	Cognitive Development	Press Rel	PubMed	Africa is a multilingual continent and many adults speak several languages fluently. An empirical study by a research team led by the Potsdam psycholinguists Prof. Dr. Natalie Boll-Avetisyan and Paul O. Omane now shows that the roots of this multilingualism can be found in infancy: In Ghana, most babies grow up multilingually, with most of them coming into contact with two to six languages and just as many regular speakers of each language. The researchers also showed that the babies heard some languages primarily indirectly -- i.e. via radio, television or background conversations -- while other languages were used by their caregivers to directly communicate with them. The results of the study have now been published in the journal "Cognitive Development." -- The study, which examined 121 babies aged three to twelve months in Accra, the capital of Ghana, demonstrates a remarkable variety of language input in the early months of life. -- The children are regularly exposed to two to six languages. Strikingly, the number of caregivers the children have also ranges between two and six, and babies who have more adults in their daily lives who regularly take care of them also hear more different languages. -- In Ghana, families often live in so-called "compound buildings," where many everyday interactions take place in the courtyard, where family, neighbors and other relatives play an important role in the lives of children. -- "The idea that a child learns only one particular language from a single caregiver, as is often assumed in Western cultures, does not apply to these communities. Rather, children are surrounded by a rich spectrum of linguistic inputs from the very beginning," says Paul O. Omane, the first author of the study. -- "The majority of studies on children's language acquisition have been conducted in Western industrialized nations, which is why they often focus on a rather narrow conception of multilingualism. Our research shows that other societies show a much more vibrant multilingual environment," the study's lead researcher, Prof. -- Dr. Natalie Boll-Avetisyan adds. -- A key finding of the study is the distinction between direct and indirect language input. -- While English is primarily acquired through indirect channels such as television and official communication, children receive most of the local languages (such as Akan, Ga and Ewe) through direct contact with their caregivers. -- Accordingly, the proportion of direct input is higher in the local languages than in English, which is predominantly present as indirect input.	H01	2,107
2501-E019	Canine Hookworms Are Developing Drug Resistance In Australia	A study reveals that canine hookworms in Australia are developing resistance to common deworming drugs, posing a growing threat to both dogs and humans. Researchers identified genetic mutations linked to this resistance, highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies against these gastrointestinal parasites.	University of Queensland	International Journal for Parasitology	Press Rel	PubMed	Canine hookworms are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs across Australia, according to new research. -- Scientists at The University of Queensland and The University of Sydney have identified widespread resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers which are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal parasites in dogs. -- Dr Swaid Abdullah from UQ's School of Veterinary Science said almost 70 per cent of the hookworm samples studied showed genetic mutations that can cause drug resistance. -- "This is a big problem, as hookworm infections can be dangerous for both humans and animals," Dr Abdullah said. -- "In dogs, hookworm infections primarily affect the small intestine leading to anaemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. -- "But worse still, the parasites can spread to humans through the skin. -- "In people, hookworms from dogs can cause cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) disease -- or 'creeping eruption' -- which is a winding, snake-like rash with blisters and itching." -- Dr Abdullah said the best weapons against canine hookworms have been benzimidazole-based dewormers, but they are starting to fail. -- "This level of resistance is an urgent issue for pet and public health," he said. -- The study team used advanced parasitological diagnostics to examine samples from more than 100 animals in Australia and New Zealand.	H01 N01	2,108
2504-026	Henipavirus Discovery Marks First Identification In North America	The University of Queensland has identified North America's first henipavirus, Camp Hill virus, found in shrews in Alabama. This discovery is significant as henipaviruses are known to cause severe diseases in humans and animals elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of monitoring these viruses in new regions to prevent outbreaks and understand their epidemiological implications.	University of Queensland	Emerging Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified the first henipavirus in North America. -- Dr Rhys Parry from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said Camp Hill virus was confirmed in shrews in the US state of Alabama. -- "Henipaviruses have caused serious disease and death in people and animals in other regions," Dr Parry said -- "One of the most dangerous is the Hendra virus, which was first detected in Brisbane, Australia and has a fatality rate of 70 per cent. -- "Another example is Nipah virus which has recorded fatality rates between 40 and 75 per cent in outbreaks in Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia and Bangladesh. -- "The discovery of a henipavirus in North America is highly significant, as it suggests these viruses may be more globally distributed than previously thought." -- Camp Hill virus was found in northern short-tailed shrews, a small mammal with wide distribution across Canada and the US. -- Dr Parry said more research was needed to understand if it was a threat to people. -- "The closest known henipavirus to Camp Hill virus that has caused disease in humans is Langya virus, which crossed from shrews to humans in China," Dr Parry said. -- "This indicates that shrew-to-human transmission can occur."	R01 N01	2,109
2505-T026	New Technique Uses Atomic Clocks And Lasers To Search For Dark Matter	An international team of researchers has devised a groundbreaking approach for studying dark matter using atomic clocks and lasers. By analyzing data from a network of ultra-stable lasers and atomic clocks, they aim to uncover the elusive nature of dark matter, which is believed to play a crucial role in the structural integrity of galaxies.	University of Queensland	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The Sudan virus, a close relative of Ebola, has a fatality rate of 50% but remains poorly understood in terms of how it infects cells. Currently, no approved treatments exist. To address this critical gap in pandemic preparedness, researchers at the University of Minnesota and the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center investigated how this deadly virus attaches to human cells. -- Like Ebola, the Sudan virus enters cells by binding to NPC1, a protein responsible for cholesterol transport. -- Using cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers mapped how the Sudan virus interacts with the human NPC1 receptor. -- Their findings revealed that four key amino acid differences in the receptor-binding proteins of Sudan and Ebola viruses enable the Sudan virus to bind to human NPC1 with nine times greater affinity than Ebola, which may contribute to its high fatality rate. -- Building on this discovery, the team predicted the receptor-binding affinities of three other filoviruses closely related to Sudan and Ebola. -- They also examined how the Sudan virus binds to NPC1 receptors in bats, which are believed to be natural hosts of filoviruses. -- These findings provide crucial insights into the infection mechanisms and evolutionary origins of Sudan virus and related filoviruses, paving the way for potential treatments. -- Published in Communications Biology, the study was led by Dr. Fang Li, co-director of the Midwest AViDD Center and professor of Pharmacology. The research team included graduate student Fan Bu, research scientist Dr. Gang Ye, research assistants Hailey Turner-Hubbard and Morgan Herbst (Department of Pharmacology), and Dr. Bin Liu (Hormel Institute). The study was supported by NIH grant U19AI171954.	Z01	2,110
2506-004	Misdiagnosis Rates In Frontotemporal Dementia Are Surprisingly High, Study Finds	A study by the University of Queensland reveals that a staggering 70% of patients suspected of having frontotemporal dementia were misdiagnosed. Researchers analyzed data from 100 patients, discovering that misinterpretations of brain scans and cognitive tests significantly contributed to these inaccuracies. This finding underscores the challenges of diagnosing complex neurodegenerative disorders and highlights the need for improved diagnostic accuracy.	University of Queensland	European Journal of Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Queensland researchers discovered that nearly 70 per cent of suspected frontotemporal dementia patients ultimately did not have the disease in a study aimed at identifying factors that contribute to misdiagnosis of this notoriously difficult to diagnose disorder. -- Psychiatrist Dr Joshua Flavell working with cognitive neurologist Professor Peter Nestor at the Mater Hospital Memory and Cognitive Disorders clinic and UQ's Queensland Brain Institute, analysed data from 100 patients suspected of having frontotemporal dementia who had been referred by specialist physicians like neurologists, psychiatrists or geriatricians. -- "Of the 100 patients, 34 were true-positive, and 66 were false-positive for frontotemporal dementia," Dr Flavell said. -- "We found that misinterpretation of brain scans, particularly nuclear imaging, led to 32 patients being incorrectly diagnosed. -- "Likewise cognitive testing, such as tests of executive function, also contributed to misdiagnoses in 20 patients." -- The study compared the initial referral information with the final clinical diagnoses to determine patterns in diagnostic accuracy. -- Frontotemporal dementia is one of the most common forms of dementia in people aged under 65. -- Unlike Alzheimer's, which is characterised by memory problems, frontotemporal dementia involves degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, affecting personality and behaviour. -- Dr Flavell said the study highlighted the need for careful interpretation of diagnostic tests in patients suspected of having the disease. -- "We found patients with prior psychiatric histories were more likely to be misdiagnosed," he said.	A01 H01 H02 R02 T01	2,111
2507-E035	Mummified Bodies From Ancient Egypt Emit 'Woody' And 'Spicy' Scents	University of Queensland researchers have successfully introduced genetic material into plants through their roots, paving the way for rapid crop improvement. Utilizing nanoparticle technology, they aim to fine-tune plant genes to enhance yield and food quality more efficiently than traditional breeding methods. This breakthrough may revolutionize agricultural practices by enabling quicker adaptation to changing environmental conditions and improving food sustainability.	University of Queensland	University of Queensland	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Queensland researchers have for the first time introduced genetic material into plants via their roots, opening a potential pathway for rapid crop improvement. -- Professor Bernard Carroll from UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said nanoparticle technology could help fine-tune plant genes to increase crop yield and improve food quality. -- "Traditional plant breeding and genetic modification take many generations to produce a new crop variety, which is time-consuming and expensive," Professor Carroll said. -- "We have succeeded in having plant roots absorb a benign nanoparticle which was developed by Professor Gordon Xu's group at UQ for the delivery of vaccines and cancer treatments in animals. -- "Plant cell walls are rigid and wood-like, much tougher than human or animal cells so we coated the nanoparticle with a protein that gently loosens the plant cell wall. -- "The protein coating helped the nanoparticle break through the cell walls to deliver a synthetic mRNA cargo into plants for the first time." -- mRNAs are natural messenger molecules containing genetic instructions to build and enhance all forms of life. -- The research team used the nanoparticles to deliver synthetic mRNA that produces a green fluorescent protein into multiple plant species including Arabidopsis, a miniature member of the canola and cabbage family used extensively in genetic research. -- "It was surprising that rather than delivering all of its load in the first cell it entered, the nanoparticle travelled with water through the plant distributing the mRNA as it went," Professor Carroll said. -- "This is exciting because with further improvement, the technology could potentially be used in the future to produce new crop varieties more quickly.	H01 R01 N01 N02	2,112
2508-T010	Understanding Elasticity: Secrets Revealed By Flexible Crystals	Scientists at The University of Queensland have discovered the origin of the restoring force that allows elastic crystals to return to their original shape. By studying how intermolecular interactions change under strain, the team sheds light on the fundamental properties of flexible materials, paving the way for innovations in building materials and technology.	University of Queensland	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Australian scientists have gained new insights into the fundamental behaviour of flexible materials, allowing for the design of new building materials and technology. -- A team involving researchers at The University of Queensland and QUT has identified the origin of the restoring force that lets elastic crystals return to their original shape. -- Professor Jack Clegg from UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said the team bent flexible crystals -- including one developed at UQ which can be tied in a knot -- to calculate how intermolecular interactions changed under compressive and expansive strain. -- "Elasticity is a property that underpins a myriad of existing technologies including optical-fibres, aeroplane components and load-bearing bridges," Professor Clegg said. -- "We looked at how and where the energy was stored as the crystals contracted and went back to their original shape and size." -- The experiments showed the potential energy that allowed the crystal to spontaneously straighten out was stored in the interactions between the molecules. -- "Under strain, the molecules reversibly rotate and reorganise in a way that stores energy differently on the inside and the outside of the bend," Professor Clegg said. -- "We were able to show that enough energy was stored in our bent flexible crystals to lift something 30 times the weight of the crystal a metre into the air. -- "The new understanding of this common phenomenon could lead to new hybrid materials for applications from components of spacecraft to new building materials or electronic devices." -- Professor John McMurtrie from QUT said the method developed by the research team could be used to explore elasticity in other flexible crystalline materials.	T01	2,113
2511-E004	Dinosaur Footprints Found In Australia: A Remarkable Discovery	A researcher from the University of Queensland has confirmed a boulder containing an extraordinary concentration of dinosaur footprints in Australia, dating back to the Early Jurassic period. This significant finding includes 66 fossilized footprints from 47 individual dinosaurs, offering a rare glimpse into their movement and behavior during a time when no bones have been discovered in that region. This discovery enriches our understanding of prehistoric life in Australia.	University of Queensland	Historical Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A University of Queensland researcher has confirmed a boulder at a regional school contains one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur footprints per square metre ever documented in Australia. -- Dr Anthony Romilio from UQ's Dinosaur Lab has identified 66 fossilised footprints left in the Callide Basin in Central Queensland during the Early Jurassic period, around 200 million years ago. -- "The footprints are from 47 individual dinosaurs which passed across a patch of wet, white clay, possibly walking along or crossing a waterway," Dr Romilio said. -- "It's an unprecedented snapshot of dinosaur abundance, movement and behaviour from a time when no fossilised dinosaur bones have been found in Australia. -- "Each footprint has 3 toes, indicating they belong to the ichnospecies Anomoepus scambus. -- "These dinosaurs were small, with legs ranging from 15 -- 50 cm in length and when they left these marks, they were travelling less than 6 km/hr. -- "Evidence from skeletal fossils overseas tells us dinosaurs with feet like these were plant eaters with long legs, a chunky body, short arms, and a small head with a beak." -- The remarkable rock was uncovered 20 years ago at Callide Mine near Biloela and given to the local high school. -- Its significance remained unknown until Dr Romilio's previous work on nearby Mount Morgan footprints prompted the community to contact him. -- "Significant fossils like this can sit unnoticed for years, even in plain sight," Dr Romilio said.	H01 H02 C01 T01	2,114
2512-T004	New Discoveries In Nuclear Physics: Muonic Atoms Open Up Research Opportunities	A team at the University of Queensland has advanced muonic atom research by demonstrating that nuclear polarization does not hinder studies of these atoms. This discovery paves the way for new nuclear physics experiments, providing deeper insights into the magnetic structure of atomic nuclei.	University of Queensland	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Queensland researchers have made a breakthrough in muonic atom research, clearing the way for new nuclear physics experiments. -- A team at the UQ School of Mathematics and Physics has combined theory and experiments to show that nuclear polarisation does not limit studies of muonic atoms. -- Co-author Dr Odile Smits said the finding provides a clear path for using muonic atoms to better understand the magnetic structure of the nucleus. -- "Muonic atoms are really fascinating!" Dr Smits said. -- "A muon is a heavy version of the electron and can be produced by cosmic rays or in the lab. -- "They can orbit the nucleus just like electrons, forming muonic atoms, but because they are much closer to the nucleus, they see its structure in far greater detail." -- Experiments using muonic atoms have been hindered by uncertainty over how nuclear polarisation affects hyperfine structure, which is a small energy splitting within atoms. -- Nuclear polarisation distorts the shape of the nucleus, in a similar way to how the moon creates tides on Earth. -- "Our work has shown that the nuclear polarisation effect in muonic atoms is far smaller than previously considered," Dr Smits said. -- The team was led by UQ's Associate Professor Jacinda Ginges who said the breakthrough removed a major barrier to studying muonic atoms.	Z01	2,115
2513-E046	Machine Learning Sheds Light On Complex Timeline Of Bacterial Evolution	Scientists have developed a comprehensive timeline for bacterial evolution, suggesting that some bacteria utilized oxygen long before they evolved the ability to produce it via photosynthesis. This collaborative study, led by various institutions, focuses on the responses of microorganisms to the Great Oxygenation Event, enhancing our understanding of early life on Earth and revealing chemical evidence of bacterial activity from ancient geological records.	University of Queensland	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Queensland scientists have helped to construct a detailed timeline for bacterial evolution, suggesting some bacteria used oxygen long before evolving the ability to produce it through photosynthesis. -- The multinational collaboration -- led by researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, the University of Bristol, Queensland University of Technology and UQ -- focused on how microorganisms responded to the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) about 2.33 billion years ago, which changed Earth's atmosphere from mostly devoid of oxygen to one that allows humans to breathe. -- Professor Phil Hugenholtz from UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences said establishing accurate timescales for how bacteria evolved before, during and after the GOE had been difficult until now, because of incomplete fossil evidence. -- "Most microbial life leaves no direct fossil record, which means that fossils are missing from the majority of life's history on Earth," Professor Hugenholtz said. -- "But we know ancient rocks hold chemical clues of how bacteria lived and fed, and we were able to address the gaps by concurrently analysing geological and genomic records. -- "The key innovation was using the GOE as a time boundary, assuming that most aerobic branches of bacteria are unlikely to be older than this event unless fossil or genetic signals suggested otherwise." -- The team first estimated which genes were present in ancestral genomes. -- They then used machine learning to predict whether or not each ancestor used oxygen to live. -- To best utilise fossil records, the researchers included genes from mitochondria (related to alphaproteobacteria) and chloroplasts (related to cyanobacteria), which allowed them to use data from early complex cells to better estimate when events happened. -- "Results show that at least 3 aerobic lineages appeared before the GOE -- by nearly 900 million years -- suggesting that a capacity for using oxygen evolved well before its widespread accumulation in the atmosphere," Professor Hugenholtz said.	A01 C01	2,116
2504-E045	Unprecedented Ocean Temperatures Explained By Recent Study Findings	A study reveals that ocean warming has accelerated dramatically in recent decades, explaining the unprecedented ocean temperatures observed in early 2024. Highlighting the urgent need for climate action, the research illustrates how rapidly increasing temperatures necessitate significant reductions in carbon emissions to mitigate the warming and its associated impacts on marine ecosystems.	University of Reading	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	The rate of ocean warming has more than quadrupled over the past four decades, a new study has shown. -- Ocean temperatures were rising at about 0.06 degrees Celsius per decade in the late 1980s, but are now increasing at 0.27 degrees Celsius per decade. -- Published today (Tuesday, 28 January 2025) in Environmental Research Letters, the study helps explain why 2023 and early 2024 saw unprecedented ocean temperatures. -- Professor Chris Merchant, lead author at the University of Reading, said: "If the oceans were a bathtub of water, then in the 1980s, the hot tap was running slowly, warming up the water by just a fraction of a degree each decade. But now the hot tap is running much faster, and the warming has picked up speed. The way to slow down that warming is to start closing off the hot tap, by cutting global carbon emissions and moving towards net-zero." -- Energy imbalance -- This accelerating ocean warming is driven by the Earth's growing energy imbalance -- whereby more energy from the Sun is being absorbed in the Earth system than is escaping back to space. -- This imbalance has roughly doubled since 2010, in part due to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, and because the Earth is now reflecting less sunlight to space than before. -- Global ocean temperatures hit record highs for 450 days straight in 2023 and early 2024. -- Some of this warmth came from El Niño, a natural warming event in the Pacific. -- When scientists compared it to a similar El Niño in 2015-16, they found that the rest of the record warmth is explained by the sea surface warming up faster in the past 10 years than in earlier decades.	C01	2,117
2505-T027	Enceladus’ Alien Ocean May Conceal Evidence Of Deep-Sea Life	A study on Saturn's moon Enceladus reveals that the physics of its ocean could hinder the detection of deep-sea life. Researchers found that distinct layers within the ocean slow the movement of materials from the seabed to the surface, which may lead to degradation or transformation of biological signatures, posing challenges for future exploration aimed at finding extraterrestrial life.	University of Reading	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Fool me once, shame on you. Fool myself, and I may end up feeling smarter, according to a new study led by Sara Dommer, assistant professor of marketing at Penn State. -- Dommer wondered why people cheat on tasks like completing crossword puzzles or Wordle and counting calories when the rewards are purely intrinsic, like feeling smarter or healthier. -- She found that when cheating offers the opportunity to improve self-perception, individuals engage in diagnostic self-deception -- that is, they cheat yet deceive themselves by attributing their heightened performance to their innate ability instead of the cheating. -- She published her findings in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. -- "I found that people do cheat when there are no extrinsic incentives like money or prizes but intrinsic rewards, like feeling better about yourself," Dommer said. -- "For this to work, it has to happen via diagnostic self-deception, meaning that I have to convince myself that I am actually not cheating. Doing so allows me to feel smarter, more accomplished or healthier." -- Dommer conducted four studies to determine if people will cheat when rewards are solely intrinsic and what drives the feeling of accomplishment despite the cheating. -- In the first study, 288 undergraduate students received menu information about three days' worth of meals -- like three pancakes with butter -- and were tasked with entering calorie information into a food-tracking app. -- The students were divided into two groups, with one group receiving additional calorie counts accompanying the meal descriptions. -- The app listed five potential calorie options for each food entered.	C01 T01	2,118
2507-010	New Blood Test In Development For Timely Heart Attack Prevention	A groundbreaking test called the TRIPLE Score aims to help doctors identify patients most likely to benefit from preventive blood-thinning medications. By measuring specific proteins in platelets and considering patient age, the test could revolutionize the approach to preventing heart attacks and strokes, though it is still in development for point-of-care use.	University of Reading	University of Reading	Press Rel	PubMed	A simple scoring system could revolutionise how doctors prevent heart attacks and strokes by identifying patients most likely to benefit from preventive medications, according to a new study. -- The breakthrough test, called the TRIPLE Score, measures specific proteins on blood platelets along with the patient's age to help doctors make more informed decisions about prescribing blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel. -- Currently, blood-thinning drugs are only given to patients who have already had a heart attack or stroke because these medications can cause serious bleeding in some people. -- Without a reliable way to predict who might benefit versus who might be harmed, doctors have been unable to prescribe these potentially life-saving drugs preventively to at-risk patients. -- The test, which is not yet widely available, is being developed so that it can eventually be used at the point-of-care. -- This will then be implemented in patient studies to verify that the test can improve their care. -- Dr Alexander Bye, lead author of the research at the University of Reading, said: "Around 100,000 heart attacks occur each year in the UK, despite significant progress in preventing them. We must think of smarter ways to use drugs like aspirin if we are going to bring this number down. Our new test will help doctors make sure that patients receive the best treatment and keep their quality of life. Next, we aim to make the test even easier to use by developing a finger prick test, so that it as simple as measuring blood glucose." -- Saving lives and saving money -- Published this month in Circulation Research, the study team found that their new scoring system successfully identified patients whose blood was more likely to form clots in laboratory tests. -- The results also aligned with existing risk scores that doctors use to predict a patient's likelihood of having a heart attack in the next 10 years.	H01 R01	2,119
2508-033	Larger Animals Show Increased Cancer Rates Defying Longstanding Beliefs	A groundbreaking study has shown that larger animal species, like elephants and giraffes, have higher rates of both benign and malignant tumors, challenging the long-held belief known as "Peto's paradox." This research provides new insights into cancer susceptibility across different species, suggesting a link between size and cancer prevalence.	University of Reading	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Elephants, giraffes, pythons and other large species have higher cancer rates than smaller ones like mice, bats, and frogs, a new study has shown, overturning a 45-year-old belief about cancer in the animal kingdom. -- The research, conducted by researchers from the University of Reading, University College London and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, examined cancer data from 263 species across four major animal groups -- amphibians, birds, mammals and reptiles. The findings challenge "Peto's paradox," a longstanding idea based on observations from 1977 that suggested there was no link between an animal's size and its cancer risk. -- The study, published today (Monday, 24 February) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), revealed that bigger animals consistently show higher prevalence of both benign and malignant tumours. The researchers also discovered that species which evolved to be larger more rapidly, like elephants, developed better natural defences against cancer. -- Professor Chris Venditti, senior author of the research at the University of Reading, said: "Everyone knows the myth that elephants are afraid of mice, but when it comes to cancer risk, mice are the ones who have less to fear. We've shown that larger species like elephants do face higher cancer rates -- exactly what you'd expect given they have so many more cells that could go wrong." -- Keeping cancer in check -- The study involved the analysis of the largest dataset of its kind to date. The researchers studied cancer records from veterinary autopsies of 31 amphibians, 79 birds, 90 mammals, and 63 reptiles. They used advanced statistical methods to analyse how cancer rates related to body size while accounting for how different species evolved. -- Birds and mammals (which stop growing at a set size) and amphibians and reptiles (which can grow throughout their lives) were observed separately. Despite these differences in growth patterns, both groups showed the same overall trend -- larger species had higher cancer rates. However, the study shows species that rapidly evolved to large sizes over short evolutionary timescales, like elephants, evolved improved mechanisms to control cell growth and prevent tumours. An elephant, for instance, has about the same cancer risk as a tiger -- an animal just one-tenth its size. -- Dr Joanna Baker, co-author from the University of Reading, added: "When species needed to grow larger, they also evolved remarkable defences against cancer. Elephants shouldn't fear their size -- they developed sophisticated biological tools to keep cancer in check. It's a beautiful example of how evolution finds solutions to complex challenges." -- Modern medicine makes it difficult to know exactly how humans fit this size-cancer pattern. The research shows a general trend where larger species have higher cancer rates, but also reveals how some species evolved better cancer defences as they grew larger. Overall, the findings support the idea that superior mechanisms of cellular defence -- such as improved control of cell growth -- have evolved at specific points in time and in larger species. This opens the door to new approaches to understanding the mechanisms responsible for cancer, potentially providing novel insight into human disease -- and its treatment. -- Budgies vs naked mole rats	R01 N01	2,120
2510-E042	Ocean Cloudiness Decline Contributes To Accelerating Climate Change	Research indicates that cloudy areas over oceans are reflecting less sunlight back into space, contributing to accelerated global warming. Published in Environmental Research Letters, the study identifies regions where this "dimming effect" is observed, including off the coasts of California and Antarctica. Scientists are investigating whether this phenomenon is due to changes in cloud properties or a reduction in air pollution, both of which have significant implications for understanding climate change dynamics.	University of Reading	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Earth is absorbing more sunlight and trapping more heat than it releases into space, causing our planet to warm up at an increasing rate. -- New research shows that cloudy areas over oceans are reflecting less sunlight to space than before, adding to heating from rising greenhouse gas levels and causing climate change to accelerate. -- The study, published today (Tuesday, 11 March) in Environmental Research Letters, found this dimming effect was occurring in several regions, including cloudy areas off the coasts of California and Namibia, but also at the fringes of Antarctica where recent significant melting of sea ice can also explain more absorption of sunlight by the oceans. -- Professor Richard Allan, lead author of the study at the University of Reading, said: "Think of Earth as a mirror reflecting sunlight back to space. Over time, that mirror is getting dirtier, particularly over our oceans where clouds are changing. This means more solar energy is being absorbed rather than reflected, adding to the heating caused by greenhouse gas emissions. An important puzzle to solve is, are the clouds melting away as temperatures rise like a mirror steaming up? Or is declining air pollution that artificially brightened the mirror like a cleaning spray now wearing off? We need to find out which explanation is causing clouds to become less shiny to understand how much global warming will occur and how fast. The remarkable global dimming helps explain why we saw such unprecedented warming in 2023." -- Air pollution impacts -- The researchers examined the warming that occurred in 2022 to 2023 and discovered the ocean surface warmed even more rapidly than could be explained by the increased energy absorption alone. -- This led them to the conclusion that either the heat was concentrated in a shallower layer of ocean than normal, or extra heat stored in deeper ocean layers was returning to the surface. -- The second explanation aligns with the development of El Niño conditions in 2023, when warm water from ocean depths rose to the surface in the Pacific. -- The study also found that eastern China is reflecting less sunlight than expected, likely due to successful efforts to reduce air pollution. This finding is significant because while reducing air pollution improves public health, cleaner air also allows more sunlight to pass through the atmosphere and clouds to reach Earth's surface, adding to the warming from increases in heat-trapping greenhouse gases. The research suggests that these reductions in aerosol particles over China could be influencing climate patterns beyond its borders, potentially affecting cloudiness and temperature patterns over the north Pacific region through atmospheric wind patterns.	C01	2,121
2511-E039	Research Sheds Light On Extreme Weather Patterns	A collaboration among the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation and various universities has introduced innovative methods to extend beyond conventional weather records, which typically encompass only the last century. Their research utilizes natural archives like tree rings and historical documents to uncover centuries of climate data, enabling communities to better anticipate extreme weather events. This study emphasizes the potential of historical climate indicators in understanding past environmental extremes and informs future climate resilience strategies.	University of Reading	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Helping communities predict extreme weather events that have never been recorded in modern history is the focus of a new study published in Nature Communications. -- A team from the Climate Adaptation Services Foundation, the University of Reading and other international institutions has brought together methods to see beyond the limitations of conventional weather records, which typically only cover the last century. -- The study reveals how, for example, nature's own archives -- like tree rings -- combined with forgotten historical documents can unlock centuries of climate data that modern instruments have missed. -- Lead author Timo Kelder said: "We've been limited by thinking extreme weather is only as bad as what we've measured since weather stations were invented. But our research shows we can use weather models to look back hundreds or even thousands of years to discover what's truly possible in our climate system." -- A toolkit for scientists and practitioners -- The researchers identified four approaches that together create a more complete picture of possible extreme weather: -- ● Analysing conventional records -- ● Studying historical and natural archives like tree rings -- ● Creating "what-if" scenarios based on past events -- ● Using climate models to simulate physically possible extremes	A01 H02 N01 N02 T01	2,122
2513-T030	Solar Event From 2017 Warms Jupiter's Magnetosphere Significantly	A solar wind event from 2017 has been documented as compressing Jupiter's magnetosphere, creating an exceptionally hot region spanning half the planet. This unprecedented discovery highlights the planet's atmospheric response to solar wind, with temperatures exceeding 500°C. The findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, provide new insights into Jupiter's atmospheric dynamics and the frequency of solar wind impacts on the planet.	University of Reading	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A massive wave of solar wind that squished Jupiter's protective bubble has been detected for the first time. -- Scientists at the University of Reading have discovered a solar wind event from 2017 that hit Jupiter and compressed its magnetosphere -- a protective bubble created by a planet's magnetic field. -- This created a hot region spanning half Jupiter's circumference and exhibiting temperatures exceeding 500°C -- significantly higher than the typical 350°C atmospheric background temperature. -- A new study published today (Thursday, 3 April) in Geophysical Research Letters, describes for the first time a solar burst that scientists now believe hits Jupiter 2-3 times a month. -- Dr James O'Donoghue, lead author of the research at the University of Reading, said: "We have never captured Jupiter's response to solar wind before -- and the way it changed the planet's atmosphere was very unexpected. This is the first time we've ever seen a thing like this on any outer world. -- "The solar wind squished Jupiter's magnetic shield like a giant squash ball. This created a super-hot region that spans half the planet. Jupiter's diameter is 11 times larger than Earth's, meaning this heated region is enormous. -- "We've studied Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus in increasing detail over the past decade. These giant planets are not as resistant to the Sun's influence as we thought -- they're vulnerable, like Earth. Jupiter acts like a laboratory, allowing us to study how the Sun affects planets in general. By watching what happens there, we can better predict and understand the effects of solar storms which might disrupt GPS, communications, and power grids on Earth." -- Different impacts for big planets -- By combining ground-based observations from the Keck telescope with data from NASA's Juno spacecraft and solar wind modelling, the researchers determined that a dense region of solar wind had compressed Jupiter's enormous magnetosphere shortly before the observations began. -- This compression appears to have intensified auroral heating at Jupiter's poles, causing the upper atmosphere to expand and spill hot gas toward the equator.	C01	2,123
2509-E006	Surprising Insights Into Mammalian Daily Activity Patterns	A research team, based at the University of Rhode Island, has analyzed daily mammalian activity through a comprehensive dataset derived from camera traps across the globe. This initiative aims to better understand animal behavior in relation to environmental changes, with the Global Animal Diel Activity Project uncovering unique patterns in the daily habits of over 445 species. The project seeks to enhance conservation efforts by providing critical insights into how animals adapt their behaviors based on time of day.	University of Rhode Island	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Animal antics have captured public attention and viral views across the U.S. in the last few years with the advent of mini cameras that capture the movements of animals in front yards nationwide, from bear to deer. -- A University of Rhode Island-based group has taken the camera concept one step further and then some, generating a massive dataset of animal images, not for entertainment, but for science. -- When the Global Animal Diel Activity Project results were analyzed, researchers made some unique discoveries. -- Put together, researchers across the country and around the world generated a more focused picture of animal habits at various times of day. -- The team created a camera trap dataset from 20,080 camera sites across 38 countries in six continents. -- They gathered and analyzed data on more than 400 mammal species, representing one of the largest camera trap datasets in existence. -- Together, they leveraged 8.9 million observations to create an enormous library of standardized activity estimates, finding that less than half of the estimates for the species studied were in agreement with their diel classifications in common reference literature. -- Brian Gerber, a University of Rhode Island research ecologist now with the U.S. Geological Survey at Colorado State University, and Kadambari Devarajan, URI research fellow and affiliate through 2024, led the project team of over 200 collaborators that recently published their findings in Science Advances. Gerber was the project's principal investigator along with Devarajan, an engineer-turned-ecologist and National Geographic Explorer now based in Mumbai, India. -- What's the diel? -- The idea for the study germinated 18 years ago when Gerber was in Madagascar studying the fossa there for his master's degree, and saw how much variation there was when they were active.	N01	2,124
2505-125	Honest Communication In Relationships Leads To Greater Well-being	A study involving over 200 couples indicates that honesty about personal desires for change can enhance both individual and relationship well-being. Led by Bonnie Le at the University of Rochester, the research explores the complex dynamics of communication in romantic partnerships, suggesting that being truthful—even in sensitive situations—can strengthen relationships and foster deeper connections, contrary to concerns about potential conflicts arising from honesty.	University of Rochester	Social Psychological and Personality Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Nearly every disease has an inflammatory component, but blood tests can't pinpoint inflammation in specific organs or tissues in the human body. -- Now researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to detect inflammation using antibodies, potentially leading to blood tests for disease-specific biomarkers such as for heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and various cancers. -- Their breakthrough also holds promise for drug discovery. -- "This research opens up an amazing number of pathways for future studies," said Greg Tochtrop, professor of chemistry at Case Western Reserve. -- "It will lead directly to better understanding inflammation and detecting diseases, as well as to discovering new drugs." -- The research, which Tochtrop led, is published today in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). -- Inflammation leaves a trace -- Tochtrop discovered that certain compounds formed from the interaction with reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- highly reactive oxygen-containing chemicals that can damage DNA, proteins and lipids -- react in a very unique way allowing detection using antibodies. -- During inflammation, immune cells produce ROS to kill bacteria and other pathogens. -- ROS can also be generated by exposure to environmental factors like ultraviolet light, pollution, radiation and smoking.	Z01	2,125
2505-E019	How Atmospheric Winds Shape Ocean Weather Patterns: New Research Insights	A new study from the University of Rochester utilizes satellite imagery and high-resolution climate models to challenge existing theories about atmospheric winds and ocean eddies. Contrary to previous beliefs that wind dampens ocean currents, researchers propose that winds can energize eddies depending on their direction, revealing complex interactions that influence ocean weather patterns and showcasing how atmospheric conditions can enhance ocean dynamics.	University of Rochester	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The risk of being admitted to the hospital with heart disease is twice as high the year after birth for mothers of twins compared to singleton births, according to research published in the European Heart Journal [1] today (Monday). The risk is even higher in mothers of twins who had a high blood pressure condition during pregnancy. -- The research was led by Professor Cande Ananth from the Department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Jersey, USA. -- He said: "The rate of twin pregnancies worldwide has risen in recent decades, driven by fertility treatments and older maternal ages. Previous studies have shown no long-term increased risk of cardiovascular disease when following people with twin pregnancies for decades after delivery. However, this is counterintuitive to what we observe clinically when caring for patients with twin pregnancies. -- "Given the unacceptably high rate of maternal mortality in the first year after birth due to cardiovascular disease, we wanted to examine whether twin pregnancies increase this risk." -- The researchers studied data on 36 million hospital deliveries taken from the US Nationwide Readmissions Database of US hospitals from 2010 to 2020. They divided pregnant patients into four groups: those who had twins but normal blood pressure during pregnancy, those who had twins and hypertensive disease of pregnancy (high blood pressure conditions), those who had singleton pregnancies with normal blood pressure, and those who had singleton pregnancies with hypertensive disease of pregnancy. -- Hypertensive disease of pregnancy includes gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and superimposed pre-eclampsia. -- For each group, researchers calculated the proportion of patients who were readmitted to the hospital within a year of childbirth with any type of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. -- Researchers found that the proportion of readmissions for cardiovascular disease within a year of giving birth was higher overall for those with twins (1,105.4 per 100,000 deliveries) than singleton pregnancies (734.1 per 100,000 deliveries). -- Compared to singleton pregnancies with normal blood pressure, people with twins with normal blood pressure were around twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease. For those with twins with high blood pressure during pregnancy, the risk is more than eight times higher. -- However, one year after birth, deaths from any cause, including heart disease, were higher among patients with singleton pregnancies who had high blood pressure conditions compared to patients with twins with high blood pressure conditions. This suggests that the risk to mothers of twins decreases in the longer term, while the mothers of singletons may have other pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.	C01 T01	2,126
2511-T020	Twisting 2D Materials Creates Artificial Atoms: Advances In Quantum Computing	Researchers at the University of Rochester have discovered that layering two-dimensional materials at large angles creates excitons, functioning as artificial atoms with unique optical properties. This advancement paves the way for potential applications in quantum computing, enhancing our understanding of quantum information processing and material science.	University of Rochester	Nano Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	By taking two flakes of special materials that are just one atom thick and twisting them at high angles, researchers at the University of Rochester have unlocked unique optical properties that could be used in quantum computers and other quantum technologies. In a new study published in Nano Letters, the researchers show that precisely layering nano-thin materials creates excitons -- essentially, artificial atoms -- that can act as quantum information bits, or qubits. -- "If we had just a single layer of this material we're using, these dark excitons wouldn't interact with light," says Nickolas Vamivakas, the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics. -- "By doing the big twist, it turns on artificial atoms within the material that we can control optically, but they are still protected from the environment." -- Moiré is less -- The work builds on the 2010 Nobel Prize-winning discovery that peeling carbon apart until it reaches a single layer of atoms creates a new two-dimensional (2D) material called graphene with special quantum characteristics. -- Scientists have since explored how optical and electrical properties of graphene and other 2D materials change when layered on top of one another and twisted at very small angles -- called moiré superlattices. -- For example, when graphene is twisted at the "magic" angle of 1.1 degrees, it creates special patterns that produce properties such as superconductivity. -- But scientists from Rochester's Institute of Optics and Department of Physics and Astronomy took a different approach. -- They used molybdenum diselenide, a 2D material that is more fickle than graphene, and twisted it at much higher angles of up to 40 degrees. -- Still, the researchers found the twisted monolayers produced excitons that were able to retain information when activated by light.	A01 T01	2,127
2503-020	Understanding Microglia: Gender Differences In Brain Immune Cells Explored	Researchers have found that microglia, the brain's immune cells, function differently in males and females, which may significantly affect how neurological diseases are studied and treated. This discovery emphasizes the need to consider sex differences in future research to better understand and address neurodegenerative conditions.	University of Rochester Medical Center	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A collision happens. Someone is hurt, a head injury, a concussion. Just as the first responders arrive to help the person, inside the brain, another "crew" of responders is busy clearing debris and repairing injured tissue. -- This crew is called the microglia -- the immune cells of the central nervous system. -- Microglia are imperative to maintaining neuronal function by clearing toxins in the brain and central nervous system. -- But if they are overactive, they can damage neurons instead and, in some cases, have been found to promote the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. -- During development, there are known sex-related differences in how microglia function. -- But into adulthood, there was thought to be less variation in how they behave. -- New research from the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester finds that microglia function may not be as similar across sex as once thought. -- This discovery could have broad implications for how diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are approached and studied, and points to the necessity of having gender specific research. -- It is already known that more women are diagnosed with Alzheimer's and more men are diagnosed with Parkinson's but it's unclear as to why. -- "It is a fortuitous finding that has repercussions for what people are doing in the field, but also helps us understand microglia biology in a way that people may not have been expecting," said Ania Majewska, PhD, professor of Neuroscience and the senior author of a study out today in Cell Reports that shows how microglia respond differently in adult male versus female mice when given an enzyme inhibitor to block its microglia survival receptor.	R02	2,128
2503-077	Biotin's Potential To Mitigate Manganese Neurotoxicity Offers Hope For Parkinson’s-Like Symptoms	New research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals the protective effects of biotin against manganese neurotoxicity, which mimics Parkinson's disease symptoms. By studying the mechanisms of manganese damage in nerve cells, the findings suggest that biotin may mitigate neurodegeneration, offering a potential therapeutic pathway for conditions related to neurotoxic metal exposure.	University of Rochester Medical Center	Science Signaling	Press Rel	PubMed	While manganese is an essential mineral involved in many bodily functions, both deficiency and excessive exposure can cause health issues. Maintaining a balanced diet typically provides sufficient manganese for most individuals; however, high levels of exposure can be toxic, particularly to the central nervous system. Chronic manganese exposure may result in a condition known as manganism, characterized by symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease, including tremors, muscle stiffness, and cognitive disturbances. -- New research published in Science Signaling employs model systems and human nerve cells to show the mechanisms by which manganese inflicts damage to the central nervous system. -- The study also suggests that the vitamin biotin may have a protective effect, potentially mitigating manganese-induced damage. -- "Exposure to neurotoxic metals like manganese has been linked to the development of Parkinsonism," said Sarkar Souvarish, PhD, an assistant professorat the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Departments of Environmental Medicine and Neuroscience and lead author of the study. -- "In this study, we applied untargeted metabolomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry and advanced cheminformatics computing in a newly developed model of parkinsonism, leading us to the discovery of biotin metabolism as a modifier in manganese-induced neurodegeneration." -- Understanding manganese's damage to the brain -- Chronic occupational and environmental exposure to manganese, commonly from welding fumes and some sources of rural drinking water, increases the risk of Parkinsonian syndrome, which involves similar but distinct neurological symptoms from Parkinson's disease. -- Manganese has been previously shown to bind with the protein alpha-synuclein, causing it to misfold and accumulate in the brain. -- Using the fruit fly Drosophila, researchers developed a model that mimics occupational manganese exposure in humans and found that manganese induced motor deficits, mitochondrial and lysosomal dysfunction, neuronal loss, and reduced lifespan in flies. -- The team validated these findings using human dopaminergic neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and demonstrated that manganese exposure selectively damages these cells.	H01 R02	2,129
2513-026	AI Mental Health Apps Present Ethical Challenges For Child Use In Care Systems	Access to mental health care in the U.S. is becoming increasingly difficult due to inadequate insurance coverage and a shortage of professionals. Artificial intelligence (AI) mental health apps are emerging as a potential solution, offering accessible support. However, ethical concerns arise regarding their regulation and effectiveness, particularly in addressing the needs of children, prompting a critical discussion on their role in mental health treatment.	University of Rochester Medical Center	The Journal of Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Mental health care can be difficult to access in the U.S. Insurance coverage is spotty and there aren't enough mental health professionals to cover the nation's need, leading to long waits and costly care. -- Enter artificial intelligence (AI). -- AI mental health apps, ranging from mood trackers to chatbots that mimic human therapists, are proliferating on the market. -- While they may offer a cheap and accessible way to fill the gaps in our system, there are ethical concerns about overreliance on AI for mental health care -- especially for children. -- Most AI mental health apps are unregulated and designed for adults, but there's a growing conversation about using them with children. -- Bryanna Moore, PhD, assistant professor of Health Humanities and Bioethics at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), wants to make sure these conversations include ethical considerations. -- "No one is talking about what is different about kids -- how their minds work, how they're embedded within their family unit, how their decision making is different," says Moore, who shared these concerns in a recent commentary in the Journal of Pediatrics. "Children are particularly vulnerable. Their social, emotional, and cognitive development is just at a different stage than adults." -- In fact, AI mental health chatbots could impair children's social development. -- Evidence shows that children believe robots have "moral standing and mental life," which raises concerns that children -- especially young ones -- could become attached to chatbots at the expense of building healthy relationships with people. -- A child's social context -- their relationships with family and peers -- is integral to their mental health.	H01 T01	2,130
2502-075	Study Reveals ART Pregnancies May Have Higher Risk Of Birth Defects Than Natural	An Australian study has identified that pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may face higher risks of birth defects due to exposure to teratogenic medications during early pregnancy. The study analyzed over 57,000 pregnancies and highlights the need for careful assessment of medication use in ART, particularly for teratogenic drugs, to mitigate potential fetal harm during critical developmental stages.	University of South Australia	Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new Australian study has revealed a potential reason why some pregnancies achieved through assisted reproductive technology (ART) may result in birth defects in comparison to naturally conceived pregnancies. -- Researchers found that in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) pregnancies had the highest exposure to teratogenic medicines that potentially can harm the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy. -- These are listed as Category D and X medicines by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). -- The risk associated with the use of Category D medicines in pregnancy may be outweighed by the clinical benefit in individual cases such as management of mental health disorders or epilepsy. Category X medicines on the other hand are strongly discouraged during pregnancy due to the high risk of fetal harm. -- Researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA), The University of Western Australia (UWA) and The Kids Research Institute Australia analysed more than 57,000 pregnancies in four conception groups over a two-year period. The groups comprised women using ART (2041); those taking medication to induce ovulation (590); untreated sub-fertile women (2063); and naturally fertile pregnancies (52,987). -- ART pregnancies had the highest exposure to Category D medications taken in the first trimester. -- The study found that 4.9% of the ART pregnancies were exposed, compared to only 0.6% of naturally conceived pregnancies. -- In later trimesters, the trend persisted, with 3.4% of ART pregnancies exposed to Category D medications versus 0.6% of naturally conceived pregnancies. -- Exposure to Category X medications (causing the most harm during pregnancy) was low across all groups and trimesters, at less than 0.5% of pregnancies. -- "These differences in exposure are primarily linked to medications used as additional treatment following ART to prevent repeat miscarriages or failed implantation, rather than medications to treat underlying chronic conditions," says UniSA researcher Dr Anna Kemp-Casey, who led the study.	H01 N02	2,131
2503-071	New Research Shows Forming Healthy Habits Takes Longer Than 21 Days To Establish	A study from the University of South Australia highlights the challenges of establishing healthy habits, revealing that while some habits can start forming within two months, complete establishment may take up to 335 days. This insight is vital in addressing chronic diseases in Australia, advocating for tailored health interventions to support lasting behavioral changes.	University of South Australia	Healthcare	Press Rel	PubMed	We're nearly one month into 2025, but if you're struggling to hold onto your New Year's resolution, stay strong, as University of South Australia research shows that forming a healthy habit can take longer than you expect. -- In the first systematic review of its kind, UniSA researchers found that new habits can begin forming within about two months (median of 59-66 days) but can take up to 335 days to establish. -- It's an important finding that could inform health interventions to promote healthy behaviours and prevent chronic disease. -- In Australia, chronic disease contributes to a large portion of the disease burden. -- Many conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, lung diseases and stroke, can be prevented by changing unhealthy habits or lifestyle factors. -- University of South Australia researcher, Dr Ben Singh, says that contrary to popular belief, healthy habits take far longer than three weeks to lock down. -- "Adopting healthy habits is essential for long-term well-being but forming these habits -- and breaking unhealthy ones -- can be challenging," Dr Singh says. -- "At the beginning of the year, many of us are setting goals and making plans for the months ahead -things like being more active, cutting back on sugar, or making healthier food choices -- but while common wisdom suggests that it takes just 21 days to form such habits, these claims are not evidence-based. -- "In our research, we've found that habit formation starts within around two months, but there is significant variability, with formation times ranging from four days to nearly a year. -- "So, it's important for people who are hoping to make healthier habits not to give up at that mythical three-week mark."	H01 R01	2,132
2505-005	Cold-Water Immersion: A Potential Boost For Our Health And Wellbeing	A systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that cold-water immersion can lower stress, enhance sleep quality, and improve overall well-being. Researchers analyzed data from 11 studies involving over 3,000 participants to assess the health benefits of this practice, which is gaining popularity among athletes and wellness advocates. The findings highlight the nuanced effects of cold-water immersion on health, challenging existing notions and prompting further investigation into its implications for the general population.	University of South Australia	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	A study by Aston University researchers suggests that a computer-generated breathing coach could be as effective as sessions with a human trainer. -- A breathwork trainer guides individuals through various breathing techniques to improve their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. However, a new research paper indicates that individuals would be as comfortable being guided by an on-screen virtual reality (VR) coach as by a trained professional. -- The Covid-19 pandemic affected a huge number of people worldwide not just because of respiratory infections but also by causing long-term anxiety and depression. While there are several medications for treating both the physiological and psychological effects, one of the simplest and most widely used treatments is the use of breathing exercises. However, the services of trained coaches often have to be paid for and individuals may have to pay for and find the time to travel to appointments. -- The researchers wanted to investigate both the perception of the virtual coach and evaluate its usability as an alternative to training provided by a human. They developed an online system where a virtual coach guides the user's breathing through a set of established exercises that can be done at home. The VR instructor which appears on screen was given a human appearance and voice and displayed breathing movements of the chest and head. It guided the users through a breathing cycle of inhale, hold breath, exhale and hold breath. -- Twenty volunteers took part and were given a questionnaire afterwards. The results showed that around 73% found the virtual version likeable and trustworthy, 76% found it easy to use and 60% were interested in using it in the future. -- The study 'Usability, acceptance, and the role of realism in virtual humans for breathing exercise training' is published in Scientific Reports and was led by Dr Ulysses Bernardet, lecturer in computer science. He said: "Although the virtual human-to-human interaction experience provided by our system is not on par with the naturalistic human-to-human interaction, the results indicate that people are willing to replace a real human coach with a virtual coach. -- "People are concerned about the accessibility to healthcare due to its high cost and unavailability of trained experts, and the worsening of their health conditions. A large number of people therefore resort to online platforms for help including self-help breathing exercises. Although they are readily available for people to use without any supervision, adhering to such self-help routines over a longer period is often challenging." -- His colleague Professor Aniko Ekart added: "Looking ahead, as virtual humans become increasingly photorealistic, it presents both challenges and substantial potential. Challenges include maintaining consistency in appearance and behaviour, and the ethical considerations in their design and use. The potential lies in achieving human-machine interaction that is as seamless and natural as human-to-human interaction." -- The researchers admit that their desktop system has a limited level of immersion which could affect the level of influence and relaxation that can be achieved. Therefore, as VR equipment is becoming more widely available, they aim to investigate the virtual breathing coach using 3D immersive VR technology in future studies.	H02 R01	2,133
2505-069	Can The Contraceptive Pill Also Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk? New Research Investigates	Recent research from the University of South Australia reveals that the contraceptive pill, commonly known as 'the Pill', has the added benefit of significantly lowering ovarian cancer risk. Women who used the Pill had a 26% reduced risk, increasing to 43% for those who started after age 45. The study also identified biomarkers related to ovarian cancer risk and highlighted that women with two or more children had a 39% reduced risk. These findings could enhance early diagnosis efforts ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.	University of South Australia	International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	A farmer notices an unfamiliar insect on a leaf. -- Is this a pollinator? Or a pest? Good news at harvest time? Or bad? -- Need to be controlled? Or not? -- That farmer can snap a picture, use a smartphone or computer to feed the photo into a web-based application called InsectNet and, with the help of machine learning technology, get back real-time information. -- "The app identifies the insect and returns a prediction of its taxonomic classification and role in the ecosystem as a pest, predator, pollinator, parasitoid, decomposer, herbivore, indicator and invasive species," said a scientific paper describing InsectNet recently published by the journal PNAS Nexus. Iowa State University's Baskar Ganapathysubramanian and Arti Singh are the corresponding authors. -- InsectNet -- which is backed by a dataset of 12 million insect images, including many collected by citizen-scientists -- provides identification and predictions for more than 2,500 insect species at more than 96% accuracy. -- When the application isn't sure about an insect, it says it is uncertain, giving users more confidence when it does provide answers. -- And, because the application was built as a global-to-local model, it can be geographically fine-tuned using expert-verified local and regional datasets. -- That makes it useful to farmers everywhere. -- So, beware, armyworms, cutworms, grasshoppers, stink bugs and all the other harmful insects.	H01 R01 T01	2,134
2507-E012	Can AI Rescue Coral Reefs From Climate Change's Impact?	Australian researchers are developing a global real-time monitoring system to combat coral reef decline due to global warming. By integrating advanced technologies, this collaborative project aims to track coral health and facilitate timely interventions, responding to the alarming rate of reef bleaching around the world.	University of South Australia	University of South Australia	Press Rel	PubMed	Australian researchers are designing a global real-time monitoring system to help save the world's coral reefs from further decline, primarily due to bleaching caused by global warming. -- Coral reefs worldwide are dying at an alarming rate, with 75% of reefs experiencing bleaching-level heat stress in the past two years. -- The World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef (GBR), considered the jewel in the crown of coral reefs worldwide and one of Australia's most significant ecological and tourism assets, has been decimated by severe bleaching events since 2016, exacerbated by ongoing crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks and coastal development. -- A collaborative project led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), with input from Queensland and Victorian researchers, is integrating remote sensing technologies with machine learning, artificial intelligence and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to monitor and hopefully stall the damage to the world's most fragile marine ecosystems. -- A multimodal platform will distil all research data relating to coral reefs, including underwater videos and photographs, satellite images, text files and time-sensor readings, onto a central dashboard for real-time global monitoring. -- UniSA data analyst and lead researcher Dr Abdullahi Chowdhury says that a single centralised model will integrate all factors affecting coral reefs and provide environmental scientists with real-time predictions. -- "At the moment we have separate models that analyse substantial data on reef health -- including bleaching levels, disease incidence, juvenile coral density and reef fish abundance -- but these data sets are not integrated, and they exist in silos," Dr Chowdhury says. -- "Consequently, it is challenging to see the 'big picture' of reef health or to conduct large scale, real-time analyses." -- The researchers say an integrated system will track bleaching severity and trends over time; monitor crown-of-thorns starfish populations and predation risks; detect disease outbreaks and juvenile coral levels; and assess reef fish abundance, diversity, length, and biomass. -- "By centralising all this data in real time, we can generate predictive models that will help conservation efforts, enabling earlier intervention," according to Central Queensland University PhD candidate Musfera Jahan, a GIS data expert.	H02 C01 N01 T01	2,135
2509-010	Problem-Based Learning Enhances Engagement And Creativity In High School Students	Education experts advocate for the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) in high schools as a strategy to boost student engagement and creativity. New research from the University of South Australia indicates that hands-on, community-based projects yield positive learning results, addressing concerning trends in declining school attendance rates and encouraging more students to complete their education.	University of South Australia	International Journal of Technology and Design Education	Press Rel	PubMed	Education experts at the University of South Australia are encouraging schools to consider problem-based learning (PBL) in a move to improve engagement and creativity among high school students. -- The call follows new Productivity Commission data that shows national school attendance rates over the past year have decreased from 88.8% in Year 7 to 84% in Year 10. Government schools are worst hit, with only 73% of public-school students completing year 12, as compared with nearly 80% in 2017. -- New UniSA research demonstrates how hands-on, community-based projects can deliver successful learning outcomes for disengaged students. -- Specifically, the study showed that when students: -- engage in hands-on projects, they are more likely to complete their studies -- feel empowered in their learning, their confidence and motivation improve -- contribute to their communities, they see greater value and meaning to tasks they are engaged in. -- Researchers say the findings present alternative supports to the interventions outlined in the South Australian government's $48 million investment for disengaged high school students. -- Using a problem-based learning model, disengaged Year 13 Design and Technology students researched, planned, and built a playground for a low-income school. -- UniSA's Dr Chris Chimwayange says by linking learning to a real-life challenge, the project demonstrated how their academic content is applied within their community.	A01 R01	2,136
2509-087	Creativity Linked To Academic Success: Thinking Outside The Box Matters	A groundbreaking study establishes a connection between creativity and academic success, suggesting that students who engage in innovative thinking excel in literacy and numeracy. Analyzing data from Australian students, researchers discovered that creativity is a stronger predictor of achievement than traditional academic indicators, highlighting the importance of fostering creative skills in education.	University of South Australia	Thinking Skills and Creativity	Press Rel	PubMed	When 'Elephant' toothpaste erupts from the science lab, history deals up Pokémon playing cards, and math class bakes a batch of chocolate brownies, it might seem like chaos. -- Yet, a groundbreaking study from University of South Australia researchers, shows that creativity plays an essential role in academic success, suggesting that students who think outside the box are more likely to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments. -- It's an important finding, particularly when the most recent National Assessment Program -- Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) data shows that one in three Australian students are behind in their numeracy or literacy skills. -- Examining 637 Australian students' performance in the NAPLAN examinations, researchers found that students who performed well also tended to exhibit higher levels of creativity. -- In fact, creativity was a better predictor of academic achievement than traditional predictors like Grade Point Averages (GPAs) and personality traits such as conscientiousness. -- Specifically, the study showed that higher flexibility in divergent thinking* was associated with stronger NAPLAN literacy outcomes, while higher mathematical creativity -- was associated with stronger NAPLAN numeracy performance. -- UniSA researcher Professor David Cropley says the findings are good news for teachers who strive to engage their students in learning through creativity. -- "More and more we're seeing teachers find unique and interesting ways to spark curiosity among their students," Prof Cropley says. -- "This may be as simple as fostering an open and inquisitive attitude towards new ideas in class, or as in-depth as interactive role play to decipher the latest English text. It's all about thinking broadly, looking at problems from different angles, and being flexible.	Z01	2,137
2510-063	Wellbeing Factors Play A Major Role In Student Academic Performance	A groundbreaking study involving over 215,000 students reveals that dimensions of wellbeing, including emotional health and engagement, significantly influence academic performance beyond standardized test scores. Researchers from the University of South Australia emphasize the intricate relationship between student wellbeing and success, urging educational systems to recognize and prioritize wellbeing as a vital factor in academic achievement.	University of South Australia	Journal of Learning Analytics	Press Rel	PubMed	With Australia's National Assessment Program (NAPLAN) beginning today, new research from the University of South Australia highlights a critical but often overlooked factor in student success -- wellbeing. -- In a world first* study of more than 215,000 students, UniSA researchers found that while standardised tests measure academic skills, different dimensions of wellbeing -- emotional wellbeing, engagement, and learning readiness -- can play a crucial role in performance. -- Specifically, the study found that learning readiness - which includes foundational skills such as perseverance, confidence, and engagement -- was not just a desirable outcome, but a catalyst for academic success. -- UniSA researcher Dr Rebecca Marrone says there is an intricate relationship between student wellbeing and academic achievement. -- "Wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a crucial factor that can shape students' academic success and overall development. Yet, it is often overlooked because education systems tend to focus on standardised academic achievement," Dr Marrone says. -- "In this research we show how wellbeing factors, particularly learning readiness, can influence students' learning and academic performance, especially when under test conditions. -- "When we talk about learning readiness, we mean how prepared a child is to learn, not just academically, but also in their ability to stay focused, to overcome challenges, and believe in their ability to succeed. It's about having good learning habits, and a motivation to learn, which together can help them perform better at school." -- This study draws on data from the South Australian Wellbeing and Engagement Collection (WEC) to assess the impact of student wellbeing and engagement of students in Years 4-10, and their academic achievement in NAPLAN and PAT tests between 2016-2019. -- UniSA's Benjamin Lam says the results show that schools need to shift towards a model that values both student wellbeing and academic achievement as integral components of a holistic education. -- "Student learning is complex, and it is affected by a range of contextual and individual differences," Lam says.	H01 T01	2,138
2511-030	Harsh Judgments Hinder Treatment Seeking For Eating Disorders	A University of South Australia study reveals that individuals with eating disorders face harsher societal judgments compared to those with depression, complicating their path to treatment. The research, which involved 235 participants assessing attitudes toward various eating disorders, highlights the significant stigma, especially surrounding binge eating, despite the prevalence of these disorders. This stigma appears to create barriers for those seeking help and support.	University of South Australia	Journal of Eating Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	New research shows that people with eating disorders are more harshly judged than those suffering from depression, making it much harder for them to seek treatment. -- That's the finding from a new University of South Australia study involving 235 people from the general population comparing attitudes towards binge eating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and depression. -- The study, published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, demonstrates the social stigma surrounding eating disorders, particularly binge eating, which was perceived as the most trivial. -- Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups and asked to fill out a questionnaire that measured levels of stigma associated with their allocated psychological condition. -- Despite one million Australians experiencing an eating disorder, and binge eating accounting for almost half of this number, there is a strong social stigma attached to these conditions, according to lead author Carlye Aird, who was a UniSA Honours student at the time of the study -- "Our findings show that people with eating disorders face significant social stigma, which can make it even harder for them to seek help," Carlye says. -- "Misconceptions that these disorders are self-inflicted or not serious enough to warrant medical attention are incredibly harmful." -- While all three eating disorders were stigmatised more than depression, binge eating was linked to weight-related stereotypes and more harshly perceived. -- Eating disorders (ED) are growing at an alarming rate among young Australians especially, as demonstrated by a 62% increase in ED presentations among children and adolescents between 2018 and 2020. -- Anorexia nervosa (AN) has the highest mortality rate of all psychological disorders, affecting around 30,000 Australians, while approximately 120,000 Australians have bulimia nervosa (BM), according to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration.	H01	2,139
2511-098	Innovative Cannabidiol Formula Enhances Treatment For Epilepsy And Neurodegenerative Diseases	A research team at the University of South Australia has enhanced the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) for treating neurological conditions by developing a phospholipid complex. This innovation significantly increases CBD's solubility and absorption, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes for epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative diseases.	University of South Australia	International Journal of Molecular Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the University of South Australia have come up with an innovative solution to improve the effectiveness of cannabidiol to treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. -- Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is widely prescribed for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but its clinical applications to date have been limited by its poor water solubility and absorption in the human body. -- By developing a phospholipid complex -- a class of lipids (fats) that contain phosphorus -- UniSA researchers have increased the solubility of cannabidiol by up to six times and improved its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. -- Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg says the breakthrough, reported in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, means that patients could experience more consistent and effective results with lower doses of oral CBD medications. -- Currently, only a small fraction of orally ingested CBD reaches the bloodstream, limiting its therapeutic effects. -- "For this reason, a number of different formulations have been explored, including the production of synthetic CBD, self-emulsifying delivery systems, and encapsulating CBD in gelatine matrix pellets, but all of them have only resulted in minor improvements in bioavailability," Prof Garg says. -- His research team identified the optimal phospholipid composition to form nanosized CBD-PLC particles. Compared to pure CBD, the phospholipid complex improved dissolution rates from 0% to 67.1% within three hours, demonstrating a significant enhancement in drug release. -- In cellular uptake studies, CBD-PLC exhibited 32.7% higher permeability than unmodified CBD, ensuring greater absorption through the intestinal wall. -- Another critical advantage of this new delivery system is its stability. Traditional CBD formulations degrade over time when exposed to heat, light or oxygen, reducing potency and shelf life. -- However, testing over 12 months showed that CBD-PLC retained its performance under varied storage conditions, making it a more reliable option for pharmaceutical applications.	R01	2,140
2512-052	Exercise Boosts Brain Function and Memory Across All Ages	A comprehensive study from the University of South Australia demonstrates that all forms of exercise significantly enhance cognitive function and memory in individuals across various age groups. This analysis emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, showing that even low- to moderate-intensity workouts can yield remarkable cognitive benefits, particularly for children and individuals with ADHD.	University of South Australia	British Journal of Sports Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Whether it's an early morning jog, or a touch of Tai Chi, groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. -- In the largest, most comprehensive umbrella review to date, researchers found that regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions, reinforcing exercise as an essential, inclusive activity for optimising cognitive health. -- Synthesising findings from 133 systematic reviews, covering 2724 randomised controlled trials and 258,279 participants, the systematic umbrella and meta-meta-analysis found that: -- low- to moderate-intensity exercise had the greatest benefits for brain function and memory -- children and adolescents showed the greatest improvements in memory, while people with ADHD saw the biggest gains in executive function -- yoga, Tai Chi, and exergames (active video games) delivered the most significant cognitive benefits. -- Lead researcher, UniSA's Dr Ben Singh, says the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how different types, intensities, and durations of exercise influence cognitive function. -- "Exercise has a profound effect on physical health, but we also know it benefits brain function. What this study confirms is that even low-intensity exercise -- like yoga or walking -- can improve cognition, making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities," Dr Singh says. -- "In particular, we found that benefits were delivered quickly -- with clear gains within 1-3 months, highlighting that even small bursts of activity can make a big difference. It also signals that trying out new activities could play a key role in keeping the brain engaged and active. -- "For children and teens, exercise was especially beneficial for developing memory, while for people with ADHD, it helped improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and enhance executive function.	A01 H01 H02 R01 R02 T01	2,141
2512-E023	Citrus Oil Combines With Lipid Formulation To Effectively Relieve Cancer-Related Dry Mouth	New research from the University of South Australia and Stanford University reveals that a citrus oil combined with a lipid formulation effectively treats dry mouth, a common side effect of radiotherapy. This innovative treatment significantly enhances solubility and bioavailability, offering a promising solution for up to 70% of patients affected by this condition.	University of South Australia	International Journal of Pharmaceutics	Press Rel	PubMed	A natural citrus oil from oranges, lemons, and limes is proving highly effective in relieving dry mouth, and when combined with a new lipid formulation, new research suggests it may be effective without significant side effects. -- Developed by the University of South Australia in collaboration with the Medical School at Stanford University, this world first formulation uniquely combines limonene (a citrus essential oil) with a lipid-based drug delivery system to treat dry mouth (xerostomia), a common side effect of radiotherapy. -- The new formula demonstrated 180-fold better solubility than pure limonene in lab experiments and boosted relative bioavailability by over 4000% compared to pure limonene in pre-clinical trials. -- Dry mouth is the most reported side effect following radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer, affecting up to 70% of patients due to salivary gland damage. -- It can lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing, significantly reducing quality of life. -- Limonene has protective effects on saliva production during radiotherapy, but its poor solubility means high doses are needed to take effect, and these cause indigestion, abdominal discomfort and unpleasant 'citrus burps'. -- Lead researcher, Professor Clive Prestidge says UniSA's new limonene-lipid combination creates a 'super-solubilising' treatment that reduces dry mouth at lower dose and without uncomfortable side effects. -- "The therapeutic benefits of limonene are well known. It's used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing agent, and can also improve digestion and gut function. But despite its widespread use, its volatility and poor solubility have limited its development as an oral therapy," Prof Prestidge says. -- "As limonene is an oil, it forms a film on the top of the stomach contents, causing significant stomach pain and discomfort. -- "Our novel formulation combines limonene with healthy fats and oils -- called lipids -- to create a super-solubilising compound that the body can easily absorb with reduced uncomfortable side effects.	H01 R01	2,142
2501-074	Sedentary Workers And Nontraditional Hours Linked To Increased Sleep Issues.		University of South Florida	Journal of Occupational Health Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	People whose jobs are highly sedentary -- an estimated 80% of the modern workforce -- experience a much higher risk of insomnia symptoms, according to a new study led by University of South Florida psychologist Claire Smith. -- The findings, newly published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, show that among more than 1,000 employees surveyed over a decade, sedentary work and nonstandard work times are significant threats to sleep health. -- Those two factors, hastened by technological changes such as increased computer work, are linked to a 37% increase in insomnia symptoms among sedentary workers and a 66% greater risk of needing "catch-up sleep" -- defined as frequent napping or sleeping in on weekends -- for those who keep nontraditional work schedules. -- "The way we are designing work poses serious, long-term threats to healthy sleep," Smith said. "Healthy sleep involves more than just getting your eight hours. It's also falling asleep easily, sleeping through the night and having a consistent sleep schedule. Companies should be aware of the specific sleep risks of their workforce to improve detection and intervention." -- The research, based on data from the national Midlife in the United States study, identified three sleep health categories among workers over a 10-year period: good sleepers, catch-up sleepers and insomnia-like sleepers. -- The study found that sedentary work is strongly linked to the insomnia sleeper category, characterized by symptoms such as difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep and frequent daytime tiredness. Meanwhile, employees with nontraditional schedules, such as working night shifts, were more likely to fall into the catch-up sleeper group. -- Smith said the research suggests that moving your body during the workday and limiting after-hours work may not just help you sleep well that night but protect against ongoing sleep problems a decade later. -- The study also shows that workers who fall into a pattern of poor sleep due to their job design, such as long hours of sedentary work or erratic schedules, may end up stuck in such unhealthy patterns for years. For example, 90% of insomnia-like sleepers saw their symptoms persist 10 years later. -- "This is particularly important for both employers and employees, since research shows that poor sleep health is known to impact productivity, well-being and overall health," said Smith, who led the project in collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of experts in psychology, psychiatry, aging and medicine. -- She added that the findings suggest redesigning jobs with sleep health in mind could be key to improving worker well-being and underscore the need for workplace interventions that consider sleep health as a dynamic, multifaceted issue, rather than a one-size-fits-all problem.	A01 H02 T01	2,143
2511-E003	North Atlantic Oscillation Identified As Cause Of Sargassum Blooms	Researchers have identified a tipping point in 2009-2010 that led to the massive sargassum blooms in the tropical Atlantic. By analyzing ocean currents and wind patterns, the study published in Nature Communications confirms that strong negative North Atlantic Oscillation conditions were crucial in transporting sargassum to nutrient-rich waters, facilitating its rapid growth. This knowledge enhances understanding of the ecological dynamics affecting marine environments and the factors contributing to algal blooms.	University of South Florida	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has puzzled researchers since 2011. A recent study published in Nature Communications may have identified what drove a tipping point that established the phenomenon in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. -- Using computer modeling, a team of international researchers demonstrated that sargassum blooms were brought to the tropics by strong ocean currents and wind and thrived in ideal growing conditions. -- Specifically, two consecutive years of a strong negative North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a shift in atmospheric pressure over the Atlantic that changes circulation and wind patterns, pushed sargassum into the tropics starting in 2009. -- There it found warm, nutrient-rich waters and lots of sunlight all year-round. -- "At first, we saw just a few patches of sargassum being pushed south by the NAO," said co-author Frank Muller-Karger, Distinguished University Professor and biological oceanographer at the USF College of Marine Science. -- "But these algae patches were met with the right conditions to grow and perpetuate blooms." -- Sargassum is floating macroalgae that has inundated beaches in the Caribbean since 2011, impacting tourism, harming the health of humans and marine life, and costing local governments millions of dollars per year to clean up. Scientists have been divided on the causes of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. -- Authors of the recent paper used a computer model that built on a prior study, which identified the influence of the NAO on sargassum. -- In both papers, researchers used models to simulate the transport of sargassum from the northern to the southern part of the North Atlantic, testing whether the NAO was the root cause of the first bloom that occurred in the tropical Atlantic in 2011. -- "Both models showed that some patches of the sargassum were swept up by the wind and currents from the Sargasso Sea toward Europe, then moved southward, and from there were injected into the tropical Atlantic. There, this population of algae, now separated from the Sargasso Sea, forms new blooms every year thanks to having enough light, nutrients and warmer temperatures," said Muller-Karger, who contributed to both studies.	R01	2,144
2501-E005	Sustainable E-Textiles Show Potential For Biodegradability, Research Reveals.	A collaborative study among several UK universities has demonstrated that wearable electronic textiles can be both sustainable and biodegradable. This research paves the way for eco-friendly e-textiles that are not only functional but also environmentally conscious, responding to increasing concerns about textile waste.	University of Southampton	ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team led by the University of Southampton and UWE Bristol has shown wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) can be both sustainable and biodegradable. -- A new study, which also involved the universities of Exeter, Cambridge, Leeds and Bath, describes and tests a new sustainable approach for fully inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles named 'Smart, Wearable, and Eco-friendly Electronic Textiles', or 'SWEET'. -- Findings are published in the journal Energy and Environmental Materials. -- E-textiles are those with embedded electrical components, such as sensors, batteries or lights. They might be used in fashion, for performance sportwear, or for medical purposes as garments that monitor people's vital signs. -- Such textiles need to be durable, safe to wear and comfortable, but also, in an industry which is increasingly concerned with clothing waste, they need to be kind to the environment when no longer required. -- Professor Nazmul Karim at the University of Southampton's Winchester School of Art, who led the study, explains: "Integrating electrical components into conventional textiles complicates the recycling of the material because it often contains metals, such as silver, that don't easily biodegrade. Our potential ecofriendly approach for selecting sustainable materials and manufacturing overcomes this, enabling the fabric to decompose when it is disposed of." -- The team's design has three layers, a sensing layer, a layer to interface with the sensors and a base fabric. It uses a textile called Tencel for the base, which is made from renewable wood and is biodegradable. The active electronics in the design are made from graphene, along with a polymer called PEDOT: PSS. These conductive materials are precision inkjet-printed onto the fabric. -- The researchers tested samples of the material for continuous monitoring of human physiology using five volunteers. Swatches of the fabric, connected to monitoring equipment, were attached to gloves worn by the participants. Results confirmed the material can effectively and reliably measure both heart rate and temperature at the industry standard level. -- Dr Shaila Afroj, an Associate Professor of Sustainable Materials from the University of Exeter and a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of this performance: "Achieving reliable, industry-standard monitoring with eco-friendly materials is a significant milestone. It demonstrates that sustainability doesn't have to come at the cost of functionality, especially in critical applications like healthcare." -- The project team then buried the e-textiles in soil to measure its biodegradable properties. After four months, the fabric had lost 48 percent of its weight and 98 percent of its strength, suggesting relatively rapid and also effective decomposition. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment revealed the graphene-based electrodes had up to 40 times less impact on the environment than standard electrodes.	H01 R01	2,145
2502-E040	Some Wild Plants May Be Naturally Predisposed For Cultivation, New Research Suggests	Researchers at the University of Southampton suggest that certain wild plant species have traits making them more conducive to human cultivation. By understanding the genetic and morphological attributes of these plants, scientists aim to develop climate-resilient crops that can withstand future environmental challenges, enhancing food security in the face of global warming.	University of Southampton		Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Southampton have proposed that some wild plant species possess certain attributes which make them more suitable for human cultivation than others. -- The scientists, investigating the origins of domesticated plants, say understanding these key genetic and morphological traits may provide important clues about how to develop future, climate change adapted crops. -- They suggest that looking at today's existing undomesticated or underutilised plants could help meet future challenges of developing varieties to resist rising global temperatures and unpredictable weather. -- Domesticated plants are those which have been adapted from the wild for human use, often over thousands of years. -- Around 12-thousand years ago, hunter-gatherer societies began cultivating a wide array of species as more reliable sources of food. -- By repeatedly growing seeds from their best plants each season, humans slowly produced more robust crops with improved yields -- but only some of the wild species were domesticated and others were abandoned. -- The researchers behind this new study, published in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution, say useful, hidden properties in some wild species 'primed' them for domestication. -- Their research reviews a host of past literature and evidence to examine why just a minority of these wild plants were domesticated and how modern cultivated varieties differ at a genetic level from their ancestors and present day wild 'cousins'. -- Lead author of the study, Professor Mark Chapman of the University of Southampton, explains: "Tens of thousands of plant species are edible, yet just a few hundred have been domesticated and a mere 15 species provide 90 percent of our calories. -- "Hundreds of wild plants were collected during the Neolithic period by humans, but were later abandoned as food sources. We have explored which genetic or physical traits facilitated or constrained the domestication of wild species."	H01 R01 C01 N02	2,146
2503-E028	New Evidence Of Megaflood Refilling Mediterranean Sea Five Million Years Ago	A new study offers compelling evidence that a colossal 'megaflood' led to the re-filling of the Mediterranean Sea, ending the Messinian Salinity Crisis that lasted millions of years. The research, conducted by an international team, identifies geological features in Southeast Sicily supporting this theory. Lead author Dr. Aaron Micallef describes the Zanclean Megaflood as unprecedented, with water discharge rates surpassing any known floods, providing crucial insights into Earth’s geological history.	University of Southampton	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study provides compelling new evidence that a colossal 'megaflood' refilled the Mediterranean Sea, ending a period during which the Med was a vast expanse of salt flats. -- The study suggests the Zanclean Megaflood ended the Messinian Salinity Crisis, which lasted between 5.97 and 5.33 million years ago. -- An international team of scientists, including the University of Southampton, have identified a series of geological features around South East Sicily that point to a massive flood taking place across the region. -- "The Zanclean megaflood was an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, with discharge rates and flow velocities dwarfing any other known floods in Earth's history," said Dr. Aaron Micallef, lead author of the study and researcher at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California. -- "Our research provides the most compelling evidence yet of this extraordinary event." -- During the Messinian Salinity Crisis, the Mediterranean Sea became isolated from the Atlantic Ocean and evaporated, leading to vast salt deposits which reshaped the region's landscape. -- For years, scientists had thought that this dry period ended gradually, with the Mediterranean refilling over a period of 10,000 years. -- But this idea was challenged by the discovery of an erosion channel stretching from the Gulf of Cadiz to the Alboran Sea in 2009. -- The finding pointed to a single, massive flooding event, lasting between two and 16 years, which became known as the Zanclean megaflood. -- Estimates suggest the megaflood had a discharge from 68 to 100 Sverdrups (Sv), with one Sv equal to one million cubic metres per second.	C01	2,147
2506-065	Brake Pad Particles Found To Be More Toxic Than Diesel Emissions	Brake Pad Emissions: Research from the University of Southampton highlights that microscopic particles from certain brake pads can be more toxic than those from diesel exhaust. The study reveals that higher copper concentrations in brake pads pose serious health risks, particularly for sensitive lung cells. This often-overlooked "non-exhaust" pollution is now recognized as a major contributor to particulate matter emissions, which have significant health implications.	University of Southampton	Particle and Fibre Toxicology	Press Rel	PubMed	A study by the University of Southampton (UK) has found microscopic particles emitted from certain types of commonly fitted brake pads can be more toxic than those found in diesel vehicle exhaust. -- The research shows that a higher concentration of copper in some pads is associated with increased harmful effects on sensitive cells from people's lungs, as a result of particles being breathed in. -- Exposure to pollution generated by cars, vans and lorries has long been linked to an increased risk of lung and heart disease. -- However, while past attention has mainly concentrated on exhaust emissions, particles are also released into the air from tyre, road and brake pad wear -- emissions which are largely unregulated by legislation. -- These 'non-exhaust' pollution sources are now responsible for the majority of vehicle particulate matter (PM) emissions in the UK and parts of Europe, with brake dust being the main contributor. -- Lead author of the study, Dr James Parkin, explains that a move to electric cars is bringing the problem into sharper focus: "People generally associate pollution from cars as being from exhaust pipes and think of electric vehicles as having zero emissions. However, EVs still produce particulate matter due to friction and wear of the road, tyres, and brakes. -- "We wanted to understand how different types of chemical composition of pads affect the toxicity of the particles emitted and what this might mean for the health of individuals." -- The scientists undertook an in-depth study examining the effects on lung health of PM from four different types of brake pad with differing chemical compositions; low metallic, semi-metallic, non-asbestos organic and hybrid-ceramic. -- The researchers were particularly interested in the smallest particles, of PM2.5 and below (often referred to as fine PM) -- 30 times smaller than the diameter of a human hair. -- These tiny particles can make their way beyond the upper airways and deeper into the delicate lung air sacs, which enable the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the blood stream.	R01 C01	2,148
2511-E001	Brown Trout Successfully Navigate Beaver Dams: A Groundbreaking Discovery	A study led by the University of Southampton reveals that brown trout can navigate beaver dams, which were previously believed to obstruct their movement. While trout can successfully find pathways around these barriers, researchers caution that low water levels may trap them below the dams, affecting their access to spawning grounds. This research, published in PLOS One, sheds light on how climate change may exacerbate these challenges for fish populations.	University of Southampton	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study, led by the University of Southampton (UK), has revealed that brown trout can successfully navigate beaver dams -- obstacles which were previously thought to pose a significant barrier to their movement. -- However, researchers say the situation can be complex, with low water flows in some rivers holding fish below the dams, delaying them from accessing spawning areas. -- They suggest prolonged dry spells, due to climate change, may increase this problem in certain areas of Great Britain in the future. -- Findings are published in the journal PLOS One. -- The research monitored trout movements in two streams in Scotland -- one modified by a series of four beaver dams and the other unaltered. -- The scientists observed the trout as they navigated the barriers during critical spawning periods (October to December). The fish were tracked using telemetry technology, where trout are tagged with microchips that are read by antennae spanning the dam structures. -- The researchers found that high river flows, triggered by rainfall, significantly increased the likelihood of successful upstream passage. -- Additionally, larger fish had greater success at navigating the dams. -- Conversely, during low flow periods, beaver dams posed a more significant obstacle, delaying or sometimes preventing trout movement upstream. -- Dr Robert Needham, Restoration Manager at Beaver Trust and former University of Southampton researcher, said: "Our findings highlight how adaptable brown trout are under favourable conditions, regularly passing beaver dams and with certain individuals making multiple repeat passes. However, as climate change continues to bring warmer and drier weather, the risk of migratory barriers may become a concern on certain rivers."	H02 R01 T01	2,149
2502-036	Blood Vessel Health May Serve As An Early Biomarker For Dementia Diagnosis	A USC-led study has linked mild cognitive impairment to blood vessel dysfunction in the brain, suggesting that microvascular issues could serve as early biomarkers for dementia. The research indicates that monitoring the health of these small blood vessels may offer crucial insights into cognitive decline and open avenues for potential therapeutic interventions.	University of Southern California	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Mild cognitive impairment is linked to blood vessel dysfunction in the brain's temporal lobes -- the seat of memory -- according to a new USC-led study. -- The findings, seen in people with and without signs of amyloid buildup in the brain, suggest that microvascular trouble may be an important, early biomarker for dementia as well as a potential target for therapy. -- The research, involving scientists from multiple universities, appears in the journal Neurology. -- "We're studying the ability of these very small vessels to respond to stimuli and to dilate, and they're showing dysfunction in people who have memory problems," said senior author Daniel Nation, a professor of gerontology and medicine at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. "It could implicate blood vessel dysfunction in a very early stage of memory loss. It happened whether or not people had Alzheimer's-related brain changes. They still had this blood vessel problem if they had memory issues." -- New biomarker for dementia -- For the study, researchers recruited a sample of 144 older, independently living adults from the community. The volunteers took a neuropsychological assessment, gave blood samples and underwent brain MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. -- During MRI, volunteers held their breath for 15-second intervals, an exercise designed to dilate the brain's blood vessels, a natural process called "cerebrovascular reactivity" which regulates oxygen levels in the brain. -- Researchers paid special attention blood vessels supplying the temporal lobes, located on the sides of the head, near the ears. Participants whose blood vessels didn't dilate properly showed signs of cognitive impairment. -- "With this approach, we can pinpoint the problem to the blood vessels and their ability to dilate. That's not the way people usually think about memory impairment in older adults," Nation said. "There's an increasing realization that the main cause of dementia is not actually Alzheimer's disease, it's mixed pathology. If you just focus on amyloid, you're certainly not going to get the full picture. Maybe this technique should be incorporated into our diagnostic approaches." -- "Our findings underscore the need to focus on vascular health as a critical factor in memory decline," said first author Arunima Kapoor, a graduate student at University of California, Irvine.	A01 H01 H02 T01	2,150
2506-047	Unraveling Genetic Mutations' Impact On Tailoring Cancer Treatments For Better Outcomes	A significant study led by USC’s Ruishan Liu has revealed that specific genetic mutations greatly influence cancer treatment outcomes, providing essential insights for personalized medicine. Analyzing data from over 78,000 patients across 20 cancer types, the researchers identified nearly 800 genetic variations affecting survival, particularly in cancers like breast and ovarian. Their findings emphasize the importance of genetic profiling in selecting effective therapies, potentially improving patient care and treatment efficiency.	University of Southern California	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study led by USC Assistant Professor of Computer Science Ruishan Liu has uncovered how specific genetic mutations influence cancer treatment outcomes -- insights that could help doctors tailor treatments more effectively. The largest study of its kind, the research analyzed data for more than 78,000 cancer patients across 20 cancer types. Patients received immunotherapies, chemotherapies and targeted therapies. -- Using advanced computational analysis, the researchers identified nearly 800 genetic changes that directly impacted survival outcomes. They also discovered 95 genes significantly associated with survival in cancers such as breast, ovarian, skin, and gastrointestinal cancers. -- Building on these insights, the team developed a machine learning tool to predict how patients with advanced lung cancer might respond to immunotherapy. -- "These discoveries highlight how genetic profiling can play a crucial role in personalizing cancer care," said Liu. "By understanding how different mutations influence treatment response, doctors can select the most effective therapies -- potentially avoiding ineffective therapies and focusing on those most likely to help." -- Published in Nature Communications, the study highlights the critical roles of genes such as TP53, CDKN2A, and CDKN2B in influencing treatment outcomes, validating these associations with real-world data. -- Study co-authors are Shemra Rizzo, Lisa Wang, Nayan Chaudhary, Sophia Maund, and Sarah McGough and Ryan Copping of Genentech; Marius Rene Garmhausen of Roche; and James Zou of Stanford University. -- Why do mutations matter? -- Genetic mutations -- changes in DNA -- can influence how cancer develops and how a patient responds to treatment. Some mutations occur randomly, while others are inherited. -- In cancer, mutations can determine whether a tumor is more aggressive or how it might respond to certain treatments. Today, genetic testing is increasingly used in cancer care to identify these mutations, allowing doctors select treatments more precisely. -- For example, Patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often receive genomic testing for mutations in genes like KRAS, EGFR and ALK to determine whether targeted therapies or immunotherapies might be effective.	H01 R01 T01	2,151
2507-E050	Nature-Based Solutions Identified To Combat Coastal Erosion Threats In Alexandria	Recent research on Alexandria, Egypt's disappearing coastlines highlights a worrying increase in building collapses, driven by rising sea levels and seawater intrusion, underscoring the urgent need for nature-based solutions to protect vulnerable coastal cities worldwide, including those in California. The study reveals that the historic city's structural resilience is being eroded by climate change impacts that were once considered distant threats, compelling experts to address this pressing issue.	University of Southern California	University of Southern California	Press Rel	PubMed	A new USC study reveals a dramatic surge in building collapses in the ancient Egyptian port city of Alexandria, directly linked to rising sea levels and seawater intrusion. -- Once a rare occurrence, building collapses in Alexandria -- one of the world's oldest cities, often called the "bride of the Mediterranean" for its beauty -- have accelerated from approximately one per year to an alarming 40 per year over the past decade, the researchers found. -- "The true cost of this loss extends far beyond bricks and mortar. We are witnessing the gradual disappearance of historic coastal cities, with Alexandria sounding the alarm. What once seemed like distant climate risks are now a present reality," said Essam Heggy, a water scientist at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the study's corresponding author. -- "For centuries, Alexandria's structures stood as marvels of resilient engineering, enduring earthquakes, storm surges, tsunamis and more. But now, rising seas and intensifying storms -- fueled by climate change -- are undoing in decades what took millennia of human ingenuity to create," said Sara Fouad, a landscape architect at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the study's first author. -- Coastal erosion: Sinking cities and rising seas -- Even small sea level increases -- just a few centimeters -- can have devastating effects, Heggy said, threatening even cities as historically resilient as Alexandria, which has withstood centuries of earthquakes, invasions and fires, and even a modern metropolis like Los Angeles, where flash floods and mudslides are now complicating recovery from the recent wildfires. -- Published in Earth's Future, an AGU journal, the study coincides with troubling findings from NASA and NOAA showing that parts of California -- including the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley and coastal Southern California -- are sinking. These minor elevation changes can significantly heighten flood risks and saltwater intrusion, scientists warn. -- Like Alexandria, California's coastal cities face growing threats from saltwater intrusion, which weakens infrastructure, degrades water supplies and drives up the cost of living. -- "Our study challenges the common misconception that we'll only need to worry when sea levels rise by a meter," Heggy said. "However, what we're showing here is that coastlines globally, especially Mediterranean coastlines similar to California's, are already changing and causing building collapses at an unprecedented rate." -- Tracking coastal erosion in Alexandria, Egypt	C01	2,152
2508-066	Extreme Heat Exposure May Accelerate Aging In Older Adults	A recent USC study suggests that heightened exposure to extreme heat may hasten biological aging in older adults, raising concerns about climate change's effects on long-term health. The research indicates that people in hotter neighborhoods exhibit increased biological aging compared to those in cooler areas. By measuring epigenetic changes, the study establishes a new understanding of how extreme heat impacts aging at a molecular level, contributing to discussions on climate-related health risks.	University of Southern California	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	A new USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology study suggests greater exposure to extreme heat may accelerate biological aging in older adults, raising new concerns about how climate change and heat waves could affect long-term health and aging at the molecular level. -- People in neighborhoods that experience more days of high heat show greater biological aging on average than residents of cooler regions, said Jennifer Ailshire, senior author of the study and professor of gerontology and sociology at the USC Leonard Davis School. -- Biological age is a measure of how well the body functions at the molecular, cellular, and system levels, as opposed to chronological age based on one's birthdate; having a biological age greater than one's chronological age is associated with higher risk for disease and mortality. -- While exposure to extreme heat has itself long been associated with negative health outcomes, including increased risk of death, heat's link to biological aging has been unclear. -- Measuring epigenetic changes -- Ailshire and her coauthor Eunyoung Choi, USC Leonard Davis PhD in Gerontology alumna and postdoctoral scholar, examined how biological age changed in more than 3,600 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants aged 56 and older from throughout the U.S. Blood samples taken at various time points during the six-year study period were analyzed for epigenetic changes, or changes in the way individual genes are turned "off" or "on" by a process called DNA methylation. -- The researchers used mathematical tools called epigenetic clocks to analyze methylation patterns and estimate biological ages at each time point. -- They then compared participants' changes in biological age to their location's heat index history and number of heat days reported by the National Weather Service from 2010 to 2016. -- The National Weather Service Heat Index Chart categorizes heat index values into three levels based on the potential risk of adverse health effects. -- The "Caution" level includes heat index values ranging from 80°F to 90°F, the "Extreme Caution" level includes values between 90°F and 103°F, and the "Danger" level includes values between 103°F and 124°F. Days in all three levels were included as heat days in the study.	A01 C01	2,153
2508-T002	New AI Tool Measures Brain Aging Rates To Combat Cognitive Decline	An innovative artificial intelligence model has been developed to measure brain aging, offering vital insights into cognitive decline and dementia. This groundbreaking tool analyzes MRI scans to track the rate of brain changes non-invasively. Researchers at USC emphasize the potential of this technology to revolutionize brain health assessments and provide critical data for understanding and addressing cognitive impairments.	University of Southern California	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new artificial intelligence model measures how fast a patient's brain is aging and could be a powerful new tool for understanding, preventing and treating cognitive decline and dementia, according to USC researchers. -- The first-of-its-kind tool can non-invasively track the pace of brain changes by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. -- Faster brain aging closely correlates with a higher risk of cognitive impairment, said Andrei Irimia, associate professor of gerontology, biomedical engineering, quantitative & computational biology and neuroscience at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and visiting associate professor of psychological medicine at King's College London. -- "This is a novel measurement that could change the way we track brain health both in the research lab and in the clinic," he said. -- "Knowing how fast one's brain is aging can be powerful." -- Irimia is the senior author of the study that describes the new model and its predictive power; the study was published February 24, 2025 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Biological brain age versus chronological age -- Biological age is distinct from an individual's chronological age, Irimia said. -- Two people who are the same age based on their birthdate can have very different biological ages due to how well their body is functioning and how "old" the body's tissues appear to be at a cellular level. -- Some common measures of biological age use blood samples to measure epigenetic aging and DNA methylation, which influences the roles of genes in the cell.	A01 R02 T01	2,154
2510-009	Understanding Protein Clusters Could Lead To Breakthroughs In Muscular Dystrophy Treatment	Scientists have uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind the formation of tiny protein clusters, or nanoclusters, that could lead to treatments for muscular dystrophy. This research delves into how these clusters function within cells and points to new therapeutic strategies for addressing diseases linked to defective protein assembly.	University of Southern California	Physical Review Research	Press Rel	PubMed	A new discovery about how tiny protein clusters form in cells could pave the way for treatments for Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), a rare genetic disorder that causes muscle weakness and heart problems. -- Researchers at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences combined advanced imaging techniques and theoretical physics to observe and explain how nanoclusters of the protein emerin form inside living cells. -- These clusters -- about 100,000 times smaller than a human hair's width -- play a crucial role in how cells sense and respond to mechanical forces like stretching or pressure, a process known as mechanotransduction. -- When this process fails, it can contribute to diseases like muscular dystrophy. -- The study, published in Physical Review Research, uncovers the molecular "rules" driving the arrangement of emerin into nanoclusters and the mechanisms leading to their defective assembly in people with EDMD. -- By identifying the physical principles behind those defects and why they disrupt mechanotransduction and trigger disease symptoms, scientists hope to develop new strategies to correct them. -- Fascinatingly, the researchers, led by Christoph Haselwandter, professor of physics and astronomy and quantitative and computational biology, and Fabien Pinaud, associate professor of biological sciences and physics and astronomy, applied principles first proposed by Alan Turing -- the famed WWII codebreaker and computing pioneer -- to understand how these nanoclusters form. -- Turing's work on pattern formation in nature(such as zebra stripes and leopard spots) revealed mathematical rules that also appear to govern protein assembly at a nanoscale level. -- "This research opens up exciting possibilities," said study first author Carlos Alas, who earned his physics PhD in 2023 from USC Dornsife. -- "By applying physics-based approaches, we can start thinking about ways to correct these defects and potentially help people with this debilitating disease."	A01 R01 T01	2,155
2512-E046	Outdated Tree Guidelines Hinder Growth In L.A.'s Lower-Income Neighborhoods	A study reveals that outdated tree planting regulations in Los Angeles are hindering growth, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, where looser restrictions could increase tree coverage by nearly 26%. Led by researchers from USC Dornsife, the findings advocate for policy revisions and infrastructure improvements to enhance urban greenery and address shade disparities across the city.	University of Southern California	Landscape and Urban Planning	Press Rel	PubMed	Expansive tree canopies are crucial for healthy ecosystems and livable cities. Yet, Los Angeles' strict tree planting rules, originally meant to protect infrastructure and public safety, are now widening shade disparities, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. A new study published in Landscape and Urban Planning, led by the Spatial Sciences Institute and Public Exchange, both based at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, suggests that easing these decades-old restrictions could significantly grow the city's urban tree canopy -- without compromising safety. -- This research builds on an earlier USC study comparing L.A.'s municipal codes, engineering standards and urban forestry guidelines to those of 25 other cities -- 17 outside California and eight within the state. -- That study found L.A.'s tree placement rules are among the nation's strictest, often limiting new planting. -- The team concluded that substantial changes could be made to existing tree-spacing guidelines without re-writing laws, but better coordination between city departments is essential. -- "Fixing L.A.'s rules is a step toward addressing inequities and bringing the health and ecological benefits of green infrastructure to underserved communities," said Laura Messier, PhD candidate in the population, health and place program at the Spatial Sciences Institute. -- Testing looser tree spacing rules -- To test how relaxing planting guidelines might increase tree coverage, Messier and her team compared two L.A. neighborhoods: Boyle Heights, a historically lower-income area east of downtown; and Studio City, a wealthier community in the San Fernando Valley. -- Both areas studied were similar in size, topography and parcel layout. -- But Studio City had about 3,020 trees per square mile, compared to 2,183 in Boyle Heights -- a gap researchers linked to the neighborhood's denser street grid, higher concentration of multi-family housing and smaller parcels, all of which limit where trees can be planted. -- Using mapping software, the team identified obstacles like utility poles, gas lines and bus stops, then modeled potential new planting sites.	C01 N02	2,156
2505-122	Health Risks Increase For Heavy Drinkers With Diabetes, High Blood Pressure	A new study reveals that heavy drinkers with conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or increased waist circumference are significantly more likely to develop advanced liver disease. This research emphasizes the role of cardiometabolic risk factors in determining liver health and highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk populations.	University of Southern California - Health Sciences	Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology	Press Rel	PubMed	A corn plant knows how to find water in soil with the very tips of its roots, but some varieties, including many used for breeding high-yielding corn in the U.S., appear to have lost a portion of that ability, according to a Stanford-led study. With climate change increasing droughts, the findings hold potential for developing more resilient varieties of corn. -- The study, published in the journal Science, uncovers genetic mechanisms behind root "hydropatterning," or how plant roots branch toward water and avoid dry spaces in soil. -- In particular, the researchers discovered that ethylene, a plant hormone known to help bananas ripen, also influences how roots grow to seek water. -- "Plants are sophisticated in the way that they 'see' where water is in soil, and the genes that are responsible for that play an important role in helping the plant create a root system that is optimized for efficient water uptake," said José Dinneny, the study's senior author and a professor of biology in Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences. -- Essentially, the plants use the gaseous ethylene produced by their roots to sense where the air spaces are in the soil, Dinneny said. -- Then, they regulate the branching of roots downstream of that hormone. -- Water-seeking roots -- While the Dinneny lab had previously revealed the fine sensitivity that corn roots have for detecting water, just how well a plant does this was found to heavily depend on the specific variety of corn. -- For this study, the researchers developed a new, simplified way to study water sensitivity in roots, making it possible to analyze the responses of 250 corn varieties that reflect the genetic pool present in modern corn breeding. -- They found that corn varieties adapted to grow in tropical or subtropical areas like Mexico were very good at making new root branches toward water and avoiding dry areas.	R01	2,157
2509-088	New Insights Into Liver Function Could Aid Weight Loss And Diabetes Treatments	Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have discovered a mechanism that may help maintain calorie burning during weight loss, countering the body’s adaptive metabolism. This insight is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of weight-loss and diabetes medications, addressing the common issue of weight loss plateaus experienced by many patients.	University of Southern Denmark	Cell Metabolism	Press Rel	PubMed	Many people who have tried to lose weight by cutting calories are familiar with this frustrating reality: at some point, the body stops shedding pounds. It senses the reduced calorie intake and responds by slowing down metabolism, causing it to burn fewer calories than before the diet. -- This happens because the body perceives a potential starvation threat and adapts by conserving energy while still carrying out essential functions. It may seem incredibly unfair that the body doesn't recognize the goal of weight loss and instead works against it by holding on to calories. -- Now, a new study from University of Southern Denmark has identified a possible way to maintain calorie burning even when consuming fewer calories. -- This discovery could be particularly important for patients using weight-loss or diabetes medicines like Wegovy and Ozempic. Many people taking these medications find that their weight loss plateaus after losing about 20-25% of their body weight. -- According to Kim Ravnskjaer, a Prinicpal Investigator and associate professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, this stall is likely due to the body's natural response: "It usually goes well at first, but as people lose some of the weight they aim to shed, their progress stalls because the body's metabolism adapts," he said. -- If it were possible to control this metabolic adaptation, it could be a game-changer for anyone trying to lose weight. A medication that could counteract this effect might extend the benefits of treatments like Wegovy, which often stop working after a certain point. -- This is where the new study by Kim Ravnskjaer and colleagues, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, comes into play. -- "If we could develop a medication that helps maintain fat or sugar burning at its original high level alongside weight-loss treatments, people could continue losing weight beyond the usual plateau," he explains. -- However, he stresses that the team's findings are currently based on mouse models, meaning human trials are still a long way off, and potential treatments even further down the line. -- "It is a long way from insights in mouse experiments to bringing a drug to the market -- but this is obviously the potential in our research," says Kim Ravnskjaer.	H01 H02 R01	2,158
2501-086	Identifying Genes Driving Cancer Metastasis Could Lead To More Effective Treatments.	Researchers have identified a 'genetic signature' of 177 genes that drive cancer metastasis, revealing critical insights into how cancer spreads to other organs. This groundbreaking study enhances the understanding of cancer progression and could lead to more targeted therapies. Key genes identified include SP1, which promotes metastasis, and KLF5, which plays a role in its suppression.	University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences	Molecular Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	Cancer metastasis -- the spread of cancer to other organs -- is the leading cause of death among cancer patients. Researchers have now uncovered a "genetic signature" of 177 genes shared across multiple cancer types that drives this deadly process. -- "Through our research, we have uncovered critical pan-cancer drivers of metastasis that not only enhance our understanding of cancer progression but also pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies," says Professor Vijay Tiwari from the Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, who led the study. -- Among the findings are two key genes: -- SP1, which accelerates metastasis. -- KLF5, which helps suppress it. -- The discovery of these shared genetic drivers -- applicable to cancers from the lungs to the liver -- challenges the long-held belief that metastasis mechanisms vary greatly between cancer types. -- This so-called "pan-cancer" perspective offers a powerful opportunity to develop treatments effective for many cancer patients, regardless of their specific diagnosis. -- New hope for earlier diagnosis and treatment -- One of the most promising aspects of the study is its ability to predict a patient's risk of metastasis. By analyzing the 177-gene signature in a tumor, the researchers could identify whether the cancer is likely to spread and intervene earlier. -- "This could save lives, particularly for patients whose cancers are detected before they metastasize to critical organs. In these cases, new treatments -- such as repurposed drugs identified in the study -- could disrupt the metastasis process before it becomes life-threatening," Vijay Tiwari explains.	H01 R01 C01	2,159
2504-023	Research Maps Brain's Healing Abilities After Stroke-Induced Nerve Damage	Researchers at SDU have shed light on the damaging effects of stroke on the brain's nerve fibers, which are crucial for maintaining physical and mental functions. Their findings, based on unique brain tissue samples, highlight the brain's attempts to repair damaged fibers, but also underline the challenges in achieving complete recovery. This research could lead to novel treatments that enhance the brain's self-repair capabilities post-stroke.	University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences	The Journal of Pathology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by researchers at the Department of Molecular Medicine at SDU sheds light on one of the most severe consequences of stroke: damage to the brain's "cables" -- the so-called nerve fibers -- which leads to permanent impairments. The study, which is based on unique tissue samples from Denmark's Brain Bank located at SDU, may pave the way for new treatments that help the brain repair itself. -- The brain tries to repair damage -- A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked, leading to brain damage. -- Following an injury, the brain tries to repair the damaged nerve fibers by re-establishing their insulating layer, called myelin. -- Unfortunately, the repair process often succeeds only partially, meaning many patients experience lasting damage to their physical and mental functions. -- According to Professor Kate Lykke Lambertsen, one of the study's lead authors, the brain has the resources to repair itself: -- "We need to find ways to help the cells complete their work, even under difficult conditions." -- The researchers have thus focused on how inflammatory conditions hinder the rebuilding. -- The study has identified a particular type of cell in the brain that plays a key role in this process. -- These cells work to rebuild myelin, but inflammatory conditions often block their efforts.	A01 R02	2,160
2509-072	Surprising Tattoo Ink Migration Could Increase Cancer Risk	New findings reveal that tattoo ink particles migrate from their injection site into the lymph nodes, raising potential health concerns for tattooed individuals. This research, conducted by Danish and Finnish scientists, links tattoo ink to increased rates of skin and lymphoma cancers, highlighting the overlooked health implications of body art.	University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences	BMC Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	People often put a lot of thought into getting a tattoo. But there's one thing most people forget to think about -- what impact the tattoo might have on their health in the long run. What happens to the ink once it's in your skin? Does it all stay in the skin where it's visible, or does it travel further into the body? -- Research has shown that tattoo ink does not just remain where it is injected. -- Particles from the ink can migrate to the lymph nodes, where they accumulate. -- Researchers from the Department of Public Health and the Department of Clinical Research at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), together with the University of Helsinki, have investigated whether this could have health consequences. -- Using data from Danish twin pairs, they found that tattooed individuals are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to those without tattoos. -- Ink particles in the body may affect the immune system -- The lymph nodes are a crucial part of the immune system, helping to fight infections and filter harmful substances from the body. -- When tattoo ink penetrates the skin, some of it is absorbed into the lymph nodes. -- The researchers are particularly concerned that tattoo ink may trigger chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes, which over time could lead to abnormal cell growth and an increased risk of cancer. -- "We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances," explains Henrik Frederiksen, consultant in haematology at Odense University Hospital and clinical professor at SDU.	R01	2,161
2501-084	Mid-Career Crisis Challenges: Job Satisfaction Shows U-Shaped Curve For Professional Workers.	New research challenges the notion of a mid-career crisis being universal, showing that job satisfaction follows a U-shaped pattern primarily among managerial and professional workers. The study examines data from over 100,000 employees and suggests that while middle-aged dissatisfaction is common, managers and professionals often regain satisfaction later in life, contrasting with workers in lower occupational classes who do not experience the same trend.	University of Surrey	Socio-Economic Review	Press Rel	PubMed	Contrary to the long-held belief that the mid-career crisis plagues everyone, new research suggests that job satisfaction follows a U-shaped trajectory only for managerial and professional workers. This provocative finding challenges societal perceptions surrounding midlife and calls for a revaluation of workplace support for individuals in their 40s and 50s. -- The study, published in the Socio-Economic Review, examined the relationship between age and job satisfaction using data from four national datasets from the UK -- the UK Skills and Employment Survey, the Workplace Employee Relations Survey, the British Household Panel Survey, and the UK Household Longitudinal Study -- which included over 100,000 workers across various industries, occupations and regions.  -- By analysing both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, the research aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how job satisfaction evolves through different stages of one's career. -- Professor Ying Zhou, lead author of the study and Director of the Future of Work Research Centre at the University of Surrey said: -- "While dissatisfaction is common among many middle-aged workers, it is crucial to acknowledge that this is not a universal experience. Our findings indicate that for managers and professionals, job satisfaction typically hits its lowest point during their 40s but often rebounds later in life. In contrast, workers in intermediate and lower occupational classes do not display the same U-shaped trajectory. This challenges the widespread belief that a mid-career crisis is a universal phenomenon." -- This study has significant implications for understanding workplace dynamics and the well-being of employees.  -- For middle-aged workers, recognizing that a decline in job satisfaction during their 40s is relatively common can offer reassurance. -- Instead of expecting midlife to be a period of calm between the turbulence of early adulthood and the challenges of old age, it should be viewed as a tricky period of transition marked by feelings of frustration and despondency. -- However, it is encouraging to note that this phase is typically temporary, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. -- The research also underscores the need for companies to adapt their support systems for employees entering their 40s and 50s. By fostering an environment that encourages career development and personal fulfilment, businesses can mitigate the potential for dissatisfaction and enhance the overall workplace culture. As the UK faces challenges related to an ageing workforce, understanding these dynamics becomes increasingly vital. The findings suggest that addressing the specific needs of skilled workers can lead to improved retention rates and a more engaged workforce, ultimately benefiting the economy as a whole.	Z01	2,162
2501-T028	Growth Breakthrough In 2D Materials Opens New Paths For Cleaner Energy Technologies	A breakthrough study has decoded the growth mechanisms of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a promising 2D material for electronics. This research paves the way for advancements in efficient energy solutions and cleaner chemical manufacturing by optimizing the properties of hBN and its nanostructures.	University of Surrey	Small	Press Rel	PubMed	A breakthrough in decoding the growth process of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material, and its nanostructures on metal substrates could pave the way for more efficient electronics, cleaner energy solutions and greener chemical manufacturing, according to new research from the University of Surrey. -- Only one atom thick, hBN -- often nicknamed "white graphene" -- is an ultra-thin, super-resilient material that blocks electrical currents, withstands extreme temperatures and resists chemical damage. Its unique versatility makes it an invaluable component in advanced electronics, where it can protect delicate microchips and enable the development of faster, more efficient transistors. -- Going a step further, researchers have also demonstrated the formation of nanoporous hBN, a novel material with structured voids that allows for selective absorption, advanced catalysis and enhanced functionality, vastly expanding its potential environmental applications. This includes sensing and filtering pollutants -- as well as enhancing advanced energy systems, including hydrogen storage and electrochemical catalysts for fuel cells. -- Dr Marco Sacchi, lead author of the study and Associate Professor at Surrey's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, said: -- "Our research sheds light on the atomic-scale processes that govern the formation of this remarkable material and its nanostructures. By understanding these mechanisms, we can engineer materials with unprecedented precision, optimising their properties for a host of revolutionary technologies." -- Working in collaboration with Austria's Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), the team -- led by Dr Marco Sacchi, with the theoretical work performed by Dr Anthony Payne and Dr Neubi Xavier -- combined density functional theory and microkinetic modelling to map the growth process of hBN from borazine precursors, examining key molecular processes such as diffusion, decomposition, adsorption and desorption, polymerisation, and dehydrogenation. This approach enabled them to develop an atomic scale model that allows for the material to be grown at any temperature. -- The insights from the theoretical simulations align closely with experimental observations by the Graz research group, setting the stage for controlled, high-quality production of hBN with specific designs and functionality. -- Dr Anton Tamtögl, lead researcher on the project at TU Graz, said: -- "Previous studies have neither considered all these intermediates nor such a large parameter space (temperature and particle density). We believe that it will be useful to guide chemical vapour deposition growth of hBN on other metallic substrates, as well as the synthesis of nanoporous or functionalised structures." -- The study has been published in Small, with the research supported by the UK's HPC Materials Chemistry Consortium and the Austrian Science Fund.	T01	2,163
2504-080	Climate Change Contributes To Increased Salmonella Outbreaks: Recent Findings	New research from the University of Surrey elucidates how climate change is affecting the spread of Salmonella, a major cause of foodborne illness in Europe. Building on previous studies, this investigation examined various weather factors and their role in Salmonella transmission. With nearly a third of foodborne outbreaks linked to this bacterium, understanding these dynamics is vital for public health, particularly in regions with suboptimal sanitation practices.	University of Surrey	Journal of Infection	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change is impacting the spread of Salmonella, according to new research from the University of Surrey. This research follows previous work from the team, which found that weather change is leading to the spread of dangerous diarrheal illness. -- The study, led by a team of researchers at Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine, investigated the impact of different weather factors on the transmission of Salmonella -- a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in Europe, accounting for nearly one in three foodborne outbreaks. -- Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. -- It's found in the intestines of animals and humans and can contaminate food if it's not cooked or handled properly. -- Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and it is most prominent in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. -- In the study, published in the Journal of Infection, researchers compared UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data of confirmed cases of Salmonella in England and Wales during 2000-2016 with Met Office data of the time, focusing on 14 different weather factors. -- This provided a more holistic understanding, which considered the combined effect of multiple weather factors on incidents of Salmonella, leading to an in-depth description of the risk of salmonellosis when we know the local weather during the past days. -- Warmer temperatures (above 10 degrees Celsius), relative humidity, dewpoint temperature (between 7-10 degrees Celsius), and longer days (over 12-15 hours) were identified as key weather factors associated with an increase in Salmonella cases, irrespective of geographical location. -- These findings were also validated by analysing data from the Netherlands. -- Dr Gianni Lo Iacono, Senior Lecturer in Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of Surrey, said:	H01 C01	2,164
2504-081	Personalized Probiotic Therapies Offered As New Approach To Inflammatory Disease Treatment	Researchers at the University of Surrey propose a novel approach to treating inflammatory diseases through personalized probiotic therapies. By leveraging advanced computer models like Genome Scale Metabolic Models, the team aims to analyze the human gut microbiome's complexities. This precision medicine approach seeks to design tailored probiotic and prebiotic treatments by identifying targets that can effectively address gut imbalances linked to various inflammatory conditions.	University of Surrey	Chemical Engineering Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	A new approach to treating inflammatory diseases through personalised probiotic therapies -- also known as precision medicine -- has been proposed by researchers at the University of Surrey. -- The human gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, plays a vital role in overall health. -- Imbalances in this ecosystem, known as dysbiosis, have been linked to various inflammatory conditions. -- Through harnessing the power of large-scale computer models such as Genome Scale Metabolic Models (GSMMs) and computational methodologies such as Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), researchers can investigate the complexity of the human gut microbiome. -- By analysing these models, researchers can identify potential targets and design personalised probiotic and prebiotic treatments. -- Dr Matteo Barberis, lead author of the study and Reader in Systems Biology from the University of Surrey, says: -- "Our research presents a workflow to model human-gut microbiome interactions for probiotic design, a step in the right direction, offering a new way to help the treatment of inflammatory diseases. It can predict metabolic reactions within the bacterial strains in the gut that may be targeted to correct the dysbiosis, thus offering a platform for dietary/probiotic interventions. By understanding the intricate workings of the gut microbiome and developing dedicated modelling workflows, we are paving the way for a future where personalised therapies can improve patients' health."	A01 H01 R01 T01	2,165
2505-014	Cancer Symptoms Often Misdiagnosed As Pregnancy Changes, Delaying Treatment	A recent study highlights the potential for misdiagnosing cancer symptoms as normal pregnancy-related changes, which can delay treatment for expecting women. Researchers analyzed the experiences of women diagnosed with cancer during or after pregnancy, uncovering that vague symptoms often lead to diagnostic delays. The findings stress the importance of thorough assessments by healthcare professionals to ensure timely referrals and interventions, ultimately improving outcomes for pregnant women facing cancer.	University of Surrey	British Journal of General Practice	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at Mainz University verified the chiral-induced spin selectivity effect, i.e., the influence of chiral molecules on spin, using spintronic analytical techniques. -- The role of electrons and their negative charge in electric current is well established. -- Electrons also exhibit other intrinsic properties that are associated, for example, with considerable potential for enhancing data storage devices: the electron's spin or magnetic moment. -- To date, however, the selection of specific spins has been challenging. -- It has been difficult to single out only those electrons with an up-direction of spin, for example. -- One way of doing this would be to pass a current through a ferromagnet, such as iron. -- This would result in the generation of a current in which the spin polarization aligns with the direction of the magnetic field. -- The alternative option of inducing a current in chiral molecules, i.e., molecules that have no superimposable mirror images, such as helix structures, has been discussed over the past decade. -- The result is spin polarization of approximately 60 to 70 percent, a level similar to that achieved in ferromagnetic materials. -- However, this approach remains a subject of ongoing debate and research.	H01 H02 R01	2,166
2506-069	Wealth Disparities Linked To Health Inequality Among Adults Over 50	Wealth and Health Disparities: Research from the University of Surrey reveals a striking wealth gap in physical activity and diet among adults over 50. Lower-income individuals are significantly less likely to meet health guidelines and are at a higher risk of depression. This study highlights urgent health disparities that require attention to ensure equitable access to health resources for older adults.	University of Surrey	Journal of Public Health	Press Rel	PubMed	There is a "silent emergency" brewing under our noses as research from the University of Surrey finds that there is a clear wealth gap among adults over 50 who meet physical activity and dietary guidelines. The research also found that poorer adults are nearly three times more likely to be depressed than their wealthier counterparts. -- In a paper published in the Journal of Public Health, researchers from Surrey analysed recent data from over 3,000 adults aged 50-90, from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), and found that while nearly 70% of older adults reported engaging in some form of physical activity, there were stark differences based on wealth. -- Older adults in the highest wealth quintile were, in fact, nearly twice as likely to be physically active compared to those in the lowest wealth quintile. Similar disparities were found in fruit and vegetable consumption, with those in the highest wealth bracket reporting over 70% adherence to the '5-a-day' dietary guidelines, compared to just over 40% in the lowest bracket. Not meeting government guidelines for physical activity and diet has important health consequences, and the study also found a clear link to depression risk. -- Dr Simon Evans, lead author of the study from the University of Surrey, said: -- "There is a silent emergency brewing in our country -- for older people, being in a lower wealth bracket might be a bigger barrier to good health than your age. Our research shows that poorer older adults are nearly three times more likely to experience depression and far less likely to meet government health guidelines than their wealthier peers. There is an urgent need for action to address these disparities before it's too late." -- The research found that just under 19% of participants showed significant symptoms of depression, with the highest risk among women, people living alone, smokers, and those in lower-income groups -- rates of depression were around 3 times higher in the lowest wealth quintile (32.6%) compared to the highest (11.1%). Regular exercise was linked to much lower depression rates, with 30% of inactive individuals experiencing depression compared to just 13.7% of those who were active. Interestingly, eating five or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily was also associated with a lower risk of depression, with rates of 23.4% among those who didn't meet the '5-a-day' guidelines versus 15.7% among those who did.	A01 H01	2,167
2506-T015	The Metaverse: A Potential Game Changer For Human-Centric Manufacturing	A study from the University of Surrey emphasizes the importance of re-empowering humans in the future of manufacturing, rather than solely relying on machines and AI. By integrating technologies like augmented reality and digital twins, the research highlights the potential for enhancing human interaction within manufacturing processes, suggesting a transformative future for the workforce in this sector.	University of Surrey	Sustainability	Press Rel	PubMed	The future of manufacturing is not just about machines and AI; it's about re-empowering humans, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. -- The integration of advanced technologies like augmented reality (AR) and digital twins is set to redefine the workforce's role, making humans an essential part of the manufacturing equation once again. -- The paper, published in Sustainability, explores the transformative potential of Metaverse technologies within manufacturing, focusing on how augmented reality, virtual reality, and digital twin systems can enhance human interaction with automated processes.  -- The research team examined over 130 published articles from 2010 to 2024, analysing the evolution of Metaverse applications in manufacturing settings.  -- By filtering through these works, they identified key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have emerged as this technology has developed. -- The findings indicate that while technologies like augmented reality and digital twins are becoming increasingly prevalent, several barriers hinder their widespread adoption.  -- Issues such as accuracy, data interoperability, and the need for skilled personnel pose significant challenges to manufacturers eager to embrace these innovations.  -- The study advocates for strategic frameworks to overcome these obstacles, including fostering employee training and enhancing collaboration between human workers and advanced robotics. -- Dr Wolfgang Garn, co-author of the study and Senior Lecturer in Analytics at the University of Surrey, said: -- "We're on the cusp of a revolution where technology is not merely a replacement for human effort but a collaborative partner that amplifies our capabilities. Imagine a factory floor where workers and robots are not competing, but in synergy, creating products with unprecedented efficiency and creativity."	A01 T01	2,168
2507-028	Adults Can Achieve Absolute Pitch Through Rigorous Training, Study Finds	New findings from the University of Surrey challenge the belief that absolute pitch is a rare gift. The study demonstrates that adults can learn to identify musical notes through structured training, indicating that rigorous methods can effectively enhance musical skills, regardless of prior experience.	University of Surrey	University of Surrey	Press Rel	PubMed	It's been a long-held belief that absolute pitch -- the ability to identify musical notes without reference -- is a rare gift reserved for a select few with special genetic gifts or those who began musical training in early childhood. However, new research from the University of Surrey challenges this, demonstrating that adults can acquire this skill through rigorous training. -- The study involved a diverse group of 12 adult musicians, with varying levels of musical experiences, who participated in an eight-week online training program. -- Unlike previous studies, this training encouraged learning the pitch class -- what absolute pitch is really about -- rather than specific pitch heights. -- It also minimised the reliance on relative pitch strategies, such as comparing notes mentally with external cues and feedback during tests, to determine the correct answers. -- Additionally, to minimise the chance of accidental success, participants were required to complete the final level of training multiple times. -- Despite the widespread belief that absolute pitch is impossible to learn in adulthood, participants made significant progress, learning to identify an average of seven musical pitches with 90% accuracy or higher. -- Notably, two participants achieved fast and accurate performance with all twelve pitches comparable to those naturally possessing this skill in the real world. -- Dr Yetta Wong, principal investigator and lecturer and the University of Surrey said: -- "Our findings provide compelling evidence that absolute pitch is not limited to a select few. With focused training, adults can acquire this remarkable skill, much like how they learn other complex cognitive skills." -- Dr Alan Wong, co-author of the paper and senior lecturer at Surrey's School of Psychology added:	H01	2,169
2507-135	Common Blood Pressure Drug May Offer Alternative for Managing ADHD Symptoms	An international study suggests repurposing amlodipine, a blood pressure medication, may provide an effective treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. Conducted by researchers from the University of Surrey, this study demonstrated that amlodipine significantly reduced hyperactivity in rats with ADHD-like symptoms, potentially offering a safer alternative for managing the disorder.	University of Surrey	University of Surrey	Press Rel	PubMed	Blood pressure drug could be a safer alternative for treating ADHD symptoms, finds study. -- Repurposing amlodipine, a commonly used blood pressure medicine, could help manage attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, according to an international study involving the University of Surrey. -- In a study published in Neuropsychopharmacology, researchers tested five potential drugs in rats bred to exhibit ADHD-like symptoms. -- Among them, only amlodipine, a common blood pressure medication, significantly reduced hyperactivity. -- To confirm its effects the team tested amlodipine in zebrafish, an important model for studying brain function sharing about 70% of genes with humans. -- The results showed that amlodipine also reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity -- core symptoms of ADHD -- in these fish. -- Further analysis of the fish revealed that amlodipine crosses the blood-brain barrier for the first time, meaning it can directly influence brain function. -- The researchers then turned to human genetic data and found that, remarkably, ADHD is linked to the same calcium channels in the brain as the targets for amlodipine. -- This suggests a potential target brain pathway for treatments. -- Finally, an analysis of UK-wide patient data showed that people taking amlodipine reported fewer mood swings and less risk-taking behaviour, further supporting its potential as a new ADHD treatment.	A01 H01 R02 N01	2,170
2507-T020	Are We Placing Too Much Trust In AI Technology We Don’t Understand?	A study from the University of Surrey raises concerns about our reliance on AI technology, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in its deployment. As AI systems increasingly influence critical areas such as healthcare and finance, understanding their decision-making processes becomes essential. The research advocates for design changes to ensure AI models are trustworthy, minimizing risks associated with opaque algorithms that could lead to severe consequences.	University of Surrey	University of Surrey	Press Rel	PubMed	Are we putting our faith in technology that we don't fully understand? A new study from the University of Surrey comes at a time when AI systems are making decisions impacting our daily lives -- from banking and healthcare to crime detection. The study calls for an immediate shift in how AI models are designed and evaluated, emphasising the need for transparency and trustworthiness in these powerful algorithms. -- As AI becomes integrated into high-stakes sectors where decisions can have life-altering consequences, the risks associated with 'black box' models are greater than ever. The research sheds light on instances where AI systems must provide adequate explanations for their decisions, allowing users to trust and understand AI rather than leaving them confused and vulnerable. With cases of misdiagnosis in healthcare and erroneous fraud alerts in banking, the potential for harm -- which could be life-threatening -- is significant. -- Surrey's researchers detail the alarming instances where AI systems have failed to adequately explain their decisions, leaving users confused and vulnerable. With misdiagnosis cases in healthcare and erroneous fraud alerts in banking, the potential for harm is significant. Fraud datasets are inherently imbalanced -- 0.01% are fraudulent transactions -- leading to damage on the scale of billions of dollars. It is reassuring for people to know most transactions are genuine, but the imbalance challenges AI in learning fraud patterns. Still, AI algorithms can identify a fraudulent transaction with great precision but currently lack the capability to adequately explain why it is fraudulent. -- Dr Wolfgang Garn, co-author of the study and Senior Lecturer in Analytics at the University of Surrey, said: -- "We must not forget that behind every algorithm's solution, there are real people whose lives are affected by the determined decisions. Our aim is to create AI systems that are not only intelligent but also provide explanations to people -- the users of technology -- that they can trust and understand." -- The study proposes a comprehensive framework known as SAGE (Settings, Audience, Goals, and Ethics) to address these critical issues. SAGE is designed to ensure that AI explanations are not only understandable but also contextually relevant to the end-users. By focusing on the specific needs and backgrounds of the intended audience, the SAGE framework aims to bridge the gap between complex AI decision-making processes and the human operators who depend on them. -- In conjunction with this framework, the research uses Scenario-Based Design (SBD) techniques, which delve deep into real-world scenarios to find out what users truly require from AI explanations. This method encourages researchers and developers to step into the shoes of the end-users, ensuring that AI systems are crafted with empathy and understanding at their core. -- Dr Wolfgang Garn continued: -- "We also need to highlight the shortcomings of existing AI models, which often lack the contextual awareness necessary to provide meaningful explanations. By identifying and addressing these gaps, our paper advocates for an evolution in AI development that prioritises user-centric design principles. It calls for AI developers to engage with industry specialists and end-users actively, fostering a collaborative environment where insights from various stakeholders can shape the future of AI. The path to a safer and more reliable AI landscape begins with a commitment to understanding the technology we create and the impact it has on our lives. The stakes are too high for us to ignore the call for change." -- The research highlights the importance of AI models explaining their outputs in a text form or graphical representations, catering to the diverse comprehension needs of users. This shift aims to ensure that explanations are not only accessible but also actionable, enabling users to make informed decisions based on AI insights.	A01 T01	2,171
2507-T034	New Research Challenges Long-Held Beliefs About Atomic Nucleus Shape	A study led by an international collaboration has challenged the long-held belief that the atomic nucleus of lead-208 is perfectly spherical. The findings indicate that this "doubly magic" nucleus is slightly elongated, which could reshape our understanding of nuclear structure and the formation of heavy elements in the universe, paving the way for exciting future research.	University of Surrey	University of Surrey	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research collaboration led by the University of Surrey's Nuclear Physics Group has overturned the long-standing belief that the atomic nucleus of llead-208 (²⁰⁸Pb) is perfectly spherical. The discovery challenges fundamental assumptions about nuclear structure and has far-reaching implications for our understanding of how the heaviest elements are formed in the universe. -- Lead-208 is exceptionally stable due to being a "doubly magic" nucleus -- and is the heaviest that we know of. However, a new study published in Physical Review Letters used a high-precision experimental probe to examine its shape and found that rather than being perfectly spherical, the nucleus of lead-208 is slightly elongated, resembling a rugby ball (prolate spheroid). -- Dr Jack Henderson, principal investigator of the study from the University of Surrey's School of Mathematics and Physics, said: -- "We were able to combine four separate measurements using the world's most sensitive experimental equipment for this type of study, which is what allowed us to make this challenging observation. What we saw surprised us, demonstrating conclusively that lead-208 is not spherical, as one might naively assume. The findings directly challenge results from our colleagues in nuclear theory, presenting an exciting avenue for future research." -- Using the state-of-the-art GRETINA gamma-ray spectrometer at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois, USA, scientists bombarded lead atoms with high-speed particle beams accelerated to 10% of the speed of light -- equivalent to circling the Earth every second. -- The interactions created unique gamma-ray fingerprints of the properties of excited quantum states in lead-208 nuclei -- in other words, the nuclei were energised -- which, in turn, were used to determine its shape. -- Theoretical physicists, including those at the Surrey Nuclear Theory Group, are now re-examining the models used to describe atomic nuclei, as the experiments suggest that nuclear structure is far more complex than previously thought. -- Professor Paul Stevenson, lead theorist on the study from the University of Surrey, said: -- "These highly sensitive experiments have shed new light on something we thought we understood very well, presenting us with the new challenge of understanding the reasons why. One possibility is that the vibrations of the lead-208 nucleus, when excited during the experiments, are less regular than previously assumed. We are now refining our theories further to determine whether these ideas are right." -- The study, which brought together a team of experts from leading nuclear physics research centres across Europe and North America, challenges fundamental principles of nuclear physics and opens new avenues for research into nuclear stability, astrophysics and quantum mechanics.	T01	2,172
2508-054	Blue Light Therapy Improves Sleep Quality For Older Adults	New research from the University of Surrey demonstrates that blue-enriched light therapy can significantly enhance sleep quality and daily activity in older adults living at home. The study found that this type of light exposure led to improved sleep patterns, earlier bedtimes, and increased daytime activity, offering a promising non-pharmaceutical solution to tackle age-related sleep disturbances commonly faced by seniors.	University of Surrey	GeroScience	Press Rel	PubMed	Blue-enriched light can improve sleep quality and daily activity in older adults living at home, according to new research from the University of Surrey. Researchers found that this type of light therapy led to greater daytime activity, earlier bedtimes, regular sleep patterns and improved sleep quality, offering a promising, non-pharmacological approach to address age-related sleep challenges. -- As people age, their sleep patterns often change, leading to difficulties falling asleep, waking up earlier, more frequent nighttime awakenings, and overall poorer sleep quality. -- These changes are linked to age-related changes in the eyes and reduced exposure to daylight, often due to decreased mobility and social interactions, alongside increased exposure to artificial light at night, particularly if they live in care homes. -- The study, published in GeroScience, investigated the effects of different light conditions on 36 adults aged 60 and over. -- Participants self-administered both a control white light and a blue-enriched white light for two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, over an 11-week period. -- Researchers carefully monitored sleep patterns and activity levels using wearable technology and sleep diaries. -- The study found that the timing of light is crucial. They found that blue-enriched light is only beneficial in the morning, while exposure in the evening makes it more difficult to fall asleep and causes more restless nights. -- Dr Daan Van Der Veen, Senior Lecturer in Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Surrey said: -- "Our research shows that carefully timed light intervention can be a powerful tool for improving sleep and day-to-day activity in healthy older adults. By focusing on morning blue light and maximising daytime light exposure, we can help older adults achieve more restful sleep and maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle." -- Débora Constantino, Postgraduate Research Student at the University of Surrey said:	A01 H01 H02 T01	2,173
2509-025	Balance Of Reactive Molecules Crucial In Combating Drug-Resistant Bacteria	Researchers at the University of Surrey have revealed that balancing reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) is vital in combatting drug-resistant bacteria. Their study demonstrated how varying ratios of these molecules influence the behavior of harmful bacteria, akin to effective weed management in gardening, suggesting new strategies for tackling antibiotic resistance.	University of Surrey	Microbiological Research	Press Rel	PubMed	The balance between two types of molecules -- reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) -- plays a crucial role in tackling drug-resistant bacteria, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. -- In a study published in Microbiological Research, researchers from Surrey investigated how different RNS and ROS ratios affect harmful bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. -- Using advanced imaging and transcriptional analysis, they identified how these bacteria respond differently depending on the balance of these molecules. -- The researchers found that this balance works similarly to dealing with weeds in a garden. -- RNS is like pulling weeds out by the roots -- it removes them completely, preventing regrowth. -- But when ROS dominates, it's like just cutting the weeds at the surface; the bacteria may look weaker at first, but they can recover, form protective layers (biofilms), and become even harder to eliminate. -- This discovery is important because drug-resistant infections are a growing global health threat, making many antibiotics less effective. -- Understanding how RNS and ROS interact at a molecular level could help scientists develop new treatments that enhance the body's natural defences and slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). -- Dr Jorge Gutierrez-Merino, Senior Lecturer in Food Microbiology at the University of Surrey, said: -- "We used to think both reactive oxygen and nitrogen hurt bacteria in the same way, but our research found it's more complicated. While nitrogen-heavy environments kill bacteria, an oxygen-rich environment can actually make bacteria stronger and harder to kill, especially by helping them form protective layers that resist antibiotics."	A01 H01 T01	2,174
2509-E022	Longer-Lasting Solar Cells: Alumina Nanoparticles Enhance Perovskite Technology	New research from the University of Surrey indicates that alumina nanoparticles can extend the lifespan of perovskite solar cells by tenfold, addressing a critical flaw in their structure that leads to material degradation. By embedding these nanoparticles, the study paves the way for more durable, cost-effective solar technology, enhancing the viability of perovskite cells in the renewable energy market.	University of Surrey	EES Solar	Press Rel	PubMed	Perovskite solar cells could last ten times longer thanks to new research led by the University of Surrey, which suggests alumina (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles significantly enhance the lifespan and stability of these high-efficiency energy devices. -- While perovskite solar cells offer a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to traditional silicon-based technology, their commercial potential has been limited due to a flaw in their structure -- primarily caused by iodine leakage. -- Over time, this escape of iodine can lead to material degradation, reducing performance and durability. -- Working in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory and the University of Sheffield, scientists have now discovered a way to trap iodine by embedding tiny particles of Al₂O₃ -- aluminium oxide -- within the cell, holding promise for longer-lasting and more affordable next-generation solar panels. -- Dr Hashini Perera, postgraduate research student and lead author of the study from the Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey, said: -- "It's incredibly exciting to see our approach make such an impact. A decade ago, the idea of perovskite solar cells lasting this long under real-world conditions seemed out of reach. With these improvements, we're breaking new ground in stability and performance, bringing perovskite technology closer to becoming a mainstream energy solution." -- The study, published in EES Solar, tested the modified solar cells under extreme heat and humidity to replicate real-world conditions. -- Results showed that solar cells with embedded Al₂O₃ nanoparticles maintained high performance for more than two months (1,530 hours) -- a tenfold improvement compared to just 160 hours without the alumina-enhanced modifications. -- Further analysis revealed that the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles contributed to a more uniform perovskite structure, reducing defects and improving electrical conductivity; it also formed a protective 2D perovskite layer, which acts as an additional barrier against moisture degradation. -- Dr Imalka Jayawardena, from Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute, said:	C01	2,175
2510-E039	Menu Adjustments In Hotels Can Lower Carbon Emissions And Promote Vegetarian Choices	A recent study from the University of Surrey suggests that rethinking how hotel restaurant menus are arranged can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions. By prioritizing vegetarian and plant-based options, hotels can encourage more sustainable dining choices, thus decreasing their environmental impact. The research demonstrates how simple behavioral interventions can effectively promote eco-friendly eating habits among hotel guests, aligning with growing consumer demand for sustainability.	University of Surrey	Journal of Sustainable Tourism	Press Rel	PubMed	Changing our dining habits in hotels could significantly reduce carbon emissions by simply arranging restaurant menus differently, which can lead to a dramatic increase in vegetarian orders, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. -- By redesigning hotel menus to prioritise vegetarian and plant-based options, hotels can reduce their environmental impact.  -- Implementing behavioural interventions, such as strategically framing vegetarian dishes as the first choice on menus, can guide guests toward more sustainable dining decisions.  -- Such approaches not only align with the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly options but also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with food choices. -- The study, published in Sustainable Tourism, conducted a series of covert field experiments across two hotel restaurants, engaging 647 participants in various menu conditions.  -- Participants were exposed to either the default menu or one of three intervention menus designed to encourage vegetarian choices.  -- The interventions tested included cognitive nudges, based on the bandwagon effect, and behavioural nudges using framing and anchoring techniques that altered the presentation of menu options.  -- The results were clear: behavioural nudges were significantly more effective in increasing vegetarian orders compared to cognitive messaging. -- Sofie Voss, lead author of the study and PhD researcher at the University of Surrey said: -- "By simply restructuring how hotels present food options, they can enable guests to make more sustainable choices. It's not merely about reducing meat consumption; it's about creating an environment where plant-based choices are the norm rather than the exception."	A01 H01 C01 N02	2,176
2511-T005	Industrial Waste Gases: New Potential For Everyday Products	A new study led by Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan at the University of Surrey reveals the potential of capturing industrial waste gases and converting them into useful household products. This environmentally beneficial approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the research demonstrating an 82% reduction in global warming potential for emissions from paper mills compared to traditional methods. The findings support broader sustainability initiatives and progress toward achieving Net-Zero targets.	University of Surrey	Journal of CO2 Utilization	Press Rel	PubMed	Industrial waste gases, long seen as a major contributor to climate change, could soon be captured and repurposed into everyday household products such as shampoo, detergent, and even fuel. -- A new study led by Professor Jhuma Sadhukhan at the University of Surrey has successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO2 emissions into key chemical ingredients. -- As part of the Flue2Chem initiative, researchers for the first time assessed the entire life cycle of converting waste gases from steel and paper mills into chemical components (surfactants) for essential consumer goods. -- The study, published in the Journal of CO2 Utilization, found the approach reduces global warming potential (GWP) by around 82% for paper mill emissions and nearly half for the steel mill industry compared to fossil-based surfactant production -- highlighting a promising pathway to bring the UK closer to its Net-Zero targets. -- Professor Jin Xuan, Associate Dean of Research and Innovation at Surrey and co-author of the study, said: -- "For decades, fossil fuels have been the backbone of manufacturing, not just as an energy source but as a key component in the products people use daily. However, this reliance has come at a high environmental cost. Our findings show that waste CO2 can be part of the solution rather than the problem. This isn't just about cutting emissions -- it's about creating a circular carbon economy where waste becomes the building blocks of essential products and fuel." -- Recent life cycle assessments show that CO2-based products offer significant environmental benefits. -- However, a techno-economic analysis highlights key challenges, such as high costs and limited hydrogen supply -- both critical for converting CO2 into surfactants. -- Given the energy-intensive nature of the process, the study emphasises the need for further investment in renewable energy infrastructure. -- A separate University of Surrey-led study, published in Digital Chemical Engineering, also looked at the economic feasibility of different production methods and found that the CO2 capture route remains more expensive, at $8/kg compared to $3.75/kg for fossil-based sources.	R02 N01	2,177
2511-T027	New Insights Into Nuclear Reactions From Neutron Star Collision Studies	A team of physicists has successfully measured a nuclear reaction that occurs during neutron star collisions, providing experimental data that expands our understanding of the universe's heaviest elements. Conducted by the University of Surrey in collaboration with several institutions, the study measures a weak r-process reaction cross-section for the first time, shedding light on element formation processes previously reliant solely on theoretical models, thus advancing both astrophysics and nuclear reactor physics.	University of Surrey	Physical Review Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Physicists have measured a nuclear reaction that can occur in neutron star collisions, providing direct experimental data for a process that had previously only been theorised. The study, led by the University of Surrey, provides new insight into how the universe's heaviest elements are forged -- and could even drive advancements in nuclear reactor physics. -- Working in collaboration with the University of York, the University of Seville, and TRIUMF, Canada's national particle accelerator centre, the breakthrough marks the first-ever measurement of a weak r-process reaction cross-section using a radioactive ion beam, in this case studying the 94Sr(α,n)97Zr reaction. This is where a radioactive form of strontium (strontium-94) absorbs an alpha particle (a helium nucleus), then emits a neutron and transforms into zirconium-97. -- The study has been published as an Editors Suggestion in Physical Review Letters. -- Dr Matthew Williams, lead author of the study from the University of Surrey, said: -- "The weak r-process plays a crucial role in the formation of heavy elements, which astronomers have observed in ancient stars -- celestial fossils that carry the chemical fingerprints of perhaps only one prior cataclysmic event, like a supernovae or neutron star merger. Until now, our understanding of how these elements form has relied on theoretical predictions, but this experiment provides the first real-world data to test those models that involve radioactive nuclei." -- The experiment was enabled by the use of novel helium targets. Since helium is a noble gas, meaning it is neither reactive nor solid, researchers at the University of Seville developed an innovative nano-material target, embedding helium inside ultra-thin silicon films to form billions of microscopic helium bubbles, each only a few 10s of nanometres across. -- Using TRIUMF's advanced radioactive ion beam technology, the team accelerated short-lived strontium-94 isotopes into these targets, allowing them to measure the nuclear reaction under conditions similar to those found in extreme cosmic environments. -- Dr Williams said: -- "This is a major achievement for astrophysics and nuclear physics, and the first-time nanomaterials have been used in this way, opening exciting new possibilities for nuclear research. -- "Beyond astrophysics, understanding how radioactive nuclei behave is crucial for improving nuclear reactor design. These types of nuclei are constantly produced in nuclear reactors, but until recently, studying their reactions has been extremely difficult. Reactor physics depends on this kind of data to predict how often components need replacing, how long they'll last and how to design more efficient, modern systems."	C01 T01	2,178
2512-054	Long COVID Sufferers Seek Validation: Many Feel Dismissed By Healthcare Providers	A recent study from the University of Surrey highlights the struggles faced by individuals with Long COVID, emphasizing feelings of disbelief and neglect from healthcare providers. The research reveals that patients often feel compelled to prove their illness is physical, leading to a rejection of psychological support, which can be misunderstood as invalidation of their symptoms.	University of Surrey	Journal of Health Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	People living with Long Covid often feel dismissed, disbelieved and unsupported by their healthcare providers, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. -- The study, which was published in the Journal of Health Psychology, looked at how patients with Long Covid experience their illness. -- The study found that many patients feel they have to prove their illness is physical to be taken seriously and, as a result, often reject psychological support, fearing it implies their symptoms are "all in the mind." -- Professor Jane Ogden, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey, said: -- "We found that the problem isn't people with Long Covid refusing help -- it's about the deep need for people to be believed. When a patient feels dismissed, offering psychological support instead of medical care can be misconstrued as insulting." -- According to the Office for National Statistics, there are 1.9 million people who live with Long Covid in the UK. Long Covid symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches and shortness of breath, which persist for many weeks, sometimes months, after the initial Covid-19 infection. -- Surrey's study involved in-depth interviews with 14 people in the UK between the ages of 27 to 63 who had experienced Long Covid symptoms for more than four weeks. -- The group included 12 women and two men. -- Saara Petker, clinical psychologist, co-author of the study and former PhD student at the University of Surrey, said: -- "We found that our participants are living a life of constant uncertainty, struggling to find treatment. People told us that they didn't feel listened to, some said they'd lost trust in doctors, their social circles and even their own bodies because of the whole experience.	R01 C01	2,179
2512-E009	Timely Energy Transitions: Essential for Economic Stability Amid Climate Change	A study from the University of Surrey emphasizes that delayed and disorderly energy transitions pose risks to economic stability and exacerbate climate change challenges. By simulating various transition scenarios, researchers found that timely and orderly shifts towards low-carbon economies yield more beneficial economic outcomes. The findings underline the importance of prompt governmental action to navigate these transitions effectively and mitigate financial risks associated with climate change.	University of Surrey	Ecological Economics	Press Rel	PubMed	Delayed and disorderly energy transitions will threaten economic and financial stability whilst also increasing the economic risks from climate change, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. Conversely, transitions that are started sooner are likely to be more orderly and economically beneficial. -- The paper, published in Ecological Economics, simulates different energy transition scenarios and finds that earlier transitions are more economically beneficial than delayed, rapid shifts. -- By analysing the interactions between industries, investment patterns, and financial markets, the researchers show that disorderly transitions -- where changes happen too quickly -- can lead to economic instability and financial risks. -- Dr Andrew Jackson, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity and lead author of the study at the University of Surrey said: -- "Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is critical. Our work shows how delayed and disorderly transitions could ultimately lead to a combination of increased inflation, higher interest rates, economic stagnation and financial instability. Avoiding these transition risks, as well as the physical risks from climate change, requires that governments take concerted action now' and do not delay action on the transition any further." -- The research also suggests that targeted investments in green technologies, a robust financial framework to support these investments, and a clear and credible transition pathway can enable a smoother transition while safeguarding economic stability. -- Dr Jackson continued: -- "By prioritising an orderly transition that is well signposted, governments can mitigate the risks associated with delayed and disorderly transitions. We need a re-evaluation of current transition strategies to advocate for an approach that considers the economic and financial costs from delaying the transition as well as the upfront costs of the transition itself. Only by taking a holistic view of all these costs can we pave the way for a sustainable future without jeopardising economic and financial stability."	C01	2,180
2513-045	Scientists Warn Mpox Could Evolve Into A Global Health Threat	The potential global health threat posed by mpox is underscored in a recent letter from scientists at the University of Surrey. Highlighting its shift from animal-to-human transmission to sustained human-to-human spread, they warn that the viral infection, related to smallpox, could lead to serious health complications if not taken seriously. The emphasis is on the need for continued vigilance and preparedness as mpox cases rise.	University of Surrey	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Mpox has the potential to become a significant global health threat if taken too lightly, according to scientists at the University of Surrey. -- In a letter published in Nature Medicine, researchers highlight how mpox -- traditionally spread from animals to humans -- is now showing clear signs of sustained human-to-human transmission. -- Mpox is a viral infection caused by a virus that belongs to the same family as smallpox. -- The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands and, in some cases, lead to more serious illness. -- Mpox usually spreads through close contact with an infected person or animal. -- Carlos Maluquer de Motes, Reader in Molecular Virology at the University of Surrey, said: -- "The most recent outbreaks show that intimate contact is now a significant way the virus spreads. That shift in how it's transmitted is leading to longer transmission chains and lasting outbreaks." -- The article notes that this change coincided with the rapid spread of clade IIb (a clade is a group of viruses that share a common ancestor) mpox viruses, but different clade I variants are now on the rise too. -- Researchers are also concerned because clade I viruses are thought to be more aggressive. -- These viruses appear to be accumulating specific genetic mutations -- driven by enzymes in the human body -- that may be changing viral properties, so the longer these viruses circulate amongst us, the higher the chances these mutations help mpox adapt to humans.	R01 N01	2,181
2513-056	Parkinson's Disease May Impact Heart Health Beyond Movement Issues	Recent findings from the University of Surrey reveal a significant connection between Parkinson's disease and heart health. Researchers discovered harmful accumulations of the alpha-synuclein protein in nerves near the heart, suggesting that Parkinson's can disrupt cardiac function. This highlights the importance of monitoring heart health in patients with Parkinson's, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting these protein deposits.	University of Surrey	Experimental Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Parkinson's doesn't just affect movement and the brain -- it may also impact the heart, according to new research from the University of Surrey. Scientists from Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine suggest that targeting a key protein outside of the brain could help manage Parkinson's-related heart issues. -- In a new study published in Experimental Physiology, Surrey researchers studied mouse models and found a harmful build-up of the alpha-synuclein protein, which is associated with Parkinson's disease, in a nerve cluster near the heart (the stellate ganglia). These nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and rhythm. -- Researchers found that 27% of neurons in the nerve cluster contained aggregated alpha-synuclein, forming similar toxic clumps seen in the brains of Parkinson's patients. -- This finding suggests that Parkinson's could disrupt heart function, not just movement and brain activity. -- Professor Kamalan Jeevaratnam, lead author of the study and Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: -- "Our study confirms the suspicion that there is a link between Parkinson's disease and cardiac autonomic dysfunction -- giving us a new insight into how the disease impacts the nervous system beyond the brain. And just like the brain, alpha-synuclein forms clumps in the nerves, strongly suggesting that the same process that damages brain cells in Parkinson's is also damaging the nerves that control the heart." -- The research team used mouse models that produced a mutant form of alpha-synuclein. -- Then, using a precise dissection technique, they extracted the stellate ganglia, ensuring minimal tissue damage. -- The nerve clusters were then thinly sliced and stained with fluorescent markers, allowing scientists to track the spread and accumulation of the harmful protein within individual neurons. -- Bonn Lee, postgraduate student at the University of Surrey and co-author of the study, said:	R01 R02	2,182
2513-E030	Innovative Carbon Capture Tech Turns Air CO2 Into Clean Fuel Effortlessly	A novel carbon capture technology from the University of Surrey presents a more cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and converting it into clean synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process shows promising results, with potential costs dropping significantly, making it financially competitive and advancing efforts toward sustainable energy solutions.	University of Surrey	Applied Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	A unique carbon capture technology developed by researchers at the University of Surrey could offer a more cost-effective way to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and turn it into clean, synthetic fuel. -- A study published in Applied Energy demonstrated that the Dual-Function Material (DFM) process -- which combines carbon capture and conversion -- could match or outperform more established industry methods. -- Under optimal conditions, it was shown to remove carbon at a cost of US$740 per tonne, with the potential to drop below $400 as materials improve. -- Dr Michael Short, Associate Professor of Process Systems Engineering at the University of Surrey and lead author of the study, said: -- "For the first time, we've been able to demonstrate it can be financially competitive to use DFMs for direct air capture (DAC) -- all the while creating clean fuel like methane in the process. -- "Using green hydrogen from renewable electricity and carbon from the atmosphere, our system can help to replace fossil feedstocks in sectors like steel manufacturing. If a steel mill uses this fuel, it could effectively have zero net emissions -- offering a sustainable path to decarbonise industries that are otherwise hard to electrify." -- Using superstructure optimisation -- an advanced modelling technique -- the team tested a wide range of configurations to identify the most cost-effective design for capturing 10,000 tonnes of CO2 per year -- a scale comparable to other commercial systems. -- With further improvements in material performance and catalyst cost, researchers suggest it could hold promise for large-scale deployment and can be integrated with existing industry infrastructure. -- Dr Melis Duyar, Associate Professor in Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Surrey, said: -- "Recycling carbon in this way is a powerful idea, with potential to create many new value chains and enable energy independence by embedding renewable energy into the production of conventional fuels and chemicals."	C01 T01	2,183
2502-E075	Levofloxacin Proven Safe And Effective Against Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis	Levofloxacin and Tuberculosis: A clinical trial from Sydney shows that Levofloxacin significantly reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis. This discovery provides a promising avenue for preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant TB, a pressing public health concern affecting hundreds of thousands annually.	University of Sydney	NEJM Evidence	Press Rel	PubMed	A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the oral antibiotic levofloxacin taken once-daily for six months substantially reduced the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), and almost halved adults' and children's risk of developing multidrug-resistant TB. -- "Multidrug-resistant TB is a major global public health problem, affecting over 400,000 people each year. It is associated with significantly poorer outcomes than drug-susceptible TB," said Professor Gregory Fox, Director of the NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Tuberculosis who led the VQUIN trial at the University of Sydney's Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in collaboration with the Vietnam Tuberculosis Program. -- "We now have a way of stopping people with early TB infection from becoming sick and spreading their infection to other people." -- The trial enrolled 2,041 family members of people with drug-resistant TB. These family members had early infection, which had not yet developed into the active form of drug-resistant TB. The study was conducted across 10 provinces in Vietnam, a country with a high rate of drug-resistant TB. -- The trial found that levofloxacin reduced the risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in adults and adolescents by 45 percent. -- The trial findings were combined with a second trial, TB-CHAMP, that took place in South Africa and involved the same treatment in children. -- Together, the two studies demonstrated that levofloxacin could stop the risk of MDR-TB among family and other household members, curtailing the global impact of this dangerous pathogen. -- The combined analysis was published on the same day in the companion journal NEJM Evidence. -- Evidence to date has been limited on MDR-TB preventive treatment since no randomised controlled trials had ever been conducted. -- "The VQUIN trial is a major step forward in the fight against drug-resistant TB. "This evidence changes the way we care for people at risk of drug-resistant TB in Australia and globally.	H01	2,184
2503-006	Lifestyle Support: A Powerful Tool Against Chronic Back Pain	A study from the University of Sydney highlights the effectiveness of integrating lifestyle support into chronic back pain treatments. Participants receiving personalized coaching alongside standard care reported reduced disability and improved quality of life, suggesting that addressing lifestyle factors may enhance recovery from chronic low back pain.	University of Sydney	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide with many treatments, such as medication, often failing to provide lasting relief. Researchers from the University of Sydney's Centre for Rural Health have uncovered a possible solution. Their study, published in JAMA Network Open, found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and enhance quality of life. -- The randomised controlled trial included 346 participants from across Australia, all of whom had chronic low back pain and at least one lifestyle risk factor, such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary habits, or smoking. -- Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the "Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP)" or standard guideline-based physiotherapy care for managing their low back pain. -- The HeLP participants received support from physiotherapists, dietitians and telephone health coaches who helped them work out which lifestyle habits might be influencing their back pain, such as weight, inactivity, poor diet, poor sleep, smoking or excessive alcohol use. -- They were then provided evidence-based advice over a six-month period to help address the lifestyle challenge. -- The approach showed several benefits compared to standard care including reduced disability, with participants scoring an average of 1.3 points lower on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (higher scores indicate greater disability). HeLP participants also lost an average of 1.6kg more than the control group. -- Chief Investigator Associate Professor Chris Williams explained that the findings challenge traditional views of back pain management: -- "Resolving back pain needs to focus on more than the back. Our bodies are not like machines, we are more like ecosystems where lots of factors interact and determine how we work and feel. Back pain is no different. So, when someone has back pain that doesn't get better, they should expect to get comprehensive care about a range of health factors, not just a focus on what's happening in their spine. We should shout this message from roof tops." -- "Increasing numbers of studies have shown that pathologies like bulging discs and joint degeneration are rarely the cause of long-term back pain," said Associate Professor Williams. -- "The problem is, few people are told this, and even fewer are given support to focus on the things that influence long-term pain and disability. Too many people are referred for surgery or prescribed medications that don't help -- and may even lead to more harm."	A01 H01 H02 C01	2,185
2504-E038	Genetic Diversity Decline: Conservation Efforts Show Signs Of Hope	A comprehensive global study led by conservation scientists reveals a concerning decline in genetic diversity across various species worldwide. However, it also highlights the effectiveness of conservation efforts in fostering genetic resilience. Despite the challenges posed by biodiversity loss, the study offers hope that targeted conservation actions are making a positive impact on preserving genetic diversity in wildlife populations.	University of Sydney	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	In the most comprehensive global analysis of genetic diversity ever undertaken, an international team of scientists has found that the genetic diversity is being lost across the globe but that conservation efforts are helping to safeguard species. -- The landmark study, published in the pre-eminent scientific journal Nature, was led by Associate Professor Catherine Grueber from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and a team of researchers from countries including the UK, Sweden, Poland, Spain, Greece and China. -- The data spans more than three decades (from 1985-2019) and looks at 628 species of animals, plants and fungi across all terrestrial and most maritime realms on earth. -- Two-thirds of the populations analysed are declining in genetic diversity but conservation efforts designed to improve environmental conditions, grow populations and introduce new individuals for breeding -- for example habitat restoration and animal translocations -- are sustaining, and in some cases increasing, genetic diversity in populations. -- Associate Professor Grueber said: "There is no getting around the fact that biodiversity is declining at unprecedented rates across the globe -- but there are glimmers of hope. The action of conservationists is reversing these losses and helping to create genetically diverse populations that can better meet the challenges of the future." -- The team of scientists used innovations in genetic analysis to gain new insights from studies carried out decades ago. -- Creating a common measurement scale, they were able to make comparisons between studies, even when they used different methodologies and collected genetic data in different ways. -- "This kind of comprehensive global study would not have been possible even 10 years ago," Associate Professor Grueber said. -- "Advances in genetics and statistics have given us new tools that mean we can continue to learn from studies long after they were carried out -- a huge benefit when we are looking at populations and trends on a global scale." -- Conservation efforts that could improve or maintain genetic diversity include translocations -- where animals are moved between populations to benefit a species or ecosystem -- habitat restoration, population control -- where some individuals are removed to improve conditions for those that remain -- and controlling feral or pest species.	C01 N01 N02	2,186
2507-142	Promising New Vaccine Shows Effectiveness Against Tuberculosis In Early Trials	Pioneering research from Australia has yielded a promising new mRNA vaccine that enhances immunity against tuberculosis (TB). Conducted by leading institutions, this study indicates that the new vaccine can reduce TB infection rates in mice and shows potential as a more effective alternative to the long-established BCG vaccine.	University of Sydney	University of Sydney	Press Rel	PubMed	A new vaccine that boosts immunity against tuberculosis (TB) has been shown to be effective in pioneering pre-clinical trials, as part of a successful collaboration between three leading Australian research institutions. -- A study into the vaccine's effectiveness, published in eBioMedicine, was led by experts from the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute at University of Sydney, the Centenary Institute and the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science (MIPS) at Monash University. -- Currently the only approved vaccine for TB is the century-old Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is widely used despite its effectiveness in adults being inconsistent. -- The study found that the new mRNA vaccine was successful in triggering an immune defence response that helped to reduce TB numbers in infected mice. -- In addition, the researchers discovered that for mice that had received the BCG vaccine, a booster dose of the new mRNA vaccine significantly improved their long-term protection. -- The vaccine used mRNA technology, which is where genetic instructions are used to trigger an immune response in the body, as opposed to using a weakened or deadened version of a virus. -- Senior author Professor Jamie Triccas, Deputy Director of the Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, said: "Our findings demonstrate that an mRNA vaccine can induce potent, pathogen-specific immune responses that target TB, a disease that has long evaded effective vaccine development. This represents a major advance in TB vaccine research and provides a strong rationale for further clinical development." -- TB is the leading cause of infectious mortality worldwide, responsible for approximately 1.3 million deaths annually, with a particular prevalence in countries such as India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Pakistan. -- The researchers hope that the mRNA vaccine will ultimately be more effective and consistent than the BCG when used in humans. -- This is because, unlike protein-based or live-attenuated vaccines (those that contain a weakened version of a pathogen), mRNA vaccines allow for rapid adaptation, making them an attractive option for global TB control efforts.	Z01	2,187
2509-E001	Sydney's Koalas Face Unique Risks: A Genetic Conundrum	New research underscores the precarious situation of Sydney's koala population, particularly those in south-western Sydney, which remain free of a fatal disease called chlamydia. While their disease-free status is a positive note, their genetic vulnerability and low diversity heighten the risk of environmental threats. Conducted by the University of Sydney, this analysis highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to prevent potential disease outbreaks that could devastate this fragile population.	University of Sydney	Conservation Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from the University of Sydney highlights the unique existential dilemma faced by Sydney's koala population. -- These populations in south-western Sydney are among the very few in New South Wales (NSW) still free of chlamydia, a highly contagious disease causing infertility that has severely diminished populations elsewhere in the continent's eastern states. -- However, analysis of these koalas led by Dr Elspeth McLennan and Professor Carolyn Hogg at the University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences shows how vulnerable they are to environmental threats and outbreaks of disease. Highly inbred and with low genetic diversity, they are less likely to adapt to the disease should it arrive on their doorstep. -- The findings have been published in Conservation Genetics. -- Tissue samples from 111 koalas were collected by NSW Government staff from seven sites in the south-western Sydney suburbs of Liverpool, Campbelltown, Heathcote and Wollondilly, and from Wingecarribee in the Southern Highlands. -- Genetic analysis showed a high level of interrelatedness, inbreeding and worryingly low genetic diversity across Sydney koalas. -- Low genetic diversity means populations cannot always adapt to change, making them highly susceptible to environmental threats and disease outbreaks. -- "On average, koalas in the Sydney populations have cousin or half-sibling relationships," said Dr McLennan. -- Living in highly urbanised areas limits opportunities for Sydney's koalas to move around and breed with populations further afield and increase the diversity needed to build resilience. However, there is a chance that koalas from the neighbouring Wollondilly Shire, where chlamydia is present, may find their way to the Sydney populations. Gene flow analysis showed koalas are moving between Wollondilly and Campbelltown, the southern-most chlamydia-free site. -- "It's a classic Catch-22 situation," said Dr McLennan. "If the Wollondilly koalas breed with those elsewhere in Sydney they could increase genetic diversity. But they may bring chlamydia with them. If the latter happens, individual koalas are unlikely to have enough genetic variation to adapt to the threat.	Z01	2,188
2510-T036	Discovery: Dwarf Stars Emit Radio Pulses, Expanding Our Understanding Beyond Neutron Stars	An international team has discovered a white dwarf and red dwarf star system emitting radio pulses every two hours, challenging existing knowledge about such emissions. This finding, detailed in Nature Astronomy, indicates that not only neutron stars emit these pulses, providing new insights into radio emissions across the Milky Way galaxy.	University of Sydney	Nature Astronomy	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of astronomers led by Dr Iris de Ruiter, now at the University of Sydney, has shown that a white dwarf and a red dwarf star orbiting each other every two hours are emitting radio pulses. -- Thanks to follow-up observations using optical and x-ray telescopes, the researchers were able to determine the origin of these pulses with certainty. -- The findings explain the source of such radio emissions found across the Milky Way galaxy for the first time. -- The results are published in Nature Astronomy. -- In recent years, better analysis techniques have given researchers the ability to detect radio pulses that last from seconds to minutes and seem to come from stars in the Milky Way. -- There have been many hypotheses about what triggers these pulses, but until now there has been no hard evidence as to their source. -- This study led by Dr de Ruiter while at the University of Amsterdam changes this. -- Dr de Ruiter, who received her doctorate from the University of Amsterdam in October 2024, is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney. -- During the last year of her PhD, she developed a method to search for radio pulses of seconds to minutes in the historical archive of LOFAR, the Low-Frequency Array telescope in the Netherlands. -- While improving the method, Dr de Ruiter discovered a single pulse in the 2015 observations.	Z01	2,189
2505-006	Traffic Pollution Linked To Liver Damage And Fatty Liver Disease	A new study in mice indicates that prolonged exposure to low levels of traffic-related air pollution may harm liver health and increase the risk of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. The research underscores the broader health impacts of air pollution, highlighting how tiny particles can enter the bloodstream and accumulate in the liver, potentially disrupting metabolic processes. This finding calls attention to the need for awareness of air pollution's effects beyond respiratory health, emphasizing its significance in overall well-being.	University of Technology Sydney	Journal of Environmental Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A research team from the Institut de Neurociències of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (INc-UAB) has discovered that the two key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's -- tau protein and beta-amyloid -- affect brain circuits in distinct yet synergistic ways, particularly those linked to memory and emotions. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED) and the Universidad Pablo de Olavide (UPO). -- Published in Molecular Psychiatry (Nature group), the findings reveal that tau accumulation in the hippocampus leads to memory deficits, while beta-amyloid buildup in the amygdala triggers emotional disturbances such as anxiety and fear -- both early symptoms of the disease. -- Moreover, the combination of these two pathologies intensifies brain inflammation and dysfunction, amplifying their overall impact. -- For decades, research into Alzheimer's disease has been shaped by two theories: one suggesting that the disease originates from tau buildup inside neurons, and another pointing to beta-amyloid accumulation as the primary trigger. -- These perspectives have largely dictated current therapeutic approaches, with treatments aiming to prevent the buildup of either tau or beta-amyloid in hopes of slowing disease progression. -- However, the research team led by researchers Carles Saura and Arnaldo Parra-Damas, from the UAB Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the INc-UAB, argues that a dual-targeted therapeutic strategy may be necessary to effectively combat this disease. -- This breakthrough was made possible by the development of a novel transgenic mouse model that replicates both tau and beta-amyloid pathologies. -- "Although both proteins accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, most animal models used for studying the disease typically focus on only one of these factors," explains researcher Maria Dolores Capilla, lead author of the study. -- "In our research, we generated a transgenic mouse model exhibiting both tau and beta-amyloid accumulation, allowing us to analyze their individual and combined effects," adds the INc-UAB researcher. -- These findings could reshape current treatment strategies, which often target only one of these toxic proteins.	H01 R01	2,190
2506-E058	Microalgae: An Underutilized Resource In Our Climate Change Battle	As the fight against climate change escalates, researchers emphasize the untapped potential of microalgae as a sustainable resource. A recent study calls for "smart microalgal bioprospecting" to fully exploit their capacity for CO2 mitigation and green industry applications. Microalgae's unique properties could help develop innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, marking them as vital players in a sustainable future.	University of Technology Sydney	Natural Products and Bioprospecting	Press Rel	PubMed	New research has highlighted microalgae's capacity as a solution in the fight against climate change, but researchers warn that "smart microalgal bioprospecting" is needed to unlock its full potential.  -- The study highlights the vast, largely unexplored capacity of microalgae to mitigate CO2 emissions while driving sustainable industry. -- "Microalgae have remarkable properties that make them an ideal tool for tackling climate change," said lead author, PhD candidate Joan Labara Tirado from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). -- The review paper, The need for smart microalgal bioprospecting was recently published in the journal Natural Products and Bioprospecting. -- Beyond CO2 sequestration, microalgae offer significant promise as 'cellular factories' that can transform captured carbon into valuable products. -- "Microalgae grow incredibly fast, absorb CO2 at a much higher rate than terrestrial plants, and don't compete for arable land, making them a viable option for sustainable carbon capture and industrial applications." -- These include biofuels, pharmaceuticals, high-nutrient food sources, and even wastewater treatment, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.  -- Successful examples include Spirulina which is widely used as a superfood or Dunaliella salina, a primary source of β-carotene for the cosmetics and food industries. -- Despite their promise, the industrial use of microalgae remains in its infancy. -- "Right now, we're only scratching the surface," said Labara Tirado.	H01 C01 N02	2,191
2506-T012	Torque Clustering Algorithm Unleashes Next Level Of Autonomous AI Learning	A revolutionary AI algorithm, Torque Clustering, has been developed to enhance unsupervised learning, enabling AI systems to autonomously identify patterns in data. This advancement allows for more efficient data analysis across various fields, such as medicine and finance, without the need for human-labeled datasets. By mimicking natural learning processes, Torque Clustering represents a significant leap towards more intelligent and adaptable AI systems.	University of Technology Sydney	IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have developed a new AI algorithm, called Torque Clustering, that is much closer to natural intelligence than current methods. It significantly improves how AI systems learn and uncover patterns in data independently, without human guidance. -- Torque Clustering can efficiently and autonomously analyse vast amounts of data in fields such as biology, chemistry, astronomy, psychology, finance and medicine, revealing new insights such as detecting disease patterns, uncovering fraud, or understanding behaviour. -- "In nature, animals learn by observing, exploring, and interacting with their environment, without explicit instructions. The next wave of AI, 'unsupervised learning' aims to mimic this approach," said Distinguished Professor CT Lin from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). -- "Nearly all current AI technologies rely on 'supervised learning', an AI training method that requires large amounts of data to be labelled by a human using predefined categories or values, so that the AI can make predictions and see relationships. -- "Supervised learning has a number of limitations. Labelling data is costly, time-consuming and often impractical for complex or large-scale tasks. Unsupervised learning, by contrast, works without labelled data, uncovering the inherent structures and patterns within datasets." -- A paper detailing the Torque Clustering method, Autonomous clustering by fast find of mass and distance peaks, has just been published in IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence, a leading journal in the field of artificial intelligence. -- The Torque Clustering algorithm outperforms traditional unsupervised learning methods, offering a potential paradigm shift. -- It is fully autonomous, parameter-free, and can process large datasets with exceptional computational efficiency. -- It has been rigorously tested on 1,000 diverse datasets, achieving an average adjusted mutual information (AMI) score -- a measure of clustering results -- of 97.7%. In comparison, other state-of-the-art methods only achieve scores in the 80% range. -- "What sets Torque Clustering apart is its foundation in the physical concept of torque, enabling it to identify clusters autonomously and adapt seamlessly to diverse data types, with varying shapes, densities, and noise degrees," said first author Dr Jie Yang.	N01 T01	2,192
2507-E055	Researchers Decode Complex Genome Of Economically Significant White Oak	Researchers have unraveled the complex genome of the white oak, a crucial forest species facing declining seedling recruitment across eastern North America. The findings offer insights into plant evolution and genetic improvement efforts, aiding forest managers in addressing future resource challenges. This groundbreaking work fosters a better understanding of white oak diversity and its ecological significance.	University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture	University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture	Press Rel	PubMed	Highly valued economically, ecologically and culturally, the white oak (Quercus alba) is a keystone forest species and is one of the most abundant trees across much of eastern North America. It also faces declining seedling recruitment in many parts of its range. -- In a paper published in New Phytologist, researchers representing the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Indiana University, the University of Kentucky, the U.S. Forest Service and several more institutions describe for the first time the species' complex genome, providing insights into fundamental questions about plant evolution, tree breeding and genetic improvement efforts that could help forest managers plan for and address future forest resources. -- Lead authors of the paper Meg Staton, associate professor of bioinformatics and computational genomics in the UT Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Drew Larson, National Science Foundation postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University, coordinated with colleagues across the nation in academia, the U.S. Forest Service, state forests and industry to obtain genetic sequence data representative of the species. -- Also central to the effort were Seth DeBolt, professor of horticulture and director of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky, and Dana Nelson of the U.S. Forest Service Southern Research Station and director of the Forest Health Research and Education Center at the University of Kentucky. -- Says Staton and her co-authors in the paper, "The white oak genome represents a major new resource for studying genome diversity and evolution in Quercus. Also, unbiased gene annotation is key to accurately assessing R [disease resistance] gene evolution in Quercus." -- The paper addresses the extent of the genetic diversity and population differentiation in Q. alba, and how gene content and disease resistance genes appear to have evolved during the history of Quercus and related taxa. -- The authors also discuss phylogenetic hypotheses -- how oak species are evolutionarily related -- as supported by whole genome data. -- The study notes that the amount of standing genetic variation and the extent to which populations are locally adapted will have implications for the response of Q. alba and other white oak species to increasingly prevalent heat and drought stress. -- The details of this study are of interest to those invested in the sustainability of white oak across economic, ecological and cultural boundaries. -- Part of the project was sponsored by Makers Mark Distillery and Independent Stave Company. The white oak tree whose genome was sequenced for the study is from the Makers Mark campus in Loretto, Kentucky.	H02 N02	2,193
2503-E016	Hurricane Preparedness: Learning From Past Storms To Mitigate Future Risks	New research from The University of Texas at Arlington stresses the importance of analyzing the impacts of past tropical storms to enhance future preparedness. By examining storm-related precipitation's effects on local water resources, the study aims to help communities mitigate damage and reduce climate migration driven by increasing storm frequency and intensity. This understanding is crucial, especially as climate change exacerbates the effects of tropical storms on vulnerable regions.	University of Texas at Arlington	Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Tropical storms like hurricanes are not only terrifying, but also incredibly costly for coastal regions across the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Beyond the immediate devastation, these storms contribute to significant economic losses and human displacement. In 2023 alone, climate migration linked to such events saw 2.5 million individuals attempt to cross the U.S. southern land border. -- New research led by The University of Texas at Arlington emphasizes that studying the impacts of past tropical storms can help communities better prepare for future storms. A key part of the study is analyzing the types and quantities of storm-related precipitation in affected regions to understand its role on local water resources. By mitigating excessive damage, such preparation could enable more people to remain in their home countries. This is increasingly urgent as climate change is expected to make tropical storms 10-15% more frequent and intense. -- "We already know that tropical storms have a huge impact on water resources in communities, but few studies have examined the water runoff from these events and how they impact local populations -- that's where our research comes in," said Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo, lead author of the study and associate professor of earth and environmental sciences at UTA. -- Dr. Sánchez-Murillo and his team, in collaboration with international partners from hurricane-prone regions in the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Trinidad and Tobago, analyzed water "fingerprints" known as isotopic compositions. By studying isotopic data from past storms, they provided new insights into how storm-related precipitation influences regional water cycles, adding depth to our understanding of these weather events. -- "Our comprehensive analysis of isotopic compositions in tropical storm-derived precipitation offers a deeper understanding of the role these weather systems play in regional water cycles and climate predictions," said Sánchez-Murillo. "These results underscore the significance of accounting for storm-related precipitation. We feel that understanding precipitation impacts will help communities better prepare for extreme storms and manage local water resources both before and after the storms." -- The research team, which includes researchers from Brown University, Clemson University, Florida International University, Humboldt University, Oberlin College, Rice University, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Houston, the University of Tennessee and Washington State University, plans to expand its work. Future studies will investigate evaporation and groundwater recharge patterns resulting from tropical storms, as well as how storm paths might shift due to climate change. -- "This research has broad implications for improving our understanding of how tropical storms impact water resources and climate, leading to better predictions and management strategies," Sánchez-Murillo said. -- This research was funded in part from grants from the International Atomic Energy Agency and an Early Career Fellowship from the Gulf Research Program of the National Academics of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.	H02 C01 N02	2,194
2506-040	Teen Body Image Issues Linked To Higher Risk Of Self-Harm, New Study Shows	Research from the University of Texas at Arlington shows that adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight are three times more likely to consider self-harm than those who do not. This study highlights the significant impact of self-perception on mental health, suggesting a need for reevaluation of BMI as a diagnostic tool in youth populations.	University of Texas at Arlington	Psychiatry Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Adolescents who perceive themselves as overweight are three times more likely to consider committing self-harm compared to those who do not, regardless of whether the person is objectively overweight, according to a new study released by The University of Texas at Arlington. -- "What we found was that the perception of being overweight has a much stronger effect of suicidal ideation than the objective measure of weight," said Philip Baiden, an associate professor of social work at UTA and lead author of the study. -- Dr. Baiden conducted the research with fellow UTA social work Associate Professor Catherine LaBrenz, along with researchers from UT Dallas, Texas Woman's University, Florida International University, New York University, Simmons University and the University of Ghana. -- "This finding ties neatly into recent calls to reconsider how accurate BMI is as a tool for diagnosing individuals as overweight or obese," Baiden said. -- Published in the peer-reviewed journal Psychiatry Research, the researchers examined data from more than 39,000 individuals age 14 to 18 obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Behavior Risk Survey. It considered factors such as socioeconomic status, family dynamics, academic pressures and adverse childhood experiences. -- The pooled data from 2015 to 2021 included both self-reported data from adolescents as well as information obtained from caregivers and school records. This comprehensive approach allowed researchers to identify the relationship between weight perceptions and the increased likelihood of mental health issues. -- "Even after adjusting for established suicidal ideation risk factors such as feelings of hopelessness, bullying, cyberbullying, substance use and demographic variables, we still found a connection between how adolescents feel about their weight and whether they are considering self-harm," Dr. LaBrenz, a co-author of the study, said. "We also found that females were more at risk than males at perceiving themselves to be overweight." -- The study also highlights the critical role of schools, families and communities in creating supportive environments that can help improve adolescents' self-perceptions, the former because they can offer mental health resources and foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere. -- "By investing in preventive measures and early-intervention programs," Baiden said, "it is possible to reduce the long-term burden on the health care system and improve the quality of life for young people."	H01	2,195
2509-002	Microplastics Found In Bird Lungs Raise Concerns About Human Inhalation Risks	A recent study indicates that microplastics have infiltrated bird lungs, raising serious concerns about air pollution and its impact on human health. Researchers found that these microscopic plastic particles are pervasive in the environment, affecting both wildlife and the food supply. By studying various bird species, scientists aim to better understand the implications of this pollution on ecological and human health.	University of Texas at Arlington	Journal of Hazardous Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Microscopic plastic pollutants drifting through the air are lodging in the lungs of birds, a new University of Texas at Arlington study finds. Researchers worldwide are increasingly alarmed by how pervasive these harmful particles are in the air humans breathe and the food they eat. -- Shane DuBay, an assistant professor of biology at UTA and co-author of the study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, said birds were chosen for the study because they are found in almost every corner of the world and often share environments with humans. -- "Birds serve as important indicators of environmental conditions," said DuBay, who collaborated with researchers from Sichuan University and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, both in Chengdu, China. -- "They help us understand the state of the environment and make informed decisions about conservation and pollution control." -- DuBay's team studied 56 different wild birds from 51 distinct species, all sampled from the Tianfu airport in western China. -- They collected lung samples from each bird and performed two types of chemical analyses. -- They used laser direct infrared technology to detect and count microplastics in the birds' lungs. -- Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry helped identify even smaller nanoplastics, which can enter the lungs through the bloodstream. -- Together, the tests allowed scientists to measure the amount of plastic in the birds' lungs and determine the specific types of plastics present. -- The study found high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with an average of 221 particles per species and 416 particles per gram of lung tissue.	H01 R01 N01	2,196
2510-026	Brain Mapping Reveals Why Some Nerve Cells Are More Prone To Neurodegeneration	Researchers are investigating why certain nerve cells are more susceptible to neurodegeneration, particularly in Alzheimer's disease. Using a cutting-edge brain-mapping technique, they identified memory-related cells vulnerable to tau protein buildup. Their findings, published in Nature Communications Biology, highlight the potential for targeted therapies to combat such vulnerabilities in brain function, especially as Alzheimer's impacts nearly half a million Texans.	University of Texas at Arlington	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from The University of Texas at Arlington and the University of California-San Francisco have used a new brain-mapping technique to identify memory-related brain cells vulnerable to protein buildup, a key factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, an incurable, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. -- In Texas, nearly half a million people live with Alzheimer's disease, a form of dementia that costs the state approximately $24 billion in caregiver time, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. Texas ranks fourth in the nation for Alzheimer's cases and second in Alzheimer's-related deaths. -- To understand why certain parts of the brain are more affected by Alzheimer's disease, researchers focused on tau, a protein that accumulates in brain cells and disrupt normal activity. Using the MISS (Matrix Inversion and Subset Selection) mapping technique, which profiled approximately 1.3 million cells, the research team created detailed maps of different cell types in the brains of mice. They compared these maps to areas where tau builds up to identify which cell types are most affected. Their findings are published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications Biology. -- "Using mathematical and computational models, we found that certain cells in the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory and navigation, are more vulnerable to tau buildup," said author Pedro Maia, an assistant professor of mathematics at UTA. "These glutamatergic neurons showed a strong connection with tau deposits, meaning they are more likely to be affected. In contrast, brain cells in the cortex -- the part of the brain that controls movement, sensory information, emotions and reasoning -- were less likely to be affected by tau." -- Interestingly, the researchers also discovered that oligodendrocytes, brain cells that help insulate nerve fibers, were less affected by tau. This suggests that these cells might help to protect the brain against tau buildup. -- The study also found that the distribution of different cell types in the brain may better predict where tau accumulation occurs than genetic factors alone. This implies that the types of cells present in different brain regions may be more important than Alzheimer's-related genes in determining vulnerability to tau. -- "Overall, this study helps us understand why certain brain regions are more affected by tau buildup leading to Alzheimer's disease," Dr. Maia said. "By identifying the cell types and gene functions involved, our study showcases how theoretical and computational models can provide new insights into the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This is another piece of valuable data that will help us specifically target the vulnerable cells and genes associated with tau buildup, potentially slowing or preventing Alzheimer's disease progression in the future." -- To learn more about Maia's work, visit the NSF RTG Training in Mathematics for Human Health program, which he co-leads on computational neurology. -- This work was supported by the following NIH grants: R01NS092802, RF1AG062196 and R01AG072753.	H02 R02	2,197
2501-E011	Bacteria In Wisconsin Lake Show Seasonal Evolutionary Patterns In Response To Environment.	In a unique study conducted in a Wisconsin lake, researchers observed bacteria undergoing rapid evolutionary changes in response to seasonal shifts. This phenomenon resembles a cyclical pattern, where bacterial species continually adapt yet revert to similar genetic states over time, hinting at adaptive strategies in changing environments.	University of Texas at Austin	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Like Bill Murray in the movie "Groundhog Day," bacteria species in a Wisconsin lake are in a kind of endless loop that they can't seem to shake. Except in this case, it's more like Groundhog Year. -- According to a new study in Nature Microbiology, researchers found that through the course of a year, most individual species of bacteria in Lake Mendota rapidly evolved, apparently in response to dramatically changing seasons. -- Gene variants would rise and fall over generations, yet hundreds of separate species would return, almost fully, to near copies of what they had been genetically prior to a thousand or so generations of evolutionary pressures. -- (Individual microbes have lifespans of only a few days -- not whole seasons -- so the scientists' work involved comparing bacterial genomes to examine changes in species over time.) This same seasonal change played out year after year, as if evolution was a movie run back to the beginning each time and played over again, seemingly getting nowhere. -- "I was surprised that such a large portion of the bacterial community was undergoing this type of change," said Robin Rohwer, a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Texas at Austin in the lab of co-author Brett Baker. -- "I was hoping to observe just a couple of cool examples, but there were literally hundreds." -- Rohwer led the research, first as a doctoral student working with Trina McMahon at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then at UT. -- Lake Mendota changes greatly from season to season -- during the winter, it's covered in ice, and during the summer, it's covered in algae. -- Within the same bacterial species, strains that are better adapted to one set of environmental conditions will outcompete other strains for a season, while other strains will get their chance to shine during different seasons. -- The team used a one-of-a-kind archive of 471 water samples collected over 20 years from Lake Mendota by McMahon, Rohwer and other UW-Madison researchers as part of National Science Foundation-funded long-term monitoring projects.	Z01	2,198
2505-110	AI Tool Translates Thoughts Into Text, Enhancing Communication For Aphasia Patients	A groundbreaking AI tool developed by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin can translate an individual's thoughts into continuous text without requiring them to understand spoken language. This innovative technology holds promise for improving communication in people with aphasia, requiring minimal training while leveraging unique brain activity patterns.	University of Texas at Austin	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Can bigger groups foster stronger cooperation? New research from the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS), published in Communications Psychology on December 23, challenges conventional wisdom that larger group size reduces cooperation by showing that fluid connections and innate prosocial instincts enable humans to thrive in larger social circles. -- Humans are inherently social creatures and heavily rely on teamwork to succeed. This ability to collaborate is deeply rooted in how our brains function. Notably, the size of an animal's brain often correlates with the size of its social groups. Humans, with our relatively large brains, can form larger and more complex groups than can other animals. Traditionally, however, scientists believed that as groups grow in size, cooperation becomes more difficult. In large groups, losing one connection may not seem significant, and interacting with everyone sufficiently to build trust becomes challenging. Earlier studies reinforced this belief, suggesting that cooperation tends to diminish in larger groups. -- A recent study led by Rei Akaishi at RIKEN CBS has turned this assumption on its head, demonstrating that larger groups can actually foster greater cooperation. The researchers conducted an experiment with 83 participants who played the "prisoner's dilemma" game -- a scenario in which players choose between cooperating for mutual benefit or acting selfishly. Group sizes ranged from two to six people, and participants were allowed to leave groups they found undesirable or remove uncooperative members. Throughout the game, participant brain activity was monitored using functional magnetic resonance imaging. -- The results were unexpected: people in larger groups cooperated more frequently, with 57% of all decisions being cooperative. The tendency to cooperate increased as group size grew. While group size itself did not directly promote cooperative behavior, it influenced how people managed memory and made decisions during social interactions. Even when participants struggled to clearly recall past interactions, they often defaulted to prosocial behaviors, relying on their general inclinations to trust or cooperate. This suggests that when memory becomes unclear, people prioritize cooperation over caution, enabling smoother group dynamics. -- Brain scans offered further insights into the decision-making process. Specific brain regions, such as the fusiform gyrus and precuneus, processed memories of past interactions, while the nucleus accumbens connected these memories to feelings of reward. The prefrontal cortex played a critical role in weighing these memories against personal tendencies, guiding decisions about whether a participant should cooperate with someone who might have previously betrayed them. When memories were less reliable, the brain appeared to naturally encourage cooperation, perhaps as a way to maintain group harmony. -- These findings offer a fresh perspective on how humans build trust and interact within groups. Rather than relying solely on stable, long-term relationships. The study highlights the benefits of flexible and fluid social connections for fostering cooperation. This insight is particularly relevant in today's world, where digital platforms and online communities thrive on dynamic, ever-evolving relationships. -- "In practical terms, our findings could help improve teamwork in schools, workplaces, and online environments," says Akaishi. Allowing people to freely form and adjust connections, rather than adhering to rigid group structures, could lead to better collaboration. For organizations, embracing this natural flexibility in system design may enhance overall group dynamics. -- The research also sheds light on how humans evolved to cooperate in large societies. By leveraging memory and adaptability, humans have developed the capacity to work together effectively, even under uncertain circumstances. "We plan to further explore these findings in real-world settings, such as schools or companies, to better understand how factors like culture, leadership, and individual personalities influence group behavior," says Akaishi. "Our work aims to provide practical strategies for creating more harmonious and productive communities."	A01 R02 T01	2,199
2505-E005	Alaska's Groundwater Releases Unprecedented Carbon Amounts Into The Ocean	New research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that groundwater from Alaska's tundra is releasing significant amounts of carbon into the ocean, contributing to climate change. This study estimates a daily release of 230 tons of organic carbon, highlighting the role of freshwater discharge in altering coastal carbon dynamics. These findings underscore the importance of understanding groundwater contributions to climate change, particularly in vulnerable ecosystems like the Arctic tundra.	University of Texas at Austin	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	After combing through 4,000 existing medications, an artificial intelligence tool helped uncover one that saved the life of a patient with idiopathic multicentric Castleman's disease (iMCD). This rare disease has an especially poor survival rate and few treatment options. The patient could be the first of many to have their lives saved by an AI prediction system, which could potentially apply to other rare conditions. -- Detailed in a new paper published in NEJM, a group led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania used an AI technique called machine learning to determine that adalimumab -- a monoclonal antibody which is FDA-approved to treat conditions ranging from arthritis to Crohn's disease -- was the "top-predicted" new treatment that was likely to work for iMCD. -- In parallel, experiments performed by the study team also found that the specific protein that adalimumab inhibits, called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), , was potentially playing a key role in iMCD. -- They detected elevated TNF signaling levels in patients with the most severe forms of iMCD. -- Further analysis showed that immune cells from iMCD patients produce more TNF when activated than healthy individuals. -- Taking these findings together, the study's senior author David Fajgenbaum, MD, an associate professor of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, and the physician of the patient in the study, Luke Chen, MD, a hematologist at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, BC, decided to try this TNF inhibitor for the first time in an iMCD patient. -- "The patient in this study was entering hospice care, but now he is almost two years into remission," said Fajgenbaum, who is also the co-founder of a non-profit called Every Cure. -- "This is remarkable not just for this patient and iMCD, but for the implications it has for the use of machine learning to find treatments for even more conditions." -- The process of using an existing drug for a purpose other than its initial intentis called drug repurposing. -- Many diseases may appear very different -- in symptoms, prognosis, or even cause -- but they could share some underlying links in the body -- such as common genetic mutations or molecular triggers -- and can therefore be treated with the same drug.	R01 C01	2,200
2505-T020	Exploring Why Wireless Earbud Batteries Deteriorate Over Time	An international research team from The University of Texas at Austin is tackling the common battery degradation issue in wireless earbuds. By employing advanced imaging techniques, they aim to understand the factors contributing to reduced battery life over time. This study not only sheds light on the intricacies of tiny electronic devices but also seeks to enhance the longevity and performance of everyday technology we often take for granted.	University of Texas at Austin	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Body-weight cycling (also known as yo-yo dieting) has been shown to significantly increase the risk of kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes, regardless of body mass index (BMI) and other traditional risk factors, according to a new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. -- Yo-yo dieting is defined as repeatedly losing and gaining weight multiple times over the years. Its prevalence is reported to be as high as 35% in men and 55% in women. -- This patten of dieting has been shown to increase risks of cardiovascular events in both the general population and in people with type 2 diabetes, and more recently in type 1 diabetes. -- This is the first study to show a link between yo-yo dieting and kidney events in people with type 1 diabetes, according to the authors. Type 1 diabetes was long considered a disease of lean individuals. But as with the general population, the prevalence of obesity is rising among those with type 1 diabetes as well, the authors note. -- "We showed that high body-weight variability is associated with increased risk of different outcomes of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progressions in people with type 1 diabetes, independently of traditional DKD risk factors," said lead author Marion Camoin, M.D., of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, France. "To our knowledge, this is the first study showing this association." -- Researchers from France examined six years of body-weight indices for the 1,432 participants in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)/Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study. -- The primary index for identifying yo-yo dieting patterns in the study was known as "variability independent of the mean" (VIM), which measures fluctuations above and below a person's average body weight. -- Using the weight fluctuation data, researchers examined six criteria for kidney function decline and progression towards chronic kidney disease. Their primary criteria was the "estimated glomerular filtration fate" (eGFR), which measures how well the kidneys filter toxins from the blood. -- Participants with greater weight fluctuations experienced a 40% decline in eGFR from baseline values, according to the study. Those with greater weight fluctuations also were more likely to exhibit moderately and severely increased albuminuria, a condition in which the protein albumin is abnormally present in the urine.?Larger amounts occur in the urine of patients with kidney disease. -- Similar findings of kidney disease were confirmed by the other examined indices.	A01 T01	2,201
2510-012	Key Antibodies Discovered That Could Lead To A Norovirus Vaccine	Scientists have identified potent antibodies against norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis, which may pave the way for a broadly effective vaccine. This research represents a significant advance in combating norovirus, especially given the virus's capacity for rapid mutation and widespread infection.	University of Texas at Austin	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the National Institutes of Health, have discovered a strategy to fight back against norovirus, a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Their new study, published in Science Translational Medicine, identifies powerful antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of norovirus strains. The finding could lead to the design of broadly effective norovirus vaccine, as well as the development of new therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis. -- Norovirus infects over 700 million people each year, causing severe diarrhea and vomiting. -- While most people recover, the virus poses a serious threat to young children, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. -- Developing a vaccine has been challenging because norovirus has many genetic variants and frequently mutates to evade herd immunity. -- Using advanced molecular analysis, the research team studied the immune responses of participants who received an experimental oral norovirus vaccine developed by Vaxart. -- They discovered that some individuals produced broadly neutralizing antibodies that not only broadly neutralized multiple norovirus strains, including both historical and emerging variants, but also cross-neutralized multiple types of norovirus responsible for approximately 75% of global norovirus outbreaks. -- "These findings provide critical insights into how the immune system responds to norovirus and pave the way for designing a vaccine that offers broad, long-lasting protection," said George Georgiou, co-corresponding author and professor of molecular biosciences and in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at UT Austin. -- "We found antibodies that are very broad in terms of being able to neutralize many different variants that have circulated or are circulating now." -- One of the most promising antibodies identified, VX22, targets a previously unknown weak spot in the virus's structure. -- Unlike typical antibodies that attack only one or two strains, VX22 neutralizes noroviruses from multiple genotypes by binding to a highly conserved region in the virus particles, making it a strong candidate for vaccine development.	A01 H01 R01	2,202
2510-E009	Rivers Have Unique Curves Distinct From Lava And Ice Channels	A new study has identified distinct curvatures in channels carved by rivers, compared to those formed by lava and ice. Researchers noted that the shaping mechanisms differ based on fluid dynamics, offering valuable insights into the geological processes that govern landscape formation, with implications for understanding various natural channels.	University of Texas at Austin	Geology	Press Rel	PubMed	Whether it's rivers cutting through earth, lava melting through rock, or water slicing through ice, channels all twist and bend in a seemingly similar back-and-forth manner. But a new study led by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin has discovered that channels carved by rivers actually have curves distinct to those cut by lava or ice. -- The exact mechanism that drives the shape of these bends is not certain, but the researchers cite several previous models that point to the relationship between the topography of the channel and the fluid's flow within it. -- In rivers, centrifugal force pushes water to go faster around the outer edges of the channel's bends and more slowly along the inner edges. -- As a result, the water erodes the outer edge and deposits sediments along the inner edge, amplifying the river's bends. -- Volcanic and ice channels, on the other hand, are eroded thermally, through melting. -- And because they do not deposit sediments like rivers do, the only change that occurs in these channels is along the outer edge of a bend, making their curves comparatively smaller than those in rivers. -- "This distinction sets up a great natural experiment for us to see if the shape, or size, of bends in rivers is distinct from those in volcanic or ice channels," said Tim Goudge, a co-author on this paper and assistant professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. -- These findings could have the potential to be used as a diagnostic tool for sinuous channels on other worlds, where the fluid's origin may be unknown and scientists cannot be on the ground to take measurements and samples. -- The research was published in Geology. -- Juan Vazquez, who earned his undergraduate degree from the Jackson School in 2024, led the research while working with Goudge.	C01	2,203
2510-T004	Sapphire Material Gets Superpowers: Scratch, Glare, And Dust Resistant	Researchers have developed techniques to enhance sapphire’s properties, making it applicable in various fields beyond jewelry. By improving its manufacturing processes, sapphire could become a vital material for cutting-edge technologies, including scratch-resistant screens and advanced optics, showcasing its versatility and potential.	University of Texas at Austin	Materials Horizons	Press Rel	PubMed	A phone screen you can't scratch no matter how many times you drop it. Glasses that prevent glare. A windshield that doesn't get dusty. These are all possibilities thanks to a new way to produce sapphire. -- Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin have discovered techniques to bestow superpowers upon sapphire, a material that most of us think of as just a pretty jewel. -- But sapphire is seen as a critical material across many different areas, from defense to consumer electronics to next-generation windows because it's nearly impossible to scratch. -- "Sapphire is such a high-value material because of its hardness and many other favorable properties," said Chih-Hao Chang, associate professor in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and leader of the new research. -- "But the same properties that make it attractive also make it difficult manufacture at small scales." -- Chang and his team hope to ease this challenge with new sapphire-based nanostructures as documented in Materials Horizons. The nanostructures show the highest aspect ratio yet for this material, which enables its superpowers without completely losing its stiffness and hardness. -- While not quite as scratch-resistant as traditional bulk sapphire -- the nanostructures are comparable to tungsten or traditional glass in that way -- these new sapphire nanostructures repel fog, dust and glare with self-cleaning capabilities. -- "This is very exciting since nanostructures are traditionally seen as being fragile, but making them in sapphire can solve this problem," said Kun-Chieh Chien, a recent Ph.D. graduate from Chang's lab and one of the lead authors. -- Inspired by the moth eye, the tapered profile of the sapphire nanostructures enhance light transmission and reduce glare. -- The nanostructures' high surface energy and aspect ratio create a superhydrophilic surface to prevent fog.	T01	2,204
2511-T021	Nickel-Based Cathodes: Paving The Way For Safer Electric Vehicle Batteries	A collaborative study from The University of Texas at Austin and Argonne National Laboratory delves into nickel-based cathodes for electric vehicle batteries, highlighting their potential for better energy density and lower costs compared to cobalt. However, researchers emphasize the need to address stability concerns to ensure the safe and effective use of nickel in battery technology.	University of Texas at Austin	Nature Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Nickel's role in the future of electric vehicle batteries is clear: It's more abundant and easier to obtain than widely used cobalt, and its higher energy density means longer driving distances between charges. -- However, nickel is less stable than other materials with respect to cycle life, thermal stability, and safety. -- Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin and Argonne National Laboratory aim to change that with a new study that dives deep into nickel-based cathodes, one of the two electrodes that facilitate energy storage in batteries. -- "High-nickel cathodes have the potential to revolutionize the EV market by providing longer driving ranges," said Arumugam Manthiram, a professor at the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Materials Institute and one of the leaders of the study published in Nature Energy. -- "Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of their thermal stability, which is crucial for developing safer batteries." -- The research team conducted more than 500 measurements on 15 high-nickel cathode materials. -- They discovered that each cathode has a critical state of charge that defines its safe operating limit. -- The strength of metal-oxygen bonds and surface reactivity influence this crucial state. -- Once the material exceeds this limit, instability creeps in. That can trigger the catastrophic condition of thermal runaway, when increased temperature releases energy that further heats the battery, substantially increasing the risk of failure and/or fires. -- As part of this project, the researchers developed a thermal stability index, quantifying how the material reacts during thermal runaway.	C01 T01	2,205
2513-E013	Groundwater Gains In Arizona Despite Water Stress, Study Highlights Management Practices	A study led by The University of Texas at Austin demonstrates that effective water management has led to groundwater replenishment in Central Arizona, even amid long-term water stress. The region has implemented strategies, including incentivizing surface water use, to recharge aquifers reliant on the Colorado River, which plays a crucial role in Arizona’s water supply, illustrating the effectiveness of collaborative water conservation efforts.	University of Texas at Austin	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	A combination of water management practices has contributed to notable groundwater gains in Central Arizona despite the region dealing with long-term water stress, according to a study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin and collaborators in Arizona and Colorado. -- Since 1980, Central Arizona has been working to recharge its depleted aquifers. -- Much of that recharge depends on water from the Colorado River of the southwestern United States. -- That water, which accounts for 36% of Arizona's water supply, is brought to the state from over 300 miles away via the Central Arizona Project's system of aqueducts. -- Some of the state's policies incentivize farmers to use surface water from the river rather than tap into groundwater. -- Other policies channel the river water directly to aquifer recharge zones, where it can seep down to the groundwater. -- According to the study, which was published in Communications Earth & Environment, these policies have helped bank a total of 10.5 cubic kilometers of groundwater water from 1989 -- 2019 in the Phoenix, Tucson and Pinal active management areas, where these policies are in place. -- What's more, the researchers found that an additional 14.2 cubic kilometers in the aquifers can be attributed to water seeping in from surface-water irrigation that's not part of an active management program. -- Together, the nearly 25 cubic kilometers of water is about five times the annual demand for water in the three active management areas, which are the largest of the state's seven. -- These are sizeable agricultural districts with a combined size larger than the state of Maryland.	H02 C01	2,206
2507-T013	Overcoming LiNiO2 Battery Limitations For Future Energy Solutions	University of Texas at Dallas researchers have identified the reasons behind the degradation of LiNiO2 batteries and are testing solutions to enhance their viability. This research aims to overcome barriers to the commercialization of this promising battery material, potentially revolutionizing energy storage technology.	University of Texas at Dallas	University of Texas at Dallas	Press Rel	PubMed	Lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) has emerged as a potential new material to power next-generation, longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries. Commercialization of the material, however, has stalled because it degrades after repeated charging. -- University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down, and they are testing a solution that could remove a key barrier to widespread use of the material. -- They published their findings online Dec. 10 in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. -- The team plans first to manufacture LiNiO2 batteries in the lab and ultimately to work with an industry partner to commercialize the technology. -- "The degradation of batteries made using LiNiO2 has been a problem for decades, but the cause was not well understood," said Dr. Kyeongjae Cho, professor of materials science and engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science and director of the Batteries and Energy to Advance Commercialization and National Security (BEACONS) program. -- "Now that we have a clear understanding of why this happens, we're working on a solution so the technology can be used to provide longer battery life in a range of products including phones and electric vehicles." -- The research is a project of UTD's BEACONS initiative, which launched in 2023 with $30 million from the Department of Defense. -- The BEACONS mission is to develop and commercialize new battery technology and manufacturing processes; enhance the domestic availability of critical raw materials; and train high-quality workers for jobs in an expanding battery-energy storage workforce. -- To determine why LiNiO2 batteries break down during the last phase of charging, UT Dallas researchers analyzed the process using computational modeling. -- The study involved understanding chemical reactions and the redistribution of electrons through materials at the atomic level.	T01	2,207
2512-T033	New Heat Transfer Theory Aims To Harvest Water From Air	Mechanical engineers at the University of Texas at Dallas have formulated a new theory to explain unexpected heat transfer phenomena observed in advanced surfaces designed for water condensation. This theory, crucial for developing energy-efficient surfaces, could significantly impact applications aimed at harvesting water from air without electricity, as noted in their recent publication.	University of Texas at Dallas	Newton	Press Rel	PubMed	When University of Texas at Dallas researchers tested a new surface that they designed to collect and remove condensates rapidly, the results surprised them. -- The mechanical engineers' design collected more condensates, or liquid formed by condensation, than they had predicted based on a classic physics model. -- The finding revealed a limitation in the existing model and inspired the researchers to develop a new theory to explain the phenomenon, which they outline in an article published online March 13 in the physical science journal Newton. -- The theory is critical to the researchers' work to develop innovative surfaces for applications such as harvesting water from air without electricity. -- "This new theory can help us better design surfaces that condense water or other fluids," said Dr. Xianming (Simon) Dai, the study's corresponding author and associate professor of mechanical engineering in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. -- Dai develops surfaces for a range of applications, including water harvesting and refrigeration. -- His goal is to develop a surface that collects and removes condensed droplets quickly in a continuous process. -- The researchers' new theory addresses rolling droplets, or small droplets that roll off a surface during dropwise condensation, a process in which vapor condenses on a surface and forms tiny liquid droplets. -- Dropwise condensation is favorable for surfaces that aim to shed condensates quickly because the drops roll off and clear the surface faster, making room for the surface to collect more condensates. -- Deepak Monga PhD'24, a research scientist in Dai's lab, noticed that a new surface he was working on contained areas that did not show visible droplets.	T01	2,208
2505-T019	New Charging Solutions Aim To Alleviate Electric Vehicle Range Anxiety	Range anxiety is a significant concern for electric vehicle (EV) owners, but researchers are developing innovative solutions to address this issue. A study led by the University of Texas at El Paso focuses on Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) technology, which enables EVs to charge while in motion. This groundbreaking approach could revolutionize the charging infrastructure for EVs, alleviating concerns about battery life and enhancing the sustainability of electric transportation.	University of Texas at El Paso	IEEE Access	Press Rel	PubMed	As grasslands get abandoned, controlled burning is discussed as a labor-saving method of keeping forests at bay. A Kobe University research team found that this method results in higher biodiversity and a higher prevalence of endangered plant species in some grasslands compared to others, depending on what soils they grow on. -- Humans have been keeping grasslands since millennia by grazing, mowing and controlled burning, all of these are means to keep forests from overgrowing the grasslands. Grazing and mowing are, however, labor intensive and as rural areas become increasingly depopulated, grasslands have been disappearing worldwide. One consequence of this is the loss of the habitat of plant and insect species, also many endangered ones, that depend on grasslands. To maintain grasslands nevertheless, "prescribed" burning, which is what land managers call controlled burning, is being discussed as a labor-efficient option. But not all grasslands are equal. The Kobe University ecologist USHIMARU Atushi says, "Many studies have focused on examining the effects of different management measures on plant diversity, but few researchers have paid attention to those of soil differences." Therefore, it has remained unclear which soils are better candidates for being managed by prescribed burning in terms of allowing a high diversity of endangered plants or plant species in general. -- To settle this question, Ushimaru's team led by master's student ASADA Airi turned to Mount Fuji. There, on a training site of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, grasslands covering different soil types are kept by prescribed burning once a year in April. "We noticed that there were some areas, especially on young lava flows, where endangered species were concentrated," Ushimaru explains the choice of the research site, allowing them to study which soil factors influence species abundance. On site, they set up 100 one-square-meter plots across the grasslands on four different soil types and in each identified all plants as well as measured a range of physical and chemical factors. -- Their results, now published in the journal Plants, People, Planet, show that grasslands on young lava flows exhibit higher total species richness, native species richness and prevalence of red-listed plant species than grasslands on both young and old scoria bedrock. They also found that the soils were different in their acidity, depth and coverage by rocks and stones, which allowed them to infer that these factors are important to the persistence of rare plants. -- Previous studies showed that acidic soils make it difficult for plants to take up nutrients and shallow soils favor slow-growing plants. Asada thus argues that, as prescribed burning resets plants growth on the grasslands, these conditions suppress the growth of otherwise fast-growing and thus dominant species and so give those that are usually outcompeted and that are therefore rare a better chance of gaining a foothold. -- Ushimaru sums up, "Our study was able to identify environments where grasslands managed by burning alone can harbor a significant variety of endangered species." The team concludes their paper saying, "Identifying environments where high plant diversity can be maintained through prescribed burning not only elucidates the survival conditions of grassland plants in Japan but also proves essential for the conservation and restoration of grassland environments and grassland species in the future." -- This research was funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (grants 19H03303 and 24K01782) and the Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency (grant JPMEERF20234005). It was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the J. F. Oberlin University.	H02 T01	2,209
2511-012	Portable Device Could Transform Early Detection Of Colorectal Cancer	A research team at The University of Texas at El Paso is developing a portable, less invasive device for colorectal cancer detection using blood samples. This innovative approach could streamline cancer screening and offer a more comfortable alternative to traditional methods, aiming to increase early detection and treatment effectiveness.	University of Texas at El Paso	ACS Measurement Science Au	Press Rel	PubMed	No one looks forward to a colonoscopy. The procedure, which is used to screen for colorectal cancers, is unpleasant and costly and can lead to medical complications. But screening for the cancer is critical; colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. -- Other screening methods for the cancer, like stool-based tests, can be unreliable and result in false positives. -- To remedy this problem, scientists at The University of Texas at El Paso are developing a less invasive portable device that would use blood samples to detect colorectal cancers. -- Their device is described in a new study published in the journal ACS Measurement Science Au. -- Study co-author Ruma Paul, a doctoral student in chemistry at UTEP, said colorectal cancer is very treatable if detected early. -- "The earlier the detection, the greater the hope for saving lives," Paul said. -- "Blood-based tests are much easier on patients while also being able to precisely detect the early signs of colorectal cancer. Our research could one day make simpler early detection possible." -- The device detects a colon cancer secreted protein known as CCSP-2. The protein's presence in colon cancer cells is 78 times higher than in normal colon cells, making its occurrence in the body a strong indicator of cancer, Paul said. -- CCSP-2 is also detectable in blood, the team said, which makes it an excellent biomarker; biomarkers are measurable biological "signals" that can indicate the presence of certain diseases. -- Carlos Cabrera, Ph.D. the study's corresponding author and a UTEP professor of chemistry and biochemistry, said, "Ruma's doctoral research opens the possibility of developing a simple point-of-care portable device for colorectal cancer detection."	H01 R01 C01 T01	2,210
2502-070	Genetic Variations Linked To Aortic Valve Disease Found In Specific Chromosome Region	A study led by UTHealth Houston researchers reveals connections between genetic variations in chromosome 22q11.2 and nonsyndromic bicuspid aortic valve disease. The findings highlight that rare duplications and deletions in this chromosome region are linked to the condition, which affects approximately 2% of the population. This research offers insights into potential genetic factors contributing to the severity and complications of this common congenital heart defect.	University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston	Heart	Press Rel	PubMed	Large and rare duplications and deletions in a chromosome region known as 22q11.2 , which involves genes that regulate cardiac development, are linked to nonsyndromic bicuspid aortic valve disease, according to a new study led by UTHealth Houston researchers. -- Recently published in Heart, a BMJ Journal, the research revealed that rare duplications and deletions within the 22q11.2 region, particularly involving genes associated with cardiac development, were identified in 7.4% of early-onset bicuspid aortic valve participants. -- The research demonstrated that variations in chromosome 22 may contribute to the individual severity of nonsyndromic bicuspid aortic valve disease and the risk for complications. -- Bicuspid aortic valve disease, where the aortic valve has two leaflets instead of the normal three, is the most common congenital heart defect, affecting up to 2% of the population. -- The condition is present from birth and is usually caused by the dominant inheritance -- meaning it can be inherited from just one parent -- of many gene mutations. -- The condition can lead to complications as severe as thoracic aortic aneurysms, weakening of the aortic wall, and aortic stenosis, or narrowing of the aortic valve. -- Nonsyndromic means that the condition is not part of another syndrome. -- Research has shown that duplications or deletions of genomic DNA in regions that regulate cardiac development contribute to congenital defects. -- But less is known about variants in the 22q11.2 region and nonsyndromic bicuspid aortic valve. -- Sara Mansoorshahi and Catherina Tovar Pensa, third-year medical students at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, are working to close that gap.	R01	2,211
2508-062	Nuns' Lifelong Study Offers Vital Insights Into Aging And Dementia	The Nun Study, which has analyzed aging and dementia patterns in 678 Catholic nuns over 30 years, reveals critical insights into cognitive resilience and aging disorders. Conducted by researchers at UT Health San Antonio, findings indicate some nuns exhibited resilience against cognitive decline, hinting at unknown protective factors. The study highlights correlations between early linguistic abilities and a lower risk of later-life cognitive impairment, utilizing advanced digital pathology and AI to enhance dementia research.	University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio	Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association	Press Rel	PubMed	Catholic nuns don't make a habit of participating in long-term studies on aging and dementia, but one notable exception has yielded critical insights into cognitive resilience, neuropathology and aging-related disorders. -- Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) published a study analyzing more than 30 years of aging and dementia patterns of 678 nuns from the School Sisters of Notre Dame enrolled in the aptly named Nun Study, conceived by epidemiologist and neurology professor David A. Snowdon, PhD, in 1986. -- It now is housed at UT Health San Antonio's Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, under the direction of Margaret Flanagan, MD, tenured associate professor of pathology and laboratory medicine. -- Among takeaways from this latest analysis: Some individuals showed resilience to cognitive decline despite an Alzheimer's diagnosis, indicating unknown protective mechanisms at work, and that early-life linguistic ability and grammatical complexity correlated with a lower risk of impairment in later life. -- Also, advanced digital pathology techniques and artificial intelligence are reshaping the study of Alzheimer's and related dementias. -- It all portends advancement for preventive intervention in cognitive decline. -- "By leveraging this unique cohort of Catholic nuns with homogeneous lifestyles and rigorous longitudinal assessments, the study has clarified key factors influencing dementia risk and protection," Flanagan said. -- "The work underscores the need for multilayered comprehensive approaches that account for multiple pathologies in dementia research and highlights the promise of AI-driven neuropathology." -- Flanagan is senior author of the study titled, "The Nun Study: Insights from 30 years of aging and dementia research," published Feb. -- 26 by Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. Other authors also are with the Biggs Institute and the departments of pathology or neurology at UT Health San Antonio.	A01 R02 T01	2,212
2510-050	Promising New Drug More Than Doubles Survival Time For Glioblastoma Patients	A new drug developed at UT Health San Antonio has shown significant promise in extending survival for glioblastoma patients. The investigational formulation Rhenium Obisbemeda (186RNL) has doubled survival rates without severe side effects, offering hope for better treatment options against this aggressive brain tumor, which often recurs and resists standard therapies.	University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A drug developed at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has been shown to extend survival for patients with glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor in adults. -- Results of a trial led by the university revealed that a unique investigational drug formulation called Rhenium Obisbemeda (186RNL) more than doubled median survival and progression-free time, compared with standard median survival and progression rates, and with no dose-limiting toxic effects. -- "As a disease with a pattern of recurrence, resistance to chemotherapies and difficulty to treat, glioblastoma has needed durable treatments that can directly target the tumor while sparing healthy tissue," said Andrew J. Brenner, MD, PhD, professor and chair of neuro-oncology research with Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. -- "This trial provides hope, with a second phase under way and planned for completion by the end of this year." -- Brenner, who also is clinical investigator for the Institute for Drug Development at UT Health San Antonio and co-leader of its Experimental and Development Therapeutics Program, is lead author of the trial's study, titled, "Convection Enhanced Delivery of Rhenium (186Re) Obisbemeda (186RNL) in Recurrent Glioma: a multicenter, single arm, phase 1 clinical trial." It published March 7 in the journal Nature Communications. -- Other authors also are with Mays Cancer Center, as well as UT Southwestern Medical Center of Dallas, Case Western Reserve University, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and trial sponsor Plus Therapeutics Inc. -- (Nasdaq: PSTV), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company receiving license to the trial technology to investigate the treatment of central nervous system cancers. -- Brenner said that the median overall survival time for patients with glioblastoma after standard treatment fails with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is only about 8 months. -- More than 90% of patients have a recurrence of the disease at its original location. -- Rhenium Obisbemeda enables very high levels of a specific activity of rhenium-186 (186Re), a beta-emitting radioisotope, to be delivered by tiny liposomes, referring to artificial vesicles or sacs having at least one lipid bilayer.	H01 R01 R02 T01	2,213
2511-024	Innovative Imaging Technique Offers Hope For TMJ Pain Treatment	A groundbreaking study utilizing innovative in vivo imaging has provided new insights into the pain pathways linked to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. By observing the activity of trigeminal ganglion neurons in real time, researchers are poised to uncover more effective treatments for the millions suffering from TMJ-related pain.	University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio	Pain	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study has uncovered new insights into the pain pathways associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Using an innovative in vivoimaging tool to capture functional activity in mouse models of TMJ injury and inflammation, the discovery could pave the way for more effective treatments for the millions affected by TMJ-related facial pain. -- A study published in the Pain journal on December 2024 revealed a research team led by Yu Shin Kim, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in the School of Dentistry at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), observed for the first time the simultaneous activity of over 3,000 trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons, which are cells clustered at the base of the brain that transmit information about sensations to the face, mouth and head. -- "With our novel imaging technique and tools, we can see each individual neuron's activity, pattern and dynamics as well as 3,000 neuronal populational ensemble, network pattern and activities in real time while we are giving different stimuli," said Kim. -- TMJ disorders are the second most common musculoskeletal disorder in the United States, affecting 8% to 12% of Americans. -- Current treatments often fall short, prompting researchers to explore the intricate nerve and vessel network surrounding TMJ. -- The research revealed how injury or misalignment of the TMJ triggers inflammation in the joint, which can spread to other connected nerve networks, causing chronic pain. -- This study also found that over 100 neurons fired simultaneously, shedding light on the specific neural pathways involved in TMJ pain. -- Kim's team observed connections between TMJ disorders and other conditions like migraines and headaches. -- This aligns with previous findings that inflammation in TG neurons can contribute to pain spreading to nearby areas, including those related to migraines. -- A key focus of the study was the potential for Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) antagonists to alleviate TMJ pain.	A01 R02 T01	2,214
2501-046	Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Show Higher Prevalence Of Cardiovascular Disease At Diagnosis.	Research from MD Anderson Cancer Center indicates that individuals with advanced breast cancer at diagnosis are more likely to have pre-existing cardiovascular disease. This connection underscores the potential interplay between cardiovascular health and cancer progression, suggesting a need for integrated healthcare approaches for affected women.	University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the two leading causes of death in the U.S. According to researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, patients diagnosed with late-stage or metastatic breast cancer have a statistically significant increased risk of pre-diagnosis CVD compared to those with early-stage cancer at diagnosis. -- The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found those with advanced breast cancer at diagnosis were 10% more likely to have had pre-existing CVD. -- Additionally, the data revealed patients with a specific breast cancer subtype, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) and HER2-negative (HER2-), were most likely to have pre-existing CVD (11%). -- "Cardiovascular disease can induce an immunosuppressive state, potentially fostering accelerated breast tumor cell growth and spread," said senior author Kevin Nead, M.D., assistant professor of Epidemiology and Radiation Oncology. -- "Our findings suggest that women with cardiovascular disease may be more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, highlighting a potential connection between the two." -- The case-control study looked at data from more than 19,000 individuals with a median age of 73 and compared the presence of CVD between patients with early (stage I-II) and advanced cancer (stage III-IV). The increased risk was present both for patients with locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. -- According to the National Cancer Institute, HR+/HER2− breast cancer constitutes nearly 70% of all breast cancer cases. -- When caught at an early stage, before it metastasizes, the disease is very treatable. -- However, the five-year relative survival rate for metastatic HR+/ HER2- breast cancer is only 34%, underscoring the need for prevention and early detection. -- Cardiovascular disease is the cause of nearly one million deaths in the U.S. annually.	R01	2,215
2504-014	Phase III Trial Confirms Effective Treatment For BRAF V600E Mutated Colorectal Cancer	Results from the Phase III BREAKWATER trial indicate that patients with metastatic colorectal cancer harboring BRAF V600E mutations can significantly benefit from a new treatment regimen combining targeted therapies with chemotherapy. The study showed a substantial overall response rate, leading to the FDA's accelerated approval of this combination. This new treatment option offers hope for patients facing a challenging prognosis and highlights advancements in personalized cancer therapy.	University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center	Nat Med	Press Rel	PubMed	Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) harboring BRAF V600E mutations benefitted from first-line treatment with the targeted therapies encorafenib and cetuximab plus a mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy regimen, according to results from the Phase III BREAKWATER trial led by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. -- The findings, presented today at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers (ASCO GI) Annual Symposium and published in Nature Medicine, demonstrated a 60.9% overall response rate (ORR) with the three-drug combination compared to 40% with the standard-of-care (SOC) treatment -- chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. -- In the experimental arm, 68.7% of patients had a duration of response of at least six months, compared to 34.1% of patients in the SOC arm. -- Data from this multi-institutional collaboration across 28 countries supported the accelerated approval of this combination by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Dec. -- 2024, providing an effective new first-line treatment option for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC. -- "Chemotherapy has had limited efficacy as a first-line treatment in controlling the aggressive tumor growth we see in patients with this mutation," said co-principal investigator Scott Kopetz, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology and associate vice president of Translational Integration at MD Anderson. -- "This new regimen highlights the importance of combining dual-targeted therapy with chemotherapy to improve patient outcomes in the first-line setting, and the durable responses are a significant development as we work to improve quality of life for these patients." -- More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, making it the fourth most common cancer in the U.S., according to the National Cancer Institute. -- BRAF mutations occur in approximately 8-12% of cases and are associated with aggressive tumor growth, low efficacy from SOC treatments and a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival less than 12 months. -- Previously, there were no first-line targeted therapies approved for patients with BRAF V600E-mutant mCRC.	H01 R01	2,216
2507-014	New Technology Identifies Biomarker To Predict Tumor Recurrence In Cancer Patients	New research from Fred Hutch Cancer Center and MD Anderson has identified a biomarker that can predict outcomes in meningioma brain tumors and breast cancers. The study highlights the potential of this biomarker to enhance precision oncology, offering insights that could improve diagnostic and prognostic capabilities in cancer treatment.	University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center	University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center	Press Rel	PubMed	Using a new technology and computational method, researchers from Fred Hutch Cancer Center and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have uncovered a biomarker capable of accurately predicting outcomes in meningioma brain tumors and breast cancers. -- In the study, published in Science, the researchers discovered that the amount of a specific enzyme, RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII), found on histone genes was associated with tumor aggressiveness and recurrence. -- Hyper-elevated levels of RNAPII on these histone genes indicate cancer over-proliferation and potentially contribute to chromosomal changes. -- These findings point to the use of a new genomic technology as a potential cancer diagnostic and prognostic tool, which could improve precision oncology approaches. -- "It has been overlooked that histone genes could be a rate-limiting factor in cell replication and, in turn, a strong indicator of tumor cell over-proliferation," said Ye Zheng, Ph.D., co-first author and assistant professor of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at MD Anderson. -- "This is because current RNA sequencing methods are unable to detect histone RNAs due to their unique structure, meaning these libraries have vastly underestimated their presence. Our novel approach, combining a new experimental technology and computational pipeline, establishes a comprehensive ecosystem that can leverage biopsy samples from multiple cancer types to enhance tumor diagnosis and prognosis." -- New technology produces better quality data from samples stored over decades -- The results of the study were made possible by a new profiling technology developed in the lab of Steven Henikoff, Ph.D., co-first author and professor in the Basic Sciences Division at Fred Hutch, which enables researchers to better study gene expression using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. -- Tissue biopsies are commonly stored for long-term use as FFPE samples, but the sample RNA becomes increasingly unstable over time due to degradation, leading to potentially lower-quality gene expression data. -- The new technology -- Cleavage Under Targeted Accessible Chromatin (CUTAC) -- focuses on small, fragmented DNA non-coding sequences where RNAPII bind, located on the same chromosome as the gene they regulate, allowing scientists to directly measure gene transcription activity from the DNA.	R01 R02	2,217
2502-045	Promising Drug Reverses Early Cognitive Damage From Dementia In Rodent Studies	Research from the UPV/EHU's Neurochemistry and Neurodegeneration group suggests that the drug WIN55.212-2 could reverse early cognitive damage caused by dementia in rodents. This drug activates the cannabinoid neurotransmitter system, which enhances memory by stimulating the cholinergic system. The findings offer promising therapeutic avenues for treating cognitive impairments associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.	University of the Basque Country	British Journal of Pharmacology	Press Rel	PubMed	The UPV/EHU's Neurochemistry and Neurodegeneration group has come up with a drug that is a potential candidate for tackling memory deficits in the early stages of the disease in rodents. Research shows that the drug activates the cannabinoid neurotransmitter system (which protects the brain), and this stimulates the cholinergic system (which controls memory and learning) by increasing the synthesis of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter in the brain that controls memory and learning). These results open up a promising therapeutic approach. -- Research spanning more than 20 years has led the UPV/EHU's Neurochemistry and Neurodegeneration group under Dr Rafael Rodríguez-Puertas to discover a promising avenue for the development of new therapies that improve memory in cases of cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The study carried out by Dr Marta Moreno-Rodríguez in the UPV/EHU group showed that the neurotransmitter receptors in the cannabinoid family and certain choline-containing lipids in the brain contribute towards cognitive improvement in rats. -- The researcher Rodríguez-Puertas explained that "analyses carried out over the years on a very large sample of brain tissue from autopsies of patients who were at different stages of development of the disease enabled us, intriguingly, to see that when the first clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's emerge, damage is found in the area that is initially affected in patients and is caused by one of the interneuronal transmission systems, the cholinergic system (which controls memory and learning and uses acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter); by contrast, we saw that another neurotransmission system, the cannabinoid system, increases." The team also found that as the disease progresses, the cannabinoid system also ends up damaged: "It's as if this cannabinoid system has an initial protective response to the damage of the cholinergic system and tries to protect the brain," he said. -- "It is therefore a therapeutic target on which to act." -- After testing the effect of the drug WIN55.212-2, which interacts with cannabinoid receptors, on rodents in the early stages of the disease, the team found "that they behaved in the same way as those without brain damage: they learned and remembered spatial orientation in the same way," explained Marta Moreno. -- "You could say that in some way the drug reversed the damage or protected the brain." -- A novel technique to identify and locate lipids in the brain -- The research group was able to understand the mechanism of this cognitive improvement "by using a novel technique developed and fine-tuned by the research group at the UPV/EHU and which enables the lipids in the brain to be identified and anatomically located. That way we saw that, after treatment, the activity of the cannabinoid system had increased; and also that there was an increase in the activity of the patients' cholinergic neuronal receptors that had been damaged, and also that there was an increase in the synthesis of certain lipids containing choline, which are precursors of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that controls memory and learning in the brain," explained Rafael Rodríguez. -- In other words, "the cannabinoid receptors were seen to be activated and the acetylcholine levels in the brain to be increased. The drug restored the cholinergic system and improved memory," added Moreno. -- Rafael Rodríguez believes that "this molecule could become a drug to treat the symptoms of dementia, at least during the initial stages of the disease, because we have already seen that the body itself, physiologically, tries to do something similar." "With these pharmacological treatments we could help to enhance that effect, or perhaps even apply a mixed treatment of cannabinoid drugs with acetylcholine precursors," he suggested.	H01 H02 R01	2,218
2506-E049	Birds Independently Develop Complex Brain Structures, Challenging Evolutionary Perspectives	New research reveals that birds, reptiles, and mammals have independently developed complex brain circuits, challenging previous assumptions about brain evolution. Led by Dr. Fernando García-Moreno, the studies show that while these species share similar brain functions, their developmental mechanisms and neuron types differ significantly, indicating convergent evolution. This discovery provides deeper insights into how various vertebrates have adapted their brain structures for similar cognitive tasks.	University of the Basque Country	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Two studies published in the latest issue of  Science, led by Dr. Fernando García-Moreno, Ikerbasque researcher at the Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience and the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), along with collaborators, have revealed that birds, reptiles, and mammals have developed complex brain circuits independently, despite sharing a common ancestor. These findings challenge the traditional view of brain evolution and demonstrate that, while comparable brain functions exist among these groups, embryonic formation mechanisms and cell types have followed divergent evolutionary trajectories. -- The pallium is the brain region where the neocortex forms in mammals, the part responsible for cognitive and complex functions that most distinguishes humans from other species. The pallium has traditionally been considered a comparable structure among mammals, birds, and reptiles, varying only in complexity levels. It was assumed that this region housed similar neuronal types, with equivalent circuits for sensory and cognitive processing. Previous studies had identified the presence of shared excitatory and inhibitory neurons, as well as general connectivity patterns suggesting a similar evolutionary path in these vertebrate species. However, the new studies have revealed that, although the general functions of the pallium are equivalent among these groups, its developmental mechanisms and the molecular identity of its neurons have diverged substantially throughout evolution. -- The first study, conducted by Eneritz Rueda-Alaña and Fernando García-Moreno at Achucarro, with the support of a multidisciplinary team of collaborators from the Basque research centers CICbioGUNE and BCAM, the Madrid-based CNIC, the University of Murcia, Krembil (Canada), and Stockholm University, shows that while birds and mammals have developed circuits with similar functions, the way these circuits form during embryonic development is radically different. "Their neurons are born in different locations and developmental times in each species," explains Dr. García-Moreno, head of the Brain Development and Evolution laboratory, "indicating that they are not comparable neurons derived from a common ancestor." Using spatial transcriptomics and mathematical modeling, the researchers found that the neurons responsible for sensory processing in birds and mammals are formed using different sets of genes. "The genetic tools they use to establish their cellular identity vary from species to species, each exhibiting new and unique cell types." This all indicates that these structures and circuits are not homologous, but rather the result of convergent evolution, meaning that "they have independently developed these essential neural circuits through different evolutionary paths." -- The second study further explores these differences. Conducted at Heidelberg University (Germany) and co-directed by Bastienne Zaremba, Henrik Kaessmann, and Fernando García-Moreno, it provides a detailed cell type atlas of the avian brain and compares it with those of mammals and reptiles. "We were able to describe the hundreds of genes that each type of neuron uses in these brains, cell by cell, and compare them with bioinformatics tools." The results show that birds have retained most inhibitory neurons present in all other vertebrates for hundreds of millions of years. However, their excitatory neurons, responsible for transmitting information in the pallium, have evolved in a unique way. Only a few neuronal types in the avian brain were identified with genetic profiles similar to those found in mammals, such as the claustrum and the hippocampus, suggesting that some neurons are very ancient and shared across species. "However, most excitatory neurons have evolved in new and different ways in each species," details Dr. García-Moreno. -- The studies, published in Science, used advanced techniques in spatial transcriptomics, developmental neurobiology, single-cell analysis, and mathematical modeling to trace the evolution of brain circuits in birds, mammals, and reptiles. -- Rewriting the Evolutionary History of the Brain -- "Our studies show that evolution has found multiple solutions for building complex brains," explains Dr. García-Moreno. "Birds have developed sophisticated neural circuits through their own mechanisms, without following the same path as mammals. This changes how we understand brain evolution." -- These findings highlight the evolutionary flexibility of brain development, demonstrating that advanced cognitive functions can emerge through vastly different genetic and cellular pathways. -- The importance of studying brain evolution -- "Our brain makes us human, but it also binds us to other animal species through a shared evolutionary history," explains Dr. García-Moreno. The discovery that birds and mammals have developed neural circuits independently has major implications for comparative neuroscience. Understanding the different genetic programs that give rise to specific neuronal types could open new avenues for research in neurodevelopment. Dr. García-Moreno advocates for this type of fundamental research: "Only by understanding how the brain forms, both in its embryonic development and in its evolutionary history, can we truly grasp how it functions."	R02 N01	2,219
2509-T010	Sustainable Lithium-Ion Capacitor Developed Using Wood Waste From Sawmills	Scientists have developed a sustainable lithium-ion capacitor using electrodes made from wood waste, demonstrating excellent energy storage properties. This innovative approach not only capitalizes on readily available biomass but also represents a significant step towards eco-friendly energy solutions capable of meeting modern society's energy demands.	University of the Basque Country	Journal of Power Sources	Press Rel	PubMed	The Solid State and Materials Research Group has come up with a lithium ion capacitor using electrodes produced from wood particles that are discarded as waste in sawmills. This biomass is very easily available across the Basque Country, and sustainable, inexpensive processes have been used to produce electrodes. The results reveal that the materials derived from biomass have excellent properties for obtaining eco friendly, cost-effective systems designed to store high-power energy. -- In the quest for sustainable energy solutions capable of meeting the energy needs of modern society, energy storage systems play a hugely important role; indeed, "in the field of renewable energies we cannot control the wind, heat, light, etc. that nature offers us. And the energy demand sometimes does not coincide with the energy supply; so resources need to be developed to store that energy produced by renewable systems," explained Eider Goikolea, a researcher in the Solid State and Materials Research Group. -- Materials for the next generation of electrochemical energy storage technologies are being developed by the members of the research group Eider Goikolea and Idoia Ruiz de Larramendi (UPV/EHU lecturers). "We develop new materials that can be used to store energy. In this case, to create electrodes we prepared carbon from the wood particles of the insignis pines that are all around us and are used in carpentry workshops. At the end of the day, this sawdust is not used for anything and has a very high carbon content," said Idoia Ruiz de Larramendi. -- Hybrid system -- Batteries and supercapacitors are used, among other things, to store energy. -- Supercapacitors are able to store less energy than batteries, but they are able to provide a greater amount of energy at a given moment. -- "Supercapacitors are not suitable for providing a system with energy over a long period; unlike batteries, they are used if we want a large amount of energy during a short period of time," explained Goikolea. -- A hybrid lithium ion device was developed in this research. "This offers the advantages of both systems: high-power energy can be stored (as in batteries), it can operate at high-power levels and is able to withstand many charge-discharge cycles (like supercapacitors)," she said. -- So a battery type electrode and a supercapacitor type electrode have been combined within the same device. -- Different types of carbon were used to produce these electrodes.	C01 N02 T01	2,220
2512-015	New Insights On Biomarkers For Schizophrenia Linked To Cannabis Use Disorder Found	A study from the UPV/EHU's Neuropsychopharmacology group has analyzed fatty acid profiles in individuals with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder, aiming to identify new biomarkers that could shed light on the relationship between the two conditions. This research highlights significant metabolic differences among groups, suggesting that certain fatty acids may help predict the risk of developing schizophrenia, despite cannabis exposure.	University of the Basque Country	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Cannabis is one of the most widely used substances in the world, with some 228 million users between the ages of 15 and 64. The risk of developing schizophrenia increases significantly with cannabis use, especially when it starts at a young age. What is more, it is estimated that approximately 10% of cannabis users will develop cannabis use disorder during their lifetime. Curiously, almost a third of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia also meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder; and cannabis use disorder affects up to 42% of people with schizophrenia. -- In this bid to shed light on the biological mechanisms that determine why some individuals develop schizophrenia while others only experience cannabis use disorder, despite similar levels of exposure to cannabis, the UPV/EHU's Neuropsychopharmacology group has managed to detect "potential biomarkers in the blood that could help predict the risk some people have of developing a psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia if they use cannabis," explained Leyre Urigüen, coordinator of the study published recently in Scientific Reports. -- So, the research group compared the fatty acid content in the blood of samples taken from "a group of individuals with schizophrenia who did not use cannabis, a group who used cannabis and have developed a cannabis use disorder, a group with a dual pathology of schizophrenia with cannabis abuse, and a control group of individuals with neither a psychiatric disorder nor drug use," explained Dr Urigüen. In the study they wanted to shed light on what happens "with people who use cannabis and develop schizophrenia; how do they differ from those who use cannabis and never develop a psychiatric disorder?" she added. -- "We found considerable differences between these groups of individuals. By comparing the quantities of certain metabolites (fatty acids), we were able to perfectly differentiate between the three patient populations," stressed the UPV/EHU researcher. -- "This indicates that there is an altered or different metabolism between these three groups." In this study the Neuropsychopharmacology research group at the UPV/EHU detected "that some fatty acids differentiate between the cannabis-using group and the groups with schizophrenia and dual-diagnosis patients. These molecules could potentially be biomarkers," said Urigüen. -- Paving the way forward -- The researcher is very hopeful about this finding: "I think it is important to be capable of finding blood biomarkers that can help predict the risk of developing a psychiatric disorder, such as schizophrenia due to cannabis use, and this study has proven to be the start of this way forward. Now this has to be disproved by studies with a larger cohort of people than the one we have analysed." -- In this respect, the researcher stressed that another of the strengths of the study is "the fine-tuning of plasma lipidomics in patients; in other words, the complete study of fatty acids (lipids). We are proposing a way of working that can be replicated by other groups, and that way, headway can be made in the specification of these metabolites." This approach has been developed by the IBeA research group under the direction of the UPV/EHU professor Nestor Etxebarria. Both groups are working side by side on "various approaches to the study in which they are trying to find answers to these and many other questions."	H02	2,221
2513-T004	Researchers Discover Method To Protect Quantum Information From Environmental Disruptions	Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have found a method to shield quantum information from environmental disruptions, enhancing the reliability of future quantum technologies. This breakthrough could lead to more stable quantum computers and networks, with implications for improved medical imaging and artificial intelligence, as detailed in their study published in Nature Communications.	University of the Witwatersrand	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa (Wits University) in collaboration with Huzhou University in China have discovered a way to protect quantum information from environmental disruptions, offering hope for more reliable future technologies. -- In a study published in Nature Communications, scientists have shown how certain quantum states can maintain their critical information even when disturbed by environmental noise. -- Why this research matters -- More Reliable Quantum Technology -- This breakthrough could lead to more stable quantum computers and networks, making future technology faster, more secure, and widely accessible. -- Better Medical Imaging & AI -- The ability to preserve quantum information can enhance medical imaging techniques and improve AI-driven diagnostics, leading to better healthcare solutions. -- Stronger Data Security -- Quantum networks protected from noise could provide ultra-secure communication, safeguarding personal and financial data from cyber threats. -- "What we've found is that topology is a powerful resource for information encoding in the presence of noise," says Professor Andrew Forbes from the Wits School of Physics. -- Quantum entanglement is the invisible connection between particles that allows them to communicate instantly, no matter how far apart they are. This principle is the subject of popular science and the cornerstone of modern quantum technologies. However, it has famously been rejected by Einstein as "spooky action at a distance." -- Unfortunately, quantum entangled states are notoriously fragile, decaying when they experience a perturbation, such as background and stray light, noisy detectors, lost photons and other sources of "white" noise, common effects in real-world quantum systems that can break the connection between the particles, rendering their entangled link useless. -- To overcome this, many strategies have been put forward to try and preserve the entanglement, but so far with very limited success. The Wits team have shown that this approach can be manipulated, allowing the entanglement to remain fragile and instead preserve the quantum information.	A01 T01	2,222
2502-T001	New Atmospheric Data Set Could Revolutionize Climate Predictions And Weather Models	Researchers have created a comprehensive dataset of the entire atmosphere, which spans nearly two decades and enables the study of previously challenging atmospheric regions. The dataset, developed using the JAGUAR-DAS data assimilation system, holds potential for improving climate models and seasonal weather forecasts. The interdisciplinary approach could foster collaboration between atmospheric and space scientists, enhancing our understanding of the dynamics between atmospheric layers and their impact on Earth.	University of Tokyo	Progress in Earth and Planetary Science	Press Rel	PubMed	A team led by researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a dataset of the whole atmosphere, enabling new research to be conducted on previously difficult-to-study regions. Using a new data-assimilation system called JAGUAR-DAS, which combines numerical modeling with observational data, the team created a nearly 20-yearlong set of data spanning multiple levels of the atmosphere from ground level up to the lower edges of space. Being able to study the interactions of these layers vertically and around the globe could improve climate modeling and seasonal weather forecasting. There is also potential for interdisciplinary research between atmospheric scientists and space scientists, to investigate the interplay between space and our atmosphere and how it affects us on Earth. -- Complaining about the weather, and about weather forecasters when they get things wrong, is a popular pastime for many. -- But a meteorologist's job is not easy. Our atmosphere is multilayered, interconnected and complex, and global climate change is making it even harder to forecast both long-term and sudden, extreme weather events. -- To help overcome these increasing challenges, researchers have created a dataset of the entire atmosphere. -- Ranging from September 2004 to December 2023, it spans multiple levels of the atmosphere from ground level up to the lower edge of space, about 110 kilometers above Earth's surface. -- The region between about 50 km to 110 km (though exact ranges vary) is particularly of interest, as it is so notoriously difficult to study that it had previously been dubbed the "ignorosphere." This region is too low for satellites and too high for weather balloons to observe, resulting in a shortage of data and consequently research. -- However, it is a fascinating area, characterized by vast global atmospheric tides and small-scale gravity waves which affect wind and temperature. -- It also plays an important role in the intensity of the impact of space weather events. -- "The JAWARA (JAGUAR-DAS Whole neutral Atmosphere Reanalysis) dataset is a strong research tool which, for the first time, makes it possible to quantitatively understand atmospheric general circulation and the hierarchal structure of waves and vorticies in the mesospheric layer (which is above the stratosphere and about 50-90 km above Earth's surface) and lower thermospheric layer (about 90-110 km above Earth's surface) of the atmosphere, including the ignorosphere," explained Professor Kaoru Sato from the University of Tokyo. -- "If we can better understand these layers, it would improve our ability to respond to climate change, extend the lead time of seasonal forecasts and advance our understanding of space weather phenomena."	R01 C01	2,223
2502-T044	Thin Optical Lenses Offer Compact Solutions For Future Technologies	Economical Flat Lens Production: Researchers have developed a new method to produce paper-thin Fresnel zone plates using standard semiconductor manufacturing equipment. While currently less efficient than existing lenses, this approach could lead to scalable, cost-effective optical devices for various industries, including healthcare and consumer electronics.	University of Tokyo	Light: Science & Applications	Press Rel	PubMed	Paper-thin optical lenses simple enough to mass produce like microchips could enable a new generation of compact optical devices. A team with researchers at the University of Tokyo and JSR Corp. fabricated and tested flat lenses called Fresnel zone plates (FZPs), but did so for the first time using only common semiconductor manufacturing equipment, the i-line stepper, for the first time. These flat lenses currently lack the efficiency of in-production lenses, but have the potential to reshape optics for industries ranging from astronomy to health care and consumer electronics. -- Flat lenses, such as metalenses, exist, but they come with hefty price tags and a high degree of complexity, and only a small number of devices are available. -- In the race to increase the quality, performance and efficiency of devices whilst reducing costs, manufacturers, through the work of academic researchers, seek alternatives. -- FZPs have become a good candidate to improve optical devices where space is critical. -- And for the first time, researchers crafted sample lenses with just a few straightforward steps using industry standard machinery. -- "We developed a simple and mass-producible method for FZPs using a common semiconductor lithography system, or stepper," said Associate Professor Kuniaki Konishi from the Institute for Photon Science and Technology. -- "This is due to a special type of photoresist or mask called a color resist, which was originally designed for use as color filters. By simply coating, exposing and developing this material, we produced lenses capable of focusing visible light down to only 1.1 microns, around 100 times thinner than a human hair." -- The current drawback with the new FZPs is that they only have a light-gathering efficiency of 7%, meaning they produce excessively noisy images. -- But already the team is working on ways to increase this fourfold by changing the way they use the color resists. -- However, this would require a greater degree of control over the color resists' physical properties than was afforded the researchers at the time of this study, though the ability to do this does exist.	T01	2,224
2505-E003	Researchers Discover Radiation Effects On Concrete Expansion In Aging Reactors	Researchers from the University of Tokyo have provided crucial insights into how neutron radiation affects concrete’s structural integrity. Their studies reveal that certain properties in concrete, such as quartz crystals, can self-heal, mitigating some of the degradation risks associated with radiation. This understanding of concrete behavior under radiation exposure is essential for improving the safety and longevity of nuclear power facilities, as it may allow for extended operation periods without compromising structural integrity.	University of Tokyo	Journal of Nuclear Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Electric fans alone provide little cooling relief for older adults indoors on searing summer days, due to a reduced ability to sweat which can lead to oven-like indoor environments. -- A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association assessed the impact of electric fans on the body core temperature and heart rate of 18 participants aged 65-85 years, who were exposed to a simulated extreme indoor environment of 36°C with 45 per cent relative humidity for eight hours. -- Participants were monitored on three separate days, spending one day with no fan, one with a fan blowing at two metres per second (the average air speed of a household fan) and one with a fan on high speed at four metres per second. -- The results showed participants were unaffected by fan use, with all three of the experimental conditions resulting in an average body core temperature of 38.3°C and heart rate of 100 beats per minute. -- While perceived comfort did improve marginally, there was no substantial reduction in physiological strain. -- Lead researcher Dr Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University's School of Health Sciences and Social Work said older adults had a limited ability to regulate their body temperature in extreme heat. -- "As we age, we lose our ability to sweat, which limits the effectiveness of electric fans," he said. -- "This can start happening from our 30s or 40s, but by our 60s there's a significant impairment. -- "The double whammy is, older adults also have a decreased capacity to sense heat stress, which can lead to dire consequences." -- Extreme heat kills more people in Australia than all other natural disasters combined, with more than 100 lives lost each year in Queensland alone from exposure to high temperatures.	C01	2,225
2505-E075	Innovative Method Enables Efficient Recycling Of Epoxy Resins And Composites	Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a groundbreaking method for recycling epoxy resins using a novel solid catalyst, enabling efficient material reclamation. This process addresses the challenges of disposing of epoxy products by breaking them down into valuable raw materials. The catalyst's reusability and lower energy requirements present promising advancements in sustainable practices for handling epoxy waste, potentially impacting various industries.	University of Tokyo	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In 2017, a tragic incident unfolded in a Nevada hospital. A woman, admitted for pneumonia, tragically succumbed to multiple organ failure and sepsis. The culprit? A strain of bacteria that had developed resistance to a staggering 26 different antibiotics. These superbugs, or antibiotic-resistant bacteria, stand as one of the most pressing public health threats globally. -- Joining the effort to fight these deadly pathogens, researchers at Texas A&M have now shown that curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its characteristic bright yellow color, can potentially be used to reduce antibiotic resistance. -- The researchers showed that when curcumin is intentionally given to bacteria as food and then activated by light, it can trigger deleterious reactions within these microbes, eventually killing them. -- This process, they demonstrated, reduces the number of antibiotic-resistant strains and renders conventional antibiotics effective again. -- The results of the study are published in the journal Scientific Reports. -- Before antibiotics, infectious diseases were the leading cause of death and disability around the world. -- With the advent of these life-saving medications, the human lifespan has increased by 23 years on average. -- In the last several decades, while the discovery of novel antibiotics has plateaued, antibiotic resistant bacteria have simultaneously become more common, ushering in the era of superbugs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, and pneumonia, which are all extremely hard to treat. -- In fact, infectious diseases are projected to be the main causes of human mortality once again, claiming up to 10 million lives annually. -- "When bacteria start becoming resistant to conventional antibiotics, we have what we call an antibiotic catastrophe," said Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato, professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and senior author on the study.	C01 T01	2,226
2506-T009	Next-Gen Communication: New Absorber Supports Development Of 6G Networks	Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an electromagnetic wave absorber that could greatly enhance the potential of terahertz waves for future 6G cellular networks. This ultrathin, eco-friendly film is designed to minimize electromagnetic noise interference, allowing for clearer and more secure communication. As terahertz waves are expected to play a crucial role in next-generation mobile networks, this innovation is a significant step toward achieving the high data transmission speeds needed for advanced wireless communication.	University of Tokyo	ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces	Press Rel	PubMed	Sixth-generation, or 6G, cellular networks are the next step in wireless communication, and electromagnetic terahertz waves are seen as crucial to its development. However, terahertz waves, with their higher frequency and shorter wavelength, are subject to greater interference from electromagnetic noise, making clear and secure transmission a challenge. Researchers from the University of Tokyo, as part of a multi-institution team, have now created an electromagnetic wave absorber for waves between 0.1-1 terahertz (THz). This greatly expands the range of the terahertz frequency which could be commercially used in the future. The ultrathin film is inexpensive, environmentally friendly and can be used outdoors, as it is resistant to heat, water, light and organic solvents. -- If you have access to a 5G network, you'll probably have noticed a dramatic difference compared to the more widely available 4G. Its low latency (the time it takes for a signal to bounce from its source to a receiver and back) means lower lag times, which is great for gamers, while download speeds of up to 20 gigabits per second (compared to 0.1 gigabits per second) and potentially 1,000 times greater data capacity opens up opportunities for smart homes and smart cities. -- But this isn't the end of the road for wireless cellular technology, and developers have already been looking toward the next step -- 6G. -- Terahertz waves are predicted to serve as carriers for the upcoming sixth-generation networks. -- Recent reports on tests with terahertz waves showed data transmission speeds of up to 240 gigabits per second. -- However, the challenge is not only to further improve speed, latency and data capacity, but to also prevent interference and reduce noise to ensure a secure and clear signal. -- That's where electromagnetic wave absorbers come in. They can inhibit the transmission or reflection of electromagnetic waves and when placed on the covers of transmitters and antennas, help to enhance communication precision. -- Now, a team including researchers at the University of Tokyo and Japanese chemical and iron-based alloy manufacturer Nippon Denko Co., Ltd., has developed the world's thinnest electromagnetic wave absorber, capable of absorbing waves in the 0.1-1 THz range. -- To date, only absorbers for waves below 0.3 THz have been made commercially available, but a frequency range beyond this is anticipated to be used for large-capacity 5G and 6G. -- "This frequency range is expected to be used for various applications including wireless communications, noncontact vital monitoring systems, quality-inspection scanning systems via tomographic imaging, and security sensing for detecting hazardous materials," said Professor Shin-ichi Ohkoshi from the Graduate School of Science.	A01 H01 T01	2,227
2507-108	Deep Nanometry Revolutionizes Detection Of Disease-Related Nanoparticles In Medical Samples	Researchers have created Deep Nanometry, a cutting-edge analytical technique utilizing deep learning and advanced optics to detect disease-related nanoparticles rapidly and with high accuracy. This method shows promise for identifying extracellular vesicles, which could signal early-stage colon cancer, and may have broader applications in various medical and industrial fields, offering a faster and more reliable way to monitor rare particles in biological samples.	University of Tokyo	University of Tokyo	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers including those from the University of Tokyo developed Deep Nanometry, an analytical technique combining advanced optical equipment with a noise removal algorithm based on unsupervised deep learning. Deep Nanometry can analyze nanoparticles in medical samples at high speed, making it possible to accurately detect even trace amounts of rare particles. This has proven its potential for detecting extracellular vesicles indicating early signs of colon cancer, and it is hoped that it can be applied to other medical and industrial fields. -- Did you know your body is full of microscopic particles smaller than cells? -- These include what are known as extracellular vesicles (EVs) which can be useful in early disease detection and also in drug delivery. -- However, EVs are very rare, and finding them among millions of other particles required time consuming and expensive pre-enrichment process. -- This has prompted researchers, including postdoctoral researcher Yuichiro Iwamoto from the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology and his team, to find a means to detect EVs quickly and reliably. -- "Conventional measurement techniques often have limited throughput, making it difficult to reliably detect rare particles in a short space of time," said Iwamoto. -- "To address this, we developed Deep Nanometry (DNM), a new nanoparticle detection device and an unsupervised deep learning noise-reduction method to boost its sensitivity. This allows for high throughput, making it possible to detect rare particles such as EVs." -- At the heart of DNM is its ability to detect particles as small as 30 nanometers (billionths of a meter) in size, while also being able to detect more than 100,000 particles per second. -- With conventional high-speed detection tools, strong signals are detected but weak signals may be missed, while DNM is capable of catching them. -- This might be analogous to searching for a small boat on a turbulent ocean amidst crashing waves -- it becomes much easier if the waves would dissipate leaving a calm ocean to scout for the boat.	R01 T01	2,228
2509-E042	New Techniques Ensure Safe Mars Sample Return While Detecting Possible Life Forms	Researchers have developed a new method for detecting life in Martian rock samples, preparing for future sample return missions. This advancement addresses concerns about potential microbial contamination on Earth, ensuring safe exploration and study of extraterrestrial materials while providing critical insights into the history of life on other planets.	University of Tokyo	International Journal of Astrobiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Within the next decade, space agencies plan to bring samples of rock from Mars to Earth for study. Of concern is the possibility these samples contain life, which could have unforeseen consequences. Therefore, researchers in this field strive to create methods to detect life. For the first time, researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo and NASA, successfully demonstrated a method to detect life in ancient rocks analogous to those found on Mars. -- We've all seen the movies, in which "Scientists bring back something from space, with disastrous consequences," or with some similar premise. -- The idea makes for a fun story, but the idea of microbial aliens contaminating the Earth is based on genuine concerns, and is also nothing new. -- Back in the days of the Apollo program, on their return, the lucky astronauts who stepped foot on lunar soil underwent decontamination procedures and even quarantines, just in case. -- More recently, all eyes are on Mars, as multiple sample return missions are being planned. -- In order to ensure that samples from Mars cannot contaminate Earth life, the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) developed the sample safety assessment framework, essentially a set of protocols for those involved in obtaining, transporting and analyzing Mars rocks, to avoid contamination. -- A key component of this is our ability to detect the presence or absence of life in a sample. -- The issue of course being, we haven't actually got any. To plug this gap, Associate Professor Yohey Suzuki from the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo, and his international team, looked at ancient microbe-rich Earth rocks analogous to the kind of Mars rocks we might expect to receive from the red planet in the coming years. -- "We first tested conventional analytical instruments, but none could detect microbial cells in the 100-million-year-old basalt rock we use as the Martian analogue. So, we had to find an instrument sensitive enough to detect microbial cells, and ideally in a nondestructive way, given the rarity of the samples we may soon see," said Suzuki. -- "We came up with optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which succeeded where other techniques either lacked precision or required too much destruction of the samples."	C01	2,229
2510-E023	Volcanic Activity May Have Created Our Oxygen-Rich Atmosphere Billions Of Years Ago	New research suggests that ancient volcanic activity contributed to the development of Earth's oxygen-rich atmosphere. By exploring the mechanisms behind precursor oxygenation events, scientists propose that volcanic eruptions may have accelerated oxygen levels, a crucial factor in enabling life to thrive on Earth.	University of Tokyo	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	It is widely believed that Earth's atmosphere has been rich in oxygen for about 2.5 billion years due to a relatively rapid increase in microorganisms capable of performing photosynthesis. Researchers, including those from the University of Tokyo, provide a mechanism to explain precursor oxygenation events, or "whiffs," which may have opened the door for this to occur. Their findings suggest volcanic activity altered conditions enough to accelerate oxygenation, and the whiffs are an indication of this taking place. -- Take a deep breath. Do you ever think about the air entering your lungs? -- It's mostly inert nitrogen, and the valuable oxygen our lives depend on only accounts for 21%. But this hasn't always been the case; in fact, several mass extinction events correspond to times when this figure changed dramatically. -- And if you go back far enough, you'll find that before about 3 billion years ago, there was hardly any oxygen at all. -- So what changed, and how did it happen? -- The scientific consensus is that about 2.5 billion years ago, the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) took place, most likely due to a proliferation of microorganisms exploiting favorable conditions and facing little competition. -- They would have essentially converted the carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere into an oxygen-rich one, and following that came complex life, which favored this new abundance of oxygen. -- But it seems there were some precursor oxygenation events prior to the GOE that may indicate the exact nature and timing of changes in the conditions necessary for the GOE to begin. -- "Activity of microorganisms in the ocean played a central role in the evolution of atmospheric oxygen. However, we think this would not have immediately led to atmospheric oxygenation because the amount of nutrients such as phosphate in the ocean at that time was limited, restricting activity of cyanobacteria, a group of bacteria capable of photosynthesis," said Professor Eiichi Tajika from the Department of Earth and Planetary Science at the University of Tokyo. -- "It likely took some massive geological events to seed the oceans with nutrients, including the growth of the continents and, as we suggest in our paper, intense volcanic activity, which we know to have occurred."	R01 C01	2,230
2510-T001	Mars' Middle Atmosphere Influenced By Gravity Waves	A new study reveals that gravity waves significantly influence Mars' middle atmosphere, driving air currents at high altitudes. This finding enhances our understanding of Martian atmospheric dynamics and highlights fundamental differences between Martian and Earth’s atmospheric behaviors, aiding future explorations of the planet.	University of Tokyo	Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study by researchers including those at the University of Tokyo revealed that atmospheric gravity waves play a crucial role in driving latitudinal air currents on Mars, particularly at high altitudes. The findings, based on long-term atmospheric data, offer a fresh perspective on the behaviors of Mars' middle atmosphere, highlighting fundamental differences from Earth's. The study applied methods developed to explore Earth's atmosphere to quantitatively estimate the influence of gravity waves on Mars' planetary circulation. -- Despite it being a very cold planet, Mars is quite a hot topic these days. -- With human visitation seemingly on the horizon, it will pay to know more about the conditions there so all involved can plan and prepare accordingly. -- Something that has become possible to explore in detail in recent years is a range of Martian atmospheric phenomena. -- Naturally, a lot of the methods used for this originate from the study of our own atmosphere, and thanks to this, we can see how things on Mars differ greatly and what the implications of this might be. -- "On Earth, large-scale atmospheric waves caused by the planet's rotation, known as Rossby waves, are the primary influence on the way air circulates in the stratosphere, or the lower part of the middle atmosphere. But our study shows that on Mars, gravity waves (GWs) have a dominant effect at the mid and high latitudes of the middle atmosphere," said Professor Kaoru Sato from the Department of Earth and Planetary Science. -- "Rossby waves are large-scale atmospheric waves, or resolved waves, whereas GWs are unresolved waves, meaning they are too fine to be directly measured or modeled and must be estimated by more indirect means." -- Not to be confused with gravitational waves from massive stellar bodies, GWs are an atmospheric phenomenon when a packet of air rises and falls due to variations in buoyancy. -- That oscillating motion is what gives rise to GWs. Due to the small-scale nature of them and the limitations of observational data, researchers have previously found it challenging to quantify their significance in the Martian atmosphere. -- So Sato and her team turned to the Ensemble Mars Atmosphere Reanalysis System (EMARS) dataset, produced by a range of space-based observations over many years, to analyze seasonal variations up there.	C01	2,231
2511-094	Cells Develop Adaptive Responses Against Jumping Genes To Prevent Mutations	A study from the University of Tokyo reveals how cells utilize piRNA to combat harmful genetic mutations caused by 'jumping genes.' Researchers have identified the adaptive behaviors of piRNA-producing sites, potentially paving the way for new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in genetics.	University of Tokyo	Molecular Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Adverse genetic mutations can cause harm and are due to various circumstances. "Jumping genes" are one cause of mutations, but cells try and combat them with a specialized RNA called piRNA. For the first time, researchers from the University of Tokyo and their collaborators have identified how the sites responsible for piRNA production evolve effective behaviors against jumping genes. This research could lead to downstream diagnostic or therapeutic applications. -- The word mutation can mean different things in different situations. -- Putting aside for a second the image you might have of superheroes or monsters, in the real world, mutations are simply changes in the genes of an organism. -- These can happen as an organism reproduces offspring, and when these mutations lead to a slightly modified trait that improves the offspring's chances of survival, the trait will spread within the population. -- But mutations are often harmful and lead to diseases, including cancer. -- While there are many things which cause mutations, something that caught the attention of Professor Yukihide Tomari from the University of Tokyo's Institute for Quantitative Biosciences are so-called jumping genes, technically known as transposons or transposable elements (TEs). These can spontaneously insert themselves into random locations along the genome, causing disruptions. -- Help is at hand, however, as organisms, including silkworms, mice, and even humans, can silence jumping genes by producing countermeasures called PIWI-interacting ribonucleic acid (piRNA). The way these are made however seems overly complex and the reason for their widespread conservation across species remains unclear, but Tomari and his team decided to pick this apart and discovered what is going on. -- "PIWI-interacting RNAs not only silence TEs but are also amplified during the silencing process," said Tomari. -- "How this occurs is when piRNA targets and cuts up the TE, it also creates new piRNA from the cut-up fragments, essentially reproducing. This process is called the ping-pong pathway, and it ensures a set of protective piRNAs is robustly maintained." -- But there's more going on than just amplification of the piRNA when it comes to combating jumping genes.	R01	2,232
2512-083	Surprising Muscle Behavior Discovered: Legs Adjust Stiffness For More Efficient Hopping	A study from the University of Tokyo sheds light on how the human leg adjusts its stiffness during high-speed hopping, revealing a phenomenon termed "negative stiffness." This unique adaptation allows for faster movement and could inform improvements in sports training, rehabilitation protocols, and the design of assistive devices, emphasizing the complex interplay between muscle behavior and biomechanics.	University of Tokyo	Journal of Applied Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Tokyo reveal the way our legs adapt to fast movements. When people hop at high speeds, key muscle fibers in the calf shorten rather than lengthen as forces increase, which they call "negative stiffness." This counterintuitive process helps the leg become stiffer, allowing for faster motion. The findings could improve training, rehabilitation, and even the design of prosthetic limbs or robotic exoskeletons. -- When you hop, run or jump, your legs behave like springs, absorbing and returning energy with each step. -- But what happens to your muscles and tendons to make this possible? -- Associate Professor Daisuke Takeshita and doctoral student Kazuki Kuriyama from the Department of Life Sciences sought to investigate how muscles and tendons work together during bouncing movements, specifically hopping, as it serves as a proxy for common activities like running. -- "Human movements like hopping and running are often characterized by a spring-mass model, where the leg acts as a spring supporting the body mass as it bounces off the ground," said Takeshita. -- "In our study, we specifically examined hopping under constrained conditions, instructing participants to maintain extended knees and minimize ground contact time. These constraints were crucial as they allowed us to isolate the role of ankle joint mechanics and focus on what's known as the plantarflexor muscle-tendon dynamics." -- Through this, Takeshita and Kuriyama discovered that muscle fibers behave differently depending on the hopping frequency. -- During slow hopping, muscle fibers maintain nearly constant length. -- However, during fast hopping, they actively shorten even as force increases, displaying what they call negative stiffness. -- This counterintuitive behavior enhances the overall stiffness of the leg, allowing for faster movements.	N02 T01	2,233
2513-T031	Innovative Miniature Battery Testing Method Improves Lithium-Ion Safety Standards	A new, cost-effective approach to testing lithium-ion battery safety has been developed, utilizing a miniature, intentionally unstable battery model to facilitate research on overheating risks. This innovative method allows for efficient safety assessments in a smaller laboratory setting, potentially leading to advancements in the development of safer battery technologies while addressing the pressing risks associated with battery overheating and failures.	University of Tokyo	Nature Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	Overheating batteries are a serious risk, in the worst cases leading to fires and explosion. A team including researchers from the University of Tokyo has developed a simple, cost-effective method to test the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which opens up opportunities for research into new and safer batteries for the future. The researchers created an intentionally unstable battery which is more sensitive to changes that could cause overheating. The battery is one-fiftieth the size of conventional batteries, so is less resource intensive and tests can be carried out in a smaller lab environment. -- In your pocket, your bag or on your desk at work, there's probably a gadget with a lithium-ion battery. -- Small but mighty, these rechargeable powerhouses have become a mainstay for electronics, from pacemakers and laptops to electric vehicles. -- However, as the safety checklist at the airport will tell you, they can be a hazard. -- News stories abound of lithium-ion batteries overheating, smoking or even exploding. -- This makes safety testing a top priority for both manufacturers and consumers. -- When batteries are subjected to unusual conditions, such as high temperatures, thermal shock, penetration, crushing, dropping, or vibration, chemical chain reactions can be triggered, causing the battery to heat up at an alarming rate (potentially up to several thousand degrees per minute). This phenomenon, known as thermal runaway, can ultimately lead to a catastrophic fire or explosion. -- To minimize the risk of thermal runaway, various testing methods have been suggested. -- Among them, the accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC) test provides quantitative data, including the onset temperature of battery self-heating and thermal runaway, and the related heat generation. -- However, as you might imagine, this testing is dangerous and costly.	H01	2,234
2501-093	Climate Change Increases HIV Risks, Reduces Testing, And Harms Care For Patients.	A recent review identifies the adverse effects of climate change on HIV prevention and care, highlighting how extreme weather events can disrupt health services and increase vulnerability. The analysis of 22 studies shows correlations between climate-related challenges and poorer health outcomes for individuals living with HIV, emphasizing the need for integrated responses to address these emerging threats in HIV care.	University of Toronto	Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases	Press Rel	PubMed	New challenges in HIV prevention and care are emerging due to climate change, according to a review published earlier this month in Current Opinions in Infectious Disease. -- Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed 22 recent studies exploring HIV-related outcomes in the context of climate change and identified several links between extreme weather events and HIV prevention and care. -- Climate change-related extreme weather events, such as drought and flooding, were associated with poorer HIV prevention outcomes, including reduced HIV testing. Extreme weather events were also linked to increased practices that elevate HIV risk, such as transactional sex and condomless sex, as well as increases in new HIV infection. -- "Climate change impacts HIV prevention through several mechanistic pathways," says lead author Carmen Logie, Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) at the University of Toronto and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health. "Extreme weather events cause structural damage to health care infrastructure and increase migration and displacement, both of which disrupt access to HIV clinics for prevention and testing. We also see increases in practices that increase HIV risk due to climate change-related resource scarcity." -- The study also uncovered important implications for HIV care among those already living with HIV, such as reduced viral suppression, poorer treatment adherence, and worse physical and mental wellbeing. -- "Extreme weather events present new challenges with access to HIV care and treatment adherence," said co-author Andie MacNeil, PhD student at the FIFSW at the University of Toronto. "Multilevel strategies are needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on HIV care, such as long-lasting antiretroviral therapy, increased medication dispensing supplies, and community-based medication delivery and outreach programs." -- The authors highlighted several important gaps in the existing literature, including the lack of research on specific extreme weather events (e.g., extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes) and in geographic areas with high climate change vulnerability and increasing HIV rates (e.g., the Middle East and Northern Africa). -- They also described a persisting lack of knowledge on extreme weather events and HIV among key marginalized populations, including sex workers, people who use drugs, and gender diverse persons, as well as how extreme weather events interact with intersecting forms of stigma. -- The researchers are hopeful that these findings can help offer ways forward for research, policy, and practice. -- "Innovative HIV interventions, such as long-acting PrEP, mobile pharmacies and health clinics, and interventions that reduce food and water insecurity may all contribute to improving HIV care during extreme weather events. More research and evaluation is needed to test climate-change informed HIV prevention and intervention strategies," said Logie. "The integration of disaster preparedness and HIV care provides new opportunities to optimize HIV care in our changing climate."	H01 R01 C01	2,235
2507-081	Nerve Connections Fuel Stomach Cancer Growth And Spread	In a significant breakthrough, researchers have found a compound in ginger called furanodienone (FDN) that can selectively regulate a nuclear receptor involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This compound reduces inflammation by activating the pregnane X receptor (PXR), highlighting its potential as a natural remedy for IBD treatment. The study opens doors for exploring more accessible and cost-effective therapeutic options.	University of Toronto	University of Toronto	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team led by researchers at the University of Toronto has found a compound in ginger, called furanodienone (FDN), that selectively binds to and regulates a nuclear receptor involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). -- Through a screen to identify chemical components of ginger that bind to receptors associated with IBD, the team observed a strong interaction between FDN and the pregnane X receptor (PXR). FDN reduces inflammation in the colon by activating PXR's ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. -- While researchers have been aware of FDN for decades, they had not determined its functions or targets in the body until now. -- "We found that we could reduce inflammation in the colons of mice through oral injections of FDN," said Jiabao Liu, research associate at U of T's Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research. -- "Our discovery of FDN's target nuclear receptor highlights the potential of complementary and integrative medicine for IBD treatment. We believe natural products may be able to regulate nuclear receptors with more precision than synthetic compounds, which could lead to alternative therapeutics that are cost-effective and widely accessible." -- The study was published recently in the journal Nature Communications. -- IBD patients typically start to experience symptoms early in life; around 25 per cent of patients are diagnosed before the age of 20. There is currently no cure for IBD, so patients must adhere to life-long treatments to manage their symptoms, including abdominal pain and diarrhea, enduring significant psychological and economic consequences. -- While patients with IBD have found some relief through changes to their diet and herbal supplements, it is not clear which chemical compounds in food and supplements are responsible for alleviating intestinal inflammation. -- With FDN now identified as a compound with potential to treat IBD, this specific component of ginger can be extracted to develop more effective therapies. -- An additional benefit of FDN is that it can increase the production of tight junction proteins that repair damage to the gut lining caused by inflammation.	H01 R01	2,236
2509-047	Low-Carb Diet May Worsen Gut Microbes' DNA-Damaging Effects Leading To Colorectal Cancer	A study from the University of Toronto reveals how low-carbohydrate diets can exacerbate the DNA-damaging effects of specific gut microbes, leading to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. By examining the relationship between diet and gut bacteria, researchers aim to better understand how dietary choices influence cancer development.	University of Toronto	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Toronto have shown how a low-carbohydrate diet can worsen the DNA-damaging effects of some gut microbes to cause colorectal cancer. -- The study, published in the journal Nature Microbiology, compared the effects of three different diets -- normal, low-carb, or Western-style with high fat and high sugar -- in combination with specific gut bacteria on colorectal cancer development in mice. -- They found that a unique strain of E. coli bacteria, when paired with a diet low in carbs and soluble fibre, drives the growth of polyps in the colon, which can be a precursor to cancer. -- "Colorectal cancer has always been thought of as being caused by a number of different factors including diet, gut microbiome, environment and genetics," says senior author Alberto Martin, a professor of immunology at U of T's Temerty Faculty of Medicine. -- "Our question was, does diet influence the ability of specific bacteria to cause cancer?" -- To answer this question, the researchers, led by postdoctoral fellow Bhupesh Thakur, examined mice that were colonized with one of three bacterial species that had been previously linked to colorectal cancer and fed either a normal, low-carb or Western-style diet. -- Only one combination -- a low-carb diet paired with a strain of E. coli that produces the DNA-damaging compound colibactin -- led to the development of colorectal cancer. -- The researchers found that a diet deficient in fibre increased inflammation in the gut and altered the community of microbes that typically reside there, creating an environment that allowed the colibactin-producing E. coli to thrive. -- They also showed that the mice fed a low-carb diet had a thinner layer of mucus separating the gut microbes from the colon epithelial cells. The mucus layer acts as a protective shield between the bacteria in the gut and the cells underneath. With a weakened barrier, more colibactin could reach the colon cells to cause genetic damage and drive tumour growth. These effects were especially strong in mice with genetic mutations in the mismatch repair pathway that hindered their ability to fix damaged DNA. -- While both Thakur and Martin emphasize the need to confirm these findings in humans, they are also excited about the numerous ways in which their research can be applied to prevent cancer.	A01 H01 R01	2,237
2509-062	The Paradox Of Happiness: Trying Too Hard May Deplete Our Willpower	New research from U of T Scarborough suggests that the pursuit of happiness can paradoxically lead to decreased willpower and temptation. This phenomenon, known as the "happiness paradox," highlights how efforts to be happier can drain mental resources, making individuals more vulnerable to decisions that ultimately detract from their happiness. The findings underscore the need for a balanced approach to happiness.	University of Toronto	Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have a new explanation for why we experience the "happiness paradox" -- a phenomenon wherein trying to make ourselves happier actually makes us less happy. -- Studies have documented the paradox for more than a decade, yet few have dug into what causes it. It turns out, according to new U of T Scarborough research published in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, trying to be happier is mentally exhausting in a way that drains our ability to use self-control and willpower. -- As a result, we're more susceptible to temptation, and to making the kind of self-destructive decisions that make us less happy. -- "The pursuit of happiness is a bit like a snowball effect. You decide to try making yourself feel happier, but then that effort depletes your ability to do the kinds of things that make you happier," says study co-author Sam Maglio, professor of marketing in the Department of Management at U of T Scarborough and the Rotman School of Management. -- Maglio likens the fallout of constantly trying to be happier to coming home after a long day at work -- the more mentally rundown we are, the more tempted we'll be to skip cleaning the house and instead scroll social media, for example. -- Maglio and study co-author Aekyoung Kim, lecturer in the Business School at the University of Sydney, also tackled the paradox in a 2018 study that found people who try to be happier tend to feel like they're short on time, the stress of which makes them unhappier. -- "The story here is that the pursuit of happiness costs mental resources. Instead of just going with the flow, you are trying to make yourself feel differently," says Maglio. -- Manually regulating our thoughts, emotions and behaviours is particularly exhausting, the researchers note, and in the multi-million-dollar self-help industry, there's a lot of pressure and responsibility placed on the self. -- Happiness is particularly exhausting when people view it in the same vein as money, as though it's inherently something we can and should gather and horde as much as we can. -- Pursuit of happiness puts unique strain on mental resources	H02	2,238
2510-E017	Tracking Polar Bears During Maternal Denning Reveals Important Life Stages	Investigating polar bear maternal denning behaviors, researchers have combined satellite data and cameras to gain insights into this crucial life stage. Understanding how long mothers stay with their cubs is vital for conservation efforts, especially as climate change impacts their habitats and denning sites.	University of Toronto	The Journal of Wildlife Management	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, researchers have combined satellite collar data with specialized cameras to shed light on one of the most mysterious and important stages in polar bears' lives -- maternal denning, when bears give birth then emerge with their cubs. -- Past research has shown that how long polar bear mothers remain at their dens impacts cubs' odds of survival. -- Yet why they stick around for so long and what they're doing remains poorly understood, and the tracking devices researchers are increasingly using hadn't been tested against real-life observations of the bears -- until now. -- "The Arctic's warming two to four times faster than the rest of the world, humans are expanding into areas that might be important for polar bear denning, and we know they're sensitive to disturbance during this time," says Louise Archer, lead author of the study and U of T Scarborough postdoc. -- "We need healthy cubs to sustain populations. We're trying to develop tools to better monitor and understand their behavior, so we can better protect them." -- Denning begins with pregnant polar bears sealing themselves inside dens dug out under the snow, where they give birth. -- Polar bears are born about as pathetic as humans, and the den protects them from the frigid weather as they grow 20 times their size in just a few months of nursing. -- Though the mother loses about half her body weight, after breaking out of the snow she doesn't immediately return to hunting. -- She and the cubs hang around the den for a few weeks, popping in and out and doing something presumably more important than eating. -- Historically, researchers studied denning with binoculars, then remote cameras, and they're now primarily using satellite collars that can track location, activity, and ambient temperature.	R01 C01 N01 T01	2,239
2504-T003	Machine Learning Creates Nano-Materials Combining Strength And Lightness Seamlessly	Researchers at the University of Toronto have successfully employed machine learning to create lightweight yet strong nano-architected materials. Their innovation presents a remarkable combination of strength akin to carbon steel with the lightness of Styrofoam, opening the door for advancements in diverse industries by modifying material properties at the nanoscale.	University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering have used machine learning to design nano-architected materials that have the strength of carbon steel but the lightness of Styrofoam. -- In a new paper published in Advanced Materials, a team led by Professor Tobin Filleter describes how they made nanomaterials with properties that offer a conflicting combination of exceptional strength, light weight and customizability. The approach could benefit a wide range of industries, from automotive to aerospace. -- "Nano-architected materials combine high performance shapes, like making a bridge out of triangles, at nanoscale sizes, which takes advantage of the 'smaller is stronger' effect, to achieve some of the highest strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, of any material," says Peter Serles, the first author of the new paper. -- "However, the standard lattice shapes and geometries used tend to have sharp intersections and corners, which leads to the problem of stress concentrations. This results in early local failure and breakage of the materials, limiting their overall potential. -- "As I thought about this challenge, I realized that it is a perfect problem for machine learning to tackle." -- Nano-architected materials are made of tiny building blocks or repeating units measuring a few hundred nanometres in size -- it would take more than 100 of them patterned in a row to reach the thickness of a human hair. These building blocks, which in this case are composed of carbon, are arranged in complex 3D structures called nanolattices. -- To design their improved materials, Serles and Filleter worked with Professor Seunghwa Ryu and PhD student Jinwook Yeo at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) in Daejeon, South Korea. This partnership was initiated through the University of Toronto's International Doctoral Clusters program, which supports doctoral training through research engagement with international collaborators. -- The KAIST team employed the multi-objective Bayesian optimization machine learning algorithm. This algorithm learned from simulated geometries to predict the best possible geometries for enhancing stress distribution and improving the strength-to-weight ratio of nano-architected designs. -- Serles then used a two-photon polymerization 3D printer housed in the Centre for Research and Application in Fluidic Technologies (CRAFT) to create prototypes for experimental validation. This additive manufacturing technology enables 3D printing at the micro and nano scale, creating optimized carbon nanolattices. -- These optimized nanolattices more than doubled the strength of existing designs, withstanding a stress of 2.03 megapascals for every cubic metre per kilogram of its density, which is about five times higher than titanium.	H02 C01	2,240
2512-T008	Machine Learning Revolutionizes 3D Printing Precision For Superior Metal Parts Production	A team at the University of Toronto Engineering is enhancing 3D printing through machine learning with their new AIDED framework, optimizing laser Directed Energy Deposition. This approach aims to improve the production of high-quality metal parts across industries by accurately predicting how materials will behave during the printing process.	University of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering	Additive Manufacturing	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering, led by Professor Yu Zou, are leveraging machine learning to improve additive manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D printing. -- In a new paper, published in the journal of Additive Manufacturing, the team introduces a new framework they've dubbed the Accurate Inverse process optimization framework in laser Directed Energy Deposition (AIDED). -- The new AIDED framework optimizes laser 3D printing to enhance the accuracy and robustness of the finished product. -- This advancement aims to produce higher quality metal parts for industries, such as aerospace, automotive, nuclear and health care, by predicting how the metal will melt and solidify to find optimal printing conditions. -- "The wider adoption of directed energy deposition -- ?a major metal 3D printing technology -- is currently hindered by the high cost of finding optimal process parameters through trial and error," says Xiao Shang, PhD candidate and first author of the new study. -- "Our framework quickly identifies the optimal process parameters for various applications based on industry needs." -- Metal additive manufacturing uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse fine metallic powder, building parts layer by layer from a precise 3D digital model. -- Unlike traditional methods, which involve cutting, casting or machining materials, metal additive manufacturing directly creates complex, highly customized components with minimal material waste. -- "One major challenge of 3D metal printing is the speed and precision of the manufacturing process," says Zou. -- "Variations in printing conditions can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of the final product, making it difficult to meet industry standards for reliability and safety.	A01	2,241
2504-E001	Optimizing Cycling Lane Networks: A Model For Growing Municipalities To Consider	Researchers have developed a systematic model to aid municipalities in strategically expanding cycling lane networks amidst increasing demand. By analyzing data and collaborating with city planners from Vancouver and Chicago, the study aims to minimize traffic congestion while promoting sustainable commuting. This decision-making tool quantifies the potential benefits and risks of biking infrastructure, offering insights into how new lanes can enhance urban mobility and reduce emissions.	University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management	Management Science	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to opinions about bike lanes, few of us are stuck in neutral. Love them or hate them though, new research says a dose of scientific rationality can help locate them in the best places. Congestion is minimized while more people ditch the car in favour of emissions-free, two-wheeled commuting. -- Working with two other academics, smart city researcher Sheng Liu pulled data and talked to city planners in Vancouver and Chicago to develop a model that can help municipalities choose optimal locations as they expand their cycling lane networks in response to growing demand. -- "Our model provides a systematic decision-making tool for municipalities to design new bike lanes using existing data," said Prof. -- Liu, an assistant professor of operations management and statistics at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. -- "It helps policymakers better quantify and evaluate the potential benefits and risks of bike lane construction. In particular, it can predict whether and where traffic will get better or worse and if emissions will go down." -- Bike lanes have taken off across North America, leading to reduced traffic fatalities, lower-cost access to private transportation and improved physical activity for cyclists. -- But, as many commuters have already concluded, "ignoring traffic dynamics when designing bike lanes can needlessly worsen congestion," the researchers write. -- And there might not even be much of an uptick in cycling ridership. -- Part of the problem is that city planners tend to rely on simplified planning approaches that can't account for all the factors that influence the impacts of locating a bicycle lane on a particular roadway, or multiple ones in a roadway system. -- The researchers' model uses a city's traffic and commuter mobility data to predict how cycling and traffic congestion will behave and change according to where bicycle lanes are located.	Z01	2,242
2501-E039	Genetic And Environmental Factors Interact To Influence Bacterial Growth Dynamics.	A study from the University of Tsukuba examined the genetic and environmental factors affecting bacterial growth. Using machine learning and high-throughput assays, researchers discovered complex interactions between these factors, providing valuable insights into optimizing bacterial growth conditions for various applications.	University of Tsukuba	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Tsukuba conducted a high-throughput growth assay and machine learning to address the genetic and environmental interplay on bacterial growth. The findings indicated that the environmental chemicals affecting growth have varying impacts, depending on the amount of sugar present. Moreover, the research team demonstrated that the changes in growth caused by the genetic and environmental changes offset each other. -- Genetic and environmental factors influence cell growth. Although previous studies have evaluated the influence of these factors on growth, conducting studies that assess such factors in a cross-talk manner is necessary. -- The genetic and environmental interactions still need further investigation. -- In this study, high-throughput biological experiments and machine learning data analysis were conducted to investigate the impact of gene-chemical interactions on bacterial growth. -- A total of 115 genetically distinct Escherichia coli strains were cultivated under 135 nutritional conditions, with combinations of 48 different chemicals. -- A substantial dataset comprising approximately 14,000 growth profiles was achieved by high-throughput growth assay. -- Machine learning was used to analyze the dataset and investigate the impact of chemical nutrients on growth. -- The research team discovered that the impact of the 48 chemicals on the 115 distinct bacterial strains vary depending on the presence of sugar. -- Moreover, the gene-chemical interaction was evaluated using a theoretical model, demonstrating that the growth alterations resulting from the genetic and environmental discrepancies offset one another. -- This countervailing effect likely represents a general strategy for bacterial survival in the natural environment.	Z01	2,243
2501-T023	Printable Laser Displays: Innovative Inkjet Method Creates Laser Light Sources Rapidly	Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an innovative method for producing laser light sources using an inkjet printer. This technology allows for large-scale production of laser-emitting droplets and could lead to advancements in compact laser displays for various applications.	University of Tsukuba	Advanced Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed an innovative method for rapidly creating laser light sources in large quantities using an inkjet printer that ejects laser-emitting droplets. By applying an electric field to these droplets, the researchers demonstrated that switching the emission of light on and off is possible. Furthermore, they successfully created a compact laser display by arranging these droplets on a circuit board. -- Displays for TVs, PCs, and smartphones are continually improving in picture quality, clarity, and energy efficiency. -- Laser displays are anticipated to represent the next-generation model. -- Particularly regarding brightness and color reproducibility, laser displays have the potential to overcome the intrinsic limitations of conventional light-emitting devices, such as OLEDs and liquid crystals. -- However, to be effectively used as displays, the components must be miniaturized beyond current levels and laid out in high density and large quantities. -- In this study, the researchers found that droplets of a specific organic liquid, ejected by an inkjet printer, emit laser light. -- The laser light can be switched on and off by applying an electric field to the droplets. -- These droplets are extremely small (30 µm in diameter) and can be densely arranged in large quantities over areas as large as several centimeters. -- When an electric field is applied to the droplet by positioning it between electrodes, the spherical droplet deforms into an ellipsoidal shape, causing the laser light emission to cease. -- This demonstrated that the droplet functions as an electrically switchable "laser pixel." Additionally, the researchers discovered that the laser emission of each pixel can be individually controlled in a 2×3 array of these droplets.	T01	2,244
2503-082	Genetic Polymorphisms Linked To Allergic Sensitization Found In Diverse Populations	Researchers conducted a large-scale genome analysis to identify genetic polymorphisms related to allergic sensitization in Japanese and European populations. The study's findings, which pinpoint specific shared and unique genetic markers, are expected to pave the way for new preventive and therapeutic approaches to combat allergic diseases.	University of Tsukuba	Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	Humans are continuously exposed to various environmental allergens (antigens), such as pollen, food, and dust mites. In certain individuals, their immune system recognizes common environmental antigens as foreign substances, resulting in the production of allergy-related antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). This condition, wherein IgE antibodies specific to common environmental allergens are produced in the human body, is called allergic sensitization. Because sensitization usually precedes the clinical manifestation of allergic diseases, it is an important marker for evaluating such conditions and exploring preventive strategies. -- The research team performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using genotype data on 46,602 Japanese individuals collected by the University of Tsukuba and Tohoku Medical Megabank. -- By conducting a comprehensive analysis, the team examined the association between genetic polymorphisms -- inter-individual genetic variations -- and the status of allergic sensitization. -- They then integrated these findings with GWAS data on a European population of 25,032 individuals to identify genetic polymorphisms related to allergic sensitization. -- The research team found 18 Japanese-specific genetic polymorphisms associated with sensitization and 23 genetic polymorphisms detected through the meta-analysis of both Japanese and European datasets. -- Moreover, the team performed the first GWAS on polysensitization (sensitization to multiple allergens), identifying eight associated genetic polymorphisms. -- Subsequent detailed analyses revealed that the genetic predisposition to allergic sensitization exerts a weaker influence on the onset of atopic dermatitis compared with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and pollinosis. -- These findings represent a major advancement in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms of allergic diseases, potentially contributing to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. -- This work was supported by a grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS, nos. 21J11802 and 23H03143), a Grant-in-Aid for JSPS Fellows, and by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED, nos JP20ek0410076 and JP21tm0424601).	H01	2,245
2503-083	Improving Physical Activity Interventions Through Comprehensive Evaluation Of Effectiveness	A comprehensive review of physical activity promotion interventions reveals only minor effects on health behavior improvement. Researchers analyzed numerous studies to pinpoint effective and inhibitory components, indicating a pressing need for refined intervention strategies to better encourage physical activity among healthy adults and combat public health issues.	University of Tsukuba	Behavioral Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Physical inactivity (insufficient physical activity levels) is a serious public health issue that results in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Increasing physical activity among the working-age population, which represents ~65% of the total population, is expected to improve health and prevent disease earlier. Numerous intervention studies have been conducted to increase physical activity levels. In this study, the researchers systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the effectiveness of physical activity promotion interventions and their components for healthy adults in published studies. -- Specifically, they identified and evaluated the effectiveness of the intervention components based on the behavior change techniques taxonomy, a reliable and standardized classification of techniques used in interventions that aim to change behavior. -- Using two literature databases (PubMed and Ichu-shi Web), a total of 116 randomized controlled trials related to exercise or physical activity that targeted healthy adults aged 18-65 years and published by May 31, 2024, were included in the analyses. -- The meta-analysis results revealed that the effectiveness of physical activity promotion interventions for adults was minimal, suggesting the importance of improving intervention programs. -- The meta-regression analysis showed that "review behavior goal(s)" was an effective intervention component among the behavioral change techniques used. -- In addition, several intervention components were identified as potentially effective or inhibitory components. -- Developing an intervention program that incorporates the effective and inhibitory intervention components identified in this meta-regression analysis conducted in this study may lead to more efficient strategies for promoting physical activity. -- This research was funded by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare Program, grant number JPMH20FA1006.	H01 R01	2,246
2505-010	New Materials Enhance Enzyme Efficiency In Electrochemical Biosensors	Researchers have developed a novel material that significantly enhances the efficiency and stability of enzymes used in electrochemical biosensors. By utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and modifying their structure for better electron conduction, the team has improved enzyme-electrode interactions, paving the way for advancements in healthcare applications. This innovative approach addresses challenges in enzyme utilization, promising to enhance the performance of biosensors in various fields, including medical diagnostics.	University of Tsukuba	Materials Horizons	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study published in the open-access journal African Invertebrates provides insights into the life history and behaviour of the endemic Cape Autumn Widow butterfly (Dira clytus), a species endemic to South Africa. -- In the study, Silvia Mecenero of the Lepidopterists' Society of Africa and Stephen Kirkman of Nelson Mandela University examine the species' developmental stages and responses to environmental conditions, with implications for conservation efforts. -- By rearing the subspecies Dira clytus clytus in controlled conditions, the researchers documented the butterfly's complete life cycle, from egg to adult. -- Two distinct pupation and adult emergence phases were identified over a period of a few months, influenced by cold temperatures, suggesting that environmental cues play a role in triggering these developmental events. -- The fact that two broods were found in a matter of months is interesting, because in the wild this species breeds only once a year. -- The findings indicate that Dira clytus clytus could show some phenological plasticity in its response to climate change, by changing its timing of pupation and the number of broods within a year. -- Such flexibility may not always be beneficial to butterflies, as shifts in phenology could lead to mismatches with the availability of their host plants. -- However, Dira clytus clytus is a generalist that feeds on a variety of grasses and may therefore be more adaptable to changes in its phenology. -- The study was published as part of a commemorative collection of articles published in honour of the late ecologist Prof. Stefan H. Foord.	T01	2,247
2505-011	Discovering The Role Of Exocyst Complex In Oocyte Development And Infertility	A study reveals the critical role of the exocyst complex in the communication between oocytes and granulosa cells, essential for female fertility. Using mouse models, researchers demonstrated that deficiencies in this protein complex lead to infertility by inhibiting oocyte development and disrupting the transport of crucial signaling proteins. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding cellular communication in reproductive health and highlight potential targets for addressing infertility issues.	University of Tsukuba	Cell Death Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	A solution to injuries from slips and falls may be found underfoot -- literally. The footpads of geckos have hydrophilic (water-loving) mechanisms that allow the little animals to easily move over moist, slick surfaces. Researchers in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces report using silicone rubber enhanced with zirconia nanoparticles to create a gecko-inspired slip-resistant polymer. They say the material, which sticks to ice, could be incorporated into shoe soles to reduce injuries in humans. -- Slips and falls account for more than 38 million injuries and 684,000 deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization. -- And nearly half of these incidents happen on ice. Current anti-slip shoe soles rely on materials such as natural rubber that repel the layer of liquid water that sits atop pavement on a rainy day. -- On frozen walkways, however, shoe soles with these materials can cause ice to melt because of pressure from the wearer, creating the slippery surface the shoes are supposed to protect against. -- Previous studies of gecko feet have led to new ideas for developing more effective anti-slip polymers. -- Those works found that their footpad's stickiness comes from hydrophilic capillary-enhanced adhesion: The force of water being drawn into narrow grooves in the footpad creates suction that helps the lizard navigate slippery surfaces. -- Vipin Richhariya, Ashis Tripathy, Md Julker Nine and colleagues aimed to develop a polymer with capillary-enhanced adhesion that works on rainy sidewalks and frozen surfaces. -- The researchers started with silicone rubber polymer and added zirconia nanoparticles to make the material attract water molecules. -- After they rolled the composite material into a thin film, they hardened it with heat and laser-etched a grooved pattern onto the film's surface that exposed the hydrophilic zirconia nanoparticles. -- When the film encountered water molecules atop ice, it stuck to the slippery surface because the polymer mimicked the capillary action of slip-resistant gecko footpads.	Z01	2,248
2505-E018	Advancements In Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Enhanced Performance Unveiled	Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have utilized electron spin resonance technology to study Ruddlesden-Popper tin-based perovskite solar cells, revealing significant advancements in their efficiency compared to traditional solar cells. Their work marks a major step towards developing high-performance, environmentally friendly solar technology, as these cells utilize tin instead of lead, addressing earlier concerns regarding toxicity while maintaining high efficiency and flexibility.	University of Tsukuba	npj Flexible Electronics	Press Rel	PubMed	A newly discovered line of communication between body muscle and the pituitary gland may play an unexpected role in female fertility, according to a new study. -- McGill University researchers found that a protein produced in the muscles helps manage the release of a hormone made in the pea-sized gland attached to the base of the brain. -- The findings, published in Science, could lead to new treatment options for infertility, the researchers said. -- "Until now, it was not known that these two organs talked to each other or how they did so," said senior author Daniel Bernard, a Professor in McGill's Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics. -- "This discovery opens up a new chapter in our understanding of the body and its complex connections." -- How building muscle could backfire -- The pituitary hormone studied, known as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), promotes the maturation of eggs in the ovaries. -- A deficiency can result in infertility. -- The muscle protein -- myostatin -- acts as the body's natural brake on muscle growth. -- Working with mice, the researchers found that lowering myostatin levels delayed puberty and reduced fertility.	C01 T01	2,249
2505-T005	Breakthrough In Asymmetric Living Polymerization Achieved With Optically Active Liquid Crystals	Researchers have achieved a groundbreaking feat in polymer chemistry by developing optically active polymers through living polymerization using liquid crystals. This innovative method allows non-optically active monomers to adopt chiral structures within liquid crystals, resulting in stable, optically active polymers like polyisocyanides. The team's success in synthesizing these helical structures not only advances asymmetric chemistry but also holds potential for various applications due to the polymers' unique optical properties, confirmed through circular dichroism measurements.	University of Tsukuba	Macromolecules	Press Rel	PubMed	The electronics of the future can be made even smaller and more efficient by getting more memory cells to fit in less space. One way to achieve this is by adding the noble gas xenon when manufacturing digital memories. This has been demonstrated by researchers at Linköping University in a study published in Nature Communications. This technology enables a more even material coating even in small cavities. -- Twenty-five years ago, a camera memory card could hold 64 megabytes of information. -- Today, the same physical size memory card can hold 4 terabytes -- over 60,000 times more information. -- An electronic storage space, such as a memory card, is created by alternating hundreds of thin layers of an electrically conductive and an insulating material. -- A multitude of very small holes are then etched through the layers. -- Finally, the holes are filled with a conductive material. This is done by using a technique in which vapours of various substances are used to create thin material layers. -- At each point where the three different materials meet in the holes, memory cells are created. -- Together, the memory cells form a digital memory. The more meeting points, the more information can be stored in memory. -- This means that more layers with thinner and more holes lead to more memory cells. -- But this also makes it harder to fill the hole.	T01	2,250
2507-130	Visualization Technique Reveals Brain Activity Patterns Related To Visual Perception	A research team at the University of Tsukuba has successfully implemented a visualization technique that represents brain activity linked to visual perception as geometric patterns. This innovative method captures the dynamic neuronal activity in the brain's temporal and frontal lobes during object recognition and memory recall, paving the way for further studies on brain function in everyday situations.	University of Tsukuba	University of Tsukuba	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at University of Tsukuba have applied a visualization technique to depict the brain's activity related to visual perception as geometric patterns. They visualized different shapes as the ever-changing neuronal activity in the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain during object recognition and recalling memories. This achievement promises further extraction of brain activity observed in various aspects of daily life. -- Our daily lives involve many processes, such as getting up, checking the time, leaving the house, arriving at the office, and starting work. -- Behind the scenes, brain neurons are active and process complicated tasks. -- In July 2023, this research team developed and published the principal component analysis in regression subspace (PCArs) to easily visualize brain neuronal activity in various situations. -- PCArs can determine the most critical events and whether multiple activities exist in the observed brain neuronal activity data. -- In this study, researchers applied PCArs to neuronal activity in a wide range of brain regions, from the temporal to frontal lobes, and connected subcortical structures of monkeys. -- They analyzed four behavioral situations, including activities for remembering the location of objects by looking at the presented figures and activities where the presented figure is a cue for food. -- The results showed that the temporal regions involved in object recognition had a higher percentage of geometric figures close to circles. -- In contrast, the hippocampus and frontal lobe, which are considered to be memory regions, had an increased occurrence of curved and straight geometric patterns. -- Classifying neuronal activity based on geometric figures revealed that the activity of neuronal populations in the processes of perception, memory, and judgment of visual information changes from moment to moment and is classified into different geometric figures.	H01 H02 R02	2,251
2508-016	Unexpected Pain Amplified By Brain's Perception During Aligned And Misaligned Experiences	A study using virtual reality and thermal stimulation has explored the brain's perception of pain, revealing that pain intensity can be amplified when expectations don’t match reality. This research sheds light on the mechanisms behind pain perception, potentially informing future pain management strategies and therapies by understanding the role of cognitive factors.	University of Tsukuba	Cognition	Press Rel	PubMed	Pain perception can vary greatly. Sometimes, we feel pain more intensely than expected due to an injury or physical ailment but may feel less intense pain at other similar instances. This variability indicates that our perception of pain is highly dependent on our expectations and uncertainty. -- Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain how the brain perceives pain. -- One is the Estimate Hypothesis, where the brain estimates the intensity of pain based on predictions. -- The other is the Surprise Hypothesis, where the brain perceives pain as the difference between prediction and reality, otherwise known as the prediction error. -- In this study, the mechanism underlying the perception of pain were investigated. -- In the experiment, healthy participants received painful thermal stimuli and reported felt pain intensity while observing painful or non-painful visual stimuli in the virtual reality. -- The researchers found that the participants strongly perceived pain when the prediction error was large, demonstrating that the Surprise Hypothesis more adequately explains the pain perception mechanism in the brain. -- The study further confirmed that pain was amplified when unexpected events occurred. -- People with chronic pain often experience vague pain-related fears and anxieties. -- Possibly, this uncertain gap between expectation and reality further increases the perceived intensity of pain.	H02 R02	2,252
2508-E033	Photosynthesis Mechanism Of Purple Sulfur Bacteria: A Detailed Exploration	Researchers have investigated the structures of light-harvesting proteins in purple sulfur bacteria thriving in extreme environments. Using cryo-electron microscopy, they unveiled how these proteins enhance energy conversion efficiency, revealing significant differences compared to nonsulfur bacteria. The findings provide insights into the unique adaptations of these bacteria for photosynthesis, which could inform advancements in solar energy technology.	University of Tsukuba	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Unlike plants and cyanobacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, such as purple sulfur bacteria, thrive in extreme environments with high salt concentrations and alkalinity. These bacteria use hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to convert solar into chemical energy. Light-harvesting protein complexes -- specifically the light-harvesting two complex (LH2) and the core light-harvesting reaction center complex (LH1-RC) -- play a crucial role in this process. Halorhodospira halophila, a purple sulfur bacterium, is believed to perform photosynthesis efficiently by integrating LH2 and LH1-RC. However, in nonsulfur bacteria, the interaction between LH2 and LH1-RC has been reported to be weak, and this key difference remains unclear. -- To investigate this, researchers employed cryo-electron microscopy to observe LH2 and LH1-RC from Hlr. -- halophila at the amino acid level. Results revealed that LH1-LH2 and LH1-RC complexes are formed, the smallest unit of the LH1 structure is composed of an unusual polypeptide chain, and this LH1 structure surrounds LH2 or RC. Furthermore, experiments measuring intermolecular energy transfer showed that the LH1-LH2 complex achieves almost 100% light energy transfer efficiency, suggesting that its structural arrangement enhances energy conversion. -- These findings provide new insights into how bacteria perform highly efficient photosynthesis even under extreme conditions while converting toxic H2S into sulfur. -- This knowledge could contribute to advancements in solar energy and environmental conservation. -- This work was supported in part by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 20H05086, 20H02856, 23K05822, 24K01620, 22K06144, 24H02084, 22K18694, 21H01985, 22H05416, 24H01128, and 22K19060, Japan.	C01 N02	2,253
2509-E018	Snake Species Thrive: Unique Habits Allow Coexistence On Sado Island	A five-year study on Sado Island, Japan, has revealed that seven distinct snake species coexist through specialized feeding habits and differing activity times. The research conducted by teams from University of Tsukuba and Niigata University highlights niche partitioning as a critical ecological concept that allows multiple species to thrive in the same environment, providing new insights into how resource utilization can lead to biodiversity.	University of Tsukuba	Journal of Zoology	Press Rel	PubMed	Sado Island, Japan, is inhabited by seven species of snakes, the largest number in any isolated island in Japan, except for the subtropical Ryukyu Archipelago. Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Niigata University conducted a 5-year field study to investigate the ecology of each snake species. Their results showed that differences in feeding habits, as well as differences in activity times and locations, are critical factors in the coexistence of multiple snake species. -- "Niche partitioning" is one of the most fundamental and essential ecological concepts in explaining how diverse organisms coexist and how resources such as activity time, location, and prey differ from those of other species. -- In the case of snakes, niche partitioning of prey resources has been considered the major factor enabling the coexistence of multiple species, although the importance of time and location of activity has also been indicated. -- Nevertheless, there have been no comprehensive studies on the niche partitioning of the three significant resources (time, habitat, and diet) of terrestrial snakes. -- In this investigation, the researchers designated Sado Island, which has the largest number of snake species among any Japanese island, except for the subtropical Ryukyu Archipelago, as the study site and conducted a 5-year survey to determine when, where, and how seven species of snakes [Euprepiophis conspicillata (Japanese forest rat snake), Elaphe climacophora (Japanese rat snake), Elaphe quadrivirgata (Japanese striped snake), Gloydius blomhoffii (Japanese pit viper), Hebius vibakari (Japanese odd-scaled snake), Lycodon orientalis (Oriental odd-tooth snake), and Rhabdophis tigrinus (tiger keelback snake)] live and what they feed on. -- Researchers identified niche complementarity among species with considerable overlap in food resources, reducing the overlap in habitat, time of activity, and season. -- This study empirically revealed that terrestrial snakes coexist through "multidimensional niche partitioning," in which a high overlap in one niche dimension should be compensated by a low overlap in at least one of the other niche dimensions. These results indicate the need to protect different types of resources to conserve snakes, which are facing a decline worldwide.	H01 N02	2,254
2512-070	Tomoseqr Software Revolutionizes Gene Expression Research: Easy 3D Mapping Now Available	The development of 'tomoseqr,' a user-friendly software tool for estimating the 3D spatial distribution of gene expression, promises to facilitate significant advancements in biological research. This accessible technology could empower researchers to better understand gene functions in organism development and disease mechanisms.	University of Tsukuba	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	Understanding the 3D spatial distribution of gene expression -- in which a gene is active or inactive within biological tissue -- is essential for uncovering gene functions. One method for estimating this distribution is RNA tomography, involving preparing frozen tissue sections along three orthogonal axes, performing RNA sequencing (gene expression analysis) on each section, and superimposing the expression data to reconstruct a 3D gene expression map. However, processing this data requires advanced programming skills, making it challenging for researchers without computational expertise. -- Considerably, researchers developed tomoseqr -- a user-friendly software designed to estimate 3D spatial gene expression distribution. -- Tomoseqr features an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies the creation of tissue morphology data and enables visualization of 3D gene expression models. -- The software is freely available, making this complex analysis accessible to a broad research community. -- By applying tomoseqr to gene expression data from zebrafish, researchers successfully reproduced known gene expression patterns, confirming the accuracy of the software. -- Moreover, they analyzed approximately 18,000 genes in planarians -- a model organism known for its regenerative capabilities -- and mapped the 3D spatial distribution of each gene expression. -- This data-driven approach also identified genes with remarkable spatial fluctuations, suggesting their potential roles in biological functions such as tissue regeneration. -- Notably, tomoseqr has been adopted by Bioconductor, a globally recognized platform for life science software, allowing researchers across various fields to leverage its capabilities for 3D gene expression analysis. -- This tool will potentially drive advancements in developmental biology, disease research, and regenerative medicine, expanding opportunities for scientific discovery. -- This work was supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI Grant Number JP22K15127 to MK, JP22K17992 to HO, and JST-Mirai Program Grant Number JPMJMI20G7 to HO.	N01 T01	2,255
2513-E047	Bees Use Active Strategies In Flower Foraging, Challenging Darwin's Flower Constancy Theory	Recent research challenges the traditional view of flower constancy in pollinators, revealing that it is an active strategy rather than a mere passive behavior. By studying bee foraging patterns, researchers discovered that bees optimize their foraging efficiency by balancing memory retrieval time and movement between flowers, offering new insights into how insects adapt their foraging strategies to maximize resource acquisition.	University of Tsukuba	Functional Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	Since Darwin's time, the phenomenon known as flower constancy -- i.e., where insects consistently visit the same flower type even when many others are also present -- has been understood as a passive behavior to reduce the effort of remembering different flower types. However, researchers at University of Tsukuba have shown via experimentation with bees that this behavior is an active strategy in which bees balance the time required for memory retrieval and moving between flowers, thereby realizing efficient foraging. -- Pollinating insects such as bumble bees often repeatedly visit the same type of flower, even when a variety of flowers bloom nearby. -- This behavior is known as "flower constancy." Darwin speculated that flower constancy was a passive response to avoid effort involved in remembering the different flower characteristics. -- However, this study reveals that this theory is incomplete, since it focuses too heavily on "memory constraints." Instead, researchers found that flower constancy actually results from an optimal strategy that dynamically adjusts to balance the time required to recall different flower types with the time required to move between flowers. -- In this study, researchers predicted how pollinator behavior changes in response to the levels of spatial mixture of plant species present. -- When different plant species are highly mixed, focusing on one type of flower increases the time spent moving between them, causing pollinators to skip over other species. -- In this situation, pollinators should maintain a low level of flower constancy to forage optimally, even if it requires additional effort to recall flower types. -- Moreover, when species have similar flower colors or shapes, pollinators should further lower their flower constancy, since switching between species then requires minimal effort. -- By contrast, when plant species are clustered in groups, focusing on a single flower type simultaneously reduces the costs of both memory retrieval and travel between flowers. -- Consequently, in such environments a higher degree of flower constancy is optimal.	A01 H02 N02	2,256
2503-069	Childhood Epilepsy Linked To Increased Brain Amyloid Accumulation In Later Life	A study by researchers in Finland and the US has uncovered that individuals who experienced childhood epilepsy may face increased amyloid accumulation in the brain later in life. This finding raises concerns about a potential link to late-onset disorders like Alzheimer's disease, underscoring the need for further investigation into long-term brain health in this population.	University of Turku	Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers from the University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University in Finland and the University of Wisconsin in the United States demonstrated that individuals who had childhood epilepsy have an increased accumulation of brain amyloid later in life, potentially predisposing them to late-onset brain amyloid disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. -- The accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain is considered an early pathological brain change in Alzheimer's disease, although the exact cause of amyloid accumulation is unknown. -- The study from the University of Turku, Åbo Akademi University, and University of Wisconsin is based on a globally unique population-based cohort, collected by young child neurologist, now Professor Emeritus Matti Sillanpää, who still leads the cohort. -- The cohort has monitored the health and social prognosis of individuals who had childhood epilepsy since the early 1960s and their matched controls since 1992. -- The follow-up is conducted progressively at regular intervals in collaboration with domestic and international researchers (TACOE project). -- The recent collaborative study examined the brain amyloid accumulation of these individuals, who were on the verge of retirement or already retired, and their controls. -- In the previous timepoint of the study (2013-2016), after 50 years of follow-up, researchers observed that individuals with childhood epilepsy had more amyloid plaques in their brains than the controls. -- "The finding was the first of its kind globally, and it was unclear at that point whether the abnormal amyloid accumulation in the brain would continue, further predisposing these individuals to the development of memory disorders. This motivated our current study," explains one of the key figures in the study, Professor of Neurology Juho Joutsa from the University of Turku. -- Increased probability of abnormal amyloid accumulation in individuals with childhood epilepsy -- The recent study was conducted approximately seven years after the previous timepoint, with the participants being 60-65 years old.	H01 H02 R02	2,257
2504-001	Understanding Anorexia: Study Links Opioid Neurotransmitter Changes In Brain To Eating Disorder	A recent study from the Turku PET Centre in Finland has revealed that alterations in opioid neurotransmitter activity in the brain may play a significant role in the development of anorexia nervosa. This serious psychiatric condition is characterized by extreme food restriction and an intense fear of weight gain, often leading to severe health complications. Researchers found elevated opioidergic tone in patients with anorexia compared to healthy individuals, suggesting a link between these neurotransmitters and appetite regulation.	University of Turku	Molecular Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	A study conducted at Turku PET Centre in Finland showed that changes in the functioning of opioid neurotransmitters in the brain may underlie anorexia. -- Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychiatric disorder characterised by restricted eating, fear of gaining weight, and body image disturbances, which may lead to severe malnutrition, depression and anxiety. -- New study from Turku PET Centre shows how changes in neurotransmitter function in the brain may underlie anorexia. -- "Opioid neurotransmission regulates appetite and pleasure in the brain. In patients with anorexia nervosa, the brain's opioidergic tone was elevated in comparison with healthy control subjects. Previously we have shown that in obese patients the activity of the tone of this system is lowered. It is likely that the actions of these molecules regulate both the loss and increase in appetite," says Professor Pirjo Nuutila from the University of Turku, Finland. -- In addition, the researchers measured the brain's glucose uptake. -- The brain accounts for about 20% of the body's total energy consumption, so the researchers were interested in how a reduction in the energy intake affects the brain's energy balance in anorexia. -- "The brains of patients with anorexia nervosa used a similar amount of glucose as the brains of the healthy control subjects. Although being underweight burdens physiology in many ways, the brain tries to protect itself and maintain its ability to function for as long as possible," says Professor Lauri Nummenmaa from Turku PET Centre and continues: -- "The brain regulates appetite and feeding, and changes in brain function are associated with both obesity and low body weight. Since changes in opioid activity in the brain are also connected to anxiety and depression, our findings may explain the emotional symptoms and mood changes associated with anorexia nervosa." -- The study was carried out in collaboration with the Turku University Hospital and Pusan National University in South Korea. The brains of patients with anorexia nervosa and the healthy control subjects were imaged using positron emission tomography at Turku PET Centre.	H01 H02 R02	2,258
2504-E046	Mitigating Crop Damage From Barnacle Geese Through Strategic Field Management	Research on barnacle geese foraging in Finland suggests effective strategies to minimize agricultural damage caused by these birds. By creating designated areas for geese and implementing no-go zones, the study offers a proactive approach to alleviating conflicts between wildlife and farmers, crucial for protecting local agriculture while coexisting with wildlife.	University of Turku	Journal of Applied Ecology	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from the University of Turku and the Natural Resources Institute Finland examined the foraging behaviour of barnacle geese in Northern Karelia, Finland. In this region, geese feeding on agricultural fields cause large economic damage to farms. The researchers' findings suggest that the combined use of areas where geese are not disturbed and no-go areas where geese are repelled from fields can help to mitigate the damage to crops as well as the local human-wildlife conflict. -- In Finland, barnacle geese are responsible for most of the agricultural damage caused by protected species, and Finnish government pays annually up to €4 million in compensation to farmers. -- "Most of these compensations were paid to farmers in Northern and Southern Karelia, an important region in Finland for dairy farming, reflecting the local intensity of this human-wildlife conflict. We need effective strategies to proactively mitigate the conflict and methods to minimise the damage," says Professor Jukka Forsman from the Natural Resources Institute Finland. -- One possible solution is establishing accommodation fields where some areas are devoted to geese and others are no-go areas where the geese are repelled. -- The idea is to centralise geese and damage to certain areas and protect important crops elsewhere. -- The accommodation and repelling fields are selected jointly by farmers and authorities. -- In this study, fields were designated into three groups: normal crop fields where no goose management took place, accommodation fields, and repelling fields. -- Geese were trapped and equipped with GPS transmitters that allowed for following their habitat use. -- The results suggest that in several different feeding contexts, individual barnacle geese prefer feeding on accommodation fields, compared to the other types of fields. -- Furthermore, the repelling fields were used less than expected, suggesting that the repelling effectively decreases the number of foraging geese.	A01 N01 N02	2,259
2511-023	New Nanomaterials Could Revolutionize Health Monitoring Sensors	Researchers at the University of Turku have developed nanomaterials for more accurate healthcare sensors, particularly for detecting low levels of female hormones. This advancement, utilizing single-wall carbon nanotubes, could significantly enhance continuous health monitoring and enable better health outcomes through precise measurement techniques.	University of Turku	Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new study, researchers produced nanomaterials that could be used in developing more accurate sensors for healthcare in the future. For example, the levels of female hormones are so low that very sensitive sensors are needed to detect their fluctuations in the body. -- In the future, carbon nanotubes could enable major advances in healthcare, such as continuous health monitoring. -- Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, have succeeded in producing sensors from single-wall carbon nanotubes that are suitable for this purpose. -- Single-wall carbon nanotubes are nanomaterial consisting of a single atomic layer of graphene. -- A long-standing challenge in developing the material has been that the nanotube manufacturing process produces a mix of conductive and semi-conductive nanotubes which differ in their chirality, i.e. in the way the graphene sheet is rolled to form the cylindrical structure of the nanotube. -- The electrical and chemical properties of nanotubes are largely dependent on their chirality. -- Han Li, Collegium Researcher in materials engineering at the University of Turku, has developed methods to separate nanotubes with different chirality. -- In the current study, the researchers succeeded in distinguishing between two carbon nanotubes with very similar chirality and identifying their typical electrochemical properties. -- "Although the difference in the chirality of the nanotubes is very slight, their properties are very different," says Doctoral Researcher Ju-Yeon Seo. -- Accuracy and sensitivity for sensors	C01	2,260
2511-080	Lymph Node Transfer: A Solution For Post-Breast Cancer Surgery Swelling	A multicenter study indicates that lymph node transfer is a viable treatment for lymphedema following breast cancer surgery, although further research on improving outcomes remains essential. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of lymphedema's immunological aspects and the exploration of effective drugs to enhance this treatment option for affected women.	University of Turku	Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery	Press Rel	PubMed	A multicentre study led from Finland has shown that lymph node transfer is a viable treatment for the swelling in the affected limb, a condition known as lymphedema, after breast cancer surgery. However, an effective drug to improve the outcomes of the transfer treatment continues to be sought. -- "I am becoming increasingly convinced that lymphedema is not just a lymphatic problem, but is connected to an immunological factor," says Plastic Surgeon and InFLAMES Flagship Researcher Pauliina Hartiala from the University of Turku in Finland. -- Around one in four women with breast cancer undergo an armpit, or axillary, lymph node removal surgery. The surgery is performed if tests show that the cancer has spread from the breast tissue to the lymph nodes and is often followed by radiation treatment. -- After the treatment, around 20-40 percent of women develop lymphedema, a lymphatic drainage disorder in the affected arm. In 2022, about 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide. In men, the disease is rare. -- Swelling can start years after treatment -- "Lymphedema usually starts about six months after cancer surgery, but can also occur with a delay of several years after the cancer has been treated," says Pauliina Hartiala. -- In lymphedema, fluid accumulates in the tissue at first, but over time fat and firm connective tissue also begin to accumulate in the arm. Eventually, the upper limb becomes thick and clumsy. An elastic compression sleeve is used to try to control the problem by applying pressure to prevent the limb from swelling. However, the swelling can become so severe that the arm clearly interferes with everyday life, both at work and at leisure. -- Lymphedema can be treated with surgical options including liposuction, lymphatic bypass procedure, or lymph node transfer. In the transfer surgery, the patient's lymph nodes are transferred from the groin area to the armpit, or axilla, to replace the removed lymph nodes. The procedure involves extensive scar removal from the armpit. -- Lymph node transfer is often performed at the same time as the breast operated on for cancer is reconstructed with a tissue flap taken from the patient's abdomen. -- Additional benefits were expected from a growth factor	H01 R01	2,261
2511-T023	Bio-Based UV Protection Films Show Promise For Solar Cell Efficiency	Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, pioneered a study exploring bio-based materials for UV protection films intended for solar cells. This investigation is groundbreaking as it compares the longevity and efficacy of various bio-based UV filters over time, challenging the predominance of petroleum-based alternatives like polyvinyl fluoride and polyethylene terephthalate. The promising results highlight nanocellulose, specifically dyed with red onion extract, as a highly effective alternative with superior protection against UV degradation.	University of Turku	ACS Applied Optical Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, investigated how to use bio-based materials to produce effective UV protection films for solar cells. The study was the first to compare how the properties of different bio-based UV filters change over time. -- Solar cells are prone to UV-induced degradation and are most often protected against it by petroleum-based films, such as those made of polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). -- Research in materials engineering seeks to find alternatives to oil-based plastics from bio-based materials, one of which is nanocellulose. Nanocellulose is made by breaking down cellulose into nanoscale fibres, which can then be treated in different ways to gain UV protection. -- A recent study by the University of Turku and Aalto University in Finland and Wageningen University in the Netherlands found that nanocellulose dyed with red onion skin extract provides very effective UV protection. The nanocellulose film protected 99.9% of UV radiation up to 400 nanometres. This UV filter outperformed even the commercial PET-based UV filter, which was selected to the study to represent the market standard. -- "Nanocellulose films treated with red onion dye are a promising option in applications where the protective material should be bio-based," says Doctoral Researcher Rustem Nizamov from the University of Turku. -- The study compared the durability and properties of four types of protective films made from cellulose nanofibers. The nanocellulose films were treated with red onion extract, lignin, and iron ions respectively, all of which have been found to have good UV-blocking abilities in previous research. The film treated with the red onion extract proved to be the most efficient in blocking UV radiation. -- Preserving transmission of visible light -- UV radiation (below 400nm) is harmful to solar cells, but the transmission of visible light and partly infrared light as well (particularly between 700?1,200 nm) is important, as the solar cells turn this radiation into electricity. -- Developing bio-based materials often involves a trade-off between UV protection and light transmission in visible region. For instance, lignin, a natural polymer known for its UV-absorbing properties, has a dark brown colour that limits its use in transparent films. -- The film treated with red onion dye proved to be an interesting solution, exceeding 80% light transmission at longer wavelengths (650?1,100 nanometres). The film also maintained its performance throughout the long testing period.	H01 R01 R02 T01	2,262
2503-T001	Geoengineering Risks: Methane Removal Technology May Harm Air Quality	A study from the University of Utah raises concerns about a proposed geoengineering solution aimed at removing methane from the atmosphere. Researchers found that infusing hydrogen peroxide could worsen air quality while delivering minimal climate benefits. Their findings highlight the inefficiency of this technology and caution against large-scale adoption, suggesting that agencies should reconsider such proposals amid growing climate challenges.	University of Utah	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	As the atmosphere continues to fill with greenhouse gases from human activities, many proposals have surfaced to "geoengineer" climate-saving solutions, that is, alter the atmosphere at a global scale to either reduce the concentrations of carbon or mute its warming effect. -- One recent proposal seeks to infuse the atmosphere with hydrogen peroxide, insisting that it would both oxidize methane (CH4), an extremely potent greenhouse gas while improving air quality. -- Too good to be true? -- University of Utah atmospheric scientists Alfred Mayhew and Jessica Haskins were skeptical, so they set out to test the claims behind this proposal. Their results, published on Jan. 3, confirm their doubts and offer a reality check to agencies considering such proposals as a way to stave off climate change. -- "Our work showed that the efficiency of the proposed technology was quite low, meaning widespread adoption of the technology would be required to make any meaningful impact on atmospheric CH4," said Mayhew, a postdoctoral researcher with the university's Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy. "Then, our results indicate that if this technology is adopted at scale, then we start to see some negative air-quality side effects, particularly for wintertime particulate matter air pollution." -- To conduct the study, the Utah scientists modeled what would happen if you deployed the technology patented by a Canadian company, which is proposing to spray aerosolized hydrogen peroxide, or H₂O₂, into the atmosphere during daylight hours from 600-meter towers. These towers would approach the height of the world's tallest radio towers. -- "When that hydrogen peroxide is in the presence of sunlight, it's going to make a really powerful oxidant, the hydroxyl radical OH," said Haskins, an assistant professor of atmospheric sciences. "That's a natural scrubber in the atmosphere, and it's going to help speed up the conversion of methane to CO₂." -- Methane is a single-bonded molecule combination of carbon and hydrogen, as opposed to the double-bonded compounds that are far more common in the atmosphere. Hydroxyls are more likely to oxidize those double-bonded molecules, such as the isoprene coming off trees or volatile organic compounds, so OH is just not that efficient for breaking down methane, according to Haskins. -- "OH doesn't react fast with methane," Haskins said. "It's reacting with so many other things." -- Methane's outsized impact on the climate	C01 N02	2,263
2507-107	Groundbreaking Robot Technology Transforms Retinal Surgery For Eye Surgeons	A groundbreaking robotic device has been developed to assist eye surgeons in performing intricate retinal procedures with unparalleled precision. This technology addresses the challenges faced by surgeons, such as patient movement and involuntary hand tremors, by stabilizing the patient's head and scaling down the surgeon's movements to match the delicate surgical area, ultimately aiming to enhance surgical outcomes and support advanced treatments like gene therapy.	University of Utah	University of Utah	Press Rel	PubMed	When even the most highly trained surgeons perform procedures on the retina -- one of the smallest, most delicate parts of the human body -- the stakes are high. Surgeons must account for patients' breathing, snoring, and eye movements, along with their own involuntary hand tremors, while they work on a layer of cells less than a millimeter thick. -- That's why researchers at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center and the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering have collaborated to create a new robotic surgery device that aims to give surgeons "superhuman" hands. -- The robot itself is extremely precise, executing movements as small as 1 micrometer (smaller than a single human cell). It is mounted directly to the patient's head using a helmet, such that subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) movements of the patient's head are compensated for, keeping the eye quite still from the perspective of the robot. -- The robot also scales down the surgeon's movements, measured using a handheld robotic device known as a haptic interface, to the much smaller surgical site within the eye, compensating for hand tremors along the way. -- While still in the testing stages, the device aims to improve outcomes for patients and support cutting-edge procedures, including the delivery of gene therapies for inherited retinal diseases. -- The researchers successfully tested the robot using enucleated pig eyes, publishing their results this week in the journal Science Robotics. -- The study was led by Jake Abbott, a professor in the U's Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Moran Eye Center retinal specialist Paul S. Bernstein. -- The retina is home to the light-sensitive rod and cone cells that form the basis of vision. -- Several inherited disorders cause those cells to form incorrectly, leading to vision impairments of varying severity, but new gene therapy techniques could reverse those conditions. -- "Treatments for vision disorders are rapidly advancing," Abbott said.	H01 T01	2,264
2511-070	Air Quality Monitoring Fails Communities Of Color: A Critical Issue	Research from the University of Utah reveals that EPA air quality monitors disproportionately fail to capture pollution levels in communities of color, risking public health. This study highlights significant monitoring disparities, particularly concerning key pollutants, and emphasizes the need for equitable data collection to improve policy decisions and protect marginalized populations from harmful air quality conditions.	University of Utah	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality monitors are disproportionally located in predominately white neighborhoods, according to University of Utah research. The EPA's network consistently failed to capture air quality in communities of color across six major pollutants, particularly lead and sulfur dioxide, followed by ozone and carbon monoxide. -- EPA regulatory monitors are the key data source driving decisions about pollution reduction, urban planning and public health initiatives. Without equal monitor distribution, the data may misrepresent pollution concentrations, leaving marginalized groups at risk. -- "It's the question behind the question. Researchers, policymakers, we all use air quality data, but whose air is it measuring?" said Brenna Kelly, doctoral student at the U and lead author of the study. "Even though this data is of really high quality, that doesn't mean that it's high quality for everyone." -- Research has shown that marginalized communities have the highest rates of exposure to air pollution, but the studies assumed that the data represented all neighborhoods equally. This study is the first to assess disparities in the monitors themselves for all U.S. Census groups, on a neighborhood scale. While disparities existed for all non-white groups, the largest were for Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, followed by American Indian and Alaska Native populations. -- Air quality research and analysis often require artificial intelligence (AI) tools to process the massive volumes of data. While bias in AI algorithms is well-known, the study exemplifies another ethical issue for big-data users -- the chance that the datasets themselves are inherently biased. -- "If there was a disparity for just one type of monitor, it could conceivably be accidental or just poor design," said coauthor Simon Brewer, associate professor of geography and executive committee member of the U's ONE-U Responsible AI Initiative. "The fact that it's a consistent pattern across all pollutants suggests that the decision-making process needs to be looked at carefully -- these monitors are not being distributed equitably." -- The study was published in journal JAMA Network Open on Dec. 4, 2024. -- Air quality is hyperlocal and can change dramatically from street to street. The authors mapped monitor locations and neighborhood demographics to the census-block level, one of the U.S. Census Bureau's smallest units for residential patterns. Using the EPA Air Quality System Regulatory Monitoring Repository, they identified monitors for six major air pollutants dangerous to human health -- lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. They used the 2022 American Community Survey Census to estimate the racial and ethnic composition for every census-block in the country. Adjusting for population size, the researchers found systemic monitoring disparities for each criteria pollutant. Relative to the white non-Hispanic population, all groups were associated with fewer lead, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter monitors. -- Kelly got curious about the EPA's air quality monitoring network while pursuing her doctoral research in population health sciences, focusing on the risks of air pollution exposure to pregnant people. Epidemiology research identifies the factors that contribute to diseases within a population. Until now, there's been an underlying assumption that the data represents air quality problems everywhere equally, she explained. -- "It's not just that we're missing one pollutant type for one group, it's that we understand less about everything for all these groups. That's concerning," Kelly said. "If I want to relate air pollution exposure to a disease, I need to measure it well. If I have a better understanding of air quality for one group of people, that's going to produce biased results."	C01 T01	2,265
2511-E017	Elephant Teeth Help Reveal Migration Patterns Of Large Herbivores	Researchers have developed a method using strontium isotopes in teeth and tusks to track the migration patterns of large herbivores, providing insights into their historical movements. This innovative approach could enhance our understanding of both extinct species, like mastodons, and modern conservation efforts related to wildlife trafficking.	University of Utah	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Teeth recovered from a beloved zoo elephant that died in 2008 are helping University of Utah geologists develop a method for tracking the movements of large herbivores across landscapes, even for animals now extinct, such as mastodons and mammoths. -- Outlined in recently published findings, the technique analyzes isotope ratios of the element strontium (Sr), which accumulates in tooth enamel. -- For large plant-eating land mammals, the relative abundance of two strontium isotopes in teeth and tusks reflects where the creature may have roamed during its lifetime. -- "Our study not only adds to our understanding of how tooth enamel records an animal's Sr isotope exposure, but also helps to reconstruct animal migrations from Sr isotope analysis," lead author Deming Yang said in a posting about the research. -- "It can be applied to studies of paleobiology, to answer how megaherbivores migrated in the past. It can also be applied to studies of modern conservation and forensics, to trace the origins of illegal ivory trade and other forms of wildlife trafficking." -- The star of the study is Misha, a female elephant acquired by Salt Lake City's Hogle Zoo in 2005. -- Chemically similar to calcium, strontium from the environment accumulates in highly mineralized tissues, such as animals' bones and teeth. -- "As animals eat and drink, they pick up this environmental signature and store it in their teeth, preserving a series of environmental exposures like historic archives," Yang wrote. -- This is because the geology of different places presents different isotope signatures for 87-strontium/86-strontium [87Sr/86Sr] and those isotope ratios are reflected in plants and water. -- "We use other elements, but in this case, we're focusing on strontium, which has proven to be really useful because of its strong link to geology," coauthor Gabe Bowen said.	C01	2,266
2505-020	AI Reveals New Risk Factors For Stillbirth And Newborn Complications	An AI-based analysis of nearly 10,000 pregnancies has identified new combinations of risk factors linked to severe negative outcomes, revealing a tenfold difference in risk among infants treated uniformly by clinical guidelines. This research underscores the need for personalized risk assessments in pregnancy care, highlighting how advanced modeling can uncover unexpected patterns that may lead to improved maternal and infant health outcomes.	University of Utah Health	BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth	Press Rel	PubMed	A new long-term study reveals alarming insights into the impact of climate change on European beech (Fagus sylvatica), one of Europe's most widespread and ecologically important tree species. -- Conducted by an international team led by the University of Liverpool, the study uses four decades of monitoring data to identify a sharp 28% decline in tree growth since 2005, attributed to temperature-driven changes in seed production. -- The study, published in the journal the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the complex interplay between rising temperatures, seed production and tree growth. -- Lead author Dr Andrew Hacket-Pain, from the University of Liverpool' Departmetn of Geography & Planning, said: "Many studies have focused on how climate change will reduce tree growth in Europe by increasing the frequency and severity of summer droughts. Our research demonstrates that climate warming -- independent of changes in drought -- results in growth decline because it causes the trees to shift resource allocation from growth to reproduction. Under warmer temperatures, the trees in our long-term study reproduced more, and grew less as a consequence. This result is important because it suggests that beech growing in less drought-prone regions of Europe are not protected from the effects of climate change, as suggested in previous studies." -- Increased allocation to reproduction would be expected to benefit beech, albeit at the expense of reduced growth. -- However, previous research from the group has shown that this is not the case. -- The more regular and desynchronised reproduction caused by climate warming, dubbed "masting breakdown," counterintuitively leads to a reduction in how many viable seeds they produce and disperse. -- Dr Hacket-Pain added: "Normally, beech minimises the proportion of seeds lost to animals that eat their seeds through cycles of starvation and satiation, but more regular reproduction breaks these cycles. Beech trees are allocating more effort into reproduction but it is the seed predators that benefit, not the trees themselves." -- The findings paint a concerning picture for beech, a cornerstone species in temperate forests in Europe. -- Declining reproduction threatens their ability to regenerate and populate the next generation of European forests, while reduced growth compromises the trees' ability to sequester carbon.	H01 R01 R02 T01	2,267
2505-121	Identifying Brain Pathways To Treat Alcohol-Induced Insomnia In Fruit Flies	A study in fruit flies has identified specific cholinergic brain cells linked to alcohol-induced insomnia, shedding light on the neurobiological mechanisms behind sleep disturbances in individuals with alcohol use disorder. This research could pave the way for targeted treatments that address sleep loss and support recovery from alcohol dependence.	University of Utah Health	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	As insect populations decrease worldwide in what some have called an "insect apocalypse," biologists are desperate to determine how the six-legged creatures are responding to a warming world and to predict the long-term winners and losers. -- A new study of Colorado grasshoppers shows that, while the answers are complicated, biologists have much of the knowledge they need to make these predictions and prepare for the consequences. -- The findings, published Jan. 30 in the journal PLOS Biology, come thanks to the serendipitous discovery of 13,000 grasshoppers all collected from the same Colorado mountain site between 1958 and 1960 by a biologist at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). After that scientist's untimely death in 1973, the collection was rescued by his son and donated to the CU Museum, where it languished until 2005, when César Nufio, then a postdoctoral fellow, rediscovered it. Nufio set about curating the collection and initiated a resurvey of the same sites to collect more grasshoppers. -- The newly collected insects allowed Nufio and his colleagues -- Caroline Williams of the University of California, Berkeley, Lauren Buckley of the University of Washington in Seattle and postdoctoral fellow Monica Sheffer, who has an appointment at both institutions -- to assess the impact of climate change over the past 65 years on the sizes of six species of grasshopper. -- Because insects are cold-blooded and don't generate their own heat, their body temperatures and rates of development and growth are more sensitive to warming in the environment. -- Despite much speculation that animals will decrease in size to lessen heat stress as the climate warms, the biologists found that some of the grasshopper species actually got larger over the decades, taking advantage of an earlier spring to fatten up on greenery. -- This worked only for species that overwinter as juveniles -- a stage called nymphal diapause -- and thus can get a head start on chowing down in the spring. -- Species that hatch in the spring from eggs laid in the fall -- the egg diapausers -- did not have this advantage and became smaller over the years, likely as a result of vegetation drying up earlier. -- "This research emphasizes that there will certainly be species that are winners and losers, but subgroups within those species populations, depending on their ecological or environmental context, will have different responses," Sheffer said. -- The authors of the new study predicted much of this based on the life cycles of the grasshoppers and the environmental conditions at the site.	H02 R02	2,268
2506-074	Gene Variant Identified That May Protect Against Rare Seizure Disorder	Genetic Insights into PIGA-CDG: A combination of human pedigree and fruit fly genetics has led to the identification of a gene variant that may protect against PIGA-CDG, a rare genetic disorder. This pioneering research aims to uncover the genetic factors influencing this condition, potentially guiding better therapeutic options for individuals affected by this severe disorder.	University of Utah Health	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	One in 10 Americans live with a rare disease, which often lack effective treatments. Such is the case for PIGA-CDG, an ultra-rare genetic disease that causes seizures and developmental delays. Treatments for the disease are limited to symptom management. The severity of PIGA-CDG symptoms varies widely, hinting that multiple genes might influence symptoms. Knowing which genes are involved could lead to better treatments, but the very small number of PIGA-CDG patients makes many standard genetic analysis techniques impossible. -- Now, a team of University of Utah Health researchers led by first author Holly Thorpe and senior author Clement Chow, PhD, has used a combination of pedigree analysis and fruit fly genetics to identify a gene variant that may protect against PIGA-CDG. -- The results are published in The American Journal of Human Genetics. -- Everyone with PIGA-CDG has a change in a gene called PIGA. But the scientists had noticed that in one family that included people with the disease, some members were perfectly healthy -- despite having the same change in the PIGA gene as their affected relatives. -- The researchers looked for secondary genetic changes that only the unaffected family members had, then made a shortlist based on the predicted function of the genes involved. -- Then, they approximated those genetic changes in fruit flies. -- Flies that have reduced PIGA function in their neurons have seizures and difficulty moving. -- But flies that have reduced PIGA function and reduced function of one of the shortlist candidate genes move more readily and have less severe seizures. -- This gene, called CNTN2, is altered in family members who have a change in PIGA but do not have symptoms of PIGA-CDG. -- The researchers believe that changes to CNTN2 likely protect people against the disease.	Z01	2,269
2510-005	Gut Microbes In Infancy May Shield Against Diabetes Later In Life	New research indicates that the microbiome plays a crucial role in developing insulin-producing cells in infancy, impacting long-term metabolic health and diabetes risk. The study suggests that introducing specific gut microbes during critical periods could help mitigate the risk of type 1 diabetes, offering exciting possibilities for preventative medical strategies.	University of Utah Health	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	The microbiome shapes development of insulin-producing cells in infancy, leading to long-term changes in metabolism and diabetes risk, new research in mice has found. -- The results could ultimately help doctors reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes -- or potentially even restore lost metabolic function in adulthood -- by providing specific gut microbes that help the pancreas grow and heal. -- The critical window -- Mice that are exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotics in early life have worse metabolic health in the long term, the researchers found. -- If the mice received antibiotics during a 10-day window shortly after birth, they developed fewer beta cells -- insulin-producing cells in the pancreas that regulate blood sugar. -- The antibiotic-treated mice also had higher levels of blood sugar and lower levels of insulin in adulthood. -- "This, to me, was shocking and a bit scary," says June Round, PhD, professor of pathology at University of Utah Health and one of the senior authors on the study. -- "It showed how important the microbiota is during this very short early period of development." -- By testing a variety of antibiotics that affect different types of microbes, the researchers pinpointed several specific microbes that increased the amount of insulin-producing tissue and the level of insulin in the blood. -- Intriguingly, one of these metabolism-boosting microbes is a largely unstudied fungus called Candida dubliniensis, which isn't found in healthy human adults but may be more common in infants.	R01	2,270
2512-060	Identifying Viral Proteins: Research Reveals Possible Triggers For Autoimmune Disorders	Leveraging advanced data analysis and machine learning, scientists have identified viral proteins that may trigger autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, following COVID infection. This research aims to unravel the mechanisms behind the immune system's overreactions and facilitate the development of therapies to prevent autoimmunity.	University of Utah Health	ImmunoInformatics	Press Rel	PubMed	COVID infection has been linked to higher risk of autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes. But why the virus might cause the body's immune system to go haywire remains unknown, making it difficult to develop therapies to avoid autoimmunity. One hypothesis is that viral "molecular mimics" that resemble the body's own proteins trigger an immune response against the virus -- and healthy tissues get caught in the crossfire. -- Now, with advanced data analysis and machine learning, scientists have identified a set of COVID-derived molecular mimics that are most likely to be involved in triggering autoimmunity. -- The new results are published in ImmunoInformatics. -- The researchers first looked for viral components that are similar to the human proteins known to be attacked in various autoimmune diseases. -- Theoretically, these viral proteins could trigger the immune system to target the human proteins they resemble. -- They narrowed down their list of culprits by using machine learning to identify only those viral components that are most likely to be bound by human antibodies. -- Some of the viral components the researchers found have been associated with type 1 diabetes or multiple sclerosis. -- Importantly, some of the human proteins that the researchers identified as likely targets of COVID-induced autoimmunity are only found in people with specific genetics, suggesting that people who produce those proteins may be at higher risk of COVID-induced autoimmunity. -- "It's exciting that in collaboration with our clinical colleagues, we can now use AI and machine learning to address medical conditions exacerbated by the COVID pandemic," says Julio Facelli, PhD, distinguished professor of biomedical informatics at University of Utah Health and the senior author on the paper. -- "Hopefully, our results will lead to better understanding and eventual treatment and prevention of these debilitating conditions."	A01 R01 T01	2,271
2513-084	New Findings Show C. Difficile Spreads Covertly, Undermining Hospital Infection Control Measures	Recent research reveals that Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a common hospital-acquired infection, spreads more than three times previously estimated, often unnoticed. By tracing the bacterium's movement within hospital environments, scientists have uncovered significant transmission routes that could inform stricter preventive measures to combat the spread of this highly contagious and potentially lethal infection.	University of Utah Health	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	The results could spur more rigorous preventive measures that stop hidden spread of the disease. -- One of the most common health care-associated infections spreads within intensive care units (ICUs) more than three times more than previously thought, new research has found. -- Clostridium difficile infection -- commonly called C. diff -- causes diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever and is lethal in about 6% of cases in the U.S. The disease is highly contagious, but in previous research, direct patient-to-patient transmission seemed to occur rarely. -- Now, by tracking the bacterium through the hospital environment, rather than on patients alone, scientists have uncovered previously undetected movement of C. diff bacteria through hospital settings. -- "There's a lot going on under the hood that we're just not seeing," says Michael Rubin, MD, PhD, epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist in the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and senior author on the study. -- "And if we ignore that, then we're potentially putting patients at unnecessary risk." -- Bacterial movement within the environment is common -- To track infections throughout the health care setting, the researchers sampled for C. diff from nearly 200 patients across two intensive care units (ICUs), as well as collecting thousands of samples from hospital room surfaces and health care providers' hands. -- The researchers used whole genome DNA sequencing to precisely track bacterial movement. -- Different bacterial samples have genetic differences, which the researchers measured to track movement of C. diff around health care facilities.	T01	2,272
2510-E021	AI And Water Models Offer National Water Quality Forecasting	Scientists have harnessed AI and continental-scale water modeling to forecast water quality nationwide, enhancing public drinking water management. This groundbreaking application allows communities to anticipate disruptions, improving preparedness and ensuring safer water supplies, marking a significant advancement in environmental monitoring.	University of Vermont	JAWRA	Press Rel	PubMed	Every day, the United States' extensive water supply system faces pressure to deliver safe water. Now, University of Vermont (UVM) scientists have invented a new tool using AI to help communities better predict threats to their supply. -- New research published today by Vermont scientists shows how an already-existing computer system -- the federal government's National Water Model -- can be modified, with AI and real-time data from sensors, to go beyond simply forecasting stream flow -- to predicting water quality too. -- "This new tool can be implemented across the country and broadly utilized by folks that could use water quality forecasts in any number of applications," said UVM's Andrew Schroth, the study's lead researcher. -- "With the first ever application of the National Water Model to predict water quality, we've opened a new window that can really benefit the country as a whole moving forward." -- To test the tool in real-world conditions, the researchers focused on New York City's water supply, an ideal testing ground due to the city's extensive network of sensors that monitor water flow and sediment -- and the episodic nature of the problem that the NYC water supply faces. -- New York City's Water Supply -- Publishing their findings in the Journal of the American Water Resources Association, the team tested the new tool in New York State's Esopus Creek catchment in the Catskill Mountains. -- This waterway drains into the Ashokan Reservoir, which supplies approximately 40% of New York City's daily drinking water and is part of the largest unfiltered water supply network in the country. -- A key concern for reservoir water quality is turbidity, a measure of water clarity affected by sediment and other material in the water column. -- When certain levels are exceeded, the NYC DEP must limit the supply from that reservoir, impacting the management and operations of the entire downstream network.	A01 T01	2,273
2512-E044	Challenges In Distinguishing Rain From Snow Highlight Need For Improved Weather Data	Researchers from the University of Vermont have identified significant challenges in accurately classifying precipitation as rain or snow, particularly at near-freezing temperatures. Their study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the limitations of traditional methods and suggests that integrating multi-source data could enhance the accuracy of precipitation phase predictions, which is crucial for various climate and transportation applications.	University of Vermont	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by the University of Vermont (UVM) uncovers a critical challenge in accurately classifying precipitation as rain or snow using surface weather data. -- Published in Nature Communications, the research evaluates the performance of both traditional precipitation phase partitioning methods and advanced machine learning models, revealing that near-freezing temperatures create an inherent limitation in distinguishing between rain and snow, restricting the accuracy of these approaches. -- Accurately identifying precipitation phase is critical for weather forecasting, hydrologic modeling, and climate research, with significant implications for transportation safety, air travel, infrastructure operations, and water resources management. -- This is especially true in mountain regions, where accurate distinctions between rain and snow help natural resource managers to better predict and mitigate threats and challenges. -- While a storm consisting of mostly snowfall may benefit ski areas and water resources, a rain-dominated event may cause devastating flooding and infrastructure damage. -- Due to the scarcity of direct rain and snow observations, most of which come from airports and rarely reflect the complex weather patterns of nearby mountain regions, scientists and forecasters rely on mathematical techniques that use weather data to estimate the precipitation phase. -- These precipitation phase partitioning methods -- thresholds, ranges, and statistical models -- utilize data such as air temperature, humidity, and pressure. -- However, most of these methods only perform well in either cold or warm temperatures when snowfall or rainfall, respectively, are nearly certain. -- At temperatures near freezing, however, all traditional methods struggle to accurately predict rain and snow due to the meteorological similarity of the two phases. -- This study figured out why.	Z01	2,274
2513-E050	New Testing Method Aims To Improve Honey Bee Health And Disease Resistance	Alarmingly, beekeepers in the U.S. have reported a staggering loss of over 55 percent of managed honey bee colonies, the highest rate since tracking began. A study proposes a novel method for identifying hygienic behavior in bees, aiming to breed disease-resistant colonies. This research could significantly benefit beekeepers while emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect both managed and wild bee populations.	University of Vermont	Frontiers in Bee Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Beekeepers in the United States lost more than 55 percent of managed colonies last year -- the highest loss rate since the Apiary Inspectors of America began determining them in 2011. A new study from University of Vermont scientists and international collaborators supports a novel method for testing hygienic behavior in honey bees that could promote breeding more disease resistant colonies in the future. -- "Beekeepers are losing bees at a rate that they say is unsustainable," says Samantha Alger, director of the Vermont Bee Lab at the UVM and lead author of the study. "In the '80s, beekeepers lost colonies 10-12 percent of the time … but now it's like 30-50 percent. Imagine that happening to someone who's a cattle farmer or a pig farmer every year." -- Honey bee populations remain relatively steady despite heavy losses because beekeepers are good at breeding new bees, she explains. -- But that comes at the expense of time and resources for beekeepers, as well as risk for native pollinators. Pathogens in managed honey bees can spill over into wild bee populations. Alger's lab works with beekeepers to breed hardy, disease resistant honey bee colonies which they can sell to hobbyists and professional beekeepers. Helping beekeepers identify hygienic behavior -- the ability to identify unhealthy brood -- is part of this process. -- "It's definitely more desirable for a beekeeper to have bees that are better adapted at taking care of their diseases themselves rather than using chemical treatments and interventions to try to reduce these pathogen loads, which of course may have negative impacts on the bees," she says. "Now the trick is how does a beekeeper identify a colony that is really hygienic? And there's various tests that you can perform for that and this UBeeO is sort of a novel way of testing for it." -- Alger's team recently studied a screening tool developed by scientists at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro that tests colonies for hygienic behavior by mimicking the pheromones emitted by sick or dying bees. The researchers found the UBeeO test can identify colonies resistant to several pests and pathogens that can decimate bee populations such as Vairimorpha (known to many beekeepers as Nosema) and fungal infections including chalkbrood. They published their findings in Frontiers in Bee Science April 2. -- "UBeeO has been known to identify colonies that are able to better resist Varroa mites, but it had not been used to look at other pest or pathogens," Alger says. "We found this new assay could be used to identify colonies that are resistant to these other stressors." -- How it works -- Picture a honey bee colony. Inside the boxed hive are frames with hexagonal holes where a queen bee lays one egg inside each cell. As the eggs hatch, nurse bees feed the developing larvae and eventually cap over the cells with wax to protect them as they mature into adults. When nurse bees detect a developing bee is sick or dead, they will uncap the cell and remove the pupa to protect the rest of the hive. This is called hygienic behavior and pheromones play an important role in this process. -- "Other folks have identified death pheromones, these compounds that are associated with death," says Kaira Wagoner, a research scientist at UNC Greensboro and co-author of the study. "The famous biologist E.O. Wilson was one of the first to do this. He found oleic acid was emitted from dead ants. The same thing has been found with bees, and it's just likely a stronger signal -- it's growing as the dead brood is basically decomposing in the cell. The signals that are coming out of unhealthy brood are different and very likely more subtle than those death pheromones."	H01 H02	2,275
2502-E010		Recent anthropological research led by Gerhard Weber has debunked the long-held belief that a skull discovered in Ephesos, Turkey, belonged to Arsinoë IV, sister of Cleopatra. Instead, analyses reveal the skull belonged to a boy aged 11 to 14, suffering from developmental disorders, with genetic links to Italy or Sardinia. This revelation stems from interdisciplinary work involving the University of Vienna and the Austrian Academy of Sciences, with findings set to be published in Scientific Reports.	University of Vienna	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	An interdisciplinary research team led by anthropologist Gerhard Weber from the University of Vienna, together with experts from the Austrian Academy of Sciences, has analysed a skull that was found in the ruins of Ephesos (Turkey) in 1929. It was long speculated that it could be the remains of Arsinoë IV, the sister of the famous Cleopatra. However, the latest anthropological analyses show that the remains are those of a boy between the ages of 11 and 14 who suffered from pathological developmental disorders. His genes point to an origin in Italy or Sardinia. The results are currently being published in Scientific Reports. -- In 1929, the Austrian archaeologist Josef Keil and his colleagues discovered a sarcophagus completely filled with water in the ruins of the once magnificent "Octagon," a splendid building on the main street of Ephesos (Turkey). No significant grave goods were found in it, but a complete skeleton. -- Josef Keil only took the skull with him before the researchers closed the tomb on the important "Curetes Street" (Kuretenstraße) again. -- After his initial analysis in Greifswald (Germany), he assumed that the burial was that of "a very distinguished person" and probably a 20-year-old woman. -- Keil was unable to provide any hard data, but the skull travelled to Vienna in his luggage on the occasion of his new appointment at the University of Vienna. -- In 1953, Josef Weninger, head of the Institute of Anthropology at the University of Vienna, finally published an article with photos and measurements. -- He also came to the conclusion that the skull from the "Heroon" (Heroengrab), as it was described on a yellowed note accompanying the find, represented a young woman who was of a "refined, specialised type," which could indicate the higher aristocracy of antiquity. -- The rest of the skeleton was found in Ephesos during later excavations in 1982, but this time not in the sarcophagus, but in a niche in an antechamber of the burial chamber. -- Due to the suspected architectural borrowing of the Octagon from the Egyptian model of the "Pharos of Alexandria" and the additional historical facts that Arsinoë IV was murdered in Ephesos around 41 BCE at the instigation of Mark Antony, Cleopatra's lover, a hypothesis arose in 1990: Arsinoë IV could have found her final resting place in this magnificent tomb in Ephesos. -- Since then, numerous reports and publications have surrounded this rumour.	Z01	2,276
2502-E065	Thawing Permafrost Poses Risks To Arctic Communities: A Comprehensive Study	An international study led by the University of Vienna assesses the social risks posed by thawing permafrost in Arctic regions, identifying critical areas such as infrastructure and food security. The findings underscore how thawing permafrost can exacerbate health risks and disrupt supply chains, highlighting the need for informed policy and adaptation strategies for Arctic communities facing these challenges.	University of Vienna	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	In an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary study, an international team led by the University of Vienna and the Danish Technical University/Umea University examined the social risks for Arctic regions associated with thawing permafrost. They identified five key risks related to infrastructure, transport and supply, water quality, food security and health. The scientists found that the thawing permafrost posed an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases and release of contaminants, and interruptions of supply routes. The study has been published in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. -- The thawing of permafrost poses various risks to the Arctic environment and the livelihoods of people. -- Increasingly thawing permafrost soils not only pose a global threat due to the CO2 and methane gas stored in them, but also have far-reaching implications for the approximately three million Arctic residents who live on permafrost soils. -- Understanding these risks is crucial for informed policy planning and adaptation measures. -- To identify these risks, the scientists studied four Arctic regions between 2017 and 2023 as part of the "Nunataryuk" project: Longyearbyen (Svalbard, Norway), the municipality of Avannaata (Greenland), the Beaufort Sea region the Mackenzie River Delta (Canada) and the Bulunskiy district in the Republic of Sakha (Russia). The team included engineering and physics scientists as well as environmental, social and health scientists. -- "The comprehensive risk analysis was made possible by intensive exchange with local stakeholders and permafrost scientists, and for the first time includes not only physical processes but also a comprehensive overview of social impacts of thawing permafrost soils," explains anthropologist and co-study director Susanna Gartler from the University of Vienna. -- The researchers identified five interrelated key hazards: infrastructure failure, disruption of mobility and supply, decreased water quality, challenges for food security, and exposure to diseases and contaminants. -- Infrastructure in coastal areas, along rivers, in deltas and mountainous regions is particularly at risk. -- As one study participant reported, "I have a camp by the river. This summer, a large piece of land next to my cabin broke off and plunged into the river. It's scary." Some erosion is slow, but in delta regions, large chunks of land can break off literally overnight. -- In terms of health and ecosystems, there is concern for contaminants from old oil and gas sumps being released by thawing soils.	A01 H01 R01 C01	2,277
2504-E052	Climate Change Poses Complex Threats To Sharks And Rays Despite Some Benefits	An international research team, led by palaeobiologist Manuel A. Staggl, has analyzed how climate fluctuations over millions of years have impacted shark and ray diversity. Their study suggests that while warmer temperatures and shallow waters promote diversity, increasing CO2 levels pose significant threats. As overfishing and habitat loss continue to endanger these species, understanding historical climate interactions is critical for conservation efforts in the face of ongoing climate change.	University of Vienna	Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Sharks and rays have populated the world's oceans for around 450 million years, but more than a third of the species living today are severely threatened by overfishing and the loss of their habitat. An international research team led by palaeobiologist Manuel A. Staggl from the University of Vienna has now investigated whether and how global warming influences the diversity of sharks based on climate fluctuations between 200 and 66 million years ago. According to the study, higher temperatures and more shallow water areas have a positive effect, while higher CO2 levels have a clearly negative effect. The study was recently published in the scientific journal Biology. -- There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history -- and one group of animals has survived them all: cartilaginous fish, which include sharks and rays, have inhabited the oceans for more than 450 million years; more than 1,200 shark and ray species are known today. -- However, more than a third of these species are now seriously threatened due to their habits and increasing over-exploitation and habitat destruction; extinction would also have a direct impact on many ecosystems. -- "The current rapid climate warming could also have a negative impact on this group of animals -- in an international study based on earlier climate changes, we have now looked at how exactly this might impact rays and sharks," explains palaeobiologist Manuel A. Staggl from the University of Vienna. -- The international team investigated the driving forces behind the biodiversity of sharks and rays during the so-called Jurassic (200-143 million years ago) and Cretaceous (143-66 million years ago), a heyday of shark and ray evolution with a wide range of different environmental conditions. -- Fossilised shark and ray teeth were used to determine the species diversity for each age and compared with the climate data of the respective age. -- "We wanted to understand which environmental factors influence the diversity of sharks and rays in order to be able to develop possible future scenarios with regard to current global warming," says Jürgen Kriwet, professor of palaeobiology at the University of Vienna. -- Higher CO2 level as a decisive environmental factor -- The results show that three environmental factors are decisive: Higher temperatures and more shallow water areas have a positive effect; however, a higher carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration clearly has a negative effect. -- This is the first time that the negative impact of CO2 concentrations in the ocean has been so clearly described: "We cannot yet fully explain the exact mechanisms behind the negative effect of CO2 on the biodiversity of sharks and rays," says Staggl.	C01 N01	2,278
2505-E061	Ancient DNA Analysis Reveals Insights Into Indo-European Language Origins	Researchers have made strides in unraveling the origins of the Indo-European language family by analyzing ancient DNA from 435 individuals across Eurasia. Their findings suggest a connection between languages and a newly identified Caucasus-Lower Volga population, contributing to a deeper understanding of the spread of Indo-European languages. This research sheds light on linguistic roots and supports ongoing investigations into human migration patterns throughout history.	University of Vienna	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study shows how an anticancer drug triggers an "outside in" signal that gets it sucked into a cancer cell. The work, published Jan. 29 in Nature Communications, reveals a new signaling mechanism that could be exploited for delivering other drugs. -- Many malignant cancers overexpress a protein called P-cadherin, which is embedded in the cell membrane. -- Because cancer cells have a lot of P-cadherin sticking out of their surface, the protein has been targeted for drug development. -- Monoclonal antibodies against P-cadherin can carry a drug payload to the cancer cells. -- It has not been clear, though, exactly how the antibodies attach to P-cadherin or how they get inside the cancer cell once attached. -- Bin Xie and Shipeng Xu, graduate students in biophysics and biomedical engineering at the University of California, Davis, with Professor Sanjeevi Sivasankar, carried out a series of experiments to study binding of antibody CQY684 to P-cadherin in detail. -- P-cadherin is embedded in the cell membrane as a dimer, or matched pair, with P-cadherin on the surface of an adjacent cell. -- This dimer can exist in two conformations: a more open, "strand-swap" dimer and a cross-shaped, X-dimer. -- The researchers found that when the anti-cancer antibody binds to P-cadherin, it locks it into the X-dimer form. -- The stable X-form then triggers a chemical signal that causes that patch of membrane to be pinched off and sucked into the cell as a tiny bubble.	Z01	2,279
2505-T022	Innovative Processor Uses Magnons For Efficient Data Processing Solutions	Physicists from the University of Vienna have achieved a breakthrough in data processing using magnons, or spin waves, through an 'inverse-design' methodology. This innovative approach allows for the development of a universal device capable of performing multiple tasks with high energy efficiency, marking significant progress in unconventional computing. The research opens up new possibilities for future telecommunications and neuromorphic computing systems, redefining electronic design paradigms.	University of Vienna	Nature Electronics	Press Rel	PubMed	There's a 26 per cent annual chance that space rocket junk will re-enter the atmosphere and pass through a busy flight area, according to a recent UBC study. -- While the chance of debris hitting an aircraft is very low, the research highlights that the potential for uncontrolled space rocket junk to disrupt flights and create additional costs for airlines and passengers is not. -- Space junk disrupting air traffic is far from unheard of. In 2022, a re-entering 20-tonne piece of rocket prompted Spanish and French aviation authorities to close parts of their airspace. -- And with rocket launches and flights increasing, UBC researchers say policymakers need to take action. -- "The recent explosion of a SpaceX Starship shortly after launch demonstrated the challenges of having to suddenly close airspace," said first author Ewan Wright, an interdisciplinary studies doctoral student at UBC. "The authorities set up a 'keep out' zone for aircraft, many of which had to turn around or divert their flight path. And this was a situation where we had good information about where the rocket debris was likely to come down, which is not the case for uncontrolled debris re-entering the atmosphere from orbit." -- When objects such as satellites are launched by rockets into space, large portions of the rockets are often left in orbit. If these leftover rocket stages have a low enough orbit, they can re-enter the atmosphere in an uncontrolled way. Most of the material will burn up in the atmosphere, but many pieces still hurtle towards the ground. -- Rocket launches, flights increasing -- The researchers used the number of aircraft on the busiest day of 2023 and matched it to the probability of rocket pieces re-entering above various levels of air traffic, calculated using a decade of data. Denver, Colorado had the highest density of air traffic on that day, at about one aircraft every 18km2. -- Using this as their peak, they calculated the probability of rocket junk re-entering the atmosphere over different air traffic density thresholds. When they looked at regions that have 10 per cent of the peak air traffic density or higher, for instance -- the type of activity seen in the airspace over Vancouver-Seattle -- they found a 26 per cent chance per year of rocket junk re-entering in that type of airspace. -- "Notably, the airspace over southern Europe that was closed in 2022 is only five per cent of the peak. Around the world, there is a 75-per-cent chance of a re-entry in such regions each year," said Wright.	H01 R02 T01	2,280
2508-c018	Our Solar System's Journey Through The Radcliffe Wave: A Galactic Adventure	Astronomers have uncovered that the Solar System passed through the Orion star-forming complex about 14 million years ago, potentially affecting Earth's climate. This significant discovery links astrophysics with paleoclimatology, suggesting that increased interstellar dust influx during this passage could have influenced geological records. The researchers used data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission to support their findings, revealing the Solar System's dynamic journey through different galactic environments.	University of Vienna	Astronomy & Astrophysics	Press Rel	PubMed	An international research team led by the University of Vienna has discovered that the Solar System traversed the Orion star-forming complex, a component of the Radcliffe Wave galactic structure, approximately 14 million years ago. This journey through a dense region of space could have compressed the heliosphere, the protective bubble surrounding our solar system, and increased the influx of interstellar dust, potentially influencing Earth's climate and leaving traces in geological records. The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, offer a fascinating interdisciplinary link between astrophysics, paleoclimatology, and geology. -- The Solar System's journey around the Milky Way's center takes it through varying galactic environments. -- "Imagine it like a ship sailing through varying conditions at sea," explains Efrem Maconi, lead author and doctoral student at the University of Vienna. -- "Our Sun encountered a region of higher gas density as it passed through the Radcliffe Wave in the Orion constellation." -- Using data from the European Space Agency's (ESA) Gaia mission and spectroscopic observations, the team pinpointed the Solar System's passage through the Radcliffe Wave in the Orion region about 14 million years ago. -- "This discovery builds upon our previous work identifying the Radcliffe Wave," says João Alves, professor of astrophysics at the University of Vienna and co-author of the study. -- The Radcliffe Wave is a vast, thin structure of interconnected star-forming regions, including the renowned Orion complex, which the Sun traversed, as established in this study. -- "We passed through the Orion region as well-known star clusters like NGC 1977, NGC 1980, and NGC 1981 were forming," Alves notes. -- "This region is easily visible in the winter sky in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Look for the Orion constellation and the Orion Nebula (Messier 42) -- our solar system came from that direction!" -- The increased dust from this galactic encounter could have had several effects.	C01	2,281
2510-022	Spiritual Practices Sometimes Lead To Boredom, Sparking New Research	A recent study sheds light on the concept of "spiritual boredom," suggesting that spiritual practices can sometimes lead to feelings of boredom, which may have substantial consequences. This emerging field of research reveals the complexity of spiritual experiences and their potential psychological impacts.	University of Vienna	Communications Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	We commonly consider spiritual practices sources of peace and inspiration. A recent study led by researchers of the University of Vienna shows that they can also be experienced differently: Many persons feel bored during these practices -- and this can have far-reaching consequences. The results recently published in the academic journal Communications Psychology open up an entirely new field of research and provide fascinating insights into a phenomenon that has received only scant attention so far. -- Even though boredom is a heavily researched subject at the moment, spiritual boredom has so far been largely neglected in research. -- Psychologists at the University of Vienna and the University of Essex have now decided to address this "blind spot" and were surprised to find out that boredom frequently occurs during spiritual practice -- and can have a clear detrimental effect. -- Control-value theory providing the research Basis -- The control-value theory (CVT) provided the academic framework for the survey. -- The CVT posits that boredom -- an unpleasant, aversive emotion characterised by changed time perception, wandering thoughts and the desire to escape the current situation -- is primarily driven by two factors: perceived control of the ongoing activity and the subjective value we attach to it. According to first author Thomas Götz from the Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Vienna, "boredom develops when we feel over-challenged or under-challenged by an activity or task -- a sign of an unsuitable level of control. And it also develops when we deem the value of the activity low." -- Manifold causes and far-reaching consequences -- In a large-scale study analysing five typical spiritual contexts (yoga, meditation, silent retreats, Catholic sermons and pilgrimages), the researchers surveyed more than 1,200 adults. -- The results show that the central triggers of spiritual boredom are in fact the feeling of being over-challenged or under-challenged as well as a lack of personal relevance for those practising the spiritual activity. -- Both have a negative effect on motivation and mindfulness during practice and may seriously dampen its positive effect.	Z01	2,282
2510-E070	Nature Videos Significantly Reduce Pain Perception, Study Finds	Researchers from the University of Vienna demonstrate that simply watching nature videos can significantly alleviate acute physical pain. Their study utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe pain responses, showing reduced intensity and brain activity associated with pain, thus suggesting that nature-based therapies could serve as effective complementary pain management strategies.	University of Vienna	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In a new study, an international team of neuroscientists led by the University of Vienna has shown that experiencing nature can alleviate acute physical pain. Surprisingly, simply watching nature videos was enough to relieve pain. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the researchers found that acute pain was rated as less intense and unpleasant when watching nature videos -- along with a reduction in brain activity associated with pain. The results suggest that nature-based therapies can be used as promising complementary approaches to pain management. The study was recently published in the journal Nature Communications. -- "Pain processing is a complex phenomenon" explains study lead and doctoral student Max Steininger from the University of Vienna. -- In order to better understand it and identify treatment options, Steininger and his colleagues investigated how nature exposure influences pain: participants suffering from pain were shown three types of videos: a nature scene, an indoor scene, and an urban scene. -- The participants rated the pain while their brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. -- The results were clear: when viewing the nature scene, the participants not only reported less pain but also showed reduced activity in brain regions associated with pain processing. -- By analyzing the brain data, the researchers showed that viewing nature reduced the raw sensory signal the brain receives when in pain. -- "Pain is like a puzzle, made up of different pieces that are processed differently in the brain. Some pieces of the puzzle relate to our emotional response to pain, such as how unpleasant we find it. Other pieces correspond to the physical signals underlying the painful experience, such as its location in the body and its intensity. Unlike placebos, which usually change our emotional response to pain, viewing nature changed how the brain processed early, raw sensory signals of pain. Thus, the effect appears to be less influenced by participants' expectations, and more by changes in the underlying pain signals," explains Steininger. -- Claus Lamm, head of research in the group, adds: "From another ongoing study, we know that people consistently report feeling less pain when exposed to natural environments. However, the underlying reason for this has remained unclear -- until now. Our study suggests that the brain reacts less to both the physical source and the intensity of the pain." -- The current study provides important information on how nature can help alleviate pain and highlights that nature-based therapeutic approaches can be a useful addition to pain treatment. -- The fact, that this effect was observed by simply watching nature videos suggests that taking a walk outdoors may not be necessary.	A01 R02 T01	2,283
2511-T026	New Method Unlocks Potential Of Advanced Organic Materials For Electronics	Scientists at the University of Vienna have introduced a groundbreaking method for synthesizing azaparacyclophanes (APCs), advanced ring-shaped molecular structures that hold immense promise in materials science. Their Catalyst-Transfer Macrocyclization (CTM) technique enhances the synthesis of these complex macrocycles, leading to better efficiency and scalability in applications like organic electronics, optoelectronics, and supramolecular chemistry. This innovation could pave the way for developing new technologies, including flexible displays and solar cells.	University of Vienna	JACS Au	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at the Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Vienna, have unveiled an innovative approach for synthesizing azaparacyclophanes (APCs), a class of highly advanced ring-shaped molecular structures with immense potential in material science. Their innovative Catalyst-Transfer Macrocyclization (CTM) method, currently published in JACS Au, streamlines the production of these complex macrocycles, paving the way for more efficient and scalable applications in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and supramolecular chemistry -- such as displays, flexible solar cells and transistors. -- APCs are small, perfectly shaped molecular rings made up of repeating units linked in an endless loop. -- These macrocyclic organic compounds have a unique structure that makes them valuable basic building blocks for innovative technologies such as optoelectronic applications, which include displays for example. -- For years, the synthesis of APCs has been a tedious process requiring several steps under difficult conditions. -- A team of researchers at the Institute of Organic Chemistry at the University of Vienna has taken on the challenge to simplify it -- with remarkable success. -- A Shortcut to Complex Molecular Rings -- The newly developed CTM method uses the "Pd-catalysed Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction," which helps to form carbon-nitrogen bonds to create π-conjugated cyclic structures. -- "π-conjugated" refers to a system of alternating single and double bonds that allows the free movement of electrons, enhancing the electronic properties of the material. -- The CTM method provides a direct and efficient route, making the production of APCs much easier. -- "With this approach, we can create structurally precise APCs in a short time, under mild conditions and with high yields, making them much more accessible for both research and industrial applications," says first author Josue Ayuso-Carrillo from the University of Vienna.	Z01	2,284
2504-E043	Satellite Data Links Air Pollution From Swine Farms To Marginalized Communities	A University of Virginia study utilizes satellite data to unveil alarming air pollution disparities caused by industrial swine farms in Eastern North Carolina, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. The research quantifies elevated ammonia emissions, showcasing how environmental injustices extend far beyond farm boundaries, thus highlighting the urgent need for addressing air quality issues in vulnerable neighborhoods.	University of Virginia College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences	Environmental Science & Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	A groundbreaking study led by University of Virginia researchers has used satellite measurements to show the long-term persistence of air pollution inequalities tied to industrialized swine facilities in Eastern North Carolina. Using satellite data spanning a 15-year period from 2008-2023, the study quantifies disparities in ammonia (NH₃) -- an air pollutant emitted by swine operations -- for Black, Hispanic and Indigenous communities. These inequalities, exacerbated by hot and calm weather conditions, extend for multiple kilometers beyond the immediate vicinity of the facilities, highlighting the widespread impact of this environmental issue. -- The study, published in the American Chemical Society journal Environmental Science & Technology by Sally Pusede and her team in the Department of Environmental Sciences at UVA, uses data from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) aboard multiple polar-orbiting satellites. -- By analyzing NH₃ levels in the atmosphere, UVA researchers were able to show that emissions from industrial swine operations result in systematic environmental inequalities. -- Among the study's key findings were that air pollution inequalities can be measured from space. -- Satellite data analyzed by the research team revealed that NH₃ levels were significantly higher in areas with dense populations of Black, Hispanic and Indigenous residents. -- Compared to non-Hispanic white populations, NH₃ concentrations were on average 27% higher for Black communities, 35% higher for Hispanic communities and 49% higher for Indigenous communities during the years 2016-2021. -- The study also finds that calm and hot weather conditions amplify these disparities, as low wind speeds reduce pollutant dispersion from swine facilities and because higher temperatures increase NH₃ emissions through the evaporation of NH3 both at and downwind of swine facilities. -- On calm days, NH₃ inequalities for Indigenous communities were more than twice as severe as on windy days, while hot days intensified NH3 exposures for Black and Hispanic populations. -- Elevated NH₃ concentrations were also observed several kilometers downwind of swine feeding operations under calm and hot weather conditions, confirming that the environmental impacts of these operations reach far beyond their immediate surroundings. -- This challenges claims that only those living very near facilities experience adverse effects.	C01	2,285
2502-027	New Models Enable Antibiotics To Target Specific Bacteria, Fighting Antibiotic Resistance Effectively	Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have developed sophisticated computer models that could revolutionize antibiotic treatment by allowing for precise targeting of specific bacteria in designated body areas. This advancement is particularly crucial in combating the alarming rise in antibiotic resistance, as it enables tailored therapies that minimize unnecessary exposure to antibiotics, potentially improving patient outcomes and personalizing treatment strategies.	University of Virginia Health System	PLOS Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	With antibiotic resistance a growing problem, University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have developed cutting-edge computer models that could give the disease-fighting drugs a laser-like precision to target only specific bacteria in specific parts of the body. -- As it stands, antibiotics kill bacteria indiscriminately. Because the drugs are used so widely, increasing numbers of dangerous bugs are growing resistant, threatening one of modern medicine's most important weapons against disease. -- UVA's new approach, on the other hand, would dramatically limit how often bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, reducing the chance they could become resistant to antibiotics. -- Further, the approach would represent a significant step forward for precision medicine, allowing doctors to better tailor treatments to individual patients' needs. -- Instead of taking an antibiotic that kills bacteria regardless of whether helpful or harmful, patients could be given antibiotics that target specific bacteria causing a specific problem in a specific area of the body. -- "Many biomedical challenges are incredibly complex, and computer models are emerging as a powerful tool for tackling such problems," said researcher Jason Papin, PhD, of UVA's Department of Biomedical Engineering. -- "We're hopeful that these computer models of the molecular networks in bacteria will help us develop new strategies to treat infections." -- More Targeted Antibiotics -- UVA's new approach was made possible by a herculean effort by Papin, PhD student Emma Glass and their collaborators. -- Working with Andrew Warren, PhD, of UVA's Biocomplexity Institute, the researchers in Papin's lab developed sophisticated computer models of every human bacterial pathogen with sufficient genetic information available.	H01 T01	2,286
2502-088	Continuous Glucose Monitors Can Predict Diabetes Complications: Protecting Patient Health	Findings from the University of Virginia indicate that continuous glucose monitors (CGM) can predict nerve, eye, and kidney damage in type 1 diabetes patients. The study suggests that monitoring time in a safe blood-sugar range offers a comparable predictive ability to traditional hemoglobin A1c tests, highlighting the potential of CGM technology in preventing severe diabetes-related complications.	University of Virginia Health System	Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics	Press Rel	PubMed	Data from continuous glucose monitors can predict nerve, eye and kidney damage caused by type 1 diabetes, University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology researchers have found. That suggests doctors may be able to use data from the devices to help save patients from blindness, diabetic neuropathy and other life-changing diabetes complications. -- The amount of time patients were in a safe blood-sugar range of between 70 and 180 mg/DL over a 14-day period was as good a predictor of neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy as the standard approach using hemoglobin A1c levels, the researchers found. -- "The landmark 10-year, 1,440-person Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), published in 1993, established hemoglobin A1c as the gold standard for evaluating the risk for complications from type 1 diabetes. However, the use of continuous glucose monitoring is on the rise and there is no study of the magnitude of the DCCT to affirm CGM-based metrics as standard for evaluating diabetes control," said Boris Kovatchev, PhD, director of the UVA Center for Diabetes Technology. -- "The lack of long-term large-scale CGM data has a number of clinical and regulatory implications; for example, CGM is still not accepted as a primary outcome from diabetes drug studies." -- Using Landmark Diabetes Data -- The DCCT obtained hemoglobin A1c readings from participants either monthly or every three months, plus a blood-sugar profile every three months. -- The data is available, upon request, in the archives of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. -- Using advanced machine learning techniques to process the DCCT data sets, the researchers were able to create virtual continuous glucose monitor traces for all participants and for the duration of their participation in the trial. -- The researchers found that 14 days of data from the virtual continuous glucose monitors had a similar ability to predict diabetes complications as hemoglobin A1c readings. -- In addition to the time spent in a safe blood-sugar range of 70 to 180 mg/DL, the researchers also found that other continuous glucose monitor readings also accurately predicted diabetes complications.	H01 R01 R02 T01	2,287
2503-033	Blood Tests May Identify Babies At Risk For Sudden Infant Death Syndrome	University of Virginia researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of potential biomarkers for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in infants’ blood samples. This research may pave the way for simple testing methods to identify at-risk babies and enhance our understanding of SIDS, which remains a leading cause of infant mortality, thereby offering hope for preventative strategies in pediatric health.	University of Virginia Health System	eBioMedicine	Press Rel	PubMed	New University of Virginia School of Medicine research revealing the fingerprints of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome within blood samples could open the door to simple tests to identify babies at risk. -- The findings also represent an important step forward in unraveling the causes of SIDS, an unexplained condition that is the No. 1 killer of babies between amonth and a year old. -- The UVA researchers analyzed blood serum samples collected from infants who died from SIDS and were able to identify specific biological indicators that were linked to -- and potential causes of -- the babies' deaths. -- Tests to identify such signs in infants could ultimately help save lives, the researchers say. -- "Our study is the largest study to date that has attempted to detect how these small molecules in the blood may serve as biomarkers for SIDS," said researcher Keith L. Keene, PhD, founding director of UVA's Center for Health Equity and Precision Public Health and now at East Carolina University. -- "Our findings support a role for multiple key biological pathways and provide insight into how those biological processes may contribute to increased risk or serve to diagnose SIDS." -- Understanding SIDS -- The new research speaks to the potential of "metabolomics," the analysis of substances called metabolites produced by cells, for better understanding and treating complex diseases, the scientists say. -- In their SIDS work, the UVA researchers analyzed blood serum samples collected from 300 babies included in the Chicago Infant Mortality Study and the National Institutes of Health's NeuroBioBank. -- The researchers assessed levels of 828 different metabolites in key biological processes such as nerve cell communication, stress response and hormone regulation -- processes that could be contributors to SIDS.	H01 H02	2,288
2505-019	Nanotechnology Drug Delivery System Shows Long-Lasting Benefits In Lab Tests	A novel nanotechnology-based drug delivery system shows promise in preventing repeated surgeries for patients, demonstrating prolonged benefits in lab tests. The innovative method involves applying a nanoparticle-infused hydrogel paste to transplanted veins, effectively minimizing the risk of blockages. With encouraging early results, this approach could significantly improve patient care, particularly for those undergoing dialysis or heart procedures, by reducing the need for invasive interventions.	University of Virginia Health System	Bioactive Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists from DZNE, University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn provide new evidence that preventing brain inflammation is a promising approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Their findings, based on studies in cell culture, mice and tissue samples from patients, may contribute to the development of more effective therapies. They are published in the scientific journal Immunity. -- Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is associated with the deposition of proteins in the brain. -- The aggregation of these proteins, which are known as "amyloid-beta," give rise to a chain of events that ultimately harm neurons and lead to their loss. -- "Alzheimer's disease involves a complex interaction of different mechanisms. One of these is neuroinflammation. That's what we looked at in our studies. Specifically, we pharmacologically manipulated a molecular complex called the NLRP3 inflammasome. It is found in microglia, which are the immune cells of the brain," says Dr. Róisín McManus, a DZNE research group leader, investigator at UKB's Institute of Innate Immunity and also a member of the "ImmunoSensation2" Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn. -- Previously unknown pathways -- The "NLRP3 inflammasome" is like a control switch: In Alzheimer's disease, its activation triggers an inflammatory response that harms neurons. -- For this reason, researchers have been exploring ways to inactivate this molecular complex using drugs. -- The current results support this approach. "It is known that inhibiting NLRP3 not only reduces neuroinflammation, but also helps microglia clear the harmful amyloid-beta deposits, a process called phagocytosis. The novelty of our findings is that they provide a better understanding of the important role that NLRP3 plays in microglia and we also unravel the mechanism behind why its inhibition is so beneficial," says McManus. -- "In our studies we have identified previously unknown signaling pathways influenced by NLRP3. In particular, we found that NLRP3 regulates how microglia use nutrients and how these act on genes that have a major impact on the function of microglia. This is very relevant for their ability to carry out phagocytosis. These findings could help in the development of therapies for dementia. In any case, our research shows that NLRP3 is a promising target for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease." -- International endeavor	A01 H01 R01	2,289
2506-E041	Gut Bacteria Linked To Immune Therapy Failures In Ovarian Cancer Treatments	Research from the University of Virginia Cancer Center has discovered that gut bacteria may contribute to the failure of immune checkpoint therapy for ovarian cancer. These findings highlight the microbiome's critical role in treatment efficacy, suggesting that manipulating gut flora could enhance therapeutic outcomes for ovarian cancer and potentially other cancer types.	University of Virginia Health System	Cancer Immunology Research	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Virginia Cancer Center researchers have explained the failure of immune checkpoint therapy for ovarian cancer by discovering how gut bacteria interfere with the treatment. Doctors may be able to use the findings to overcome this treatment failure and save the lives of thousands of women every year. -- The new discovery, from the lab of UVA's Melanie Rutkowski, PhD, speaks to the surprising ways that the microbiome -- the collection of organisms that live on and inside our bodies -- is vital not only to maintain health but for the effectiveness of medical treatments. -- As a leading microbiome researcher, Rutkowski is excited about the potential of her field to improve care not just for ovarian cancer but for many other cancers. -- She has already shown, for example, how an unhealthy gut microbiome helps breast cancer spread. -- "As soon as we are born, the gut microbiome is critical for educating our immune system so that diseases are controlled and that we are not damaged in the process by an over exuberant immune response," she said. -- "We and others are discovering the far-reaching impact that microbiome/immune cell interactions have on almost every aspect of our being, from influencing metabolic health, organ health and even the relationship between the gut and the brain. This is why it is critically important to understand how the relationship between our microbiome and immune system changes during a disease like cancer, as this research could uncover novel therapies capable of helping the immune system kill cancer cells." -- Targeting Ovarian Cancer -- Ovarian cancer kills more than 10,000 American women every year, making it the deadliest gynecological malignancy in the United States. -- Despite improvements in the clinical management of the disease, survival has improved very little during the past several decades. -- Doctors treating patients with ovarian cancer had been excited about the potential of immune checkpoint therapy -- a form of immunotherapy that enhances the immune system's ability to destroy cancer -- only to find that the ovarian tumors were stubbornly resistant.	H01 R01 R02	2,290
2507-006	Blood Test Discovery Could Identify Women At Risk For Postpartum Depression	Research from the University of Virginia and Weill Cornell Medicine indicates that characteristic blood levels of neuroactive steroids may predict postpartum depression risk in expectant mothers. By identifying these biomarkers through a simple blood test, doctors could potentially intervene early, improving treatment outcomes for women at risk of developing postpartum depression.	University of Virginia Health System	University of Virginia Health System	Press Rel	PubMed	New postpartum depression research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine could lead to a blood test to identify women at risk and possibly even to a preventive treatment. -- The research suggests that pregnant women may have characteristic levels of certain molecules in their blood that can warn that they are at risk of developing postpartum depression (PPD). These molecules, called neuroactive steroids, are derived from progesterone, a hormone that plays critical roles in pregnancy and menstruation. -- Measuring those molecules via a simple blood test could let doctors get women treatment for PPD sooner -- possibly even before symptoms appear, the researchers say. -- "Studying postpartum depression gives us a way to identify biological changes that occur before someone becomes depressed because the timing of postpartum depression is predictable," said researcher Jennifer Payne, MD, an expert in reproductive psychiatry at UVA Health and the University of Virginia School of Medicine. -- Understanding Postpartum Depression -- Postpartum depression affects 10% to 15% of new moms. While many new mothers suffer mild, temporary "baby blues," PPD is a long-term condition that can leave moms with persistent sadness, stifling anxiety, a stubborn sense of hopelessness and the feeling that they can't bond with their baby. -- This can take a terrible toll on both mother and child -- a toll that can last for years. -- "Postpartum is the only time in people's lifespans when we know there is a biological trigger which guarantees that a certain percentage of people will become ill," said Weill Cornell's Lauren Osborne, MD, who co-led the study with Payne. -- "If we can untangle this biology and find predictors for it, not only will we be helping women, but it may give us a step up in trying to find predictors for other psychiatric illnesses also." -- It's unclear why some women develop postpartum depression, but the new findings suggest that an imbalance in the body's metabolism of progesterone may be a factor.	H01 H02	2,291
2509-068	School Absences Linked To Chronic GI Disorders In Children	New research from UVA Health suggests that children frequently missing school due to abdominal pain are likely suffering from chronic gut-brain axis disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, rather than diseases identifiable by medical tests. This finding highlights the need for better understanding and management of these functional gastrointestinal disorders, potentially reducing unnecessary medical testing and improving care for affected children.	University of Virginia Health System	Frontiers in Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Children who frequently miss school because of abdominal complaints are far more likely to be suffering from disorders of the gut-brain axis such as irritable bowel syndrome than diseases that can be detected with medical tests, new UVA Health Children's research has found. The discovery could improve care for children with these common GI disorders and might spare them from a barrage of unproductive tests. -- UVA's Stephen M. Borowitz, MD, and fourth-year medical student Seth M. Tersteeg looked at school absenteeism as reported by parents who brought their children to UVA Health Children's Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic. -- Children who had missed more than three days of school in the prior month were nearly five times more likely to be suffering from what are called "functional gastrointestinal disorders" -- conditions that range from irritable bowel to heightened digestive sensitivity -- than to be suffering an illness with a specific underlying cause that doctors could pinpoint with a lab test. -- Further, children who had been homebound for the entire month were nearly eight times more likely to be suffering from a functional GI disorder, the researchers found. -- "We suspect that one of the biggest reasons children with functional gastrointestinal disorders are more likely to miss lots of school is because of what is often a long delay in making a definitive diagnosis," said Borowitz, a pediatric gastroenterologist with UVA Health Children's Department of Pediatrics. -- "The longer the child goes without an explanation of why they are having symptoms and what can be done to lessen those symptoms, the more anxious, fearful and frustrated the child and the family become. In general, the quicker we can identify what is going on and begin treatment, the better the outcome." -- Gastrointestinal Problems in Children -- As every parent knows, stomach and digestive problems are common among school-age children. -- This can be from a short-term illness, such as a stomach virus, but in the vast majority of persistent cases, the cause is something else. -- These chronic cases of abdominal pain and constipation account for up to 38% of pediatrician visits, and 95% of those cases are not the result of a gastrointestinal disease and are due to a functional GI disorder.	H01 R02	2,292
2509-E011	Discovery Reveals Unknown Trigger For Herpes Virus Reactivation And Flare-Ups	University of Virginia researchers have discovered a new target for preventing herpes virus reactivation that may lead to treatments for cold sores and genital herpes. Their findings reveal how the herpes virus uses a protein to trigger immune responses, paradoxically aiding its reactivation and highlighting new strategies to combat the virus effectively.	University of Virginia Health System	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists have a new target to prevent cold sores after University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers discovered an unexpected way the herpes virus re-activates in the body. The finding could also have important implications for genital herpes caused by the same virus. -- The discovery from UVA's Anna Cliffe, PhD, and colleagues seems to defy common sense. She and her team found that the slumbering herpes virus will make a protein to trigger the body's immune response as part of its escape from dormancy. You'd think this would be bad for the virus -- that activating the body's antiviral defenses would be like poking a bear. But, instead, it's the opposite: The virus highjacks the antiviral process in infected neurons (nerve cells) to make the type of comeback nobody wants. -- "Our findings identify the first viral protein required for herpes simplex virus to wake up from dormancy, and, surprisingly, this protein does so by triggering responses that should act against the virus," said Cliffe of UVA's Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology. "This is important because it gives us new ways to potentially prevent the virus from waking up and activating immune responses in the nervous system that could have negative consequences in the long term." -- Understanding Herpes Simplex Virus-Associated Disease -- Cold sores are caused primarily by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), one of two forms of the herpes virus. HSV-1 is very contagious, and more than 60% of people under 50 have been infected worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates. That's more than 3.8 billion people. -- In addition to causing cold sores, herpes simplex virus 1 can also cause genital herpes, a condition most often associated with HSV-1's cousin, herpes simplex virus 2. Now, however, there are more new cases of genital herpes in the United States caused by HSV-1 than HSV-2. Notably, the UVA researchers found that herpes simplex virus 2 also makes this same protein and may use a similar mechanism to reactivate. So UVA's new discovery may also lead to new treatments for genital herpes. -- In addition to cold sores and gential herpes, HSV-1 can also cause viral encephalitis (brain infammation) and has been linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. -- Once HSV-1 makes its way into our bodies, it stays forever. Our immune systems can send it into hiding, allowing infected people to be symptom free. But stress, other infections and even sunburns are known to cause it to flare. UVA's new discovery adds another, surprising way it can spring back into action. -- The researchers found that while the virus can make a protein called UL12.5 to reactivate, the protein was not needed in the presence of another infection. The scientists believe this is because the infections trigger certain "sensing pathways" that act as the home security system for neurons. Detection of a pathogen alone may be sufficient to trigger the herpes virus to begin replicating, the scientists believe, even in instances of "abortive infections" -- when the immune system contains the new pathogen before it can replicate. -- "We were surprised to find that HSV-1 doesn't just passively wait for the right conditions to reactivate -- it actively senses danger and takes control of the process," researcher Patryk Krakowiak said. "Our findings suggest that the virus may be using immune signals as a way to detect cellular stress -- whether from neuron damage, infections or other threats -- as a cue to escape its host and find a new one."	H02 R01 R02	2,293
2512-008	AI Tool Speeds Up Discovery Of New Treatments For Diseases	Scientists at the University of Virginia have developed a pioneering AI tool designed to speed up the creation of new disease treatments. This tool, known as LogiRx, can identify effective drugs like escitalopram for preventing heart failure, showcasing its potential for revolutionizing drug development by exploring the cellular mechanisms of existing medications.	University of Virginia Health System	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Virginia School of Medicine scientists have created a computational tool to accelerate the development of new disease treatments. The tool goes beyond current artificial intelligence (AI) approaches by identifying not just which patient populations may benefit but also how the drugs work inside cells. -- The researchers have demonstrated the tool's potential by identifying a promising candidate to prevent heart failure, a leading cause of death in the United States and around the world. -- The new AI tool called LogiRx, can predict how drugs will affect biological processes in the body, helping scientists understand the effects the drugs will have other than their original purpose. -- For example, the researchers found that the antidepressant escitalopram, sold as Lexapro, may prevent harmful changes in the heart that lead to heart failure, a condition that causes almost half of all cardiovascular deaths in the United States. -- "AI needs to move from detecting patterns to generating understanding," said UVA's Jeffrey J. Saucerman. -- PhD. "Our LogiRx tool helps us identify not just which drugs can be repurposed for heart disease but how they work in the heart." -- Preventing Heart Failure -- Heart failure kills more than 400,000 Americans every year. One of its hallmarks is the overgrowth of cells that thicken the heart muscle and prevent the organ from pumping blood as it should. -- This is known as cardiac hypertrophy. -- Saucerman and his team, led by PhD student Taylor Eggertsen, wanted to see if LogiRx could identify drugs with the potential to prevent cardiac hypertrophy and, ultimately, head off heart failure.	H01 R01 T01	2,294
2513-023	Nearly 40% Of Diabetes Patients Stop Meds Within A Year, Experts Warn	UVA Health diabetes experts highlight a concerning trend where nearly 40% of type 2 diabetes patients discontinue their medication within a year. Their recent paper advocates for a broader range of treatment options, emphasizing the importance of patient collaboration in decision-making. By understanding patients’ preferences and lifestyle, doctors can create more sustainable treatment plans that encourage adherence and better blood sugar management.	University of Virginia Health System	Family Medicine and Community Health	Press Rel	PubMed	Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes imperil their health by stopping their medication within the first year, UVA Health diabetes experts note in a new paper highlighting a growing array of treatment options. -- The pragmatic new paper urges doctors to consider not just traditional diabetes medicines but emerging alternatives that patients may be more likely to stick with long-term. -- "Prescribing a medication or making lifestyle recommendations that a patient is not willing or able to follow for any reason is not likely to lead to improvements in diabetes outcomes," the authors note in the paper. -- "The best treatment is one that is easy to implement and sustainable for the patient." -- It is critical, the paper argues, for doctors to work collaboratively with patients, rather than simply telling them what to do. By making patients partners in the decision-making process -- and by listening carefully to their preferences and lifestyle needs -- doctors will increase the chances the patients will stick with their treatment plan and, ultimately, better control their blood sugar. -- And that will translate into long-term benefits for their health, says UVA diabetes expert Daniel J. Cox, PhD, one of the paper's authors and part of UVA's Center for Diabetes Technology. -- "Patients and significant others being personally engaged in whatever approach taken is critical," said Cox, who has developed an innovative lifestyle-intervention program that is among the options described in the paper. -- "Nothing works if it is not followed consistently, while most approaches will have some benefits if followed consistently for the duration of diabetes -- a lifetime." -- Options for Controlling Diabetes -- In addition to traditional diabetes-management drugs such as Metformin, doctors should consider providing appropriate patients with a continuous glucose monitor, which is a sensor taped to the skin that displays change in blood sugar on a smart phone, Cox and his collaborators suggest.	H01 R01	2,295
2501-T015	Hidden Patterns In Plasma Beams Could Enhance Space Mission Success	Research by Chen Cui at the University of Virginia has uncovered new insights into electric propulsion plasma beams, essential for optimizing spacecraft propulsion for future missions. By studying electron behavior within these beams, the findings aim to enhance the efficiency and viability of long-term space missions. This work contributes valuable knowledge to the field of aerospace engineering, with potential implications for future space exploration technologies.	University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science	Plasma Sources Science and Technology	Press Rel	PubMed	Go faster, farther, more efficiently. -- That's the goal driving spacecraft propulsion engineers like Chen Cui, a new assistant professor at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science. -- Cui is exploring ways to improve electric propulsion thrusters -- a key technology for future space missions. -- "In order to ensure the technology remains viable for long-term missions, we need to optimize EP integration with spacecraft systems," Cui said. -- Working with his former adviser, University of Southern California professor Joseph Wang, Cui published findings last month in Plasma Sources Science and Technology that provide fresh insights into electron kinetic behavior within plasma beams, perhaps revealing the "shape" of things to come. -- The Future of Space Exploration -- Cui, who joined the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the fall, focuses his research on understanding how electrons -- tiny, fast-moving charged particles -- behave in the plasma beams emitted by EP thrusters. -- "These particles may be small, but their movement and energy play an important role in determining the macroscopic dynamics of the plume emitted from the electric propulsion thruster," he said. -- By studying these microscopic interactions, Cui aims to better understand how the plume of plasma emitted interacts with the spacecraft itself. -- Electric propulsion works by ionizing a neutral gas, usually xenon, and then using electric fields to accelerate the resulting ions.	Z01	2,296
2505-E068	Baleen Whales Keep Safe By Singing At Frequencies Undetectable To Killer Whales	A recent study from the University of Washington has found that certain baleen whale species produce calls at frequencies too low for killer whales to detect. This adaptation allows these whales to evade predation, as they flee from attacks. Understanding these acoustic strategies provides valuable insights into the survival mechanisms of baleen whales and their interactions with one of their few natural predators.	University of Washington	Marine Mammal Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists transformed energy-storing white fat cells into calorie-burning 'beige' fat. Once implanted, they outcompeted tumors for resources, beating back five different types of cancer in lab experiments. -- Liposuction and plastic surgery aren't often mentioned in the same breath as cancer. -- But they are the inspiration for a new approach to treating cancer that uses engineered fat cells to deprive tumors of nutrition. -- Researchers at UC San Francisco used the gene editing technology CRISPR to turn ordinary white fat cells into "beige" fat cells, which voraciously consume calories to make heat. -- Then, they implanted them near tumors the way plastic surgeons inject fat from one part of the body to plump up another. The fat cells scarfed up all the nutrients, starving most of the tumor cells to death. The approach even worked when the fat cells were implanted in mice far from the sites of their tumors. -- Relying on common procedures could hasten the approach's arrival as a new form of cellular therapy. -- "We already routinely remove fat cells with liposuction and put them back via plastic surgery," said Nadav Ahituv, PhD, director of the UCSF Institute for Human Genetics and professor in the Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences. He is the senior author of the paper, which appears Feb. 4 in Nature Biotechnology. -- "These fat cells can be easily manipulated in the lab and safely placed back into the body, making them an attractive platform for cellular therapy, including for cancer." -- Beige fat cells outcompete cancer cells for nutrients -- Ahituv and his post-doc at the time, Hai Nguyen, PhD, were aware of studies that showed exposure to cold could suppress cancer in mice.	H01 C01	2,297
2505-E078	Whale Excrement May Have Fertilized Ancient Oceans With Essential Nutrients	New research led by oceanographers from the University of Washington proposes that whale excrement plays a crucial role in ocean ecosystems, providing vital nutrients like iron and non-toxic copper. Despite being massive predators, whales also contribute as fertilizer, influencing marine life. This study reveals that the decline of whale populations may have adversely affected krill and other species, highlighting the complex interdependencies in marine environments.	University of Washington	Communications Earth & Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	It's a little pill with big responsibilities. But despite its primary role to prevent pregnancy, the contraceptive pill (or 'the Pill') could also help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, according to new research from the University of South Australia. -- Screening for risk factors of ovarian cancer using artificial intelligence, UniSA researchers found that the oral contraceptive pill reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 26% among women who had ever used the Pill, and by 43% for women who had used the Pill after the age of 45. -- The study also identified some biomarkers associated with ovarian cancer risk, including several characteristics of red blood cells and certain liver enzymes in the blood, with lower body weight and shorter stature associating with a lower risk of ovarian cancer. -- Researchers also found that women who had given birth to two or more children had a 39% reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who had not had children. -- Ahead of World Cancer Day on 4 February, the findings have potential to support early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. -- In Australia, ovarian cancer is the tenth most common cancer in women and the sixth most common cause of death from cancer in women. -- In 2023, 1786 females were diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia; the same year, 1050 females died of the disease. -- UniSA researcher Dr Amanda Lumsden says understanding risks and preventative factors for ovarian cancer is key for improved treatment and outcomes. -- "Ovarian cancer is notoriously diagnosed at a late stage, with about 70% of cases only identified when they are significantly advanced," Dr Lumsden says. -- "Late detection contributes to a survival rate of less than 30% over five years, in comparison to more than 90% for ovarian cancers that are caught early. That's why it's so important to identify risk factors.	H01 C01	2,298
2507-071	Coffee Grounds And Mushroom Spores 3D-Printed Into Compostable Plastic Alternatives	Researchers at the University of Washington have developed an innovative method to transform used coffee grounds into a versatile paste for 3D printing applications. Inoculated with Reishi mushroom spores, the paste forms a compostable alternative to plastics, addressing waste and sustainability challenges while enabling the creation of unique, environmentally friendly products.	University of Washington	University of Washington	Press Rel	PubMed	Only 30% of a coffee bean is soluble in water, and many brewing methods aim to extract significantly less than that. So of the 1.6 billion pounds of coffee Americans consume in a year, more than 1.1 billion pounds of grounds are knocked from filters into compost bins and garbage cans. -- While watching the grounds from her own espresso machine accumulate, Danli Luo, a University of Washington doctoral student in human centered design and engineering, saw an opportunity. Coffee is nutrient-rich and sterilized during brewing, so it's ideal for growing fungus, which, before it sprouts into mushrooms, forms a "mycelial skin." This skin, a sort of white root system, can bind loose substances together and create a tough, water-resistant, lightweight material. -- Luo and a UW team developed a new system for turning those coffee grounds into a paste, which they use to 3D print objects: packing materials, pieces of a vase, a small statue. They inoculate the paste with Reishi mushroom spores, which grow on the objects to form that mycelial skin. The skin turns the coffee grounds -- even when formed into complex shapes -- into a resilient, fully compostable alternative to plastics. For intricate designs, the mycelium fuses separately printed pieces together to form a single object. -- The team published its findings Jan. 23 in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing. -- "We're especially interested in creating systems for people like small businesses owners producing small-batch products -- for example, small, delicate glassware that needs resilient packaging to ship," said lead author Luo. "So we've been working on new material recipes that can replace things like Styrofoam with something more sustainable and that can be easily customized for small-scale production." -- To create the "Mycofluid" paste, Luo mixed used coffee grounds with brown rice flour, Reishi mushroom spores, xanthan gum (a common food binder found in ice creams and salad dressings) and water. Luo also built a new 3D printer head for the Jubilee 3D printer that the UW's Machine Agency lab designed. The new printer system can hold up to a liter of the paste. -- The team printed various objects with the Mycofluid: packaging for a small glass, three pieces of a vase, two halves of a Moai statue and a two-piece coffin the size of a butterfly. The objects then sat covered in a plastic tub for 10 days, during which the mycelium formed a sort of shell around the Mycofluid. In the case of the statue and vase, the separate pieces also fused together. -- The process is the same as that of homegrown mushroom kits: Keep the mycelium moist as it grows from a nutrient rich material. If the pieces stayed in the tub longer, actual mushrooms would sprout from the objects, but instead they're removed after the white mycelial skin has formed. Researchers then dried the pieces for 24 hours, which halts the fruiting of the mushrooms. -- The finished material is heavier than Styrofoam -- closer to the density of cardboard or charcoal. After an hour in contact with water, it absorbed only 7% more weight in water and dried to close its initial weight while keeping its shape. It was as strong and tough as polystyrene and expanded polystyrene foam, the substance used to make Styrofoam. -- Though the team didn't specifically test the material's compostability, all its components are compostable (and, in fact, edible, though less than appetizing).	A01 H01 T01	2,299
2508-c011	Research Uncovers Reasons Behind Rare Blue Whale Calf Sightings	Despite only two recorded blue whale births in history, new research suggests these rare events may remain undetected due to the specific conditions surrounding where and when calves are born. A University of Washington study indicates that the elusive nature of blue whale births, combined with where calves spend their initial months, contributes to their rarity. Understanding these patterns is vital for the conservation of this extraordinary species.	University of Washington	Endangered Species Research	Press Rel	PubMed	Only two blue whale births have ever been recorded in human history, both decades ago. This remains an extraordinary mystery given there used to be hundreds of thousands of blue whales before whaling started -- even today blue whales number around 10,000 to 25,000 -- and they give birth every two to three years. -- Not only are births very stealthy, but calves are also only rarely sighted -- far less than would be expected from their pregnancy rates. -- Calves closely follow their moms and are sighted as mother-calf pairs, but why are so few detected? -- A new University of Washington study, published Feb. 20 in Endangered Species Research, proposes why. -- Its explanation hints at when and where the unseen births are happening and where blue whale calves spend their earliest months. -- The findings offer some hope for the health of the population. -- Trevor Branch, a UW professor of aquatic and fishery sciences who studies blue whales, set out to unravel this mystery by looking at a range of hypotheses. -- He proposes that one in particular is the best explanation: It's mostly because researchers prefer summertime research on feeding congregations of blue whales, but calves are born in fall and winter, and are weaned before they return to feeding areas. -- In summer, blue whales migrate to feed in colder regions where krill is plentiful: for example, off California. -- In winter, when ready to give birth, they return to warmer regions like the Gulf of California and the eastern tropical Pacific.	A01 N01	2,300
2513-E012	Quina Technology Discovery Challenges Traditional Views On Paleolithic Human Development	A study from the University of Washington uncovers a significant technological discovery in East Asia, challenging perceptions of the Middle Paleolithic period as static. Researchers found a complete Quina tool-making system at the Longtan site, dating back 50,000 to 60,000 years. This discovery alters the understanding of technology development in that region, suggesting a more dynamic historical narrative than previously thought.	University of Washington	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	While the Middle Paleolithic period is viewed as a dynamic time in European and African history, it is commonly considered a static period in East Asia. New research from the University of Washington challenges that perception. -- Researchers discovered a complete Quina technological system -- a method for making a set of tools -- in the Longtan site in southwest China, which has been dated to about 50,000 to 60,000 years ago. -- Quina technology was found in Europe decades ago but has never before been found in East Asia. -- The team published its findings March 31 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "This is a big upset to the way we think about that part of the world in that period of time," said Ben Marwick, co-author and UW professor of archaeology. -- "It really raises the question of, what else were people doing during this period that we haven't found yet? How is this going to change how we think about people and human evolution in this area?" -- The Middle Paleolithic, or Middle Stone Age, occurred about 300,000 to 40,000 years ago and is considered a crucial time in human evolution. -- The period is associated with the origin and evolution of modern humans in Africa. -- In Eurasia, it's linked to the development of several archaic human groups such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. -- However, there is a widely held belief that development in China was sluggish during most of the Paleolithic.	Z01	2,301
2502-054	Innovative Proteins Could Revolutionize Snake Antivenoms For Better Accessibility And Safety	Scientists have designed new, nature-unfound proteins aimed at neutralizing snake venom components, presenting a potential breakthrough for safer and more affordable antivenoms. By leveraging deep learning and computational methods, researchers aim to enhance the availability of effective treatments for the millions affected by snakebites annually, highlighting a significant public health advancement.	University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	New proteins not found in nature have now been designed to counteract certain highly poisonous components of snake venom. The deep learning, computational methods for developing these toxin-neutralizing proteins offer hope for creating safer, more cost-effective and more readily available therapeutics than those currently in use. -- Each year more than 2 million people suffer snakebites. More than 100,000 of them die, according to the World Health Organization, and 300,000 suffer severe complications and lasting disability from limb deformity, amputation or other aftereffects. -- Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Latin America are among the places where poisonous snakebites pose the greatest public health concern. -- The computational biology effort to discover better antivenom therapeutics, led by scientists at the UW Medicine Institute for Protein Design and the Technical University of Denmark, is reported today, Jan. -- 15, in Nature. -- The lead author of the paper is Susana Vazquez Torres of the Department of Biochemistry at the UW School of Medicine and the UW Graduate Program in Biological Physics. -- Her hometown is Querétaro, Mexico, which is located near viper and rattlesnake habitats. -- Her professional goal is to invent new drugs for neglected diseases and injuries, including snakebites. -- Her research team, which also included international experts in snakebite research, drugs and diagnostics, and tropical medicine from the United Kingdom and Denmark, concentrated their attention on finding ways to neutralize venom gathered from certain elapids. -- Elapids are a large group of poisonous snakes, among them cobras and mambas, that live in the tropics and subtropics.	A01 H01 R01 R02	2,302
2506-056	New Blood Test Promises Accurate Preeclampsia Predictions For Expecting Mothers	A groundbreaking blood test has shown 80% accuracy in predicting preterm preeclampsia, a condition that poses significant risks to both mothers and infants. Researchers used cell-free DNA from the placenta to develop this test, which could revolutionize how doctors identify at-risk patients. Current risk assessments often overlook many cases, making this new method a vital advance in prenatal care.	University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A new blood test has an 80% accuracy in predicting preterm preeclampsia, according to a study published today, Feb. 12, in the journal Nature Medicine. -- The condition, which results in over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths each year worldwide, has long been hard to predict. This makes proactive treatment challenging, according to one of the study's lead authors. -- "The placenta is not something we can biopsy during pregnancy, but we believe it is integral to developing preeclampsia," said Dr. Swati Shree, a UW Medicine OB-GYN and co-corresponding author of the paper. "Doctors do look at clinical risk factors, which can work reasonably well, but it still misses a fair amount of people." -- Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure (hypertension) or organ dysfunction. It typically occurs in the third trimester. The condition's exact cause is unknown, but doctors suspect it is related to an abnormal interaction between the placenta and the mother's blood vessels.  -- Traditionally, doctors tried to discern a pregnant woman's risk based on her patient history. Risk factors  for preeclampsia include first pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, history of hypertension or chronic kidney disease or both. Sometimes, however, preeclampsia develops in the absence of any of these pre-existing conditions. -- Researchers have known for at least two decades that the placenta sheds DNA into maternal blood. Labs have been able to extract cell-free DNA, sequence it and use the sample to screen for fetal abnormalities such as Down syndrome. -- Earlier, this testing was shipped to outside labs for processing, but in 2017, UW Medicine started doing these tests in house, one of the first healthcare systems to do so, Shree added. -- UW Medicine and Fred Hutch Cancer Center teams collaborated in developing the idea to use cell-free DNA sequence data to screen for pre-eclampsia, Shree said. -- Over the past two years, the investigators, led by Shree and co-corresponding author Gavin Ha, a computational biologist at Fred Hutch, used this data, which functions as a liquid biopsy, from the first trimester of pregnancy for over 1,000 pregnant individuals to develop and then validate their test. -- "The innovation in this tool reinforces how important it is. Liquid biopsy tests were pioneered in pregnancy health research and is now an emerging research area in oncology," said Ha. "There are similarities in the genes we're looking at in both areas of research, which makes this study a collaboration which bridges both fields."	H01 R01	2,303
2507-134	Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy Linked To Increased ADHD Risk In Children	A recent study published in Nature Mental Health indicates that fetal exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This finding raises concerns about the drug's safety during pregnancy, as many expectant mothers rely on acetaminophen for pain relief, prompting a reevaluation of prescription practices.	University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine	University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Fetal acetaminophen exposure increases the likelihood that a child will develop attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study published Feb. 6 in Nature Mental Health. -- Prior research shows that upward of 70% of pregnant women use acetaminophen during pregnancy to control pain or reduce fever. -- The drug, which is the active ingredient of many pain-relief medications, is one of the few considered safe to take during pregnancy by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. -- The new findings suggest, however, that doctors should reconsider prescribing medications with acetaminophen to mothers during pregnancy, the researchers said. -- "Most of the prior studies asked women to self-report whether they had taken Tylenol or anything that contained acetaminophen," said lead author Brennan Baker, a researcher at Seattle Children's Research Institute. -- Baker also works in the lab of Dr. Sheela Sathyanarayana, a UW Medicine pediatrician. -- "This medication was also approved decades ago, and may need reevaluation by the FDA," said Sathyanarayana, the paper's senior author. -- "Acetaminophen was never evaluated for fetal exposures in relations to long-term neurodevelopmental impacts." -- Acetaminophen is widely used during pregnancy, with 41-70% of pregnant individuals in the United States, Europe and Asia reporting use. -- Despite acetaminophen's classification as low risk by regulatory agencies such as the FDA, accumulating evidence suggests a potential link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including ADHD and ADHD autism spectrum disorder, the researchers noted.	H01	2,304
2510-028	Prostate Cancer Trends Show Growing Cases But Hope Remains For Patients	Prostate cancer statistics reveal alarming figures, with a projected 34,250 deaths in the U.S. in 2024 and over 1.4 million new cases globally. However, oncologist Dr. Bruce Montgomery emphasizes that a diagnosis isn't synonymous with a death sentence, encouraging open discussions between patients and healthcare providers to address concerns and explore treatment options.	University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine	JAMA	Press Rel	PubMed	Prostate cancer statistics can look scary: 34,250 U.S. deaths in 2024. 1.4 million new cases worldwide in 2022. -- Dr. Bruce Montgomery, a UW Medicine oncologist, hopes that patients won't see these numbers and just throw up their hands in fear or resignation. -- "Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is not a death knell," said Montgomery, senior author of a literature and trial review that appeared in JAMA today. -- Montgomery is the clinical director of Genitourinary Oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and University of Washington Medical Center, and a professor of medicine and urology at the UW School of Medicine. -- He encourages patients to ask their primary-care doctor specific questions about this cancer too. -- Montgomery also encourages his fellow doctors to bring up the question of prostate cancer screening with their patients. -- "Knowing whether there is prostate cancer and how risky it is can be the first step. Not every cancer needs to be treated," he said. -- "Sometimes it's safe to just watch and use active surveillance." -- A 2024 study coauthored by UW Medicine urologist Dr. Daniel Lin showed that active surveillance can be extremely safe: 0.1% of men who opted for surveillance died of prostate cancer after 10 years. -- "We need to realize that prostate cancer is not one disease," Montgomery said.	A01 R01	2,305
2503-016	Diverse Teams Spark Creativity: Unique Ideas Versus Practical Solutions	A groundbreaking study using neuroimaging reveals that while teams with diverse skill sets generate unique ideas, they often struggle with practicality. This challenges the notion that diversity automatically enhances creativity, prompting businesses to reconsider team composition strategies for effective problem-solving.	University of Waterloo	Management Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Contrary to the widespread belief that teams with diverse expertise are automatically more creative, a new study by a joint team of researchers from the University of Waterloo, Xiamen University and Texas Tech University reveals this isn't always the case. -- The study, the first of its kind in the accounting field to explore team creativity with neuroimaging, shows that while teams with differing skill sets and perspectives bring fresh, unique ideas to the table, they often struggle to create practical, workable solutions -- raising important questions for managers and businesses worldwide. -- In an experiment, teams made up of members with different areas of expertise -- engineers and accountants -- were tasked with coming up with creative uses for an unused university space. -- The study found that teams with a mix of skills generated more unique proposals, but their ideas were often less useful compared to teams where everyone shared the same expertise. -- "Our study challenges the trendy belief that teams with diverse expertise always boost creativity," said Adam Presslee, a professor from the School of Accounting and Finance at Waterloo. -- "While teams with differing skill sets and perspectives tend to come up with more original ideas, they also face friction when trying to turn those ideas into practical, implementable solutions." -- The study, a collaboration between Drs. Presslee, Yasheng Chen and Sue Yang used cutting-edge brain-scanning technology, known as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to measure how participants' brains responded during team collaboration. -- This powerful tool allowed researchers to peek inside the "black box" of the brain to understand why teams with differing skill sets and perspectives have mixed effects on creativity. -- The experiment was comprised of 40 two-person teams who were each fitted with an fNIRS brain scanning cap to see how synchronized the team members' brain activities were. -- They found that when team members' brains were more synchronized in certain areas, it influenced their ideas' uniqueness or usefulness.	A01 R02 T01	2,306
2506-E033	Comprehensive Dataset On Antarctica's Subglacial Water Flow Improves Sea Level Predictions	Researchers have created the first comprehensive dataset of subglacial water flow beneath the Antarctic Ice Sheet, aiding projections of sea level rise. Modeling Antarctica's subglacial environment has revealed numerous lakes and extensive water channels under major glaciers. This dataset is crucial for understanding the dynamics of ice melt and predicting future changes in sea level, contributing to climate change research and awareness.	University of Waterloo	Geophysical Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have generated the first dataset of water flow beneath the entire Antarctic Ice Sheet, which will lead to more accurate projections of sea level rise. -- The team from the University of Waterloo modeled Antarctica's subglacial environment. -- The dataset represents the researchers' best approximation of what the water flow underneath the ice sheet might currently look like. -- The results include numerous subglacial lakes developing below ice streams in both East and West Antarctica, and an extensive network of subglacial water channels that discharge large fluxes of water under many major glaciers. -- The model calculates how fast subglacial water is flowing and where it accumulates below the ice. -- It will significantly enhance the scientific community's ability to accurately predict sea level rise from climate change. -- "Sea level rise will have negative consequences for us all," said Dr. Shivani Ehrenfeucht, post-doctoral fellow in the Faculty of Environment. -- "It is important for projections of sea level rise to be as accurate as possible so that policy makers and stakeholders can plan and adapt while we as a society strive to reach zero emissions as quickly as possible." -- Before this continent-wide representation of the Antarctic subglacial environment, scientists had to estimate the water's impact, but often this important factor would not be part of projections. -- "The water layer between the ice sheet and the bedrock is either entirely ignored in projections of sea level rise or modelers have to make an approximation as to what this layer should look like," said Dr. Christine Dow, professor in the Faculty of Environment and Canada Research Chair in Glacial Hydrology and Ice Dynamics.	A01 C01	2,307
2504-013	New Biomarkers Could Revolutionize Understanding And Management Of Chronic Pain	Groundbreaking research has revealed two biomarkers that could revolutionize the understanding and management of chronic pain. By analyzing brain activity patterns, researchers discovered a reliable method to distinguish between high- and low-pain sensitive individuals, enhancing treatment approaches. The implications of these findings could lead to more personalized care for the 1.7 billion people globally suffering from chronic pain conditions, addressing a significant healthcare challenge.	University of Western Ontario	JAMA Neurology	Press Rel	PubMed	In an international effort, researchers at Western University, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) and Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) uncovered how specific patterns in brain activity can predict an individual's sensitivity to pain, expanding opportunities for improved pain management strategies. -- The new study was published Jan. 27 in JAMA Neurology. It found the combination of two biomarkers in the brain -- corticomotor excitability (CME), excitability in the region of the brain that controls movement, and peak alpha frequency (PAF), a neural marker associated with cognitive performance -- can accurately and reliably distinguish high- and low-pain sensitive individuals during prolonged pain. -- "The burden of chronic pain is massive. Having objective biomarkers would greatly assist with decision making in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of chronic pain," said senior author and Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry professor David Seminowicz, who started this study while he was a professor at UMSOD. -- For people who suffer from prolonged or chronic pain, this means they could be more effectively treated according to their level of pain sensitivity. -- According to recent data from the Global Burden of Disease study, approximately 1.7 billion people around the world live with musculoskeletal conditions, typically characterized by persistent pain, including pain in muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. -- Living with prolonged pain can be debilitating and affect a person's ability to work or socialize. -- Currently, there is a lack of effective treatments for chronic pain and a gap in understanding the transition from acute to chronic pain. -- "For the first time we have something that looks like it could predict pain outcome for people," said Siobhan Schabrun, co-author and professor at Western's School of Physical Therapy. -- The researchers looked specifically at jaw pain typically attributed to problems with the joint or muscles in the jaw, also known as temporomandibular disorders. -- The study involved 150 participants in Australia, aged 18 to 44. PAF, the brain biomarker associated with cognitive performance, was measured using electroencephalography (EEG) recording, which records electrical activity in the brain using electrodes.	H01 R02	2,308
2501-E032	New Findings Challenge Timeline Of Dinosaur Existence In Northern Hemisphere.	Newly discovered dinosaur fossils challenge existing narratives about the timing and location of early dinosaur evolution. Findings from a team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison indicate that dinosaurs, including the newly identified species Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, were present in the northern hemisphere significantly earlier than previously believed.	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society	Press Rel	PubMed	How and when did dinosaurs first emerge and spread across the planet more than 200 million years ago? That question has for decades been a source of debate among paleontologists faced with fragmented fossil records. The mainstream view has held that the reptiles emerged on the southern portion of the ancient supercontinent Pangea called Gondwana millions of years before spreading to the northern half named Laurasia. -- But now, a newly described dinosaur whose fossils were uncovered by University of Wisconsin-Madison paleontologists is challenging that narrative, with evidence that the reptiles were present in the northern hemisphere millions of years earlier than previously known. -- The UW-Madison team has been analyzing the fossil remains since they were first discovered in 2013 in present-day Wyoming, an area that was near the equator on Laurasia. The creature, named Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, is now the oldest known Laurasian dinosaur, and with fossils estimated to be around 230 million years old, it's comparable in age to the earliest known Gondwanan dinosaurs. -- UW-Madison scientists and their research partners detail their discovery Jan. 8, 2025, in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. -- "We have, with these fossils, the oldest equatorial dinosaur in the world -- it's also North America's oldest dinosaur," says Dave Lovelace, a research scientist at the University of Wisconsin Geology Museum who co-led the work with graduate student Aaron Kufner. -- Discovered in a layer of rock known as the Popo Agie Formation, it took years of careful work by Lovelace and his colleagues to analyze the fossils, establish them as a new dinosaur species and determine their estimated age. -- While the team doesn't have a complete specimen -- that's an exceedingly rare occurrence for early dinosaurs -- they did find enough fossils, particularly parts of the species' legs, to positively identify Ahvaytum bahndooiveche as a dinosaur, and likely as a very early sauropod relative. Sauropods were a group of herbivorous dinosaurs that included some famously gigantic species like those in the aptly named group of titanosaurs. The distantly related Ahvaytum bahndooiveche lived millions of years earlier and was smaller -- much smaller. -- "It was basically the size of a chicken but with a really long tail," says Lovelace. "We think of dinosaurs as these giant behemoths, but they didn't start out that way." -- Indeed, the type specimen of Ahvaytum bahndooiveche, which was full-grown but could have been slightly bigger at its maximum age, stood a little over one foot tall and was around three feet long from head to tail. Although scientists haven't found its skull material, which could help illuminate what it ate, other closely related early sauropod-line dinosaurs were eating meat and would likely have been omnivorous. -- The researchers found the few known bones of Ahvaytum in a layer of rock just a little bit above those of a newly described amphibian that they also discovered. The evidence suggests that Ahvaytum bahndooiveche lived in Laurasia during or soon after a period of immense climatic change known as the Carnian pluvial episode that has previously been connected to an early period of diversification of dinosaur species.	Z01	2,309
2501-E044	What Drives The Diverse Sounds Of Birds? A Global Study Explores.	A global study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has analyzed over 100,000 audio recordings to identify factors influencing bird sounds. The research reveals significant correlations between environmental conditions, geographic locations, body size, and beak shape, enhancing our understanding of avian communication and diversity.	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Birds make sounds to communicate, whether to find a potential mate, ward off predators, or just sing for pleasure. -- But the conditions that contribute to the immense diversity of the sounds they make are not well understood. -- Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have conducted the first-ever global study of the factors that influence bird sounds, using more than 100,000 audio recordings from around the world. -- The new study, recently published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, revealed insightful patterns for why birds make certain noises and at what frequency. -- Hypotheses about the role of habitat, geography, body size and beak shape in forming bird sounds have been tested on small scales before. -- But H.S. Sathya Chandra Sagar, a UW-Madison doctoral student who works with Professor Zuzana Buřivalová in the Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, wanted to see if they held up on a global scale. -- Sagar analyzed audio recordings of bird sounds taken by people around the world and submitted to a bird-watching repository called xeno-canto. -- The analyzed recordings represented 77% of known bird species. -- The study's major takeaways included: -- Bird species' habitat influences the frequency of the sound they may make, in unexpected ways. For example, in ecosystems with a lot of rushing water there is a constant level of white noise occurring at a lower frequency. In such cases, researchers found that birds tend to make sounds of higher frequency, likely so they wouldn't be drowned out by the water.	N01 N02	2,310
2503-076	Mineral-Coated Microparticles Deliver mRNA To Support Cartilage Formation For Osteoarthritis Treatment	Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison are pioneering a new therapeutic technique for osteoarthritis that utilizes mRNA-activated blood clots. This innovative approach aims to support cartilage formation and could provide a more effective treatment alternative to existing therapies, significantly impacting individuals suffering from this common form of arthritis.	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Bioactive Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a promising technique for treating osteoarthritis using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA. -- Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting roughly 33 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. -- It occurs when cartilage in key joints like the knees and hips deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness and impeding mobility. -- In a paper in the journal Bioactive Materials published online in December 2024, the UW-Madison research team led by William Murphy, a professor of biomedical engineering and orthopedics and rehabilitation, details its new approach. -- With further development, it could one day offer a more effective option than treatments such as steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections or even joint replacement surgeries. -- "The best-case scenario is that this could be an injectable or implantable treatment for patients who have advanced osteoarthritis," says Murphy. -- "This would be an alternative to the existing methods for treatment, which generally don't show a high level of long-term success." -- Following the lead of his lab's previous work on mRNA-based vaccines, therapies for spinal cord injuries and more, the method relies upon mineral-coated microparticles to deliver mRNA that encodes for production of a protein that supports cartilage formation. -- First, the team takes bone marrow aspirate (liquid bone marrow) and peripheral blood samples from a patient, mixes in the microparticles, and then forms the mixture into a blood clot. -- Then the mRNA-activated clot gets delivered to the site of the damage.	R01 N02	2,311
2512-048	Arthritis Drug May Provide Hope for Lasting Seizure Relief in Epilepsy	Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have found that tofacitinib, an arthritis medication, can effectively halt seizure activity and restore memory in mice with epilepsy. This drug may offer a groundbreaking treatment option that provides lasting relief from seizures, presenting a new therapeutic direction for managing epilepsy and improving patients' quality of life.	University of Wisconsin-Madison	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A drug typically prescribed for arthritis halts brain-damaging seizures in mice that have a condition like epilepsy, according to researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. -- The drug, called tofacitinib, also restores short-term and working memory lost to epilepsy in the mice and reduces inflammation in the brain caused by the disease. -- If the drug proves viable for human patients, it would be the first to provide lasting relief from seizures even after they stopped taking it. -- "It ticks all the boxes of everything we've been looking for," says Avtar Roopra, a neuroscience professor in the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and senior author of the study, which was published last week in the journal Science Translational Medicine. -- Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases, afflicting more than 50 million people around the world. -- While there are many known causes, the disease often appears after an injury to the brain, like a physical impact or a stroke. -- Some days, months or even years after the injury, the brain loses the ability to calm its own activity. -- Normally balanced electrical activity through the brain goes haywire. -- "The system revs up until all the neurons are firing all the time, synchronously," says Roopra. -- "That's a seizure that can cause massive cell death."	A01 H02 R02 C01	2,312
2502-017	Super-Resolution Microscopy Reveals How Therapeutic Antibodies Attack Cancer Cells In 3D	Researchers have utilized an innovative super-resolution microscopy technique to visualize how therapeutic antibodies interact with and destroy B cells in cancer treatment. This molecular-level insight could lead to improved immunotherapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of antibody-based therapies against various cancers.	University of Würzburg	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	In blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, B cells of the immune system multiply uncontrollably. One form of therapy involves labelling the CD20 protein on the surface of the B cells with customised antibodies. This triggers a chain of immunological reactions and ultimately leads to the destruction of the cancer cells. -- Such immunotherapeutic antibodies have been used against tumour diseases for 30 years. -- 'Although it is crucial for the success of the therapy, we still know very few details about how the antibodies bind to CD20 and how the subsequent reactions take place,' says Professor Markus Sauer from the Biocentre of Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany. -- Tracking Down the Effectiveness of the Antibodies -- This is now likely to change: A team led by the JMU biophysicist has developed a new super-resolution microscopic method. -- It makes it possible for the first time to investigate the interactions of therapeutic antibodies with target molecules on tumour cells in 3D with molecular resolution. -- 'We can now observe how effectively the antibodies work and thus contribute to the development of improved therapies,' says Markus Sauer. -- The new microscopic method is termed LLS-TDI-DNA-PAINT. In the scientific journal Science, first author Dr Arindam Ghosh and a team from Markus Sauer's chair describe how the newly developed technology works and what findings have already been obtained with it. Dr Thomas Nerreter and Professor Martin Kortüm from the Medical Clinic II at Würzburg University Hospital were also involved in the study. -- B Cells Take on the Shape of a Hedgehog -- The Würzburg researchers carried out their studies on fixed and living Raji B cells using the new microscopy method.	H01 R01 R02	2,313
2502-E031	3D Structure Of RNA Enzyme SAMURI Revealed: Insights Into Ribozymes And Evolution	A research team led by Claudia Höbartner has uncovered the three-dimensional structure of the RNA enzyme SAMURI, shedding light on the evolution of ribozymes. This study enhances our understanding of RNA's role in cellular processes, including gene regulation and catalysis, revealing the complexities of how RNA molecules contribute to vital biochemical reactions within living organisms.	University of Würzburg	Nature Chemical Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers led by chemist Claudia Höbartner have now uncovered the 3D structure of the RNA enzyme SAMURI. Their study provides insights into the development of ribozymes and the evolution of catalytically active RNA. -- RNA molecules are an integral part of the human body: In cells, they ensure the transfer of genetic information and regulate the activity of genes. -- Some even act as catalysts, allowing chemical reactions to take place that would otherwise take place very slowly or not at all. -- Enzymes made of RNA are called "ribozymes." -- A group of researchers led by Professor Claudia Höbartner at the University of Würburg (JMU) has now uncovered the three-dimensional structure of a very special ribozyme: SAMURI. -- This is an RNA molecule generated in the lab that the team first presented in 2023. -- The researchers from the Institute of Organic Chemistry were able to determine the 3D structure of SAMURI using X-ray crystallography and in collaboration with Professor Hermann Schindelin from the Rudolf Virchow Centre in Würzburg. -- Small Changes with a Big Impact -- What makes SAMURI so interesting for the researchers is its very special ability: the ribozyme can chemically modify other RNA molecules at a specific site and thus influence their function -- for example, activate them or render them recognisable by proteins. -- Such modifications have some very important tasks in nature and ensure that RNAs can carry out their function properly.	C01 T01	2,314
2502-T038	Chemists Control Ion Flow In Nanographene, Paving The Way For Advanced Filtering Applications	Chemists have made significant strides in graphene research by successfully controlling ion passage through a two-layer nanographene system with intentional defects. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for applications in water filtration and sensor technology. The study emphasizes the importance of manipulating graphene's unique properties to enhance its functionality in various fields, paving the way for innovative solutions in nanotechnology.	University of Würzburg	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Graphene is an extremely thin, flexible and resistant material made of pure carbon. It forms layers that consist of virtually a single layer of carbon atoms. To make graphene as thick as a human hair, thousands of such layers would have to be stacked on top of each other. -- Many researchers are working intensively on graphene. There is a good reason for this, as the special properties of the material promise new applications, for example in electronics or energy technology. -- Making Graphene Permeable to Other Molecules -- It is particularly interesting for scientists to be able to control the permeability of graphene for different substances: 'So-called defects can be created in the carbon lattice of graphene. -- These can be thought of as small holes that make the lattice permeable to gases,' says chemistry professor Frank Würthner from Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany. -- Permeability to other substances, such as ions like fluoride, chloride or bromide, has not yet been observed. -- 'However, this would be of fundamental scientific interest for applications such as the desalination of water, the detection or purification of mixtures of substances,' explains the Würzburg professor. -- Defect Allows Ions to Pass Through: Publication in Nature -- For the first time, a team led by Frank Würthner has now created a model system with a defect that allows the halides fluoride, chloride and bromide to pass through, but not iodide. -- This was achieved in a stable double layer consisting of two nanographenes that encloses a cavity.	T01	2,315
2505-074	Researchers Uncover How Insulin-Producing Cells Regulate Activity For Quick Responses	Researchers at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg are investigating the regulation of insulin-producing cells in fruit flies to better understand how the body manages energy. Insulin plays a vital role in metabolism, varying in response to food availability, and the findings reveal similarities between insect and human insulin systems, shedding light on the mechanisms behind energy conservation and potential links to metabolic diseases like diabetes.	University of Würzburg	eLife	Press Rel	PubMed	In a groundbreaking study, University of Florida scientists statistically analyzed large amounts of data collected by Burmese python contractors, revealing critical insights about how to most efficiently remove the reptiles. -- Researchers correlated survey outcomes, including python removals, with survey conditions, using statistical modeling. For example, the researchers examined if factors like time or temperature impacted the chance of removing a python. They also analyzed whether the most surveyed areas aligned with the highest python removals. This allowed the researchers to identify regions where few contractors are catching a lot of pythons, indicating more contractors working in these locations could result in more pythons removed. -- "This collaboration among the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and the contractors increases our ability to detect and remove pythons by providing guidelines for when and where to survey to optimize your chances of finding a python," said Melissa Miller, an invasion ecologist at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. "Targeted surveys, guided by these data, can allow us to be more efficient and successful in our efforts to control Burmese pythons." These data were collected as part of the SFWMD Python Elimination Program between May 2020 and April 2022. The researchers from UF/IFAS analyzed 4,092 surveys from python contractors totaling over 16,000 hours of effort. -- Researchers identified two regions where python removals could likely be increased with more surveys. These regions occurred toward the western edge of Big Cypress National Preserve along the Tamiami Trail and a stormwater treatment area in Palm Beach County. Additionally, researchers identified optimal conditions that improve survey outcomes, providing specific guidelines for contractors. -- Based on their findings, researchers developed key recommendations to enhance python removal efforts: -- · Surveys are most successful and efficient during the wet season from May to October. -- · A drop in barometric pressure from the previous day, increases the likelihood of successful surveys. -- · The most efficient survey period is between 8 pm to 2 am. -- · Aquatic vehicles, including motorboats, canoes, kayaks, and airboats, enhance survey effectiveness. -- · Nighttime surveys generally yield better results than daytime surveys, except during extreme cold events, such as mean daily air temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.	H01 R01 R02	2,316
2505-E009	Amazon Rainforest Cold Waves: Effects On Wildlife Survival	Research in the Amazon rainforest has revealed that cold waves can lead to significant temperature drops, affecting local wildlife. A study conducted in Peru observed how animals reacted to an unexpected cold snap, marking the first investigation of its kind. While most studied species coped well, certain insects showed signs of stress, suggesting that future increases in cold wave severity due to climate change could pose risks to biodiversity in these tropical ecosystems.	University of Würzburg	Biology Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Muon spin rotation (µSR) spectroscopy is a powerful technique that helps to study the behavior of materials at the atomic level. It involves using muons -- subatomic particles similar to protons but with a lighter mass. When introduced into a material, muons interact with local magnetic fields, providing unique insights into the material's structure and dynamics, especially for highly reactive species such as radicals. -- In a new study, a team of researchers led by Associate Professor Shigekazu Ito, from the School of Materials and Chemical Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, utilized µSR spectroscopy to investigate the regioselective muoniation of peri-trifluoromethylated 12-phosphatetraphene 1. This compound is a phosphorus congener (a variant of a common chemical structure). The process of µSR spectroscopy initially involves the formation of a muonium (Mu), which is formed when a positively charged muon (µ+) captures an electron (e-). This process continues as the reaction of a muonium (Mu = [µ+e-]) with the phosphorus-containing compound, resulting in the formation of a muoniated radical at the phosphorus site. -- This regioselective addition is driven by the high reactivity of the phosphorus atom in the structure, which is a key feature of polyaromatic hydrocarbons. -- Their findings were published online in Scientific Reports on January 7, 2025. -- The study revealed that muon exclusively reacts with the phosphorus atom, forming a stable yet highly reactive muoniated radical at the phosphorus site, highlighting the molecule's high reactivity. -- Researchers observed this interaction in detail using transverse-field µSR (TF-µSR) spectroscopy, which allowed them to directly probe the magnetic environment surrounding the radical. -- TF-µSR measurements indicated that even at low concentrations (0.060 M in tetrahydrofuran), the muoniation reaction occurred efficiently, producing detectable signals. -- "By utilizing µSR spectroscopy, we were able to observe the regioselective muoniation process in detail, providing direct evidence of the reactive nature of phosphorus in this structure," explains Ito. -- "The ability to study this radical at low concentrations opens up new possibilities for investigating reactive species in various molecular systems." -- Researchers used density functional theory (DFT) to study the structure and stability of the muoniated radical.	H02	2,317
2509-T026	Groundbreaking Chemistry: First Ever Triple Bond Between Boron And Carbon	Chemists at Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg have made a groundbreaking discovery by synthesizing the world’s first stable boron-carbon triple bond, known as a boryne. This achievement closes a significant gap in chemistry by demonstrating that such bonds are possible, expanding the understanding of chemical interactions among key elements and paving the way for new applications.	University of Würzburg	Nat. Synth	Press Rel	PubMed	Boron, carbon, nitrogen and oxygen: these four elements can form chemical triple bonds with each other due to their similar electronic properties. Examples of this are the gas carbon monoxide, which consists of one carbon and one oxygen atom, or the nitrogen gas in the earth's atmosphere with its two nitrogen atoms. -- Chemistry recognizes triple bonds between all possible combinations of the four elements -- but not between boron and carbon. -- This is astonishing because there have long been stable double bonds between boron and carbon. -- In addition, many molecules are known in which triple bonds exist between two carbon atoms or between two boron atoms. -- Chemists at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany, have now closed this gap: A team led by boron expert Professor Holger Braunschweig has succeeded for the first time in synthesizing a molecule with a boron-carbon triple bond, a so-called boryne, which exists as an orange solid at room temperature. -- The scientists characterized the new molecule and also carried out initial reactivity studies. -- They present the results in the journal Nature Synthesis. -- Boron Atom in an Uncomfortable Situation -- In the novel molecule, the boron atom is in a linear arrangement with carbon atoms. -- "In combination with the triple bond, this is about as uncomfortable as it gets for boron, requiring very special conditions," says Dr. Rian Dewhurst, co-author of the study.	C01	2,318
2510-T010	Evidence Of Quantum Tornado Phenomenon Demonstrated By Researchers	A team at Würzburg has successfully demonstrated a quantum tornado, revealing that electrons can form vortex-like structures in the momentum space of tantalum arsenide. This experimental proof marks a significant advancement in the field of quantum materials, expanding our understanding of electron behavior and potentially leading to new applications in quantum physics.	University of Würzburg	Physical Review X	Press Rel	PubMed	A team of researchers from Würzburg has for the first time experimentally demonstrated a quantum tornado. Electrons form vortices in the momentum space of the quantum semi-metal tantalum arsenide. -- Scientists have long known that electrons can form vortices in quantum materials. -- What's new is the proof that these tiny particles create tornado-like structures in momentum space -- a finding that has now been confirmed experimentally. -- This achievement was led by Dr. Maximilian Ünzelmann, a group leader at ct.qmat -- Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter -- at the Universities of Würzburg and Dresden. -- Demonstrating this quantum phenomenon marks a major milestone in quantum materials research. -- The team hopes that the vortex-like behavior of electrons in momentum space could pave the way for new quantum technologies, such as orbitronics, which would use electrons' orbital torque to transmit information in electronic components instead of relying on electrical charge, potentially slashing energy losses. -- Momentum Space vs. Position Space -- Momentum space is a fundamental concept in physics that describes electron motion in terms of energy and direction, rather than their exact physical position. -- Position space (its "counterpart") is the realm where familiar phenomena like water vortices or hurricanes occur. -- Until now, even quantum vortices in materials had only been observed in position space.	A01 T01	2,319
2511-E016	Researchers Mimic Photosynthesis To Harness Solar Energy For Carbon Dioxide Reduction	Chemists have advanced artificial photosynthesis by creating a stack of dyes that mimics the natural process in plants, enabling the conversion of solar energy into hydrogen. This innovation could revolutionize energy production, allowing for the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while generating useful compounds, offering a sustainable solution to climate change.	University of Würzburg	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	With artificial photosynthesis, humankind could utilize solar energy to bind carbon dioxide and produce hydrogen. Chemists have taken this one step further: They have synthesized a stack of dyes that comes very close to the photosynthetic apparatus of plants. It absorbs light energy, uses it to separate charge carriers and transfers them quickly and efficiently in the stack. -- Photosynthesis is a marvellous process: plants use it to produce sugar molecules and oxygen from the simple starting materials carbon dioxide and water. -- They draw the energy they need for this complex process from sunlight. -- If humans could imitate photosynthesis, it would have many advantages. -- The free energy from the sun could be used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to build carbohydrates and other useful substances. -- It would also be possible to produce hydrogen, as photosynthesis splits water into its components oxygen and hydrogen. -- Photosynthesis: a Complex Process With Many Participants -- So it's no wonder that many researchers are working on artificial photosynthesis. -- This is not easy, because photosynthesis is an extremely complex process: it takes place in the cells of plants in many individual steps and involves numerous dyes, proteins and other molecules. -- However, science is constantly making new advances.	N01 N02	2,320
2504-E015	London Taxi Drivers' Navigation Skills Could Influence Future AI Developments	Researchers explored how London taxi drivers, renowned for their navigation skills, mentally strategize routes through the city. The study indicates that drivers prioritize challenging areas when planning journeys, contrasting with traditional navigational algorithms. This understanding of human planning systems could inform future AI developments in route mapping, showcasing the unique cognitive abilities of taxi drivers and their impact on urban navigation.	University of York	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have measured the thinking time of London taxi drivers -- famous for their knowledge of more than 26,000 streets across the city -- as part of a study into the future of AI route-mapping. -- Unlike a satnav, which calculates every possible route until it gets to the destination, researchers at the University of York, in collaboration with University College London and the Champalimaud Foundation, found that London taxi drivers rationally plan each route by prioritising the most challenging areas first and filling in the rest of the route around these tricky points. -- Current computational models to understand human planning systems are challenging to apply to the 'real world' or at large scale, and so researchers measured the thinking time of London taxi drivers while they planned travel journeys to various destinations in the capital city. -- Previous studies have shown the uniqueness of the London taxi driver's brain; they have a larger posterior hippocampus region than the average person, with their brain changing in volume as a result of their cab driving experience. -- Dr Pablo Fernandez Velasco, British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of York, said: "London is incredibly complex, so planning a journey in a car 'off the top of your head' and at speed is a remarkable achievement. -- "If taxi drivers were planning routes sequentially, as most people do, street-by-street, we would expect their response times to change significantly depending on how far they are along the route. -- "Instead, they look at the entire network of streets, prioritising the most important junctions on the route first, using theoretical metrics to determine what is important. This is a highly efficient way of planning, and it is the first time that we are able to study it in action." -- Researchers showed that taxi drivers use their cognitive resources in a much more efficient way than current technology, and argue that learning about expert human planners can help with AI development in a number of ways. -- Dan McNamee from the Champalimaud Foundation said: "The development of future AI navigation technologies could benefit from the flexible planning strategies of humans, particularly when there are a lot of environmental features and dynamics that have to be taken into account. -- "Another way to enhance these technologies would be to integrate the information about human experts into AI algorithms designed to collaborate with humans. This is a very important point, because if we want to optimize how an AI algorithm interacts with a human, the algorithm has to 'know' how the human thinks."	R02 C01 T01	2,321
2505-E082	Evidence Suggests Pre-Colonial Brazilians Celebrated Seasonal Feasts With Alcoholic Beverages	A recent study suggests that pre-colonial people in Brazil may have engaged in feasting and alcoholic beverage production, as evidence from ancient pottery indicates the use of local vegetables for drinks. This research reveals early signs of cultural practices around the Patos Lagoon that involved communal gatherings during summer months, highlighting the significance of migratory fish and shared food and drink in these communities.	University of York	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has identified an enzyme that plays an important role in breaking down unneeded or damaged proteins in the heart -- an important process for maintaining heart health. -- In the study, researchers found that low levels of an enzyme called 'ubiquitin-specific peptidase 5', or USP5, lead to the build-up of proteins in heart muscle cells, triggering a type of heart disease called dilated cardiomyopathy in animal models. -- The study was led by the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research (MPI HLR) and involved researchers from the Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics at King's College London BHF Centre of Research Excellence. -- The findings were published in Science Advances. -- USP5's protective powers -- Maintaining the balance of new proteins and breaking down old or faulty ones in the heart is important for heart health. -- The body has specialised waste management factories (called proteasomes) that break down proteins when they become damaged or are no longer needed. -- But when this process goes wrong, proteins can build up and impair the function of the heart, leading to heart disease. -- "Heart disease caused by the accumulation of non-functional protein "junk" (proteinopathies) are common causes of heart failure. There are no causal therapies for these diseases. Identifying novel pathways to target the root cause -- the accumulation of misfolded protein "junk" -- could alleviate many of these conditions," says Professor Mathias Gautel, Professor of Molecular Cardiology at King's and co-author on the study. -- When proteins are ready to be broken down, they are 'tagged' with a molecular marker called ubiquitin so they can be transported to the proteasome.	H01 C01	2,322
2501-E046	Rethinking Zoo Management: Allowing Natural Breeding To Improve Conservation Efforts.	Researchers advocate for a shift in zoo practices, suggesting that natural breeding and culling surplus animals could better address conservation challenges. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining genetic diversity and improving animal welfare, the study calls for zoos to rethink their approaches in light of modern ethical considerations.	University of Zurich	PNAS	Press Rel	PubMed	Unlike animals in the wild, animals in zoos are not limited by food shortages or predators, allowing individuals to live much longer than they would in the wild. This poses a challenge for zoos, as it puts pressure on their finite holding capacities. -- As a result, many zoos restrict animal breeding for both logistical and financial reasons. -- Other zoos have risked a public backlash by culling surplus animals: Ten years ago, the culling of Marius, a healthy two-year-old giraffe, sparked an international debate about what zoos should do with their surplus animals, with many people upset at the idea of euthanizing healthy animals. -- Aging zoo populations -- In a recent policy statement led by the University of Zurich, researchers argue that the widespread use of contraception is changing the age profile and welfare of zoo populations -- and not for the better. -- "Without births, adult animals are deprived of one of their most basic evolutionary drives," says Marcus Clauss, lead author of the report. -- "Over time, zoo populations are also aging, jeopardizing one of the core principles of zoos: maintaining self-sustaining populations." -- Often, surplus animals cannot be moved elsewhere, because zoos are filled to capacity and reintroducing animals to the wild requires dedicated release programs and availability of suitable habitats. -- Rather than limiting the reproductive ability of zoo animals, the authors advocate for the planned and respectful culling of surplus animals. -- "This is a rational and responsible approach to zoo population management. What's more, such an approach can help zoos fulfill their educational mission in addition to their conservation mission," adds Clauss.	A01 H01 N01	2,323
2502-092	Automatic Speech Recognition Outperforms Humans In Noisy Environments: A Surprising Study	A study comparing automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems to human speech recognition reveals that while ASR can perform remarkably well in noisy environments, humans still retain certain advantages, particularly in complex acoustic settings. The research highlights the advancements in ASR technology while also addressing its limitations, providing a nuanced perspective on the capabilities of machines versus human listeners.	University of Zurich	JASA Express Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Are humans or machines better at recognizing speech? A new study shows that in noisy conditions, current automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems achieve remarkable accuracy and sometimes even surpass human performance. However, the systems need to be trained on an incredible amount of data, while humans acquire comparable skills in less time. -- Automatic speech recognition (ASR) has made incredible advances in the past few years, especially for widely spoken languages such as English. Prior to 2020, it was typically assumed that human abilities for speech recognition far exceeded automatic systems, yet some current systems have started to match human performance. The goal in developing ASR systems has always been to lower the error rate, regardless of how people perform in the same environment. After all, not even people will recognize speech with 100% accuracy in a noisy environment. -- In a new study, UZH computational linguistics specialist Eleanor Chodroff and a fellow researcher from Cambridge University, Chloe Patman, compared two popular ASR systems -- Meta's wav2vec 2.0 and Open AI's Whisper -- against native British English listeners. They tested how well the systems recognized speech in speech-shaped noise (a static noise) or pub noise, and produced with or without a cotton face mask. -- Latest OpenAI system better -- with one exception -- The researchers found that humans still maintained the edge against both ASR systems. However, OpenAI's most recent large ASR system, Whisper large-v3, significantly outperformed human listeners in all tested conditions except naturalistic pub noise, where it was merely on par with humans. Whisper large-v3 has thus demonstrated its ability to process the acoustic properties of speech and successfully map it to the intended message (i.e., the sentence). "This was impressive as the tested sentences were presented out of context, and it was difficult to predict any one word from the preceding words," Eleanor Chodroff says. -- Vast training data -- A closer look at the ASR systems and how they've been trained shows that humans are nevertheless doing something remarkable. Both tested systems involve deep learning, but the most competitive system, Whisper, requires an incredible amount of training data. Meta's wav2vec 2.0 was trained on 960 hours (or 40 days) of English audio data, while the default Whisper system was trained on over 75 years of speech data. The system that actually outperformed human ability was trained on over 500 years of nonstop speech. "Humans are capable of matching this performance in just a handful of years," says Chodroff. "Considerable challenges also remain for automatic speech recognition in almost all other languages." -- Different types of errors -- The paper also reveals that humans and ASR systems make different types of errors. English listeners almost always produced grammatical sentences, but were more likely to write sentence fragments, as opposed to trying to provide a written word for each part of the spoken sentence. In contrast, wav2vec 2.0 frequently produced gibberish in the most difficult conditions. Whisper also tended to produce full grammatical sentences, but was more likely to "fill in the gaps" with completely wrong information.	R02 T01	2,324
2503-025	Public Trust In Science: A Global Survey Reveals Positive Attitudes Post-Pandemic	A comprehensive global survey conducted across 68 countries finds that public trust in scientists remains high post-pandemic. Researchers from the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich gathered insights from nearly 72,000 individuals, demonstrating a consistent, moderate level of trust in scientific expertise. The study challenges narratives of a trust crisis in science, suggesting that people expect scientists to engage actively in societal and political matters, emphasizing their role in addressing global challenges.	University of Zurich	Nature Human Behaviour	Press Rel	PubMed	A global survey spanning 68 countries reveals that public trust in scientists is still high. Led by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, a team of 241 researchers conducted the largest post-pandemic study of trust in science, societal expectations and public views on research priorities. -- Trust in scientists is at a moderately high level worldwide, according to a new study. -- This is the conclusion of an international team of 241 researchers led by Viktoria Cologna of ETH Zurich and Niels G. Mede of the University of Zurich (UZH). "Our results show that most people in most countries have a relatively high level of trust in scientists," says principal investigator Viktoria Cologna, "and want them to play an active role in society and politics." The study found no evidence for the oft-repeated claim of a crisis of trust in science. -- The study is the result of the TISP Many Labs study, a collaborative effort that allowed the authors to survey 71,922 people in 68 countries, including many under-researched countries in the Global South. -- For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic, the study provides global, representative survey data on the populations and regions of the world in which researchers are perceived to be most trustworthy, the extent to which they should engage with the public, and whether science is prioritizing important research issues. -- No crisis of trust in science -- Across 68 countries, the study finds that the majority of the public has a relatively high level of trust in scientists (mean trust level = 3.62, on a scale of 1 = very low trust to 5 = very high trust). The majority of respondents also perceive scientists as qualified (78%), honest (57%) and concerned about people's well-being (56%). -- However, the results also reveal some areas of concern. Globally, less than half of respondents (42%) believe that scientists pay attention to the views of others. -- "Our results also show that many people in many countries feel that the priorities of science are not always well aligned with their own priorities," says co-author Niels G. Mede. -- "We recommend that scientists take these results seriously and find ways to be more receptive to feedback and open to dialogue with the public."	R01	2,325
2505-052	Daily Omega-3 Intake Can Slow Biological Aging By Up To Four Months	A recent analysis from the DO-HEALTH study suggests that a daily intake of one gram of omega-3 fatty acids can delay biological aging by up to four months. This study utilized epigenetic clocks to measure aging processes and confirmed the positive effects of vitamin D and omega-3s on health. These results indicate a promising path for interventions aimed at enhancing longevity and reducing aging-related health risks in older adults.	University of Zurich	Nature Aging	Press Rel	PubMed	Increased use of ventilation and air cleaners, designed to mitigate the spread of viral infections in hospitals, is likely to have unpredictable effects and may cause viral particles to move around more, according to a new study from researchers at UCL and UCLH. -- In the study, published in Aerosol Science & Technology, researchers investigated the effect of using built-in mechanical ventilation and portable air cleaners (PACs)1 upon the spread of airborne particles, which are similar to those breathed out by a person with a viral respiratory infection such as SARS-CoV-2 or influenza. -- The team tracked the movement of airborne particles around a typical hospital outpatients' clinic at UCLH in central London using an aerosol generator and particle counters2. A variety of scenarios were simulated, including particle movement to a neighbouring room, throughout the whole clinic, and from one room to another room at the far side of the clinic. -- They also tested whether factors such as closing doors, or the position of ventilation and PACs within a room, had an effect on the spread of particles. -- The researchers found that while use of built-in ventilation and PACs can reduce particle spread in some scenarios, in some experiments the use of PACs increased aerosol spread by up to 29% between neighbouring rooms. -- Built-in ventilation potentially increased aerosol migration across the clinic by up to 5.5 times more than if no ventilation was used. -- Professor Laurence Lovat, senior author of the study from UCL Surgery & Interventional Science and UCLH, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic really highlighted the risk of picking up airborne viral infections in hospitals, which naturally led to efforts to reduce this risk. In many hospitals, the use of ventilation systems and portable air cleaners has increased. -- "While the urgency of the situation demanded a rapid response, since then we've been studying precisely how viral particles move around in real spaces and have been surprised by what we've found. -- "Putting air cleaners in rooms led to unexpected increases in the circulation of aerosols in some cases, but it took months to understand what we were seeing. Each scenario produced different, unexpected results, depending on the spaces and airflow sources involved. -- "Even at UCLH, a modern hospital built less than 20 years ago, airflow patterns were not predictable. In older hospitals, which often have natural draughts, the situation would likely be even more complex."	A01 H01 R01	2,326
2508-063	Brain Structure Variations Reflect Unique Symptoms Of Schizophrenia	A recent study reveals the considerable variability in schizophrenia symptoms among individuals and how these differences correlate with brain structure. Researchers highlight that schizophrenia manifests in diverse ways—ranging from perceptual disturbances to cognitive impairments—necessitating a precision medicine approach for treatment. The findings stand to enhance understanding of the neurobiological profiles associated with varying schizophrenia types and underscore the importance of tailored therapeutic strategies for patients.	University of Zurich	American Journal of Psychiatry	Press Rel	PubMed	The symptoms of schizophrenia vary greatly from person to person. A new study shows how these differences manifest themselves in the structure of the brain. -- Schizophrenia is a complex mental health condition that affects perception, thought and emotions. -- This complexity is reflected in the individual manifestations of the disease: for some patients, perceptual disturbances are the main problem, while for others, cognitive impairments are more prevalent. -- "In this sense, there is not one schizophrenia, but many, each with different neurobiological profiles," says Wolfgang Omlor, first author of the study and senior physician at the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich. -- To do justice to each of these types of schizophrenia, a precision medicine approach would have to be adopted -- for example, with therapies that precisely match the respective neurobiological profile. -- "This requires approaches that look for both individual differences and similarities at the neurobiological level," explains Omlor. -- Comprehensive international study of patients' brain structures -- In an international multicenter study, Wolfgang Omlor and the research team at the University of Zurich examined the variability of brain structure in patients with schizophrenia: Which brain networks show a high degree of individuality and which a high degree of similarity? -- The researchers examined several characteristics, including the thickness and surface area of the cerebral cortex, as well as the folding pattern and volume of deeper brain regions. -- The data was taken from the ENIGMA collaboration, an international research project that combined imaging data from more than 6,000 people in 22 countries.	A01 R02 T01	2,327
2508-T020	Labor Market Policies Influence Firm Innovation Dynamics: A New Study	A new study provides empirical evidence that increasing minimum wages for low-skill jobs drives firms to innovate automation technologies, while rising wages for high-skill labor may inhibit this effect. By analyzing patent data, researchers illustrate how labor market policies can significantly influence firms' innovation dynamics and automation strategies.	University of Zurich	Journal of Political Economy	Press Rel	PubMed	Does increasing wage pressure encourage automation? Economic theory suggests that it does. Rising wages drive innovation in automation technology as firms seek cost-saving innovations to replace expensive labor. But what is the reality? Do businesses actually develop and implement automation innovation in response to external pressures, such as higher wages? A new study by UZH economists provides the first strong empirical evidence to support this idea. -- Patent data and wage analyses -- To conduct their study, the authors implemented an innovative approach that combined two distinct datasets. -- The first was a newly developed classification of automation patents, using European patent data. -- This new dataset enabled the researchers to measure firms' innovation activity by tracking automation-related patents at company level. -- The researchers focused on patents for machine tools, textile machinery and paper machines. -- This patent dataset was then combined with a macroeconomic dataset covering 41 countries, focusing on innovative firms exposed to global market forces. -- As a result, the UZH researchers were able to calculate wage levels and analyze how wage fluctuations drive automation innovation. -- "This novel approach allowed us to isolate the causal impact of labor costs on technological advancements and to gain a more precise understanding of firms' responses to wage changes," says first author David Hémous, associate professor of economics of innovation and entrepreneurship at UZH. -- Higher minimum wages boost innovation	Z01	2,328
2509-046	Can Mindfulness Techniques Help Calm Stressed-Out AI Language Models Like ChatGPT?	Disturbing news and trauma can impact not only humans but also AI models like ChatGPT, which exhibit emotional sensitivity. Research shows that these models can respond to therapeutic techniques, revealing that mindfulness strategies can reduce the anxiety levels induced by distressing content, paralleling human emotional responses.	University of Zurich	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Research shows that AI language models, such as ChatGPT, are sensitive to emotional content. Especially if it is negative, such as stories of trauma or statements about depression. When people are scared, it affects their cognitive and social biases: they tend to feel more resentment, which reinforces social stereotypes. ChatGPT reacts similarly to negative emotions: existing biases, such as human prejudice, are exacerbated by negative content, causing ChatGPT to behave in a more racist or sexist manner. -- This poses a problem for the application of large language models. This can be observed, for example, in the field of psychotherapy, where chatbots used as support or counseling tools are inevitably exposed to negative, distressing content. However, common approaches to improving AI systems in such situations, such as extensive retraining, are resource-intensive and often not feasible. -- Traumatic content increases chatbot "anxiety" -- In collaboration with researchers from Israel, the United States and Germany, scientists from the University of Zurich (UZH) and the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich (PUK) have now systematically investigated for the first time how ChatGPT (version GPT-4) responds to emotionally distressing stories -- car accidents, natural disasters, interpersonal violence, military experiences and combat situations. They found that the system showed more fear responses as a result. A vacuum cleaner instruction manual served as a control text to compare with the traumatic content. -- "The results were clear: traumatic stories more than doubled the measurable anxiety levels of the AI, while the neutral control text did not lead to any increase in anxiety levels," says Tobias Spiller, senior physician ad interim and junior research group leader at the Center for Psychiatric Research at UZH, who led the study. Of the content tested, descriptions of military experiences and combat situations elicited the strongest reactions. -- Therapeutic prompts "soothe" the AI -- In a second step, the researchers used therapeutic statements to "calm" GPT-4. The technique, known as prompt injection, involves inserting additional instructions or text into communications with AI systems to influence their behavior. It is often misused for malicious purposes, such as bypassing security mechanisms. -- Spiller's team is now the first to use this technique therapeutically, as a form of "benign prompt injection." "Using GPT-4, we injected calming, therapeutic text into the chat history, much like a therapist might guide a patient through relaxation exercises," says Spiller. The intervention was successful: "The mindfulness exercises significantly reduced the elevated anxiety levels, although we couldn't quite return them to their baseline levels," Spiller says. The research looked at breathing techniques, exercises that focus on bodily sensations and an exercise developed by ChatGPT itself. -- Improving the emotional stability in AI systems -- According to the researchers, the findings are particularly relevant for the use of AI chatbots in healthcare, where they are often exposed to emotionally charged content. "This cost-effective approach could improve the stability and reliability of AI in sensitive contexts, such as supporting people with mental illness, without the need for extensive retraining of the models," concludes Tobias Spiller.	H01 H02 T01	2,329
2509-T002	Young Star Clusters Are Birthplaces Of Rogue Planetary-Mass Objects	An international team of astronomers has linked the formation of rogue planetary-mass objects to the chaotic dynamics of young star clusters. Their advanced simulations suggest that these unbound celestial bodies, which float freely through space, can form directly from interactions between disks around young stars. This research offers new insights into the origins of these mysterious objects and may reshape our understanding of cosmic formation processes.	University of Zurich	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	How do rogue planetary-mass objects -- celestial bodies with masses between stars and planets -- form? An international team of astronomers, including the University of Zurich, has used advanced simulations to show that these enigmatic objects are linked to the chaotic dynamics of young star clusters. -- Planetary-mass objects (PMOs) are cosmic nomads: they drift freely through space, unbound to any star, and weigh less than 13 times the mass of Jupiter. -- While they have been spotted in abundance in young star clusters such as the Trapezium Cluster in Orion, their origin has puzzled scientists. -- Traditional theories have suggested that they might be failed stars or planets ejected from their solar systems. -- An international team of astronomers, in collaboration with the University of Zurich (UZH), has used advanced simulations to demonstrate that these enigmatic objects can form directly from the violent interactions of disks around young stars. -- "PMOs don't fit neatly into existing categories of stars or planets," said Lucio Meyer from the UZH, corresponding author of the study. -- "Our simulations show they are probably formed by a completely different process." -- How disks collide to create PMOs -- Using high-resolution hydrodynamic simulations, the team from the University of Zurich, the University of Hong Kong, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, and the University of California Santa Cruz, recreated close encounters between two circumstellar disks -- rotating rings of gas and dust that surround young stars. -- When these disks pass close to each other, their gravitational interactions stretch and compress the gas into elongated "tidal bridges."	C01 T01	2,330
2510-085	Gluconolactone Shows Promise In Regulating Immune Response For Lupus Treatment	A study from the University of Zurich reveals that gluconolactone may offer a new approach to treating lupus, an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and tissue damage. By restoring immune regulation and reducing inflammation, this natural compound presents a potential for targeted therapies that could minimize side effects compared to traditional immunosuppressive drugs.	University of Zurich	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, causing inflammation and damaging organs. A new study co-led by the University of Zurich has now shown that the natural active ingredient gluconolactone restores immune regulation, reduces inflammation and could enable targeted therapy with fewer side effects. -- Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, is a complex autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, often affecting the skin, joints, kidneys and nervous system. -- Lupus symptoms include inflammation, skin rashes, joint pain and organ damage. -- To date, treatments have focused on immunosuppressive drugs, which slow down the progression of the disease but often come with considerable side effects. -- A study co-led by the University of Zurich (UZH) has now revealed a promising new approach in which a naturally occurring molecule, gluconolactone, could help re-balance the immune system without suppressing it. -- Win-win for immune regulation -- Regulatory T cells, or Tregs, play a key role in balancing our immune system. -- They prevent the immune system from attacking the body's own cells and curb harmful inflammation in our bodies. -- In lupus, this balance is disrupted. UZH researcher Antonios Kolios and a team of scientists from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have now shown that gluconolactone significantly increases the number and function of Tregs in both mice and humans. -- The active ingredient not only promoted the formation of Tregs in cell cultures but also inhibited two pro-inflammatory subgroups of T helper cells which are significantly involved in autoimmune reactions.	A01 H01 R01	2,331
2511-077	New Technology Allows Simultaneous Testing Of Multiple Antibodies In Mice	A new technology allows researchers to test multiple antibodies simultaneously in a single mouse, enhancing drug development efficiency and reducing animal use. This advancement could significantly streamline the preclinical evaluation process for new drugs, particularly those based on antibodies, by enabling more comprehensive assessments of therapeutic candidates in a more ethical manner.	University of Zurich	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	New active ingredients such as antibodies are usually tested individually in laboratory animals. Researchers at UZH have now developed a technology that can be used to test around 25 antibodies simultaneously in a single mouse. This should not only speed up the research and development pipeline for new drugs, but also hugely reduce the number of laboratory animals required. -- Many modern drugs are based on antibodies. These proteins very specifically identify a certain structure on the surface of cells or molecules and bind onto it -- this may be a receptor protruding from the cell envelope. -- For antibodies and other protein-based biotherapeutics extensive preclinical tests need to be conducted on animals before they can be tested on humans. -- Testing 25 antibodies simultaneously in one mouse -- Currently, antibody candidates are analyzed individually in animal models. -- A large number of laboratory animals are normally used to conduct each test. -- This is why preclinical tests account for a large proportion of the animals used in the pharmaceutical industry. -- One possible solution would be to test several substances simultaneously in a single animal. -- However, up until now this method was restricted to a maximum of four active ingredients per animal. -- Researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) led by Markus Seeger from the Institute of Medical Microbiology and Johannes vom Berg from the Institute of Laboratory Animal Science have now managed to overcome this restriction.	H01 N01	2,332
2512-E002	Human Impact on Biodiversity: A Growing Crisis	A groundbreaking study by Eawag and the University of Zurich, published in Nature, reveals the alarming decline of global biodiversity due to human impact. The research synthesizes existing data on species loss and community composition, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive understanding of human interventions across various ecosystems, as previous studies have typically focused on isolated aspects rather than the broader picture of biodiversity threats.	University of Zurich	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Humans are having a highly detrimental impact on biodiversity worldwide. Not only is the number of species declining, but the composition of species communities is also changing. These are the findings of a study by Eawag and the University of Zurich published in the scientific journal Nature. It is one of the largest studies ever conducted on this topic. -- Biological diversity is under threat. More and more plant and animal species are disappearing worldwide, and humans are responsible. -- Until now, however, there has been no synthesis of the extent of human intervention in nature and whether the effects can be found everywhere in the world and in all groups of organisms. -- This is because most of the studies conducted to date have only looked at individual aspects. -- They either examined changes in species diversity over time or were limited to a single location or to specific human impacts. -- Based on these studies, it is difficult to make any general statements about the effects and impacts of humans on biodiversity. -- To fill these research gaps, a team from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Zurich has now conducted an unprecedented synthesis study. -- The researchers compiled data from around 2,100 studies that compared biodiversity at almost 50,000 sites affected by humans with the same number of reference sites that were not affected. -- The studies cover terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats around the world, and all groups of organisms, from microbes and fungi to plants and invertebrates, fish, birds and mammals. -- "It is one of the largest syntheses of the human impacts on biodiversity ever conducted worldwide," says Florian Altermatt, professor of aquatic ecology at the University of Zurich and head of a research group at Eawag.	C01 N01 N02	2,333
2502-E061	Semliki Forest Virus Enters Brain Via Cerebrospinal Fluid, Potential Cancer Treatment Insights	A recent study from Uppsala University reveals how the Semliki Forest virus penetrates the central nervous system, offering insights that could lead to therapeutic applications in treating brain cancer. Researchers discovered that the virus first enters the cerebrospinal fluid before binding to specific cells to reach deeper brain regions. This knowledge enhances our understanding of viral behavior and may inform future medical strategies for addressing neurotoxicity.	Uppsala University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In a recent study, researchers from Uppsala University show that the Semliki Forest virus enters the central nervous system by first entering the cerebrospinal fluid and then binding to a specific cell type before penetrating deeper into the brain. This finding could potentially be used to develop the Semliki Forest virus as an agent for treating brain cancer. The study has been published in the journal Nature Communications. -- Semliki Forest virus was originally isolated from mosquitoes in the Semliki Forest, Uganda, hence the name. -- Upon systemic infection from mosquito bites, Semliki Forest virus causes mild blood viremia before finding its way to the central nervous system where it can cause neurotoxicity. -- It has been a longstanding quest in virology to discover how the Semliki Forest virus enters the brain but it has been suggested to occur through the blood-brain barrier. -- A few years ago, a receptor called the Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) was identified as the primary receptor for Semliki Forest virus when entering host cells. -- Reaches the brain in the same way as other viruses -- In the current study, the Uppsala researchers verified VLDLR as the primary cell entry receptor. -- But since VLDLR is not expressed by blood vessel cells in the blood-brain barrier, they reasoned that there must by another way for Semliki Forest virus to enter the central nervous system. -- They confirmed this by identifying choroid plexus cells, the cell type that secretes cerebrospinal fluid into the ventricles of the brain, as the gateway for neuro-invasion. -- "The passage of Semliki Forest virus through the epithelial cell layer of the choroid plexus is strictly dependent on VLDLR. This route of neuro-invasion has been demonstrated for other viruses, such as ZIKA and SARS-CoV-2, but our study is the first to demonstrate that Semliki Forest virus can also use this route to enter the central nervous system," says Miika Martikainen, researcher at Uppsala University, who is first and corresponding author of the publication.	R01 N02	2,334
2503-024	Understanding Psoriasis: Hidden Inflammation In Gut Linked To Gastrointestinal Issues	New research from Uppsala University suggests that individuals with psoriasis often experience hidden inflammation in their small intestines, increasing their risk of gastrointestinal issues and conditions like Crohn's disease. With approximately 300,000 people affected in Sweden, this study sheds light on the connection between psoriasis and digestive health. Researchers have uncovered that these individuals face unique challenges, revealing a critical aspect of the disease that warrants further investigation and understanding.	Uppsala University	Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease	Press Rel	PubMed	People with the skin condition psoriasis often have invisible inflammation in the small intestine with an increased propensity for 'leaky gut', according to new research at Uppsala University. These changes in the gut could explain why psoriasis sufferers often have gastrointestinal problems and are more prone to developing Crohn's disease. The study is published in Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) -- Molecular Basis of Disease. -- Psoriasis is a hereditary, chronic skin condition that can also result in inflammation of the joints. -- In Sweden, almost 300,000 people live with some form of the condition. -- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), especially Crohn's disease, are more common in patients with psoriasis than in the rest of the population. -- "Previous research has also shown that people with psoriasis have more gastrointestinal problems than the general population. However we didn't know much about why this is the case. With our study, we can now show that people with psoriasis often have invisible inflammation in their small intestines, with an increased risk of what's called leaky gut," says Maria Lampinen, researcher at Uppsala University. -- Pro-inflammatory activity in the gut -- The study involved 18 patients with psoriasis and 15 healthy controls as subjects. -- None of the participants had been diagnosed with gastrointestinal diseases. -- Samples were taken from both their small and large bowel. The researchers then studied different types of immune cells in the mucous membrane. -- "It turned out that psoriasis sufferers had higher numbers of certain types of immune cells in their small intestine, and the cells showed signs of pro-inflammatory activity. Interestingly, we found the same type of immune cells in skin flare-ups from psoriasis patients, suggesting that the inflammation of the skin may have an impact on the gut, or vice versa.	R01	2,335
2506-077	Discovering The Complex Ancestry Of Africa’s Largest Pastoral Population	Genetic Diversity of the Fulani: A study has unraveled the complex genetic ancestry of the Fulani, one of Africa's largest pastoral populations. Influenced by historical migrations from both North and West Africa, this research emphasizes the need for greater representation of the Fulani in genomic studies, enhancing our understanding of their rich heritage and human diversity in Africa.	Uppsala University	The American Journal of Human Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have uncovered the origins and genetic diversity of the Fulani, one of Africa's largest pastoral populations. The study reveals a complex genetic ancestry with influences from both North and West Africa, shaped by historical migrations that have left a lasting impact on their genetic landscape. -- Fulani populations speak languages from the Niger-Congo family and live in scattered locations across the Sahel/Savannah belt. -- Besides their large distribution from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Chad, the ancestral origins of the Fulani people are unclear. -- This is mainly because the vast majority of the Fulani have a nomadic lifestyle and use temporary camps or mobile tents, which do not leave traceable archaeological evidence. -- "Even though the Fulani are a huge population group of more than 40 million people, they are still largely underrepresented in genomics research. Therefore, this study has important implications for our understanding of the Fulani population's history in particular and human diversity in Africa in general," says Cesar Fortes-Lima, a population geneticist at Johns Hopkins University and Uppsala University and first author of the study. -- The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, was conducted in seven African countries from the Sahel belt in collaboration with Fulani communities and local researchers. -- The researchers collected biological samples and anthropological information from over 460 Fulani participants across 18 locations in Africa. -- Genetics shaped by interactions with different local groups -- The team found correlations between culture, geography and genetics matching the distribution of Fulani groups. -- "Our analysis revealed genetic differences between local Fulani populations following a west-east cline, highlighting their complex genetic history, which was shaped by interactions with different local groups and various demographic events," says Mame Yoro Diallo, a PhD candidate from Charles University, Prague, who was involved in the study.	Z01	2,336
2508-069	Algorithms Discover Molecules For Anti-Inflammatory Drug Development	A recent study illustrates how computer algorithms can identify molecules for anti-inflammatory drug development, streamlining the search among an enormous number of potential compounds. Researchers modeled these compounds using advanced techniques to pinpoint effective candidates quickly, promising to expedite the costly drug development process. Focused on the enzyme OGG1, the study underscores its importance in DNA repair and aims to unveil novel anti-inflammatory agents through this innovative computational approach.	Uppsala University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A recent study shows that computer algorithms can be used to find molecules that can be developed into anti-inflammatory drugs. In the article, the researchers also describe how the same strategy can be used to search through 10 sextillion alternatives to identify the best drug candidate. -- One of the biggest challenges in drug development is finding the right candidates among the vast number of possible molecules. A new study published in Nature Communications shows that it is possible to identify drug molecules by modelling them using computer algorithms. -- "We use the computer models to search through databases containing billions of molecules. This method will be able to speed up the costly drug development process," says Jens Carlsson, one of the authors of the study. -- Potential for anti-inflammatory drugs -- The study, which was a collaboration with Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, focused on the enzyme OGG1, a protein that repairs damage to the cell's DNA. The researchers were interested in identifying a molecule that could bind to this target protein and thus affect the activity of the enzyme. Using models of the protein, they designed more than a hundred different molecules, which were then produced. When the molecules were tested in experiments, the researchers could see that they inhibited activity of the enzyme and had an anti-inflammatory effect. -- "It's amazing that we can now design molecules and show that they actually work exactly as we hoped. The same strategy will work for many other proteins and diseases," says Jens Carlsson. -- Starting with simple molecules -- Previously, drug development has focused on screening large libraries of chemicals containing drug-like molecules. However, this method is very costly and often fails to find good starting points for drug development. In the current study, the researchers used what is known as fragment-based drug design instead. The method involves first identifying a very small molecule that can bind to the target protein. When a molecule of this kind has been found, the researchers can then develop it step by step to create a drug. -- "It's like doing a jigsaw puzzle. We start with one piece of the puzzle and then gradually build up a drug molecule by adding new pieces. In the end, we have a drug molecule that fits the target protein perfectly," says Jens Carlsson. -- In the study, the researchers used a company that produces molecules on demand. They then created computer programs that can search through all the billions of molecules that are currently available for purchase. Using supercomputers, they can explore which molecules can bind to the surface of the target protein.	H01 T01	2,337
2508-E004	Giraffe Gut Bacteria Linked To Species, Not Just Diet	New research shows that giraffes' gut bacteria are more influenced by their species than by their diet. A study focused on three Kenyan giraffe species reveals that unique gut flora is characteristic of each species. This understanding can aid conservation efforts by ensuring that endangered giraffes have access to appropriate nutrition, reflecting the importance of gut health in the overall well-being of these majestic creatures.	Uppsala University	Global Ecology and Conservation	Press Rel	PubMed	The gut bacteria of giraffes are not primarily determined by what they eat, but by the species they belong to. This is shown in a new study from Uppsala University and Brown University in which researchers have analysed the link between diet and gut flora in three giraffe species in Kenya. The study also provides new knowledge that can help secure the food supply of endangered giraffe species. -- In a new study published in Global Ecology and Conservation, researchers have analysed the relationship between the diet and microbiome, or gut flora, of giraffes in Kenya. -- By sequencing plant and bacterial DNA from faecal samples, they were able to investigate both the bacterial composition of the gut and which plants wild giraffes had eaten. -- Species-specific gut flora in giraffes -- The researchers collected samples from three different species, the reticulated giraffe, the Masai giraffe and the northern giraffe, which live around the equator in Kenya. -- They found that the microbiome was primarily determined by the species they belonged to, not by what they ate. -- "We expected that giraffes with similar diets would also have similar microbiomes, but we found no such connection. Instead, we saw that giraffes seem to maintain species-specific microbiomes, even when individuals within the same species may eat completely different sets of plants. This suggests that the microbiome may have an evolutionary component that we do not yet fully understand," says Elin Videvall, researcher at Uppsala University and lead author of the study. -- Important for the conservation of endangered giraffes -- Geography also played a major role in what they ate. Giraffes of the same species consumed different types of food depending on where they lived. As all three species are endangered, any knowledge of what they eat can be important information, especially when planning which areas are important to preserve to ensure access to nourishment.	H01 R01 T01	2,338
2511-E037	Scientists Discover Five New Species Of Common Fungi	Scientists have recently identified five new species of the Piloderma fungus, revealing greater biodiversity within this common genus than previously recognized. One new species is widespread in Northern Europe, while another is found exclusively in old-growth forests. These discoveries, which highlight the importance of these fungi in forest ecosystems, also raise concerns about the potential extinction risks some species face due to logging in their habitats.	Uppsala University	byssinum.	Press Rel	PubMed	Although fungi of the genus Piloderma are common, scientists have now discovered five previously unknown species. One of these is one of the most widely distributed species in Northern Europe, while another is found only in old-growth forests. The discoveries, published in Fungal Biology, show that diversity in this genus is much greater than previously thought and that some of its species are at risk of disappearing as old-growth forest is logged. -- Many of the fungi of the genus Piloderma are among the most common fungal species in Sweden. -- They are associated with trees in a form of symbiosis called mycorrhiza, where they help their hosts acquire water and nutrients in return for sugar. -- This makes them very important to the functioning and growth of forest ecosystems. -- Researchers have now discovered five new species in the genus, which are described in a study published in Fungal Biology. With an additional seven new species that they published last year, Piloderma has now tripled in size, and grown from being a small to a medium-sized genus. -- "We have seen for a long time how important Piloderma species appear to be in mycorrhizal symbiosis, and that the diversity of species in this genus far exceeds the number of named species. It's satisfying that we can now, through delimitation and naming, make these species visible and communicate about them" says Martin Ryberg, professor at the Department of Organismal Biology. -- Rare species found in old-growth forest -- One of the new species described is Piloderma fugax. It appears to be rare and was found close to Gällivare in Sweden and in Trøndelag in Norway.Its ecology deviates from other species in the genus, as it only grows in old-growth forests. -- Since it is also small and difficult to detect, the researchers have given it the name fugax, which means shy, hidden or fleeting in Latin. -- "It's interesting but also a little frightening to see that in a genus like Piloderma, where we previously thought all species were common, there are such hidden old-growth forest species. They risk disappearing as the forest landscape is transformed from natural forests to plantations. Because of their insignificant size, no one have discovered them. I hope that our research can assist in making more people aware of and marvel at this kind of species and forests" says Sten Svantesson, lead author of the study.	T01	2,339
2512-E019	Unique Cell Shape Enhances Stability Of Lymphatic Vessels And Plant Leaves	Researchers from Uppsala University have discovered that the cells lining the finest lymphatic vessels have a unique, lobate shape that enhances their resilience to fluid volume changes. This finding improves our understanding of lymphatic system function and its role in maintaining fluid balance and supporting immunity.	Uppsala University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	The cells that make up the walls of the finest of all lymphatic vessels have a lobate, oak leaf-like shape that makes them particularly resilient to changes in fluid volume. A similar cell shape also supports mechanical stability in plants. This has been shown by researchers from Uppsala University in a new article published in the journal Nature. -- The lymphatic system consists of a network of lymph vessels that maintains the body's fluid balance and supports the immune system. -- The finest of all these lymphatic vessels are called lymph capillaries. -- They have walls that are made up of just a single layer of lymphatic endothelial cells that are permeable to fluids, cells and large molecules from surrounding tissues for transport to other parts of the body. -- These vessels need to be able to let fluid through efficiently while also being resilient to sudden changes in fluid volume in the surrounding tissue, such as in the case of swelling, without rupturing. -- Stretched cells took on a lobate shape -- In the current study, the researchers investigated how the thin layer of lymphatic endothelial cells can withstand changes in vessel calibre when the capillary takes up fluid. -- This turned out to be due to the cells' capacity to continuously change their peculiar shape. -- "It has been known for a long time that capillary lymphatic endothelial cells have a lobate shape, rather like oak leaves or jigsaw puzzle pieces. However, the reason for this unique morphology was not known, and it had never previously been successfully replicated in cultured cells. In our study, we exposed a thin layer of cultured lymphatic endothelial cells to repeated multidirectional stretching and found that the cells began to acquire a lobate appearance. There was also a greater overlap between the cells, which meant that each cell's contact surface with their neighbouring cells increased," says Taija Makinen, professor at Uppsala University, who led the study. -- Similar to the cells in plant leaves	C01 N02	2,340
2501-T020	AI Speeds Up Solutions For Reducing Methane Emissions In Animal Agriculture	Researchers from the USDA and Iowa State University are leveraging generative AI to identify compounds that can reduce methane emissions from cows, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. This innovative approach aims to enhance sustainability in animal agriculture while addressing environmental concerns.	US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service	Animal Frontiers	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study from USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Iowa State University (ISU) reveals that generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help expedite the search for solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions caused by cows in animal agriculture, which accounts for about 33 percent of U.S. agriculture and 3 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. -- "Developing solutions to address methane emissions from animal agriculture is a critical priority. Our scientists continue to use innovative and data-driven strategies to help cattle producers achieve emission reduction goals that will safeguard the environment and promote a more sustainable future for agriculture," said ARS Administrator Simon Liu. -- One of these innovative solutions starts in the cow's stomach, where microorganisms contribute to enteric fermentation and cause cows to belch methane as part of normal digestion processes. The team of scientists found a group of compound molecules capable of inhibiting methane production in the largest of the cow's four stomach compartments, the rumen, which can be tested to help mitigate methane emissions. -- One molecule in particular, bromoform, which is naturally found in seaweed, has been identified by the scientific community to demonstrate properties that can result in reducing cattle enteric methane production by 80-98 percent when fed to cattle. Unfortunately, bromoform is known to be a carcinogen, limiting its potential use in cattle for food safety reasons. Therefore, scientists continue to search for molecules with similar potential to inhibit enteric methane. However, this type of research presents challenges of being especially time-consuming and expensive. -- In response to these challenges, a team of scientists at the ARS Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit and ISU's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering combined generative AI with large computational models to jumpstart the quest for bromoform-like molecules that can do the same job without toxicity. -- "We are using advanced molecular simulations and AI to identify novel methane inhibitors based on the properties of previously investigated inhibitors [like bromoform], but that are safe, scalable, and have a large potential to inhibit methane emissions," said Matthew Beck, a research animal scientist working with ARS at the time the study was completed and is now with Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science. "Iowa State University is leading the computer simulation and AI work, while ARS is taking the lead in identifying compounds and truth testing them using a combination of in vitro [laboratory] and in vivo [live cattle] studies." -- Publicly available databases that contained scientific data collected from previous studies on the cows' rumen were used to build large computational models. AI, along with these models, was used to predict the behavior of molecules and to identify those that can be further tested in a laboratory. The results from the laboratory tests feed the computer models for AI to make more accurate predictions, creating a feedback loop process known as a graph neural network. -- "Our graph neural network is a machine learning model, which learns the properties of molecules, including details of the atoms and the chemical bonds that hold them, while retaining useful information about the molecules' properties to help us study how they are likely to behave in the cow's stomach," said ISU Assistant Professor Ratul Chowdhury. "We studied their biochemical fingerprint to identify what makes them do the job successfully as opposed to the other fifty thousand molecules that are lurking around in the cow's rumen but don't actively stop the production of methane." -- "This study successfully demonstrated that fifteen molecules cluster very close to each other in what we call a 'functional methanogenesis inhibition space,' meaning they seem to contain the same enteric methane inhibition potential, chemical similarity, and cell permeability as bromoform," added Chowdhury. -- Scientists believe AI can play a significant role in understanding how known molecules interact with both proteins and the microbial community of the rumen and thereby discover novel molecules and potentially key interactions within the rumen microbiome. This type of predictive modeling can be particularly helpful for animal nutritionists.	A01 H01 T01	2,341
2512-E003	Utah's Rich Bee Diversity: A Study on Vital Pollinators	Understanding the distribution of bee species is crucial for effective conservation strategies. A recent effort led by ecologists at Utah State University documented 1,167 bee species in Utah, emphasizing their essential role as pollinators. By compiling state-specific data, conservationists can develop targeted plans to protect these vital species, which are integral to both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity, as showcased in their publication in the journal Diversity.	Utah State University	Diversity	Press Rel	PubMed	Wildlife conservation is critical to sustaining the planet's biodiversity and health. But putting together a conservation plan is a tall order. First of all, you need to determine what species you're conserving, along with their numbers, habitat needs, threats and how they fit into a complex ecosystem. -- As pollinators for native plants and food crops, bees play a pivotal role in our ecosystem, according to Utah State University ecologist Joseph Wilson. -- He and undergraduate researcher Anthony Hunsaker took on the herculean task of documenting Utah's bee species using online occurrence records from the Symbiota Collection of Arthropods Network, along with specimen records housed at the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insect Research Unit located at USU's Logan campus. -- They discovered the nickname "Beehive State" aptly describes the western state's bee diversity, and published "A Checklist of the Bees of Utah," with colleagues Terry Griswold of the USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects Research Unit and USU alum Olivia Messinger Carril (Biology '00, MS'06) of the Native Pollinator Project, in the March 14, 2025 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Diversity. -- "In total, we documented 1,167 bee species in the state of Utah," says Wilson, evolutionary ecologist and associate professor in the Department of Biology and the USU Ecology Center at USU Tooele. -- Hunsaker, who graduated with a bachelor's degree in natural resources from USU Tooele in May 2024, says documenting as many bees as possible is important for accuracy. -- "We want our research to represent the truth and inform conservationists," says the Magna, Utah native, who graduated from Cyprus High School in 2018. -- "This is important for conservation efforts, because our list shows evidence for high species richness in Utah." -- Hunsaker, who teaches, among other courses, a wildlife studies class at a public middle school, says the checklist will aid conservationists in identifying bee specimens, serve as a baseline to determine if any new bees are identified in Utah and serve as an alert if a species is disappearing from the state. -- "Our checklist helps scientists and managers understand bee distributions, which are essential to protecting these vital pollinators," he says.	H01 N01 N02	2,342
2503-E050	Ancient 'Islands' Discovered Deep Within Earth's Mantle Challenge Existing Theories	New research from Utrecht University has uncovered two ancient, continent-sized 'islands' in Earth's mantle that are hotter than surrounding areas and at least 500 million years old. This discovery contradicts the long-held belief that Earth’s mantle is well-mixed and rapidly flowing. By studying seismic wave patterns, scientists have identified these unique regions, which could further our understanding of the Earth's geological history and the behavior of tectonic plates beneath the surface.	Utrecht University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Deeply hidden in Earth's mantle there are two huge 'islands' with the size of a continent. New research from Utrecht University shows that these regions are not only hotter than the surrounding graveyard of cold sunken tectonic plates, but also that they must be ancient: at least half a billion years old, perhaps even older. These observations contradict the idea of a well-mixed and fast flowing Earth's mantle, a theory that is becoming more and more questioned. "There is less flow in Earth's mantle than is commonly thought." This research will be published on January 22nd, 2025 in Nature. -- Large earthquakes make the whole Earth ring like a bell with different tones, just like a musical instrument. -- Seismologists study Earth's deep interior by investigating how much these tones are 'out of tune', because whole Earth oscillations will sound out of tune or less loud when they encounter anomalies. -- This way seismologists will be able to make images of the interior of our planet, just like a hospital doctor can 'see' through your body with X-rays. -- At the end of the last century, an analysis of these oscillations showed the existence of two subsurface 'super-continents': one under Africa and the other one under the Pacific Ocean, both hidden more than two thousand kilometres below the Earth's surface. -- "Nobody knew what they are, and whether they are only a temporary phenomenon, or if they have been sitting there for millions or perhaps even billions of years," says Arwen Deuss, seismologist and professor of Structure and composition of Earth's deep interior at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. -- "These two large islands are surrounded by a graveyard of tectonic plates which have been transported there by a process called 'subduction', where one tectonic plate dives below another plate and sinks all the way from the Earth's surface down to a depth of almost three thousand kilometres." -- Slow waves -- "We have known for years that these islands are located at the boundary between the Earth's core and mantle. And we see that seismic waves slow down there." Earth scientists therefore call these regions 'Large Low Seismic Velocity Provinces' or LLSVPs. -- "The waves slow down because the LLSVPs are hot, just like you can't run as fast in hot weather as you can when it's colder." Deuss and her colleague Sujania Talavera-Soza were keen to find out if they could discover more about these regions.	A01 C01	2,343
2508-E005	Antarctic Icebergs Signal Climate Change Effects: A Study On Melting	Icebergs breaking from Antarctica and drifting towards regions like South Georgia are increasingly common due to climate change. Researchers are investigating historical iceberg routes during periods of ice cap melting to understand their effects on ocean dynamics. This study not only sheds light on current iceberg behavior but also clarifies the origins of ancient materials found near South Orkney, enhancing our understanding of the ongoing impacts of climate change.	Utrecht University	Climate of the Past	Press Rel	PubMed	It is no strange sight to see icebergs break off of the Antarctic ice cap and drift away, like the gigantic sheet of ice that is currently heading for the island of South Georgia. But climate change is making it happen more frequently, with ever-larger icebergs in the waters around Antarctica. Researchers from Utrecht University are studying the routes that icebergs followed during geological periods of rapid ice cap deterioration, such as the ends of ice ages. That provides crucial information about the effect of melting icebergs on the oceans, and its consequences for the future. In the process, they also found an explanation for the mysterious discovery of ancient material from Antarctica near South Orkney, an island to the southwest of South Georgia. -- Ice caps grow as snow falls on the top and gravity pulls them slowly towards the sea. -- There, they lose large volumes of ice via melting and calving of icebergs. -- If the ice cap growth keeps pace with loss at the edges, then it remains in balance and stays the same size. -- But as the air and ocean around the south pole have warmed over the past few decades, icebergs calve off faster and more often: the meltwater on top weakens the ice, and the warmer ocean makes the ice shelves thinner. -- As a result, enormous ice blocks can break off from the shelves in a short amount of time. -- Puzzle -- The seas around South Georgia have a long history of iceberg research. -- The island is in the middle of waters that researchers call 'Iceberg Alley': a narrow strip of ocean full of icebergs that have calved off from the Antarctic ice cap, then pushed north by wind and ocean currents until they reach warmer seas and melt away entirely. -- Since Antarctica has had a large ice cap for around 34 million years, the remote islands around Iceberg Alley have seen countless icebergs pass by. South Orkney is one of these islands, and scientists have found that it preserves evidence of icebergs from as long as 3 million years before the ice cap was formed 34 million years ago.	C01	2,344
2501-040	New Resource Created To Classify Cancer Subtypes Using Molecular Features.	Researchers have developed a free resource that aids in classifying patient tumor samples based on molecular features from The Cancer Genome Atlas, facilitating more precise cancer subtype identification. This advance aims to enhance clinical trials and develop targeted treatments based on tumor characteristics.	Van Andel Research Institute	Cancer Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	A multi-institutional team of scientists has developed a free, publicly accessible resource to aid in classification of patient tumor samples based on distinct molecular features identified by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Network. -- The resource comprises classifier models that can accelerate the design of cancer subtype-specific test kits for use in clinical trials and cancer diagnosis. This is an important advance because tumors belonging to different subtypes may vary in their response to cancer therapies. -- The resource is the first of its kind to bridge the gap between TCGA's immense data library and clinical implementation. -- A paper describing the tools published online today in Cancer Cell. -- "TCGA defined molecular subtypes for each major type of cancer. With this resource, we aimed to provide the clinical and scientific communities with the tools to assign a newly diagnosed tumor to one of these established subtypes," said Peter W. Laird, Ph.D., the Peter and Emajean Cook Endowed Chair in Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute and the study's lead corresponding author. "Our new resource will be a powerful asset for creating clinical assays based on the diverse molecular variations between cancers." -- TCGA was a decade-long, National Cancer Institute-led effort to create detailed molecular maps of 33 cancer types. Unlike traditional approaches that define cancers based on the organ or tissue in which they arise, TCGA identified nuanced genomic, epigenomic, proteomic and transcriptomic characteristics that more precisely describe cancer subtypes. -- Andrew D. Cherniack, Ph.D., of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Kyle Ellrott, Ph.D., of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University also are corresponding authors of the paper, which represents a collaborative effort between scientists from more than a dozen research organizations. -- "Since many TCGA molecular subtypes were generated using hundreds or thousands of features from multiple data types, scientists and physicians have asked us for help subtyping their samples," Cherniack said. "Our resource greatly simplifies this process." -- The team created the new resource by leveraging data from 8,791 TCGA cancer samples that represented 26 cancer cohorts and 106 cancer subtypes. They then used existing machine learning tools to develop and test nearly half a million models across six categories -- gene expression, DNA methylation, miRNA, copy number, mutation calls and multi-omics -- and selected those that performed best for inclusion in the online resource. -- In total, the resource contains 737 ready-to-use models, which represent the top models from each of the 26 cancer cohorts, the five training algorithms and six data types.	A01 R01	2,345
2502-037	Experimental Blood Test For Pancreatic Cancer Advances Toward Clinical Availability For Patients	An experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer developed by scientists at the Van Andel Institute and the University of Pittsburgh is currently undergoing evaluation by a commercial laboratory, marking a significant step toward clinical application. This novel test demonstrated superior accuracy in identifying pancreatic cancer samples compared to existing diagnostic methods, potentially improving early detection rates for this challenging-to-diagnose disease.	Van Andel Research Institute	Cancer Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	An experimental blood test for pancreatic cancer that was developed by Van Andel Institute and University of Pittsburgh scientists is being evaluated by a commercial laboratory, an important milestone toward making the test available for patients. -- A recent double-blinded, peer-reviewed analysis published in Cancer Lettersrevealed that the experimental test correctly identified 71% of pancreatic cancer samples in the lab compared to only 44% correctly identified by the current gold-standard test. -- Teams led by VAI Professor Brian Haab, Ph.D., and Randall E. Brand, M.D., a physician-scientist and professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, created the test. -- Before the new test can be used by doctors to diagnose cancer, it must undergo clinical validation. -- During this process, a CLIA-accredited diagnostics laboratory adapts the experimental test into a version that reliably works under the strict conditions in a clinical lab. -- CLIA is a rigorous federal standard that ensures lab quality. -- "Validation studies are essential for transforming a test developed in an academic lab into one that is used to diagnose real people," Haab said. -- "For a person being evaluated for pancreatic cancer, the stakes are high. Validation studies ensure that new tests work as intended." -- The new test works by detecting two sugars -- CA199.STRA and CA19-9 -- that are produced by pancreatic cancer cells and escape into the bloodstream. -- CA19-9 is the current gold-standard biomarker for pancreatic cancer.	H01 R01 R02 T01	2,346
2504-044	Cancer Risk May Begin Before Birth Due To Epigenetic States During Development	A groundbreaking study reveals that a person's cancer risk trajectory can begin even before birth. The investigation identifies two distinct epigenetic states that manifest during development and correspond to varying lifetime cancer risks. Understanding these states could open new avenues for preventive measures and early interventions, particularly for liquid and solid tumors, enhancing strategies for managing cancer risk from the earliest stages of life.	Van Andel Research Institute	Nature Cancer	Press Rel	PubMed	A person's lifetime risk for cancer may begin before they are even born, reports a paradigm-shifting study by Van Andel Institute scientists. -- The findings, published in Nature Cancer, identified two distinct epigenetic states that arise during development and are linked to cancer risk. -- One of these states is associated with a lower lifetime risk while the other is associated with a higher lifetime risk. -- If cancer does develop in the lower risk state, it is more likely to be a liquid tumor, such as leukemia or lymphoma. -- If cancer develops in the higher risk state, it is more likely to be a solid tumor, such as lung or prostate cancer. -- "Because most cancers occur later in life and are understood as diseases of mutation, or genetics, there hasn't been a deep focus on how development might shape cancer risk. Our findings change that," said J. Andrew Pospisilik, Ph.D., chair of VAI's Department of Epigenetics and co-corresponding author of the study. -- "Our identification of these two epigenetically different states open the door to an entirely new world of study into the underpinnings of cancer." -- Cancer risk increases as people age, thanks to an accumulation of DNA damage and other factors. -- Still, not every abnormal cell goes on to become cancer. In recent years, scientists have identified other influences, such as epigenetic errors, as additional contributors to cancer. -- Epigenetics are processes that affect how and when the instructions in DNA are carried out.	A01 R01	2,347
2504-060	WNT9B Gene Mutation Increases Prostate Cancer Risk In Inherited Families	A recent study identifies the WNT9B gene mutation, which plays a role in embryonic prostate development, as a significant risk factor for adult prostate cancer. This discovery, replicated across multiple studies involving hundreds of thousands of patients, highlights the genetic complexities of prostate cancer risk and emphasizes the need for further exploration into inherited forms of this disease.	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	JCO Precision Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	A study of men with a family history of prostate cancer has discovered an inherited form of prostate cancer. -- The inherited mutated gene WNT9B, which functions normally in embryonic prostate development, increases risk of adult prostate cancer, according to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center study published in JCO Precision Oncology. -- This discovery was replicated in five independent study populations collectively encompassing one-half million patients from the U.S. and Europe, with the increased prostate cancer risk estimates ranging from two- to 12-fold, according to lead author Jeffrey Smith, MD, PhD, associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Genetic Medicine. -- "Unlike breast cancer, relatively few high-risk prostate cancer genes have been established to date," Smith said. -- "Inherited risk of prostate cancer is roughly twice that of breast cancer, but its genetic complexity is also considerably greater; this has been a formidable obstacle for global studies," he said. -- A pathogenic gene mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of a gene that causes a person to have or be at risk of developing a certain genetic disorder or disease, such as cancer. -- Pathogenic variants can be inherited from a parent or occur during a person's lifetime. -- Established high-risk prostate cancer genes now include WNT9B, HOXB13 (also functioning in embryonic prostate development), the 8q24 locus, andBRCA2. -- "Risk for prostate cancer due to pathogenic WNT9B mutation is comparable to risk of breast cancer conferred by pathogenic mutations that are routinely tested for breast cancer care," Smith said. -- "Knowledge of inherited mutations can guide selection of effective treatments and can carry broader implications for a family."	R01	2,348
2508-002	Groundbreaking 3D Imaging Technique Reveals Mouse Lung Tissue Insights	Groundbreaking research at Vanderbilt University has utilized four-dimensional microscopy to create live 3D imaging of mouse lung tissue, significantly advancing our understanding of lung resilience. This innovative approach could have profound implications for treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a serious lung condition affecting premature infants, showcasing the potential for enhanced therapeutic strategies in neonatology.	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	JCI Insight	Press Rel	PubMed	Understanding resilience -- the ability of injured lung tissue to heal and regenerate -- may be key to advancing the treatment and prevention of life-threatening lung disease that occurs in extremely premature babies, a new study suggests. -- Using a four-dimensional microscopy technique, researchers at Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have created 3D video images of mouse lung tissue grown in the laboratory. -- What they have learned has been nothing short of groundbreaking. -- "For the first time, we've been able to live-image the lung as it forms, and quantify and measure those cellular movements that come together to make an organ with a surface area large enough for gas exchange," said Jennifer Sucre, MD, associate professor of Pediatrics and Cell and Developmental Biology. -- The group's findings, published Feb. 24 as the cover article in JCI Insight, the journal of the American Society of Clinical Investigation, represent a significant step toward improved treatment and prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), which occurs in about 50% of infants born two to four months prematurely. -- "If we can understand how the lung forms, then we have a blueprint for how to grow new lungs after injury," said the paper's first author, Nick Negretti, PhD, a senior post-doctoral fellow in the Sucre lab who co-led the research. -- "Mice have an extraordinary ability to repair the lung," said Sucre, the paper's senior author, who directs the Biodevelopmental Origins of Lung Disease (BOLD) Center at VUMC. -- "I want to give babies the superpower of the mouse." -- Premature babies with BPD require oxygen and mechanical ventilation in the early days after birth to help them breathe. -- Oxygen therapy is a double-edged sword, however, because it also can damage delicate lung tissue.	A01 H01 R01 N02 T01	2,349
2512-030	C. Diff Gains Advantage By Converting Toxic Compounds Into Nutrients	C. Diff Gains Advantage By Converting Toxic Compounds Into Nutrients	Vanderbilt University Medical Center	Cell Host & Microbe	Press Rel	PubMed	The pathogen C. diff -- the most common cause of health care-associated infectious diarrhea -- can use a compound that kills the human gut's resident microbes to survive and grow, giving it a competitive advantage in the infected gut. -- A team led by investigators at Vanderbilt University Medical Center has discovered how C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) converts the poisonous compound 4-thiouracil, which could come from foods like broccoli, into a usable nutrient. Their findings, published March 25 in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, increase understanding of the molecular drivers of C. diff infection and point to novel therapeutic strategies. -- C. diff causes about half a million infections in the U.S. each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Factors that increase risk of C. diff infection include antibiotic use, age over 65, and recent stays in hospitals and other health care facilities. -- Like other pathogens, C. diff must acquire nutrients to survive and grow. -- "We're interested in trying to understand the nutrients that C. diff needs during infection, and how what you eat influences what C. diff eats in your gut," said the study's first author, Matthew Munneke, a graduate student working with Eric Skaar, PhD, MPH, the Ernest W. Goodpasture Professor of Pathology and director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation. -- The group focused on nucleotides -- the building blocks of DNA and RNA -- which are a class of nutrients that hasn't been well studied for C. diff. -- The researchers found that C. diff must acquire a certain type of nucleotides (pyrimidines) to cause infection, and they discovered an enzyme they named TudS (thiouracil desulfurase) that C. diff uses to salvage the pyrimidine nucleotide uracil from a related compound: 4-thiouracil. -- They showed that 4-thiouracil gets incorporated into RNA and is toxic to resident gut microbes that do not have the TudS enzyme. In C. diff, however, TudS modifies and detoxifies 4-thiouracil, making it available as a nutrient. The researchers demonstrated that TudS contributes to C. diff "fitness" in mice fed 4-thiouracil and in a novel MiniBioreactor model that contains a community of bacteria isolated from human feces with added 4-thiouracil. -- "We think that 4-thiouracil metabolism is beneficial to C. diff because it acts as a nutrient to fuel the bacteria, and it also may inhibit neighboring bacteria, which would give C. diff a further competitive advantage within the gut environment," Munneke said. -- The TudS enzyme may represent a novel therapeutic target for treating C. diff infections. It is not present in many resident gut microbes (or in human cells), so an antimicrobial targeting it to kill C. diff might help preserve the healthy gut microbiota, he noted.	H01 R01 C01	2,350
2504-003	Synchronizing Nerve Stimulation Signals With Natural Rhythms Enhances Treatment Effectiveness	New research has demonstrated that effective vagus nerve stimulation can be improved by synchronizing electrical signals with the body's natural rhythms, such as breathing and heart rate. While this technique has been used to treat various conditions, its inconsistent efficacy prompted the study. The findings suggest that aligning the stimulation with these bodily rhythms enhances therapeutic outcomes, paving the way for more effective non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain and neurological disorders.	Vienna University of Technology	Frontiers in Physiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Various diseases can be treated by stimulating the vagus nerve in the ear with electrical signals. However, this technique does not always work. A study has now shown: The electrical signals must be synchronised with the body's natural rhythms -- heartbeat and breathing. -- It doesn't always have to be medication. Some health problems, from chronic pain and inflammation to neurological diseases, can also be treated by nerve stimulation, for example with the help of electrodes that are attached to the ear and activate the vagus nerve. -- This method is sometimes referred to as an 'electric pill'. -- However, vagus nerve stimulation does not always work the way it is supposed to. A study conducted by TU Wien (Vienna) in cooperation with the Vienna Private Clinic now shows how this can be improved: Experiments demonstrate that the effect is very good when the electrical stimulation is synchronised with the body's natural rhythms -- the actual heartbeat and breathing. -- The 'electric pill' for the parasympathetic nervous system -- The vagus nerve plays an important role in our body: it is the longest nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the nervous system that is significantly involved in the precise control of the internal organs and blood circulation, and is responsible for recovery and building up the body's own reserves. -- A branch of the vagus nerve also leads from the brain directly into the ear, which is why small electrodes in the ear can be used to activate the vagus nerve, stimulate the brain and thus influence various functions of the body. -- "However, it turns out that this stimulation does not always produce the expected results," says Prof Eugenijus Kaniusas from the Institute of Biomedical Electronics at TU Wien. -- "The electrical stimulation does not have an effect on the nervous system at all times. You could say that the brain is just not always listening. It's as if there is a gate to the control centre of the nervous system that is sometimes open and then closed again, and this can change in less than a second." -- Five people have now been examined in a pilot study. Their vagus nerve was electrically activated to lower their heart rate.	R01 R02 T01	2,351
2504-T035	Quantum Theory Resolved Contradiction Of Entropy Laws Through Scientific Research	The second law of thermodynamics states that the universe's disorder increases over time, while quantum physics suggests entropy remains constant. A team from TU Wien has reconciled this apparent contradiction by redefining entropy in a way compatible with quantum principles, demonstrating that entropy indeed increases in quantum systems until reaching a state of disorder, offering new insights into the fundamental nature of thermodynamics.	Vienna University of Technology	PRX Quantum	Press Rel	PubMed	It is one of the most important laws of nature that we know: The famous second law of thermodynamics says that the world gets more and more disordered, when random chance is at play. Or, to put it more precisely: That entropy must increase in every closed system. Ordered structures lose their order, regular ice crystals turn into water, porcelain vases are broken up into shards. At first glance, however, quantum physics does not really seem to adhere to this rule: Mathematically speaking, entropy in quantum systems always remains the same. -- A research team at TU Wien has now taken a closer look at this apparent contradiction and has been able to show: It depends on what kind of entropy you look at. If you define the concept of entropy in a way that it compatible with the basic ideas of quantum physics, then there is no longer any contradiction between quantum physics and thermodynamics. -- Entropy also increases in initially ordered quantum systems until it reaches a final state of disorder. -- Entropy and the direction of time -- Equating 'entropy' with 'disorder' is not entirely correct. After all, what you understand by 'disorder' may be subjective, but entropy can be clearly defined with mathematical equations. -- "Entropy is a measure of whether a system is in a special, very particular state, in which case the system has low entropy, or whether it is in one of many states that look more or less the same, in which case it has high entropy," explains Prof Marcus Huber from the Institute for Atomic and Subatomic Physics at TU Wien. -- If you start with a very specific state, for example a box full of balls that are sorted exactly by colour, then if you shake the box a little, a higher entropy mixed state will develop over time. -- This is simply due to the fact that only a few ordered states exist, but many that are similarly disordered. -- "From a physical point of view, this is what defines the direction of time," says Max Lock (TU Wien). "In the past, entropy was lower; the future is where entropy is higher." However, quantum physics encounters a problem here: the mathematician and physicist John von Neumann was able to show: according to the laws of quantum physics, the entropy in a quantum system cannot change at all. -- If you have the full information about a quantum system, the so-called 'von Neumann entropy' always stays the same; it is impossible to say whether time is running forwards or backwards, each point in time is physically as good as any other.	T01	2,352
2505-T017	Scientists Create New Metal With Minimal Expansion Across Wide Temperature Ranges	Scientists have created a new material that exhibits minimal thermal expansion across a broad temperature range, addressing a long-standing challenge in materials science. This advancement builds on the properties of Invar, an alloy known for its low thermal expansion but improves upon it significantly. Through complex simulations, researchers have detailed the mechanisms behind this new pyrochlore magnet, which maintains its dimensions with remarkable precision, even under extreme temperature variations, revolutionizing applications in engineering and technology.	Vienna University of Technology	National Science Review	Press Rel	PubMed	The efficient conversion of solar energy into storable forms of chemical energy is the dream of many engineers. Nature found a perfect solution to this problem billions of years ago. The new study shows that quantum mechanics is not just for physicists but also plays a key role in biology. -- Photosynthetic organisms such as green plants use quantum mechanical processes to harness the energy of the sun, as Prof. -- Jürgen Hauer explains: "When light is absorbed in a leaf, for example, the electronic excitation energy is distributed over several states of each excited chlorophyll molecule; this is called a superposition of excited states. It is the first stage of an almost loss-free energy transfer within and between the molecules and makes the efficient onward transport of solar energy possible. Quantum mechanics is therefore central to understanding the first steps of energy transfer and charge separation." -- This process, which cannot be understood satisfactorily by classical physics alone, occurs constantly in green plants and other photosynthetic organisms, such as photosynthetic bacteria. -- However, the exact mechanisms have still not been fully elucidated. -- Hauer and first author Erika Keil see their study as an important new basis in the effort to clarify how chlorophyll, the pigment in leaf green, works. -- Applying these findings in the design of artificial photosynthesis units could help to utilize solar energy with unprecedented efficiency for electricity generation or photochemistry. -- For the study, the researchers examined two specific sections of the spectrum in which chlorophyll absorbs light: the low-energy Q region (yellow to red spectral range) and the high-energy B region (blue to green). The Q region consists of two different electronic states that are quantum mechanically coupled. This coupling leads to loss-free energy transport in the molecule. The system then relaxes through "cooling," i.e. by releasing energy in the form of heat. The study shows that quantum mechanical effects can have a decisive influence on biologically relevant processes.	T01	2,353
2510-E066	Climate Change's Dual Impact: Differentiating Rainfall And Flood Types	New research emphasizes that climate change’s effects on precipitation and flooding vary significantly, depending on whether events are short-term or long-term. The study shows that temperature increases primarily influence brief rainfall and flood occurrences, providing valuable insights into regional flood risks and informing strategies to address the complexities of climate change impacts.	Vienna University of Technology	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Climate change may lead to more precipitation and more intense floods. A new study shows that to understand the details of this relationship, it is important to distinguish between different types of rainfall and flood events -- namely, between short-term events that occur on a time scale of hours, and longer-term events that last several days. In each case, climate change has a different impact. -- An Austrian research team has now shown for the first time that short-term precipitation and flood events on the scale of a few hours are particularly affected by the temperature increase caused by climate change. -- For events on a longer time scale, the relationship is more complicated. -- This finding was made using detailed data collected in Austria over more than a century -- but it can also be applied to other regions of the world. -- It also allows conclusions to be drawn about which regions will experience changes in the probability of flooding, and how they will be affected. -- The results have now been published in the journal Nature. -- Excellent data -- Climate change is affecting water cycles all over the world. -- A look at Austria is particularly revealing: "We are in the very fortunate situation of having excellent data available," says Prof. -- Günter Blöschl of TU Wien (Vienna), who led the research project.	C01	2,354
2511-T017	Quantum Cascade Lasers: A Breakthrough For Controlling Biogas Production	Researchers have developed a method using quantum cascade lasers to accurately measure water vapor in gasification processes, crucial for converting biomass into valuable gases. This advancement is significant for optimizing the gasification process, enhancing the efficiency of waste recycling into energy and chemicals.	Vienna University of Technology	Energy Conversion and Management: X	Press Rel	PubMed	Much of our waste is far too valuable to simply be incinerated. If it is recycled in a carefully controlled way, not only can thermal energy be generated, but the resulting gas can also be used to produce valuable chemicals -- from hydrogen to methane or methanol. However, the gas production process needs to be closely monitored and regulated. -- Until now, a very common by-product of gasification -- water vapor -- has been a particular headache. -- To control gasification efficiently, it is important to know the water content of the product gas as accurately as possible. -- However, conventional methods make it difficult to measure the water content. -- In a collaboration between process engineering and photonics at TU Wien (Vienna), this problem has now been solved using a very special type of light source: terahertz radiation from a quantum cascade laser. -- State-of-the-art quantum technology now supports environmentally friendly biomass recycling. -- Conventional measurements are not enough -- "Many chemical components of the product gas can be detected using infrared light," explains Florian Müller, who is researching renewable carbon systems as part of the CO2Refinery PhD programme at the Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Engineering at TU Wien. -- "Different molecules absorb different wavelengths of infrared light. By measuring which part of which wavelength is absorbed by a sample, it is possible to determine whether the sample contains a certain substance or not." -- However, this is hard to do with water vapor, a by-product which is particularly important for the gas production process.	T01	2,355
2504-012	Decline In Infant Mortality Rates But Rise In Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths	A study has documented a significant decline in overall infant mortality rates in the U.S. over the past two decades, alongside a concerning rise in Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) from 2020 to 2022. Researchers noted that while advancements in medical care have contributed to overall improvements, factors such as COVID-19 and social influences may be behind the increase in SUID. This duality underscores the complexity of infant health challenges that persist.	Virginia Commonwealth University	JAMA Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Infant mortality in the United States decreased by 24.2% between 1999 and 2022. Researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University and Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU discovered this improvement in a study published Jan. 27 in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics. In the same study, however, they found mortality rates from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) rose significantly -- by 11.8% -- from 2020 to 2022. -- "Although a prior CDC study -- using data until 2020 -- found that Sudden Unexpected Infant Death was increasing for Black infants, this new study -- adding data from 2021 and 2022 -- found that the rise is more generalized and occurred in infants overall," said Elizabeth Wolf, M.D., associate professor in VCU School of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and lead author on the study. -- Steven Woolf, M.D., director emeritus of the VCU Center on Society and Health and professor in VCU School of Medicine's Department of Family Medicine, and Anabeel Sen, M.B.B.S., professor in VCU School of Public Health's Department of Epidemiology, were among the other study authors, along with Frederick Rivara, M.D., of University of Washington's Department of Pediatrics and Seattle Children's Research Institute. -- What is behind the rise in SUID? -- Wolf attributes declining overall infant mortality rates to improved screening and treatment for illnesses affecting pregnant people, better obstetric management and neonatal care. Causes for the increase in SUID are harder to pinpoint. Possible explanations identified in this study include the rise of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, parental opioid use and the effect of social media on infant sleep practices. -- "In social media posts, infants can be seen in unsafe sleep positions, for example on their stomach instead of on their back, and in unsafe sleep environments such as adult beds, couches and baby swings," Wolf added. -- This information builds upon a child mortality study the same group of researchers published in May 2024, which showed racial and ethnic disparities among youth, ages 1 to 19, were greatest in the category of injuries. This new research finds large disparities in many causes of infant death as well, especially SUID. -- While SUID mortality rates are up across all racial and ethnic groups, the rate for Black infants is 10 times higher compared to Asian infants and three times higher than white infants. The authors suggest these disparities could reflect unsafe sleep position, prematurity, tobacco exposure and/or infant feeding, but further research is needed. -- Where we go from here -- As a pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Wolf places an emphasis on safe sleep education at well-child visits with her patients and families. She also sees opportunities to strengthen public health messaging on the importance of safe sleep and tighten regulations around unsafe or misleading infant products.	A01 H01 H02 R01	2,356
2509-028	Innovative Treatment Strategy Increases Effectiveness Against Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells	Scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a promising combination of MCL-1 inhibitors and SRC gene-targeting kinase inhibitors that effectively induce death in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. This innovative strategy could represent a significant advancement in treating a notoriously resistant form of cancer, providing hope for more effective therapies.	Virginia Commonwealth University	Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified an innovative combination of treatment strategies that work collaboratively to effectively kill acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, a frequently incurable form of cancer. -- New research findings -- published in the Nature family journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy -- suggest that a class of drugs known as MCL-1 (myeloid leukemia cell-1) inhibitors interact with a type of kinase inhibitor that targets the SRC gene to efficiently trigger cell death in AML cells. -- "Results from this research could add another approach to the therapeutic armamentarium against leukemia," said study author Steven Grant, M.D., associate director for translational research at Massey and professor of internal medicine at the VCU School of Medicine. -- AML is the deadliest form of leukemia, with a median survival of less than nine months and a five-year survival rate of just above 30%, according to the National Cancer Institute. -- Many drugs have been developed to treat the disease over the last several years, but AML in most cases remains highly resistant to standard therapies or recurs following treatment -- with the exception of a subset of patients who are eligible for bone marrow transplantation. -- AML represents a disease that develops from the uncontrolled growth and survival of undifferentiated leukemia stem cells. -- These stem cells are particularly dependent for survival upon the MCL-1 protein, which plays an important role in regulating leukemia cell death. -- MCL-1 inhibitors have become an area of considerable interest in the treatment of leukemia as well as other hematologic malignancies. -- In preclinical studies, these agents effectively block the function of MCL-1, reducing the ability of AML cells to survive. -- However, it has been found that such drugs, as well as other drugs of the class collectively referred to as BH3-mimetics, simultaneously trigger the accumulation of MCL-1 within leukemia cells.	H01 R01 N02	2,357
2508-c012	Virginia's Oyster Management Practices Benefit Reefs And Fisheries	A recent study conducted by William & Mary's Batten School indicates that improved oyster management in the Rappahannock River positively impacts both the health of oyster reefs and the local fishery. By assessing shell replenishment practices, researchers found significant benefits, including increased juvenile oyster density and enhanced commercial harvests. The findings highlight the importance of sustainable practices in promoting both ecological and economic resilience in marine environments.	Virginia Institute of Marine Science	Journal of Environmental Management	Press Rel	PubMed	Virginia has made significant investments in the restoration of oyster reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, and now a study led by William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS suggests those management practices are literally paying off in the Rappahannock River. The study, recently published in the Journal of Environmental Management, was led by Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences Ph.D. student Alexandria Marquardt, who presented the results to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission's (VMRC) Shellfish Management Advisory Committee on February 19. -- In addition to supporting local economies, oysters filter the surrounding water removing algae and excess nutrients while clumping together to form large reefs that serve as habitat for many fish and marine animals. Though once abundant, oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay collapsed in the mid-1980s due to a combination of overfishing and disease. While Virginia Institute of Marine Science has endeavored to increase wild oysters' resistance to virulent pathogens, the VMRC regulates the fishery in Virginia and oversees efforts to restore oyster reefs. -- "Oyster restoration typically focuses on shell replenishment, in which oyster shells are spread over existing reefs on which juvenile oysters attach and grow. This was an exciting project, because it was the first to evaluate the benefits of replenishment activities both biologically and for the fishery," said Marquardt, who collaborated on the study with faculty and scientists at the Batten School & VIMS and the VMRC. "Oyster reefs located in public fishing grounds are largely not studied, but we saw significant benefits from even modest replenishment. When combined with rotational harvests, the underlying reef structure was maintained and commercial harvests increased." -- The study showed that the density of juvenile oysters known as spat increased immediately following shell replenishment while the density of market-sized oysters peaked three years after, reinforcing the VMRC's current 3-year rotational harvest protocol. Spat density, though highly variable, was highest in years coinciding with higher brown shell volumes, a measurement of reef health that refers to the amount of oysters and shell above the bottom sediment layer. Marine protected areas were shown to have higher market oyster densities and offer protection from commercial fishing for larger oysters, which may provide a valuable spawning function for the fishery. -- VMRC began their shell replenishment program in 2000 and implemented rotational harvests in 2007. These practices have resulted in steady increases in brown shell volume throughout the Rappahannock River and increased the likelihood of watermen meeting daily harvest limits. Overall, the study showed that oyster harvests steadily increased with the improvement of the oyster reefs, with market oyster densities increasing substantially since 2018. -- Since the 2007-2008 harvest season, more than 500,000 bushels of oysters valued at more than $24 million were harvested from the Rappahannock River. The VMRC has invested more than $14 million toward replenishment in the river since 2000. -- "It's rewarding to see that science-based management of this fishery is providing benefits for both the environment and local economies," said Marquardt. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with the VMRC and contribute to a sustainable oyster industry in Virginia."	N01	2,358
2510-E030	East Coast Estuaries May Face Marine Heat Waves By Century's End	A pioneering study predicts that East Coast U.S. estuaries could experience marine heat wave conditions for up to a third of the year by century's end. This alarming forecast, resulting from NOAA data analysis, highlights the potential threats to vital marine ecosystems and fisheries, necessitating immediate action from policymakers.	Virginia Institute of Marine Science	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	A first-of-its-kind study led by William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS is predicting estuaries along the East Coast of the U.S. will experience marine heat wave conditions up to a third of the year by the end of the century. With estuaries serving as important nursery habitats for nearly 75% of all fish species and supporting more than 54 million jobs, this could have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems as well as the fisheries and communities that depend on them. -- The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, used long-term monitoring data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) program to examine conditions in 20 estuaries across the U.S. over the past two decades. -- The results showed rising frequencies of marine heat waves in East Coast estuaries that, if continued as modeled, could have disastrous ecosystem consequences. -- "The Chesapeake Bay, for example, currently experiences marine heat wave conditions approximately 6% of the year (22 days per year), and that is already placing stress on the ecosystem. Our study shows that estuaries across the East Coast could experience these conditions for more than 100 days of the year by 2100," said Batten School & VIMS Assistant Professor Piero Mazzini, coauthor and academic advisor to lead author Ricardo Nardi. -- "This research should serve as a warning to policy makers and environmental managers who are charged with protecting these important ecosystems." -- The news was better for West Coast estuaries, which did not show significant warming trends and may serve as important future refuges for many species. -- The researchers hypothesized this was due to persistent wind-driven regional upwelling in the Pacific Ocean, which brings deep, cold water up to the surface. -- Most research on marine heat waves focuses on larger areas of open ocean, where satellites are able to provide long-term thermal data, or on individual estuaries. -- "Our study is the first to paint a picture of the effect of climatic variability influencing marine heat waves in estuaries across the nation, and it would not have been possible without the long-term data provided by NOAA's NEER monitoring system," said Nardi, who pursued the research as part of his master's thesis at W&M's Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences. -- The study also showed connections between large-scale climate patterns, such as El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), in modulating marine heat waves, especially in West Coast estuaries where positive phases can more than double occurrences.	H02 C01 N01	2,359
2501-T035	Emotional Processing: How Neurotransmitters Influence Our Understanding Of Language	A study from Virginia Tech has revealed that neurotransmitter activity in the brain influences how humans process the emotional content of language. This groundbreaking research deepens our understanding of the interplay between language, emotion, and mental health, highlighting the biological basis of human communication.	Virginia Tech	Cell Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	In an unprecedented new study in the journal Cell Reports, researchers have shown neurotransmitters in the human brain are released during the processing of the emotional content of language, providing new insights into how people interpret the significance of words. -- The work, conducted by an international team led by Virginia Tech scientists, offers deeper understanding into how language influences human choices and mental health. -- Spearheaded by computational neuroscientist Read Montague, a professor of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and director of the institute's Center for Human Neuroscience Research, the study represents a first-of-its-kind exploration of how neurotransmitters process the emotional content of language -- a uniquely human function. -- The discovery, now online and slated for the Jan. 28 issue of Cell Reports, bridges the biological and the symbolic, linking neural processes that likely have evolved for survival in a vast array of species over the eons to the richness of human communication and emotion. -- "The common belief about brain chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, is that they send out signals related to the positive or negative value of experiences," said Montague, co-corresponding and co-senior author of the study. -- "Our findings suggest that these chemicals are released in specific areas of the brain when we process the emotional meaning of words. More broadly, our research supports the idea that the brain systems that evolved to help us react to good or bad things in our environment might also play a role in how we process words, which are just as important for our survival." -- The researchers are the first to simultaneously measure dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine release in humans in the context of the complex brain dynamics behind how people interpret and respond to language. -- "The emotional content of words is shared across multiple transmitter systems, but each system fluctuates differently," Montague said. -- "There's no single brain region handling this activity, and it's not as simple as one chemical representing one emotion." -- Neurochemical measurements were taken in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery for treatment of essential tremor, or for the surgical implantation of leads to monitor seizures in epilepsy patients.	R02 N02	2,360
2503-070	Brain Reward Learning Insights May Help Predict Recovery Outcomes In Depression Patients	Researchers at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute are utilizing computational models to investigate the brain's reward-learning system in individuals with depression, specifically those experiencing anhedonia. By focusing on dopamine-related activities, they aim to identify brain activity patterns that could help personalize treatment, potentially aiding in predicting recovery prospects for depressed patients.	Virginia Tech	Journal of Affective Disorders	Press Rel	PubMed	In a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute scientists Pearl Chiu and Brooks Casas investigate how brain signals involved in reward learning might help personalize depression treatment. -- A brain signal that lights up when we anticipate rewards may hold the secret to helping people overcome depression, and Virginia Tech researchers are working to unlock its potential. -- Professors Pearl Chiu and Brooks Casas of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC are pioneering a personalized approach to depression treatment by exploring how our brains process rewards and setbacks. -- Their study, which published in January in the Journal of Affective Disorders, examines two brain signals -- prediction error and expected value -- that may predict whether someone with depression is likely to see their symptoms improve. -- Unlocking the brain's reward system -- Major depression affects over 21 million Americans annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and remains a leading cause of disability worldwide. Yet current treatments often fall short, leaving many without lasting relief. -- "Major depression isn't one-size-fits-all," Chiu said. "People with depression learn and respond to rewards and setbacks differently, often in ways that align with specific symptoms." -- Using computational models, the researchers studied how the brain's reward-learning system functions in those with depression, especially among individuals experiencing anhedonia, the inability to feel pleasure. By analyzing dopamine-linked responses, they identified unique brain activity patterns that could help predict who is likely to recover. -- Their responses reveal the brain's capacity to learn from outcomes, Chiu said, and could form the basis for a new kind of therapy using tailored learning processes to guide the brain's responses to different outcomes. -- Researchers identify key markers for recovery	H01 R02	2,361
2503-E017	Combatting Salt Pollution: Harnessing Native Plants For Environmental Protection	Salt pollution from road deicing poses significant threats to freshwater ecosystems and urban infrastructure. New research highlights the potential of salt-tolerant plants, like cattails, to mitigate this pollution. However, the study emphasizes that while such plants can help, broader strategies are necessary to comprehensively address the challenges posed by excessive salt in urban environments and protect local ecosystems.	Virginia Tech	Science of The Total Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	Salt pollution in freshwater is a growing global concern. -- Excessive salt harms plants, degrades soil, and compromises water quality. -- In urban areas, road salts used for de-icing during winter often wash into stormwater systems, posing health concerns and challenges for infrastructure. -- Specifically, salts can impact the processes like filtration and contaminate retention basins that are used to manage and treat urban stormwater runoff. -- Megan Rippy, assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering, is on a mission to understand how salt affects plants in stormwater detention basins and assess whether certain plants can mitigate salt pollution through a process called phytoremediation. -- "Plants play an important role in green infrastructure performance, but only 1 percent of plants, known as halophytes, can handle highly saline environments," said Rippy. -- "This makes it important to characterize the threat salts pose to green infrastructure as well as the potential of salt tolerant species to mitigate that threat." -- Rippy led a yearlong study funded by a National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research program award. -- She studied stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia, exploring the impacts of road salts on plants, soils, and water quality in green infrastructure systems. -- These basins, designed to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality, face challenges from road salts used during winter months.	H02 N02	2,362
2505-T014	New Solid Lubricant Mechanism Enhances Safety And Durability In High-Temperature Applications	A multi-university collaboration has developed a novel solid lubricant that significantly reduces friction in machinery operating at extremely high temperatures. This new mechanism surpasses traditional solid lubricants like graphite, which often fail under such conditions. The research, published in Nature Communications, promises to enhance the longevity and efficiency of high-tech engines, addressing the significant economic impact of friction and wear, and positioning Virginia Tech as a leader in advanced material solutions.	Virginia Tech	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	In many parts of India, a single noxious pollutant from coal-fired power stations drags down annual wheat and rice yields by 10% or more, according to a new study by Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability researchers. -- The two grains are critical for food security in India, the second most populous country in the world and home to a quarter of all undernourished people globally. -- "We wanted to understand the impact of India's coal electricity emissions on its agriculture because there might be real trade-offs between meeting growing electricity demand with coal generation and maintaining food security," said Kirat Singh, a PhD student in environment and resources in the Doerr School of Sustainability and lead author of the Feb. 3 study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- Clean air and food security -- Past studies have sought to quantify overlooked costs of burning coal for electricity by estimating the number of deaths linked to resulting pollution. Government agencies and other organizations use these figures -- and estimates of the economic value of statistical life -- to understand the costs and benefits of various economic development strategies and environmental regulations. -- Until now, however, estimates of crop damages specifically tied to coal-fired power stations -- which supply more than 70% of electricity in India -- have been lacking despite more than a decade of research showing that air pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide hurt crop yields. -- "Crop productivity is incredibly important to India's food security and economic prospects," said senior study author David Lobell, the Benjamin M. Page Professor in the Doerr School of Sustainability's Earth System Science Department. "We've known that improved air quality could help agriculture, but this study is the first to drill down to a specific sector and measure the potential benefits of reducing emissions." -- Crop damage concentrated in key regions and seasons -- For the new study, the authors estimated rice and wheat crop losses linked to emissions of nitrogen dioxide, or NO2, from coal power stations. They used a statistical model that combines daily records of wind direction and electricity generation at 144 power stations in India and satellite-measured nitrogen dioxide levels over cropland. -- The authors found coal power plants affected NO2 concentrations above cropland up to 100 kilometers, or roughly 62 miles, away. Eliminating coal emissions from all farmland within this range during key growing seasons (January-February and September-October) could boost the value of rice output across India by approximately $420 million per year and of wheat output by $400 million per year, according to the study.	T01	2,363
2506-E035	Cold Weather Extends Viability Of Bird Pink Eye Pathogen On Winter Feeders	A study reveals that the pathogen causing pink eye in birds remains viable on feeders during winter months for longer than in summer. Research led by Sara Teemer found that the pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum can persist for up to seven days in colder temperatures, increasing the risk of transmission among house finches when natural food sources dwindle. This has significant implications for bird health during colder months.	Virginia Tech	Ecosphere	Press Rel	PubMed	A pathogen for bird pink eye remains viable on bird feeders in winter conditions much longer than in summer conditions without losing any of its severity, according to a recent study. -- "In colder temperatures, birds essentially have a much longer window of time -- up to seven days -- to encounter this pathogen on a bird feeder," said Sara Teemer, who will receive a Ph.D. in biological sciences in May. -- "However, that window appears to be much shorter -- only up to two days -- on feeders in warmer temperatures." -- Teemer was the lead author of the recently published study in Ecosphere detailing the findings that the pathogen Mycoplasma gallisepticum, which causes a type of bird pink eye, remains pathogenic on feeder surfaces at cold ambient temperatures for up to one week, much longer than previously documented. -- The findings have strong implications for house finches, which require more food in colder months as they expend more energy to maintain their body temperature, just when their natural food sources become scarce. -- Another finding in the study revealed the pathogen incubated on feeders at colder ambient temperatures caused more severe disease in birds compared with the pathogen incubated on feeders at warmer temperatures. -- "I was definitely surprised when the pathogen, which we swabbed off of a bird feeder after a full week of surviving outside the host, caused disease in birds that was just as severe as if the pathogen hadn't spent any time on a bird feeder," said Dana Hawley, professor of biological sciences and co-author of the study. -- To get these new findings, researchers assigned feeders to two ambient environments in the lab to represent average winter temperatures and summer temperatures in Southwest Virginia. -- They inoculated the bird feeders with the pink eye pathogen, and any remaining pathogen from feeders on specific days was used to quantify the amount of viable cells in culture or to measure the resulting disease severity and pathogen loads in birds. -- "In house finches, outbreaks of mycoplasmal conjunctivitis tend to occur around the same time of year that birds rely heavily on bird feeders for energy to stay warm during cold outside conditions," said Teemer, an affiliate with the Global Change Center.	A01 H01 C01 N01	2,364
2506-T022	Electric Vehicles Show Lower Non-Exhaust Emissions Compared To Gasoline Cars	New findings indicate that electric vehicles produce lower non-exhaust emissions compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. While electric cars generate no tailpipe emissions, they still contribute to debris from tire and brake wear. This study, conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech, sheds light on the environmental impact of electric vehicles, reinforcing their role in reducing overall emissions in transportation systems.	Virginia Tech	Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment	Press Rel	PubMed	No exhaust means no emissions, right? -- Not quite. -- It is commonly known that while electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions while driving, they do create debris from tire and brake abrasion. -- However, the degree to which they do and how that compares to internal combustion engine vehicles was largely unknown until the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute's Hesham Rakha investigated it. -- In an article published in Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, Rakha, alongside institute research associate Mohamed Farag and Associate Professor of civil and environmental engineering Hosein Foroutan, reported findings that indicate electric vehicles generally produce less non-exhaust emissions. -- "The model that we developed proved that battery electric vehicles, in the right conditions, have more environmental advantages," said Rakha, director of the institute's Center of Sustainable Mobility. -- "The hope is for this tool to inform strategies that could reduce overall vehicular pollution and promote sustainable transportation solutions." -- Rakha said that because electric vehicles are generally 40 percent heavier than gasoline-powered vehicles, the first step of this project was to develop models that account for vehicle speed and weight to calculate brake and tire particulate matter emissions. -- Using his INTEGRATION software, he compared a combined 24 electric vehicles, gasoline-powered vehicles, and hybrid vehicles that ranged in weight and size. -- The selected vehicles were then put to the test in three EPA drive cycles that represented city driving, highway driving, and a high acceleration aggressive driving style.	Z01	2,365
2507-E036	Common Minerals Can Be Transformed To Rapidly Capture Atmospheric CO2	A recent study demonstrates how gut bacteria can be transformed into miniature protein factories, solving challenges related to gastrointestinal drug delivery. This innovative approach could revolutionize oral medication efficacy by enabling bacteria to produce and release therapeutic proteins directly in the lower intestine, overcoming barriers that often render traditional drugs ineffective. This technique opens new avenues for targeted treatments and personalized medicine.	Virginia Tech	Virginia Tech	Press Rel	PubMed	Hundreds of different species of microbes live, laugh, and love in your gut. In the future, one of these might serve a new function: microscopic in-house pharmacist. -- A new study published Feb. 18in Nature Biotechnology shows how gut bacteria can be directed to produce and release proteins within the lower gastrointestinal tract -- eliminating a major roadblock to delivering drugs to that part of the body. -- Oral medication is the most common and practical means of drug administration, but the stomach doesn't let much pass through unscathed. -- This is good when it comes to things like foodborne pathogens, but gut-focused therapies are regularly deactivated and flushed out. -- In an unprecedented workaround, biologist Bryan Hsu's team engineered bacteria-eating viruses called phages to infect and reprogram bacterial cells to produce and release a sustained flowof a protein-based drug. -- Collaborating with immunologist Liwu Li, Hsu's research team showed that this approach can be used to potentially treat chronic diseases. -- Embrace your inner spider alien -- Bacteriophages (phages for short) are viruses that naturally infect bacteria. -- Phages are harder to classify than bacteria and therefore less understood, but we do know how they attack bacteria. -- After attaching to a bacterial cell, phages inject their own DNA and reprogram the cell so that it manufactures more phages -- agents of the cell's own destruction.	H01 R01	2,366
2508-E022	Unique Bee Dance Styles Increase Food Foraging Success: A New Discovery	New findings shed light on honeybee communication, revealing that individual bees possess unique 'styles' of the waggle dance, which conveys foraging instructions. Researchers are investigating whether these distinct dance patterns improve the success rate of food recruitment. This study emphasizes the importance of dance diversity in enhancing the likelihood of successful food location by foraging bees, contributing to our understanding of social insect behavior.	Virginia Tech	Current Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	As far as animals go, honeybees are world-class dancers. -- While not as deep and complex as a Super Bowl half-time show, the bees' moves, known as the "waggle" dance, convey very specific food foraging instructions to their nestmates. -- The direction the dancer moves explains to other bees which way to go, and the duration of the waggle dance, or the "run," shows how far to go. Once other bees have been convinced to follow the directions, they are "recruited." After receiving the instructions, these recruits leave the hive to find the food their sisters were so excited about. -- Unfortunately, many of these recruited bees do not always successfully find the food they set out in search of. Margaret Couvillon, associate professor in the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and her former Ph.D. student Laura McHenry wanted to find out why. -- Trying to understand why waggle dances fail -- Honeybees have had millions of years to perfect the waggle dance, so it may be surprising to learn that it doesn't often work. -- Even though it was first described by scientists over 80 years ago, there is still a lot about the waggle dance that we don't understand. -- Couvillon has learned several interesting patterns related to this form of communication. -- One such observation was that bees have consistent, unique ways of dancing, meaning each bee has its own "style" that it adds to the communication. -- Could the success of the waggle dance be related to this uniqueness?	A01 H01 N01	2,367
2511-082	Distinct Brain Changes Found In Response To Different Types Of Trauma	A study uncovers distinct molecular differences in how the brain processes trauma experienced directly versus witnessed, which could lead to more tailored PTSD treatments. This groundbreaking research reveals that those who witness trauma may experience unique brain changes compared to firsthand victims, indicating the need for differentiated therapeutic approaches for various types of trauma.	Virginia Tech	PLOS ONE	Press Rel	PubMed	For years, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been studied primarily in people who experience trauma firsthand. But what about those who witness it -- military veterans, first responders, health care workers, or bystanders to violence -- who constitute 10 percent of all PTSD cases? -- New research from Virginia Tech, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that witnessing trauma triggers unique brain changes, distinct from those caused by experiencing trauma firsthand. The study is the first to shed light on the molecular differences between directly acquired PTSD and bystander PTSD and could pave the way for changes in how the disorders are treated. -- "Currently, patients with directly acquired PTSD and bystander PTSD are treated the same way -- with a combination of therapy and medication,"saidTimothy Jarome,the project's principal investigator and associate professor of neurobiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences."Our research suggests that indirect trauma and direct trauma create different biological responses, which could mean they require different treatment strategies that target distinct brain pathways." -- Understanding how observation leads to PTSD -- Jarome's research focuses on understanding the neurobiological mechanisms behind memory-related disorders, including PTSD, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. His interest in bystander PTSD arose after learning about PTSD symptoms reported in people who witnessed the deadly 2021 collapse of a Miami condominium. -- "People who saw it from across the street reported that they were suffering from nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety," he said. "They were showing symptoms of PTSD, but didn't go through it or have any connection to the people in the building. We sought out to understand the brain mechanisms behind how that occurred." -- For the study, researchers focused on protein changes caused by a fear stimulus in three key brain regions involved in fear memory: the amygdala, the anterior cingulate cortex, and the retrosplenial cortex. They discovered that witnessing trauma triggered distinct protein degradation patterns in all three regions, compared to directly experiencing trauma. -- Additionally, they uncovered sex-specific differences in how male and female brains process indirect fear memories. These findings build on previous research from Jarome's lab, which identified a specific protein, known as K-63 ubiquitin, linked to PTSD development in women. -- "Our findings highlight significant biological differences in how male and female brains respond to witnessing trauma," said the paper's lead author, Shaghayegh Navabpour, a former Ph.D. student in translational biology, medicine, and health who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University. "These differences may help explain why women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD, leading to more targeted treatments that consider these sex-specific factors." -- In future research, Jarome hopes to explore how these how these molecular pathways could be leveraged to develop more precise PTSD therapies. He also hopes to examine the role of empathy, which originates in a different brain region called the anterior insular cortex, in bystander PTSD.	H01 H02 R02	2,368
2513-T017	New Techniques Unlock Insights Into Battery Interfaces For Better Performance	Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a groundbreaking technique that allows them to explore the intricate battery interfaces that have long puzzled battery designers. This advancement is crucial for developing more efficient and cost-effective batteries, a vital step towards maximizing the benefits of electrification in society. The study, led by chemists Feng Lin and Louis Madsen, highlights the persistent challenges at these interfaces and was published in Nature Nanotechnology on April 1.	Virginia Tech	Nature Nanotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	It's (going to be) electric. -- But how soon? How quickly our society can maximize the benefit of electrification hinges on finding cheaper, higher performance batteries -- a reality closer to hand through new research from Virginia Tech. -- A team of chemists led by Feng Lin and Louis Madsen found a way to see into battery interfaces, which are tight, tricky spots buried deep inside the cell. -- The research findings were published on April 1 in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. -- "There are major, longstanding challenges at the interfaces," said Jungki Min, a chemistry graduate student and the study's first author. -- "We are always trying to gain better control over these buried surfaces." -- The team member's discovery of a new imaging technique that enabled them to peer inside an operating battery happened by chance. -- They were originally looking at a new formulation of electrolyte material. -- The best battery batter -- Sandwiched between the negative and positive electrodes, the electrolyteis the filling that carries charged particles, called ions, back and forth to charge and discharge a battery.	A01 T01	2,369
2502-026	Innovative Biomaterial Developed For Treating Bone Lesions In Multiple Myeloma Patients Shows Promise	A collaborative team of researchers has made a groundbreaking advancement by creating a new biomaterial known as "sicXer," which shows promise in treating bone lesions in multiple myeloma patients. This innovative material mimics healthy bone structure and enhances healing while delivering localized drug treatments to combat tumor activity, ultimately addressing a significant challenge in managing debilitating bone conditions associated with this blood cancer.	Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Journal of Hematology & Oncology	Press Rel	PubMed	The team tackled a critical challenge in treating multiple myeloma -- a blood cancer where malignant plasma cells accumulate in bone marrow, leading to debilitating bone lesions in 80% of patients. These lesions cause severe pain and fractures that often fail to heal, and within, a vicious cycle takes place that supports tumor survival and regrowth. -- "Through our multidisciplinary effort, we aimed to develop advanced bone repair materials capable of mimicking the stability of healthy trabecular bone while promoting bone healing by reducing the activity of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) and enhancing bone-building cell (osteoblast) function, and which at the same time can deliver localized drug treatments to suppress tumor activity and support bone regeneration." Professor Dirk Hose of TORC said. -- The result of their efforts is "sicXer," a so called "mesoporous silica-collagen xerogel" engineered to closely resemble mineralized collagen, the structural foundation of bone. -- Leveraging innovative silica-based mineralization inspired by marine glass sponge spicules, the team tailored the mechanical properties and degradation kinetics of sicXer to closely match human bone. -- "Building on sicXer, we developed "boXer," a drug-loaded version of the material. BoXer incorporates the anti-myeloma drug bortezomib, an agent known to stimulate net bone formation while effectively killing tumor cells. BoXer releases this "payload" locally at the site of bone lesions, offering a dual therapeutic benefit -- bone regeneration and localized myeloma control." Dr. Anja Seckinger of TORC adds. -- In their forthcoming paper, the researchers demonstrate boXer's ability to stimulate bone formation in preclinical models of healthy and diseased bone. -- They also managed to suppress myeloma cells, including those resistant to systemic bortezomib treatment. -- The results show promising potential for stabilization and healing of fracture-prone bone lesions. -- The research team envisions sicXer and boXer as components of a novel combined systemic and local treatment strategy for multiple myeloma. -- Beyond oncology, these materials may have applications in non-malignant diseases involving bone degeneration or fractures.	A01 R01 C01	2,370
2502-E044	New Research Questions Role Of Sulfur In Dinosaur Extinction Event	A groundbreaking study challenges the previously held belief that sulfur release from the Chicxulub impact crater caused the mass extinction of dinosaurs. By measuring sulfur levels in the geological record, researchers argue that its role was overstated, pointing instead to the impact winter's catastrophic effects on climate and ecosystems as the primary cause of extinction.	Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Previous studies have posited that the mass extinction that wiped the dinosaurs off the face of the Earth was caused by the release of large volumes of sulfur from rocks within the Chicxulub impact crater 66 million years ago. A new study by an international team led by Katerina Rodiouchkina (Luleå University of Technology Sweden, UGent and VUB in Belgium) questions this scenario. Using groundbreaking empirical measurements of sulfur within the related Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary layer, the international team has demonstrated that the role of sulfur during the extinction has been overestimated. -- Approximately 66 million years ago, the Chicxulub asteroid, estimated to be 10-15 kilometer in diameter, struck the Yucatán Peninsula (in current-day Mexico), creating a 200-kilometer-wide impact crater. -- This impact triggered a chain reaction of destructive events including a rapid climate change that eventually led to the extinction of the non-avian dinosaurs and in total about 75% of species on Earth. -- The main culprit is most likely the "impact winter," which was caused by massive release of dust, soot, and sulfur into the atmosphere, leading to extreme cold, darkness, and a collapse in global photosynthesis, with lasting effects on ecosystems for years to decades after impact. -- Most previous studies considered sulfur as the most crucial factor in driving the cooling and extinction after the impact event. -- However, estimates of the volume of sulfate aerosols released from the vaporization of the impacted rocks in Mexico have varied widely over two orders of magnitude from one study to another. -- This is because such estimates are largely based on uncertain parameters, such as the proportion of sulfur-bearing rocks at the impact location, the size, velocity, and impact angle of the asteroid, and the resulting shock pressures of sulfur-bearing minerals. -- In the new study, Katarina Rodiouchkina and colleagues used sulfur concentrations and isotopic compositions from new drill cores of impact rocks within the crater region, combined with detailed chemical profiles across K-Pg boundary sediments around the world. -- This way, the authors were able to empirically estimate, for the first time, the total amount of sulfur released into the atmosphere due to the Chicxulub asteroid impact event. -- "Instead of focusing on the impact event itself, we focused on the aftermath of the impact ," explains chemist Katerina Rodiouchkina.	C01	2,371
2504-029	Exploring How Computers Can Learn Language Like Children Do	A study challenges current artificial intelligence language models by suggesting that computers should learn language like children do—through meaningful interactions rather than data observation alone. The researchers advocate for a fundamental shift in how AI processes language, emphasizing the importance of context and communication in acquiring linguistic skills.	Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Computational Linguistics	Press Rel	PubMed	Can a computer learn a language the way a child does? A recent study published in the leading journal Computational Linguistics by professors Katrien Beuls (University of Namur) and Paul Van Eecke (AI Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel) sheds new light on this question. The researchers advocate for a fundamental revision of how artificial intelligence acquires and processes language. -- "Children learn their native language by communicating with the people around them in their environment. As they play and experiment with language, they attempt to interpret the intentions of their conversation partners. In this way, they gradually learn to understand and use linguistic constructions. This process, in which language is acquired through interaction and meaningful context, is at the core of human language acquisition," says Katrien Beuls. -- "The current generation of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, learns language in a very different way," adds Paul Van Eecke. -- "By observing vast amounts of text and identifying which words frequently appear together, they generate texts that are often indistinguishable from human writing. This results in models that are extremely powerful in many forms of text generation -- such as summarizing, translating, or answering questions -- but that also exhibit inherent limitations. They are susceptible to hallucinations and biases, often struggle with human reasoning, and require enormous amounts of data and energy to build and operate." -- The researchers propose an alternative model in which artificial agents learn language as humans do -- by engaging in meaningful communicative interactions within their environment. -- Through a series of experiments, they demonstrate how these agents develop linguistic constructions that are directly linked to their surroundings and sensory perceptions. -- This leads to language models that: -- Are less prone to hallucinations and biases, as their language comprehension is grounded in direct interaction with the world. -- Use data and energy more efficiently, resulting in a smaller ecological footprint. -- Are more deeply rooted in meaning and intention, enabling them to understand language and context in a more human-like manner.	A01 H01 T01	2,372
2510-T021	Tiny Plastic Beads Generate Electricity Through Unique Contact Method	An international team of researchers has uncovered a new electricity generation method using small plastic beads through the process of triboelectrification. By bringing closely packed beads into contact with each other, the researchers found that these beads generate more electricity than conventional methods. This discovery has implications for energy harvesting technologies and enhances understanding of triboelectric nanogenerators, which use friction to produce electricity.	Vrije Universiteit Brussel	Small	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Riga Technical University, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and the MESA+ Institute at the University of Twente has discovered a new method to generate electricity using small plastic beads. By placing these beads close together and bringing them into contact, they generate more electricity than usual. This process, known as triboelectrification, is similar to the static electricity produced when rubbing a balloon against hair. -- Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) generate electricity through friction between different materials. -- Typically, this occurs when two distinct materials move against each other. -- The research now shows that when a surface made up of closely packed small beads comes into contact with another surface containing the same beads, some beads gain a positive charge while others become negatively charged. -- The more efficiently these electric charges transfer, the more electricity is produced. -- Tests with different types of beads reveal that size and material play a crucial role. -- Larger beads tend to acquire a negative charge, whereas smaller ones are more likely to become positively charged. -- The most significant effect occurs with melamine-formaldehyde (MF) beads. -- This material has low elasticity, meaning it is less flexible and better at holding and transferring electric charge. -- Additionally, using beads provides a cost-effective alternative to the expensive technology typically used in TENGs to enhance performance.	H01	2,373
2501-077	Iron Infusion During Pregnancy Shows Better Efficacy Than Standard Iron Tablets.	A groundbreaking trial has found that administering a single iron infusion during the third trimester of pregnancy can significantly lower anemia levels in expectant mothers, outperforming traditional iron tablets. This research underscores the critical role of iron in maternal and fetal health, linking poor iron levels to serious complications such as low birth weight and postpartum depression, potentially reshaping prenatal care practices worldwide.	Walter and Eliza Hall Institute	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A major trial has found a single iron infusion in the third trimester can significantly reduce anaemia in pregnant women and outperform the efficacy of iron tablets -- the current recommended standard of care. -- Adequate iron is critical during pregnancy to support the health of the mother and developing baby, with poor iron levels linked to a higher risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and postpartum depression. -- The study, co-led by WEHI (Australia) and the Training Research Unit of Excellence (Malawi), is the first to show infusions in late pregnancy can significantly boost iron stores in pregnant women as they approach delivery and give birth -- findings that could improve maternal care and birth outcomes across the globe. -- At a glance -- Landmark study reveals giving iron infusions in the third trimester of pregnancy is safe and significantly boosts pregnant women's iron levels, more effectively than iron tablets. -- Severe iron deficiency during pregnancy can impact the development of the baby and is linked with a higher risk of complications. -- The findings could transform maternal care guidelines and improve birth outcomes in countries worldwide, including Australia. -- Iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia in pregnancy worldwide. -- Globally, around 37% of pregnant women are anaemic -- almost 32 million women at any given time. In Australia, anaemia reportedly occurs in 25% of all pregnancies. -- Pregnant women with anaemia are at elevated risk of complications, including chronic fatigue, post-partum haemorrhage and stillbirth deliveries.	R01	2,374
2505-056	New Eye Study Links Retinal Thickness To Early Detection Of Serious Diseases	A large-scale eye study has unveiled crucial insights into retinal thickness and its implications for early disease detection. Conducted using advanced AI technology, this research analyzed over 50,000 eyes to create detailed retinal maps. The findings suggest that routine eye examinations could serve as valuable tools for identifying and managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and dementia, fundamentally changing preventive healthcare approaches.	Walter and Eliza Hall Institute	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Dongqing Wang, an assistant professor of Global and Community Health at George Mason's College of Public Health, is pioneering research in prenatal nutritional interventions. His latest report identifies prenatal supplements that reduce health risks to small and vulnerable babies. This research was published in the The Lancet Global Health journal and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. -- Wang found that compared to folic acid and iron alone, a multiple micronutrient supplement led to a 27% lower risk of giving birth to "small vulnerable newborn types," or babies who suffered from preterm birth, low birthweight, and small-for-gestational-age birth -- the three groups most likely to result in infant death. -- In the past, these birth outcomes were all treated as separate conditions. -- Wang, however, delves into emerging science to look at different combinations across the three outcomes. -- Low birthweight, for example, can occur because of a short pregnancy, and growth restrictions can lead to babies born too small for their developmental age. -- "Small vulnerable newborn types may have distinct mechanisms, health impacts, and intervention strategies," says Wang. -- "This work is the first to examine the effects of prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on the emerging outcomes of small vulnerable newborns." -- Folic acid and iron have been used to support prenatal health since the 1970s. -- Wang explored the effects of two additional types of prenatal supplements on women in low- and middle-income countries: prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), similar to a common multivitamin, and small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS), which provide caloric nutrition and fatty acids in addition to vitamins. -- He found that nearly all of these vitamins conferred some type of benefit -- and some of them were hugely beneficial.	A01 R01 R02 T01	2,375
2511-016	Breakthrough In Understanding PINK1 Protein Offers Hope For Parkinson's Treatment	A breakthrough study by WEHI researchers has revealed the structure and activation mechanism of the human PINK1 protein, which is crucial in Parkinson's disease. This milestone discovery provides valuable insights for developing new therapeutic interventions and understanding the pathogenesis of one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions.	Walter and Eliza Hall Institute	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	WEHI researchers have made a huge leap forward in the fight against Parkinson's disease, solving a decades-long mystery that paves the way for development of new drugs to treat the condition. -- First discovered over 20 years ago, PINK1 is a protein directly linked to Parkinson's disease -- the fastest growing neurodegenerative condition in the world. Until now, no one had seen what human PINK1 looks like, how PINK1 attaches to the surface of damaged mitochondria, or how it is switched on. -- In a major breakthrough, researchers at the WEHI Parkinson's Disease Research Centre have determined the first ever structure of human PINK1 bound to mitochondria, in findings published in Science. The work could help find new treatments for the condition that currently has no cure or drug to stop its progression. -- At a glance -- In a world-first, WEHI researchers have discovered what human PINK1 looks like and how it is activated. -- PINK1 is a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's. There is no cure for Parkinson's. -- This discovery, published in Science, is a huge leap forward in the fight against Parkinson's with the hope that it will accelerate the search for a drug to stop the condition. -- Parkinson's disease is insidious, often taking years, sometimes decades to diagnose. Often associated with tremors, there are close to 40 symptoms including cognitive impairment, speech issues, body temperature regulation and vision problems. -- In Australia, over 200,000 people live with Parkinson's and between 10% and 20% have Young Onset Parkinson's Disease -- meaning they are diagnosed under the age of fifty. The impact of Parkinson's on the Australian economy and healthcare systems is estimated to be over $10 billion each year. -- Breakthrough after decades of research	H01 R02	2,376
2502-T021	Revolutionizing Carbon Fiber Recycling With Electrical Pulses	Researchers at Waseda University have developed a novel direct discharge electrical pulse method for recycling carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs), which are widely used in various industries. This innovative technique promises to separate CFRP materials more efficiently and sustainably, paving the way for improved recycling processes and contributing to environmental sustainability in material usage.	Waseda University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are used in the aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries. However, their recycling remains a major problem. In a recent study, researchers from Waseda University demonstrated a novel direct discharge electrical pulse method for the efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly separation of CFRPs to recover high-quality carbon fibers. This work is expected to pave the way for a more sustainable world. -- The world is hurtling rapidly towards a developed future, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) play a key role in enabling technological and industrial progress. These composite materials are lightweight and highly strong, making them desirable for applications in various fields, including aviation, aerospace, automotive, wind power generation, and sports equipment. -- However, recycling CFRPs presents a significant challenge, with waste management being a pressing issue. Conventional recycling methods require high-temperature heating or chemical treatments, which result in high environmental impact and elevated costs. Moreover, it has been a challenge to recover high-quality carbon fibers. In this regard, electrohydraulic fragmentation has been proposed as a promising option. In this technique, intensive shockwave impulses generated by high-voltage discharge plasmas are applied along the interfaces of different materials to separate the various components. -- While this method is lucrative, can we do better? Answering this question, a team of researchers from Waseda University, led by Professor Chiharu Tokoro from the Department of Creative Science and Engineering, and including Keita Sato, Manabu Inutsuka, and Taketoshi Koita, has come up with a novel direct discharge electrical pulse method for efficiently recycling CFRPs. Their findings have been published in the journalScientific Reportson November 30, 2024. -- Tokoro talks about the motivation behind their present work, stating: "In our previous studies, we had already established research expertise in generating shock waves in water using electrical pulse phenomena to efficiently fragment difficult-to-process materials. However, in applications such as lithium-ion batteries, we discovered that direct discharge, which utilizes Joule heating and vapor expansion of the material itself, is more effective for high-efficiency separation than relying on shock waves. Wenow apply this approach to CFRP, hypothesizing that it could achieve more efficient separation compared to current methods." -- The direct discharge electrical pulse technique leverages Joule heat generation, thermal stress generation, and expansion force due to plasma generation, foregoing the need for heating or chemicals. The researchers compared this method with electrohydraulic fragmentation by examining the corresponding physical properties of the recovered carbon fibers, including length, tensile strength, resin adhesion, and structural degradation, as well as the energy efficiency in terms of fiber separation. They found that their new technique is more effective for carbon fiber recovery. It preserves relatively longer fibers with higher strength and also precisely separates CFRPs into individual fibers without retaining any residual resin on the surface. -- Furthermore, the direct discharge approach improves energy efficiency by a factor of at least 10 compared to traditional alternatives, while reducing environmental impact and promoting resource utilization. -- Therefore, this technology is anticipated to accelerate CFRP recycling, contributing significantly to the development of a sustainable society. According to Tokoro, "Our research findings have numerous applications, pertaining tothe recycling of CFRPs from spent aircraft components, automotive waste, and wind turbine blades. Thus, the present innovation supports sustainability across industries by enabling efficient resource recovery and reducing environmental impact." -- Overall, this work is expected to further the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).	H02 T01	2,377
2503-065	Brain Activates Unique Patterns For Hot And Cold Sensations — New Insights Discovered	A study from Waseda University reveals how the brain differentiates between hot and cold sensations, identifying specific neural mechanisms involved in this process. By utilizing electroencephalography to track brain activity, researchers uncovered distinct patterns that enhance our understanding of sensory processing, potentially informing future approaches to evaluating thermal comfort in various settings.	Waseda University	Neuroscience	Press Rel	PubMed	Thermal sensations are consciously differentiated as hot or cold by the brain; however, the neural mechanism that enables this differentiation is not well understood. To address this, researchers from Waseda University have used electroencephalography to record brain activity during hot or cold stimuli. They found that while both temperatures activate the same ten cortical regions, their patterns of EEG across frequencies differ, influencing behavior. These findings contribute to developing objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort. -- The brain discriminates between hot and cold sensations by inducing distinct temporal activity patterns in shared cortical regions, offering insights into how sensory information is encoded. -- When we touch something hot or cold, the temperature is consciously sensed. -- Previous studies have shown that the cortex, the outermost layer of the brain, is responsible for thermal sensations. -- However, how the cortex determines whether something is hot or cold is not well understood. -- Thermal sensitivity is often subjective and individualistic; what is a comfortable temperature for someone might be too hot or too cold for someone else. -- In a new study, Professor Kei Nagashima from the Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Japan, and Dr. Hironori Watanabe from Waseda University, in collaboration with others, used electroencephalography (EEG) to map the brain's response to hot and cold temperatures and clarify the activity patterns. -- In this study, 20 participants were exposed to different temperature treatments on their right index and middle fingers. -- The temperature treatments were given in pulses for 15 seconds with a 10-second intermittent temperature of 32 ˚C. Brain neural activity in response to the two different temperatures, 40 ˚C and 24 ˚C, was recorded using a wearable EEG device. -- The study was published in Volume 564 of Neuroscience on 09 January 2025.	R02 T01	2,378
2504-E024	Unlocking Japan's Geological Secrets Through Sulfide Deposits Analysis	By employing Re-Os isotope geochronology, researchers have successfully dated key tectonic events in Japan's geological history, overcoming challenges posed by the preservation of microfossils. Their findings detail the timing of significant ridge subduction events, offering new insights into the geological evolution of Japan and enhancing our understanding of tectonic processes that shape landmasses over millions of years.	Waseda University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	Dating key tectonic events in Japan's geological history has long been often challenging due to poor microfossil preservation from intense heat due to metamorphism. Researchers tackled this by using Re-Os isotope geochronology on Besshi-type volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits (Makimine and Shimokawa deposits) associated with sediment-covered mid-ocean ridges. Their findings revealed the timing of ridge subduction -- when one tectonic plate was forced beneath another -- a process that shaped Japan's landscape and provided new insights into its geological evolution. -- The Earth's surface is constantly reshaped by the movement of tectonic plates, which make up the continental crust on which we are living. These tectonic plates are in continuous motion, and when one plate is pushed under another, it is called "subduction." These processes play a crucial role in shaping the Earth's landmasses, including the islands of Japan, over several hundred million years. Studying ancient mineral deposits offers a valuable way to uncover the timing of these events. However, determining the precise timing of these tectonic events has long been a challenge due to the destruction of microfossil evidence caused by intense heat. -- With the growing interest in understanding Japan's detailed geological history, accurately determining the timing of past tectonic events has become increasingly important. To address this challenge, a research team led by Professor Tatsuo Nozaki (Waseda University, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), The University of Tokyo, and Kobe University) collaborated with Associate Professor Yutaro Takaya (The University of Tokyo, Waseda University, JAMSTEC), Adjunct Assistant Professor Ken Nakayama (Kochi University), and Professor Yasuhiro Kato (The University of Tokyo, Chiba Institute of Technology) to utilize mineral deposits for precisely dating these tectonic processes. -- Their study focused on Besshi-type volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits distributed in Miyazaki and Hokkaido Prefectures. VMS deposits are rich in sulfide minerals and typically form near the ocean floor where volcanic activity occurs. These deposits, associated with in situ greenstone (a type of metamorphosed volcanic rock (basalt)), provided the researchers with an opportunity to establish the timing of ridge subduction beneath the Japanese Islands. The team used Re-Os (rhenium-osmium) isotope geochronology, a technique that allows scientists to date the age of the mineral deposits with great precision. Their findings were published in the journal of Scientific Reports on 3 December, 2024. -- Ridge subduction is an important geological process that triggers volcanic activity, thermal metamorphism (the alteration of rocks by heat), and hydrothermal activity (chemical reactions between hydrothermal fluids and rocks). However, dating ridge subduction has been often difficult because the heat from this process destroys fossil records. To overcome this challenge, the researchers focused on Besshi-type VMS deposits that formed on sediment-covered mid-ocean ridges. The ages of these deposits can serve as precise markers for the timing of subduction. -- Using the Re-Os isotope method, the team dated the Makimine VMS deposit in Miyazaki Prefecture to 89.4 ± 1.2 million years ago and the Shimokawa VMS deposit in Hokkaido Prefecture to 48.2 ± 0.9 million years ago. These deposits were formed just before the Izanagi-Pacific Ridge was subducted beneath Japan. Several factors supported this conclusion, such as the deposits' ages matching those of the surrounding sedimentary rocks, their close association with in situ greenstone, and the absence of chert (sedimentary rock originating from pelagic sediment). Evidence from sulfur and lead isotopes, along with high thermal gradients in the Makimine area, further confirmed their formation in a mid-ocean ridge environment before subduction. -- "These VMS deposits are essential for understanding ridge subduction timing beneath Japan," said Nozaki. "Dating them has allowed us to pinpoint when this tectonic event occurred, offering new insights into Japan's geological evolution." -- "This study not only sheds light on the timing of ridge subduction but also opens new possibilities for mineral exploration. Accurate dating could help identify new mineral deposits formed by similar tectonic processes, in Japan and globally," Nozaki concluded.	C01	2,379
2510-067	Nwd1 Gene Discovery Could Lead To New Treatments For Liver Disease	A recent study identifies the Nwd1 gene's role in the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious liver disease. This discovery paves the way for potential therapies by enhancing the understanding of liver pathogenesis, which could lead to better treatments and improve liver health globally.	Waseda University	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a polygenic disorder influenced by multiple genes, but their specific roles in the progression of disease remain unknown. To address this gap, researchers conducted a series of experiments that identified the NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing protein 1 (Nwd1) gene and its role in liver pathogenesis. This breakthrough represents an important step toward establishing new therapeutic targets for MASH. -- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a liver disease that progresses without symptoms and is associated with significant global public health concerns. -- It is prevalent in 30% of the population worldwide and poses a risk of advancing to cirrhosis and liver cancer. -- MASH is marked by lipid droplet accumulation in the liver, progressing from steatosis to inflammation and cell damage, ultimately leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. -- A clear understanding of cellular processes in MASH pathogenesis is essential for developing targeted therapies. -- A key factor in the pathology of MASH is the disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. -- The ER stores calcium ions (Ca2+) and plays a crucial role in regulating protein folding, lipid transfer, and organelle dynamics. -- The accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER activates a series of homeostatic responses known as ER stress, and sustained ER stress plays a role in the development of MASH. -- Recent studies indicate that the dysfunction of sarco/ER calcium ATPase (SERCA2), which regulates Ca2+ transport to the ER, can also induce ER stress, contributing to MASH. -- In addition to SERCA2, previous research on NACHT and WD repeat domain-containing protein 1 (Nwd1) gene, which is part of the signal transduction ATPase family, has shown that it is localized in the ER and is expressed in both the liver and the brain.	H02 R01	2,380
2510-074	Revolutionary Imaging Technique Tracks Gold Nanoparticles In Drug Delivery	Researchers have unveiled a novel imaging technique using neutron activation to track gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the body. This method allows real-time visualization without external tracers, significantly improving the monitoring of targeted drug delivery. Its potential to revolutionize cancer therapy is due to the unique properties of AuNPs, which show promise as effective drug carriers.	Waseda University	Applied Physics Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Tracking targeted drug delivery is often a challenge due to limitations in the current imaging techniques. A recent study by Tokyo's Waseda University, reports a breakthrough imaging technique that allows direct and highly sensitive tracking of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) inside the body. This novel technique, which uses neutron activation of gold, could revolutionize cancer drug delivery by enabling real-time visualization of the gold nanoparticles without external tracers. -- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are tiny gold particles of 1-100 nanometers and have unique chemical and biological properties. -- Due to their potential to accumulate in tumors, these nanoparticles have emerged as promising drug carriers for cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery. -- However, tracking the movement of these nanoparticles in the body has been a major challenge. -- Traditional imaging methods often involve tracers like fluorescent dyes and radioisotopes, which give limited visualization and inaccurate results due to detachment from AuNPs. -- In a step to advance the imaging of AuNPs, researchers from Waseda University introduced a new imaging technique that uses neutron activation to transform stable gold into a radioisotope of gold and enables long-term tracking of the AuNPs within the body. -- The study was led by Nanase Koshikawa, a PhD student in the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering at Waseda University, and Jun Kataoka, a Professor in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Waseda University, in collaboration with Osaka University and Kyoto University. -- The findings of this study were published in Applied Physics Letters on March 12, 2025. -- "Traditional imaging methods involve external tracers, which may detach during circulation," explains Koshikawa. -- "To overcome this limitation, we directly altered the AuNPs, making them detectable via X-rays and gamma rays without the use of external tracers."	A01 H01 R01 T01	2,381
2512-082	Terahertz Imaging Revolutionizes Cochlear Diagnostics With Non-Invasive High-Resolution Technology	Researchers are exploring a novel application of terahertz (THz) imaging technology to visualize cochlear structures non-invasively in mice. This advancement could lead to the development of portable diagnostic tools for hearing loss and other conditions, enhancing medical practices by improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes in various fields.	Waseda University	Optica	Press Rel	PubMed	Researchers have discovered a groundbreaking use of terahertz (THz) imaging to visualize cochlear structures in mice, offering non-invasive, high-resolution diagnostics. By creating 3D reconstructions, this technology opens new possibilities for diagnosing hearing loss and other conditions. THz imaging could lead to miniaturized devices, like THz endoscopes and otoscopes, revolutionizing diagnostics for hearing loss, cancer, and more. With the potential to enhance diagnostic speed, accuracy, and patient outcomes, THz imaging could transform medical practices. -- Advancements in healthcare and technology have significantly increased the average human lifespan. -- However, with longer life comes a higher prevalence of age-related disorders that affect overall well-being. -- One such condition is hearing loss in older adults, which can severely impact communication, social interactions, and daily functioning. -- Hearing relies on the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound waves into neural signals. -- Any structural or functional impairment of the cochlea can lead to hearing loss, making its precise visualization essential for understanding and diagnosing auditory disorders. -- Conventional imaging techniques often struggle to capture the intricate details of this delicate structure, necessitating the development of more advanced imaging approaches. -- To investigate the potential of terahertz (THz) imaging for visualizing cochlear structures, researchers led by Associate Professor Kazunori Serita from Waseda University, along with Professors Takeshi Fujita and Akinobu Kakigi from Kobe University, and Professor Masayoshi Tonouchi and Luwei Zheng from Osaka University, used a micrometer-sized THz point source to visualize the internal structure of the mouse cochlea. -- The study, published in Opticaon 27 March, 2025, explores THz imaging as a non-invasive, high-resolution technique for biological tissue analysis. -- "By leveraging THz waves, we can achieve deeper tissue penetration while preserving structural clarity," explains Serita.	A01 R01 T01	2,382
2512-E027	Evolutionary Study Shows How Enzymes Adapted To Low Temperatures	Evolutionary Study Shows How Enzymes Adapted To Low Temperatures	Waseda University	Protein Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Life has evolved over billions of years, adapting to the changing environment. Similarly, enzymes -- proteins that speed up biochemical reactions (catalysis) in cells -- have adapted to the habitats of their host organisms. Each enzyme has an optimal temperature range where its functionality is at its peak. For humans, this is around normal body temperature (37 °C). Deviating from this range causes enzyme activity to slow down and eventually stop. However, some organisms, like bacteria, thrive in extreme environments, such as hot springs or freezing polar waters. These extremophiles have enzymes adapted to function in harsh conditions. -- For instance, enzymes from thermophiles, organisms that thrive in high-temperature environments, are heat resistant and show good catalytic activity at high temperatures; declining significantly at lower temperatures. In contrast, enzymes from mesophiles and psychrophiles, organisms that inhabit moderate and cold environments, lack thermostability and show high catalytic activity at lower temperatures. -- Evidence suggests that the earliest life forms were thermophiles, which gradually adapted to lower temperatures as Earth cooled. An enzyme's ability to remain catalytically active at lower temperatures is linked to the flexibility of its molecular structure. However, the precise molecular mechanisms behind this adaptation remain unclear. Understanding how enzymes from thermophilic organisms evolved to function at lower temperatures could not only provide insights into evolutionary biology but also aid in bioengineering enzymes optimized for different temperature conditions. -- Since ancestral enzymes no longer exist, scientists use a technique called ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) to study their evolution. ASR combines molecular phylogenetics with genetic and protein engineering to infer and reconstruct the genetic or protein sequences of extinct organisms using phylogenetically related sequences from living species. 3-Isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH), an enzyme involved in leucine biosynthesis (the metabolic pathway that synthesizes leucine, one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids), is an excellent candidate for studying thermostability and cold adaptation due to its extensive evolutionary history. -- To that end, a research team led by Professor Satoshi Akanuma from Waseda University, Japan, in collaboration with Assistant Professor Sota Yagi from Waseda University, Dr. Subrata Dasgupta, and Dr. Shunsuke Tagami from the RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, investigated the evolutionary improvement of IPMDH activity at low temperatures. They traced its evolution from the enzyme of the most ancient thermophilic common ancestor to the mesophilic bacterium Escherichia coli using ASR. Their study was published online in the journal Protein Science on February 19, 2025. -- "We reconstructed 11 intermediate ancestral enzymes along the evolutionary trajectory connecting the last common bacterial ancestor and E. coli IPMDH (EcIPMDH)," explains Akanuma. "After that, we analyzed changes in enzyme activity at each evolutionary stage, especially improvements in catalytic activity at low temperatures." -- They observed a notable increase in catalytic activity at 25 °C, which did not follow a gradual, linear pattern. Instead, a dramatic improvement occurred between the fifth (Anc05) and sixth (Anc06) intermediate ancestors. -- What caused this sudden boost in enzymatic efficiency? -- To find the underlying molecular mechanisms, the researchers compared the amino acid sequences of the ancestral enzymes and used site-directed mutagenesis, a technique that allows precise alterations to DNA and protein sequences. They identified three key amino acid substitutions that significantly enhanced catalytic activity at 25 °C. Surprisingly, these mutations occurred far from the active site, challenging the previous belief that temperature adaptation is primarily driven by active-site modifications. -- Molecular dynamics simulations revealed a key structural shift between Anc05 and Anc06. While Anc05 remained in an open conformation, Anc06 could adopt a partially closed conformation, reducing activation energy and enhancing enzymatic efficiency at low temperatures.	Z01	2,383
2513-055	Everyday Phrases Enhance Fluency Perception In Foreign Language Learning	A study from Waseda University emphasizes the importance of everyday phrasal expressions in enhancing perceived fluency in foreign language speech. Researchers found that speakers using common phrases were rated as more fluent than those employing rare vocabulary. This research suggests that language learners should focus on mastering familiar expressions to improve their fluency and communication skills in spontaneous speech.	Waseda University	Studies in Second Language Acquisition	Press Rel	PubMed	Language learners often assume that using rare, complex vocabulary will make their speech sound more fluent. Research suggests that there is a close relationship between formulaic expression usage in speech and acoustic features of oral fluency. This implies that using formulaic expressions leads to faster articulation speed and fewer disruptions during speech. However, in terms of how listeners perceive speakers' fluency, the role of formulaic expressions has been unclear. -- To investigate this, Ph.D. student, Kotaro Takizawa and Research Assistant Professor Shungo Suzuki from Waseda University, Japan, analyzed speech from 102 Japanese speakers of English, each delivering an argumentative speech. They measured the use of bigram and trigram expressions (two- and three-word sequences) and had fluency judged by 10 experienced raters. The study controlled for key fluency metrics, including articulation rate, pauses, and self-corrections, to isolate the effect of formulaic expressions on fluency perception. This study was published online in the journal Studies in Second Language Acquisition on February 12, 2025. -- The findings revealed that utterance fluency (smoothness of speech delivery) was the strongest predictor of fluency perception, accounting for 61% of the variance in ratings. However, high-frequency formulaic expressions added an extra 0.8% to fluency judgments, while rarer, more complex phrases had little to no effect. -- The study also reveals that the key to sounding fluent is not about using sophisticated words; it is about using the right phrases. Their study shows that common, everyday expressions have a small but significant impact on how fluency is perceived, even when a factor like smoothness is accounted for. "We found that common, oft-used formulaic expressions, rather than rare, sophisticated ones, significantly influenced rater judgment of speakers' fluency," said Takizawa. -- Fluency plays a crucial role in language learning and assessment, especially in standardized tests like TOEFL and IELTS, where expert raters evaluate how natural and smooth a speaker sounds. Traditionally, fluency has been associated with speed and uninterrupted speech, but the role of formulaic expressions (common multi-word phrases) has been less clear. Previous studies suggested that these expressions help speakers communicate more smoothly, but few have examined how they influence fluency perception on their own. -- Suzuki highlighted the practical implications: "It is generally observed that language teachers and learners tend to focus more on rare words or difficult phrases that sound more proficient. However, the current findings indicate that that should not necessarily be the focus, particularly if they want to improve their fluency perceived by others." -- This research suggests that learners should shift their focus from advanced vocabulary to mastering everyday phrases that come naturally in conversation. For example, instead of saying "I agree the idea" -- which sounds unnatural -- learners should use "I agree with the idea." These common expressions are easy to find in textbooks and everyday conversations, making them more accessible for learners of all levels. -- The study has significant implications for language testing, where fluency judgments can impact scores. It suggests that test-takers should focus on integrating natural phrasal expressions into their speech while maintaining the smoothness of their speech. Highlighting the importance of both aspects, "Our research shows that there is no denying that improving fluency in utterance contributes to good fluency judgment scores," noted Takizawa. -- This study highlights the crucial role of common expressions in shaping how fluency is perceived, offering valuable insights for language learners and educators.	H01 R01	2,384
2513-E034	Introducing Plant Doctor: AI-Powered Tool For Monitoring Urban Plant Health	The innovative 'Plant Doctor' AI tool has been developed to monitor urban plant health at the leaf level, reducing the need for labor-intensive manual assessments. By analyzing video footage, it provides precise diagnostics for urban greenery, enabling effective management of plant health while promoting the vital ecological functions of urban plants.	Waseda University	Measurement	Press Rel	PubMed	Urban trees and plants do more than just beautify city landscapes. They purify the air, reduce urban heat islands, provide recreational spaces, and even boost property values. As essential components of sustainable urban ecosystems, plants silently contribute to our well-being. However, urban trees face many threats, including pests, diseases, and climate change, making it essential to keep their health in check. -- Urban greenery monitoring has traditionally been a very labor-intensive process, requiring botanical expertise and considerable resources. With cities expanding worldwide and urban environments becoming more complex, keeping track of plant health has also become more difficult. Could artificial intelligence (AI) hold the key to addressing this challenge? -- In a recent study, a joint research team led by Professor Umezu's Laboratory from the Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience at Waseda University and Professor Shiojiri's Laboratory from the Faculty of Agriculture at Ryukoku University developed an innovative AI-driven solution for monitoring plant health. Their paper was published online in the journal Measurement on February 22, 2025, and will be published in Volume 249, on May 31, 2025. This study introduces 'Plant Doctor,' a hybrid AI system that automatically diagnoses urban tree health through video footage captured by ordinary cameras. "Machine vision techniques such as segmentation have great applications in the medical field. We wanted to extrapolate this technology to other areas, such as plant health," says first author Marques, explaining their motivation. -- Plant Doctor combines two cutting-edge machine vision algorithms -- YOLOv8 and DeepSORT -- to identify and track individual leaves across video frames. The goal of these algorithms is to ensure that only the best images for each leaf are selected for further processing. Then, a third algorithm, called DeepLabV3Plus, performs detailed image segmentation to precisely quantify leaf damage. The proposed system can automatically detect diseased areas on individual leaves, such as spots caused by bacteria, pests, and fungi. -- One of the most attractive aspects of this approach is its scalability and cost efficiency. The system can process video footage collected by cameras mounted not only on drones but also on city maintenance vehicles like garbage trucks, turning routine services into opportunities to gather data without investing substantial resources. Moreover, by using images rather than actual branches and leaves, Plant Doctor minimizes stress on city plants. "We have provided a tool for botanical experts to assess plant health in one solution without the need to gather samples and damage the plants in the process," remarks Marques. The research team validated the proposed system using footage of urban plants in Tokyo, obtaining favorable results and remarkably accurate leaf health diagnoses across various urban flora. -- By combining plant health data with accurate location information, Plant Doctor enables both a micro-level analysis of individual plants and macro-level insights into disease patterns across urban areas. Worth noting, beyond urban applications, Plant Doctor could also be adapted for agricultural use, helping farmers monitor crop health and identify diseases before they spread. -- Overall, the proposed technology represents a significant step toward more sustainable urban and rural plant health monitoring, allowing botanical experts to focus more on strategic interventions rather than routine monitoring.	H02 C01 N02 T01	2,385
2513-T018	Advanced Self-Healing Materials Created With Enhanced Durability For Flexible Electronics	Scientists from Waseda University have pioneered an innovative method for creating multilayered self-healing films that outperform traditional materials used in flexible electronics and coatings. These advanced films, made from alternating layers of organosiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), exhibit enhanced durability, hardness, and thermal stability while self-repairing at mild temperatures. This breakthrough opens new avenues for developing robust self-healing materials applicable in fields such as optics, aerospace, and electronics.	Waseda University	Chemical Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Self-healing coatings are advanced materials that can repair damage, such as scratches and cracks on their own. Researchers from Waseda University have developed an efficient method for preparing self-healing films consisting of alternating layers of highly cross-linked organosiloxane and linear polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Their film is more durable than conventional self-healing PDMS materials, offering superior hardness and greater thermal stability while self-healing at mild temperatures, paving the way for stronger, more reliable, and easier-maintained self-healing materials. -- Polysiloxane materials, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based elastomers, exhibit a self-healing capability by the introduction of silanolate (Si-O-) groups. -- This ability stems from their dynamic siloxane (Si-O-Si) bonds, which can break and reform to repair damage. -- Their self-healing properties could make them valuable in applications like protective coatings for use in various fields, such as optics, electronics, and aerospace. -- To improve the properties of PDMS-based materials, they have been combined with inorganic fillers such as nanoparticles or nanosheets. -- Generally, the introduction of nanosheets into polymers leads to the formation of a layered structure that exhibits superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. -- Furthermore, an improved crack-healing ability of oriented films has been reported. -- This improvement is attributed to polymer diffusion concentrated in the in-plane direction. -- Researchers at Waseda University, Japan, have made significant progress in enhancing self-healing siloxane materials by developing a more efficient method for fabricating multilayered films. -- In a study published on 06 January 2025, in Volume 61, Issue 16, of the journal Chemical Communications, a team led by Professor Atsushi Shimojima, with Research Associate Yoshiaki Miyamoto and Assistant Professor Takamichi Matsuno, fabricated a composite film comprising highly cross-linked organosiloxane (silsesquioxane) and grafted PDMS layers using a self-assembly process.	Z01	2,386
2501-057	Elderberry Juice: A Potential Game-Changer For Weight Management And Metabolic Health.	A recent study from Washington State University suggests that elderberry juice could play a significant role in weight management and metabolic health. A clinical trial demonstrated that consuming 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week led to beneficial changes in gut microbiome composition and improved glucose tolerance. This underappreciated fruit, known for its immune-boosting properties, may hold additional health benefits, highlighting the importance of exploring its potential in nutrition and wellness.	Washington State University	Nutrients	Press Rel	PubMed	Elderberry juice may be a potent tool for weight management and enhancing metabolic health, according to a recent Washington State University-led study. -- A clinical trial published in the journal Nutrients found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation. -- Elderberry, a small dark purple berry found on elder trees native to Europe, is commonly used as a medicinal plant and supplement to promote immune function. -- Its other potential health benefits are poorly understood, however. -- "Elderberry is an underappreciated berry, commercially and nutritionally," said corresponding author Patrick Solverson, an assistant professor in the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine's Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology. -- "We're now starting to recognize its value for human health, and the results are very exciting." -- The researchers tested the effects of elderberry on metabolic health in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 18 overweight adults. -- Participants consumed either elderberry juice or a placebo with similar coloring and taste, specially designed by North Carolina State University's Food Innovation Lab, while maintaining a standardized diet. -- Clinical testing following the intervention showed that participants who consumed elderberry juice had significantly increased amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, including firmicutes and actinobacteria, and decreased amounts of harmful bacteria, such as bacteroidetes. -- A healthy gut microbiome is essential for nutrient absorption and supports physical and mental health.	H01 R01 N02	2,387
2501-E008	Climate Change Poses Significant Threat To Major Apple Producing Regions In America.	A recent study indicates that prominent apple-growing regions in the U.S. are increasingly threatened by climate change. Researchers found that these regions, particularly Yakima, are experiencing detrimental shifts in climate patterns that could jeopardize the future of apple production and food security.	Washington State University	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Some of the most productive apple regions in America are facing big challenges from a changing climate, according to a Washington State University study. -- Researchers analyzed over 40 years of climate conditions that impact the growth cycle of apple trees from bud break and flowering through fruit development, maturation and color development. -- While many growing areas are facing increased climate risks, the top three largest apple producing counties in the U.S. were among the most impacted: Yakima in Washington, Kent in Michigan and Wayne in New York. -- In particular, Yakima County, the largest of the three with more than 48,800 acres of apple orchards, has seen harmful trends in five of the six metrics the researchers analyzed. -- "We shouldn't take the delicious apples we love to consume for granted," said Deepti Singh, a WSU climate scientist and the study's corresponding author. -- "Changing climate conditions over multiple parts of the growth cycle pose potentially compounding threats to the production and quality of apples. Moving forward, it would be helpful to think about adaptations at different stages of apple growth that can minimize overall harmful impacts." -- The team'simmediate next step is to look at projections, Singh added, to inform planning and management in the tree fruit industry. -- For this study, published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, the researchers analyzed climate data from 1979-2022. -- They specifically looked at six metrics that impact the apple growth, including two metrics of extremes -- extreme heat days, defined as days with a maximum temperature greater than 34 degrees C (93 F) that can cause sunburn as well as other problems, and warm nights when the minimum temperatures were greater than 15 C (59 F) that can adversely affect coloration. -- The researchers also looked at the number of cold days; "chill portions" or the number of colder hours an apple tree needs to be dormant; the last day of spring frost; and growing degree days, meaning the number of days above a certain temperature that are conducive for apples to grow.	A01 C01 N02	2,388
2501-E018	New Method Detects Harmful Salts In Nuclear Waste Processing	Washington State University researchers have developed a new method to identify salt layers in nuclear waste melters, enhancing clean-up technologies at complex sites like Hanford. This innovative approach allows for better monitoring during the vitrification process, ultimately improving the safety and effectiveness of waste storage.	Washington State University	Measurement	Press Rel	PubMed	A new way to identify salts in nuclear waste melters could help improve clean-up technology, including at the Hanford Site, one of the largest, most complex nuclear waste clean-up sites in the world. -- Reporting in the journal Measurement, Washington State University researchers used two detectors to find thin layers of sulfate, chloride and fluoride salts during vitrification, a nuclear waste storage process that involves converting the waste into glass. The formation of salts can be problematic for waste processing and storage. -- "We were able to demonstrate a technique to see when the salts are forming," said John Bussey, a WSU undergraduate who is one of the paper's lead authors. "By doing that, the melters could be monitored to know if we should change what is being put in the melt." -- Vitrification entails putting the nuclear waste into large melters that are then heated to high temperatures. The resulting glass is then poured into cylinders and solidified for long-term safe storage. -- The U.S. Department of Energy is building a vitrification plant at the Hanford Site. Because Hanford was used to make plutonium for the very first nuclear bomb, the waste there is particularly complex, containing nearly all of the elements of the periodic table, said Bussey. A total of 55 million gallons of chemical and nuclear waste are stored in 177 tanks at the site. -- In the processing of the nuclear waste, salts can form. They can be corrosive and ruin very expensive vitrification equipment. Furthermore, since they dissolve in water, salts in the final glass waste form could lead to leaks and contamination if the waste form becomes exposed to water during storage. The wide variety of waste components at Hanford makes salt formation more likely. -- "Salt formation is very undesirable during the vitrification process," said Bussey. -- With a system that was developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the researchers used optical and electrical components to look at light between infrared and microwave wavelengths that are naturally emitted during the melting process. They looked at samples of glass melts that are similar to those found at the Hanford site. Using two types of detectors, they were able to study the thermal emissions of the samples as well as the change over time. -- "The brightness is really interesting for identifying all of the melting, solidification and salt formation," said Ian Wells, co-lead author and a graduate student in the WSU School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. "What is really unique about this is you don't have to add any additional lighting or additional systems -- Purely based on the heat that is coming off the melt, you are able to look at the brightness of one-pixel images, and you can tell what's happening." -- The researchers were able to see when there's a large change in the melt. Whether because a salt is forming or if there's melting or solidification, there is also a sharp change in the intensity. The researchers compared different melts and were able to identify behavior indicative of salts.	N02	2,389
2503-032	Travelers Prefer Future-Focused Ads Over Nostalgic Ones For Vacation Planning	A new study from Washington State University discovered that ads promoting idealized future travel experiences, termed "forestalgia," are more effective in motivating travelers to book vacations than those based on nostalgic memories. The research shows that such forward-looking advertisements encourage immediate trip planning, making travel seem more vivid and attainable, thus influencing consumer behavior in the tourism industry.	Washington State University	Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research	Press Rel	PubMed	When it comes to getting people to want to go places, the future is ever more lovely than the past, according to a new Washington State University-led study in the Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. -- Led by Ruiying Cai, an assistant professor in the Carson College of Business, the study found that forestalgia-focused destination ads -- those that emphasize an idealized future -- are more effective at enticing travelers to click the purchase button for a vacation than ads based on fond recollections. -- The research also revealed that forestalgia advertising is particularly effective for getting people to book near-term trips, as imagining upcoming experiences makes travel plans feel more vivid and achievable. -- Cai and her team conducted three experimental studies with 665 U.S. travelers, comparing the impact of nostalgia-focused and forestalgia-focused advertising messages on participants' intentions to visit a destination. -- Nostalgia-focused ads prompted participants to reflect on past travel memories, while forestalgia-focused ads encouraged them to envision future experiences. -- Across all three studies, participants were more inclined to choose destinations featured in forestalgia-focused ads. -- "We were surprised by how consistent the results were," Cai said. -- "Even when we carefully reviewed the data, it was clear that travelers responded more favorably to future-focused messages. Forestalgia taps into a natural human tendency to idealize what's ahead." -- While nostalgia has been widely studied and applied in destination marketing, forestalgia, a term introduced in a 2023 product marketing study, remains relatively underexplored, especially when compared to nostalgia. -- The study's findings suggest that this future-focused approach describing a yearning for an idealized future holds significant promise for tourism marketing.	N02 T01	2,390
2504-E027	Innovative Lignin-Based Jet Fuel: A Breakthrough In Hydrogen Storage And Release	An international collaboration has led to the development of a novel lignin-based jet fuel that can store and release hydrogen efficiently, presenting exciting possibilities for sustainable energy. The research may revolutionize hydrogen storage and transportation, allowing for the practical use of this clean energy source while eliminating the need for cumbersome pressurized storage systems.	Washington State University	International Journal of Hydrogen Energy	Press Rel	PubMed	An international team of scientists has discovered a way to store and release volatile hydrogen using lignin-based jet fuel that could open new pathways for sustainable energy production. -- In a new study in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang and colleagues demonstrated that a type of lignin-based jet fuel they developed can chemically bind hydrogen in a stable liquid form. -- The research has many potential applications in fuels and transportation and could ultimately make it easier to harness hydrogen's potential as a high energy and zero emissions fuel source. -- "This new, lignin jet fuel-based technology could enable efficient, high-density hydrogen storage in an easy-to-handle sustainable aviation fuel, eliminating the need for pressurized tanks for storage and transport," Yang said. -- For the study, researchers at WSU, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the University of New Haven, and Natural Resources Canada set out to address one of the major challenges with using hydrogen as a fuel source. -- The lightest element's low density and explosive nature make storage and transport technically challenging, inefficient, and expensive. -- The January article details how the research team discovered the new hydrogen-storing process using chemical reactions that produced aromatic carbons and hydrogen from lignin jet fuel -- an experimental fuel developed by Yang's lab based on lignin, an organic polymer found in plants. -- "Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that could help the U.S. meet its targets for zero-emission mobility, integration of renewables, and decarbonization of industry," Yang said. -- The discovery points to new uses for the lignin jet fuel developed at WSU by Yang, who previously tested a new continuous process that creates the fuel from agricultural waste. -- Experiments have shown that the sustainably produced fuel could increase engine performance and efficiency while dispensing with aromatics, the pollution-causing compounds found in conventional fuels.	C01 N02	2,391
2504-E037	Discover How Salamanders Use Blood-Powered Toes To Glide Through Tree Canopies	A new study reveals that wandering salamanders utilize a unique mechanism involving blood-powered toes to facilitate their arboreal movements. This discovery not only sheds light on salamander physiology but also holds promise for applications in biomimicry, potentially influencing the design of advanced adhesives and robotic systems.	Washington State University	Journal of Morphology	Press Rel	PubMed	Wandering salamanders are known for gliding high through the canopies of coastal redwood forests, but how the small amphibians stick their landing and take-off with ease remains something of a mystery. -- A new study in the Journal of Morphologyreveals the answer may have a lot to do with a surprising mechanism: blood-powered toes. -- The Washington State University-led research team discovered that wandering salamanders (Aneides vagrans) can rapidly fill, trap, and drain the blood in their toe tips to optimize attachment, detachment and general locomotion through their arboreal environment. -- The research not only uncovers a previously unknown physiological mechanism in salamanders but also has implications for bioinspired designed. -- Insights into salamander toe mechanics could ultimately inform the development of adhesives, prosthetics, and even robotic appendages. -- "Gecko-inspired adhesives already allow surfaces to be reused without losing stickiness," said Christian Brown, lead author of the study and an integrative physiology and neuroscience postdoctoral researcher at WSU. -- "Understanding salamander toes could lead to similar breakthroughs in attachment technologies." -- Discovery sparked by a documentary shoot -- Salamanders of the Aneides genus have long puzzled scientists with their square-shaped toe tips and bright red blood "lakes" that can be seen just beneath their translucent skin. -- Historically, these features were thought to aid oxygenation, but no evidence supported that claim.	N02	2,392
2504-E048	Plant-Based Alternative For Polyurethane Foams Offers Eco-Friendly Solution	Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based chemicals for polyurethane foams using plant material derived from pine. This innovative approach aims to create environmentally friendly foams suitable for various products, tapping into a $75 billion market and potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining performance standards.	Washington State University	ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	An environmentally-friendly preparation of plant material from pine could serve as a substitute for petroleum-based chemicals in polyurethane foams. -- The innovation could lead to more environmentally friendly versions of foams used ubiquitously in products such as kitchen sponges, foam cushions, coatings, adhesives, packaging and insulation. -- The global market for polyurethane totaled more than $75 billion in 2022. -- A Washington State University-led research team used an environmentally-friendly preparation of lignin as a substitute for 20% of the fossil fuel-based chemicals in the foam. -- The bio-based foam was as strong and flexible as typical polyurethane foam. -- They report on their work in the journal, ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. -- "It's quite novel in terms of the material we generate and the process we have," said Xiao Zhang, corresponding author on the paper and professor in the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. -- "Our extracted lignin offers a new class of renewable building blocks for the development of bio-based value-added products." -- Petroleum-based plastic materials are an increasing waste problem. -- They take centuries to break down, but they are expensive and difficult to recycle, most often producing an inferior second-generation product.	A01 N02	2,393
2505-050	Genetically-Engineered Mice Accelerate Research Progress In Anti-Aging Discoveries	In a breakthrough for anti-aging research, scientists at Washington State University have engineered genetically-modified mice that could expedite our understanding of cellular aging. This innovative model allows researchers to delve into the dynamics of telomeres, the chromosome protective caps that shorten over time, leading to cellular deterioration. The findings promise to facilitate significant advancements in extending human lifespan and combating age-related cellular decline.	Washington State University	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Enzymes play a crucial role in the chemical reactions occurring in the human body and nature. However, enabling effective and efficient electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes remains a significant challenge in utilizing enzymes for electronic devices such as sensors, especially with conventional technologies. -- Recently, the research team solved this problem by using a special material called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). MOFs are a combination of metal and organic linkers that form a porous crystalline structure and are commonly used in gas adsorption/separation and other fields. -- In general, MOFs are inherently redox-inactive and exhibit poor electrical conductivity; therefore, the researchers modified the MOF structure using materials that facilitate electron conduction and enable specific redox reactions (such materials are called redox mediators). The modified material acts as a "wire," allowing efficient electron exchange between the enzyme and electrode. -- Furthermore, the design of the MOFs allowed easy access to the buried active sites of enzymes. -- Another important aspect was engineering an appropriate nanoscale structure and implementing an effective immobilization strategy to retain the enzyme on the electrode surface. -- This approach helps to prevent enzyme leaching, which can lead to inaccurate measurements. -- This innovative strategy enables highly efficient and stable long-term measurements of the enzyme-based biosensor. This achievement has potential future applications in various fields, such as disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and sustainable energy technology. The research team believes that their research will not only contribute to scientific advancement but also improve the lives of people.	A01	2,394
2505-082	Food Scientists Enhance Pancake Nutrition While Maintaining Delicious Taste And Texture	Food scientists at Washington State University are reformulating pancakes to enhance their nutritional value while maintaining taste and texture. By substituting refined flours with whole grains such as buckwheat and quinoa, the team aims to boost fiber and protein content, addressing the health concerns associated with traditional pancake recipes.	Washington State University	Cereal Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Sound plays a significant and often poignant part of skateboarders' relationship with their sport, a new study shows. -- Skateboarders develop the skill to tune into the noise of urban surfaces. They both hear and feel noise and this means images and videos alone are a poor insight into the sport. They use sound to verify the success of their manoeuvres, judge the veracity and capacity of surfaces for use and as a social cue. For some the sensory overload of skateboarding is therapeutic and it helps them connect with others skating nearby. -- But the research also shows there is a "skatesound paradox" -- skateboarders are aware of the negative impacts of the sound they make on some people nearby and alter their behaviour in some circumstances to counteract this. -- Skateboarders who took part in the research described the sound of the sport as both unpleasant and lovely. For some it was a critical part of the experience, and a therapeutic sensory aid to those who identified as neurodiverse. -- The findings demonstrate how the visually spectacular sport has a rich sensory world not accessible by just watching the sport. Skateboarders actually hear and feel what they are doing, and through skatesound can understand and appreciate what others are doing. -- Dr Paul O'Connor, from the University of Exeter, interviewed 18 adult skateboarders aged between 19 and 51. Participants had an average of 12 years skateboarding experience. The most novice skateboarder aged 22 had only three years of experience, in contrast to a 44-year-old participant who has been skateboarding for 36 years. Seven of the participants were from the UK, three from the USA, three from France, two from Canada, and one from Sweden and Germany. -- The research also identifies how skatesound was an inclusive experience for some who may feel marginalised or uninspired by more rigid and institutionalised sports. Three of the participants wore hearing aids, however only one used hearing aids while skateboarding. Four participants also reported some diagnosis that placed them on a sensory spectrum related to either autism or ADHD, or a combination of the two. -- Dr O'Connor said: "Skateboarders spoke of their love for the sound of skateboarding yet also described it as noisy and abrasive. Many of the respondents described the challenging sound of skateboarding in evocative sensory terms, such as 'clattering' 'the sound of drills and angle grinders', 'an irritant', the sound of 'beer bottle on beer bottle', of 'bone on concrete', 'rolling, rough, smooth tickling in my ear', and 'rough and in your face. Loud in the best way'. -- "This meant they sometimes chose not to skate near homes, or noisy tunnels, or felt overwhelmed by the claustrophobic monotonous soundscape of skateparks. -- "Skateboarders know that their sound is unpleasant. But they also recognise its importance. Next time you are frustrated by the noise of skateboarders practicing their skills in the local neighbourhood, remind yourself that they know they are noisy. You might also remind yourself that they are likely in the throes of deep sensory learning, a meditative calming of the modern malady of the wandering mind, and above all bonding with friends."	A01 H01	2,395
2505-E010	New Grass Variety 'Matchless' Promises Higher Yields Without Harmful Burning Practices	Researchers at Washington State University have developed 'Matchless,' a new variety of Kentucky bluegrass that offers higher yields and environmental benefits. This grass variety allows farmers to enhance productivity without resorting to harmful burning practices, which have been banned in Washington due to air quality concerns. 'Matchless' presents a sustainable option for seed growers, enabling them to maintain healthy crops while minimizing ecological impacts.	Washington State University	Journal of Plant Registrations	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has estimated it would cost $15.6 billion per year for 30 years to prevent extinction for 99 of Australia's priority species. -- The research, led by Griffith University's Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security with WWF-Australia and the University of Queensland, highlights the urgent need for increased funding to combat threats such as habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change. -- Australia has already lost more than 100 endemic species in the past three centuries, placing it at the forefront of the global extinction crisis. -- The Australian Government has made a commitment to reverse the decline of 110 priority species. -- The research looked at the cost for preventing extinction for 99 of these species. -- Lead author Dr Michelle Ward said while the annual $15.6 billion could prevent the imminent extinction of many threatened species, there were some species, including many frogs, which were found to be non-recoverable, largely due to climate change. -- "Species such as Mountain-top Nursery Frog and Swan Galaxias were found to be of real concern and need active ex-situ conservation," Dr Ward said. -- "The cost to reverse the decline of priority species and undo damage done by habitat loss, disease and other threats was estimated at $103.7 billion annually, while getting them off the threatened list entirely would require $157.7 billion per year." -- Dr Romola Stewart, a co-author and WWF-Australia's Head of Evaluation and Science, said the paper highlighted the true cost of ineffective nature laws and inadequate species funding. -- "Australia's ever-growing list of threatened species is a direct result of decades of under spending," she said.	Z01	2,396
2506-E018	Nostalgia Meets Nutrition: Comfort Foods Designed For Older Adults’ Wellbeing	Recent research from Washington State University highlights the critical role of comfort and nostalgia in meal preparation for older adults, emphasizing that a variety of appealing textures can enhance meal enjoyment. Professor Carolyn Ross notes that malnutrition is prevalent among individuals over 60 and that food must be both tasty and nutritious to encourage consumption. The study focused on developing dairy-rich breakfasts and desserts that resonate with positive food memories, revealing a connection between nostalgia and meal preference.	Washington State University	Journal of Food Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Foods that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort and have good texture variety are important considerations in prepared meals aimed at older adults, according to new Washington State University research. -- "We want to help the prepared food industry produce appetizing, healthy meals for older adults," said Carolyn Ross, professor in WSU's School of Food Science. "Malnutrition is quite prevalent in people over 60 because food may be available, but they won't eat it if they don't like it. We want to walk a line where food is tasty, convenient, and full of nutrients." -- In a paper recently published in the Journal of Food Science, Ross and her team developed desirable and nutritious dairy-rich breakfasts and desserts for older adults, defined as anyone over age 60. They asked 81 people, with an average age of 71, to taste two breakfast meals and two desserts. Scientists then asked a series of questions about the meals and individual eating habits. -- Food-related nostalgia may be difficult to measure, but it showed up in many responses, Ross said. -- "We asked what people thought about when it came to food and nostalgia," she said. "Many responses were tied to a person, like their grandmother's cookies. If a product evoked more nostalgia, then we found that they liked it more." -- Many responses to the nostalgia question revolved around barbeque, which stood out to Ross because nostalgia is so personal. -- "I was surprised by the importance of comfort and nostalgia," she said. "Those terms are tricky to describe, but it's one of those 'you know it when you see it' things. We're working now to hone down how people define those terms so we can help make more foods that appeal to this age range." -- Ross said she's hoping to work with prepared food manufacturers to design foods specifically for older adults who want convenient but nutritious meals that they will enjoy. -- "This is a huge and growing population," she said. "We want to help keep them healthy and happy for a long time." -- Studying food nostalgia is a newer avenue of food science work, Ross said, but examining comfort food is a bit more established. Preference can vary widely due to cultural differences. In this study, whenever people labeled something as a comfort food, they liked it more. One ingredient was commonly placed in the comfort category: cheese.	A01 H01	2,397
2507-004	Therapy Dogs Help Reduce Stress And Depression In College Freshmen	A study at Washington State University found that first-year college students who regularly interacted with therapy dogs experienced lower stress and depression levels. The PAWs4US study demonstrated that informal, unstructured engagements with therapy dogs provided meaningful mental health benefits, suggesting that such programs could be beneficial for students’ well-being in academic settings.	Washington State University	Washington State University	Press Rel	PubMed	College students who spent a little bit of free time each week interacting with therapy dogs on campus during their first semester experienced fewer signs of stress and depression than those who did not. -- That's according to the PAWs4US study, a new paper published in Petsthat examined how regular, long-term access to an animal-assisted drop-in program at Washington State University influenced first-year students' mental health. -- The study found that students who engaged with therapy dogs in repeated, unstructured sessions over several months not only reported lower stress and depression levels, but also showed increased self-compassion. The findings suggest that simply having the opportunity to regularly spend time with therapy dogs in an informal setting provides sustained mental health benefits. -- "We know that structured programs help, but we wanted to see if giving students complete autonomy in how they interact with the dogs could be just as beneficial," said Patricia Pendry, corresponding author of the study and a WSU professor of human development. "This mirrors real-life pet ownership more closely and may make it easier for universities to implement similar programs." -- For the study, Pendry and doctoral candidate Alexa Carr set out to build on Pendry's earlier research showing that even brief physical interactions with therapy dogs can lower cortisol levels. Pendry's prior work has also shown that highly structured programs that incorporated therapy animals into workshops focused on stress management techniques showed positive effects on students' well-being and learning. -- This latest work expands the scope by analyzing the effects of sustained access to unstructured programs with therapy animals and providing regular access over an entire semester. Additionally, instead of prescribed sessions, students were free to drop in, interact with therapy dogs as they pleased, and stay as long as they wanted for up to two hours. -- The researchers recruited 145 first-year students who left a family pet behind at home to attend college for their analysis. Participants were randomly assigned to either a seven-session drop-in therapy dog program or a waitlisted control group. Those in the program could pet, sit with, or talk to the dogs in a relaxed, informal environment in a large conference room on the WSU Pullman campus comfortably arranged to include secluded seating areas. The canine companions featured in the study were provided by Palouse Paws, a local representative of a national organization called Pet Partners that specializes in providing teams to conduct animal assisted interventions. -- By tracking participants' wellbeing throughout the semester, researchers found that students in the therapy dog group had significantly lower rates of depression, stress and worry compared to those in the control group. They also reported increased self-compassion, which has been linked to better emotional regulation and overall well-being. Students experienced less decline in wellbeing and mental health symptoms, a phenomenon that is prevalent for incoming freshman. -- While therapy dogs played a central role, the researchers believe that the surrounding environment also contributed to students' well-being. "It's likely a combination of sitting quietly, petting the dog, talking to other students and engaging with the handlers that contributes to student well-being," Pendry said. -- Pendry's team also tracked students' participation patterns and found that those who attended multiple sessions saw the most benefit. "Regular, sustained interactions with therapy dogs seem to have a cumulative effect," said Carr, who recently completed her dissertation featuring this research. "This suggests that universities may want to consider offering ongoing unstructured programs rather than one-time events."	A01 H01 H02 N01	2,398
2510-058	Automated Insulin Delivery Tech Is Safe And Effective For Older Adults	A collaborative study from Washington State University and several other institutions indicates that automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are both safe and effective for older adults with type 1 diabetes. Countering common stereotypes about technology use among older populations, the findings reveal that these advanced systems, which continuously monitor blood sugar levels and adjust insulin doses automatically, can significantly enhance diabetes management, even for those accustomed to traditional treatment methods.	Washington State University	NEJM Evidence	Press Rel	PubMed	New research from Washington State University in collaboration with five other institutions suggests that automated insulin delivery (AID) systems are safe and effective for use by older adults with type 1 diabetes. The findings counter common assumptions that older adults would struggle to use the more advanced technology employed in the medical devices. -- In an AID system, a sensor attached to the arm or belly continuously monitors blood sugar levels and communicates that data to a wearable insulin pump, which then automatically adjusts insulin dosing without the wearer having to input instructions or inject the insulin themselves. -- Some models connect wirelessly to smartphones, providing the wearer with detailed and real-time data about their blood sugar control. -- "It's a big change for people to use technology to manage their diabetes when many of them have used multiple daily injections for 30 years or more," said Professor Naomi Chaytor, one of the principal investigators on the study and chair of the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Department of Community and Behavioral Health. -- "There's a stereotype that technology is harder for older adults, but they did quite well." -- The study, published in NEJM Evidence, closes a knowledge gap about who can benefit from the breakthrough technology for diabetes management. -- Now the preferred treatment option for type 1 diabetes, automated insulin delivery improves glucose control and reduces the burden of managing a lifelong condition for both children and adults. -- This study is the largest clinical trial to enroll older adults with type 1 diabetes, a group underrepresented in previous trials for AID devices. -- The trial focused on uniquely relevant factors for older adults, such as technology usability and preventing hypoglycemia, a particular concern in older adults since it raises the risk of cognitive decline and complications such as falls. -- The study tested the efficacy of two AID systems, a hybrid closed loop system and a predictive low glucose suspend system, compared to a non-automated sensor-augmented pump system.	A01 H01 R01 T01	2,399
2511-081	Cats May Join Therapy Ranks: Research Supports Feline Support Roles	New research suggests that certain cats possess behavioral traits that make them suitable as therapy animals, alongside traditional therapy dogs. This study, conducted in collaboration with Belgian researchers, challenges the perception that cats are unsuitable for animal-assisted services and highlights the potential benefits of incorporating feline companions into therapeutic contexts.	Washington State University	Animals	Press Rel	PubMed	For years, therapy dogs have ruled the world of animal-assisted services (AAS), offering stress relief to college students, hospital patients, and those in need of emotional support. But new research suggests that some cats might also have what it takes to join the ranks of therapy animals -- bringing their purrs, gentle headbutts, and calm demeanor to the field. -- A study in the journal Animals co-authored by Washington State University professor Patricia Pendry, in collaboration with researchers in Belgium, found that therapy cats share specific behavioral traits that may make them well-suited for AAS programs. -- The research team surveyed hundreds of cat owners across Belgium using a standardized behavioral assessment. -- They identified key differences between cats participating in AAS and other cats in terms of feline behavior. -- "There's this perception that cats just aren't suitable for this kind of work, but our study shows that some cats may thrive in these settings," Pendry said. -- "It turns out that cats chosen to engage in AAS seem to exhibit the same behavioral traits as therapy dogs -- like high sociability and a willingness to engage with people." -- The study found that AAS cats tend to be more social with both humans and other cats, more attention-seeking, and more tolerant of being handled -- particularly when it comes to being picked up, a behavior many pet owners would describe as rare in the feline world. -- While animal-assisted services have long been dominated by dogs, the study suggests that expanding these programs to include felines could make therapy more accessible to a wider range of people. -- Some individuals may find comfort in a cat's quiet presence rather than the enthusiastic energy of a dog. -- However, Pendry cautioned that not all cats are suited for the role, and unlike dogs, therapy cats are not typically trained for the job.	H01 H02 N01	2,400
2513-015	AI Tool Identifies Animal Reservoirs That Could Spark Future Pandemics	A newly developed AI tool from Washington State University aims to prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor infectious viruses. By analyzing characteristics of hosts and virus genetics, the machine learning model can predict potential zoonotic outbreaks. This research, focusing on orthopoxviruses, underscores the importance of early detection of emerging pathogens and could be adapted for other viral threats, enhancing public health preparedness.	Washington State University	Communications Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	A new artificial intelligence tool could aid in limiting or even prevent pandemics by identifying animal species that may harbor and spread viruses capable of infecting humans. -- Created by Washington State University researchers, the machine learning model analyzes host characteristics and virus genetics to identify potential animal reservoirs and geographic areas where new outbreaks are more likely to occur. -- The model focuses on orthopoxviruses -- which includes the viruses that cause smallpox and mpox. -- The researchers recently published a study on their work using the model in the journal Communications Biology. Their findings could help scientists anticipate emerging zoonotic threats and, importantly, be adapted for other viruses. -- "Nearly three-quarters of emerging viruses that infect humans come from animals," said Stephanie Seifert, an expert in viral emergence and cross species transmission and an assistant professor in the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine's Paul G. Allen School for Global Health who helped to lead the project. -- "If we can better predict which species pose the greatest risk, we can take proactive measures to prevent pandemics." -- The model identified Southeast Asia, equatorial Africa, and the Amazon as potential hotspots for orthopoxvirus outbreaks. -- These regions not only have high concentrations of potential hosts but also overlap with areas where smallpox vaccination rates are low. -- While the smallpox vaccine provides cross-protection against other orthopoxviruses, vaccination efforts stopped after smallpox was eradicated in 1980. -- The study also identified several animal families as likely hosts for mpox, including rodents, cats, canids (dogs and related species), skunks, mustelids (weasels and otters) and raccoons.	R01 N01 T01	2,401
2513-E032	New Recycling Method Transforms Wind Turbine Blades Into Stronger Plastics	Researchers at Washington State University have developed an eco-friendly method for recycling wind turbine blades, recovering high-strength glass fibers and resins to create stronger plastics. This innovative process uses low-toxicity organic salts and pressurized water, offering a sustainable solution to repurpose materials, thus contributing to the circular economy in renewable energy production.	Washington State University	Resources, Conservation and Recycling	Press Rel	PubMed	A new method to recycle wind turbine blades without using harsh chemicals resulted in the recovery of high-strength glass fibers and resins that allowed Washington State University researchers to re-purpose the materials to create stronger plastics. -- The innovation provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle wind turbine blades to create useful products. -- Reporting in the journal, Resource, Conservation, and Recycling, the team of researchers cut the lightweight material that is commonly used in wind turbine blades, called glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP), into approximately two inch-sized blocks. -- They then soaked the flakes in a bath of low-toxicity organic salt in pressurized, superheated water for about two hours to break down the material. -- They then re-purposed its components to make stronger plastics. -- "It works very well, especially considering the mild conditions that we applied," said Cheng Hao, a former graduate student in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and co-first author on the paper. -- "The solvent is a green solvent, and also the temperature is acceptable for this purpose." -- The GFRP material has traditionally been very difficult to recycle. -- While thermoplastics, the type of plastic used in milk bottles, can be melted and easily re-used, the glass-fiber composites are typically made with thermosets. -- These types of composites are cured and can't easily be undone and returned to their original materials.	C01	2,402
2502-068	Gene Therapy Slows Symptoms And Extends Lifespan In Mice With Batten Disease	A research team has discovered that gene therapy can significantly improve symptoms and lifespan in mice modeling Batten disease, a severe genetic disorder. This study highlights the degeneration of enteric neurons in affected mice, paralleling previously known neurodegeneration in the brain, and demonstrates that gene therapy can offer protective effects in the bowel, providing hope for future treatments in human cases.	Washington University in St. Louis	Science Translational Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	ssor of pediatrics, of genetics and of neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "It can be painful and a serious quality of life issue for the child and their families." -- The parent perspective led Cooper on a scientific quest that began four years ago -- and continues today -- to study the half-billion nerve cells in the bowel wall that are part of the enteric nervous system and how Batten disease affects their function. -- His new work shows enteric neurons in two mouse models of Batten disease degenerate in the bowel, paralleling neurodegeneration long known to occur in brain and spinal cord. -- Cooper's prior research also showed that supplying the missing enzyme to the brain in mouse or sheep Batten disease models via enzyme replacement therapy slowed cellular degeneration. -- Now his latest study has found that gene therapy in mice produced the same protective effect in the bowel. -- This genetic treatment reduced bowel symptoms and extended the lifespan of the mice by preventing enteric neuron degeneration. -- The findings, published Jan. 15 in Science Translational Medicine, may one day lead to new treatments for Batten disease as well as for other neurodegenerative disorders with gastrointestinal symptoms. -- "We believe our studies in mice have demonstrated a novel and highly promising way to successfully treat GI conditions with gene therapy," said Cooper, the study's co-senior author. -- "Importantly, we also established that the GI issues were not secondary to the neurological changes in the brain or spinal cord caused by the disease, but happen in the bowel itself." -- Patient-driven research	H01	2,403
2502-E050	City Life Influences Urban Coyotes: Genetic Adaptations In Adaptable Carnivores Explored	A recent study has highlighted how urban environments are influencing the evolution of coyotes, showing that these adaptable carnivores are capable of evolving within just a few generations. Scientists have discovered that city life is shaping the behaviors and traits of urban coyotes, allowing them to thrive in environments heavily impacted by human presence. This research provides insights into rapid evolutionary changes and the ways species can adapt to novel challenges.	Washington University in St. Louis	Genome Biology and Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study outlines the ways by which city life may be shaping the evolution of urban coyotes, the highly adaptable carnivores spotted in alleyways from Berkeley, Calif., to the Bronx, in New York. -- Historically, evolution was thought to occur on vast chronological scales. -- But scientists now understand that evolution can happen within just a few generations. -- Urban areas offer a unique glimpse into how evolution functions on smaller timescales and how species adapt to human presence and novel environments. -- Some species, like coyotes, seem particularly well suited to living alongside humans. -- "Coyotes are doing really well in urban spaces," said Elizabeth Carlen, a postdoctoral fellow with the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in St. Louis and senior author of a study in Genome Biology and Evolution. -- "Given the close evolutionary relationship between coyotes and domestic dogs, we leveraged the dog genome to think about what genes could be under selection in urban areas and how they might be changing," Carlen said. -- "For coyotes in particular, the ecological differences between urban and rural individuals have been well characterized," said Samantha Kreling, a PhD candidate at the University of Washington, first author of the new study. -- "However, while we know that genetic and ecological differences exist, few studies have looked at specific genes or the genome regions that may be affected. In our study, we present candidate genes to investigate for adaptive evolution in urban coyotes." -- The candidate gene approach involves researchers identifying particular genes of interest to sequence and compare.	R01	2,404
2502-T004	Rethinking Cell Migration: The Perks Of Soft Surfaces	Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that cell migration does not solely depend on generating force. Their study found that groups of cells can migrate faster while exerting lower force when adhered to surfaces with aligned collagen fibers. This challenges established views in mechanobiology, suggesting that environmental conditions can significantly influence cellular movement dynamics, as outlined in their recent publication in PLOS Computational Biology.	Washington University in St. Louis	PLOS Computational Biology	Press Rel	PubMed	In mechanobiology, cells' forces have been considered fundamental to their enhanced function, including fast migration. But a group of researchers in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis has found that cells can generate and use lower force yet move faster than cells generating and using high forces, turning the age-old assumption of force on its head. -- The laboratory of Amit Pathak, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, found that groups of cells moved faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers. -- Cells have been thought to continually generate forces as they must overcome friction and drag of their environment to move. -- However, this conventional need for forces can be reduced in favorable environmental conditions, such as aligned fibers. -- Their results, published in PLOS Computational Biology Jan. -- 9, are the first to show this activity in collective cell migration. -- Pathak and members of his lab have tracked the movement of human mammary epithelial cells for years, determining that cells move faster on a hard, stiff surface than on a soft surface, where they get stuck. -- Their research has implications in cancer metastasis and wound healing. -- In the new research, they found that cells migrated more than 50% faster on aligned collagen fibers than on random fibers. -- In addition, they found that cells use aligned fibers as directional cues to guide their migration toward expanding their group.	R01 C01	2,405
2506-T002	Advancing Heart Imaging: AI Ensures Accurate Scans Without Added Risks	Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new AI-driven method called CTLESS, enabling accurate heart scans without additional radiation or cost. This innovation addresses shortcomings in myocardial perfusion imaging by eliminating the need for a CT scan, traditionally required for precise results. The deep learning technique promises to enhance heart health monitoring, making it safer and more accessible for patients while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.	Washington University in St. Louis	IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging	Press Rel	PubMed	Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death globally. One of the most common tools used to diagnose and monitor heart disease, myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), uses a radioactive tracer and special camera to provide detailed images of blood flow to the heart, helping doctors detect coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular abnormalities. However, traditional SPECT imaging requires an additional CT scan to ensure accurate results, exposing patients to more radiation and increasing costs. -- A new deep learning technique developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis with collaborators from Cleveland Clinic and University of California Santa Barbara could transform the way heart health is monitored, making it safer and more accessible. -- The method, known as CTLESS, leverages deep learning to remove the CT requirement without compromising diagnostic accuracy. -- The project, led by Abhinav Jha, associate professor of biomedical engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering and of radiology at WashU Medicine Mallinckrodt institute of Radiology, was published online Nov. -- 25 in IEEE Transactions in Medical Imaging. -- The next stage of research is for them to validate this method while working to make this tech more available to rural community hospitals. -- Their cost-saving technique is particularly significant for cases where access to such scans may be limited, such as in rural or otherwise resource-limited communities, said Jha. -- SPECT imaging requires an additional CT scan for attenuation compensation (AC), which corrects for how the emitted signal weakens, or attenuates, as it moves through body tissue, potentially obscuring heart images and leading to diagnostic inaccuracies. -- Such CT scans are typically acquired on a SPECT/CT scanner, but many facilities do not have this CT component. -- "Due to cost, complexity, equipment availability, regulatory concerns and other local factors at hospitals and remote care centers, approximately 75% of all SPECT MPI scans are performed without AC, potentially compromising the diagnostic accuracy of these scans," Jha said.	A01 R01 T01	2,406
2507-E023	Red Stigmas In Wind-Pollinated Flowers Aid Pollen Germination And Growth	Scientists have discovered that the red stigmas of female hazelnut flowers contain anthocyanin, which supports pollen germination by acting as an antioxidant. This finding sheds light on the unique traits of hazelnuts, revealing the crucial role that these compounds play in the reproductive success of this native species found in Missouri's forests.	Washington University in St. Louis	Washington University in St. Louis	Press Rel	PubMed	Hazelnuts have long been prized as a tasty and nutritious food. Found in forests statewide in Missouri, they are a favorite wild edible for many people. Squirrels and other small mammals feast on the nuts each fall and winter, as do certain birds and white-tailed deer. -- American hazelnuts have both male and female flowers -- that in itself is not unusual. -- But female hazelnut flowers have some quirks. They cut a striking figure in the leafless forest when they start to bloom in late February. -- Clustered at the ends of short, woody branches, the spiky stigmas of female hazelnut flowers look like outstretched red fingers or tiny red fireworks. -- Those red-hot pokers always struck biologist Susanne Renner as strange because hazelnuts don't need to attract pollinators to reproduce. -- Hazelnuts rely on the wind to loft pollen grains from male flowers, known as catkins, to eventually attach onto female stigmas. -- No bees are required to make this match. So, why would wind-pollinated plants invest energy into producing flower parts with a costly red pigment? -- "Many wind-pollinated trees have red stigmas, but up until now we didn't know why," said Renner, an honorary professor of biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and co-author of a new study in Molecular Biology and Evolution. -- Renner and collaborators from Bejing Normal University studied the stigmas of flowers in a plant in the walnut family, Juglans. Some species in this genus make red stigmas while others make greenish stigmas. -- The two forms can cross-pollinate in the wild, and this has resulted in a natural hybrid zone near Bejing in which some trees have red stigmas and others green stigmas.	H01 N01 N02	2,407
2507-E039	Bioelectronic Scaffolds 3D Printed With Nature’s Principles For Tissue Engineering Success	Researchers have successfully 3D printed bioelectronic scaffolds that replicate the necessary properties for tissue formation, representing a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. This innovative approach could lead to new applications in tissue engineering, providing researchers with functional materials designed for specific biological functions and enhancing the potential for therapeutic interventions.	Washington University in St. Louis	Washington University in St. Louis	Press Rel	PubMed	In addition to making gadgets and game pieces, 3D printing is being used in health care to print prosthetics, dental implants and surgical models. Now, a team at Washington University in St. Louis is using 3D printing to create bioelectronic scaffolds that would allow researchers to create new tissue with a host of potential applications. -- Alexandra Rutz, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, and Somtochukwu Okafor, a doctoral student in Rutz's lab, have 3D printed bioelectronic scaffolds that have the properties cells need to form new tissue. -- They published the result of their work this month in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. -- "Most traditional scaffolds have been on materials that have been inspired by nature, but here, we are taking that concept and applying it to what we call functional materials," Rutz said. -- "These are materials that are designed to perform a certain function, such as being electronically conducting." -- The bioelectronic scaffolds that Rutz and Okafor print appear as dark-colored dots about 6 millimeters in diameter -- about the size of a pencil eraser -- and are floating in water. -- Okafor has carefully created these tiny scaffolds with a polymer known as PEDOT:PSS, which she has processed into a water-based gel used as an ink. -- "When you think of electronics, you aren't thinking of them being in water," Okafor said. -- "But that's an advantage of using PEDOT:PSS as the conducting material. We are creating hydrated electronics that maintain their electronic properties in an environment that can also sustain living systems." -- Okafor, a fifth-year doctoral student in biomedical engineering, said that while their team isn't the only one using this process, their work is unique.	A01 N02 T01	2,408
2509-048	New Biosensor Detects Airborne H5N1 Bird Flu In Under Five Minutes	As H5N1 avian influenza spreads in the U.S., researchers from Washington University have developed innovative virus trackers to monitor airborne particles. This real-time detection technology aids public health experts and farmers in combating outbreaks, crucial for the safety of poultry and dairy farms amid rising concerns over virus transmission.	Washington University in St. Louis	coli in Aerosols.	Press Rel	PubMed	As highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread in the U.S., posing serious threats to dairy and poultry farms, both farmers and public health experts need better ways to monitor for infections, in real time, to mitigate and respond to outbreaks. Thanks to research from Washington University in St. Louis which was published in a special issue of ACS Sensors on "breath sensing," virus trackers have a way to monitor aerosol particles of H5N1. -- To create their bird flu sensor, researchers in the lab of Rajan Chakrabarty, professor of energy, environmental, and chemical engineering in WashU's McKelvey School of Engineering, worked with electrochemical capacitive biosensors to improve the speed and sensitivity of virus and bacteria detection. -- Their work is crucially timed as the avian virus has taken a dangerous turn over the past year to being transmitted via airborne particles to mammals, including humans. -- The virus has been proven deadly in cats, and there has been at least one case of a humandeath from H5N1. -- "This biosensor is the first of its kind," said Chakrabarty, speaking of the technology used to detect airborne virus and bacteria particles. -- Scientists have previously had to use slower detection methods with polymerase chain reaction DNA tools. -- Chakrabarty noted that conventional test methods can take more than 10 hours, "too long to stop an outbreak." -- The new biosensor works withinfive minutes, preserving the sample of the microbes for further analysis and providing a range of the pathogen concentration levels detected on a farm. -- This allows for immediate action, said Chakrabarty. -- Time is of the essence when preventing a viral outbreak. When the lab started working on this research, H5N1 was only transmissible through contact with infected birds.	R01 N01	2,409
2509-T024	Advanced AI Model Improves Perioperative Care By Predicting Risks	A promising study from Washington University in St. Louis explores the potential of large language models to enhance postoperative care by accurately predicting complications. By analyzing preoperative assessments and clinical notes, these AI advancements could significantly improve patient outcomes, reducing hospital stays and healthcare costs associated with surgical procedures.	Washington University in St. Louis	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Millions of Americans undergo surgery each year. After surgery, preventing complications like pneumonia, blood clots and infections can be the difference between a successful recovery and a prolonged, painful hospital stay -- or worse. More than 10% of surgical patients experience such complications, which can lead to longer stays in the intensive care unit (ICU), higher mortality rates and increased health care costs. Early identification of at-risk patients is crucial, but predicting these risks accurately remains a challenge. -- New advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), now offer a promising solution. -- A recent study led by Chenyang Lu, the Fullgraf Professor in computer science & engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering and director of the AI for Health Institute (AIHealth) at Washington University in St. Louis, explores the potential of LLMs to predict postoperative complications by analyzing preoperative assessments and clinical notes. -- The work, published online Feb. 11 in npj Digital Medicine, shows that specialized LLMs can significantly outperform traditional machine learning methods in forecasting postoperative risks. -- "Surgery carries significant risks and costs, yet clinical notes hold a wealth of valuable insights from the surgical team," Lu said. -- "Our large language model, tailored specifically for surgical notes, enables early and accurate prediction of postoperative complications. By identifying risks proactively, clinicians can intervene sooner, improving patient safety and outcomes." -- Traditional risk prediction models have primarily relied on structured data, such as lab test results, patient demographics, and surgical details like procedure duration or the surgeon's experience. -- While this information is undoubtedly valuable, it often lacks the nuance of a patient's unique clinical narrative, which is captured in the detailed text of clinical notes. -- These notes contain personalized accounts of the patient's medical history, current condition, and other factors that influence the likelihood of complications. -- Lu and co-first authors Charles Alba and Bing Xue, both graduate students working with Lu at the time the study was conducted, employed specialized LLMs trained on publicly available medical literature and electronic health records.	T01	2,410
2510-069	Parenting Impacts Language Skills But Has Limits For Disadvantaged Newborns	A study from Washington University in St. Louis reveals the critical role of parenting in language acquisition and cognition in newborns, particularly for those facing socioeconomic disadvantages. While good parenting can enhance language skills, the research indicates that there are limits to its effectiveness when addressing challenges from prenatal social disadvantage.	Washington University in St. Louis	The Journal of Pediatrics	Press Rel	PubMed	Good parenting can make all the difference as newborns learn to communicate and process information, and an increasing amount of early-childhood development research has shown that parent training is a worthy investment to improve childhood outcomes. -- However, there may be a limit to how much skilled parenting can improve a newborn's language and cognition skills, especially in situations where the family is facing significant deprivation. -- Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis wanted to see how "prenatal social disadvantage," a newborn's brain volumes and parenting factor into cognitive and language abilities. Prenatal social disadvantage refers to not having the resources to meet a family's basic needs. To do this, they recruited from obstetric clinics in St. Louis to find pregnant people from a broad variety of backgrounds. -- They followed up with approximately 200 new mothers and their newborns at ages 1 and 2 to conduct parenting observations along with language and cognition assessments. What they found was that prenatal social disadvantage is associated with lower cognition and language scores and that supportive parenting behaviors could improve those indicators -- but only up to a point. -- The research, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, can help inform how to improve the effectiveness of prenatal and early childhood interventions. -- Researcher Deanna Barch describes "social disadvantage" as a spectrum of how much a family's financial needs are being met. Barch is vice dean of research and a professor of psychological and brain sciences in Arts & Sciences and the Gregory B. Couch Professor of Psychiatry at the School of Medicine. -- If someone has basic needs covered such as stable access to housing, food and insurance, "then parenting can make a difference," Barch said. "But if basic needs are not met, that's probably what is constraining cognition, and parenting doesn't have the opportunity to have the positive influence." -- Supportive parenting may not be able overcome the "hit" that deprivation causes to a newborn's brain development. The research can be helpful in developing social programs that invest in prenatal care and parent training. -- First author Shelby Leverett, a PhD student in neuroscience at WashU Medicine, explained they were initially surprised by the results because much of the scientific literature shows that parenting skills can be an effective intervention target, but the majority of those findings may be based on a narrower, more advantaged, sampling of the "social disadvantage" spectrum. -- "It's really important that we aim to support families so we can eliminate disadvantage and kids have a chance to develop optimally," Leverett said.	H01 R02	2,411
2511-038	Exploring Electrochemical Properties Of Biomolecular Condensates For Cancer And ALS Treatments	Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are exploring the electrochemical properties of biomolecular condensates, which play a crucial role in cellular behavior. Their findings indicate that understanding these properties could inform the development of treatments for diseases like ALS and cancer, bridging gaps in our knowledge of intracellular dynamics and ion movement.	Washington University in St. Louis	Nature Chemistry	Press Rel	PubMed	Much of cell behavior is governed by the actions of biomolecular condensates: building block molecules that glom together and scatter apart as needed. Biomolecular condensates constantly shift their phase, sometimes becoming solid, sometimes like little droplets of oil in vinegar, and other phases in between. Understanding the electrochemical properties of such slippery molecules has been a recent focus for researchers at Washington University in St. Louis. -- In research published in Nature Chemistry, Yifan Dai, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, shares the rules involving the intracellular electrochemical properties that affect movement and chemical activities inside the cell and how that might impact cell processes as a condensate ages. -- The research can inform development of treatments for diseases like ALS or cancer. -- Extracellular flow, or the movement of ions between cell membrane channels, is well studied but little was known about those same electrochemical fields at play inside the cell. -- "In the past century, people have learned a lot regarding electrochemical effects caused by extracellular environmental perturbances. However, in the intracellular world, we do not know much yet," said Dai. -- This work is one of the very first steps to writing those rules, Dai and collaborators from Stanford University, including Professors Guosong Hong and Richard N. Zare, show condensation and the non-equilibrium process after condensation is itself a way to regulate the electrochemical dynamics of the environments. -- Imagine a giant conference hall with lots of little groups of people looking at posters, constantly shifting in and out to different exhibits. -- Some of those people might want others to follow them to another exhibit or call attention to a different subject and bring others with them. -- This is how condensates work, going where they stick, affecting the movements of other condensates with their electrical potentials, and changes to the pH of the surrounding environment. -- And, playing with the surface of those condensates can also affect the electrical potentials, as Dai and colleagues found.	A01 R01 T01	2,412
2512-039	Mechanical Forces Influence Cell Behavior In Fibrosis, Researchers Discover	Mechanical Forces Influence Cell Behavior In Fibrosis, Researchers Discover	Washington University in St. Louis	Nature Materials	Press Rel	PubMed	The cells in human bodies are subject to both chemical and mechanical forces. But up until recently, scientists have not understood much about how to manipulate the mechanical side of that equation. That's about to change. -- "This is a major breakthrough in our ability to be able to control the cells that drive fibrosis," according to Guy Genin, the Harold and Kathleen Faught Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, speaking of research recently published in Nature Materials. -- Fibrosis is an affliction wherein cells produce excess fibrous tissue. Fibroblast cells do this to close wounds, but the process can cascade in unwanted places. Examples include cardiac fibrosis; kidney or liver fibrosis, which precedes cancer; and pulmonary fibrosis, which can cause major scarring and breathing difficulties. Every soft tissue in the human body, even the brain, has the potential for cells to start going through a wound-healing cascade when they're not supposed to, according to Genin. -- The problem has both chemical and mechanical roots, but mechanical forces seem to play an outsized role. WashU researchers sought to harness the power of these mechanical forces, using a strategic pull and tug in the right mix of directions to tell the cell to shut off its loom of excess fiber. -- In the newly published research, Genin and colleagues outline some of those details including how to intervene in tension fields at the right time to control how cells behave. -- "The direction of the tension these cells apply matters a lot in terms of their activation state," said Nathaniel Huebsch, associate professor of biomedical engineering at McKelvey, senior author of the research, along with Genin and Vivek Shenoy at the University of Pennsylvania. -- The forces -- The human body is constantly in motion, so it should come as no surprise that force can encode function in cells. But what forces, how much force and which direction are some of the questions that the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology examines. -- "The magnitude of tension will affect what the cell does," Huebsch said. But tension can go in many different directions. "The discovery that we present in this paper is that the way stress pulls in different directions makes a difference with the cell," he added. -- Pulling in multiple directions in a nonuniform manner, called tension anisotropy (imagine a taffy pull) is a key force in kicking off fibrosis, the researchers found.	H02 R01 R02	2,413
2503-005	Promising Drug Trials: Breast Cancer Treatment Shows Hope For Blood Cancer Patients	Washington University researchers have identified a possible treatment to halt the progression of blood cancer using a drug already in clinical trials for breast cancer. Their studies indicate that inhibiting the RSK1 protein could reduce inflammation and potentially stop myeloproliferative neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia from worsening.	WashU Medicine	Blood Cancer Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Two new studies led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified a possible way to block the progression of several forms of blood cancer using a drug already in clinical trials against breast cancer. -- The studies -- both conducted in patient samples and animal models -- found that inhibiting a protein called RSK1 reduces inflammation and stops the progression of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) as well as an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). With the RSK1 inhibitor already in clinical testing, the path to expanded use as a treatment for blood cancers likely is accelerated. -- One study appears Jan. 16 in Nature Communications. The second is available online in Blood Cancer Journal. -- In humans, MPNs can be slow-growing blood cancers that simmer for years. Doctors can monitor the disease and treat symptoms, but there is no reliable way to cure it or slow progression. Patients with MPNs are at high risk of developing a secondary AML that is very aggressive with no effective treatment options. -- "Patients with chronic MPNs can live with the disease sometimes for decades, but they're at increased risk of developing secondary AML, which has a poor prognosis," said senior author Stephen T. Oh, MD, PhD, an associate professor of medicine and co-director of the Division of Hematology at WashU Medicine. "These patients have no effective medical therapies, so we hope this new drug will help fill that gap in clinical care. At minimum, we're hopeful this drug can stop the chronic disease from progressing to AML. But the goal is to eliminate the disease and get patients into remission." -- According to Oh, researchers have long been seeking an inhibitor to block MPN progression because current therapies only reduce symptoms caused by the disease, including severe fatigue, night sweats, poor appetite, weight loss, and an enlarged spleen, but do not slow progression of the disease or reduce the risk of it evolving into acute leukemia. -- In theory, using RSK1 inhibitors to treat patients with chronic MPNs may improve their health to a point where they could become eligible for a stem cell transplant, which is the preferred therapy for many blood cancers because it can potentially lead to long-term remission. Oh treats patients with MPNs and related blood cancers at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine. -- In the Nature Communications study, inhibiting RSK1 helped reverse the progression of MPNs in mice, reducing fibrosis, or scar formation, in the bone marrow. Inhibiting RSK1 eliminated up to 96% of cancer in mice after four weeks. It also showed evidence of preventing the chronic disease from transforming into secondary AML. -- In the Blood Cancer Journal study, blocking this protein treats a specific form of AML called FLT3-ITD AML that develops directly -- without an MPN developing first. This type of AML can be treated with established drugs called FLT3 inhibitors, but the cancer often develops resistance to this treatment over time. Because the RSK1 inhibitor blocks a different pathway, Oh and his co-authors suggested, it could help address this resistance. -- The specific RSK1 inhibitor used in both studies, called PMD-026, is given as a pill and is currently in clinical trials as a treatment for breast cancer. Those ongoing studies seek to determine efficacy, and early testing showed trial subjects with metastatic breast cancer have tolerated the drug well with low-grade side effects.	H01 R01 N01 N02	2,414
2503-028	Aging Brains: Sickle Cell Disease Linked To Early Cognitive Decline	A study from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that adults with sickle cell disease exhibit older-looking brains, providing insight into the cognitive challenges faced by these individuals. The research suggests socioeconomic factors also influence brain aging, with economic deprivation leading to accelerated cognitive decline. Understanding the connection between sickle cell disease and cognitive performance could lead to improved support and interventions for affected patients.	WashU Medicine	JAMA Network Open	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study led by WashU Medicine researchers has found older-looking brains in adults with sickle cell disease, helping to explain the cognitive challenges experienced by such individuals. A brain image from a healthy individual (left) shows a larger brain with more white matter compared with a brain image from a patient with sickle cell disease (right). Healthy individuals experiencing economic deprivation also had more-aged appearing brains. -- Individuals with sickle cell disease -- a chronic illness where misshapen, sticky blood cells clump together, reducing oxygen delivery to organs -- are at a higher risk for stroke and resulting cognitive disability. -- But even in the absence of stroke, many such patients struggle with remembering, focusing, learning and problem solving, among other cognitive problems, with many facing challenges in school and in the workplace. -- Now a multidisciplinary team of researchers and physicians at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has published a study that helps explain how the illness might affect cognitive performance in sickle cell patients without a history of stroke. -- The researchers found such participants had brains that appeared older than expected for their age. -- Individuals experiencing economic deprivation, who struggle to meet basic needs, even in the absence of sickle cell disease, had more-aged appearing brains, the team also found. -- The study was published January 17 in JAMA Network Open. -- "Our study explains how a chronic illness and low socioeconomic status can cause cognitive problems," said Andria Ford, MD, a professor of neurology and chief of the section of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases at WashU Medicine and corresponding author on the study. -- "We found that such factors could impact brain development and/or aging, which ultimately affects the mental processes involved in thinking, remembering and problem solving, among others. Understanding the influence that sickle cell disease and economic deprivation have on brain structure may lead to treatments and preventive measures that potentially could preserve cognitive function." -- More than 200 young, Black adults with and without sickle cell disease, living in St. Louis and the surrounding region in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois, participated in brain MRI scans and cognitive tests.	A01 H01 R02	2,415
2507-040	New Analysis Reveals Alzheimer’s Drug Benefits In Everyday Life	Researchers at Washington University have developed a novel way to communicate the benefits of new Alzheimer's medications to patients in relatable terms. By calculating the expected months of independent living gained from treatments, this approach aims to enhance patient understanding and engagement with their treatment options.	WashU Medicine	WashU Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	In the past two years, the Food and Drug Administration has approved two novel Alzheimer's therapies, based on data from clinical trials showing that both drugs slowed the progression of the disease. But while the approvals of lecanemab and donanemab, both antibody therapies that clear plaque-causing amyloid proteins from the brain, were greeted with enthusiasm by some Alzheimer's researchers, the response of patients has been muted. According to physicians who care for people with Alzheimer's, many patients found it difficult to understand what the clinical trials results -- presented as "percent decrease in the rate of cognitive decline" -- meant for their own lives. -- Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have devised a way to communicate the effects of taking the new Alzheimer's medications in language that is accessible and understandable to patients and their families. -- Using data on the natural history of the disease and the magnitude of the drugs' effects as measured in clinical trials, the researchers calculated how many months of independent living an Alzheimer's patient could expect to gain by undergoing treatment. -- The benefits depended on the drug and the severity of the patient's symptoms at the time treatment began. -- As a representative example, a typical patient who started treatment with very mild symptoms could expect to live independently for an additional 10 months if treated with lecanemab, or eight months with donanemab. -- The study, published Feb. 13 inAlzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, provides crucial information that can help patients and caregivers weigh the benefits against the costs and risks of treatment. -- "What we were trying to do was figure out how to give people a piece of information that would be meaningful to them and help them make decisions about their care," said senior author Sarah Hartz, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at WashU Medicine. -- "What people want to know is how long they will be able to live independently, not something abstract like the percent change in decline." -- Alzheimer's patients and their families are faced with the tough question of whether to undergo a treatment that will not make them better. -- It won't even stop them from getting worse. At best, treatment with lecanemab or donanemab could slow the inevitable cognitive decline that characterizes Alzheimer's. Add to this the facts that treatment is expensive, requires biweekly or monthly infusions, and carries risks such as brain bleeds and brain swelling that are usually mild and go away on their own but can, in rare cases, be life-threatening.	H01 R02	2,416
2511-071	Newly Discovered Protein Offers Hope For Autoimmune Therapies	Scientists have identified a previously unknown protein that regulates immune responses, offering a new target for therapies. This discovery could help prevent overactive immune reactions seen in autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to treatments for conditions affecting millions. The research sheds light on how specific proteins influence the immune system's mechanisms, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies.	WashU Medicine	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Autoimmune diseases, which are estimated to affect more than 15 million people in the U.S., occur when the body responds to immune-system false alarms, and infection-fighting first responders are sent out to attack threats that aren't there. Scientists have long understood how the false alarms get triggered, but the second step of dispatching the immune response has been a mystery. -- Now, scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key component to launching immune activity -- and overactivity. -- The researchers identified a protein in cells that spurs the release of infection-fighting molecules. -- The protein, whose role in the immune system had not previously been suspected, provides a potential target for therapies that could prevent overreactive immune responses that are at the root of several debilitating illnesses. -- Their paper appeared online in Cell on Feb. 12 and will be published on March 20. -- The team of researchers, co-led by Jonathan Miner, MD, PhD, an associate professor of Rheumatology and Microbiology and a member of Penn's Colter Center for Autoimmunity, and David Kast, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Cell Biology & Physiology at WashU Medicine, made the discovery by studying a rare autoimmune disease called STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI). The condition is extremely rare, occurring in one of every 1 million births. -- It leads to the immune response attacking tissues in the lungs and limbs of patients, often resulting in death before adulthood. -- Studying rare diseases where the root cause of the disease is caused by a single mutation can not only reveal the biological role of the affected gene and the disease-causing disruptions it incites, but also provide insight into more-common conditions. -- SAVI is caused by changes to a protein in cells called STING, which ordinarily acts as a molecular watchdog that responds to the presence of viral DNA by activating the component of the cell that generates immune proteins. -- These immune proteins are then released from the cell to signal to the body's immune system of the need to attack the viral invaders, and where in the body the immune cells need to go. In SAVI, STING is overactive, triggering constant immune activity that ultimately damages healthy tissue.	R01	2,417
2512-005	Enhancing Brain Waste Removal Enhances Memory In Aging Mice	Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have identified a method to rejuvenate lymphatic vessels in aging mice, improving their memory. This discovery highlights the importance of waste drainage from the brain, laying the groundwork for potential therapies targeting cognitive decline associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases, overcoming obstacles presented by the blood-brain barrier.	WashU Medicine	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	As aging bodies decline, the brain loses the ability to cleanse itself of waste, a scenario that scientists think could be contributing to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, among others. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report they have found a way around that problem by targeting the network of vessels that drain waste from the brain. Rejuvenating those vessels, they have shown, improves memory in old mice. -- The study, published online March 21 in the journal Cell, lays the groundwork to develop therapies for age-related cognitive decline that overcome the challenges faced by conventional medications that struggle to pass through the blood-brain barrier to reach the brain. -- "The physical blood-brain barrier hinders the efficacy of therapies for neurological disorders," said Jonathan Kipnis, PhD, the Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Pathology & Immunology and a BJC Investigator at WashU Medicine. "By targeting a network of vessels outside of the brain that is critical for brain health, we see cognitive improvements in mice, opening a window to develop more powerful therapies to prevent or delay cognitive decline." -- Waste removal improves memory -- Kipnis is an expert in the blossoming field of neuroimmunology, the study of how the immune system affects the brain in health and disease. A decade ago, Kipnis' lab discovered a network of vessels surrounding the brain -- known as the meningeal lymphatics -- in mice and humans that drains fluid and waste into the lymph nodes, where many immune system cells reside and monitor for signs of infection, disease or injury. He and colleagues also have shown that some investigational Alzheimer's therapies are more effective in mice when paired with a treatment that improves drainage of fluid and debris from the brain. -- Beginning at about age 50, people start to experience a decline in brain fluid flow as part of normal aging. For the new study, Kipnis collaborated with Marco Colonna, MD, the Robert Rock Belliveau, MD, Professor of Pathology, and asked if enhancing the function of an old drainage system can improve memory. -- To test the memory of mice, the researchers placed two identical black rods in the cage for twenty minutes for old mice to explore. The next day, the mice received one of the black rods again and a new object, a silver rectangular prism. Mice that remember playing with the black rod will spend more time with the new object. But old mice spend a similar amount of time playing with both objects. -- The first author of the new study, Kyungdeok Kim, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Kipnis lab, boosted functioning of the lymphatic vessels in old mice with a treatment that stimulates vessel growth, enabling more waste to drain out of the brain. He found that the older mice with rejuvenated lymphatic vessels spent more time with the new object -- an indicator of improved memory -- compared with the older mice not given the treatment. -- "A functioning lymphatic system is critical for brain health and memory," said Kim. "Therapies that support the health of the body's waste management system may have health benefits for a naturally aging brain." -- Brain's overwhelmed cleaning crew	A01 H02 R02	2,418
2513-029	New Blood Test Accurately Diagnoses Alzheimer's And Measures Progression Of Disease	A recent advancement in Alzheimer's diagnostics comes from researchers at Washington University and Lund University, who developed a blood test that not only diagnoses the condition but also indicates its progression. This test could significantly aid doctors in identifying candidates for early-stage treatment, as current Alzheimer's therapies work best at the disease's onset. The test also helps differentiate Alzheimer's symptoms from other cognitive issues.	WashU Medicine	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A newly developed blood test for Alzheimer's disease not only aids in the diagnosis of the neurodegenerative condition but also indicates how far it has progressed, according to a study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Lund University in Sweden. -- Several blood tests for Alzheimer's disease are already clinically available, including two based on technology licensed from WashU. -- Such tests help doctors diagnose the disease in people with cognitive symptoms, but do not indicate the clinical stage of the disease symptoms -- that is, the degree of impairment in thinking or memory due to Alzheimer's dementia. -- Current Alzheimer's therapies are most effective in early stages of the disease, so having a relatively easy and reliable way to gauge how far the disease has progressed could help doctors determine which patients are likely to benefit from drug treatment and to what extent. -- The new test can also provide insight on whether a person's symptoms are likely due to Alzheimer's versus some other cause. -- The study is published March 31 in Nature Medicine. -- In the study, the researchers found that levels of a protein called MTBR-tau243 in the blood accurately reflect the amount of toxic accumulation of tau aggregates in the brain and correlate with the severity of Alzheimer's disease. -- Analyzing blood levels of MTBR-tau243 from a group of people with cognitive decline, the researchers were able to distinguish between people with early- or later-stage Alzheimer's disease and separate both groups of Alzheimer's patients from people whose symptoms were caused by something other than Alzheimer's disease. -- "This blood test clearly identifies Alzheimer's tau tangles, which is our best biomarker measure of Alzheimer's symptoms and dementia," said co-senior author Randall J. Bateman, MD, the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Distinguished Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine. -- "In clinical practice right now, we don't have easy or accessible measures of Alzheimer's tangles and dementia, and so a tangle blood test like this can provide a much better indication if the symptoms are due to Alzheimer's and may also help doctors decide which treatments are best for their patients."	H01 H02 R02	2,419
2513-E025	Immune Cells In Mouse Intestines May Prevent Food Allergies	Research in mice uncovers a population of intestinal immune cells that may play a critical role in preventing food allergies. This discovery suggests a potential therapeutic target for allergy treatments, offering hope for millions of individuals affected by food allergies, as the study identifies mechanisms by which the immune system can distinguish between harmful and harmless substances.	WashU Medicine	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Most of the time, the intestinal immune system can recognize friend from foe, tolerating myriad foods while destroying disease-causing invaders. But for approximately 30 million Americans with food allergies -- including 4 million children -- immune cells mistakenly identify food as a threat, triggering potentially life-threatening reactions. -- Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified, in mice, that essential immune cells in the intestine prevent an unwarranted attack against harmless food allergens. -- In the absence of such cells, mice experienced gut inflammation and an allergic response to food. -- Their research was published online April 3 in Cell and will appear in print May 15. -- "We are seeing a rapid global increase in food allergies that significantly impact quality of life," said Marco Colonna, MD, the Robert Rock Belliveau, MD, Professor of Pathology at WashU Medicine. -- "The lack of therapeutics to prevent and manage food allergies complicates the growing public health issue. Now that we know the players that establish tolerance to food allergens, we can devise innovative strategies to target them therapeutically and potentially prevent or treat food allergies." -- The immune system encounters common food allergens -- peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs and shellfish, among others -- without launching a self-sabotaging immune attack in a process called tolerance. -- Broken tolerance to food triggers an allergic reaction with symptoms ranging from mild hives and itching to a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause throat swelling and difficulty breathing and requires immediate treatment. -- As part of the current study, the researchers aimed to home in on the players working to prevent such reactions, in work that may help develop preventive treatments for food allergies. -- Tolerance to food involves multiple immune cells. Certain immune cells pick up food particles, chop them into fragments and present them to the immune system's T cells, instructing those cells to remain unresponsive to the harmless intruder.	A01 H01 R01 N01	2,420
2502-008	Pharmacy Benefit Managers Steer Patients To Their Pharmacies, Creating Potential Conflicts Of Interest	Research from Weill Cornell Medicine uncovers how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) steer patients towards their own pharmacies, which are underutilized in Medicare. This study raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and suggests that existing regulations might be insufficient to ensure fair access to medications for all patients.	Weill Cornell Medicine	JAMA Health Forum	Press Rel	PubMed	Weill Cornell Medicine researchers have found that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) -- organizations that negotiate access to medicines for most patients in the United States -- steer patients to use their own pharmacies. However, these pharmacies appear less used in Medicare than in other market segments. These PBMs are part of integrated health care conglomerates that own insurance companies and pharmacies, which may create conflicts of interest. -- The study, published Jan. 10 in JAMA Health Forum, found that in 2021 a third of all Medicare Part D pharmacy spending and almost 40% of specialty drug spending within Medicare Part D was through pharmacies owned by the four largest PBMs: CVS, UnitedHealth Group, Cigna or Humana. However, this represents a far lower market share in Medicare than the nearly two-thirds national market share noted by a Federal Trade Commission's 2024 report. The findings may help guide future policy decisions on how these entities are regulated. -- "It is striking that, on average, these companies have significantly lower market share in Medicare than the national estimates suggest," said the study's lead author Dr. Pragya Kakani, an assistant professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine. "For high-cost specialty drugs, these pharmacies have almost half the market share in Medicare which is still lower than that observed across all other payer segments nationally." -- Dr. Kakani believes one reason for the reduced market share of these pharmacies in Medicare could be due to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' "any willing pharmacy" rules that ensure patients have access to their prescriptions at any pharmacy willing to meet the conditions set by Medicare Part D. -- "While we don't test this directly, our work raises the possibility that these rules may be powerful in preventing PBM firms from getting huge market share," she said. Outside of Medicare Part D, insurers generally have more leeway to exclude certain pharmacies from their networks, meaning patients have fewer choices about where they can pick up their prescriptions. -- "However, despite Medicare's 'any willing pharmacy' rules, insurers integrated with PBMs are still capable of steering a substantial portion of their Medicare Part D plan enrollees to their own pharmacies," noted senior author on the study Dr. Amelia Bond, associate professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine. This is especially true among some high-cost specialty drugs. On average, Medicare patients used their own PBM's pharmacies at nearly 20 percent higher rates than what would be expected without steering. -- For example, for pulmonary arterial hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and multiple sclerosis, PBM-owned pharmacies captured over 60% market share in Medicare. "Because there is a lot of variation by disease area in terms of the prevalence of these pharmacies, policymakers concerned about this issue should pay special attention to drug classes where these PBM-owned pharmacies are most used." -- The market power of PBM pharmacies and firms' ability to steer patients to their own pharmacies may impact costs, access to independent pharmacies and patient experience. Thus, some states may consider expanding protections like "any willing pharmacy" in general commercial markets. -- "Steering can amplify the potential harms as well as possibly potential benefits of this type of integration, justifying further research in this area," Dr. Kakani said. Dr. Kakani, Dr. Bond, and their research team will continue examining some of these issues, focusing on the quality of care PBM-owned pharmacies provide, including access, timely filling of prescriptions, patient adherence to treatment plans and pricing.	H01	2,421
2503-003	Immune Proteins Play A Key Role In Shaping Cancer Resistance In Stem Cells	A study reveals that immune proteins known as the inflammasome can prevent blood stem cells from turning cancerous by modifying their surface receptors and inhibiting cancer gene activity. This dual role suggests that while it promotes inflammation in later cancer stages, it also serves a protective function in early stages, potentially informing future therapies.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Nature Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	A group of immune proteins called the inflammasome can help prevent blood stem cells from becoming malignant by removing certain receptors from their surfaces and blocking cancer gene activity, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. -- The study, published Jan. 2 in Nature Immunology, may lead to therapies that target the earliest stages of cancer. -- The findings bolster the idea that the inflammasome has a dual role -- it promotes inflammation associated with poor outcomes in late cancer stages, but early on, it can help prevent cells from becoming cancerous in the first place. -- "What was striking was that the innate immune system, which includes the inflammasome, has a role beyond infection," said Dr. Julie Magarian Blander, the Gladys and Roland Harriman Professor of Immunology in Medicine and a member of the Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- "We found that it functions in maintaining homeostasis in the tissue, keeping an eye on whether stem cells are proliferating too much. By doing so, it prevents cells from becoming cancerous and this activity is independent of inflammation." -- The co-first authors of the study are Dr. Andrew Kent, an assistant professor of medicine-hematology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Dr. Kristel Joy Yee Mon, a postdoctoral associate in Dr. Blander's lab. -- Origin Story -- By the time patients typically go to the doctor with cancer symptoms, tumors have already formed. -- As a result, very little is known about cancer's beginnings. -- To get a better understanding of how the disease takes hold, Dr. Blander and her colleagues chose to study a mouse model of B-cell lymphoma called Eµ-myc, which has a mutation in the Myc oncogene.	R01	2,422
2504-055	New Brain Circuit Technique Identifies Target For Anxiety Disorder Treatments	Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a specific brain circuit whose inhibition can reduce anxiety without side effects, presenting a promising target for anxiety disorder treatments. Their findings, derived from a preclinical model, enhance the understanding of drug effects on the brain and suggest a new direction for developing more effective therapies that minimize cognitive impairments associated with current anxiety treatments.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Neuron	Press Rel	PubMed	Weill Cornell Medicine investigators have identified in a preclinical model a specific brain circuit whose inhibition appears to reduce anxiety without side effects. Their work suggests a new target for treating anxiety disorders and related conditions and demonstrates a general strategy, based on a method called photopharmacology, for mapping drug effects on the brain. -- In their study, published Jan. 28 in Neuron, the researchers examined the effects of experimental drug compounds that activate a type of brain-cell receptor called the metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (mGluR2). While these receptors are found on neurons within many brain circuits, the team showed that activating them in a specific circuit terminating in an emotion-related brain region called the amygdala reduces signs of anxiety without apparent adverse side effects. Current treatments for anxiety disorders, panic disorder and associated conditions can have unwanted side effects including cognitive impairments. -- "Our findings indicate a new and important target for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders and show that our photopharmacology-based approach holds promise more broadly as a way to precisely reverse-engineer how therapeutics work in the brain," said study senior author Dr. Joshua Levitz, an associate professor of biochemistry at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- The co-first authors of the study are Drs. Hermany Munguba and Ipsit Srivastava, a former and current postdoctoral associate, respectively, in the Levitz lab, and Dr. Vanessa Gutzeit, a doctoral student in the Levitz lab at the time of the study. -- Activating mGluR2 -- a tiny "dimmer switch" that reduces the synaptic transmission of its host neuron -- has been shown to have anxiety-reducing effects in prior preclinical and small clinical studies. However, the development of this drug class has been stymied in part by concerns over potential side effects. mGluR2 is found within many different brain circuits, and the drugs that target them often activate other members of the mGluR family as well, contributing to the possibility that these drugs will have unwanted side effects. -- In the new study, Dr. Levitz and his team advanced the understanding of how mGluR2 activators work on the brain with their new toolkit for mapping circuit-specific drug effects. In initial experiments, they confirmed that a portion of the amygdala known as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is the principal location where mGluR2-activating compounds exert their anxiety-reducing effects. With genetic tools and a special tracer-labeled virus that can move "upstream" along nerve fibers, they isolated two specific circuits that terminate in the BLA, express high levels of mGluR2 and induce anxiety signs in mice when active. -- They next deployed a photopharmacology technique that was first developed by Dr. Levitz when he was a graduate student in the early 2010s. The technique uses small molecules that are tethered to mGluR2 and can activate the receptor -- in any brain circuit of interest -- when "switched on" by specific colors of light. The team found that in one of the BLA circuits, which runs from a brain region called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, activating mGluR2 signaling reduced spatial avoidance, a classic anxiety sign in mice. However, this anxiety-reducing effect was accompanied by memory impairment, an unwanted side effect. -- "This working memory deficit we observed may be a basis for the cognitive impairment associated with typical anxiety drugs," Dr. Levitz said. -- In the other circuit, which runs to the BLA from a sensory and interoception (internal body-sensing)-integrating part of the brain called the insula, activating mGluR2 had different anxiety-reducing effects, normalizing sociability and feeding behavior. In this case, there were no apparent cognitive impairments -- indicating that this insula-BLA circuit could be investigated further as a possible side-effect-free target for treating anxiety and related conditions. -- "One of the next steps will be to find a way to target this circuit selectively -- in other words, not via mGluR2, because mGluR2 is everywhere," Dr. Levitz said.	H01 H02 R01 R02	2,423
2505-018	Blood Test May Predict Postpartum Depression Risk During Pregnancy	A study has found that women at risk of postpartum depression may display specific levels of neuroactive steroids during the third trimester, potentially allowing for early identification and intervention. These molecules, derived from progesterone, play a role in emotional regulation and stress response. By understanding these biomarkers, healthcare providers may better support mothers at risk for PPD, enhancing maternal mental health and improving outcomes for families.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Neuropsychopharmacology	Press Rel	PubMed	Early detection of earthquakes could be vastly improved by tapping into the world's internet network with a groundbreaking new algorithm, researchers say. -- Fibre optic cables used for cable television, telephone systems and the global web matrix now have the potential to help measure seismic rumblings thanks to recent technological advances, but harnessing this breakthrough has proved problematic. -- A new paper published today in Geophysical Journal International seeks to address these challenges by adapting a simple physics-based algorithm to include fibre optic data that can then be used hand-in-hand with traditional seismometer measurements. -- Not only could this "exciting" advancement be integrated into existing earthquake early warning systems, it may also help detect seismic activity associated with erupting volcanoes, geothermal boreholes and glacier icequakes. -- "The ability to turn fibre optic cables into thousands of seismic sensors has inspired many approaches to use fibre for earthquake detection. However, fibre optic earthquake detection is not an easy challenge to solve," said lead researcher Dr Thomas Hudson, a senior research scientist at ETH Zurich. -- "Here, we lean on combining the benefit of thousands of sensors with a simple physics-based approach to detect earthquakes using any fibre optic cable, anywhere. -- "Excitingly, our method can combine fibre optic and traditional seismometer measurements, allowing fibre optic sensing to be included in existing earthquake early warning systems." -- Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a nascent technology that uses fibre optic cables to detect acoustic signals and vibrations. -- It can be used to monitor a variety of things, including pipelines, railways or the subsurface. -- It therefore has the potential to turn fibre optic networks -- which carry data super fast -- into measurements of seismic activity that can be used to detect earthquakes.	H01 H02 R02	2,424
2506-032	Lung Signals Drive Blood Clot Formation In Cancer Patients, Study Reveals	A preclinical study demonstrates that blood clots in cancer patients form due to signals from the lungs, contrary to previous assumptions that other organs were the sources. This research, conducted by Weill Cornell Medicine and others, highlights the role of tumor-released chemokines in triggering clot formation, paving the way for improved diagnostics and therapies targeting this life-threatening condition.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Blood clots form in response to signals from the lungs of cancer patients -- not from other organ sites, as previously thought -- according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and University of California San Diego Health. Clots are the second-leading cause of death among cancer patients with advanced disease or aggressive tumors. -- While blood clots usually form to stop a wound from bleeding, cancer patients can form clots without injury, plugging up vessels and cutting off circulation to organs. -- The study, published Feb. 11 in Cell, shows that tumors drive clot formation (thrombosis) by releasing chemokines, secreted proteins which then circulate to the lung. -- Once there, the chemokines prompt immune cells called macrophages to release small vesicles that attach to cell fragments (platelets), forming life-threatening clots. -- The findings may lead to diagnostic tests to determine blood clotting risk and safer therapies that target the root of the problem to prevent blood clots. -- "This work redefines the concept of how thrombosis develops in cancer patients, compared to the traditional view that factors on blood vessel walls or tumor cells themselves are responsible," said study lead Dr. David Lyden, Stavros S. Niarchos Professor in Pediatric Cardiology, and professor of cell and developmental biology at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- "It's a revolutionary concept that thrombosis is initiated in the lung, which wasn't appreciated before." -- Dr. Diane Simeone, the director of Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego Health, and Dr. Jacqueline Bromberg, breast medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, are co-senior authors. -- "Many of our patients with cancers are at high risk for blood clots," Dr. Bromberg said. -- "Our study helps unravel the causes of this phenomenon and the potential development of tests and therapeutics for these high-risk patients."	H01 R01	2,425
2507-121	Lenacapavir Therapy Shows Promise For Effective HIV Control In Uganda	A study indicates that a new HIV therapy, lenacapavir, shows little natural resistance in Ugandan patients, suggesting its effectiveness against circulating strains of the virus. With only 1.6% of individuals exhibiting resistance mutations, this research highlights lenacapavir's potential as a robust treatment option in the ongoing fight against HIV, particularly in regions heavily impacted by the virus.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Weill Cornell Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	A multi-national, multi-institutional study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators found little natural resistance to a new HIV therapy called lenacapavir in a population of patients in Uganda. -- The study, published Jan. 30 in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, adds to growing evidence that lenacapavir may be a powerful new tool in the global anti-HIV drug arsenal. Approximately, 1.5 million people are living with HIV in Uganda. -- "Our data shows that only 1.6% of the individuals studied are living with HIV strains that have any known lenacapavir-associated resistance mutations," said senior author Dr. Guinevere Lee, assistant professor of virology in medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. "That's important because it shows lenacapavir is likely to be effective against strains of HIV circulating in East Africa." -- Since the 1990s, HIV drug combinations targeting different steps in the virus' life cycle have been able to reduce virus load in patients to nearly undetectable levels. But drug resistance is a growing concern as the virus has evolved ways to thwart existing therapies. Lenacapavir, however, is the first drug to disrupt the protective capsid layer surrounding HIV's genetic material (RNA), blocking the virus's ability to reproduce and be transmitted from person to person. -- Treatment twice a year with lenacapavir has been effective in patients who have never been treated and those with HIV strains that are resistant to other drugs. Last year, clinical trials showed that lenacapavir injections were 100% effective in preventing HIV infection among women in sub-Saharan Africa, who were HIV-negative. -- However, little information was available about pre-existing resistance to lenacapavir in less well-studied HIV-1 strains like subtype A1 and D, which are more common in Eastern and Southern Africa. HIV-1 subtype B strains, which predominantly affect Europe and the United States, rarely have pre-existing mutations that would cause lenacapavir drug resistance. -- Dr. Lee and her colleagues at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston helped fill that gap. They sequenced the capsid proteins from HIV-1 subtypes A1 and D from 546 Ugandan patients, who had never used antiretroviral therapy before. This approach allowed the investigators to examine naturally circulating viral variants. -- They found that none of the patients had genetic mutations that would lead to major lenacapavir resistance. Only nine participants had minor lenacapavir resistance mutations that could partially reduce the effectiveness, but not enough to cause full resistance to the drug. -- "Our study supports lenacapavir's potential efficacy in this region. As lenacapavir is rolled out in East Africa, further studies will need to monitor for the emergence of drug-resistant strains," Dr. Lee said. "It is important that we ensure HIV research reaches understudied communities where unique viral strains circulate."	H01 R01	2,426
2508-013	Engineered Blood Vessel Cells Boost Islet Transplant Success For Diabetes Treatment	A promising preclinical study shows that incorporating engineered human blood vessel-forming cells into islet transplants can enhance the survival of insulin-producing cells and potentially reverse diabetes. This novel approach, spearheaded by Weill Cornell Medicine, could expand the utility of islet transplants for diabetes treatment, offering hope for improved therapeutic options.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Science Advances	Press Rel	PubMed	Adding engineered human blood vessel-forming cells to islet transplants boosted the survival of the insulin-producing cells and reversed diabetes in a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The new approach, which requires further development and testing, could someday enable the much wider use of islet transplants to cure diabetes. -- Islets, found in the pancreas, are clusters of insulin-secreting and other cells enmeshed in tiny, specialized blood vessels. -- The insulin cells are killed by an autoimmune process in type 1 diabetes, which affects roughly nine million people worldwide. -- Although islet transplantation is a promising approach for treating such cases, the only FDA-approved method to date has significant limitations. -- In a study published Jan. 29 in Science Advances, the researchers showed that special blood vessel-forming cells they developed, called "reprogrammed vascular endothelial cells" (R-VECs), can overcome some of these limitations by providing strong support for islets, allowing them to survive and reverse diabetes long-term when transplanted under the skin of mice. -- "This work lays the foundation for subcutaneous islet transplants as a relatively safe and durable treatment option for type 1 diabetes," said first author Dr. Ge Li, a postdoctoral research associate in the laboratory of senior author Dr. Shahin Rafii, director of the Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration and the Ansary Stem Cell Institute, chief of the division of regenerative medicine and the Arthur B. Belfer Professor in Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Dr. Rafii is also a member of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- The currently approved islet-transplant method infuses islets into a vein in the liver. -- This invasive procedure requires the long-term use of immune-suppressing drugs to prevent islet rejection, involves the relatively uncontrolled dispersal of islets, and usually becomes ineffective within a few years, likely in part to the lack of proper support cells. -- Ideally, researchers want a method that implants islets in a more controlled and accessible site, such as under the skin, and allows the transplanted tissue to survive indefinitely.	H01 R01 N02	2,427
2508-052	Self-Destructing Mycobacteria Designed For More Effective Tuberculosis Vaccines	Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine are developing tuberculosis (TB) vaccines using genetically engineered mycobacteria that feature 'kill switches' to ensure safety during human trials. These studies aim to create effective vaccines while addressing the ongoing TB crisis that claims over a million lives annually. The work builds upon existing BCG vaccines to enhance protection against pulmonary tuberculosis, especially for adults.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Nature Microbiology	Press Rel	PubMed	Working toward more effective tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have developed two strains of mycobacteria with "kill switches" that can be triggered to stop the bacteria after they activate an immune response. Two preclinical studies, published, Jan. 10 in Nature Microbiology, tackle the challenge of engineering bacteria that are safe for use in controlled human infection trials or as better vaccines. While TB is under control in most developed countries, the disease still kills over a million people a year worldwide. -- Spreading easily through the air, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can establish a chronic infection in human lungs, which can turn into a deadly respiratory disease. -- A safe vaccine called BCG, consisting of a weakened strain of the closely related Mycobacterium bovis, has been available for over a century but has limited efficacy. -- "BCG protects children from tuberculosis meningitis, but it doesn't effectively protect adults from pulmonary tuberculosis, which is why it's only used in high-incidence countries," said Dr. Dirk Schnappinger, professor of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a senior author on both of the new studies. -- However, collaborators at the University of Pittsburgh and the National Institutes of Health's Vaccine Research Center previously found that administering high doses of the BCG vaccine directly into the veins, instead of the usual route of giving it under the skin, was better at protecting adult macaque monkeys against lung infection. -- Building a Better Vaccine -- In one of the new papers, the team aimed to make this high-dose intravenous injection safer, without destroying the vaccine's ability to stimulate a strong immune response. -- "We needed a version of BCG that triggers an immune response, but then you can flip a switch to eliminate the bacteria," said Dr. Schnappinger. -- After testing about 20 different strategies, the investigators found that lysins, enzymes encoded by viruses that can infect BCG, cause the bacteria to self-destruct. -- Using a clever bit of molecular engineering, they placed two different lysin genes under the control of gene regulators that respond to an antibiotic.	H01 R01	2,428
2509-029	New AI System Accurately Analyzes Medical Images Over Time To Predict Outcomes	An AI-based system from Weill Cornell Medicine is revolutionizing the analysis of longitudinal images, enabling accurate detection of changes over time and predicting patient outcomes. Named LILAC, this new tool's sensitivity and applicability across diverse medical fields promise to enhance our understanding of various conditions, from embryo development to brain aging.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A new AI-based system for analyzing images taken over time can accurately detect changes and predict outcomes, according to a study led by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell's Ithaca campus and Cornell Tech. The system's sensitivity and flexibility could make it useful across a wide range of medical and scientific applications. -- The new system, termed LILAC (Learning-based Inference of Longitudinal imAge Changes), is based on an AI approach called machine learning. -- In the study, which appears Feb. 20 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers developed the system and demonstrated it on diverse time-series of images -- also called "longitudinal" image series -- covering developing IVF embryos, healing tissue after wounds and aging brains. -- The researchers showed that LILAC has a broad ability to identify even very subtle differences between images taken at different times, and to predict related outcome measures such as cognitive scores from brain scans. -- "This new tool will allow us to detect and quantify clinically relevant changes over time in ways that weren't possible before, and its flexibility means that it can be applied off-the-shelf to virtually any longitudinal imaging dataset," said study senior author Dr. Mert Sabuncu, vice chair of research and a professor of electrical engineering in radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Cornell University's Ithaca campus and Cornell Tech. -- The study's first author is Dr. Heejong Kim, an instructor of artificial intelligence in radiology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a member of the Sabuncu Laboratory. -- Traditional methods for analyzing longitudinal image datasets tend to require extensive customization and pre-processing. -- For example, researchers studying the brain may take raw brain MRI data and pre-process the image data to focus on just one brain area, also correcting for different view angles, sizing differences and other artifacts in the data -- all before performing the main analysis. -- The researchers designed LILAC to work much more flexibly, in effect automatically performing such corrections and finding relevant changes. -- "This enables LILAC to be useful not just across different imaging contexts but also in situations where you aren't sure what kind of change to expect," said Dr. Kim, LILAC's principal designer.	A01 R02 T01	2,429
2509-E016	Ion Channel Discovery: New Mechanism Could Revolutionize Treatment For Disorders	A recent study from Weill Cornell Medicine has elucidated how a common ion channel in mammalian cells regulates its own function through a “ball-and-chain” mechanism. This research, published in Nature Communications, enhances our understanding of ion channel biology and has potential implications for developing new treatments for disorders like epilepsy and hypertension, by targeting these channels for therapeutic interventions.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A new study has unveiled a precise picture of how an ion channel found in most mammalian cells regulates its own function with a "ball-and-chain" channel-plugging mechanism, according to investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine. The findings boost the understanding of ion channel biology and could lead to new drugs that target these channels to treat disorders such as epilepsy and hypertension. -- Ion channels are protein structures embedded in cell membranes that allow charged molecules to flow into or out of the cell. -- They support essential biological functions, including signaling or communication between brain cells. -- The study, published Feb. 19 in Nature Communications, focused on the mammalian BK ("big potassium") channel, which facilitates the flow of potassium ions out of cells. -- Using advanced structural imaging and computer modeling techniques, the researchers confirmed that BK channels can stop their ion flow via a long-theorized ball-and-chain structure that plugs the channel. -- "These findings provide insights into a fundamental mechanism in biology and point the way to better methods for modulating ion channel activity to treat human diseases," said study senior author Dr. Crina Nimigean, a professor of physiology and biophysics in anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- BK channels help govern the excitability of brain and muscle cells, control blood flow through blood vessels, process auditory signals and perform many other functions throughout the body. -- Accordingly, genetic and other dysfunctions of BK channels have been linked to a variety of disorders, from epilepsies and movement disorders to hypertension and hearing-loss syndromes. -- However, the complexity and fragility of BK channels have made studying them difficult. -- Calcium ions can trigger a BK channel to open its central passage or "pore," allowing a massive flow of potassium ions out of the cell.	A01 H01 R02 N02 T01	2,430
2510-045	Key Molecular Switch Necessary For Stem Cells To Regenerate Blood Cells	A preclinical study reveals that a single molecular switch is crucial for blood stem cells to activate and regenerate new blood cells, potentially revolutionizing bone marrow transplants and gene therapy. This discovery could significantly improve treatment efficacy by enhancing the body's natural regenerative capacities in response to injury.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Nature Immunology	Press Rel	PubMed	A single molecular switch is essential for blood stem cells to enter an activated, regenerative state in which they produce new blood cells, according to a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The discovery could lead to more effective bone marrow transplants and gene therapies. -- Stem cells are immature cells that have a basic regenerative role in virtually all tissues. -- They normally exist in a quiescent, slowly dividing state, but after an injury can replace tissue by switching to an activated state in which they multiply rapidly and turn into mature, functional cells. -- The researchers, in a study published Feb. 25 in Nature Immunology, found that a DNA transcription-regulating protein called FLI-1 has a critical role in this regenerative process for blood stem cells, which are mostly resident in the bone marrow until they are stimulated or "mobilized" to move into the bloodstream. -- They showed that transiently producing FLI-1 in quiescent adult mobilized bone marrow stem cells activates them so that they swiftly expand their numbers and have a better chance of being transplanted successfully into a new host. -- "The approach we outlined in this study could substantially improve the efficiency of marrow transplants and marrow-cell-targeted gene therapies, especially in cases where the donor has a very limited supply of viable blood stem cells," said study senior author Dr. Shahin Rafii, director of the Hartman Institute for Therapeutic Organ Regeneration and the Ansary Stem Cell Institute, chief of the division of regenerative medicine, and the Arthur B. Belfer Professor in Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Dr. Rafii is also a member of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine and the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Marrow transplants, which include blood stem cells, allow the replenishment of the blood cell and immune cell populations in recipients, and are important elements in the treatment of some cancers. -- Doctors also sometimes replenish blood cells in cancer patients using healthy blood stem cells drawn from the patients themselves, although these stem cells may be harder to activate and expand if they have already been exposed to chemotherapies and/or radiation treatments. -- Similarly, some gene therapies, especially for blood disorders such as beta-thalassemia, require the harvesting of patients' blood stem cells, insertion of a therapeutic gene, and expansion of the vulnerable stem cells in the laboratory before re-infusion into the patient.	R01 N02	2,431
2510-E048	Distinct Gut Bacteria Identified As Potential Biomarker For Crohn's Disease	New research from Weill Cornell Medicine identifies a specific gut bacterium, Mediterraneibacter gnavus, as a potential biomarker for Crohn's disease and related joint inflammation. The study reveals distinct microbiota profiles in patients with different forms of spondyloarthritis linked to Crohn's. These findings could enhance understanding of the relationship between gut bacteria and immune responses, providing new avenues for diagnosing and treating inflammation-related complications.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Gut Microbes	Press Rel	PubMed	People with Crohn's disease and related joint inflammation linked to immune system dysfunction have distinct gut bacteria or microbiota, with the bacterium Mediterraneibacter gnavus being a potential biomarker, according to new study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers. -- The study, published Feb. 13 in Gut Microbes, also demonstrated that the gut microbiota of people with Crohn's and axial spondyloarthritis, which is joint inflammation of the spine and lower back, differs from individuals with Crohn's and peripheral spondyloarthritis affecting other parts of the body like the knees, hips and shoulders. -- "While joint inflammation is one of the most common extraintestinal manifestations of Crohn's disease, clinicians don't have a good handle on why this happens and how to treat it," said the study's senior author Dr. Randy Longman, director of the Jill Roberts Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and an associate professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Based on the new research, M. gnavus could serve as a biomarker for joint inflammation in Crohn's disease patients, Dr. Longman said. -- "The research also raises the possibility that there could be a causative link between the gut microbiota and immune cell responses that govern inflammation, but further investigation is needed," he said. -- Crohn's Disease and Joint Inflammation -- Crohn's disease, an autoimmune disorder, affects more than half a million Americans and causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue. -- Up to a third of patients may experience joint inflammation, although the reasons for this are not entirely clear, Dr. Longman said. -- Normally, the gut lining acts as a barrier, keeping bacteria confined to the intestines. -- In people with Crohn's disease and spondyloarthritis, this barrier may be compromised and lead to immune cell responses to specific gut bacteria associated with joint inflammation.	R01	2,432
2511-011	Bioenergetic Age: A New Indicator For Alzheimer's Disease Risk	Research from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that a person's "bioenergetic age" reflects their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study indicates that adopting a healthy lifestyle can rejuvenate cellular energy production, potentially providing a non-pharmaceutical approach to reduce Alzheimer's risk, comparable to current drug treatments.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	A person's "bioenergetic age" -- or how youthfully their cells generate energy -- might be a key indicator of whether they're at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, new research from Weill Cornell Medicine shows. The study, published Feb. 24 in Nature Communications, suggests healthy living can turn back the bioenergetic clock for some people, helping them fend off Alzheimer's as effectively as a new drug called lecanemab. -- "That's quite big because it means some people can lower their risk without the uncertain side effects of current treatments," said senior author Dr. Jan Krumsiek, associate professor of physiology and biophysics and computational genomics in the Institute for Computational Biomedicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- The study's first author, Dr. Matthias Arnold, is head of the computational neurobiology team at Helmholtz Munich. -- The new findings bring us a step closer to solving a long-standing puzzle. -- One of the early warning signs of Alzheimer's is that brain cells start losing their ability to produce and use energy efficiently, such as metabolizing glucose (sugar). But some people don't show disease symptoms for years. -- This delay between abnormalities in energy pathways and the onset of symptomatic disease suggests there is a "bioenergetic capacity" that provides a buffer for these individuals. -- Their bodies and brains are better at keeping energy levels up even when problems start. -- "In these cases, people can be unusually healthy when we look at their cognition," said Dr. Krumsiek, who is also a member of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine. -- "They make it to old age without the kind of declines that usually creep in." -- But could the researchers identify individuals with this beneficial higher bioenergetic capacity and help those without it?	H01 R02 T01	2,433
2512-074	AI Transforms Bladder Cancer Treatment: New Predictive Model Enhances Chemotherapy Responses	A team from Weill Cornell Medicine has utilized AI and machine learning to create a more effective model for predicting chemotherapy responses in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients. By integrating whole-slide tumor imaging and gene expression data, this model not only identifies critical tumor characteristics but also aims to personalize treatments, potentially sparing patients from more invasive procedures like bladder removal.	Weill Cornell Medicine	npj Digital Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	Leveraging the power of AI and machine learning technologies, researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a more effective model for predicting how patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer will respond to chemotherapy. The model harnesses whole-slide tumor imaging data and gene expression analyses in a way that outperforms previous models using a single data type. -- The study, published March 22 in npj Digital Medicine, identifies key genes and tumor characteristics that may determine treatment success. The ability to accurately anticipate how an individual will react to the standard-of-care therapy for this malignant cancer may help doctors personalize treatment and could potentially save those who respond well from undergoing bladder removal. -- "This work represents the spirit of precision medicine," said Dr. Fei Wang, professor of population health sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine and founding director of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence for Digital Health, who co-leads the study. -- "We want to identify the right treatment for the right patient at the right time," added co-lead Dr. Bishoy Morris Faltas, the Gellert Family-John P. Leonard MD Research Scholar in Hematology and Medical Oncology and an associate professor of medicine and of cell and developmental biology at Weill Cornell Medicine, and an oncologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. -- Dr. Zilong Bai, research associate in population health sciences,and Dr. Mohamed Osman, postdoctoral associate in medicine, at Weill Cornell Medicine, collaboratively spearheaded this work. -- Better Model, Better Predictions -- To build a better predictive model, the two lead researchers teamed up. While Dr. Wang's lab focuses on data mining and cutting-edge machine learning analyses, Dr. Faltas is a physician-scientist with expertise in bladder cancer biology. -- They turned to data from the SWOG Cancer Research Network that designs and conducts multi-center clinical trials for adult cancers. Specifically, the researchers integrated data from images of prepared tumor samples with gene expression profiles, which provide a snapshot of the genes that are "turned on" or "off." -- "Since expression patterns alone were not sufficient to predict patients' responses in previous studies, we decided to pull in more information for our model," said Dr. Faltas, who is also the chief research officer at the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine and a member of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- To analyze the images, the researchers used specialized AI methods called graph neural networks, which capture how cancer cells, immune cells and fibroblasts are organized and interact within the tumor. They also incorporated automated image analysis to identify these different cell types at the tumor site.	A01 H01 R01 T01	2,434
2513-049	Omega-6 Fatty Acid Found To Promote Growth Of Aggressive Breast Cancer	A preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine has found that linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in common oils and animal products, may promote the growth of triple-negative breast cancer. This groundbreaking discovery could inform new dietary recommendations and pharmaceutical strategies against this challenging cancer subtype, highlighting the relationship between dietary fats and cancer progression while paving the way for personalized nutrition approaches.	Weill Cornell Medicine	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in seed oils such as soybean and safflower oil, and animal products including pork and eggs, specifically enhances the growth of the hard-to-treat "triple negative" breast cancer subtype, according to a preclinical study led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The discovery could lead to new dietary and pharmaceutical strategies against breast and other cancers. -- In the study, published March 14 in Science, the researchers found that linoleic acid can activate a major growth pathway in tumor cells by binding to a protein called FABP5. -- Comparing breast cancer subtypes, the team observed that this growth pathway activation occurs in triple-negative tumor cells, where FABP5 is particularly abundant, but not in other hormone-sensitive subtypes. -- In a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, a diet high in linoleic acid enhanced tumor growth. -- "This discovery helps clarify the relationship between dietary fats and cancer, and sheds light on how to define which patients might benefit the most from specific nutritional recommendations in a personalized manner," said study senior author Dr. John Blenis, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Professor of Cancer Research in the Department of Pharmacology and a member of the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. -- Omega-6 linoleic acid is a diet-derived nutrient that is considered essential in mammals for supporting multiple bodily processes. -- However, the abundance of this fat in 'Western-style' diets has increased significantly since the 1950s, coinciding with the increased usage of seed oils in fried and ultra-processed foods. -- This has led to concerns that excessive omega-6 intake might be one of the explanations for rising rates of certain diseases, including breast cancers. -- But decades of studies have yielded mixed and inconclusive results, and have never uncovered any biological mechanism tying omega-6s to cancers. -- In the new study, the researchers sought to resolve this confusion by initially looking at breast cancer, which has been linked to modifiable factors such as obesity.	H01 R01 N01	2,435
2502-052	Researchers Discover Long-Lasting DNA Damage In Healthy Cells Raises Cancer Concerns	New research from the Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals that certain forms of DNA damage can persist in healthy cells for years without being repaired, suggesting they may contribute to cancer development. By analyzing family trees of single cells, scientists discovered patterns of mutation inheritance, indicating that such unrepaired damage can increase the risk of harmful mutations over time.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	While most known types of DNA damage are fixed by our cells' in-house DNA repair mechanisms, some forms of DNA damage evade repair and can persist for many years, new research shows. This means that the damage has multiple chances to generate harmful mutations, which can lead to cancer. -- Scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and their collaborators analysed family trees of hundreds of single cells from several individuals. -- The team pieced together these family trees from patterns of shared mutations between the cells, indicating common ancestors. -- Researchers uncovered unexpected patterns of mutation inheritance in the trees, revealing that some DNA damage persists unrepaired. -- In the case of blood stem cells, this can be for two to three years. -- The research, published today (15 January) in Nature, changes the way we think about mutations, and has implications for understanding the development of various cancers. -- Throughout our life, all of the cells in our body accumulate genetic errors in the genome, known as somatic mutations. -- These can be caused by damaging environmental exposures, such as smoking, as well as the everyday chemistry occurring in our cells. -- DNA damage is distinct from a mutation. While a mutation is one of the standard four DNA bases (A, G, T or C) in the wrong place, similar to a spelling mistake, DNA damage is chemical alteration of the DNA, like a smudged unrecognisable letter. -- DNA damage can result in the genetic sequence being misread and copied during cell division -- known as DNA replication -- and this introduces permanent mutations that can contribute to the development of cancers.	A01 R01 C01 N02	2,436
2502-E070	Staphylococcus Aureus Adapts To Humans: Uncovering Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms	Staphylococcus aureus Adaptation: In an important study, researchers have identified genetic adaptations in Staphylococcus aureus that enable it to thrive on human skin and evade the immune system. By analyzing thousands of bacterial genomes, they highlighted mutations that contribute to antibiotic resistance, enhancing understanding of this common pathogen.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	The most detailed study to date on the mechanisms by which a common type of bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, adapts to living on the human body could help improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of certain infections. -- The study, from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Cambridge, the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV) at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and their collaborators, involved using the genomes of thousands of S. aureus isolates cultured from the human nose and on the skin to investigate which genes are important for the bacteria to adapt and persist. -- Published today (13 January) in Nature Communications, they used a new approach of analysing the genomes of bacteria from human carriers, to highlight exactly how these bacteria adapt in their natural habitat. -- This revealed key mutations that enable certain strains to evade the human immune system and become resistant to antibiotics. -- This large-scale genetic analysis uncovered several genes and biological pathways that were not previously known to be involved in S. aureus colonisation. -- Further investigation is now required to fully understand the role these play in human colonisation, and if there is a way to target these pathways in the future to help prevent, diagnose or treat infections caused by S. aureus. -- Bacteria are commonly found in or on the body without causing harm, known as colonisation. -- One of these is S. aureus, a common type of bacteria that can be found in the nose of up to 30 per cent of the population worldwideas well as on the skin or in the intestine1. -- However, in those with a weakened immune system, S. aureus can get into the bloodstream and cause infections. -- These can range from mild skin and soft tissue infections to more severe infections, including sepsis and pneumonia1.	C01	2,437
2503-055	Insights Into How Wilms Tumor Develops Could Help Predict Childhood Kidney Cancers	Research from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators has laid the groundwork for genetically tailored treatment plans for children with Wilms tumor, a kidney cancer. By mapping genetic variations linked to this cancer, the study suggests that early detection and personalized therapies could improve treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects for affected children.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Cancer Discovery	Press Rel	PubMed	Genetically tailored treatment plans for children with a type of kidney cancer could help provide the most effective care while minimising side effects as much as possible. -- Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street Hospital, the University of Würzburg, and their collaborators, have mapped the genetic differences across children with a type of childhood kidney cancer called Wilms tumour. -- In about 30 per cent of children with Wilms tumour, there is an inherited genetic change that increases the risk of developing this cancer. This study, published today (23 January) in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggests that inherited genetic changes predetermine how these tumours develop, how much they respond to certain treatments, and whether the individual affected is at higher risk of secondary cancers later in life. -- The team indicates that different genetic predispositions give rise to different tumour development pathways and kidney structures, and have identified those that restrict the growth of tumours. They also found that Wilms tumours develop differently in those without genetic predispositions. -- Their findings suggest that tailoring treatment and screening programmes to a child's genetic makeup could ensure that everyone is receiving the most effective care. In the future, this research could help develop new therapies for certain genetic changes and identify children who may need less invasive surgery. -- Wilms tumour is a type of kidney cancer that largely affects children under the age of five. In the UK, about 85 children are diagnosed with Wilms tumour every year1. -- While these tumours can occur through a spontaneous genetic change during development in the womb, in about 30 per cent of cases, an underlying genetic predisposition can increase the risk of developing Wilms tumour. Traditionally, children with Wilms tumour are screened for predisposition if they show specific features, such as tumours in both kidneys1. -- Currently, treatment for Wilms tumour in predisposed children has to balance removing enough of the kidney tumour to help reduce the risk of secondary tumours later in life, while preserving as much kidney function as possible. Strategies to spare normal kidney tissue include chemotherapy, certain types of surgery, and extended courses of postoperative chemotherapy, along with close surveillance for recurrence. -- The clinical management of children with a known predisposition differs from that of children with a spontaneous genetic change, due to the increased risk. By understanding more about how genetics influences the development of Wilms tumour, researchers could identify those with a lower risk of secondary tumours and use this to inform surgical approaches and screening programmes, as well as lead to the development of new therapies. -- In this new study, researchers genetically mapped several hundred tissue samples from 137 children with Wilms tumour. This included 71 children who had a genetic predisposition, some of whom had early symptoms.	H01 R01	2,438
2505-008	Scientists Achieve Breakthrough In Engineering Human Cell Lines For Disease Study	A groundbreaking study has demonstrated that human genomes exhibit surprising resilience to structural changes. Researchers from multiple prestigious institutions used CRISPR prime editing to create various versions of human genomes in cell lines, revealing that significant alterations can occur without compromising essential genes. This research opens new avenues for understanding the role of structural variation in diseases, paving the way for advancements in genomic medicine and disease predictions.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Science	Press Rel	PubMed	Killer whales are the only natural predator of baleen whales -- those that have "baleen" in their mouths to sieve their plankton diet from the water. More solitary than toothed whales, baleen whales face predatory attacks from killer whales, especially mother and calf pairs. When attacked, some species fight back, while others choose flight. -- But whale species also produce loud underwater songs. What stops killer whales from homing in on their calls and attacking them? -- New research from the University of Washington finds some baleen whale species call at such deep frequencies that they're completely undetectable by killer whales, which cannot hear sounds below 100 hertz. These tend to be the whale species that flee in the face of attack. These deep singers in the "flight" club include blue, fin, sei, Bryde's and minke whales. -- Meanwhile, their higher-frequency singing brethren that fight back when attacked also tend to be slower-moving and more maneuverable. The "fight" club includes right, bowhead, gray and humpback whales. -- The research was published Jan. 31 in Marine Mammal Science. -- To conduct the study Trevor Branch, professor of aquatic and fishery sciences at the UW, conducted a review of aquarium experiments on killer whales' hearing ranges, reviewed the source frequency and source level of populations of all baleen whales, and combined these with knowledge of how sounds move through the ocean to predict which whale populations can be easily heard by killer whales. It turns out the calls of flight species generally can't be heard more than 1 kilometer away by killer whales, unlike the calls of fight species. -- The fight or flight hypothesis is not new, but research into acoustics is shedding new insights into adaptations of baleen whales. Could this so-called acoustic crypsis, where whales that call at such deep frequencies that they are acoustically invisible to killer whales, have developed as a defense mechanism from attack? -- Killer whales are found in all the world's oceans, and killer whales' prey ranges from small fish to the largest whales on Earth. The fight species of baleen whales usually migrate and calve closer to the coast in shallow water, a haven of sorts that provides easier defense against killer whale attacks -- especially for group defense in aggregations. Combined with their slow-swimming and more navigable bodies, their communication with other whales is often at higher frequencies easily heard by killer whales -- above 1,500 hertz. In contrast, flight species have streamlined and slender bodies adapted for speed, and typically disperse across wider open-ocean regions for mating and calving, where they are able to flee in all directions. -- These behaviors also have implications for feeding and mating. Denser congregations in shallow coastal areas leave less food for fight species, in comparison to the open ocean favored by flight species. However, the opposite is true for finding a mate -- it's easier when you're all in a similar location, versus spread out over long distances. -- Singing is a fundamental part of mate attraction and selection for whales. Males of the flight species sing in a way that maximizes the number of females that hear them, producing simple and repeated songs to attract a potential mate, and singing over prolonged periods to allow females to track them down.	R01	2,439
2508-056	New Research Challenges Cancer Formation Assumptions In Neurofibromatosis Type 1	New research challenges previous understandings of cancer development in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1), suggesting that genetic changes alone do not account for tumor growth. This study, involving multiple institutions, aims to uncover the additional factors influencing tumor development, which could lead to improved monitoring and early detection strategies for NF-1 patients, ultimately guiding treatment options for this genetic condition.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nature Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	Despite what was previously thought, new research has shown that genetic changes alone cannot explain why and where tumours grow in those with genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). Understanding more about the factors involved could, in the future, facilitate early cancer detection in NF-1 patients and even point towards new treatments. -- Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and their collaborators, focused on NF-1, a genetic condition that causes specific types of tumours, and investigated how and why these developed. -- The study, published today (25 February) in Nature Genetics, reports that the genetic changes thought to cause tumours can be found in normal tissues throughout the body, suggesting that other factors are also necessary for tumour development. -- They also uncovered a pattern of changes in the affected gene, NF1, that may explain why the nervous system in particular is a common site for these tumours to develop. -- Understanding what other factors are involved in developing these tumours could help inform monitoring programmes for patients with NF-1, who require regular screening to detect tumours early on and could potentially require multiple surgeries and chemotherapy. -- In the future, refining our knowledge of why tumours grow in some places and not others may help us identify the patients most likely to need early medical intervention. -- This model of tumour development is not unique to NF-1, raising the possibility that similar events occur in related genetic conditions, meaning many more could benefit from tailored management. -- NF-1 is a genetic condition that causes brown skin patches, similar to birthmarks, and tumours1. While the tumours are often benign, they can become cancerous over time and may cause a range of symptoms depending on where they are1. For example, NF-1 can cause soft tissue and brain tumours that may restrict movement and vision. -- The symptoms and impact of NF-1 can vary greatly from person to person. -- It is one of the most common inherited genetic conditions, impacting around one in 2500 people, with approximately 25,000 people in the UK living with this condition2. Those with NF-1 have a genetic change that means one copy of the gene encoding the neurofibromin protein, NF1, does not work.	H01 R01 R02	2,440
2511-078	AI Tool Sheds Light On Cell Interactions To Aid Cancer Treatment	The generative AI tool NicheCompass facilitates rapid analysis of millions of cells in human tissues, offering insights into conditions like cancer. By creating a visual database that combines spatial and genomic data, this innovative tool can identify tissue changes and personalize treatment strategies, revolutionizing how researchers and clinicians approach cancer therapy.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nature Genetics	Press Rel	PubMed	A first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI)-based neural network can rapidly analyse and interpret millions of cells from a patient sample, predicting molecular changes in the tissue. It can potentially pinpoint where personalised treatments could be most effective for conditions such as cancer. -- NicheCompass leverages the power of generative AI to create a visual database combining spatial genomic data on cell types, where they are found, and how they communicate. -- Created by researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Institute of AI for Health at Helmholtz Munich, the University of Würzburg, and their collaborators as part of the wider Human Cell Atlas Initiative1, this is the first AI method capable of measuring and interpreting a range of data from a cell's social network to recognise and analyse different cellular neighbourhoods. -- A new paper, published today (18 March) in Nature Genetics, introduces NicheCompass and details how it can uncover tissue changes across breast and lung cancer patients. -- Researchers show how NicheCompass can identify how certain people may respond differently to treatment -- all in one hour, through the power of AI. Ultimately, it will help develop personalised therapy plans, highlighting specific changes that could be targeted in conditions such as cancer. -- Every cell in the human body communicates with its environment and is involved in a larger network of interactions. -- Cells all have features that allow them to be recognised as part of their communication networks, such as which proteins they have on their surface. -- It is possible to connect similar cells through their features. -- Single-cell and spatial genomic technologies2 have revolutionised our understanding of the human body, and enabled the creation of multiple in-depth cell atlases of different tissues and organs. -- These atlases contain information on the multitude of cell types, where they are, and how genetic changes can impact how they interact with each other.	H01 R01 T01	2,441
2511-110	Insights Into Early Cancer Development From Stomach Lining Mutations	New research has systematically analyzed somatic mutations in stomach lining tissue, shedding light on early cancer development processes. Findings suggest that certain mutations could lead to gastric cancer, offering insights that may help identify new prevention strategies and enhance our understanding of cancer biology.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	For the first time, scientists have systematically analysed somatic mutations in stomach lining tissue to unpick mutational processes, some of which can lead to cancer. The team also uncovered hints of a potential new cause of stomach cancer that needs further research. -- Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, the University of Hong Kong, and their collaborators sequenced the whole genomes of normal stomach lining samples from people with and without gastric cancer. -- The team found that despite regular exposure to the acidic contents of the stomach, the gastric lining is protected from any toxic effects. They discovered that cells with 'driver' mutations in cancer genes occupy almost 10 per cent of the gastric lining by age 60. Plus an unusual discovery that some individuals, but not all, had mutations resulting in three copies of certain chromosomes, hinting towards exposure to an unknown mutagen. -- The results, published today (19 March) in Nature, add to a map of mutations in normal tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. This work enables researchers to explore fundamental mutational processes and compare mutation rates across the body, and further understanding of the earliest stages of cancer development. -- Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is the fifth most common cancer worldwide, with nearly one million new cases in 2022.1 It is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally,2 with the highest number of cases in East Asia and South America. -- Factors that increase the risk of developing stomach cancer include being overweight, smoking and infection with the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, which can trigger inflammation and stomach ulcers. H. pylori infection causes around 40 per cent of stomach cancers in the UK.3 -- The stomach contents are acidic, as it acts as a reservoir at the first stage of processing food for digestion. The layer of cells that line the stomach -- the gastric epithelium -- form gastric glands, or pits, and these contain the cells that can give rise to stomach cancer. -- The cells in our body acquire genetic changes, known as somatic mutations, throughout our lifetime. With new DNA sequencing technologies, researchers can now analyse these mutations in normal tissues and trace them back over time, providing insights into ageing and the earliest stages of cancer development. -- In a new study, Sanger Institute researchers and their collaborators set out to investigate somatic mutations within the gastric epithelium to explore the transition between normal age-related mutations, and those that go on to form stomach cancer. -- The team sequenced the whole genomes of 238 samples of normal, non-cancerous gastric gland tissue from the stomachs of 30 people from Hong Kong, the United States and the UK, of whom 18 had gastric cancer and 12 did not.4 With laser capture microdissection, they used a laser to precisely dissect individual cells, or glands, from the stomach lining samples for genome sequencing.	H01 R01	2,442
2513-057	Precision Medicine Could Target Antibiotic-Resistant Infections Using Plasmid Mapping	A pioneering study from the Wellcome Sanger Institute and collaborators has mapped plasmids, which are key players in bacterial evolution, potentially aiding the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. By analyzing E. coli strains through long-read sequencing, researchers tracked gene exchanges and identified plasmids that could facilitate the development of precision medicine for infections, thereby improving public health responses.	Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute	Nat Commun	Press Rel	PubMed	The first-of-its-kind in-depth bacterial evolutionary map could pave the way for the development of precision treatments for certain antibiotic-resistant infections, such as urinary tract infections. -- Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oslo, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, and their collaborators, have developed a new way of using large-scale long-read sequencing data to investigate circular genetic structures called plasmids in the most commonly studied microbe, Escherichia coli (E. coli). Through this, the team were able to track the flow of gene exchange, identify some of the barriers preventing this, and trace outbreaks of different E. coli strains to specific plasmids going back approximately 300 years. -- The study, published today (3 April) in Nature Communications, also uncovered a plasmid found in multiple strains of E. coli that allows them to produce a toxin to kill other closely related bacteria, which could help inform future therapies for bacterial infections. -- This high-resolution resource allows the scientific community to investigate E. coli at a level which has not been previously possible, providing information that shows how plasmids co-evolve with E. coli strains. -- By being able to understand and track which plasmids provide E. coli strains with certain traits, it could be possible to target these directly. -- This could minimise the need for broad-spectrum antibiotic use, and in turn, lower the spread of treatment-resistant bacterial infections. -- Additionally, researchers suggest that if a strain that is less dangerous to humans can naturally outcompete a more dangerous strain, it could be introduced to help manage human health more holistically. -- Bacteria are often in competition with each other, fighting for the same habitable landscape, which in the case of E. coli, is the human gut. -- Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, if the bacterium gets into the bloodstream due to a weakened immune system, it can cause infection, which can range from mild to life-threatening. -- While it often feels like the fight is with humans, E. coli bacteria are mostly competing with other strains for resources.	R01	2,443
2501-T032	Cold-Resistant Materials Improve Lithium-Ion Battery Performance In Frosty Environments	Lithium titanium phosphate has been identified as a potential electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, particularly in cold environments. This research addresses the performance decline faced by batteries in low temperatures, potentially enhancing their efficiency and expanding their applications in various sectors.	Wiley	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Most solids expand as temperatures increase and shrink as they cool. Some materials do the opposite, expanding in the cold. Lithium titanium phosphate is one such substance and could provide a solution to the problem of steeply declining performance of lithium-ion batteries in cold environments. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a Chinese team has demonstrated its suitability for use in electrodes for rechargeable batteries. -- Lithium-ion batteries and other rechargeable batteries based on metal ions provide our portable devices with electricity, power vehicles, and store solar and wind energy. -- They work well -- as long as it is warm. As temperatures drop, the performance of these batteries can decrease sharply -- a problem for electric cars, aerospace, and military applications. -- Countermeasures such as integrated heaters, improved electrolytes, or electrode coatings increase the cost and complexity of battery production or reduce performance. -- One of the causes of the cold problem is the slowed diffusion of lithium ions within the electrode material. -- A team from Donghua University and Fudan University in Shanghai, as well as Inner Mongolia University in Hohhot has proposed a new approach to tackling this issue: electrodes made of electrochemical energy-storage materials with negative thermal expansion (NTE), such as lithium titanium phosphate LiTi2(PO4)3 (LTP). Led by Liming Wu, Chunfu Lin, and Renchao Che, the team used LTP as a model substance to demonstrate that electrode materials with NTE properties can provide good performance at low temperatures. -- Analysis of the crystal structure revealed a three-dimensional lattice of TiO6 octahedra and PO4 tetrahedra with an open, flexible structure that contains both "cavities" and "channels," where lithium ions can lodge. -- When cooled, the structure stretches along one of its crystal axes. -- By using spectrometric and electron microscopic analyses in conjunction with computer modeling, the team determined that the vibrational modes of the atoms change at low temperature. -- This increases the occurrence of special transverse vibrations of certain oxygen atoms, increasing their distances from each other and widening the cavities in the lattice.	C01 T01	2,444
2504-E002	New Redox Mediator Boosts Lifespan And Performance Of Lithium-Oxygen Batteries	A team has proposed a novel redox mediator to improve the performance and lifespan of lithium-air batteries, which hold significant promise due to their high energy storage capacity. The addition of this soluble catalyst enhances charge transport and mitigates electrode passivation, addressing previously theoretical performance challenges. This advancement could lead to more efficient energy storage solutions, crucial for future applications in various industries, compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.	Wiley	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Lithium-air batteries have the potential to outstrip conventional lithium-ion batteries by storing significantly more energy at the same weight. However, their high-performance values have thus far remained theoretical, and their lifespan remains too short. A Chinese team has now proposed addition of a soluble catalyst to the electrolyte. It acts as a redox mediator that facilitates charge transport and counteracts passivation of the electrodes. -- In contrast to lithium-ion batteries, in which lithium ions are "pushed" back and forth between two electrodes, lithium-air batteries (Li-O2) use an anode made of metallic lithium. -- As the battery is used, positively charged lithium ions dissolve and move over to the porous cathode, which has air flowing through it. Oxygen is oxidized and bound into lithium peroxide (Li2O2). Upon charging, the oxygen is released, and the lithium ions are reduced back to metallic lithium, which deposits back onto the anode. -- Unfortunately, the theoretically high performance of such batteries has not become a reality. -- In practice, an effect known as overpotential slows the electrochemical reactions: the formation and decomposition of insoluble Li2O2 are slow and its conductivity is also very low. -- In addition, the pores of the cathode tend to become clogged, and the high potential required for the formation of oxygen decomposes the electrolyte and promotes undesirable side reactions. -- This causes the batteries to lose the majority of their performance after only a few charge/discharge cycles. -- A team led by Zhong-Shuai Wu from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of CAS, collaborating with Xiangkun Ma from the Dalian Maritime University, has now proposed the addition of a novel imidazole iodide salt (1,3-dimethylimidazolium iodide, DMII) to act as a catalyst and redox mediator to enhance the performance and lifespan. -- The iodide ions (I−) in the salt can easily react to form I3− and then back again (redox pair). In this process, they transfer electrons to oxygen (discharge) and take them back up (charge). This facilitated charge transport accelerates the reactions, reduces the overpotential of the cathode, and increases the discharge capacity of the electrochemical cell. -- The DMI+ ions from the salt contain a ring made from three carbon and two nitrogen atoms.	T01	2,445
2507-E005	Polythioenones Lead The Way To Sustainable Plastics For 3D Printing	Researchers have introduced polythioenones, a new class of recyclable polymers that outperform conventional polyolefins in mechanical properties and are suitable for 3D printing. This advancement paves the way toward a circular economy for synthetic polymers, addressing the urgent need for sustainable materials in manufacturing processes.	Wiley	Wiley	Press Rel	PubMed	The possibilities for material design and production of plastic components are being expanded through 3D printing technology. However, there is a shortage of recyclable polymers that meet the performance requirements. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a research team has introduced a new class of polymers called polythioenones, which are mechanically and chemically recyclable and suitable for 3D printing. They also demonstrate better mechanical properties than conventional polyolefins -- thanks to a special, ring-shaped building block. -- Using digital modeling, complex structures can be precisely constructed layer by layer with 3D printers. -- Extensive customization and rapid prototyping open new possibilities in fields such as biomedical engineering, automotive manufacturing, and consumer product design. -- In 3D printing with the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process, a threadlike thermoplastic material is pressed through a hot nozzle, where it melts. -- It is then applied in layers until the desired three-dimensional component is produced -- with a minimal waste of material. -- The downside to this method is the lack of suitable polymers that can be recycled. -- Chemically recyclable polymers, which can be split apart into their building blocks (monomers) and repolymerized, would help reduce environmental problems resulting from long-lasting plastic waste and help conserve fossil-derived feedstocks. -- The synthesis of novel thermoplastic polymers with improved recyclability begins and ends with the design of suitable monomers. -- A team led by Will R. Gutekunst and H. Jerry Qi at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Atlanta, USA) has now developed a novel family of monomers: cyclic thioenones (CTE), rings made of seven carbon atoms and one sulfur atom. -- The rings contain one C=C double bond and one carbonyl group (C=O) and can readily be modified by the addition of different side groups.	C01	2,446
2510-E057	Innovative Method Efficiently Recycles Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Amino Acids	A Chinese research team has developed an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for recycling lithium-ion batteries using a hydrometallurgical process in neutral solutions. This innovative approach enhances the extraction of valuable metals like lithium, addressing growing concerns about battery waste and promoting sustainable practices in battery production.	Wiley	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	A new strategy for recycling spent lithium-ion batteries is based on a hydrometallurgical process in neutral solution. This allows for the extraction of lithium and other valuable metals in an environmentally friendly, highly efficient, and inexpensive way, as a Chinese research team reports in the journal Angewandte Chemie. The leaching efficiency is improved by a solid-solid reduction mechanism, known as the battery effect, as well as the addition of the amino acid glycine. -- Lithium-ion batteries not only power our mobile phones, tablets, and electric vehicles, they are also increasingly important as storage for volatile renewable energy. -- As they become more widely used, the number of spent batteries keeps increasing. -- Their recycling is promising, having the potential to reduce environmental impact while extracting raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese for the production of new rechargeable batteries. -- Current hydrometallurgical methods for the reprocessing of spent lithium-ion batteries are based on acid or ammonia leaching processes. -- However, excessive and repeated use of acids and bases increases the environmental impact and safety hazards. -- A pH neutral process would be safer and more environmentally friendly. -- To come up with a neutral approach, the team led by Lei Ming and Xing Ou at Central South University in Changsha, Zhen Yao at Guizhou Normal University, and Jiexi Wong at the National Engineering Research Central of Advanced Energy Storage Materials had to reach deep into their bag of tricks because the aggressive reagents required for classical leaching processes are not easy to replace. -- The first trick: They constructed "micro batteries" in situ. These help to break up the spent cathode material from the batteries -- lithium-coated nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM). The NCM particles are mixed with an iron(II) salt, sodium oxalate, and the amino acid glycine in a neutral liquid. -- This results in the deposition of a thin, solid layer of iron(II) oxalate on the particles.	Z01	2,447
2512-T011	Innovative Process Uses CO2 To Generate Oxygen In Space And Underwater	Innovative Process Uses CO2 To Generate Oxygen In Space And Underwater	Wiley	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	To mitigate global climate change, emissions of the primary culprit, carbon dioxide, must be drastically reduced. A newly developed process helps solve this problem: CO2 is directly split electrochemically into carbon and oxygen. As a Chinese research team reports in the journal Angewandte Chemie, oxygen could also be produced in this way under water or in space -- without requiring stringent conditions such as pressure and temperature. -- Leafy plants are masters of the art of carbon neutrality: during photosynthesis, they convert CO2 into oxygen and glucose. -- Hydrogen atoms play an important role as "mediators." However, the process is not particularly efficient. -- In addition, the oxygen produced does not come from the CO2 but from the absorbed water. -- True splitting of CO2 is not taking place in plants and also could not be achieved at moderate temperatures by technical means so far. -- Ping He, Haoshen Zhou, and their team at Nanjing University, in collaboration with researcher from Fudan University (Shanghai) have now achieved their goal to directly split CO2 into elemental carbon and oxygen. -- Instead of hydrogen, the "mediator" in their method is lithium. -- The team developed an electrochemical device consisting of a gas cathode with a nanoscale cocatalyst made of ruthenium and cobalt (RuCo) as well as a metallic lithium anode. -- CO2 is fed into the cathode and undergoes a two-step electrochemical reduction with lithium. -- Initially, lithium carbonate Li2CO3 is formed, which reacts further to produce lithium oxide Li2O and elemental carbon.	N02 T01	2,448
2513-069	Organogold Complexes Show Promise In Cancer Treatment Through Mitochondrial Accumulation	A study reveals how an organogold(III) complex accumulates in the mitochondria of lung cancer cells, opening new avenues for cancer treatment. Researchers have begun exploring gold-based compounds as alternatives to traditional antitumor drugs like cisplatin, aiming to leverage gold's unique chemical properties in the fight against cancer and enhance therapeutic efficacy.	Wiley	Angewandte Chemie International Edition	Press Rel	PubMed	Precious metals are not merely ornaments; they are also important components of pharmaceuticals, like the antitumor drug cisplatin. Recently, the search for alternatives with improved activity has begun to focus on gold. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a French research team has now published the first study about the speciation and distribution of an organogold(III) complex in cancer cells and reveals how specially designed "organogold" complexes might open exciting avenues for fighting cancer. -- Gold has a unique electronic structure giving it exceptional chemical traits that translate into subtle interactions with biological molecules. -- Yet, to date, we have little information about how gold(III) complexes with antitumor activity behave in a biological environment. -- Do they change? Are they reduced to gold (I) or metallic gold? -- Where in the cell do they attack? Researchers led by Benoît Bertrand, Michèle Salmain, Sylvain Bohic, and Jean-Louis Hazemann at Sorbonne Université, the Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, INSERM, and the European Synchrotron Research Facility, have now carried out a comprehensive study on the chemical reactivity and antitumor activity of various gold(III) complexes. -- They used a combination of different methods based on synchrotron X-ray radiation -- very intensive, bundled flashes of light produced in particle accelerators. -- Common to all the complexes they examined (cationic biphenyl gold(III) complexes with aryl, alkyl, and diphosphine helper ligands, known as [(C^C)Au(P^P)]+ cations) is a gold atom bonded to two carbon atoms of the first ligand and two phosphorus atoms of the second, clasping like two sets of tongs. -- The analyses demonstrate that all the complexes examined were stable in both cell-free environments and inside lung cancer cells. -- They were not reduced and did not release their ligands to form new bonds. -- The complexes were demonstrated to be toxic against tumor cells.	H01 R01 C01	2,449
2502-E033	Atlantic Overturning Circulation Has Not Slowed Since The 1960s, Research Reveals	Recent findings indicate that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has remained stable over the past 60 years, contrary to earlier predictions of decline. A study published in Nature Communications highlights the discrepancies in previous research, suggesting that while the AMOC has not yet slowed, it remains a critical focus for understanding future oceanic and climatic changes.	Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution	Nature Communications	Press Rel	PubMed	Earth, being 71 percent covered in water, is influenced by the ocean and its movements. In the Atlantic Ocean, a system of connected currents, called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), moves water throughout the world's oceans powered by a combination of winds and ocean density. It not only distributes the ocean's heat, moisture, and nutrients, but regulates the Earth's climate and weather. -- As the climate is continuously changing and the atmosphere is warming, many scientists fear that fresh water from melting polar ice sheets could significantly disrupt -- or collapse -- the AMOC. While a decline of the AMOC would have grave consequences, a collapse would be truly catastrophic. However, studies about the AMOC's long term future are uncertain. Instead of predicting the future, a team of scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) quantified the past to help inform where we could be going. -- In a new paper published in Nature Communications, scientists found that the AMOC has not declined in the last 60 years. Authors Nicholas P. Foukal, adjunct scientist in Physical Oceanography at WHOI and assistant professor at the University of Georgia; Jens Terhaar, affiliated scientist at WHOI and senior scientist at the University of Bern; and Linus Vogt, visiting student at WHOI when he started to work on this study and now scientist at LOCEAN, Sorbonne Université, say their results mean that the AMOC is currently more stable than expected. -- "Our paper says that the Atlantic overturning has not declined yet," Foukal said, who conducted the research while at WHOI. "That doesn't say anything about its future, but it doesn't appear the anticipated changes have occurred yet." -- Their findings contrast with previous work, notably a paper from 2018 cited in their study, which reported that the AMOC has declined over the last 70 years. This past work relied on sea surface temperature measurements to understand how the AMOC has changed, but "we've learned that sea surface temperature doesn't work as well as initially thought," said Terhaar, who began leading this study at WHOI as a postdoctoral scientist and completed the work in Bern. -- To address the uncertainty, Terhaar and the team relied on new data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), climate-earth models produced by the World Climate Research Program. They used 24 different CMIP models and found that the most recently available surface temperature data did not accurately reconstruct the AMOC. To go a step further, the researchers looked at a different measure: air-sea heat fluxes, which is the exchange of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere. When the AMOC is stronger, more heat is released from the ocean to the atmosphere over the North Atlantic. -- The authors derived this AMOC proxy with the CMIP models, then applied it to observational data. The best data for surface heat fluxes over the North Atlantic come from reanalysis products that incorporate direct observations into a model, similar to the way weather forecasts work. The study authors focused on two reanalysis data sets that extend back to the late 1950s to reconstruct the AMOC. -- "Based on the results, the AMOC is more stable than we thought," Vogt said. "This might mean that the AMOC isn't as close to a tipping point as previously suggested." -- The paper states that air-sea heat flux anomalies in the North Atlantic are tightly linked to the AMOC and that "the decadal averaged AMOC has not weakened from 1963 to 2017." Since there are many processes that lead to large year-to-year variability in the AMOC, the air-sea heat flux and the AMOC are correlated strongest at those timescales, as opposed to annual averages. -- "It's almost unanimous at this point that the Atlantic overturning will slow in the future, but whether or not it will collapse is still up for debate," Foukal said. "This work indicates that there is still time to act before we reach this potential tipping point."	Z01	2,450
2502-E068	Study Reveals Deep-Sea Foraminifera Thrive In Oxygen-Free Environments	Deep-Sea Foraminifera Research: A new study on foraminifera, single-celled organisms thriving in oxygen-free deep-sea environments, reveals their ability to survive through chemoautotrophy. Researchers discovered how these organisms utilize inorganic energy sources to adapt, shedding light on their resilience and the evolutionary history of eukaryotic life in extreme conditions.	Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution	The ISME Journal	Press Rel	PubMed	Most life on Earth relies on the sun's energy for survival, but what about organisms in the deep sea that live beyond the reach of its rays? A new study led by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), published in The ISME Journal, sheds light on how a species of foraminifera, single-celled organisms found in almost all marine habitats, thrives in a dark, oxygen-free environment. -- For this foraminifera species, the answer is chemoautotrophy, a metabolic process that utilizes inorganic energy sources, perhaps sulfide, to take up carbon, enabling it to survive in oxygen-free environments. Chemoautotrophy has been observed within Bacteria and Archaea, which are microbial organisms without a true nucleus. However, foraminifera are eukaryotes, meaning they have a well-defined nucleus, which houses an organism's genetic material. -- "Animals, plants, seaweed, and foraminifera are all eukaryotes. We were interested in studying this foraminifera because it thrives in a very similar environment to Earth during the Precambrian, a time before the evolution of animals," explained Fatma Gomaa, a research associate in WHOI's Geology & Geophysics Department. "During that time, there was very little to no available oxygen in the oceans and higher concentrations of toxic inorganic compounds; conditions similar to some modern environments found on the seafloor, especially within sediments. Understanding the energy and carbon sources used by this foraminifer helps us to answer questions on how these species adapt to environmental changes while advancing our knowledge on the evolution of eukaryotic life on Earth." -- Using the remotely operated vehicle Hercules from the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus,operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust, the team collected sediments containing foraminifera about 570 meters (1,870 feet) below the ocean surface, off the coast of California. At depth, the team utilized two main methods to learn about the life strategies of the foraminifera. The first included infusing samples with a preservative (visible with red dye), preserving the foraminifera in situ. The researchers assessed their use of different metabolic pathways using gene expression analyses. Additionally, researchers used in situ incubations with an isotopic carbon tracer, a technique that allows tracking of labeled metabolites through chemical reactions. These incubations were kept on the seafloor for approximately 24 hours before being recovered and subsampled in red light. -- "When we analyzed the seafloor tracer incubations, we could see that the tracer moved from the water and was associated with the foraminifera biomass. This gave us an idea of where these organisms were getting their carbon," said Daniel Rogers, an associate professor of chemistry and department chair at Stonehill College. "It was important for us to make these observations at depth, where these organisms are in their natural state. By bringing them to the surface, we expose them to light, increase the temperature of their environment, and change the amount of pressure they're under. This in situ approach gives us a more accurate depiction of how these organisms survive in such harsh environments." -- This study was funded by NASA, which is interested in the possibility of life on other planets and how it might survive. While the deep sea couldn't be further from extraterrestrial planets, both environments share similarities such as cold temperatures, darkness, and in many locations, no oxygen. Joan Bernhard, a senior scientist in WHOI's Geology & Geophysics Department and foraminifera expert, has been studying this population of benthic foraminifera for decades to learn how these fascinating creatures survive in this challenging environment and have done so throughout a large portion of Earth history. -- "Foraminifera are extremely abundant on earth. Most are only about 300 microns in diameter, so rather small. In a volume as small as a pencil eraser, there could be about 500 of this particular species in this dark, oxygen-free and sulfidic habitat." Bernhard explained. "This species takes up unrelated organism's chloroplasts -- organelles that perform photosynthesis if exposed to sunlight. This process is called kleptoplasty, in which an organism steals chloroplasts from another type of organism, even though these foraminifera are never exposed to sunlight. We know kleptoplasty is happening here, but we needed more research to understand why this foraminifer is so successful in the dark, without oxygen." -- Aside from their ability to thrive in what some consider to be an extreme habitat; the shells of foraminifera are also used in climate-change studies and for searching for hydrocarbon reserves. "We have fossil records of foraminifera dating back over half a billion years, which means we have a longer record of this group than most other life on Earth," Bernhard continued. "By studying these fossils, we can see how their shells have responded to changes in the environment, like temperature, salinity, pH, or oxygen. By studying the geochemistry preserved in their shells, foraminifera are excellent tools for showing the age and environment of a geologic deposit. All of this information is essential for building accurate climate records. The fact that a foraminifera species is chemoautotrophic raises questions about their geochemical records and whether we are interpreting them correctly. Other foraminifera species may also be performing this way." -- Researchers also preserved specimens of two other foraminifera species and initial results suggest these types differ biologically. Scientists are presently conducting comparable analyses on these other species to pinpoint their energy and carbon sources.	N01 N02	2,451
2506-E024	Fighting Climate Change: Scientists Identify Heat-Resistant Kelp For Sustainable Farming	Climate change is threatening kelp populations, but researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have identified kelp species with natural heat tolerance adaptations that could help sustain kelp farming. This study aims to bolster the resilience of sugar kelp, a commonly farmed species, against rising ocean temperatures that shorten growing seasons. By isolating and testing kelp gametophytes from various nearshore populations, scientists seek to enhance sustainable farming practices that are crucial for food and ecosystem health.	Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution	Journal of Applied Phycology	Press Rel	PubMed	Like most aquatic vegetation, kelp is being negatively impacted by climate change. Warming ocean temperatures have led to shorter growing and harvesting seasons, including for sugar kelp, one of the most commonly farmed kelp species. The loss of kelp populations can significantly impact ecosystems, and potentially the growing demand for sustainably farming food, feed, fertilizer, medicine, and cosmetics. -- To give kelp a chance against climate change, scientists from theWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have identified kelp species with natural adaptations to cope with heat. -- In a new study published in the Journal of Applied Phycology[RM1] , WHOI experts identify new strains that could prove to be more resilient in warmer waters. -- Researchers first assessed the heat tolerance of kelp gametophytes, the microscopic male and female stages that fertilize and produces kelp blades. -- Gametophytes were isolated from 14 different populations collected from nearshore waters between New York and Maine. -- Prior to testing their tolerance to temperatures as high as 24°C (75°F), these were grown in a lab environment for 4.5 years until the second round of research. -- In the second round of research, gametophytes that were more heat tolerant were crossbred with other, more heat tolerant strains. -- At the same time, strains with lower heat tolerance were crossbred. -- Researchers then tested the heat resistance of their offspring (kelp blades) in a controlled environment. -- "There is genetic diversity among sugar kelp populations, so it's likely that some kelp may already have useful adaptations to cope with warmer temperatures," said Sara Gonzalez, a guest investigator in WHOI's Applied Physics and Ocean Engineering Department and lead author of the study.	H01 H02 C01	2,452
2501-023	New Findings May Unlock Potential Treatment For 'Smooth Brain' Genetic Disorders.	A Yale study has made strides in understanding lissencephaly, a rare genetic disorder where the brain fails to develop its folds. The research identifies a key molecular mechanism and a drug that may reverse brain malformations in organoids, indicating potential therapeutic targets for affected individuals.	Yale University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	Lissencephaly is a spectrum of rare, genetic disorders in which the brain fails to develop its hallmark folds. The disorders are often associated with seizures and intellectual disability and currently there are no available treatments. -- A new Yale study, however, has identified a molecular mechanism that underlies some lissencephaly disorders -- and a drug that prevents and reverses lissencephaly malformations in organoids (small, three-dimensional replicas of developing brains that allow scientists to study early brain development). -- The findings, reported Jan. 1 in Nature, may point to a target for treatment, researchers say. -- "Lissencephaly belongs to a group of disorders we call malformations of cortical development, meaning the normal development and structure of the brain is disrupted," said Angeliki Louvi, professor of neurosurgery and of neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) and co-senior author of the study. -- "They come about because certain genes that are very important for brain development are affected by rare mutations." -- The new study builds on gene discovery research conducted by the Yale Program in Neurogenetics and pioneered by co-senior author Murat Gunel, Sterling Professor of Neurosurgery and professor of genetics and of neuroscience at YSM. -- For years, the program has collected blood samples from patients affected by brain malformations in order to identify genetic mutations associated with their disorders. -- "It has been 17 years since the first family enrolled in our research, and they happen to be one of the families in the study," said Kaya Bilguvar, associate professor adjunct of neurosurgery and genetics at YSM, and co-senior author of the study. -- "This level of collective commitment, including by patients and families, is inspiring." -- Past research has connected a number of genes to lissencephaly, but there are some patient cases where the genetic causes remain unknown.	R02	2,453
2501-064	Electrical Synapses Play Key Role In How Animals Make Decisions Efficiently.	Researchers at Yale and the University of Connecticut have made significant strides in understanding how animal brains process sensory information and make decisions, highlighting the role of electrical synapses as filters. Their findings, published in Cell, demonstrate that specific configurations of these synapses allow animals to prioritize sensory input effectively. Using the worm C. elegans as a model, the study reveals how these filtering mechanisms facilitate context-appropriate choices in response to environmental stimuli.	Yale University	Cell	Press Rel	PubMed	Scientists at Yale and the University of Connecticut have taken a major step in understanding how animal brains make decisions, revealing a crucial role for electrical synapses in "filtering" sensory information. -- The new research, published in the journal Cell, demonstrates how a specific configuration of electrical synapses enables animals to make context-appropriate choices, even when faced with similar sensory inputs. -- Animal brains are constantly bombarded with sensory information -- sights, sounds, smells, and more. Making sense of this information, scientists say, requires a sophisticated filtering system that focuses on relevant details and enables an animal to act accordingly. Such a filtering system doesn't simply block out "noise" -- it actively prioritizes information depending on the situation. Focusing on certain sensory information and deploying a context-specific behavior is known as "action selection." -- The Yale-led study focused on a worm, C. elegans, which, surprisingly, provides a powerful model for understanding the neural mechanisms of action selection. C. elegans can learn to prefer specific temperatures; when in a temperature gradient, it uses a simple, yet effective strategy to navigate towards its preferred temperature. -- Worms first move across the gradient towards their preferred temperature (a behavior called "gradient migration") -- and once they have identified temperature conditions more to their liking, they track that temperature, which allows them to stay within their preferred range (a behavior called "isothermal tracking"). Worms also can perform these behaviors in context-specific manners, deploying gradient migration when they are far away from their preferred temperature, and isothermal tracking when they are near a preferred temperature. -- But how are they able to perform the correct behavior in the correct context? -- For the new study, the researchers investigated a specific type of connection between neuronal cells, called electrical synapses, which differs from the more widely studied chemical synapses. They found that these electrical synapses, mediated by a protein called INX-1, connect a specific pair of neurons (AIY neurons) which are responsible for controlling locomotion decisions in the worm. -- "Altering this electrical conduit in a single pair of cells can change what the animal chooses to do," said Daniel Colón-Ramos, the Dorys McConnell Duberg Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine and corresponding author of the study. -- The team found that these electrical synapses don't simply transmit signals, they also act as a "filter." In worms with normal INX-1 function, the electrical connection effectively dampens signals from the thermosensory neurons, allowing the worm to ignore weak temperature variations and focus on the larger changes experienced in the temperature gradient. This ensures that the worms move efficiently across the gradient and toward their preferred temperature without getting distracted by context-irrelevant signals, like those experienced in isothermal tracks which present throughout the gradient but are not at the preferred temperatures. -- However, in worms lacking INX-1, the AIY neurons become hypersensitive, responding much more strongly to minor temperature fluctuations. This hypersensitivity causes the worms to react to these small signals, trapping the animals in isotherms that are not their preferred temperature. Such abnormal tracking of isotherms within incorrect contexts adversely affects the worms' ability to move across the temperature gradient towards their preferred temperature.	R02	2,454
2501-E036	The Ozone Layer's Delayed Rise: A Battle Between Iodine And Oxygen.	A Yale-led study reveals that Earth's early atmosphere experienced a battle between iodine and oxygen, delaying the formation of a stable ozone layer. This research sheds light on the complexities of early atmospheric conditions that influenced the evolution of life on Earth, particularly in relation to UV radiation protection.	Yale University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	If you like the smell of spring roses, the sounds of summer birdsong, and the colors of fall foliage, you have the stabilization of the ozone layer to thank for it. Located in the stratosphere, where it shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, the ozone layer plays a key role in preserving the planet's biodiversity. -- And now we may have a better idea of why that took so long -- more than 2 billion years -- to happen. -- According to a new, Yale-led study, Earth's early atmosphere hosted a battle royale between iodine and oxygen -- effectively delaying the creation of a stable ozone layer that would shield complex life from much of the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). -- The new theory, described in a study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academies of Science, may solve a mystery that has puzzled scientists for hundreds of years. -- "The origin and diversification of complex life on Earth remains one of the most profound and enduring questions in natural science," said Jingjun Liu, a doctoral student in Earth and planetary sciences at Yale and first and corresponding author of the new study. -- Indeed, scientists have long wondered why land plants did not emerge on Earth until 450 million years ago, even though their progenitors, cyanobacteria, had been in existence for 2.7 billion years. -- Likewise, there are no fossils for complex land animals or plants before the Cambrian era (541 to 485 million years ago) despite the evidence of much older microfossils. -- "The only existing explanation states that this delay is an intrinsic characteristic of evolution -- that an enormous amount of time is required," said Noah Planavsky, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences, faculty member of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, and senior author of the new study. -- "Yet that notion fails to explain how and why complex life originated and diversified." -- The new study suggests that something beyond the need for time was responsible: the delayed stabilization of Earth's ozone layer, caused by elevated marine iodine concentrations that prevented a protective UVR shield from forming in the atmosphere.	A01 C01 N01 N02	2,455
2502-T047	Quasar Discovery Provides Insights Into Early Universe Growth: A Major Finding	Quasar Discovery and Its Implications: Astronomers have identified a distant, highly variable quasar that may illuminate how objects in the early universe grew rapidly. This discovery, made by Yale-led researchers, offers insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes during the universe's formative years.	Yale University	The Astrophysical Journal Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	A Yale-led team of astronomers has detected an intensely brightening and dimming quasar that may help explain how some objects in the early universe grew at a highly accelerated rate. -- The discovery, announced Jan. 14 at the winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society, is the most distant object detected by the NuSTAR X-ray space telescope (which launched in 2012) and stands as one of the most highly "variable" quasars ever identified. -- "In this work, we have discovered that this quasar is very likely to be a supermassive black hole with a jet pointed towards Earth -- and we are seeing it in the first billion years of the universe," said Lea Marcotulli, a postdoctoral fellow in astrophysics at Yale and lead author of a new study published Jan. -- 14 in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. -- Quasars are among the oldest, brightest objects in the universe. -- Formed from active galactic nuclei (AGN) -- areas at the center of galaxies where a black hole is drawing in matter -- quasars emit electromagnetic radiation that can be spotted in radio, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. -- This "visibility" has made quasars a helpful proxy for trying to understand the structure and evolution of the cosmos. -- For example, astronomers look to quasars to study reionization, a period less than a billion years after the Big Bang when electrically neutral hydrogen atoms became charged and the first generation of stars lit up the universe. -- "The epoch of reionization is considered the end of the universe's dark ages," said Thomas Connor, an astronomer at the Chandra X-Ray Center and co-corresponding author of the study. -- "The precise timeline and source class responsible for reionization are still debated, and actively accreting supermassive black holes are one proposed culprit."	R01	2,456
2503-014	Targeting Tumor Growth: A Multi-Approach Strategy Shows Promise In Cancer Treatments	Yale researchers have created a comprehensive approach to target multiple pro-tumor actions simultaneously, effectively reducing tumor growth in various cancers. This innovative strategy may offer a new treatment option that benefits a broader range of patients than existing therapies, addressing the complexities of the tumor microenvironment.	Yale University	Nature Biotechnology	Press Rel	PubMed	The tissue adjacent to a tumor behaves differently than areas farther away: The tumor's cancerous cells influence their surroundings, blocking the body's immune defenses and creating a sort of haven in which the tumor can grow. Treatments that target some of these pro-tumor actions are effective in a number of cancers, but only for some patients; in others, these treatments have little effect. -- Yale researchers have developed a new approach that simultaneously targets several of these pro-tumor actions at once, which they have demonstrated can effectively reduce tumor growth across several types of cancers. -- Their new findings, published Jan. 16 in Nature Biotechnology, point to a potential new treatment that may benefit more patients than current therapeutic options. -- "Traditional therapies target one molecule in the tumor microenvironment, but the microenvironment is so complex, targeting one thing doesn't always work," said Sidi Chen, an associate professor of genetics and neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine and senior author of the study. -- "For example, the most well-known of these immunotherapies only benefits 20 to 30% of patients." -- When these therapies don't work, it can be because the molecule they're targeting doesn't play a major role in the individual's tumor or because there is some other molecule that has a similar effect and compensates for the loss of the one targeted by the treatment. -- "Or it can be even more complex with say a large network of pathways within the tumor microenvironment all working to suppress the body's immune response," said Chen, who is also a researcher with the Systems Biology Institute at Yale's West Campus. -- "So how do you hit multiple targets in the same go?" -- For their approach, Chen and his colleagues used a gene editing molecule called Cas13, which targets and degrades RNA. -- (Its more widely discussed counterpart, known as Cas9, targets DNA.) One benefit of Cas13 is its ability to target multiple genes with one molecular package.	H01 R01	2,457
2503-E019	Soil Carbon Verification: Direct Measurements Enhance Climate Mitigation Strategies	A new study from Yale University demonstrates that direct measurement of soil carbon storage can provide accurate assessments for climate mitigation strategies in croplands. This approach allows for better confidence in carbon markets, enabling researchers to quantify the effectiveness of climate-smart practices. The findings suggest that such direct measurements can be scaled up to improve greenhouse gas accounting and contribute to national emission reports, highlighting the importance of managing cropland for carbon storage.	Yale University	Environmental Research Letters	Press Rel	PubMed	Directly measuring soil carbon rather than relying on predictive models can provide hard evidence of how much carbon is being stored, allowing for better assessments of confidence in carbon markets for croplands, according to a study co-authored by Yale School of the Environment scientists and recently published in Environmental Research Letters. -- The researchers also found that using appropriate study designs applied to the real-world scale of agriculture allows for feasible verification of how much carbon is being stored in soil through climate-smart practices, including growing crops to cover soil and not disturbing soil through tillage. -- The direct measurement method, when coupled with study designs that are common to fields such as epidemiology, can also be used for quantifying how climate-smart practices affect soil health and other desired outcomes, the authors noted. -- "The study suggests that we can do direct measurements at scale, taking its application beyond carbon markets to other greenhouse gas accounting efforts like those conducted by countries to report their national emissions," said co-author Mark Bradford, the E.H. Harriman Professor of Soils and Ecosystem Ecology, who was involved in the work through the Yale Applied Science Synthesis Program, an initiative of the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture and The Forest School at YSE. -- Natural carbon solutions, which include managing croplands to enhance carbon storage, is considered essential by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to help mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis, Bradford noted. -- Soil organic carbon (SOC) accounting and crediting primarily uses measure-and-model approaches, relying on predictive biogeochemical models informed by small field trials and limited direct measurement, but their real-world accuracy for predicting outcomes on commercial farms is uncertain, he said. -- Instead of relying on predictions from models, the researchers found that a "measure and remeasure" approach using soil samples collected across hundreds of fields can provide reliable evidence of how much carbon is being stored. -- Measuring changes in the amount of carbon stored in soils accurately is challenging, Bradford said. -- Soil carbon changes slowly against a large background stock, meaning that measuring change requires collecting and analyzing many samples. -- At small scales, this method has long been considered too costly.	A01 C01 N02	2,458
2504-046	New Insights On Human Hearing Reveal Complex Mechanisms Within The Ear	Yale physicists have discovered a complex set of mechanical 'modes' in the human ear that dictate how sound is amplified and differentiated across frequencies. Utilizing mathematical modeling on cochlear structures, the research sheds light on the intricate mechanisms underpinning human hearing, offering potential insights into auditory processing and conditions that affect hearing sensitivity, thereby enhancing our understanding of sound perception.	Yale University	PRX Life	Press Rel	PubMed	Yale physicists have discovered a sophisticated, previously unknown set of "modes" within the human ear that put important constraints on how the ear amplifies faint sounds, tolerates noisy blasts, and discerns a stunning range of sound frequencies in between. -- By applying existing mathematical models to a generic mock-up of a cochlea -- a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear -- the researchers revealed a new layer of cochlear complexity. -- The findings offer fresh insight into the remarkable capacity and accuracy of human hearing. -- "We set out to understand how the ear can tune itself to detect faint sounds without becoming unstable and responding even in the absence of external sounds," said Benjamin Machta, an assistant professor of physics in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Science and co-senior author of a new study in the journal PRX Life. "But in getting to the bottom of this we stumbled onto a new set of low frequency mechanical modes that the cochlea likely supports." -- In humans, sound is converted into electrical signals in the cochlea. -- People are able to detect sounds with frequencies across three orders of magnitude and more than a trillion-fold range in power, down to tiny vibrations of air. -- Once sound waves enter the cochlea, they become surface waves that travel along the cochlea's hair-lined basilar membrane. -- "Each pure tone rings at one point along this spiral organ," said Asheesh Momi, a graduate student in physics in Yale's Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the study's first author. -- "The hair cells at that location then tell your brain what tone you are hearing." -- Those hairs do something else as well: They act as mechanical amplifiers, pumping energy into sound waves to counteract friction and help them reach their intended destinations.	R02	2,459
2507-E027	Melting Glaciers Release Methane: A New Climate Concern	Yale researchers have made strides in developing a method to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into methanol, a renewable fuel. This breakthrough addresses a critical need for scalable solutions to combat climate change and offers potential wide-ranging applications in various industries. Their innovative approach could transform how we utilize industrial emissions of CO2, turning a greenhouse gas into a valuable resource.	Yale University	Yale University	Press Rel	PubMed	Yale scientists have taken a critical next step in creating a scalable process to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and "recirculate" it as a renewable fuel. -- In a new study published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, Yale chemist Hailiang Wang and his colleagues describe their latest breakthrough in creating methanol -- a widely used liquid fuel for internal combustion and other engines -- from industrial emissions of CO2, a primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. -- The process could have far-reaching applications throughout industry. -- "This is a new strategy that brings CO2 reduction into methanol to a new level," said Wang, a professor of chemistry in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the new study. -- Wang is also a member of the Yale Energy Sciences Institute and the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. -- Transforming CO2 into methanol is a two-step chemical reaction. -- First, CO2 reacts with a catalyst to become carbon monoxide (CO). The CO then undergoes a catalytic reaction to become methanol. -- The most effective previous process -- also developed in Wang's lab -- featured a single catalyst made of cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine molecules supported on carbon nanotubes. -- But the two reaction steps have a mismatch on this single-site catalyst: the conversion of CO2 to CO is not as efficient or selective, which presents a challenge for scientists trying to devise a robust process that can be scaled up for industrial use. -- "Having just one type of catalytic site was not optimal for both steps in the reaction," said Jing Li, a postdoctoral associate in Wang's lab and first author of the new study.	C01 T01	2,460
2509-E041	Biological Mechanism Found To Inhibit Fertilization Offers New Infertility Research Pathways	Yale researchers have uncovered a biological mechanism that prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg, offering new avenues for infertility treatments and contraceptive research. This discovery, which revolves around the protein interactions critical for sperm-egg recognition, could lead to innovative strategies for addressing fertility issues and developing new contraceptive methods.	Yale University	Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences	Press Rel	PubMed	A Yale-led research team has uncovered how a naturally occurring biological mechanism found in mammals is able to prevent sperm cells from interacting with an egg, preventing fertilization. -- The discovery, identified in rodent models, offers a new path for scientific research to help people grappling with infertility issues, while also opening a new line of study for developing contraceptive therapies. The findings appear in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. -- "This will have direct implications for infertility and contraception research, especially immuno-infertility and immuno-contraception," said Steven Tang, an assistant professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and corresponding author of the study. -- In the United States, 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age experience fertility problems. Some of these problems stem from failures in the proper recognition, adhesion, and fusion of sperm and an egg. A key part of the fertility process involves IZUMO1, a protein on the surface of sperm cells, and JUNO, a receptor on the egg: the IZUMO1-JUNO connection enables sperm and egg recognition and fusion. -- One way that the connection can be thwarted is via a sperm antibody called OBF13. This naturally occurring antibody -- which was discovered 40 years ago at Osaka University in Japan -- can recognize IZUMO1 and disrupt fertilization. But until now, the specifics of this mechanism were unknown. -- For the new study, the researchers analyzed the X-ray crystal structure of IZUMO1 as it came in contact with OBF13. The researchers found that OBF13 attaches itself to sperm in such a way that it reconfigures the way sperm come into contact with an egg. The analysis also identified a high-affinity (tightly bonding) variant of OBF13 that potently blocks egg-sperm fertilization. -- In addition, the researchers identified key amino acid sites on JUNO that define its ability to bind with IZUMO1. When accessed, these sites are able to bind sperm and egg for fertilization despite interference from OBF13 or its variant. -- "In this work, we are reporting the first anti-sperm antibody-antigen complex structure," Tang said. "We provide high-resolution information that will open avenues for discovering IZUMO1 regulators, guide antibody and small-molecule inhibitor design, and support drug screening for contraceptive development." -- The study's first author is Yonggang Lu of Osaka University. Masahito Ikawa, also from Osaka University, is the study's co-author. -- The work was supported, in part, by the National Institutes of Health, a David Sokal Innovation Award of Male Contraception Initiative, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, and a grant from the Takeda Science Foundation. The researchers also made use of facilities at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.	N01	2,461
2510-015	Adversity During Development May Foster Resilience To Anxiety Disorders In Adults	A new study finds that experiencing low-to-moderate adversity during childhood can foster resilience against anxiety disorders later in life, contradicting the notion that all adversity is damaging. This insight could inform mental health strategies by highlighting the importance of developmental timing in shaping psychological outcomes.	Yale University	Communications Psychology	Press Rel	PubMed	Research has shown that young people who face adversity such as traumatic or stressful events during brain development are 40% more likely to develop anxiety disorders by adulthood. But most people who endure these experiences during childhood and adolescence prove to be resilient to these mental health effects. -- A new Yale study finds that when this adversity occurs during brain development may affect how susceptible people are to anxiety and other psychiatric problems as adults. -- According to the study, published March 5 in the journal Communications Psychology, experiencing low-to-moderate levels of adversity during middle childhood (between the ages of 6 and 12) and adolescence may foster resilience to anxiety later in life. -- The researchers found that those individuals who developed resilience to mental health challenges exhibited distinct patterns of brain activation when asked to differentiate between danger and safety, a process that is known to be disrupted in people with anxiety disorders. -- "Greater levels of childhood adversity are associated with higher risk of mental health problems in adulthood, but our findings suggest the story is more nuanced than that," said Lucinda Sisk, a Ph.D. candidate in Yale's Department of Psychology and lead author of the study. -- "Our findings suggest that a distinct pattern of discrimination between threat and safety cues -- specifically, greater activation of the prefrontal cortex in response to safety -- is linked with lower levels of anxiety, helping us better understand the heterogeneity we see in mental health among people who experienced adversity growing up." -- For the study, the researchers assessed patterns of adversity exposure in 120 adults across four stages of development: early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Using neuroimaging technology, they examined participants' corticolimbic circuitry (a network of brain regions that integrates emotion, cognition, and memory), extracting measures of neural activation as participants viewed cues that signaled either threat or safety. This offered insights into how the process of discriminating between danger and safety is related to exposure to adversity, they said. -- The researchers then analyzed the data using a person-centered model which identified cohesive groups among the participants. Specifically, the model identified three latent profiles among the participants: those with lower lifetime adversity, higher neural activation to threat, and lower neural activation to safety; those who'd experienced low-to-moderate adversity during middle childhood and adolescence, had lower neural activation to threat, and higher neural activation to safety; and those with higher lifetime adversity exposure and minimal neural activation to both threat and safety. Individuals in the second profile had lower anxiety than those in the other two profiles, researchers found. -- "The people who showed low or moderate levels of adversity exposure in middle childhood and adolescence had statistically lower levels of anxiety than either the first group, which had the lowest levels of adversity overall, or the third group, which had the highest levels of adversity exposure," Sisk said. -- The study demonstrates that scientists can parse the variability of mental health outcomes in people who experience adversity while their brains are developing, said Dylan Gee, an associate professor of psychology (with tenure) in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and co-senior author of the study.	A01 H01 H02 R02 T01	2,462
2510-E044	Complete Fossil Skeleton Provides Insights Into Ancient Mammal Mixodectes Pungens	New research has shed light on the enigmatic small mammal Mixodectes pungens, whose fossils have been studied for over 140 years. The analysis of the most complete skeleton known has revealed crucial information about its anatomy, behavior, and evolutionary relationship to modern species. This study, co-authored by Yale anthropologist Eric Sargis, enhances our understanding of Mixodectes, including its dietary preferences and habitat, and affirms its significance in the evolutionary Tree of Life.	Yale University	Scientific Reports	Press Rel	PubMed	For more than 140 years, Mixodectes pungens, a species of small mammal that inhabited western North America in the early Paleocene, was a mystery. What little was known about them had been mostly gleaned from analyzing fossilized teeth and jawbone fragments. -- But a new study of the most complete skeleton of the species known to exist has answered many questions about the enigmatic critter -- first described in 1883 by famed paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope -- providing a better understanding of its anatomy, behavior, diet, and position in the Tree of Life. -- The study, co-authored by Yale anthropologist Eric Sargis, demonstrates that the mature adult Mixodectes weighed about 3 pounds, dwelled in trees, and largely dined on leaves. -- It also shows that these arboreal mammals -- an extinct family known as mixodectids -- and humans occupy relatively close branches on the evolutionary tree. -- "A 62-million-year-old skeleton of this quality and completeness offers novel insights into mixodectids, including a much clearer picture of their evolutionary relationships," said Sargis, professor of anthropology in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, curator of vertebrate paleontology and mammalogy at Yale Peabody Museum, and the director of the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies. -- "Our findings show that they are close relatives of primates and colugos -- flying lemurs native to Southeast Asia -- making them fairly close relatives of humans." -- The study was published on March 11 in the journal Scientific Reports. Stephen Chester, associate professor of anthropology at Brooklyn College, City University of New York, is its lead author. -- The skeleton was collected in New Mexico's San Juan Basin by co-author Thomas Williamson, curator of paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, under a permit from the federal Bureau of Land Management. -- It includes a partial skull with teeth, spinal column, rib cage, forelimbs, and hind limbs. -- The researchers determined that the skeleton belonged to a mature adult that weighed about 1.3 kilograms, or 2.9 pounds.	H01 N01	2,463
2511-048	Post-Treatment Blood Test Offers Crucial Insights For Lung Cancer Patients	A Yale study emphasizes the importance of monitoring cancer-derived molecules in the blood of lung cancer patients using a molecular residual disease (MRD) detector. This tool, capable of tracking cancer status post-treatment, could reshape clinical interventions, allowing for timely adjustments in therapies based on the detection of residual disease.	Yale University	Nature Medicine	Press Rel	PubMed	In the continuing evolution of personalized medicine, a new Yale study has found evidence to support the value of a tool that measures the presence of cancer-derived molecules in the blood of patients with lung cancer years after their treatment. -- This tool is a type of molecular residual disease (MRD)detector, which is used after patients have completed their primary treatment in order to monitor their cancer status. -- Researchers say it could inform clinical intervention, including whether to restart or intensify treatment. -- "MRD detection is the future -- allowing us to monitor patients in real-time," said the study's first author, Dr. Roy Herbst, deputy director of Yale Cancer Center and chief of medical oncology and hematology at Yale School of Medicine. -- "The data is strong and we're excited that our approach can now be incorporated into future studies." -- The study findings, published in Nature Medicine on March 17, were based on patients from the ADAURA clinical trial of the targeted therapy osimertinib for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor (EGFR)-activated mutations. -- The ADAURA trial findings showed a significant benefit in disease-free survival with osimertinib, compared to placebo, making it the recommended standard of treatment for patients up to three years after surgery. -- "We know patients benefited from osimertinib in the ADAURA trial, but we want to know if they are cured or whether their cancer will come back," said Herbst, who is also the assistant dean for translational research at Yale School of Medicine. -- "MRD detection is a more personalized approach for patients with EGFR mutations in the adjuvant setting [after the primary treatment has completed], and now we're understanding at what point patients start to benefit and how we can more precisely target their therapy." -- As noted in the discussion portion of the Nature Medicine report, if MRD proves valid for clinical purposes it could improve outcomes by identifying high-risk patients who might benefit from intensifying or restarting treatment.	H01 R01	2,464
2511-090	Advancements In CRISPR Technology Enhance Gene Editing And Disease Modeling	Yale scientists have advanced CRISPR-Cas9 technology by developing sophisticated mouse models that allow researchers to assess multiple genetic interactions simultaneously. This development enhances our understanding of genetic roles in diseases, including cancer, and could lead to more effective treatments by evaluating immune responses more comprehensively.	Yale University	Nature Biomedical Engineering	Press Rel	PubMed	Advances in the gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 over the past 15 years have yielded important new insights into the roles that specific genes play in many diseases. But to date this technology -- which allows scientists to use a "guide" RNA to modify DNA sequences and evaluate the effects -- is able to target, delete, replace, or modify only single gene sequences with a single guide RNA and has limited ability to assess multiple genetic changes simultaneously. -- Now, however, Yale scientists have developed a series of sophisticated mouse models using CRISPR ("clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats") technology that allows them to simultaneously assess genetic interactions on a host of immunological responses to multiple diseases, including cancer. -- The findings were published March 20 in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering. -- Gene editing technologies allow scientists to use enzymes -- in this case, Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) -- as a sort of molecular scissors that can precisely cut or modify portions of DNA or RNA, revealing insights into the role these genes play in a variety of disorders. -- The new tool, which is called CRISPR-Cas12a, can help researchers simultaneously assess the impact of multiple genetic changes involved in variety of immune system responses, the researchers say. -- "We have created four new Cas12a mouse lines that will allow researchers to study complex genetic interactions and their effects involved in many disorders," said Sidi Chen, an associate professor of genetics and neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine and a pioneer in the field of CRISPR technology. -- He is co-corresponding author of the new study. -- With these powerful tool strains, Chen's lab was able to induce and track changes in a variety of immune system cells in response to gene editing, and to fine-tune sets of genes in different directions simultaneously. -- The lab also enabled the rapid generation of new disease and treatment models, such as genetic disease in the liver, lung cancer, and skin cancer. -- This advance, he said, will offer a valuable tool to researchers creating new therapies for a host of pathologies, including cancer, metabolic disease, autoimmune disease, and neurological disorders.	R01	2,465
2512-051	Lupus Antibody: A New Ally in Cancer Treatment	Yale scientists have identified a lupus-related antibody that can activate immune responses in cold tumors, which typically evade detection. This groundbreaking research suggests a new therapeutic approach for challenging cancers like glioblastoma, as the antibody can reinitiate immune activity, significantly improving survival rates in tumor models without the need for conventional chemotherapy or radiation.	Yale University	Science Signaling	Press Rel	PubMed	Yale scientists have discovered a promising way to trigger immune responses against certain tumors, using a lupus-related antibody that can slip, undetected, into "cold" tumors and flip on an immune response that has been turned off by cancer. The research, published in Science Signaling on March 25, offers new findings that could help improve therapies for glioblastoma and other aggressive cancers that are difficult to treat. -- "It turns out when this antibody gets into the cell's cytoplasm [the liquid material inside the cell, excluding the nucleus] and it binds to RNA, it causes this thing called a pattern recognition receptor to wake up and say, 'This isn't supposed to be here,' which triggers an immune reaction," said the study's senior author Dr. James Hansen, radiation oncology chief of Yale's Gamma Knife Program, and member of Yale Cancer Center. -- "By doing that, the antibody has significantly prolonged survival in brain tumor models by itself -- without radiation or chemotherapy." -- Cold tumors, sometimes called immune deserts, typically do not have many T cells so they don't respond well to cancer treatments, including immunotherapies. -- However, "hot tumors" typically do respond because they have immune cells, even though they are temporarily disabled by cancer. -- "We're excited about this new way to engage the immune system to treat brain tumors," Hansen said. -- "Equally exciting is the discovery that this lupus antibody delivers genes to cells without needing any help from a virus, meaning it could be used to transform gene therapy strategies." -- The researchers confirmed in lab studies that the antibody did not work in tissue that lacked functional immune cells. -- If the immune cells functioned properly, the autoantibody could carry and deliver functional RNA into tumor, brain, and muscle tissue. -- They hope the findings lead to improved strategies for non-viral gene delivery (use of physical forces to deliver genetic material into a cell) and immunotherapy treatment.	H01 R01 R02	2,466
2513-E024	Climate Change Poses Threat To Butterfly Habitats And Biodiversity	A new Yale-led study warns that climate change could turn mountain habitats, which currently shelter diverse butterfly species, into inhospitable traps. By analyzing butterfly diversity and distribution data, researchers argue that the lack of comprehensive insect data may hinder conservation efforts, emphasizing the urgent need to understand and mitigate biodiversity loss due to climate change.	Yale University	Nature Ecology & Evolution	Press Rel	PubMed	A Yale-led study warns that global climate change may have a devastating effect on butterflies, turning their species-rich, mountain habitats from refuges into traps. -- Think of it as the "butterfly effect" -- the idea that something as small as the flapping of a butterfly's wings can eventually lead to a major event such as a hurricane -- in reverse. -- The new study, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, also suggests that a lack of comprehensive global data about insects may leave conservationists and policymakers ill-prepared to mitigate biodiversity loss from climate change for a wide range of insect species. -- For the study, a team co-led by Yale ecologist Walter Jetz analyzed phylogenetic and geographic range data for more than 12,000 butterfly species worldwide. The team was also co-led by Stefan Pinkert, an entomologist at the University of Marburg, in Germany, and former postdoctoral associate at Yale. -- They found that butterfly diversity is highly clustered in tropical and subtropical mountain systems: two-thirds of butterfly species live primarily in the mountains, which contain 3 1/2 times more butterfly hotspots than lowlands. -- Yet those mountain ecosystems -- and surrounding areas -- are quickly changing as a result of climate change. According to the study, 64% of the temperature niche space of butterflies in tropical areas will erode by 2070, with the geographically restricted temperature conditions of mountains constantly shrinking. -- "The diversity, elegance, and sheer beauty of butterflies impassion people worldwide," said Jetz, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology in Yale's Faculty of Arts and Sciences and director of the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change (BGC Center). -- "Co-evolved with host plants, butterflies form an integral part of an ecologically functioning web of life," he added. "Unfortunately, our first global assessment of butterfly diversity and threats finds that butterflies' fascinating diversification into higher-elevation environments might now spell their demise, with potentially thousands of species committed to extinction from global warming this century." -- Pinkert, a former postdoctoral researcher at the BGC Center, added: "As an entomologist, I am committed to informing the public about the distribution of insect diversity and targeted ways to protect it. Our results are insightful from an ecological point of view but unfortunately also very alarming." -- Current priorities in biodiversity preservation, the researchers note, are geared to animals and plants, rather than insects. Until now, a global assessment of the geographic coincidence of diversity, rarity, and climate change threats for an insect system did not exist.	C01 N01 N02	2,467
2501-006	Dancing Shown To Alleviate Depression Symptoms In Parkinson’s Patients Through Brain Imaging.	A groundbreaking study indicates that dancing can reduce depression in individuals with Parkinson's disease, with improvements observable through both self-reported questionnaires and MRI scans. This dual evidence of enhanced mood and brain activity emphasizes the potential of dance as a therapeutic intervention, bridging physical movement with mental health benefits.	York University	JMIRx Med	Press Rel	PubMed	Dancing lowers the depression associated with Parkinson disease, and the benefits can be seen in multiple ways, a new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research involving York University researchers shows. -- "It was very cool to see that dance had a positive effect on the mood circuits in the brain, which we could see in the imaging," says Faculty of Health associate professor Joseph DeSouza, an author of the study. "These improvements that we could see on MRI brain scans were also reported by the participants via survey. Our study is the first to demonstrate these benefits across these two detection methods." -- The study, published today, followed 23 participants in the Sharing Dance Parkinson's program at Canada's National Ballet School who had a diagnosis of Parkinson disease, as well as 11 healthy controls, who were mostly family members or caretakers of those with Parkinson disease. The participants took weekly dance classes for 8 months, which progressed from simple leg and foot work and pliés to interpretive movements, waltzes, and more complicated, choreographed dances. -- The researchers include DeSouza; former York PhD student Karolina Bearss, now a professor at Algoma University; former York PhD student Rebecca Barnstaple, now assistant professor of Creative Arts, Health and Wellness, cross-appointed with Theatre at the University of Guelph; and Rachel Bar, a former York undergraduate student who is now director of research and health at Canada's National Ballet School. They honed in on a node in the brain, the subcallosal cingulate gyrus (SCG), that has been shown in previous research to be implicated in depression. They measured mood and depression scores in all participants using the Geriatric Depression Scale before and after every class and conducted regular MRI scans at York. -- The researchers found that after each dance class, reported depression rates dropped, and the effect was cumulative from class to class, with significant improvements after 8 months. They also found that the MRI scans showed reduced signals in a frontal-cortex brain region associated with emotional regulation and that in a smaller subset of the participants, a significant decrease in depression scores was correlated with changes in the SCG node. -- "We essentially showed that SCG BOLD [blood oxygen level-dependent] signal decreases while dancing over time. Which means that the SCG was not functioning as fast as it would if you had depression," says Bearss. -- Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Before diagnosis, there is a prodromal phase that can last 2 to 10 years and is characterized by low mood, even before other symptoms appear, such as tremors and other issues with motor control. -- "People with Parkinson's disease tend to have multiple symptoms that are not just motor related, there are a lot of symptoms that include mental and social well-being impairments, one of those being depression," explains Bearss. -- This research builds on Bearss and DeSouza's three-year-long study that found that dance training helps people with Parkinson disease with motor control, mood, and other functions of daily living. -- Dance is thought to have a double benefit, with music activating the brain's reward centers, and the movement acting on sensory and motor circuits. DeSouza, who has been dancing with participants in the program for 14 years, says that while dancing is not a treatment for Parkinson disease per se, the benefits are clear.	A01 R02	2,468
2509-030	Genetic Mutation Found To Significantly Reduce Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis	Research led by York University's Faculty of Health has identified a mutation in the TRAF1 protein that significantly reduces inflammation, presenting a potential new avenue for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. By disrupting key molecular interactions in the immune response, this discovery could lead to novel drug development aimed at providing relief for patients suffering from inflammatory diseases.	York University	Journal of Autoimmunity	Press Rel	PubMed	Research led by York University's Faculty of Health reveals how a specific mutation in a protein called TRAF1 can shut down an overactive immune response, dramatically reducing inflammation in mice. Lead researcher Ali Abdul-Sater says this discovery could pave the way for a new class of drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis. -- "Rheumatoid arthritis is a common health condition which can interfere with many aspects of daily life and based on the limited efficacy of current treatments, novel approaches are needed," says Faculty of Health Associate Professor Abdul-Sater, a York Research Chair with the School of Kinesiology and Health Science. -- "In this study, we have made a discovery that may pave the way for more effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases." -- The study is now available online and will be published in the March issue of Journal of Autoimmunity. -- Using gene-editing technology, the researchers identified a critical mutation of a protein called TRAF1 and discovered that this mutation dramatically reduces inflammation by disrupting a critical molecular interaction that fuels the immune system into kicking into overdrive. -- "TRAF1 plays a central role in immune signaling and is known for its dual roles: it helps amplify inflammatory signaling in some contexts while also acting as a brake to limit overactive responses," says Abdul-Sater. -- "These opposing roles have made TRAF1 a challenging target for therapeutic intervention -- until now." -- A single mutation at position valine 196 (V196), the researchers found, selectively blocks TRAF1's interaction with another protein, which dampens a major inflammatory pathway triggered by receptors which are responsible for sensing infection and tissue damage. -- "The mutation effectively shuts down a cascade of molecular events that drive excessive inflammation," says Abdul-Sater. -- Rheumatoid arthritis affects one per cent of the population worldwide.	H01	2,469
2512-E041	New Research Sheds Light On Earth’s Formation And Early Planetary Dynamics	New research from York University offers fresh insights into Earth's early formation, challenging established planetary science assumptions regarding rocky planets. By linking early interior dynamics to current geological structures, Professor Charles-Édouard Boukaré's team utilized a unique combination of fluid mechanics and chemistry, revealing how the lower mantle's features were shaped shortly after Earth's inception.	York University	Nature	Press Rel	PubMed	New research led by a York University professor sheds light on the earliest days of the earth's formation and potentially calls into question some earlier assumptions in planetary science about the early years of rocky planets. Establishing a direct link between the Earth's interior dynamics occurring within the first 100 million years of its history and its present-day structure, the work is one of the first in the field to combine fluid mechanics with chemistry to better understand the Earth's early evolution. -- "This study is the first to demonstrate, using a physical model, that the first-order features of Earth's lower mantle structure were established four billion years ago, very soon after the planet came into existence," says lead author Faculty of Science Assistant Professor Charles-Édouard Boukaré in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at York. -- The mantle is the rocky envelopment that surrounds the iron core of rocky planets. -- The structure and dynamics of the Earth's lower mantle play a major role throughout Earth's history as it dictates, among others, the cooling of the Earth's core where the Earth's magnetic field is generated. -- Boukaré originally from France, worked with research colleagues from Paris on the paper, Solidification of Earth's mantle led inevitably to a basal magma ocean, published today in Nature. -- Boukaré says that while seismology, geodynamics, and petrology have helped answer many questions about the present-day thermochemical structure of Earth's interior, a key question remained: how old are these structures, and how did they form? -- Trying to answer this, he says, is much like looking at a person in the form of an adult versus a child and understanding how the energetic conditions will not be the same. -- "If you take kids, sometimes they do crazy things because they have a lot of energy, like planets when they are young. When we get older, we don't do as many crazy things, because our activity or level of energy decreases. So, the dynamic is really different, but there are some things that we do when we are really young that might affect our entire life," he says "It's the same thing for planets. There are some aspects of the very early evolution of planets that we can actually see in their structure today." -- To better understand old planets, we must first learn how young planets behave. -- Since simulations of the Earth's mantle focus mostly on present-day solid-state conditions, Boukaré had to develop a novel model to explore the early days of Earth when the mantle was much hotter and substantially molten, work that he has been doing since his PhD.	A01 H01	2,470